Theological Centre

Theology is to do with framework. If we are building a house we have materials and we have a framework around which we erect the materials. Theology is the same. People may have similar materials (similar doctrines), but arrange them differently and end up with completely different theologies, meanings and practices.

In theology our starting point is vital. What is at the centre of our framework? What do we build our doctrines around? What gives meaning and definition to our doctrines? What is our central focus that gives meaning to all the doctrines that we interpret?

People can have similar doctrines. We can believe in the divinity of Christ, His virgin birth, atoning death and resurrection. But the significance of these doctrines can be very different. Likewise, our theology will be very different. Doctrine is not the only important thing, but our central focus or how we organise that doctrine, is of vital importance.

The Bible puts God at the centre, not man. There are three main central points one can have in theology. These are:

1. God.
2. Man.
3. The devil.

With a God centre we will see God as the Saviour and Keeper of His people. With a man centre we will see ourselves as the chooser and keeper of our faith. With a devil centre we will see not our own sin, but the plans of others responsible for our fall. We will see original sin as an attack of Satan and salvation in terms of spiritual warfare.

We cannot say that all of these centres are true and that we appreciate one or the other according to where we were brought up. Each centre brings an entirely different meaning to scripture. We cannot have three different views and say they are all true. Only one is true according to scripture. We need to adopt the same central focus that the scripture adopts.

There are several organising factors in good theology. The first is the sovereignty of God. Grace is also a main centre. Paul in his epistles states that grace is the organising principle around which a sovereign God fulfils His plan of salvation, “…it is of faith, so that it might by grace…” (Rom 4:16). All of this is fulfilled through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The total depravity of man is a main organising principle of theology. It is only in correctly understanding the nature of man in the Fall that the true nature of salvation can be seen. The distinction between the Old and New Covenants is essential in focusing correctly on both the Old and New Testament scriptures and relating them to our lives today.

To be Christian means we put Christ at the centre of theology. He is the fulfilment of the law and the prophets. In Him is the fullness of the Godhead (Col 2:9). We are complete only in Him (Col 2:10). All theology focuses around these biblical statements in Colossians. That is what “Christ-ian” means. We are disciples of Christ. He is first in all things.