Pastoral Musings

Presuppositions for Studying Theology

Many today approach the Bible in an academic fashion. Sadly, that is all the study of the Bible is for some: and academic pursuit. This is not sufficient, however. One needs to have salvation and then grow in grace. Theological studies should serve no other purpose than to give glory to God by Christ Jesus.

For one who studies theology there must be certain presuppositions. A presupposition is something that we assume beforehand. That is, a presupposition is a belief that we hold before we begin to give serious consideration to something. For theology, there should be certain presuppositions. They are as follows:

1.The inspiration and authority of Scripture:

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. ” (2 Timothy 3:16–17, KJV)

“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. ” (2 Peter 1:16–21, KJV)

Scripture is of Divine, supernatural origin. It is authoritative. Scripture alone is our guide for serving God. Though we may learn from many sources, only Scripture gives to us the revelation of God that we need to trust and honor Him.

2.The infallibility of Scripture

“For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants. ” (Psalm 119:89–91, KJV)

“Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth. ” (Psalm 119:142, KJV)

“Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever. ” (Psalm 119:152, KJV)

“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. ” (Psalm 119:160, KJV)

“..the scripture cannot be broken; ” (John 10:35, KJV)

Scripture never fails. It is perfect and eternal in nature. The Word of God always accomplishes the purpose for which He gives it.

3.The sufficiency of Scripture

“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. ” (Proverbs 30:5–6, KJV)

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. ” (2 Timothy 3:16–17, KJV)

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. ” (Revelation 22:18–19, KJV)

The Holy Scriptures are sufficient for our spiritual growth. This does not discount the role of pastors, teachers, church, etc. The sufficiency of Scripture simply means that it contains all that we need to direct us in the paths of salvation, holiness, and godliness.

4.Faith in the One Who gave us Scripture

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. ” (1 Corinthians 2:14, KJV)

“If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. ” (John 7:17, KJV)

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” (John 8:31–32, KJV)

Only by trusting Christ and yielding to Him in faithful obedience may we truly learn of Him. Those who are born again have the Spirit of God dwelling in them and can truly understand that things of the Spirit of God. When we by faith obey God we learn the truthfulness of God’s Word and will and are made more and more free (gradual sanctification).