What is biblical theology?
What Is Biblical Theology? A Explanation in the Context of Baptist Theology
Biblical theology is the study of the doctrines of the Bible as they are revealed progressively throughout redemptive history. Unlike systematic theology, which organizes biblical teaching by thematic categories (e.g., angelology, soteriology, or ecclesiology), biblical theology focuses on the unfolding narrative of Scripture, emphasizing the historical and literary contexts of God’s revelation. This discipline seeks to trace and understand God’s self-disclosure across different periods, authors, and covenants in Scripture, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Core Focus of Biblical Theology
Biblical theology emphasizes the progressive nature of God’s revelation, highlighting how He has chosen to unveil His purposes and truths gradually over time. Hebrews 1:1–2 captures this progressive unfolding well: “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds” (NKJV).
Whereas systematic theology categorizes doctrines thematically, biblical theology answers questions like:
How does God’s revelation of Himself and His purposes unfold through different periods of history (e.g., the patriarchal era, the Mosaic covenant, the exile, etc.)?
How do key biblical themes, motifs, or doctrines develop across the canon (e.g., the theme of the “kingdom of God” or the concept of “atonement”)?
How does the Old Testament prepare for and point toward the New Testament fulfillment in Christ?
Approaches to Biblical Theology
Biblical theology can take several approaches depending on its focus. Among the most common are:
Canonical Approach: This traces themes and doctrines across the entire biblical canon, from Genesis to Revelation. For example, a biblical theologian might explore how the promise of the seed in Genesis 3:15 unfolds through the covenants with Abraham, Israel, and David, culminating in Christ (Galatians 3:16).
Authorial Approach: This examines the theological contributions of individual biblical authors or sections of Scripture. For instance, one might explore the theology of John’s writings, focusing on themes like light, life, and belief (John 1:1–18; 1 John 1:1–10).
Thematic Approach: This focuses on particular motifs or concepts, tracing them through Scripture. For example, a study on the “kingdom of God” would examine its initial promise in Genesis, its unfolding in the Old Testament, its announcement in the Gospels (Mark 1:15), and its ultimate fulfillment in Revelation (Revelation 21:1–3).
Historical Development of Biblical Theology
Biblical theology as a formal discipline gained prominence with Johann Philipp Gabler, an 18th-century German biblical scholar. Gabler argued for a distinction between dogmatic theology (systematic theology) and biblical theology. According to Gabler, biblical theology should focus on understanding Scripture in its historical context, free from denominational or cultural biases. While Gabler's emphasis on historical context remains valuable, it must be acknowledged that complete objectivity is impossible, as every interpreter brings presuppositions to the task.
Sound biblical theology depends on faithful hermeneutics. The methods of interpretation applied to Scripture must align with its inspired and inerrant nature. Second Peter 1:20–21 reminds us of the divine origin of Scripture: “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (NKJV).
Differences Between Biblical and Systematic Theology
While both biblical and systematic theology aim to understand God’s truth, they approach this goal differently:
Biblical Theology: Explores the unfolding of God’s revelation across history. For example, a biblical theologian studying angels would begin with their first mention in Genesis, trace their appearances through Israel’s history, and examine their role in the New Testament, culminating in their eschatological function in Revelation (Revelation 22:8–9).
Systematic Theology: Categorizes all biblical teaching on a given topic into a cohesive framework. A systematic theologian studying angels would synthesize every biblical passage about angels to present a comprehensive doctrine of angelology.
Both approaches complement each other, with biblical theology providing the historical and narrative context for systematic theology’s organized conclusions.
Importance of Biblical Theology in Baptist Theology
Baptist theology holds a high view of Scripture, emphasizing the authority, sufficiency, and unity of the Bible. Biblical theology plays a crucial role in affirming these convictions by:
Emphasizing Christ-Centered Revelation: Baptists affirm that the entire Bible points to Jesus Christ. Biblical theology highlights how Old Testament promises and types find their fulfillment in Christ (Luke 24:27; John 5:39).
Strengthening Expository Preaching: Biblical theology equips pastors and teachers to preach the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) by situating individual texts within the overarching redemptive story.
Encouraging Doctrinal Fidelity: By tracing doctrines through Scripture, biblical theology guards against misinterpretation and ensures that beliefs are rooted in the biblical text.
Highlighting the Unity of Scripture: Biblical theology reveals the coherence of God’s Word, showing how the covenants, promises, and themes of Scripture form a unified testimony to God’s redemptive plan.
Conclusion
Biblical theology is an essential discipline for understanding the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan throughout history. It reveals the unity and coherence of Scripture, pointing us to Christ as the fulfillment of all God’s promises. For Baptist believers, biblical theology provides a foundation for sound doctrine, faithful preaching, and deeper worship of the triune God.
The apostle Paul captures the purpose of biblical theology in Romans 11:33–36: “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him, and it shall be repaid to him? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen” (NKJV).
