Christian Theology

Front matter

SSS SSE

Ht Rate

Systematic and Biblical

Introduction

A one volume “Christian Theology” usually leaves much to be desired. In the case of Dr. Emery H. Bancroft’s systematic and Biblical , Christian Theology, however, we find a book which has fulfilled the author’s objective, namely: an original compilation and arrangement of the best that could be found in a variety of sources. The resultant work is interesting reading of a mass of material in all areas of theology.

The book is sound in its doctrine, scholarly in its approach, and apologetical in its defense. The student who has mastered this volume knows why he believes what he believes.

The need for revision was evident, primarily because of a number of mechanical errors, and Dr. William R. Foster has done a commendable work in its accomplishment. The present edition should be of maximum service to the students at Baptist Bible Seminary, where Dr. Bancroft was the first Dean, and to readers in America and abroad who recognize Bancroft’s Theology as a standard textbook of the Biblical dispensational and premillennial position.

FRANK L. WAASER, Th.D.

Dean of Baptist Bible Seminary

Preface

This volume of theology was designed by Dr. Bancroft to be a compilation of the best writings on the whole area of theology. In the original preface originality was claimed only for compilation and arrangement rather than for contents. The resultant treatise was used by the original author with demonstrated success during many fruitful years of teaching until his death in 1944. Since that time the book has continued to be a valuable collateral textbook in Systematie Theology in the school of which he was the Dean as well as in many other Christian schools both in America and across the seas.

The present work of revision has been undertaken, not with the idea of any major change of the original edition, but with the desire to eliminate many mechanical errors which have crept into the book. The greatest number of changes in the book will be of this minor nature, and will, thereby, assist the student in making the best possible use of the book. In several places new material has been inserted to replace notes which have become outdated through the passage of time. Some clarification of wording and phrasing has been made in those places where ambiguity seemed to be present. The chapter on Bibliology has been removed from its position at the end of the old edition to its proper position in the sequence of systematized theological thought. New information has been inserted in some areas to clarify more fully doctrinal positions, and to make the theological discussion more relevant to contemporary trends.

The value of this volume will be increased through this revision, and will, therefore, accomplish more fully its original purpose of providing for those called into the service of God a better understanding of the great truths of the scriptures.

WILLIAM R. FOSTER, B.A., Th.D.

Table Of Contents

Introduction . . . e : . ° e e Preface - ° ° ° e 7 -

Chapter One Introductory Lecture The Meaning And Purpose Of Theology

I Theology, The Definition of - - - . is , TI @heology, The Aim of - - - - - = C

A. The Discovery of Facts Concerniay God oly es oes! bu the Universe -

B. The Systematic Recognition and Manitestation ar the Facts Cont cerning God and His Relations to the Universe - -

C. The Arrangement of the Facts of Theology not Optional - STI Theology, The Necessity of - - - : - - A. For the Expression of the Meaning of Christianity - -

B. For the Definition of Christianity - - - - C. For the Defense of Christianity - - - : : D. For the Propagation of Christianity - - - -

IV Theology, The Possibility of - - - - :

A. It is Grounded in the Existence ef God ihe Has Relations

with the Universe - . x “

Objections and Replies > - . . 5 .

B. It is Grounded in the Capacity of the Human rede for Showing God and Certain of These Relations -

Objections and Replies - - - - - =

Cc. It is Grounded in the Provision of Means by Which God is Brought into Contact with the Mind, i.e. by a Revelation -

Objections and Replies - - - - - =

V Theology, The Sources of So - . = = "

A The Theology of Nature - ° e = 3 4

'. External - - . . . s of ed

B. The Theology of the Scriptures Study Questions on Introductory Lecture - : ° . -

> PR OwW wo we CO C8 ca ap >

ON NNQAI AN ae vi ConTENTS

Chapter Two

BIBLIOLOGY, THE DOCTRINE OF THE SCRIPTURES The Important and Strategic Position Occupied by the Scriptures -

{. The Bible as a Book - - - - = fs M A. Designations of the Book - - - - + y 1. The Bible - - - . * : - a

