Mullins ReligionPreface

7/29/2019 Mullins ReligionPreface

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THE AGES DIGITAL LIBRARY

SYSTEMATICTHEOLOGIES

THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION IN ITS

DOCTRINAL EXPRESSION.by Edgar Young Mullins D.D..

Making the Words of the Wise Available to all Inexpensively

Digital PublicationsDallas, Texas

2006


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THE CHRISTIAN RELIGIONIN ITS DOCTRINAL EXPRESSION

BY

EDGAR YOUNG MULLINS, D, D., LL. D.

President and Professor of Theology inThe Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, Ky.

AUTHOR OF

Why is Christianity True? The Axioms of Religion, Freedom andAuthority in Religion, The Life in Christ. Commentary on Ephesians andColossians, Baptist Beliefs, etc.


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TO

THE MEMORY OF

PRESIDENT JAMES PETIGRU BOYCE,

GREAT ADMINISTRATORANDTEACHER OFTHEOLOGY, WHOSE INSPIRINGVISIONOFTHEOLOGICAL EDUCATION FORSOUTHERNBAPTISTSMADEPOSSIBLETHE SOUTHERNBAPTISTTHEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, THISVOLUMEISAFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED BY HISGRATEFUL PUPIL AND SUCCESSORINOFFICE.


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Preface

SEVERAL reasons have led the writer to prepare the present work on theology.

He has been a teacher of the subject during the past eighteen years. His ownmethod and standpoint in dealing with truth have, as a natural consequence,taken definite form. Theology is like any other science in the fact that if it isalive, it grows. This does not mean that it goes beyond Christ and the NewTestament. It means, rather, that these are provocative of endless growth. Theobject of religion does not grow, but the subject never attains a final and staticstage in the present life. Truth does not change, but we apprehend truth withincreasing clearness.

Down to the middle of the nineteenth century, after Luthers age, theology wasengaged chiefly with the issues growing out of the Reformation. The methodof theology was that derived from a past age. Theologies were comprehensive,more or less philosophical and abstract treatises. There was a verycommendable desire to systematize the truths of Christianity. But too often thebiblical method and aim were sacrificed in the interest of a school oftheology or a philosophical principle. For example, Arminianism overlooked

certain essential truths about God in its strong championship of humanfreedom. As against it, Calvinism ran to extremes in some of its conclusions inits very earnest desire to safeguard the truth of Gods sovereignty. We arelearning to discard both names and to adhere more closely than either to theScriptures, while retaining the truth in both systems.

During the nineteenth century the whole world of human thought underwent aremarkable revolution. In physical science a new method and ideal arose. In

the social and economic sphere a new sociology and political economy tookshape. In psychology a new method of study created an entirely new literature.In philosophy all the issues were restated in new forms, and new schools ofthought arose. It was inevitable that these changes in human thought shouldintroduce new issues and new crises in theology. Many looked upon thechanges with fear and trembling lest the foundations be destroyed.Schleiermacher, at the beginning of the century, had already anticipated theneed for a change in the method of dealing with religious truth. The

remarkable system of Ritschl was a logical outcome of the impact of the newways of looking at things upon the older ways of theology. As a system it hadfatal weaknesses, and is now a waning force. But it is a notable landmark,indicating a particular crisis in the history of theology.


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We are at length coming to see all things in a new perspective. Several thingsare entirely clear. One is that none of the ultimate facts of mans spiritual lifehave been destroyed by any development in recent times. Methods havechanged. New issues have arisen. Old issues have assumed new forms. Newstatements of truth are required. But Christ remains the same yesterday,

today, and forever. The gospel remains. The best historical and criticalmethods of Bible study have given us clearer views of Christ and doctrine. Weappreciate better than we ever did Christs great wisdom and love in revealinghimself gradually to mankind. This is made clear to us in the Scriptures of theOld and new Testaments. We have better methods of employing the Scripturesin proof of doctrines. We have learned to recognize that religion is a form ofknowledge; that Christ is today the spiritual Creator in an ongoing civilization.

Along with this we have learned that our religion is capable of clear andscientific exposition, and that new and stronger proofs of its truth and finalityare possible. The gospel of Christ, not in an attenuated form, so reduced as tobe scarcely recognizable, but with all its vital elements intact, is at home in themodern world and has nothing to fear from any form of sound learning. Theauthor trusts that in some measure these truths may be made clear in thefollowing pages.

