Theology Matters
One may ask if studying theology really matters. I mean does it really matter that a seventeen year-old Christian studies theology? Obviously, if you read the title, you will know that I believe theology matters, but why? Let’s begin by defining theology. Theology- in its most basic form- is the study of the nature of God. A.W. Tozer, a famous American pastor and author during the 20th century, starts off one of his most famous books, Knowledge of the Holy, by saying,
What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.
If it really is the most important thing about us, then we should want to ensure that it is correct. The only way to ensure that our theology is correct is by basing everything we believe around the inerrant Word of God. Furthermore, we must not only know the Word of God, but we must love it. Psalm 1 tells us to meditate on the Law of the Lord day and night, and Psalm 119:103,
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth
As a whole, the Bible is focused around God’s love, God’s mercy and God’s grace despite our sinfulness, our depravity, and our short comings. The Word itself tells us that it contains no errors and that it entirely true. First, we can have assurance in the Old Testament because even Jesus affirmed it (Luke 24:44, Matthew 4:4,4:7,4:10). Also, in the Old Testament God affirms its validity with over 2 million people witnessing Moses going up to Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16-19). Therefore, we can have complete confidence in the entire Canon of Scripture and from it know that it is sufficient for teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness to equip every believer (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Matthew 28:19-20).
Two of the primary reasons that we study theology are spiritual wisdom and maturity. Colossians 1 talks about spiritual wisdom leading us to living a life worthy of the Lord. As followers of Jesus, we should desire to grow in our faith and this begins with studying who God is. In Hebrews 5:11-6:3, the author presents a plea for Christians to continue maturing. The plea in this passage is that the believers in Christ should grow in their knowledge of the Word of God which leads to discernment concerning difficult matters.
So we’ve discussed “why we should study theology?”, but now the question remains “how?” How do we explore the doctrines of Christianity in a discerning manner? How do we know that what we believe is correct? First, we must understand that our feelings are deceitful. Jeremiah 17:9 tells us that “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” If our heart is deceitful and our desires change like shifting shadows, then we need something that will not change. Only the infallible Word of God can do that for us. We must study the depths of God’s Word in order to grow in a deeper love for him. While we rejoice in the simple gospel, we should desire to learn more. We should study the doctrine of salvation. By diving into the Word on a daily basis, and prayerfully asking for clarity we may grow in understanding of God’s incredible love for us as His children.
Ultimately, according to Shai Linne, our theology should lead us to doxology. Our knowledge of God should lead us to a deeper love for God and if it isn’t then we have a problem.