2. The Old and New Testaments - . = - =

3. The Law-and the Frophets - : = 3

4, The Scripture and the Scriptures , - °

5. The Word of God - ° - . “ is

B. The Symbols of the Book - . . - - - ll. The Bible as a Divine Revelation - : - - A. Definition of a Divine Revelation - : - = 2 B_ The Reasonableness of a Divine Revelation ° - - 1. Its Possibility - : - - e - < 2. Its Probability - - ° - - - 4

3. Its Credibility : - « * " ie = 4. Its Necessity - - - : - - - C. The Certainty of a Divine Revelation - - - - 1. The Attestation of Miracles : - - - :

a. Definitions of Miracles - ° . “ 2

A. Preliminary Definition - - - - : Erroneous Views of Miracles Corrected ° :

B. Alternate Definition ° - - - :

b. The Possibility of Miracles - . - -

c The Probability of Miracles - - - :

d. The Plausibility of Miracles - - - -

e. The Evidential Values of Miracles - - -

2. The Attestation of Fulfilled Prophecy - - - -

a. Definition of Prophecy - - - E 5

b. Requirements in Prophecy as an Evidence of Revelation

c. Evidential Value of Fulfilled Prophecy - - :

D. The Method of Divine Revelation - * - - - 1. Revelation - - - . 2 - s =

2. Illumination - - - : . . 2

3. Inspiration - - - - . . . z, a. Definition of Inspiration - - . = -

b. The Nature of Inspiration - : : -

A. Theoretical Views of Inspiration - . -

(1) The Intuition Theory, or Natural Inspiration

(2) The Ilumination Theory, or Universal Christian Inspiration - - - - = E

(8) The Dictation Theory, or Mechanical] Inspiration (4) The Verbal, Plenary Theory, or Full Inspiration

B. The Scriptural View of Inspiration -

(1) The Nature of Inspiration as Attested by Christ

(2) The Extent of Inspiration - - C. Proofs of the Inspiration of the Bible -

A. External Proofs - - é s (1) Its Place in Literature - ° (2) Historical Testimony - -

(3) Its Preservation - « 2

(4) Argument frum the PAlloneD ey of the Naruze 25 the Case - -

(5) Testimony from Archaeology . (6) Its Adaptability - = a (7) Its Transforming Power - ° B. Internal Proofs - : 5 «

(1) Biblical Claims of Inspiration - (2) Argument from Unity - - (a) Structural Unity - - (b) Didactic and Ethical Unity - (c) Historic Unity - - (d) Prophetic Unity - - (e) Organic Unity : -

(3) Argument from the Credibility, Integrity, ane

Trustworthiness of the Scriptures (4) The Completeness of the Bible -

(5) The Character of the Teaching of the Bible (6) The Scientific Accuracy of the Scriptures

(7) Fulfilled Prophecy - - - (8) Attested Miracles - : .

Study Questions on Bibliology - - - a .

THEOLOGY (limited meaning), THE DOCTRINE OF GOD

Chapter Three

|. The Existence of God - - - - - A. False and True Systems of Theology and Theories of God

Deism - - - - - - Atheism - - - - - - Skepticism and Infidelity Agnosticism - - - - - Pantheism - - - - : - Polytheism : - : - > Theism - - - - - : Monotheism - - - - - vii viii

B. Definitions of God - . - - = < . 1. Scriptural Designations - - - - “ a

2. Theological Definitions - - . ° p A

C. The Origin of the Idea of God - - - = cf 1. The Nature of First Truths in General - - = ¢

a. Negatively considered - - - 4 2

b. Positively considered - - - ~ i

c. Criteria of First Truths - - - - -

A. Their Universality : - - - .

B. Their Necessity - - < = 5 = Cc. Their Logical Independence and Priority ], Belief in God as a First Truth - - - - e. False Suppositions Concerning the Sources of the Idea of God’s Existence - - - = 4 ~

