How is biblical theology defined?

Biblical theology is a rich and multifaceted discipline within Christian theology that seeks to understand the progressive unfolding of God's revelation throughout the Bible. It is an approach that emphasizes the coherence and unity of the Scriptures by tracing the development of theological themes from Genesis to Revelation. Unlike systematic theology, which organizes doctrines topically, biblical theology is more concerned with the narrative and historical progression of God's redemptive plan. This approach helps believers to see how the various parts of the Bible fit together to form a cohesive story centered on God's covenantal relationship with humanity.

At its core, biblical theology is defined by its commitment to understanding the Bible on its own terms. It seeks to interpret each part of Scripture within the context of the whole, recognizing that the Bible is a divine revelation that unfolds progressively over time. This means that biblical theology pays close attention to the historical and literary contexts of biblical texts, seeking to understand how each book contributes to the overarching narrative of redemption. It is an endeavor to discern the theological message of the Bible as it was intended by its original authors, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and as it is understood within the grand narrative of Scripture.

One of the key features of biblical theology is its focus on the concept of covenant. The Bible is fundamentally a covenantal document, and biblical theology seeks to explore how the various covenants established by God with humanity shape the narrative of Scripture. From the covenant with Noah, to the Abrahamic covenant, the Mosaic covenant, the Davidic covenant, and ultimately the New Covenant in Christ, biblical theology traces how these covenants reveal God's character and His plan for redemption. Each covenant builds upon the previous ones, revealing more about God's purposes and His relationship with His people.

The covenantal framework of biblical theology is particularly important because it highlights the continuity and discontinuity within the biblical narrative. For example, the covenant with Abraham introduces the themes of promise and blessing, which are further developed in the Mosaic covenant as God establishes Israel as His chosen people. The Davidic covenant, in turn, introduces the theme of kingship, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the King of Kings. The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's death and resurrection, fulfills the promises of the earlier covenants and establishes a new relationship between God and humanity based on grace and faith.

Biblical theology also emphasizes the centrality of Jesus Christ in the biblical narrative. Jesus is seen as the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises and the climax of God's redemptive plan. The Old Testament prophets, priests, and kings all point forward to Christ, who is the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King. The New Testament writers, particularly the apostles, understood Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament Scriptures, and they interpreted His life, death, and resurrection in light of the entire biblical narrative.

For instance, the Gospel of Matthew begins with a genealogy that traces Jesus' lineage back to Abraham and David, emphasizing His role as the promised Messiah who fulfills the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants (Matthew 1:1-17). Similarly, the Apostle Paul in his epistles often reflects on the continuity of God's promises, stating that "all the promises of God find their Yes in Him" (2 Corinthians 1:20, ESV). This Christocentric focus is a hallmark of biblical theology, as it seeks to demonstrate how all of Scripture points to and is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Furthermore, biblical theology is concerned with the themes and motifs that run throughout Scripture. These include creation, fall, redemption, and consummation, which form the basic framework of the biblical narrative. The theme of creation, for example, is not only about the beginning of the world in Genesis but also about God's ongoing creative work and His ultimate plan to renew creation through Christ (Romans 8:19-22, Revelation 21:1-5). The fall introduces the problem of sin and the need for redemption, which is addressed through God's covenantal dealings with humanity and ultimately through the work of Christ on the cross.

Redemption is a central theme that biblical theology traces from the Exodus, where God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt, to the New Testament, where Christ's death and resurrection deliver humanity from the bondage of sin and death. The theme of consummation looks forward to the future hope of the new heavens and new earth, where God's kingdom will be fully realized, and His people will dwell with Him forever (Revelation 21-22).

In exploring these themes, biblical theology also engages with the literary features of the Bible, such as typology, symbolism, and narrative structure. Typology is the study of how certain people, events, or institutions in the Old Testament prefigure and foreshadow greater realities in the New Testament. For example, the Passover lamb in the Exodus narrative is a type of Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Symbolism is used throughout Scripture to convey deeper theological truths, such as light representing God's presence and truth, or water symbolizing cleansing and new life.

Narrative structure is also crucial to biblical theology, as it helps to identify the overarching story of the Bible. This narrative is not merely a collection of individual stories but a unified account of God's interaction with His creation. Biblical theology seeks to understand how each part of the narrative contributes to the whole, revealing the character of God and His purposes for humanity.

In conclusion, biblical theology is defined by its focus on the progressive revelation of God's redemptive plan in Scripture. It emphasizes the unity and coherence of the Bible, tracing theological themes and motifs through the biblical narrative. By exploring the covenantal framework of Scripture, biblical theology highlights the continuity and discontinuity within the biblical story, ultimately pointing to Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God's promises. Through its emphasis on themes such as creation, fall, redemption, and consummation, biblical theology provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the Bible's message, inviting believers to see the Scriptures as a unified testimony to the God who is faithful to His covenant promises.