Campus Crusade Institute of Biblical Studies Winter Park, FL

CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY: HUMANITY, SIN, CHRIST, SALVATION June 30-July 11, 2014 9:00-11:00 am Ryan M. Reeves, Course Instructor [email protected] Associate Professor of Historical Theology and Dean Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Jacksonville, Florida

SYLLABUS

COURSE DESCRIPTION

A survey of and introduction to the Christian doctrines of humanity, sin, the person and work of Christ, and salvation. One hour.

OBJECTIVE

To better understand and appreciate the aforementioned doctrines as they are revealed in Holy Scripture and confessed by the church in order that we may better live our lives to the glory of the triune God.

REQUIRED TEXT

Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Reading (20%)

All students are required to read chapters 21-25, 26-29, 31-38, 40-43 in Grudem’s Systematic Theology. Reading should be done thoroughly and thoughtfully, with a sincere attempt to learn all one can from this reading. Turn in Reading Report Form on July 11 indicating the amount of reading completed by each reading due date.

2. Scripture Meditation (20%)

A much-neglected discipline of the Christian life and theology is Scripture meditation. Essentially, Scripture meditation involves (1) a continuous process of remembering and musing over Scripture's teaching, and (2) a reassessment and a reshaping of one's life in light of that teaching. In this course, we will encourage growth in this discipline by engaging our minds and hearts in some consistent, but non-burdensome, Scripture meditation. For these two weeks, we will commit ourselves to reading thoughtfully and prayerfully (preferably out loud) some assigned Scripture passage. We will read this passage once a day, three days a week, for both weeks. Turn in Scripture Meditation Forms on July 11.

Meditation passage: Ephesians 1:3-2:10

3. Theology Paper (30%)

Students will write a short paper summarizing one of the following doctrinal themes as that theme is discussed in Ephesians:

(1) The origin of salvation in the Father’s eternal plan and purpose (2) The accomplishment of salvation in history by the Lord Jesus Christ. (3) The application of salvation to us by the Holy Spirit.

In order to write this paper, students will need to follow the following steps:

(1) Survey the book: Read through the book of Ephesians. Then, for each chapter in Ephesians, identify the places where Paul discusses your doctrinal theme (directly or indirectly).

(2) Synthesize: For each verse where your theme is mentioned, provide a brief two or three word summary concerning the particular aspect of your theme which that verse is emphasizing. Based upon your analysis, what stands out to you? Do you see any recurring ideas? What are the main aspects of your theme that Paul emphasizes? What are the minor aspects? How do these emphases connect to the rest of Scripture?

(3) Write: Based upon the preceding analysis, write a paper (7-9 pages, double spaced, 12 pt. font, Word format), summarizing what Ephesians teaches about your doctrine. This is not a verse by verse commentary on Ephesians but a synthesis of the teaching of Ephesians on your doctrine. In the last page or two of your paper, address one or more of the following questions related to personal application: What was the most helpful thing you learned about this doctrine from your study? How does this doctrine relate to your life? What aspects of this doctrine do you find your heart resisting? How does this doctrine magnify the glory of God’s grace and thereby draw you to glorify God (cf. Eph 1:6, 12, 14)?

4. Theological Journal (30%) In an exercise to get us thinking about how we explore theology, students will write a personal journal on each of the topics we are set to discuss in class. For example, they will write a section for the Person of Christ, and then work to create a list of all the issues under the subject. You can create the subheadings yourself or look at a confession or textbook. Students will then write out their own understanding of these views in their own words.

The rationale for this assignment is to allow students to begin expressing their understanding of these views before class begins. Students regularly comment that they have never had a chance to express their views on each of these topics specifically, and that by doing so they were able for the first time (in some cases) to reflect on the Bible in a deeper way.

The assignment should be 4-5 pages double-spaced, 12 pt. font, Word format. The paper should be completed before class, and you should have it with you throughout the two weeks of class. We will occasionally have a discussion about what you wrote before class and how our time in class may have challenged, confirmed, or expanded what you have written.

The journal is due the first day of class (June 30), but will be turned in the last day of class (July 11)

COURSE CALENDAR

June 30 Introduction to the Course (Theological Journal Due)

July 1 Reading due: Grudem, chs. 21-23, 25

July 2 Reading due: Grudem, ch. 24

July 3 Reading due: Grudem, chs. 26-27

July 4 Reading due: Grudem, chs. 28-29

July 7 Reading due: Grudem, chs. 31-35

July 8 Reading due: Grudem, chs. 36-38

July 9 Reading due: Grudem, chs. 40-43

July 10

July 11 Reading/Meditation Forms due / Theology Papers due