INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY

Question 1.1: Why is the study of Christian Theology important for a preacher?

The study of Christian Theology is crucial for a preacher for several reasons:

1. Understanding Scripture: Theology equips preachers with the knowledge and tools to
interpret and understand the teachings of the Bible accurately. This understanding is
essential for crafting sermons that are faithful to the biblical text.
2. Effective Communication: Theology provides preachers with a framework for
effectively communicating complex theological concepts to their congregation in a
way that is relevant and understandable.
3. Spiritual Formation: Studying theology deepens a preacher's own faith and
understanding of God, which is essential for personal spiritual growth and maturity.
4. Addressing Contemporary Issues: Theology enables preachers to engage with
contemporary issues and challenges faced by their congregation and society at large
from a biblical perspective.
5. Defending the Faith: A thorough understanding of theology equips preachers to
defend the Christian faith against misunderstandings, misconceptions, and criticisms.
6. Guiding Congregational Life: Theological knowledge helps preachers provide
pastoral guidance and leadership within their congregation, ensuring that the church
remains faithful to its core beliefs and mission.

Question 1.2: Name and explain the sources needed for doing theology in context (8 marks)

The sources needed for doing theology in context include:

1. Scripture: The Bible serves as the primary source for Christian theology. It contains
the inspired Word of God and provides the foundational teachings and narratives upon
which theological reflection is based.
2. Tradition: Tradition encompasses the beliefs, practices, and teachings that have been
handed down within the Christian community over time. This includes the writings of
early church fathers, creeds, confessions, and the historical development of Christian
doctrine.
3. Reason: Reason refers to the use of rational thought, critical thinking, and logical
analysis in theological inquiry. It involves the exploration of theological questions
using the faculties of human intellect and understanding.
4. Experience: Experience encompasses the personal and communal encounters with
God and the divine that shape individual and collective understanding of faith. This
includes spiritual experiences, prayer, worship, and the lived experiences of believers
within the context of their faith communities.

Question 1.3: Mention two names of God and explain their origin and meaning (10 marks)

Two names of God in the Christian tradition are:

1. Yahweh: Originating from the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), Yahweh is the
personal name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). It
 signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and his covenant relationship with the
people of Israel. Yahweh is often translated as "I AM WHO I AM" or "I AM,"
emphasizing God's self-sufficiency and faithfulness to his promises.
2. Elohim: Also found in the Hebrew Scriptures, Elohim is a generic term for God and is
used to denote the divine creator and sustainer of the universe. It is a plural form of
the word 'Eloah,' suggesting God's majesty, power, and transcendence. Elohim is
often translated simply as "God" in English Bibles.

Question 1.4: Name and explain the fact and reality as revealed by Scripture about God (10
marks)

In Scripture, several facts and realities are revealed about God:

1. God's Existence: Scripture affirms the existence of God as the creator and sustainer of
the universe (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 19:1). God is depicted as eternal, unchanging, and
omnipotent, existing before the beginning of time and beyond human comprehension.
2. God's Nature: Scripture reveals that God is holy, righteous, and loving (Psalm 99:9; 1
John 4:8). God's character is characterized by attributes such as mercy, grace, justice,
and compassion, which are demonstrated throughout biblical narratives.
3. God's Sovereignty: Scripture portrays God as sovereign ruler over all creation,
exercising control and authority over the affairs of the world (Psalm 103:19; Isaiah
46:10). God's sovereignty is manifested in his providential care, guidance, and
fulfillment of his purposes in history.
4. God's Triune Nature: Scripture teaches the doctrine of the Trinity, affirming that God
exists eternally as three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - in perfect unity and
relationship (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14). This revelation underscores the
complexity and mystery of God's being.
5. God's Revelation: Scripture reveals that God has made himself known to humanity
through various means, including creation, conscience, history, and ultimately,
through the person and work of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2). God's revelation
provides insight into his character, will, and purposes for humanity.