A. External Revelation - - . - - B. Experience - - ° 5 : e C. Reason - - - a « 5 =

D. Corroborative Evidences of God's Existence - - -

1. Cosmological Argument, or Argument from Change in Nature

2. Teleological Argument, or Argument from Order or Useful

Arrangement in Nature - - - - - -

3. Anthropological Argument, or preumens from Man’s iene and Moral Nature - - - -

4. Christological Argument - - - : 63 7

5. Argument from Congruity - - - - =

The Attributes of God - - ° - : - -

A. Definition of Attributes - - - = A 3

B. The Relation of the Divine Attributes to the Divine Essence -

1. Attributes Have an Objective Existence - - -

2. Attributes Inhere in the Divine Essence - - -

3. Attributes Belong to the Divine Essence as Such - -

4. Attributes Manifest the Divine Essence - : : .

C. Methods of Determining the Divine Attributes - : 1. The Rational Method : - - - - e

2. The Biblical Method . - - - - - D. Classification of the Divine Attributes - - - - Schedule of Attributes - - - - - - -

1. Absolute or Immanent Attributes - - - -

a. Spirituality and the Attributes Therein Involved -

B. Personality - - - : _- -

b. Infinity and the Attributes Therein Involved - - Three-fold Explanation of Infinity - te - -

A. Self-existence - - : : : -

B. Immutability - - - - - -

C. Unity : - é A A . y

47 47 47

48 48 48 48 49 49 49 49 50

50 50 50 50

50 51

53 53 54

54 54

55 55 55 55

55 56 56

56 57 58

58 58 59

59 60 60 61 61 ce. Perfections and the Attributes Therein Involved -

A. Truth - - : . ~ E = B. Love - . - : E “ C. Holiness - - - - ~ ~ ‘ 2. Relative or Transitive Attributes - : : = a. Attributes Having Relation to Time and Space - ° A. Eternity - - - 4 = A B. Immensity : - - é 3 oy b. Attributes Having Relation to Creation - : - A. Omnipresence - - - = ) 3 B. Omniscience - ° . : is 2 C. Omnipotence : - . a 3 e c. Attributes Having Relation to Moral Beings - -

A. Veracity and Faithfulness, or Transitive Truth B. Mercy and Goodness, or Transitive Love - - C. Justice and Righteousness, or Transitive Holiness - Il. The Trinity of God - - - - - = 2 Definition of the Trinity - - . "; 2 S 1. Three recognized as God in Scripture - - . “ 2. Scriptural Presentation of oe inty, eee the Coece non of

Distinct Persons - - =

3. Tri-personality of Divine Nature not merely Economic or Modal, but Immanent and Eternal - - - = 4. Tri-personality of God not Identical with Tritheism - - 6. The Three Persons in the God-Head Equal - - - 6. The Trinity of God Inscrutible yet not Self-contradictory - Study Questions on Theology (limited meaning) - _ é R

Chapter Four

1. The Person of Jesus Christ - rari - A 5 A. Historical Preparation for His Coming - : - - 1. Negative Preparation—In the History of the Heathen World

2. Positive Preparation—In the History of Israel - - -

B. Historical Survey of Views Respecting the Person of Christ - 1. Ebionism - - - - : & es 3

2. Cerinthianism - - - = ~ x

3. Docetism - - - - = o Z <

4. Arianism - - - - - a . ss

6. Appollinarianism - - - - - 2 =

6. Nestorianism - - - - 5 5 :

7. Eutychianism - - - m3 - e F

8. The Orthodox Interpretation - - - - =

C. The Pre-existence of Christ - - - = 3 £ 1. Old Testament Appearings - - - & F. a. Material Symbols - : . - 4 a b. Manifestations in Human Form - - 2 a 2. Prophetic Pictures - - - - - = 2 a. The Slain Lamb - - - « = E b. The Obedient Servant - - : a By c. The Beloved Son - : - - - ~ D. The Incarnation of Christ - - - S - : 1. The Two Natures of Jesus Christ - - - - a. The Humanity of Christ - - - = A. Its Reality - - - ° - e B. Its Integrity - - - - & (1) It was of Miraculous Conception - : :

b

(2) (3) (4)

It was Free From Sh ge td Depravily, and Ac tual Sin - - -

It, Was Possessed of an Ideal Human Nature -

It was Possessed of a Human Nature that Found its Personality in Union with the Divine Nature alone - - - - - -

It Was Possessed of a Human Nature, Germinal aud Capable of Self-communication - - The Deity of Christ : - - - -

(1) (2)

(8) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)

Jesus Christ is recognized as God - - He Is Expressly Called God - - -

Old Testament Mon is of Gor Are Applied to Him -

He Possesses the Attributes or Goa - .

