Evangelical theology refers to the study and interpretation of the Bible according to the principles of evangelicalism. Evangelicalism is a Protestant Christian movement that emphasizes the authority of the Bible, the need for personal conversion through faith in Jesus Christ, and sharing the gospel message.
Some key aspects of evangelical theology include:
Biblicism
Evangelicals view the Bible as the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God. They believe the Bible is trustworthy and sufficient for Christian faith and practice. Evangelical theology is centered on studying, interpreting, and applying the Bible to all areas of life. This sets it apart from theological systems that rely more on church tradition or human reason.
Crucicentrism
Evangelicals place great emphasis on Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross and subsequent resurrection. These events are understood as the central events in human history through which God accomplished salvation for humanity. Evangelical theology focuses on the cross as the means by which sinful humans can be reconciled to a holy God.
Conversionism
Evangelicals believe that each person must make a conscious decision to trust in Christ as Savior and Lord. This conversion experience marks the beginning of spiritual life and a relationship with God. Evangelism, missionary work, and appealing for personal commitments to follow Christ are important to evangelical theology.
Activism
Evangelicals actively live out their faith, both individually and collectively. There is an emphasis on sharing the gospel, godly living, biblical values influencing society, and social reform efforts. Evangelical theology inspires action and change, not just abstract beliefs.
Biblical Interpretation
Evangelicals utilize a historical-grammatical approach to interpreting Scripture in its original context. This seeks to uncover the original intended meaning rather than allegorizing texts. Evangelical theology utilizes word studies, archaeological findings, historical background, literary genres, and various interpretive methods while emphasizing the clarity of the Bible on theological truths.
Major Doctrines
Evangelical theology upholds historic Christian doctrines such as:
– The Trinity – God exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
– Original sin – Humans are born with a sinful nature since the Fall.
– Substitutionary atonement – Christ died in place of sinners to pay the penalty for their sins.
– Justification by faith – Sinners are declared righteous by God when they trust in Christ alone for salvation.
– Bible as the Word of God – The Bible is fully inspired and authoritative.
– Bodily resurrection of Christ – Jesus physically rose from the dead.
– Second coming of Christ – Jesus will someday return visibly to earth.
However, evangelicals allow for diversity on some secondary issues such as baptism methods, eschatology, spiritual gifts, and church governance.
Key Figures and Influences
Evangelical theology has been shaped by various theologians over the centuries. Some important influences include:
– Martin Luther – emphasized justification by faith alone.
– John Calvin – developed Reformed theology.
– Puritans – focused on holy living and piety.
– Jonathan Edwards – preached during the First Great Awakening revivals.
– John Wesley – founded Methodism.
– George Whitefield – leading evangelist in the First Great Awakening.
– Charles Finney – major revivalist of the Second Great Awakening.
– Billy Graham – renowned modern evangelical revival preacher.
– Carl F.H. Henry, J.I. Packer, John Stott – influential 20th century evangelical thinkers.
– R.C. Sproul, Wayne Grudem – contemporary evangelical theologians.
Evangelical Institutions
To promote evangelical theology, evangelicals have formed educational institutions, associations, publications, and churches such as:
– Wheaton College
– Dallas Theological Seminary
– Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
– Christianity Today magazine
– Zondervan publishing
– Southern Baptist Convention
– Evangelical Free Church of America
– The Gospel Coalition
Relation to Other Theologies
Evangelical theology is distinguished from other theological traditions in the following ways:
– It adheres more closely to the text of Scripture than liberal or neo-orthodox theology.
– It emphasizes the new birth and conversion more than mainline Protestant theology.
– It is less ritualistic and more focused on preaching than Catholic or Orthodox theology.
– It is more activistic than fundamentalist separatist theology.
Yet evangelical theology also shares common ground on important doctrines with other conservative Protestant traditions. There is overlap with Reformed, Baptist, Pentecostal, and Methodist theology while also recognizing important distinctions.