Question 1.5: How does the New Testament see the fulfilment of salvation in Jesus Christ

In the New Testament, the fulfillment of salvation in Jesus Christ is portrayed in several
ways:

1. Messianic Fulfillment: The New Testament presents Jesus as the long-awaited

Messiah foretold in the Old Testament scriptures (Matthew 1:22-23; Luke 4:16-21).
Jesus fulfills the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament regarding the coming
of a savior who would redeem God's people and establish God's kingdom on earth.
2. Atonement: Jesus' death on the cross is depicted as the ultimate sacrifice for sin,
providing redemption and reconciliation between God and humanity (Romans 5:8; 2
Corinthians 5:21). Through his sacrificial death, Jesus atones for the sins of humanity,
offering forgiveness and salvation to all who believe in him.
3. Resurrection: The New Testament emphasizes Jesus' resurrection from the dead as the
vindication of his identity as the Son of God and the fulfillment of God's plan for
salvation (1 Corinthians 15:20-22; Romans 4:25). Jesus' victory over death
demonstrates his power over sin and offers the hope of eternal life to believers.
 4. Exaltation and Lordship: Following his resurrection and ascension, Jesus is exalted to
the right hand of God, where he reigns as Lord and Savior (Philippians 2:9-11; Acts
2:36). Jesus' exaltation signifies his authority over all creation and his role as the
mediator between God and humanity, through whom salvation is offered to the world.

Ouestion 2

1. True
2. True
3. True
4. True
5. False
6. False
7. True
8. False
9. True
10. True

Question 3:

1. Why do human beings need salvation?

Human beings need salvation because of the reality of sin and its consequences. Sin has
separated humanity from God, leading to brokenness, spiritual emptiness, and a sense of
alienation. Salvation is necessary to reconcile humanity with God, restore broken
relationships, and offer the hope of eternal life. Without salvation, humans are unable to
overcome the power of sin and experience true fulfillment and purpose in life.

2. Explain the statement "Jesus is fully human and fully divine."

The statement "Jesus is fully human and fully divine" encapsulates the theological concept of
the Incarnation. It asserts that Jesus Christ, as the Son of God, possesses both a fully divine
nature and a fully human nature simultaneously. This doctrine is foundational to Christian
faith and understanding of who Jesus is.

 Fully Human: Jesus' humanity affirms that he shared in the entirety of the human
experience. He was born of a human mother, grew and developed like any other
human being, experienced hunger, thirst, fatigue, and emotions such as joy, sorrow,
and anger. Jesus lived a fully human life, subject to the limitations and vulnerabilities
of human existence.
 Fully Divine: At the same time, Jesus is understood to be fully divine, possessing the
attributes and nature of God. He is the eternal Son of God who existed before his
incarnation and was involved in the creation of the world. Jesus performed miracles,
forgave sins, and displayed authority over nature and spiritual forces, demonstrating
his divine power and authority.
The union of Jesus' humanity and divinity in one person is described as the hypostatic union,
wherein the two natures are united without confusion, change, division, or separation. This
doctrine emphasizes the mystery of Christ's identity and underscores his unique role as the
mediator between God and humanity.

3. Name and explain how our faith experiences make God known to us.

Our faith experiences serve as avenues through which God makes himself known to us in
personal and profound ways. These experiences encompass a wide range of encounters,
interactions, and moments of spiritual significance that deepen our relationship with God and
shape our understanding of who he is.

 Prayer: Through prayer, we engage in intimate communion with God, expressing our
thoughts, desires, and concerns while listening for his voice. In prayer, we experience
God's presence, guidance, and comfort, strengthening our faith and trust in him.
 Worship: Participating in corporate worship allows us to express adoration, gratitude,
and praise to God alongside fellow believers. In worship, we encounter the
transcendence and glory of God, experiencing his power, majesty, and holiness in a
tangible way.
 Scripture: Reading, studying, and meditating on the Bible provides us with divine
revelation and wisdom, revealing God's character, will, and purposes for humanity.
Through the pages of scripture, God speaks to us, offering guidance, encouragement,
and correction as we seek to align our lives with his truth.
 Community: Engaging in Christian community allows us to experience God's love,
grace, and presence through the fellowship, support, and encouragement of fellow
believers. As we share in each other's joys and struggles, we bear witness to the
transforming work of God in our lives and the lives of others.
 Spiritual Growth: Through times of spiritual growth and formation, God molds and
shapes us into the likeness of Christ, transforming our hearts, minds, and character.
As we surrender to God's will and allow his Spirit to work within us, we experience
the fruit of the Spirit and grow in faith, love, and holiness.

