Theology of the Church, Mentor's Guide, MG03

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T H E O L O G Y O F T H E C H U R C H

Deut. 29.29 - The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. As you engage these difficult concepts with the students, simply be aware that not everything God knows and thinks has been revealed in Scripture, but what he has made known provides us with an absolutely sufficient and comprehensive understanding of his will, able to help us to joyfully obey his will. We ought not to assert certainty where God has not provided it to us. Rather, we ought to sanctify our minds, explore the Word, and submit to the reality and wonder of God’s mystery on issues where complete clarity is either wanting or not able to be understood fully. We do see in a glass darkly now, as Paul tells the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 13. Humility would suggest that we not boldly assert what the limits of revelation has not taught. Psalm 131 is the central text for the humble theologian and Bible student. Ps. 131.1-3 - A Song of Ascents of David . O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. [2] But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. [3] O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. God’s election of Jesus as the Messiah is a specific kind of election mentioned in Scripture, and in my mind, the most significant kind. For instance, the Scriptures make mention of a certain class of angels being elected by God, and one text actually refers to “the elect angels” (1 Tim. 5.21; cf. 1 Cor. 6.3; 2 Pet. 2.4; Jude 6). Also, God’s choice of David to be the one through whom the Messiah would come and reign is highly significant in terms of God’s elective purpose (1 Sam. 16.7-12; cf. 2 Sam. 7.8-16). Of course, mention is made in the New Testament of Jesus’ choice of the disciples and Apostles (Luke 6.13; John 6.70; 15.16; Acts 9.15; 15.7). All of these are mentioned, along with others, but none are as significant as God’s election of Messiah, and our redemption and salvation “in him.” The book of Isaiah is filled with references to God’s Servant, and often refers to this servant of the Lord as “My 4 Page 81 Summary of Segment 1