U570 Foundations of Systematic Theology I

Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the foundational elements of Christian systematic theology. Students will begin by examining the nature of theology and the authority, inspiration, and inerrancy of the Bible (Bibliology). The curriculum then explores the existence, attributes, and Triunity of the living God (Theology Proper). Moving into the created order, the course covers the existence and organization of angels, Satan, and demons (Angelology and Demonology), followed by a study of human origins, the image of God, and the fall (Anthropology). The course concludes with an analysis of the biblical concept of sin (Hamartiology) and an introduction to the person and work of Jesus Christ (Christology), up to His resurrection and ascension.

This course is located in Google Classroom, and you will be given a link to join the google classroom course to complete.

Course Outline:

1. Focus 1: Prolegomena & Bibliology (The Bible)
2. The concept, definitions, and presuppositions of theology.
3. The question of authority and the self-revelation of God.
4. The doctrine of biblical inspiration, inerrancy, and the teachings of Christ regarding Scripture.
5. The canon and the principles of normal/literal biblical interpretation.
6. Focus 2: Theology Proper (The Living and True God)
7. The knowledge, revelation, and perfections (attributes) of God.
8. The names of God and the biblical formulation of the Triunity of God.
9. Focus 3: Angelology & Demonology (The Spirit Realm)
10. The existence, creation, nature, and ministry of elect angels.
11. The reality, creation, sin, and activities of our adversary, Satan.
12. The reality, nature, and activities of demons (unclean spirits).
13. Focus 4: Anthropology & Hamartiology (Humanity and Sin)
14. Evolution, origins, and the biblical creation of man in God’s image.
15. The facets of man, the Fall, and the biblical concept of sin.
16. The inheritance and imputation of sin, personal sins, and the Christian’s relationship to sin.
17. Focus 5: Christology (Jesus Christ Our Lord)
18. The preincarnate Christ and the Incarnation.
19. The person of Christ incarnate, His sinlessness, and His self-emptying.
20. Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King, concluding with His resurrection and ascension.