The Methodology and Importance of Biblical Theology (The Study of God #4)

Today's passage of Scripture is Jeremiah 9:23-24 which reads: "Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord."

Today's words from a theologian are from Hans Urs von Balthasar. He said: "Prior to an individual's encounter with the love of God at a particular time in history, there has to be another, more fundamental encounter, which belongs to the conditions of the possibility of the appearance of divine love to man."

Our topic for today is titled "The Methodology and Importance of Biblical Theology" from "The Moody Handbook of Theology" by Dr. Paul Enns.

Biblical theology of the Old Testament is best understood when examining the Old Testament for a "center" or unifying principle. Many different proposals have been suggested concerning a unifying theme of the Old Testament. Walter Kaiser has suggested "promise" as the unifying theme; Elmer Martens suggests "God's design" as the focal point; whereas Eugene Merrill suggests "kingdom" as the underlying theme of the Old Testament. Whatever theme is emphasized, biblical theology of the Old Testament should be able to see the unfolding of that theme in the different periods of the Old Testament (progressive revelation).

...