We have just completed a 38-week study of the Sermon on the Mount, and now we turn to a series of shorter studies on what the Bible says about God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. In this article, we look broadly at what theology is, the nature of revelation, and the existence of God.
The purpose of theology is to understand what the whole Bible teaches about God and His relationship with humanity. By gathering together the teachings of Scripture—from Genesis to Revelation—we begin to see a coherent picture of who God is and how He has revealed Himself.
The Meaning and Importance of Theology
The word theology comes from the Greek words theos (God) and logos (study or understanding). Theology is therefore the study of God. It seeks to discover and organize what God has revealed about Himself.
Everyone has some form of theology. Every person holds beliefs about God, even if those beliefs deny His existence. The real question is whether our beliefs are true.
Because our view of God shapes the way we live, it is essential that our understanding be grounded in truth. Scripture presents itself as the ultimate authority for that truth.
The apostle Paul repeatedly stresses the importance of sound doctrine. In 2 Timothy he urges Timothy to preach the Word faithfully and warns that many people will prefer messages that suit their desires rather than messages that proclaim truth. Healthy doctrine, however, leads to spiritual health and maturity.
The Authority of Scripture
Christian theology rests on the inspiration of Scripture. Paul writes that “All Scripture is inspired by God.” The term literally means “God-breathed,” emphasizing that Scripture originates with God even though it was written through human authors.
Because the Bible is God’s revelation, it provides the most reliable source for understanding who God is and how we should live. Theology, therefore, asks the question: What does the whole Bible teach about a given subject?
By examining the full scope of Scripture, we gain a clearer understanding of God’s truth.
Sources of Knowledge
Human beings normally rely on reason and experience as sources of knowledge. Reason allows us to think logically, and experience provides information through our senses.
Both are valuable, but they are not sufficient to answer life’s deepest questions. Philosophers have debated ultimate reality for centuries, yet their conclusions often conflict.
For this reason, revelation is necessary. Revelation occurs when God makes Himself known to humanity. Without it we would be limited to speculation about ultimate reality.
The Bible presents itself as God’s revelation, recording how He has communicated with humanity throughout history.
General and Special Revelation
Scripture describes two forms of revelation: general and special.
General revelation refers to the knowledge of God available to all people through creation. Psalm 19 declares that the heavens proclaim the glory of God, and Romans 1 teaches that God’s power and divine nature can be understood through what He has made.
Creation reveals that God exists and displays His power and creativity. However, nature cannot reveal everything about God. It cannot tell us that the Creator loves us or that He entered history to redeem humanity.
These truths require special revelation.
Special revelation refers to God’s more direct communication—through Scripture and most clearly through Jesus Christ. Hebrews explains that while God spoke through the prophets in many ways, His clearest revelation came through His Son. Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature.
Evidence for God’s Existence
Several lines of reasoning support belief in God.
The cosmological argument states that everything that begins to exist has a cause. Since the universe began to exist, it must have a cause beyond itself.
The teleological argument focuses on design. The remarkable order and complexity of the universe suggest an intelligent designer.
The moral argument points to humanity’s sense of right and wrong, which indicates the existence of a moral source beyond the material world.
These arguments provide strong evidence for God, but belief ultimately involves more than intellectual reasoning. It requires a willingness to respond to God’s revelation.
The Knowability of God
Although God is infinitely greater than human understanding, Scripture teaches that He can be known.
Jesus says that no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son reveals Him. This knowledge is relational, not merely intellectual. In Scripture, knowing God means entering into a personal relationship with Him.
Thus theology must move beyond information to transformation.
The Right Approach to Theology
Because theology deals with the knowledge of God, it must be approached with humility and reverence. Our spiritual condition affects our understanding. Pride or disobedience can cloud our perception of truth.
At the same time, faith does not reject reason. Christianity presents itself as a reasonable faith grounded in reality.
Yet God’s greatness means that some truths will always stretch our understanding. Scripture sometimes presents paradoxes that remind us that God’s wisdom exceeds our own.
Theology and Worship
The study of God should ultimately lead to worship. As we grow in our understanding of His greatness, we respond with awe and gratitude.
The knowledge of God is the greatest privilege available to human beings. It provides meaning, purpose, and direction for life.
Scripture calls us to make the knowledge of God central to every area of life. Knowing Him is not simply a religious activity but the foundation of a transformed life.
To explore this topic more deeply and discover how to thoughtfully answer the questions below, subscribe to Ken Boa Reflections on Substack.
Questions for Reflection
- How has your view of God been shaped by Scripture rather than by culture, personal experience, or assumptions? What changes might occur in your life if your understanding of God became larger and more biblically grounded?
- In what ways do you see evidence of God’s presence and creativity in the natural world around you? How might paying closer attention to creation deepen your awareness of God’s power and wisdom?
- What is the difference between knowing facts about God and truly knowing God in a personal relationship? What practices could help move your knowledge of God from the mind to the heart?
- How might a deeper understanding of God influence the way you approach everyday areas of life—such as work, relationships, and decision-making? What would it look like for your entire life to reflect the knowledge of God?
