Systematic Theology

By Dr. Althea C. Johnson

About the Book
Systematic Theology, sometimes referred to as Constructive Theology or Dogmatic Theology, is a discipline which aims at arranging religious truths into a self-consistent whole. The main goal of Systematic Theology is to present the major themes of Christian faith in an ordered fashion that remains faithful to biblical witness. Systematic Theology incorporates historical, biblical, and sometimes philosophical theology into its system. The book, Systematic Theology, takes out major events in the Bible and arranges them in a sequential order from beginning to end so readers may have a better understanding of biblical features mentioned in the Bible. It goes into a deep analysis of certain topics surrounding God, the church, and the world we know today. It is author Dr. Althea C. Johnson’s goal, with the guidance of God, to break down events in the Bible that may seem incomprehensible to those who have some or no knowledge of Systematic Theology.

About the Author
Dr. Althea C. Johnson was born in St. Ann, Jamaica. She currently resides in Laurelton, New York. She is happily married to her husband, Leroy Johnson, and they share three beautiful children together and one grandson. She has a special love for God and plays an active role in her church—Holiness Apostolic Church of Lord Jesus Christ. Upon receiving her Doctorate in Theology, she became an Evangelism teacher at the Holiness Apostolic Bible Institute. Althea wrote this book during her doctoral studies and chose to publish this book because she learned so much from doing her research and putting all of the pieces all together. She believes that the work of God should not be hidden but shared with everyone in all parts of the world. Therefore, publishing this book will not only be educational to readers, but it will also spread the truth of God.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Company
• Release date: Jul 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798886837674

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The contents of this work, including, but not limited to, the accuracy of events, people, and places depicted; opinions expressed; permission to use previously published materials included; and any advice given or actions advocated are solely the responsibility of the author, who assumes all liability for said work and indemnifies the publisher against any claims stemming from publication of the work.

All Rights Reserved

Copyright © 2023 by Dr. Althea C. Johnson

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted, downloaded, distributed, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented without permission in writing from the publisher.

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Acknowledgements

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13) This is a bible verse that we all know very well. We quote it, recite it and even make it a mantra for our daily lives and accomplishments. But how many can testify to how true this scripture is? Quite a few. Along my journey at Bible School, I have had good days and bad days. There were times I felt like giving up, and just throwing in the towels.

Other times I felt like all hope was lost. Writing this book was not easy, it was very tedious and the inspiration from others was hard to come by. But God the true inspiration gave me a vision and I wrote my book according to what God would have me to say. God is the head of my life and I live each day being grateful unto him for his small mercies and his great compassion. I am thankful that on completion of this book, I can strongly say, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. God has truly been that tower of strength I needed. To him be all the glory, honor and praise.

I would also like to express warm felt gratitude to my family whom God has chosen to be in my life. To my husband, Leroy Johnson, you have been there to encourage me every step of the way. There were days when I felt like not going to school and just calling it quits, but he insisted and motivated me to keep going. You always said, Don’t start something if you know you not going to finish it.

To my three beautiful children: Sanneika, Duane and Cheyenne, they are my motivators. Especially Cheyenne, you make me very proud; you have helped me so much for the completion of this book. Thank you for staying up late nights with me burning the midnight oil, proofreading my work and also making my corrections where you saw it fit.

A special thanks to my childhood friend Sandra Irons for lending a helping hand on completion of this thesis. She has encouraged me every step of the way, and her consistent prayers and advice has allowed me reach thus far.

I am so thankful to have been studying at the most prestigious Institution of the New Greater Bethel Bible Institute. My professors have stayed behind me into making sure that my writing process was successful, and they have also pushed me in times of hardship when I felt like giving up. They have imparted their knowledge and this knowledge was used for the completion of my book.

Life experiences have taught me to give thanks and to be grateful for the things achieved. The word thanks or I appreciate may not come easy for some but these are the best expressions any person could hear especially if they have helped, been there for you and is a constant source of encouragement. Thank you.

