All Theology Is [by nature] 'Systematic'.

It was Charles Spurgeon who appropriately described the nature of theology this way,

“...in the great summary of doctrines,...as surely as you believe one, you must believe the rest... One doctrine so leans upon the others that, if you deny one, you must deny the rest. Some think that they can believe four out of the five points, and reject the last. It is impossible; God’s truths are all joined together like links in a chain!”

This is the key to what is called, ‘Systematic Theology’. In order to be systematic, every point of theological truth must thoroughly agree with and compliment the rest.

We are children of a God who is NOT  inconsistent, illogical or unreasonable and this God does NOT exist in contradiction. In James’ epistle is penned this truthful insight into the character of God, “...the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” Who God was 10,000,000 years ago is EXACTLY who He is today.

So we relate this tremendously important character trait of the infinite and eternally unchanging God to His truth; remembering that whatsoever can be said of God Himself, can also be said of His Word. We happily conclude then that God’s word is NOT  inconsistent, illogical or unreasonable and does NOT exist in contradiction. We expect that whatever God has said at one point in His word, He will never contradict or relent it in another place (Num 23:19). He is perfect and thus His word is perfect. When we do theology, (which is just a fancy way of saying, when we study God and His word) we must never accept contradiction. We allow every truth to stand upon its own authority, but happily accept that every truth stands consistent with every other truth.

If we consider it like a building, we observe that each building block is itself certainly a block; whilst we also accept that each block is not in itself a building. For a single block to become part of a building it needs to sit firm and flush with every other block. And so it is with theology, we are to accept each truth God offers us in His word as eternally, unchangeably true. And yet our job is not done until we observe how each truth builds upon another in one glorious edifice of revelation about God’s character and Being.

This is what theologians have always meant when they employ the phrase, Systematic Theology - a theology that allows each truth to stand distinct , but not independent, of the one consistent, logical system of revelation God has so graciously bestowed.

Systematic theology is not extra-biblical, it’s the only way we can do justice to God’s revealed truth in the bible.

Jesus in prayer to His Father for the church asked, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”  (John 17:17).

Thank God this prayer was and will always be answered! May it be daily evident in us.

Craig Ireland