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Description

A discussion of various theological perspectives on such prominent themes in the First Testament as creation, anthropology, sin, covenant, sacrifice, & law. The course takes a diachronic as well as an integrative & practical approach to the biblical theology of the Hebrew Bible. Special attention is given to the application OT theology to understanding the New Testament as well as current issues in society & the mission of the Church. Cross-listed with BT716.

Perspective

At Bethel, we believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired & without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, & that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith & conduct. The normative role of Scripture in the faith community calls for careful reading of the text (exegesis) as well as thoughtful reflection on the significance of the inspired teachings, the stories and the meditations of Scripture.

One implication this confessional position then is that one is "doing theology" in all of life & ministry. We get to reflect on the grand narrative of Scripture & ways it not only calls us into a redemptive covenant relationship with God but also guides us to live in covenant relationship with the righteous, loving, gracious God. As the Apostle Paul put it to a young pastor, these thirty-nine books of the Hebrew Bible, the only Testament available to Timothy, is indeed effective in evangelizing and discipling (teaching, reproving, correcting and training in righteousness) and equipping a Christ-follower "for every good work." (2 Tim. 3:15-17)

Progressive Revelation The three historic monotheistic faiths reflect different ways of understanding revelation from God. As a generalization, both historic Judaism & Christianity understand Scripture to be the record of an unfolding or progressive revelation from God. The books of the prophets & hymns and wisdom do not supplant the books of Moses but rather build on them. Isaiah did not replace Moses, nor Jeremiah, Isaiah, nor Jesus, Jeremiah.

However, in some quarters of Christianity there have been those who either by argument or practice hold that the God of the N.T. is essentially different than the god of the Hebrew Bible and that the N.T. does indeed supercede & supplant the Hebrew Bible. Even during the Protestant Reformation it was argued that "Moses is dea. His rule ended when Christ came. He is of no further service." (Luther)

Similarly, in some ways, Islam also sees a succession of revelations, each superceding & replacing the previous. Hence, while recognizing "the Book" of Judaism and Christianity, the Quran is the ultimate revelation. While Abraham. Moses & Jesus are recognized as historic prophets of God, they have been superceded by the one prophet, Mohammed.

Diachronic Approaches Growing out of an understanding of Scripture as progressive revelation, a a diachronic (through time) approach to biblical theology seeks to study the theology of the Hebrew Bible as it unfolds over time.

A diachronic approach tends to look to see if the texts give indication of organic connections. It tends to focus on intertextual developments.

A diachronic approach is taken by G. von Rad (OTT, 1962, 1965), W.C. Kaiser (TOTT, 1978), E. Martens (GD, 1981, 1994), W. VanGemeren (PR, 1988,1995) et al.

Synchronic Approaches Influenced by classical theology in which biblical teaching tends to be categorized by topic or theme. These categories may reflect periods of resolving doctrinal controversy in the history of the church.

A synchronic (simultaneous, in unison) approach to biblical theology will tend to be organized around a system of doctrines. This "system" of teaching may reflect the historic development of those teachings within a given faith community.

A synchronic approach is taken by W. Eichrodt (TOT, 1961, 1967) Th. Vriezen (OOTT, ), R. Clements (OTT, 1978), B. Childs (OTTCC, 1986), et al.

BETHEL SEMINARY

OT716 - BIBLICAL THEOLOGY OF THE FIRST TESTAMENT

Description

Perspective