16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV)
As the New Year of 2026 soon dawns upon us, the subject of Systematic Theology will be the focus each Sunday in the Word Fitly Spoken section of His Word Today. Two obvious questions are (1) What is systematic theology and (2) Why is it necessary for study?
Systematic theology is any examination answering the question, “What does the Bible teach us on any particular subject or doctrine?” Systematic theology involves collecting, categorizing and understanding all relevant biblical passages concerning a particular topic. What follows is a clear summary of biblical doctrines in order to know what Christians are to believe and why they are to believe it.
“Wherefore all theology, when separated from Christ, is not only vain and confused, but is also mad, deceitful, and spurious; for, though the philosophers sometimes utter excellent sayings, yet they have nothing but what is short-lived, and even mixed up with wicked and erroneous sentiments.” — ~ John Calvin (1509 – 1564)
“We need theology for the sake of people. Theology is the application of the Word by persons to the world and all areas of human life” – Dr. John Frame, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando, FL
The word systematic means methodical, orderly, organized and logical. Theology refers to religion, doctrine, spirituality and holiness.
“The word theology shares a suffix, -ology, with the names of many disciplines and sciences, such as biology, physiology, and anthropology. The suffix comes from the Greek word logos, which we find in the opening of John’s gospel: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). The Greek word logos means ‘word’ or ‘idea or ‘logic’ The primary part of the word theology comes from the Greek Theos, which means ‘god,’ So, theology is the word or logic of God Himself,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
When discussing and studying systematic theology, what are the core doctrines involved in such a study from Scripture? The following areas compromise the central teachings of systematic theology. They include;
- The Doctrine of Holy Scripture
- The Doctrine of God/Theology Proper
- God’s Work of Creation
- The Doctrine of Christ
- The Doctrine of The Holy Spirit
- The Doctrine of Man
- The Doctrine of Sin
- The Doctrine of Salvation
- The Doctrine of The Church
- The Doctrine of The Last Things
Why should believers in Christ undertake a study of systematic theology? Dr. Wayne Grudem, professor of theology and biblical studies at Phoenix Seminar, Scottsdale, AZ, offers some helpful observations.
First, he indicates the basic reason is “that it enables us to obey the command of Jesus to teach believers to observe all that He commanded (Matt. 28:19-20).”
Second, Dr. Grudem says such a study benefits believers’ lives. It helps them recognize and overcome wrong ideas, enables them to make better decisions regarding doctrinal questions, and helps Christian grow in their faith.
How should believers in Christ approach the study of systematic theology? The following attitudes are crucial and recommended. A perspective of prayer, humility, logical reason, assistance from scholars and mentors, and a spirit of rejoicing and praise.
What are the best works on systematic theology. Each Sunday, I will include a recommendation of a worthwhile systematic theological work you may consider reading. Today’s entry is John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion.
Strengths:
- Theological and Ecclesiastical Precision: Calvin’s work is renowned for its clarity and depth in articulating core doctrines of Reformed theology. It offers a comprehensive foundation for understanding Christian doctrine from a Reformed perspective.
- Orthodoxy: It serves as a touchstone for theological orthodoxy within Reformed and Presbyterian circles, ensuring that doctrinal teachings remain aligned with historical creeds and confessions.
- Influence: The “Institutes” have profoundly influenced not only Presbyterianism but also other Reformed traditions and Baptist theologians.
Benefits:
- Doctrinal Stability: Provides a robust framework that helps maintain doctrinal purity and orthodoxy within the church.
- Educational Tool: Acts as a valuable resource for theological education, helping both clergy and laity to grasp the essentials of Reformed theology.
Next Lord’s Day, we will begin to examine the Doctrine of Holy Scripture, or Bibliology. Until then, may the Lord’s truth and grace continue to be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 