The Works of God are Ascribed to Him - : He Received Honor and Worship Due only to God His Name is Associated with that of God - Equality with God is Expressly Claimed - Descriptive Phrases and Terms Used of Him Prove Deity - - - - - Christian Experience, a Corroburative proof of Christ’s Deity - ~ - - -

2. The Union of the Two Natures in One Person - - - a. b.

Proof of the Union of the Two Natures - : - The Real Nature of This Union - - - - A. Its Importance - - - : .

B. The Chief Problems ° - - ° - C. Reason for Mystery - - - - .

D. Ground of Possibility - « & 3 3

83 84 84 84

89 89

90 90

90 91 91 91 91 91

92 92 92 93 93 93 94 94

Mit Ml

No Double Personality - Effect Upon the Human - Effect Upon the Divine - Necessity of the Union - The Union Eternal -

8. The Two States of Christ - - a.

b.

li 2.

The State of Humiliation

A. The Nature of the Humiliation (1) It Consisted in the Giving up of the Divine Glory to take a Servant-form

(2) It Consisted in the Submission to the Control of the Holy Spirit, and limitation of the Divine

Neture in its Relation to the Human

(3) It Consisted in the Continuous Surrender of the

Exercise of His Divine Powers

The State of Exaltation -

A. The Nature of the Exaltation - (1) The Resumption of the sanepeneent Tixercine os the Divine Attributes

(2) The Withdrawal of all Limitations in Relation to the Human Nature

(3) The Investiture of the Human Niltce the Powers of the Divine Nature -

The Saving Work of Christ - : A. The Three-fold Office of Christ -

Christ as Prophet - - Christ as Priest - ° Christ as King ° s

B. The Atoning Death of Christ - The Fact of the Atoning Death of Christ i a.

As Shown by the Types b. As Shown by Predictions c.

D. As Shown by Explicit Statements The Necessity of the Atoning Death of Christ It was Demanded by the Holiness of God It was Demanded by the Law of God - It was Demanded by the Guilty Conscience - : It was Demanded by the Lost eeiate of pen as a ao»

A. The Atonement .

B. Reconciliation - C. Propitiation - - D. Redemption and Ransom E. Substitution - -

Sinner -

As Shown by Descrintive Terms with all xi

94 95 95 95 96 96 96 96

OG 97 og

3. The Extent of the Atoning Death of Christ - - a. Its Sufficiency - - - - - = b. Its Efficiency . - - - - - é

4, The Philosophy of the Atonement - - - - a. The Socinian, or ramps Theory (Statement and Objections) - - + - - b. The Bushnellian, or Moral Influence phcory (Statement and Objections) - - = 2 c. The Grotian, or Governmental Theory (Statement and Objections) - - - = = é d. Irvingian, or Theory of Gradually beh whee Se pravity, (Statement and Objections) - e. The Anselmic, or Commercial Theory, eatatannene and Objections) - - - = 5 e f. The Substitutional, or Satisfaction Theory - - A. Preliminary Points - - . - 2 (1) The Twofold beicicee in ae 8 test tion - Active Obedience - - - - Passive Obedience - - - - (2) Two Kinds of Substitution - - - Unconditional - : . - Conditional - - - - - (S) ‘Two Kinds of Satisfaction - - - Pecuniary ° - : - - Penal - . : : - - (4) Three Kinds of Penal Satisfaction - - Identical - - - - ° Equal - - - - - - Equivalent ~ - - - ao B. The Two Questions Stated - - . .