It has been felt that the ends of clearness and readableness could be bestattained by the use of language as untechnical and simple as possible. Somephases of theology are inherently difficult. But for the most part the authorbelieves the reader will not find the book difficult to understand.

Primarily, the book has been written for use as a manual in the classroom. Butthe general reader has also been kept in mind. Care has been taken to avoid toomany divisions and subdivisions. Overanalysis does not make a veryattractive-looking page, nor add to the interest of the reader. The analytical

table of contents will help those who wish a brief summary of any particularsection of the discussion.

It is impossible for the author to indicate, even in a general way, hisindebtedness to other writers. Innumerable books on all phases of the subjecthave been read or consulted. Biblical Theologies, Systematic Theologies,Theologies of Christian Experience, Psychologies, Philosophies of Religion,and books on Comparative Religion and in other departments, have bene

placed under tribute. Occasionally these have been referred to in a footnote.But it has been impossible to do so in all instances. The author desires toexpress his appreciation of valuable suggestions based on a careful reading ofthe manuscript from a former student who is professor of theology in theSouthwestern Baptist Theological Seminary at Fort Worth, Texas Revelation W. T. Conner, D. D. E. Y. M.


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Contents

Chapter 1. Religion And Theology.

1. TWOFOLD AIM.Necessary connections between religion and theology.Definition of theology. Reasons for definitions. Use in departments oftheology. Emphasis upon experience. Not sole criterion of truth. Scriptures.Christianity as a religion. Experiential method not less biblical orsystematic. Four factors: Christ, the Scriptures, Holy Spirit, existence.Combination of these. Advantages: 1. Escapes false intellectualism. 2.

Gives fact basis for theology. 3. Supplies best apologetic foundation.Illustrated: (1) In proofs of Gods existence; (2) Miracles; (3) Deity ofChrist. 4. Shows reality, autonomy, and freedom of Christianity. 5. Helpsdefine nature of the authority of the Bible. Objections and replies.

2. MODERN WAYSOF REGARDING RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE.1. Comtesview. Reply. 2. Theory of the utility of religion. Answer. 3. Mysticism.Reply. 4. Judgments of value. Goes too far. More than judgments of valueneeded. 5. Religion without theology. Reply: (1) Mans nature as

reasonable; (2) Nature of experience; (3) We know in part; (4) Theologynecessary to defend religion; (5) And to propagate it. 6. Theology mergedin history. Objections.

3. CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE ANDREVELATION.Two groups of facts. Onlyunderstood in their relations. Meaning of experience. Charge ofsubjectivism. Antecedent probability. Religion not one-sided. Revelation,Gods answer. Three phases of revelation: 1. Jesus Christ; 2. Christ in the

soul; 3. Inward conditions. Revelation based on facts. Methods of evasion.4. NEED FOR A PERSONAL SELF-REVELATION OF GOD.Why personal? 1.

Personality only adequate medium. 2. Saves from subjectivism. 3.Revelation in deed most powerful. 4. Produces necessary results in mansspirit.

5. THEOLOGY ANDTRUTH.Theology a form of knowledge. 1. Scriptures showit. 2. Christian experience. 3. Theology is a science. Reality present.

4. Denial based on false theory of knowledge. 5. Religious knowledgetakes the form required by religion. All higher personal life satisfied.

6. CONCLUDINGTOPICSOF PRELIMINARY SURVEY.Sources of theology;material and formal principles; arrangement of doctrines; qualifications forstudy. 1. Sources : Christian religion; all factors; Christ; Holy Spirit;Scriptures; experience of the redeemed; other sources. 2. Material and


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formal principles: statement of these. 3. Arrangement of doctrine. Proofs ofGods existence. Trinity. Scriptures. Christian and other forms ofknowledge. Subjects of chapters. 4. Qualifications for the study oftheology. Religious attitude. (1) Scholarship and culture. (2) Intellectualendowments generally. (3) Moral and spiritual qualities.

Chapter 2. The Knowledge Of God.

Preliminary questions.

1. DEFINITIONOF KNOWLEDGE ANDOF RELIGION. Of knowledge.Importance for theology. Of religion. Methods employed. Five points indefinition.

2. SOURCES OF RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE.1. Inference from nature and man.Unsatisfactory, a-e. 2. Facts of consciousness. Must rise to Christianstandpoint. 3. Comparative religion. Its value. 4. Ecclesiastical courts andcouncils. Second-hand knowledge. 5. The Bible. Supreme literary source.Spiritual transaction necessary. 6. Revelation of God in Christ: (1) Christas historic person; New Testament record, a-d. (2) Christ superhistoric, a-g. Conclusion.

