Diving Deep into Scripture: The Theology of the Text

 

In the last post on our series in diving deep into Scripture, I explained the importance of understanding the literature or genre of the text. So far, we've done some pretty technical work in understanding the language of the text. We've understood the setting (history and context) of the text, and the actions (genre) of the text. Now, we can start asking, "What does the text mean?" We start to get to the meaning of the text by thinking about the theology of the text. What is the passage teaching us? To understand that, it is helpful to evaluate four subjects of theology. Classically, these subjects are called Theology Proper (the study of God), Anthropology (the study of Man), Christology (the Study of Christ), and Ecclesiology (the study of the Church).

Subject #1: God

First, we need to think about what this passage teaches us about God. There are a number of questions that can help us think through this:

1. What is God actively doing in this passage, and what does that tell me about his character?
2. What is God directly saying (if he is directly speaking), and what does that tell me about his character and will?
3. If God is not directly active in doing or speaking, how do I find his "unseen hand" in this passage?
4. Does the text make any direct statements about God's character or will?

Going back to our example from Genesis 1:26-31, we can answer each of these questions. First, God is directly acting by creating man and woman in his image. This tells us a number of things about his character. For one, he's personal. God is not an impersonal force. Second, he's purposeful. He has intentions for his creation. Third, he gives effective commands. God speaks and his creation obeys.

We find God speaking in this passage to command man and woman to be fruitful, multiply, and have dominion. This says something about God's intention to mediate his rule through humanity.

Subject #2: Man

Next, we should think about what this passage teaches us about mankind. Again, there are some questions we can ask of the text:

1. What good things do we find about mankind in this text? You might consider what we find individual men or women doing, or what is said about them.
2. What evil things do we find about mankind in this text?
3. Are there examples to follow in the text? If so, what is admirable about the characters of the text?

Considering Gen. 1:26-31, we find that God created mankind in his own image. God also declares mankind to be good. So, we can gain from this the fact that mankind's original state was one of goodness. We were not created flawed.

Subject #3: Christ

Now we come to what I would call the linchpin subject of theology. Christ is the Word of God. He reveals who God is, and all of Scripture ultimately points to him. In any passage, we should be able to find how Christ fulfills, perfects, or corrects the events of the text. Sometimes, this is easy to see. Sometimes, it's directly stated in the passage. Other times, it may be hard work. But, it's something you should always think deeply about. Here are some questions to ask of the text:

1. Does this passage say something directly about Christ? If so, what does it say about his character or work?
2. Is there a person in the story who exemplifies Christ-like behavior? In many of the Old Testament stories, there is someone who serves as a "type" that points forward to who Jesus Christ would be. For example, Joseph is a suffering servant who faces betrayal by his kinsmen and exile, only to rise to rule over the whole nation, and through that rule, to deliver his people from famine and death.
3. Is there a person who acts as an anti-Christ? Again, in many stories, there is a person who typifies the character of Satan. For example, Saul is set against the promised king, David, and pursues him all the way to a cave.
4. Is there a prophecy given that is fulfilled by Christ?
5. Is there a command given that is fulfilled or extended by Christ?

With many of these questions, the cross reference section of your study Bible can be a great help. If you are studying a passage from the Old Testament, and you find cross references to the New Testament, read them and you may find that they help you understand how Christ is connected to your text.

In Genesis 1:26-31, we find that mankind was made in the image of God. We've already seen how this theme of "image" shows up throughout Scripture. Most importantly, we are told in Col. 1:15 that Jesus is the "image of the invisible God." Jesus is the perfect image-bearer. He did what Adam failed to do in representing God to the world.

Subject #4: Church

Finally, we want to consider what this text says about the church. By this I don't just mean the local congregation (although that may be the case). What I mean is to ask, "What does this text say about the people of God?" Again, here are some questions that help us get at this:

1. Are there promises that are given (either explicitly or implicitly) in the text that have bearing on God's people?
2. If we have good examples in the text, what does that say about how we should live as the people of God?
3. Are there sins revealed in the text that we should repent of?
4. How might this passage point to our redemption in Christ?
5. How might this text give us hope for the coming kingdom of God?

In Genesis 1:26-31 we find what theologians call the "Cultural Mandate" ("be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, subdue it, and have dominion"). That cultural mandate has been redeemed and renewed with the church (Matt. 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, 1 Tim 2:4-7). It's also found in the individual callings of believers (Eph. 5:21-6:2). Also, in Christ, the image of God has been restored in us through the presence of His Spirit. So, we are able to represent Christ to the world.

One Last Thing

In the second post in this series, I said that I don't find commentaries helpful for most of my study. However, when it comes to this phase of my study, I do find commentaries (as well as public sermons from other preachers) helpful. Commentaries can help in making these connections, especially the latter two of Christ and the Church. I would recommend that you use commentaries that focus on theology over the technical aspects of the text.