Ouestion 4 Explain the following concepts

1. Doctrine: Doctrine refers to a set of beliefs or teachings held and taught by a religious
group or organization. In Christianity, doctrines are derived from the interpretation of
Scripture and tradition, and they serve as foundational principles guiding faith and
practice. Doctrines address various theological topics, including the nature of God,
salvation, the Church, and ethical principles.
2. Salvation: Salvation is the concept in Christianity that refers to the deliverance of
humanity from sin and its consequences, ultimately leading to reconciliation with God
and eternal life. It is believed to be made possible through the life, death, and
resurrection of Jesus Christ. Salvation involves repentance, faith, and acceptance of
Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, leading to forgiveness of sins and a restored
relationship with God.
3. Trinitarian theology: Trinitarian theology is the theological understanding of the
Trinity, which is the belief in one God existing in three distinct persons: Father, Son
(Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit. Trinitarian theology explores the complex relationship
 between these three persons within the Godhead, emphasizing their equality, unity,
and distinct roles in creation, redemption, and sanctification.
4. Eschatology: Eschatology is the theological study of the end times or the last things. It
examines beliefs and teachings concerning death, judgment, heaven, hell, the return of
Christ (parousia), and the ultimate fulfillment of God's purposes for creation.
Eschatology explores the biblical prophecies and theological interpretations regarding
the final destiny of humanity and the cosmos.
5. Justification: Justification is a theological concept referring to the act of God whereby
a sinner is declared righteous or justified in his sight. It is based on the atoning work
of Jesus Christ on the cross, where his righteousness is imputed to believers through
faith. Justification is not earned through human effort but is received as a gift of God's
grace, resulting in forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God.
6. Incarnation: The Incarnation is the Christian doctrine that teaches the eternal Son of
God, the second person of the Trinity, took on human flesh in the person of Jesus
Christ. This event is central to Christian faith, as it emphasizes God's love and desire
to reconcile humanity to himself. The Incarnation highlights the mystery of God
becoming fully human while retaining his divine nature, thereby enabling salvation
through Jesus Christ.
7. Christology: Christology is the branch of theology that focuses on the study of Jesus
Christ, his identity, nature, and significance in the Christian faith. It explores
questions regarding the divinity and humanity of Jesus, his role as Savior and
Messiah, his teachings and actions, and his relationship to God the Father and the
Holy Spirit. Christology seeks to understand the person and work of Jesus Christ
within the context of Scripture, tradition, and theological reflection.
8. Special revelation: Special revelation refers to the divine communication of God's
will, knowledge, and truth to humanity in a direct and specific manner. Unlike general
revelation, which is available to all through nature and conscience, special revelation
is unique and particular, often conveyed through supernatural means such as visions,
dreams, prophetic messages, and the Scriptures. Special revelation provides insights
into God's character, purposes, and plan of salvation, guiding believers in faith and
obedience.
9. Materialism: Materialism is a philosophical worldview that posits matter as the
fundamental substance of reality, denying the existence of spiritual or supernatural
entities. Materialists hold that everything, including thoughts, emotions, and
consciousness, can be explained solely in terms of physical processes and properties.
In theological contexts, materialism may refer to doctrines or ideologies that prioritize
material or earthly concerns over spiritual or eternal matters.
10. Soteriology: Soteriology is the branch of Christian theology concerned with the study
of salvation. It explores the nature of salvation, the means by which it is
accomplished, and its implications for individuals and communities. Soteriology
addresses questions about the role of Jesus Christ in salvation, the process of
redemption, the relationship between faith and works, and the ultimate destiny of
humanity.