Chapter 3. Preliminary Study Of Christian Experience.

1. SIX ASSUMPTIONS.Fundamental to all thought. Christian experience atransaction between God and man.

2. THE ANALYSISOF CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE.Divine initiative. 1. Point ofcontact. 2. Response of sinner. Two acts. 3. Divine activity. Forgiveness.Justification. Regeneration. Adoption. Conversion.

3. THE SYNTHETIC UNITY OF CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE.Unitary nature ofexperience. Likeness between God and man. Consequences. Synthesismust be combined with analysis of experience. Parts understood only inlight of the whole.

4. PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTSOF CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE.The self. Variousaspects. Struggle and conflict. Four stages in unfolding of the self.Response of the gospel Restored relationship. Question as to thesubconscious. Varieties in Christian experience. Types of personality.

Universal elements.5. THE NATURAL ANDTHE REGENERATE CONSCIOUSNESS.Discrimination

necessary. Difficult for the unconverted. Christians account of the change:1. Failure of the natural self. 2. Gospel call. 3. New power from without.4. Three new elements in consciousness,a-c.


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6. THETRANSITION FROMTHE NATURALTOTHE REGENERATE STATE.Notby natural forces.

7. OBJ ECTIONS.1. Intellectual objection. Reply. 2. Moral objections.Renunciation, etc. Answer. Elements of doubt become elements of

certainty. Intellectual superiority not claimed.8. HOW KNOWLEDGE ARISES IN CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE. Recall

presuppositions. Realities given. Mind active. Ordinary principle ofknowledge involved. Doctrinal system thus arises.

9. ELEMENTSOF KNOWLEDGE IN CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE.1. Power fromwithout. 2. Spiritual. 3. Redemptive.4. Personal. Recognition of another.Power not below the personal. If above, retains personal elements. Factbasis for claim as to personal object in religion. 5. Religious object istriune. Transcendent objects of faith. We know God as Father, Son, andSpirit in experience. Great creeds. Objections usually metaphysical.

10. THE CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE ANDTHE CHRISTIAN CERTAINTY. Natureof the certainty: 1. Negatively. Not mathematical proof. 2. Positively. Factsof consciousness. Enabling power. 3. Question of degrees of certainty. Asto Christ. Elements of knowledge. Unity of experience.

11. OBJ ECTIONSTOTHE CHRISTIAN CERTAINTY.1. Does not compel assent.Reply. 2. Standard narrow. Reply. 3. Criterion subjective. Reply. 4.Anthropomorphic basis. Reply. 5. Unfair. Reply.

Chapter 4. Christian And Other Forms Of Knowledge.

How is Christian related to other knowledge? General reason, Reply.Departments of knowledge.

1. PHYSICAL SCIENCE.Agreements and differences, a-c. Allegeddisinterestedness of physical science. Professor Haering. Statement needsmodifying. 1. Absence of interest mistaken conception. 2. Scientificmaterial different. 3. Scientist and religious man both devoted to truth.

2. THE PSYCHOLOGY OF RELIGION.1. Vindicates the spiritual view of man.2.Emphasizes the varieties of religious experience. Normal and abnormaltypes. 3. Shows the prevalence of law in the religious life. 4. Shows divineenergy in conversion, a-c.

3. THE RELATION OF CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCETO ETHICS. Christianexperience deeply ethical. 1. Ethical ideal at beginning. 2. Solves problemof theoretical ethics. 3. Leads to higher ethical level. 4. Reveals new ethicalmethod.


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4. CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE ANDCOMPARATIVE RELIGION. Results ofscientific study of religion, a-e. Question of origin. Christianity fulfils thereligious ideals. Object of worship determines character of a religion.Progress in religion: 1. Gods tend to become more personal. 2. Moreethical. 3. Growth of idea of revelation. 4. Recognition of purposiveness

and providence,a-c. 5. Advance in idea of redemption.6. So also idea ofatonement. 7. Immanence and transcendence perfectly expressed.Summary of preceding,a-f. Conclusions from the study of comparativereligion.

5. CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE IN RELATIONTO PHILOSOPHY.Meaning of theword. Points of emphasis in modern philosophy: Experience. Truth.Reality. Unity. Philosophies go astray when they fail to give adequate

recognition to these.6. MODERN WORLD VIEWS.1. Agnosticism. Statement. Objections. 2.

Materialism. Statement. Objections, (1)-(3). 3. Idealism. Statement. Howfar tenable and untenable, (1), (2). 4. Personalism. Statement. Arguments.Fact basis. First and final causes. Knowledge. Freedom. Physical nature,(1)-(5). Gods relations to universe, (1). (4); God in history, a-f. Animpersonal universe. Three evil results. General conclusion.

7. PERSONALISM ANDCHRISTIANTHEISM.Relation to monism, a-f. Theproofs of Gods existence: 1. Cosmological argument. Reenforced byexperience, (1)-(4). 2. Teleological argument. Objections and replies.Argument restated. Evidence of design, (1)-(4). 3. Anthropologicalargument. 4. Ontological argument, (1)-(4). 5. Moral argument, (1)-(3).Conclusion: 1. Older proofs reenforced by Christian experience. 2. Proofsgiven exhaust spheres of reality. 3. Charge of subjectivism.

Chapter 5. Revelation.

Introductory statement. Fundamental facts. Biblical writers.

1. OPPOSING VIEWS.1. Agnostic. 2. Pantheistic. 3. Natural religion.

2. CONTENTSOF REVELATION.1. God making himself known. 2. A spiritualtransaction. 3. Rooted in the peoples life and needs. 4. Evokes mansactive response.

3. THE RECORD OF REVELATION. The Scriptures. Two methods of approach.Process. Results. 1. Psychological distinctions. 2. Theories of inspiration,a. Shortcomings of theories. Biblical and experiential method. b. Biblecontains best answer

4. DISTINGUISHING MARKSOF BIBLICAL REVELATION.1. Historical andexperiential. 2. Regenerative and morally transforming. 3. Genetic. 4.


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Gradual and progressive, a-c. 5. Unitary and purposive. 6. Congruous withmans intellectual and religious life. 7. Supernatural. 8. Sufficient, certain,and authoritative. Errors to be avoided.

Chapter 6. The Supreme Revelation: J esus Christ.

1. CHRISTTHE KEYTO SCRIPTURE.Experience brings us close to earlyChristians. New Testament witness to Christ. 1. Synoptic Gospels. (1)Humanity of Christ. (2) Messianic calling. (3) Sinlessness. (4) Uniquerelation to God. (5) Unique relation to man. 2. Book ofActs. 3. Teachingsof Paul and John. Summary of New Testament teachings, (1)-(4).

2. J ESUSCHRIST IN MODERN RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE.Affirmations:Revealer of God. Social and church relations through him. He is Lord. Heis the key to doctrine.

Chapter 7. The Deity Of J esus Christ.

1. A NECESSARY ARTICLE OF FAITH.Reasons: 1. He works divine result. 2.Great intuitions involved. 3. Unifies the evidence. 4. Social redemption. 5.Historical continuity.

2. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS CONFIRMINGTHE ABOVE.1. Christ makesknown personality of God. 2. Higher continuity of world thus explained. 3.Christ reveals God in act. 4. Completes mans religious life. 5. Completesideas of world, man, God, religion, (1)-(4). Recapitulation.

3. HUMAN ANDDIVINE ELEMENTS IN CHRIST.Early attempts to explainChrists person: Ebionites. Docert. Arians. Appollinarians. Nestorians.Eutychians. Council at Chalcedon. Chief requirement. Two-natureconception. Its difficulty. Possible attitudes toward efforts to define

Christs person.

4. THE PREEXISTENCE OFTHE DIVINE SON.1. New Testament teaching.2.Not ideal preexistence. 3. Necessary presupposition. 4. Divine Son;transcended current philosophy. 5. Christs work unified.

5. THE DIVINE SELF-EMPTYING.1. A self-emptying.2. Creation and self-limitation. 3. So also incarnation; infinite resources of grace. 4. Fatherhoodand sonship essential in God. 5. Not putting off of divine attributes.

Kenotic theories.6. Helpful analogies. 7. Gods answer to mans search.

6. STAGES IN REASCENT OF CHRIST.His life in real human conditions. Lawsof growth; this an element of perfection. Intellectual, moral, and Messianicfactors. Eternal relation to God involved. Dorners view of gradualincarnation. Principle of life through death.
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7. OBJ ECTIONS.1. Based on unity of God. Reply. 2. Finite and infinite. Reply.3. Mystery. Reply. 4. Modern thought. Reply, (1)-(3).