The Bible on Evangelism
The Bible places great emphasis on spreading the gospel message to all peoples. Evangelical theology prioritizes evangelism based on Scriptures such as:
– Matthew 28:19-20 – The Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.
– Acts 1:8 – Calling to be witnesses to the ends of the earth.
– Romans 10:14-15 – Necessity of preaching so people can hear the gospel.
– 2 Corinthians 5:20 – Role as Christ’s ambassadors to implore people to be reconciled to God.
– 1 Peter 3:15 – Always being prepared to make a defense for the hope within.
Evangelicals take these imperatives seriously and actively proclaim the gospel in their communities and around the world.
The Bible on Conversion
Evangelical theology emphasizes conversion – turning from sin and trusting in Christ – based on verses such as:
– John 1:12 – Those who receive Christ become children of God.
– John 3:3 – Being born again through the Spirit.
– Acts 3:19 – Repenting and turning to God.
– Acts 16:31 – Believing in the Lord Jesus Christ.
– Romans 10:9-10 – Confessing Jesus as Lord and believing God raised Him from the dead.
– 2 Corinthians 5:17 – In Christ we are a new creation.
– Ephesians 2:8-9 – Saved by grace through faith, not works.
Evangelism aims to see more individuals converted as they respond in faith to the gospel.
The Bible on Biblical Authority
Evangelicals uphold biblical authority based on verses including:
– 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Scripture is God-breathed, equipping believers.
– Hebrews 4:12 – The Word of God is living and active.
– Psalm 119 – Praise for the commandments, laws, precepts, and decrees which provide guidance.
– Matthew 4:4 – We are to live by every word from God’s mouth.
– 1 Thessalonians 2:13 – The Word of God works in believers.
– Isaiah 40:8 – The Word of the Lord endures forever.
To evangelicals, all spiritual truths must be firmly grounded in and governed by Scripture.
The Bible on Major Doctrines
Key evangelical beliefs like the Trinity, Christ’s atonement, resurrection, second coming, and justification by faith alone are drawn directly from biblical texts. Some examples include:
– Trinity – Matthew 28:19, John 14:16-17
– Original sin – Psalm 51:5, Romans 5:12
– Substitutionary atonement – Romans 3:25, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 2:24
– Bodily resurrection – Luke 24:39, John 20, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
– Second coming – Matthew 24:30, Acts 1:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:16
– Justification by faith – Romans 3:28, Galatians 2:16, Ephesians 2:8-9
Sound evangelical doctrine is built upon and informed by the clear testimony of Scripture.
Critiques and Responses
Some common critiques of evangelical theology and typical evangelical responses include:
Critique: Evangelicals overemphasize eternal salvation at the expense of social justice.
Response: Salvation and conversion do not negate our responsibility to seek justice – the Bible compels caring for the poor and oppressed.
Critique: Evangelicalism overly simplifies biblical interpretation.
Response: Evangelicals use responsible textual study while upholding the Bible’s essential clarity and authority on theological matters.
Critique: Evangelicals depend too much on propositional truth while neglecting spiritual formation.
Response: Biblical knowledge must lead to transformation by the renewing work of the Holy Spirit.
Critique: Evangelical theology reflects white Western culture more than the diversity of global Christianity.
Response: Evangelicals must become more conscious of cultural blind spots – yet biblical truth transcends any single cultural expression.
Critique: Evangelical theology is reactionary and anti-intellectual.
Response: While guarding against liberal revisionism, evangelicals have produced rigorous biblical scholarship and built respected academic institutions.
By interacting with thoughtful critiques, evangelical theology can continually re-examine itself while staying rooted in scriptural doctrines.
Conclusion
Evangelical theology centers on the Bible as the source of authoritative and transformative divine revelation. It focuses on the cross, conversion, activism, and upholding historic Christian beliefs. Evangelical theology impacts how believers interpret Scripture, live out their faith, and engage the world with the gospel message. It drives evangelism and mission aimed at seeing more people converted and molded by God’s Word. Evangelicalism’s emphasis on biblically faithful and culturally engaged Christianity continues to exert major influence in the modern church.
