References used for this “Systematic Theology Outline”:
- Growing in Christ (Wang Guoxian)
- New Life Discipleship Bible Study (The Great Commission Discipleship Course)
- Prof. Guo Zhenyou’s Discipleship Training Notes
- Moody Handbook of Theology
- Dr. Ma Youzao’s Introductions to the Old and New Testaments
- Prof. Odom’s Systematic Theology Lecture Notes (Capital Bible Seminary)
I. Overview of Theology
Theology (from Greek Theos = God, Logos = knowledge/word) is knowledge about God. Therefore, the focus of theology is God!
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:23–24)
II. The Scope of Theology
- Biblical Theology: Systematic study of the historical progression of God’s self-revelation as recorded in Scripture.
- Systematic Theology: Collecting, organizing, comparing, and systematizing the facts about God and all His works.
- Dogmatic Theology: Study of a particular tradition’s confessional system or theological movement (e.g., Calvinism, Arminianism, Covenant Theology, Dispensationalism, Roman Catholic Theology).
- Historical Theology: The development and evolution of theology throughout history, including the historical contexts of specific doctrines.
- Natural Theology: Reflection by reason apart from special revelation, seeking knowledge of God and His relation to the universe.
- Exegetical Theology: Application of exegetical principles within theological study.
- Practical Theology: Practical application of theology in daily life; putting biblical doctrine into practice.
- Apologetic Theology: Defending orthodox faith by demonstrating the truth of Christian doctrine from biblical-theological facts.
III. Contents of Systematic Theology
Inerrancy of Scripture; Theology Proper (Doctrine of God); Christology; Pneumatology (Holy Spirit); Angelology; Anthropology (Humanity); Hamartiology (Sin); Soteriology (Salvation); Ecclesiology (Church); Eschatology (Last Things).
IV. Basic Outline of Systematic Theology
(1) Theology Proper (Doctrine of God)
A. God’s Existence
B. God’s Creation
C. God’s Revelation
D. God’s Attributes
E. The Trinity
(2) Doctrine of Biblical Inerrancy
A. Authors of Scripture
B. Canon of Scripture
C. Nature of Scripture
D. Composition of Scripture
E. Inerrancy of Scripture
F. Interpretation of Scripture
(3) Christology
A. Incarnation
B. Two Natures (God and Man)
C. Death and Resurrection
D. Second Coming of Christ
E. Prophecies concerning Christ
(4) Pneumatology (Holy Spirit)
A. Person of the Holy Spirit
B. Deity of the Holy Spirit
C. Baptism of the Holy Spirit
D. Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
E. Gifts of the Holy Spirit
(5) Angelology
A. Nature of Angels
B. Works/Ministry of Angels
C. Satan and Demons
(6) Anthropology (Doctrine of Humanity)
A. Origin of Humanity
B. Constitution of Humanity
C. Dignity of Humanity
(7) Hamartiology (Doctrine of Sin)
A. Nature of Sin
B. Origin of Sin
C. Imputation of Original Sin
D. Believers and Sin
E. Sin and Suffering
(8) Soteriology (Doctrine of Salvation)
A. Basis of Salvation
B. Preparation for Salvation
C. God’s Election
D. Christ’s Substitutionary Atonement
E. God’s Grace
F. Regeneration and Sanctification
(9) Ecclesiology (Doctrine of the Church)
A. Inception of the Church
B. Types/Prefigurations of the Church
C. Purpose of the Church
D. Leadership of the Church
E. Ordinances/Sacraments of the Church
(10) Eschatology (Doctrine of Last Things)
A. Rapture of the Church
B. End-time Tribulation
C. Millennial Kingdom
D. New Heavens and New Earth