8. RIVALTHEORIES.1. Humanitarian Christ. 2. Man filled with divinepresence, (1)-(3). 3. Ideal preexistence. Reply. 4. Sandays theory. Reply,

(1)-(4). 5. The Ritschlian theory. Reply.Chapter 8. The Holy Spirit And The Trinity.

1. THE HOLY SPIRIT.1. Old Testament teachings, (1)-(8). 2. In NewTestament, (1)-(6). 3. Summary, (1)-(4).

2. THETRINITY.1. Statements preliminary to discussion of Trinity. 2.Immanent and economic Trinity. Proofs of immanent Trinity, (1)-(3). 3.

Inferences from God as thinking, willing, and loving personal being.3. THE PRACTICAL RELIGIOUS VALUE OFTHE DOCTRINE OFTHETRINITY.

As to God, Christ, Holy Spirit, believers.

4. OBJ ECTIONS.Ethnic trinities. Reply. Self-contradictoriness of doctrine.Reply. Unthinkable. Reply. Metaphysical doctrine. Reply.

Chapter 9. The God Of Our Lord J esus Christ.

Why discussion of doctrine of God was reserved to present.

1. DEFINITIONOF GOD.Analysis, (1)-(7). Objections to briefer definitions.

2. THE CHRISTIAN DEFINITION.1. God is Spirit. 2. God is a person: (1)Inferred. (2) Objections and replies. 3. God is living. 4. Supreme personalspirit. 5. Word infinite. 6. God is one. 7. Words absolute andunconditioned.

3. THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD.Various classifications, 1. Natural attributes: (1)Self-existence. (2) Immutability. (3) Omnipresence. (4) Immensity. (5)Eternity. (6) Omniscience.a. Method. b. Extent. c. Questions as tonecessity and free choice. (7) Omnipotence. a. How manifested, b.Unexhausted.c. Limitations self-imposed. 2. Moral attributes: (1)Holiness. a. Old and New Testament meaning,b. Other moral qualitiesgrounded in holiness. (2) Righteousness. a. Meaning as applied to men. b.Mandatory, punitive, redemptive, c. Grounded in Gods nature, (a)-(c). (3)

Love. a. Grounded in Gods nature, b. Desires good of object, c. Desires topossess object, d. Acts in behalf of object, (a)-(c). e. Is manifested invarious ways. f. Inclusive of mankind, (a), (b). (4) Truth. Practical,considerations, a. Gods personality manifest, b. Error gets meaning, c.Element of knowledge in faith, d. Element of doctrine inevitable. 3. Theattributes and the divine personality. God a unitary being. Errors to be


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avoided: (1) Merging all in one. (2) Making one superior. Discussion as torighteousness and love: a. Prominence in Scriptures. b. Question as toconscience, c. Question as to option and obligation, d. Attribute of being,or of action, e. Question as to a norm. f. Relative place in the atonement.(3) Thinking of attributes in conflict. (4) Arbitrary action of will.

Chapter 10. Creation.

1. DEFINITION.Science and religion. New creatures in Christ. Purpose impliedin development hypothesis. Logic and philosophy. Summary in five points.

2. OPPOSING VIEWS.1. Matter eternal. Reply. 2. Dualism. Reply. 3.Emanation. Reply. 4. Eternal creation. Reply.

3. THE CREATION OF MAN.Man the crown.1. Physical and spiritual being.Discussion as to body of man. 2. The connecting link of universe. 3. Manspiritual. 4. Created in Gods image. (1) As rational. (2) As moral. (3) Ashaving emotions. (4) As having will. (5) As free. (6) Originally sinless. (7)Dominion over animals. (8) Immortality. Proofs of immortality,a. Inferredfrom progressive creation, b. Universal belief, c. Psychology. d.Phenomenon of death, e. Inequalities of life. f. Capacity for growth.Biblical teachings, a. Old Testament. b. New Testament.c. Religious

experience.4. ORIGIN OF SOULS.Theories. 1. Preexistence. 2. Immediate creation. 3.

Traducianism.

Chapter 11. Providence.

1. DEFINITION.Gods preservation of the world. Immanence andtranscendence. Truths contained in definition: 1. Divine purpose. 2. Divine

sovereignty.3. Physical and moral law. 4. Human freedom.5. Unity of therace. 6. Care of individuals as well as the race. 7. Miracles. (1)-(7). 8.Prayer, (1)-(6). 9. Pain and suffering.

