10. Biblical Theology and Progressive Revelation

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Introduction to Theology Series

• This begins a 5-part theology section (5th floor of the tower).

• Theology = discourse about God (θεος + λογος); broadly any Christian belief/doctrine.

Preliminaries before doing theology

• Pray for help/illumination from the Spirit.

• Be willing to change beliefs if Bible evidence is strong.

• Truth has nothing to fear; hold beliefs loosely.

• Never force Bible to fit your theology (example: never alter 1 John 5:7).

• Better to live with uncertainty than adopt a flawed position.

Defining Biblical Theology

• Bible is not flat/one-time revelation (unlike Koran or single-lifetime texts).

• Written over ~2,000 years; God progressively revealed Himself and His story.

• Biblical theology studies both what Bible teaches and how teaching develops over time.

• Key quote (Michael Lawrence): Bible reveals progressively; biblical theology traces developments in redemptive history.

• Highlights diversity among authors (different focuses, emphases, vocabularies).

• Two main ways to do it:

  • Study theology of one book/author.

  • Trace major themes across whole Bible (e.g., kingdom, covenant, sin, redemption).

Progressive Revelation Explained

• God reveals more and more over time (e.g., OT shadows → NT fulfillment in Christ).

• Not contradiction, but development and maturity.

• Must read earlier texts in light of later revelation (final form matters).

Major Example: Kingdom of God

• Begins in Eden (perfect rule).

• Lost through sin.

• Abrahamic promise: land, descendants, blessing.

• Mosaic covenant: Israel as kingdom of priests.

• Davidic covenant: eternal king.

• Prophets: future restoration.

• Jesus announces kingdom arrived (Mark 1:15); demonstrates it with miracles.

• Cross/resurrection: victory over sin/death.

• Church: partial presence now.

• Future: full consummation in renewed world

Major Example: Abrahamic Covenant

• Promises: land, many descendants, blessing to nations (Gen 12, 15, 17).

• Initial fulfillment: Joshua conquers Canaan.

• Exile disrupts; return partial.

• NT: Jesus as Abraham’s seed; Gentiles blessed/grafted in (Gal 3, Rom 4).

• Land promise expands to whole world (Rom 4:13).

• Future: immense multitude inherits earth forever.

Purpose of Biblical Theology

• Understand Bible on its own terms before systematizing.

• Topical/thematic grouping stays close to biblical language and history.

• Quote (Köstenberger & Goswell): Synthesize within original settings; systematic theology goes broader/conceptual.

Conclusion: Biblical theology respects development and diversity within unity.

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