Why Teach Biblical Theology - Graeme Goldsworthy

Here is a great conclusion to Graeme Goldsworthy's argument for teaching biblical theology (specifically in seminary and Bible college for future preachers and teachers in the church). I hope to lead a future Bible study that will emphasis biblical theology because I believe it helps readers of the Bible make more sense of the overarching theological narrative of salvation-history throughout all 66 books. The more people learn about biblical theology, the more application will flow out of their reading of the Word of God. And the more application that flows out of their reading will transform them into the image of Christ. Goldsworthy is spot on in his analysis and encouragement  The more people study the Scriptures theologically, the more people will see the glory of Christ.

This post is from his lectures at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary:

"The first is that I  think it is important for people to understand how a particular emphasis  arose and why there is a bit of a crusade going on to promote biblical theology. The second is related, in that I am still on a mission. That mission  is to try to remove some of the ambiguity and uncertainty about the pursuit of biblical theology as a distinct discipline in its own right. I wish that every seminary and Bible college would take up the challenge to provide an introductory course in ‘big picture’ biblical theology and then strive to keep the vision alive in the way biblical studies are conducted.   

I believe that it is doubly important that evangelical colleges teach biblical theology, deliberately, intentionally, and not just hope that the biblical studies teachers between them will get the message across. One reason why it is not done is specialization. Another is that academic deans and registrars are understandably shy of one more course on top of the large number already clamouring for attention as necessary in ministerial training.  

A third is perhaps the main reason for the neglect of biblical theology. Even among evangelicals there is no real consensus about what biblical theology is and how it should be done. Because of these difficulties, I recognise that the approach to biblical theology in individual seminaries and bible colleges may differ from what I have suggested. I certainly do not want to imply criticism of situations of which I have no knowledge or do not understand. These are my personal convictions born of my experience as a Christian minister living in one of the most secular of western societies.   

I will close on this note: I believe that, if we begin with Christ clothed in his gospel and work out from there, not only is biblical theology possible, but it is an absolute necessity if we are to be consistent with the gospel. At a time when everything seems to conspire to convey a sense of the diversity ofScripture, we need to recover its unity. Biblical theology provides the Trinitarian and Christological perspective of unity and diversity. I can think of no better way to make the great Reformation dicta become realities as we proclaim salvation that is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, grounded on the Scriptures alone,  and all this to the glory of God alone."