2. ANGELS. Unwarranted assumptions. Biblical teachings. 1. Angels assumed.2. Little said as to origin. 3. Teachings as to office. 4. Angel of theCovenant. 5. Satan and the fall of angels. 6. Satan chief of evil spirits. 7.Cause of the fall of angels.

Chapter 12. Sin.

Providence takes account of sin.

1. THE ORIGIN OF SIN.Dilemma against theism. Reply. Theories: 1. Materialbody of man. Reply. 2. Sin negative, due to finiteness or ignorance. Reply.


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3. Due to creation of free beings. Genesis account. (1) Little light on sinprior to man. (2) Man created morally free. (3) Moral dignity of man inpart explains sin. (4) Opportunity for God. (5) Opportunity for man.

2. CHRISTSNATURAL ANDSPIRITUAL RELATIONSHIPTOTHE HUMAN

RACE. Source, medium, and goal of creation. 1. Explains conscience andreligious instinct. 2. Danger of substituting the natural for the spiritualrelation. 3. Illustrated in case of infants. 4. Natural relation theprecondition of the spiritual.

3. THE BIBLICALTEACHING ASTO SIN.Sin as selfishness, as lack ofconformity to law, as moral disposition, as rupture of relations withpersonal God. 1. Old Testament teachings, (1)-(3). 2. New Testamentteaching. Want of fellowship. Sinful motive. Christs character. (1) With

Jesus all are sinners and lost. (2) Fourth Gospel. (3) Paul. Flesh. Dead insins. Law. Deliverance through Christ. Source of sin in Adam.

4. THE CONSEQUENCESOF SIN.1. Sin universal. Total depravity. Its truemeaning. Human ability and inability. Natural and moral ability. 2.Guilt and penalty. a. Guilt defined, b. Penalty defined, c. Question as tonature and object of penalty. Divergent theories, d. Chief penalty death.Physical death. Relation to penalty, e. Spiritual death. Eternal death.

5. SOLUTION OF SIN PROBLEMTHROUGH CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE. Stages inthe process.

6. OBJ ECTIONSTOTHE BIBLICAL DOCTRINE OF SIN. Moral systemarraigned. Reply. Salvation of infants, and heredity. Reply.

Chapter 13. The Saving Work Of Christ.

1. THETHREEFOLD OFFICE OF CHRIST.As prophet. As priest. As king. These

inseparable.

2. THE ATONEMENT.Why a central doctrine. Variety in forms ofrepresentation. Many theories of atonement. Why defective. Fact asopposed to theory of atonement. Reply.

3. REVIEW OFTHEORIES.1. Ransom to Satan theory. Reply. 2. Theory ofAnselm. 3. Grotius. 4. Socinian theory. 5. Moral influence theory. 6.Variations: McLeod Campbell, Maurice. 7. Eternal act of God.

4. GENERAL PRELIMINARY STATEMENTSASTOTHE BIBLICAL DOCTRINE.1.All phases of teaching necessary. 2. Avoid abstract method.3. Must studythe facts involved. 4. Conception of law in Pauls writing must beunderstood.


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5. BIBLICAL DOCTRINE OFTHE ATONEMENT.1. The motive of the atonement.2. The end, (1)-(3). 3. The atonement defined. As means to the end, itinvolved: (1) Christs identification with the race. (2) Life of obedience. (3)Subjection of Christ to the operation of the law of sin and death.

6. ATONEMENT ANDTHE DIVINE IMMANENCE.Means of becoming immanentin man. Descent of moral ideal through Christ. Gift of Holy Spirit.Mystical union.

7. VITAL ANDLEGAL ELEMENTS IN ATONEMENT. Legal elements explained.Atonement expression of law. Element of law. Series of questions andanswers. 1. How a satisfaction of law? Reply, (1)-(4). 2. In what sensepenal? 3. Did Christ endure divine wrath? 4. In what sense a propitiation?5. Was it substitutionary? Fact and principle of substitution: (1) Fact. Not

merely question of Greek prepositions. Christs work representative orsubstitutionary. Various New Testament passages. Old Testamentteachings. (2) The principle of substitution. In relation: a. to personality; b.to morality; c. to Christian experience; d. to Christs original relation to therace.

