Course Description:
This course provides an introduction to hermeneutics and the discipline and method of Biblical Theology (BT) as it encompasses both the Old and the New Testaments. Biblical Theology is the discipline which seeks to demonstrate the fundamental Christocentric unity of the Scriptures, examining the history of God’s word and deed revelation in both its progressive development and its organic unity.
Suggested Readings:
Geerhardus Vos, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments (Banner of Truth, 2014), Chapter 1: “Introduction: The Nature and Method of Biblical Theology.” https://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/sdg/vos/BiblicalTheologyOldandNewGeerhardusVos.pdf
Charles Lee Irons, Kingdom of Glory: The Biblical Theology of Meredith G. Kline (2020, PDF). (see link above)
Charles Lee Irons, “Biblical and Systematic Theology: A Digest of Reformed Opinion on Their Proper Relationship” https://www.upper-register.com/papers/bt_st.html
Geerhardus Vos’s Inaugural Address, “The Idea of Biblical Theology as a Science and as a Theological Discipline” (1894) http://www.bsmi.org/download/vos/BiblicalTheology.pdf
Meredith G. Kline: Kingdom Prologue: Genesis Foundations for a Covenantal Worldview (Wipf and Stock, 2006), pp. 331-55: https://www.upper-register.com/papers/two_level_fulfillment.pdf
Requirements:
Attendance 15 %
Reading 25%
Class Interaction 15%
Reflection paper 45%
Course Objectives
Upon Completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Define Biblical Theology and explain how it differs from and relates to Systematic Theology.
2. Grasp and demonstrate the unity of the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, a unity that finds its focal point in Christ.
3. Articulate the overarching theme that unites the history of God’s activity in creation and redemption and show how the various sub-themes relate to the overarching theme.
4. Understand basic structures of biblical revelation, such as promise and fulfillment, covenants, eschatology, and typology.
5. Apply the principles of Biblical Theology to inform the ministry of the Word in the life of the church.
