Foundations: An Overview of Systematic Theology

Why do we continue to study theology even after many learned scholars have developed comprehensive systems of thought? In this lesson, Dr. Sproul explains that the scope and purpose of our study of theology is ultimately to be instructed by God and to grow in obedience to Him.

While Scripture is the supreme source of revelation concerning God, it is not the only source. The Bible tells us that we can clearly see God’s eternal power and divine nature in the created realm. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul affirms the biblical truth that general revelation and natural theology are sufficient to leave all people without excuse.

While God has revealed Himself to us in creation, the knowledge necessary for salvation is revealed to us only in Scripture. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul maintains that God has given us direct revelation of Himself through sacred Scripture and that Jesus Christ is the fullness of His revelation.

The Reformation slogan sola Scriptura, meaning “Scripture alone,” has its origins in Martin Luther’s conflict at the Diet of Worms. The Reformers firmly believed that the Bible is the very Word of God. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul highlights how the Reformers’ stance on the inspiration and authority of Scripture is relevant for the study of theology today.

Scripture’s infallibility and inerrancy have come under attack, particularly through the rise of higher criticism in recent centuries. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul defines infallibility and inerrancy and explains why they are critically important for the Bible to serve as the authoritative rule for faith and life.

The question of canon asks, How do we know the right books have been included in the Bible? In this lesson, Dr. Sproul explores this question and discusses the scope of the Scriptures and how far the canon of Scripture extends.

God does not give us Scripture to be an abstract doctrine but to be His divine Word that fully equips us to be men and women of God. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul walks through Scripture’s nature, origin, and authority, and considers how the Bible’s authority relates to the church.

Even though our knowledge of God is neither exhaustive nor comprehensive, we can still speak about Him in a way that is meaningful and true. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul reminds us that God has spoken to us in terms that we can understand and that He has made us in His image, which enables meaningful communication between God and us.

The oneness of God is so central to the religious life of His people that the book of Deuteronomy commands it to be taught to their children on a daily basis. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul discusses the truth that our God is one in essence.

Many argue the doctrine of the Trinity is a contradiction and that Christians worship three gods instead of one. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul demonstrates that, while the doctrine of the Trinity is mysterious, it is by no means contradictory