What did the atonement accomplish? - - How could Christ justly die? - - - C. The First Question Considered - . - : D. The Second Question Considered - . -

Ul. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ - : : = “ A. The Importance of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ - l. Negatively Considered - = 5 5 fe 2. Positively Considered - = 2 = B. The Necessity of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ - -

1. As a Fulfilment of O.T. Prophecy - - - - 2. Asa Fulfilment of Christ’s Predictions - - - 3. As an Indication of Christ’s Propitiation - - 4. As a Prerequisite to a Fruitful Life = - -

106 106

107 109 111 112

114 115 115

C. The Character of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ - - 1. Negatively Considered - - - - - 2. Positively Considered - - - - D. The Mode of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ - - -

1. Raised by God the Father - - - - 2. Raised by His Own Power - - - - 3. Quickened by the Holy Spirit - - - E. The Certainty of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ - -

,, F. The Value of the Resurrection of Jesus Patan’ - - - Study Questions on Christology - ; = s

CHAPTER FIVE xiii

1. The Personality of the Holy Spirit : : = : - A. Designations Proper to Personality given the Holy Spirit

1. Masculine Pronouns Used for the Holy Spirit - - - 2. The Name “Paracletos’” May be Used only of a Person

°B. Name Mentioned in Immediate Connection with other Persons

1. With Christians - - . - 5 5 - 2. With Christ . 5 . > : : Z 3. With the Father and the Son - . : : :

C. Acts Proper to Personality are Ascribed to the Holy Spirit D. The Holy Spirit is Affected as a Person by the Acts of Others -

E. Ascription of Personality to me Hoty sd tag eae be Tate adel as Personification - il The Deity of the Holy Spirit - : : : : : A. The Holy Spirit is Spoken of as God - - : - B. Divine Attributes and Perfections are Ascribed to the Holy Spirit C. Divine Works are Ascribed to the Holy Spirit - - -

D. The Name of the Holy had is eteganes ie ervey mae sd of God and of Christ -

E. The Holy Spirit in the New fe Label as 4s sats with desovel in the Old Testament -

F. The Holy Spirit Can be Blasphemed ll. The Work of the Holy Spirit - : = 5 = C A. In Relation to Creation - - : : ° 2

1. Bringing Order into the Universe : ° - c

2. Creating and Garnishing the Heavens - : . =

3. Renewing the Face of the Earth - - - : :

4, Sustaining the Present Physical Order pad Supporting a

mal and Vegetable life - - 5. Giving Life to Man - - - - - : -

B. Prior to Pentecost - . s = a o -

149 149 149 150

1. From the Fall to the Messiah - - 2. During the Messianic Period - - C. In Relation to Revelation - - -

1. He is the Author of the Scriptures - 2. He is the Interpreter of the Scriptures -

D. From Pentecost to the Lord’s Return -

1. In Relation to the Church - - 2. In Relation to the World - - : 3. In Relation to the Believer - - Study Questions on Pneumatology - - -

Chapter Six

1. The Origin of Man > - a A A. Negatively Considered - -

1. Not by Abiogenesis, or Spontaneous Generation

2. Not by Evolution, or Natural Development B. Positively Considered - - - - By the Creative and Formative Acts of God tl, The Unity of the Human Race - . 2 A. Arguments from Scripture - - :

1. It is the Basis of Paul’s Doctrine be Cael Bats and ae:

visional Salvation -

2. It is the Basis of Man’s Natural Brotherhood -

B. Extra Scriptural Argument - - .

1. The Argument from History - -

2. The Argument from Language - :

3. The Argument from Psychology - :

4. The Argument from Physiology - :

Hl. The Essential Elements of Man - - -

A General Statement, (a material and an immaterial nature) B. The Origin of the Soul Since the Original Creation

1. The Theory of Preexistence - - 2. The Creation Theory - - - 3. The Traducian Theory - - -

'V. The Original State of Man - = = A. God's Image in Man - - : =

1. Personality, or Natural Likeness to God 2. Holiness or Moral Likeness to God -

II Man's Original Righteousness - .