8. THE GODWARD ANDMANWARDREFERENCE OFTHE ATONEMENT.1. TheGodward. Not only law, government, honor involved, but also the divine

nature as righteous love. Necessity in God. Two objections. 2. Manwardreference, (1)-(3). Attributes of God in atonement. Extent of the atonement.Intercession of Christ.

Chapter 14. Election: Gods Initiative In Salvation.

1. SOVEREIGNTY.Predestination and election. Fundamental fact: In thebeginning God. Errors to be avoided: 1. As to sovereignty. 2. As to

limited atonement. 3. As to divine initiative.2. GODSPURPOSETOWARD MANKIND.Four statements: 1. Gods gracious

purpose racial 2. Favor to the world through Israel 3. Atonement of world-wide purpose. 4. New Testament history and teaching show universality ofgrace. Five conclusions.

3. THE SALVATION OF INDIVIDUALS.Series of questions: 1. Are men chosenbecause of foreseen faith? Reply. 2. Does God coerce the will or leave it

free? Reply, (1)-(3). 3. Can we reconcile sovereignty and freedom? Reply.4. Can we assign reasons for Gods method? Reply. 5. Was there a fairermethod ? Reply. 6. Is God seeking to save as few or as many as possible?Reply, (1)-(5). 7. Can we discover any guiding principle in election?Reply.


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4. OBJ ECTIONS.1. Makes God partial. Reply. 2. Involves insincerity in gospelinvitation. Reply. 3. God does not desire salvation of all. Reply. 4. Electioncuts the nerve of endeavor. 5. It involves profound mystery. Necessity ofproclaiming universal gospel. 6. Hardening the heart, (1)-(4).

Chapter 15. The Beginnings Of The Christian L ife.

1. THE WORKOFTHE HOLY SPIRIT IN SALVATION.1. In relation to God. 2.In relation to Christ, (1)-(3). 3. In relation to the human spirit. Things thatare clear: three points. 4. In relation to the means of grace. Why means ofgrace, (1)-(3).

2. THE BEGINNINGSOF SALVATION.1. Calling. Universal. Sincere. 2.Conviction. Work of Spirit. Meaning of convict. Refers to Christ, a-c. Acaution.

3. THE ORDER OF SALVATION.1. Repentance. Meaning of word. Mans wholenature acts, (1)-(3). How produced. Additional statements. 2. Faith. Centralplace in Scripture. Three elements. Relation of faith to the Christian life,(1)-(9). 3. Conversion. Meaning of word. 4. Regeneration. Definition.Scripture teaching. Details emphasized negatively, (1)-(7). Positivestatements, (1)-(3).

4. REGENERATION IN ITS LARGER RELATIONS.1. Regeneration and the ideaof God. 2. Regeneration andrevelation. 3. Regeneration and Christsperson. 4. Regeneration and the Holy Spirit. 5. Regeneration and otherdoctrines. 6. Regeneration and final causes. 7. Regeneration and problemsof philosophy, (1)-(3). 8. Regeneration and the problem of knowledge.

5. J USTIFICATION.1. Definition. Five points emphasized. 2. Why isjustification by faith? Reply. 3. The relation of justification to Christian

experience. Need for free response of man to God: (1) Evil tendencieswithout it. (2) Nothing else can take its place. 4. An objection to thedoctrine. Forensic salvation. Reply. Abstract method. Detailed answer, (1)-(4). Are we conscious of justification?

6. ADOPTION ANDSONSHIP. Two groups of passages. Theories as to sonship:1. All sons of God. Reply. 2. Only the redeemed in Christ. 3. God father ofall, but all not sons. Reply. 4. All sons, but not all spiritual sons. Reply. 5.

All constituted for sonship, but become real sons only in new birth.Arguments in support of the view. Sons by faith and adoption. Faith thecondition of sonship. Traits and blessings of the sons of God.

7. UNION WITH CHRIST. Phrase sums up preceding.1. Teachings of Scriptureas to union with Christ. Figurative expressions. Nature of the union: Vital.Moral. Spiritual. Personal. Inscrutable. Abiding. 2. Consequences of our
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union with Christ. (1) Identity with him in relation to God. (2) In hisrelations to the race. (3) To sin and death. (4) His identity with us in ourearthly experiences.

Chapter 16. The Continuance Of The Christian Life.