Introduction

Systematic Theology sometimes referred to as Constructive Theology or Dogmatic Theology is a discipline which aims at arranging religious truths into a self-consistent whole. The main goal of Systematic Theology is to present the major themes of Christian faith in an ordered fashion that remains faithful to biblical witness. Systematic Theology incorporates historical, biblical, and sometimes philosophical theology into its system.

Systematic Theology can be divided into 10 areas: Prolegomena, Bibliology, Christology, Theology, Soteriology, Ecclesiology, Pneumatology, Anthropology, Eschatology, and Angelology. Some of these areas will be expounded on in this thesis. The first form of Systematic Theology that will be discussed in this thesis is Theology. Theology (which comes from the Greek word ‘theos’ which means God and ‘logos’ which means word or reason) describes the study concerning the Doctrine of God. Specifically, Christian theology is the rational study in understanding the Nature of God and doctrine of the Christian faith based on God’s revelation of Himself. The ultimate goal of Christian theology is to learn about God, His nature, His will, and how they apply to our lives.

One of the most important doctrines of the Christian faith is that of the Trinity. From scriptures, we learn God by nature is a triune being or Trinity. The subject of the Trinity can only be known by divine revelation, not by human reasoning. The only way in which the inner working of God can be revealed to mankind is if God reveals it. The Trinity is a doctrine that God has revealed to humankind through the scriptures. The doctrine of the Trinity teaches that there is one eternal God who is the Creator and sustainer of the universe. He is the only God that exist. However, within the nature of God are three (3) persons or three centers of consciousness- the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit. These three distinct roles make up the one God. That means the Father is God, the Son is God and the Holy Spirit is God. The Doctrine of the Holy trinity can be found in some parts of the Old Testament. However, it was not plainly revealed until in the New Testament.

Christology is the part of theology that discusses the nature and work of Jesus, which includes; the baptism, temptation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. The baptism of Jesus is described in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Theologians view the baptism of Jesus as a historical event to which a high degree of certainty can be assigned. Most Christians view the baptism of Jesus as an important event and a basis for Christian’s right to baptism. In Acts 19:1-7, Paul went to Ephesus where he found the disciples and he began to question them about their understanding of baptism and which name were they baptized in. After speaking to them, Paul baptized them in Jesus’ name and afterward by the laying of hands the Holy Spirit descended upon them. The temptation of Jesus Christ is described in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. According to the scriptures, after Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, he fasted 40 days and 40 nights in the Judean desert. In this time of fasting, the Devil attempted to tempt Jesus toward sin. Jesus, having refused each temptation returned to Galilee to begin His ministry.

The crucifixion of Jesus is recorded in the New Testament books (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and is said to have occurred in Judea between AD 30 and AD 33. Jesus prophesied his death in Matthew and from that time Jesus began explaining to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hand of the chief priest, scribes, elders and people of Israel. He prophesied that he must be killed and on the third day be raised from the dead. Jesus understood that his life was a sacrificial one for the sins of man. The Roman governor Pontius Pilate was hesitant in giving the punishment to Jesus. He saw no wrong on the part of Jesus, yet he listened to the desires of the people.

Jesus was handed over to the soldiers to be beaten and lashed as Pontius Pilate didn’t want anything to do with the shedding of Jesus’ blood. He wore a crown of thorn upon his head and he was made to carry a cross along the pathway to the hill where he would be crucified. The location where Jesus was crucified is known as Calvary. Jesus bore our sins, he was the lamb to be slaughtered, and he made salvation free and accessible to all today. We no longer have to go to a priest to offer sacrifices for sins but look to Jesus and believe that our sins are forgiven. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is a religious belief that after Jesus was put to death, and he would rise again on the third day.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 states that Christ died for our sins, was buried and he rose again. Hence, the belief in both death and resurrection of Christ is important to the Christian faith. If Christ did not rise, our preaching today would have been in vain. Our doctrine lies within the whole life of Christ. When we baptize we are buried with Christ, and when we rise up out of the water, we walk in newness of life. (symbolizes the resurrection) Colossians 2 verse 12 states, Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

