Understanding Theology Proper: The Study of God

Bible study discussion in small group of people. Youth and teenager meeting.
Theology Proper, the study of God’s existence, nature, and attributes, is foundational to understanding who God is and how He reveals Himself. By focusing on Scripture as our ultimate source of truth, we balance confidence in His revelation with humility about His mysteries. This study leads to deeper worship and a transformed life grounded in God’s Word.

Theology Proper represents a foundational category of systematic theology that focuses on understanding God’s existence, nature, and attributes. Sometimes called “Trinitarianism,” this study helps us grasp who God is and how He reveals Himself.

Key Aspects of Theology Proper

God's Self-Revelation

  • Through General Revelation (Romans 1:20)
  • Through Special Revelation (Scripture)
  • We must recognize Scripture as our final arbiter of truth in understanding God

Avoiding Human Limitations

  • We must be careful not to "put God in a box" with our limited understanding
  • Balance certainty with appropriate humility
  • Remember we are "real people created by a real God" with real questions

Proper Methodology

  • Move from known to unknown in our study
  • Use systematic, biblical, historical, philosophical, and apologetic approaches
  • Maintain clear categories while recognizing mystery

Practical Application

When studying God's nature:

  • Start with Scripture as our primary and only infallible source
  • Acknowledge our limitations in understanding an infinite God
  • Apply theological truth to transform our thinking and lives

Our study of God should lead not just to greater knowledge, but to deeper worship and transformed lives. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom".

Proverbs 9:10

Moving Forward

As we delve into Theology Proper, we must maintain both confidence in what God has revealed and humility about what remains mysterious. This balance helps us avoid both arrogance and uncertainty in our theological understanding.

The ultimate goal isn’t merely academic knowledge but a deeper relationship with the God who has revealed Himself to us through His Word and His Son, Jesus Christ.

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