1. SANCTIFICATION.1. General survey. Meaning of word. (1) Old and NewTestament teachings. (2) Vitally related to other spiritual facts: faith,justification, regeneration, work of Spirit. (3) Attainment of moralcharacter through struggle. Three sources of opposition. (4) A gradualprocess. Growth never ceases. (5) The agent and means. Holy Spirit. Truththe chief means of sanctification. 2. Moral ideal in sanctification.Individual and social ideal. (1) Individual ideal in outline. (2) Social ideal

in outline. The family. Slavery. The state. Economic problems. War. 3.Wrong views as to sanctification: (1) The antinomian. Reply. (2)Perfectionist view. Reply, a-e. Conclusion: five points.

2. PERSEVERANCE.Question involved. 1. Two tendencies in theology. 2. NewTestament avoids both dangers. Must unify New Testament teachings.Groups of passages. Threefold conclusion. 3. Gods method moral andpersonal. Exposition explains many difficulties.

Chapter 17. Last Things.

1. CYCLE OF IDEAS INTHEOLOGY COMPLETED.Backward glance overground covered. Gods working purposive. It moves toward a goal.

2. PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS.1. Can we dispense with a doctrine of thefuture? Various denials as to immortality, and the replies, (1)-(4). 2. Whatwere the sources of the eschatology of Jesus? Originality of Jesus and

contact with other sources. (1) Old Testament teachings. Not a completepicture of the future. Summary. (2) Jewish eschatology. 3. Can we dispensewith the outward form of the eschatological teaching? Cannot eliminate theapocalyptic element. (1) Cautions. (2) Eschatological events in historicalrealization. (3) Resurrection of Christ an apocalyptic stage. (4) SecondComing. (5) Christianity with historical beginning and consummation. (6)Judgment. (7) Summary: Fundamental question is one of a self-consistentChristianity. 4. What is the relation between the present and the future of

the kingdom? Both elements are present. Difficulty in the language ofJesus. Direct and simple method of interpreting these passages. Points ofthe interpretation, (1)-(4). Gospel of John supplements synoptic Gospels.Principles rather than events. Combine both groups of teachings.Conclusion: four points.


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3. DEATH OFTHE BODY.Separation of soul and body. Christian hope includesvictory over death.

4. THE INTERMEDIATE STATE.Scripture teaching meager, but clear. Hadesand Sheol. 1. The righteous dead, (1)-(6). 2. The unrighteous dead. A few

clear passages.5. THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST.Series of statements. 1. New Testament

teaches an outward, visible return. 2. The time is unrevealed. 3. There arevarious subordinate comings. 4. Right attitude one of constant expectancy.Question: Was Paul mistaken? 5. How the expectation helped Christians.

6. THE QUESTION ASTOTHE M ILLENNIUM.Passage inRev. 20: 1-6. Issuebetween premillennialists and postmillennialists. Premillennial view inoutline. Postmillennial view in outline. Objections urged by the opposingtheorists. Postmillennial objections to the opposing theory. Premillennialobjections to the opposing theory. Conclusion: five points.

7. THE RESURRECTION.Teaching in the Gospels, Acts, and Epistles. Twoquestions: Is New Testament teaching simply a doctrine of immortality?Reply. How is the body raised? Reply. Summary as to resurrection: sixpoints.

8. THEJ UDGMENT.Topics discussed. 1. The fact. 2. The Judge. 3. Thesubjects. 4. The purpose. 5. The necessity. Finality in various ways: (1) Forthe conscience. (2) For history. (3) For theism.

9. THE FINAL STATES.HEAVEN.OUTWARD ASPECT.Various teachings.Inward aspect: 1. Heaven as relief. 2. Heaven as reward. 3. Heaven asrealization. 4. Heaven as appreciation. 5. Heaven as endless growth. Hell.Four statements as to hell: 1. Absence of heavenly elements.2. Symbolicand figurative teachings of Scripture. 3. There are degrees in punishment of

wicked. 4. Doom of wicked is endless.10. THEORIESWHICH DENY ETERNAL PUNISHMENT. Two theories,

annihilationism and restorationism. Annihilationism. Soul not naturallyimmortal. Several forms of the theory. Biblical words relied upon. Variouspassages. Reply, 1-7.Restorationism. Several forms in which it is held. 1.Arguments based on Scripture passages, and replies to them. Generalstatements in conclusion. 2. Arguments based on inferences from God and

man and the moral kingdom. Reply. Detailed reply. Generalconsiderations, (1)-(3).
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