Theology
Going to a Christian College is quite different than going to a secular one. A big saying people have here is “my theology.” Everyone has their own “theology,” and their own unique “belief”, and their own interesting take on scripture verses. Lots of people here like to talk about what they believe—and that’s not a bad thing. Hey, I guess I do too, I mean I’ve got a blog! Seriously though, I must say I’ve heard the term “my theology” quite a lot.
“Well Matt, it’s obvious that you’re going to blog about your theology. What makes yours so special?” My goal isn’t to tell you “my theology”; my goal is to get all of us to take a look at our own belief systems. Why do we each have our own theology? Why do some of us take [sometimes ungodly] pride in believing something that others don’t?
I think we need to take our faith back to the basics. A very good amount of the time, some of us get so wrapped up in our “theology”, beliefs, opinions, etc that we forget what it is that makes us Christian. What makes a Christian different than the world? Is it that he sins no longer? That he has been placed far above the rest of mankind? Can he now solve the world’s problems with ease with his matchless way of thinking? Not really.
A Christian is a sinner saved by grace. A Christian is a Christ follower (Christian literally means “little Christ”). A Christian has their salvation placed in Christ, and owes Him their life. A Christian imitates God (Ephesians 5:1). A Christian cannot be wise in his own eyes (Proverbs 3:7), but knows the truth. What truth is that?
A Christian knows the truth of God’s love, power, mercy, and grace. God doesn’t need us, yet He loved us so much that He took the penalty of our wrongdoings—sin—and died. His death and resurrection granted us eternal life, because Jesus proved to be stronger than even death itself. We deserved punishment, but God withheld it from us, and has instead granted us salvation. He is allowing us to come to heaven and spend eternity with Him, because His love is just that deep.
That is the truth. Not a truth, not my truth, not my “theology”; THE truth. It is in the Word of God, and is the core of Christian belief. No matter what a person’s theology is, we must remember that we are sinners saved by grace. We must remember Jesus’ love and His life-saving power. We must remember to equip the belt of truth every day (Ephesians 6:14). We must remember that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6)! We must remember that the Bible is His love letter for us. We must remember to talk to Him daily, and ask for His help in interpreting scripture. We must approach His Word and His presence with an awe-struck wonder that we give to no one else but Him.
We know what God has called us to do. Instead of worrying about our opinions and theologies, let’s do it! Live it out! “Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.” 1 John 2:4.
I recommend reading Psalm 25, it really illustrates what a Christian’s prayer should be.
For further reading on the truth, see: Psalm 25:4-5, John 7:18, John 14:6, John 18:37, Acts 20:30, 1 Corinthians 13:6, Ephesians 6:14, 1 Timothy 2:3-4, and 1 John 2:4.
“Well Matt, it’s obvious that you’re going to blog about your theology. What makes yours so special?” My goal isn’t to tell you “my theology”; my goal is to get all of us to take a look at our own belief systems. Why do we each have our own theology? Why do some of us take [sometimes ungodly] pride in believing something that others don’t?
I think we need to take our faith back to the basics. A very good amount of the time, some of us get so wrapped up in our “theology”, beliefs, opinions, etc that we forget what it is that makes us Christian. What makes a Christian different than the world? Is it that he sins no longer? That he has been placed far above the rest of mankind? Can he now solve the world’s problems with ease with his matchless way of thinking? Not really.
A Christian is a sinner saved by grace. A Christian is a Christ follower (Christian literally means “little Christ”). A Christian has their salvation placed in Christ, and owes Him their life. A Christian imitates God (Ephesians 5:1). A Christian cannot be wise in his own eyes (Proverbs 3:7), but knows the truth. What truth is that?
A Christian knows the truth of God’s love, power, mercy, and grace. God doesn’t need us, yet He loved us so much that He took the penalty of our wrongdoings—sin—and died. His death and resurrection granted us eternal life, because Jesus proved to be stronger than even death itself. We deserved punishment, but God withheld it from us, and has instead granted us salvation. He is allowing us to come to heaven and spend eternity with Him, because His love is just that deep.
That is the truth. Not a truth, not my truth, not my “theology”; THE truth. It is in the Word of God, and is the core of Christian belief. No matter what a person’s theology is, we must remember that we are sinners saved by grace. We must remember Jesus’ love and His life-saving power. We must remember to equip the belt of truth every day (Ephesians 6:14). We must remember that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6)! We must remember that the Bible is His love letter for us. We must remember to talk to Him daily, and ask for His help in interpreting scripture. We must approach His Word and His presence with an awe-struck wonder that we give to no one else but Him.
We know what God has called us to do. Instead of worrying about our opinions and theologies, let’s do it! Live it out! “Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.” 1 John 2:4.
I recommend reading Psalm 25, it really illustrates what a Christian’s prayer should be.
For further reading on the truth, see: Psalm 25:4-5, John 7:18, John 14:6, John 18:37, Acts 20:30, 1 Corinthians 13:6, Ephesians 6:14, 1 Timothy 2:3-4, and 1 John 2:4.
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