The Ascension of Jesus is one of the many miracles that Jesus performed in the bible. It provides a glimpse of Jesus Christ as deity. The ascension of Jesus can be found in Acts 1 as it describes the ascent of Christ from the Earth to the Heavenly Realm. The Ascension of Jesus takes place forty days after the resurrection in the presence of the disciples. Christ returned back to Heaven after informing the disciples to await the arrival of the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) in Jerusalem. The ascension of Jesus is correlated with the deification of Jesus; meaning through his ascension, Jesus took his seat at the right hand of God.

Pneumatology is a branch of Systematic Theology that focuses on God as a Spirit. Pneumatology comes from the Greek words ’Pneuma’ which means wind/spirit and ‘logos’ which means word or reason. ‘Pneuma’ is used as the counterpart to the Old Testament ‘ruah’ which generally translates spirit as an incorporeal, feeling and intelligent being. The study of Pneumatology is of tremendous importance to Christians as it is a study of God Himself. The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in the life of each believer. He is the Comforter spoken of in John 16:7, Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away. For if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. Studying the role and work of the Holy Spirit protects us from the many inaccurate teachings that have circulated within churches.

Many people misunderstand the identity of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is commonly thought of as an impersonal force. However, the scripture tell us that the Holy Spirit is not just an impersonal force but, is the third person in the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is God Himself. The Holy Spirit appears both in the Old and New Testament. The Holy Spirit shares the characteristics of God such as omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent and infinite. Evidence of God’s omnipresence can be seen in Psalm 139:7-8 which states, Whither shall I go from thy spirit or? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there.

God shows His omniscience through the spirit in 1st Corinthians 2:10-11 which states, But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, and the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. This shows that God is all knowing and he knows the thoughts of every man. One such evidence of God’s omnipotence through the Spirit is in Luke 1:35, And the angel answered and said unto her, the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called The Son of God." From this miraculous act, it is seen where God being all powerful formed a baby in the womb of a virgin.

God shows his infinity through the Spirit as a God without limits. Infinite is being endless, vast, immeasurable, and universally omnipresent. In Revelation 1:4 it states, John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; This scripture verse describes God through the spirit as one who not only exist today but always has and always will.

Anthropology comes from the two Greek words, namely ‘anthropos’ meaning man and ‘logos’ which means word, matter or thing. Anthropology is a branch of Systematic Theology which looks at the study of man. Biblically, Anthropology is the study of man as understood through the scriptures. Biblical Anthropology looks at the creation of man, man in the ‘Image of God,’ the constitutional nature of man, and man after the fall. In this aspect of Anthropology, the fall of man and the consequences of this fall will be focused on.

Angelology is the theological doctrine of angels. This is the aspect of Systematic Theology that deals with the study and nature of Angels. The term angelology comes from the Greek words aggelos meaning messenger or angel and logos meaning word, matter, or thing. In Systematic theology, it includes topics like the origin, existence, and nature of angels.

Angels are spiritual beings superior to humans in power and knowledge but inferior to God. Biblically, an angel is a spirit created by God and commissioned by Him for some special purpose in accordance with the outworking of His plan. Angels are referred to as messengers in the Old and New Testament.

In Psalm 8:4-5, it explains that angels are of higher power than man but are inferior to God. Angels are referred to as heavenly host, sons of God, and holy ones in the Old Testament. The first expression heavenly host relates to their innumerable number and power to defend God’s people. Sons of God highlights their close relationship to God. Holy ones describes their pure moral character.