1. It Does not Constitute The Essence of Human Nature

2. It was Not a Gift. Yaeen to vias BAAD as? aa ae

Man's Creation -

154 156 157 157 158

158 161 164

175 175 176

176 176 176 176

180 180

181 181

ContTENTS xv

8. It Was a Tendency of Man’s Affection and Will . - 181 4. It Was a Moral Disposition Capable of Propagation - - 181 V. ‘The Moral Nature of Man ° : - : = ° 181 A. Definition of Moral Nature - : : - : - 181 B. Essential Elements of the Moral Nature - - . - 182 1. Conscience - - - : - : : . 182 2. Will - - . - ° : . = 2 182 Vi. The Endless Existence of Man - - - . - - 183 A. The Spirit-Created and Dependent - - - - - 183 B. God’s Purpose of Endless Existence for Men Paticatet and Ex pressed in Human Consciousness - * - 183 1. Argument from a Progressive Creation - e ° ° 183 2. Argument from Universal Belief - : ° ° 183 8. Argument from Universal Desire . ° ° ° 184 4, Argument from Universal Moral Expectation - ° ° 184 6. Argument from Human Capabilities - ° - ° 184 6. Argument from Scriptures - ° : ° ° 184 Vil. The Probation of Man ° ° : ° - ° e 184 A. The Fact of the Probation - . ° : . e «184 B. Probation Defined ° e e . ° . . 185 Cc. The Necessity of Probation - - ° ° ° 185 D. The Purpose of the Probation - . ° ° ° 185 E. The Test of the Probation - : ° S ° 186 F. The Reasonableness of the Probation - : : ° 186 Vill. The Temptation of Man - . . : : . Syl allie A. The General Statement ° e : . : ° 187 B. The Agent in Man’s Temptation - - : - - 187 C. Possible Reason of Satan and the Fallen Angels in Tempting Man 187 D. Reasons for Satan’s Subtle Assault upon Eve - - . 187 IX. The Fall of Man - - - . : - : e 188 A. The Scripturai Fact of Man’s Fall - : : : 188 1. Various Interpretations of the Scripture Narrative of Man’s Fall - - : . ° - - : : 189 a. The Allegorical ° - - : - - 189 b. The Mythological - - - ° : ° 189 c. The Literal - . - . : - ° 189 B. The Immediate Effects of Man's First Sin - : e . 190 C. The Judiotal Consequences of the First Sin - : - 190 1. The Divine Judgment - . ° ° . 190 a. Upon the Serpent - ° . - ° ° 190 b. Upon the Woman - . ° : : . 190 c. Upon the Man : - - - : ° 190 d. Upon the Ground - - : - : ° 191 xvi CoNTENTS

8. Separation - . ° . . C . =

a. From the Tree of Life - - e < 5

b. From the Garden - ° . ° °

c. From the Personal and Visible Bigeente of God ° a. Physical Death ° . e ° ° °

b. Spiritual Death ° = 5 As = =

c. Eternal Death ° e ° ° a 5

Study Questions on Anthropology ° . e = : =

Chapter Seven Hamartiology, The Doctrine Of Sin

|. The Origin of Sin - - : - . . FS < A. The Entrance of Sin into the Angelic Realm - : : 1. Light from Isaiah 14:12-17 (Fall of Lucifer) - . - 2. Light from Ezekiel 28 (EropBecs petetiee upon King of Tyre) - .

B. The Entrance of Sin into the Human Race - . ° - il. The Fact of Sin - - : : r = mn Z A. Nature Proclaims It - . : 3 E - : B. Men Acknowledge It - . ° - - .

C, Law Discovers It : . . . . = - D, God Dectares It ° e ° - . E E. Christ Reveals It . : : ° 5 < - F. Ezperience Proves it - . e - . . = G. The Believer Knows It e e s = = % lll. The Nature of Sin - - : . : . - 7 A. Sin, a Missing of the Mark - : - . = B. Sin, a Deviation . : e A = es C. Sin, a Perversion - . - - - - 3 D. Sin, a Transgression - : . = - . 5 E. Sin, An Affront to God - . - . « : . Sin, The BetrayalofaTrust- _—_- . - = - G. Sin, An Offence, an Error, a Negligence - : - S H. Sin, a Dedt - - = S s z = B I. Sin, Distrust and Disobedience - : . ° : IV. The Culpability of Sin - - : - - = 2 V. The Consequence of Sin - - : - : : = Vi, The Universality of Sin - - : - - : .

A. Viewed Extensively - - : : - « - B. Viewed Intensively - - : - ° - -

Study Questions on Hamartialogy : - . : its 5,