INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY STUDY GUIDE

REL262 / Final Exam / Prof. Michael Andres

The final exam will have two sections with questions for short answers: (1) three short answers for last section of class, since exam #2; and (2) two short answers for entire course (see below).

SANCTIFICATION

What is sanctification?  Explain the following:  goals of sanctification; the means of sanctification (e.g. self-denial, spiritual disciplines, mortification, sacraments, etc.).  Explain how the antinomian, Anabaptist, Reformed and theonomist views the role of the law in Christian sanctification. Explain how libertinism, decision-based, lordship, and perfectionist views see the possibility of sin in the Christian life.  Contrast a Protestant view of sanctification to a Roman Catholic view of sanctification.  Specify and explain four different Protestant views of sanctification (Keswick, Pentecostal/Charismatic, Wesleyan, Augustinian).  Be prepared to give each position's view of a second experience after salvation and chief signs of sanctification, and the issues of baptism of the Spirit, carnal Christian, and entire sanctification. What are some criticisms of the two-tier approach generally?

THE CHURCH – ECCLESIOLOGY

What notions of sacred places and fellowship do we find in popular culture?  Define church.  What is the relationship between OT Israel and the NT church?  Support  your answer.  What are some NT images of the church?  Explain the distinction between the visible and invisible church.  What are the marks of the true church, according to (1) Roman Catholics, (2) Reformed, and (3) Modern Evangelicals?  How does each view interpret the Nicene Creed when it says that the church is “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic”?  Explain the process of church discipline.  Specify and explain five different views of church government. 

What are the rites of initiation for most American communities?  What is a sacrament?  Define baptism.  Explain carefully the four different views regarding the meaning and purpose of baptism.  Be prepared to produce a detailed argument for both believer's baptist and an infant baptist position.  Explain the relevance of the following points made in the baptism video:  the people of the covenant (believers and unbelievers, adults and children), covenantal significance of baptism (OT temple washings, John the Baptist, apostles, circumcision and baptism), and the significance of baptism (flexible symbols, meaning for adults and children).  Explain carefully the four different views of the Lord's Supper (including ex opere operato, the necessity of faith, the nature of Christ’s presence in elements, means of grace, etc.).  What are some significant interpretations of Christ’s words:  “this is my body given for you?”  Connect the Lord’s Supper to:  doctrine of creation, the covenant, the practice of eating meals, and Christ. Of what personal/spiritual significance should the Lord’s Supper have for Christians?

THE END TIMES – ESCHATOLOGY

What are some visions of the end in our popular culture?  Explain the difference between a utopian and dystopian vision.  Define and explain covenant theology and dispensationalism.  What is a liberal view of the end times?  Define the following terms:  eschatology, second coming (parousia), tribulation, rapture, and millennium.  Summarize the teaching of Matthew 24, 1 Thessalonians 4, and Revelation 20.  Specify and explain the four views on the millennium.  Be prepared to explain each positions view of the second coming of Christ, general resurrection, judgment, tribulation, the nature of the millennium, and the relation of OT Israel to the church.  What specifically are the events which will occur when Christ returns at the end of time? 

What are some views of life after death and heaven in popular culture?  What do Christians believe about a final judgment?  Explain the difference between universalism and separationism.  Which view is most biblical?  What is a liberal view of life after death?  What are some biblical metaphors for hell?  Explain the difference between annihilationism and eternalism.  Give arguments for and against each view.  What are some benefits and objections to the notion of hell?  What is the Christian vision for the new heavens and new earth?  According to Scripture, what specifically will the final state be like?

FINAL SECTION - CUMULATIVE

For last section, be prepared to give a short answer for any of the following questions deriving cumulatively from entire course (instructor will choose two of the following questions):  Give a brief definition of key historic views on the major claims of the Apostles' Creed: 

• Articulate the historic formulation of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• What are different views of the expression "God, the Father almighty"?
• What are different Christian models of God as "creator of heaven and earth"?
• Describe the views involved in the controversy surrounding the phrase, "Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit"?  You may also include discussion of the phrase in the Nicene Creed:  "begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made."
• Of what significance to our relation to Christ is the phrase, "born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate"?  You may also include discussion of the phrase in the Nicene Creed:  "he was made man."
• What are different interpretations of what it means that "Christ was crucified, died, and was buried"?
• What is the significance of the belief that "on the third day Christ rose again"?
• Of what significance to the Christian life is the claim that Christ ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father?
• What are different views about how Christ will come again to judge the living and the dead?
• What do Christians believe about the person and work of the Holy Spirit?
• What are different ways to understand the identity and nature of the holy catholic church (and the communion of saints)?  You may also include discussion of the phrase in the Nicene Creed:  the church is "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic."
• What are different views about key aspects in the "forgiveness of sins"?  In other words, what is sin, and how does God forgive it?
• Describe different views on the nature of the life everlasting (both heaven and hell).