Like Christians, angels have their roles in helping to build God’s Kingdom. Angels are separated in the manner of those doing God’s work in heaven and those doing God’s work on earth. Heavenly Angels have the role of worshipping God (all angels have to do this), observing the people of God, inquiring into the prophetic plan of God, and rejoicing in the work of God, performing the will of God, and witnessing the wrath of God. The Earthly Angels have the role of guiding the believer, cheering and strengthening God’s people, defending, protecting, and delivering God’s servants. They are eyewitnesses of the Church and the believer.

In our world today, there exist good and evil. Just as it is on earth so is it in spiritual realm. There are evil angels called Fallen Angels that roam the earth looking whom they may destroy. They were created by God, however, they rebelled against God. Most scholars agree that one-third of the angels in heaven was cast out and fell into sin becoming demons. According to Revelation, 12:3-4, And another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems. And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth.

Fallen angels are followers of Satan. However, they did not begin as his followers. They were once good angels created and under the authority of God. However, Satan was jealous and rebelled against God. The devil’s prideful revolt and greed for power turned him into a self-proclaimed enemy of God. He wanted to replace God in every way. Regardless of what name he is called, he is not and will never be equal to God.

In the book of Genesis, we see where God created the Heaven and the earth and most importantly Man. Man was created in God’s image in Genesis 1:27, So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. He gave man dominion over everything that he created. He also gave them very specific instructions about what they should do and not to do. The disobedience of man in the garden led up to the fall and curse of the serpent that tempted them, the curse of the man and woman that partook of the forbidden fruit and the curse upon the earth.

The First Curse was pronounced upon the serpent which was revealed to be the devil in Revelation 12:9 which states, And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and Satan, which decieveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. The serpent was cursed to travel on his belly on the earth which seems to be a metaphor of how he was cast out of heaven down to earth. The curse of man and woman was then made by God for their disobedience. The woman was cursed to feel sorrow and pain in her days of conception and as for the Man; by the sweat of his brow he shall eat bread. The Earth was then cursed as thorns and thistles grew out of it.

Hamartiology comes from the Greek words ‘hamartia’ meaning sin and ‘logos’ meaning word, matter or thing. Therefore, Hamartiology is the study of the doctrine of sin. Biblically, the doctrine of sin looks at its origin, nature, transmission, effects and judgment. Sin originated from the fall of man and his disobedience to God. Sin can be defined as any wrongful deed that is not in accordance with God’s will or His plan. The Origin of sin in the cosmos is to be found in the disobedience of Satan and certain angels. Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:12-19 hints at the fall of Satan. Therefore, when he arrived on the scene in Genesis 3, he was already fallen and sinful.

However, the first sin known to man was committed in the Garden of Eden where Adam and his wife Eve disobeyed God by eating of the forbidden fruit that God instructed them not to eat of. Sin entered the human race through our first parent’s disobedience. Paul makes this clear in Roman 5:12 which states, Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: The Nature of Sin is one that disconnects the human race both eternally, physically and spiritually from God. In the bible, sin is regarded as any transgression or lack of conformity to the will and nature of God. Sin separates us from God as we were made to worship Him.

In Genesis 3:8, God came down in the cool of the day to have fellowship and communion with man. However, the disobedience of man towards God brought about sin which severed the connection between God and man. Man became sinful beings by nature. David in Psalm 51:5 states, Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." This scripture shows that man was born to sin, but not to be a slave of sin. Man is a sinner by birth, but he is not responsible for it. The difference comes in when he becomes a sinner by practice, then he is responsible to God and others for the sin committed.

The first reason God punishes sin is to prove Himself righteous and just. After the Fall of Satan and man, in both cases a punishment was given. Satan and his angels were cast out of heaven for wanting to overthrow God. Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden along with other consequences for their disobedience. God also punishes sin as a way to bring back the erring son or to make an example out of a sinner so others don’t attempt to sin.

Sin brings about spiritual, physical and eternal death. Romans 6: 23 states, For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Sin always has a consequence for both the present and eternal life. The Christian or the believer of God cannot escape certain consequences of sin in this life