TH805 Written Report

ADVANCED SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY IV TH805

WRITTEN REPORT

A Written Report Presented to the Faculty

of Louisiana Baptist University

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for

Doctorate of Philosophy in Theological Studies

By

Edward Rice

September, 2014

Table of Contents

Christology Introduction    1
The names and Titles of Christ     3
Cambron’s I. NAMES AND TITLES OF CHRIST.    3
God uses 196 “I AM THE” references in the Holy Bible.    10
The Ecumenical Bible Correctors Attack This List    14
The Incarnation of Christ    17
Cambron’s II. THE INCARNATION OF CHRIST    18
Wolves Without Attack    25
Wolves Within Attack    27
The Two Natures of Christ    27
Cambron’s III. THE TWO NATURES OF CHRIST    27
The Death of Christ    35
Cambron’s IV. THE DEATH OF CHRIST    35
The Resurrection of Christ    41
Cambron’s V. THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST    41
The Ascension and Enthronement of Jesus Christ    46
Cambron’s VI. THE ASCENSION AND ENTHRONEMENT OF JESUS CHRIST    46
Critique of other Systematic Theology Christology Works    49
Critique of John Miley’s 1892 Methodist  Christology    49
Critique of Charles Hodge’s 1878  Christology    50
Critique of Augustus Strong’s 1907  Christology    51
Critique of Thiessen’s 1949  Christology    56
Thiessen’s Christology     60
Thiessen’s Little Value Added     60
Critique of Chafer’s 1948  Christology    60
Dr Chafer’s Introduction to The Pre-incarnate Christ    62
Dr Chafer’s seven fold divisions of Christology    64
Typical Persons    70
Typical Events    77
Typical Things    79
Typical Institutions and Ceremonies    92
Dr. Chafer’s “The Second Advent of Christ Incarnate”    101
+Critique of Geisler’s 2002  Christology    103
Harmony of The Life of Christ    105
Christology Conclusion    113
Appendix 1 – TH 805  Assignment     1
Appendix 2 Change of Assignment Correspondence    2
SPECIFIC BIBLIOGRAPHY for this report    4
GENERAL BIBLIOGRAPHY for all reports    5

Christology Introduction

The most central theme of a thorough Systematic Theology is the doctrine of Christ. In segregating systems of the key ‘ologies’¹ of the whole revelation of God for a thorough analysis, it is Christology which interfaces with every other system. It is indeed central. It may rank in third place, behind Bibliology, and Theology Proper, in order of coverage but it is prima-facia the principle and central doctrine of God’s whole revelation. Bibliology sets the foundation for all Bible doctrine, and Theology Proper presides as a grand overview of all Bible theology, but Christology is the central key to all theology and all doctrine. Whatever is to be gleaned from a discourse on Pneumatology, the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, and certainly all Anthropology, Hamartiology, Soteriology, studying the doctrine of man, sin, and salvation, must find its root in a discourse on the redeemer of mankind, the Christ. Ecclesiology and Eschatology, the doctrine of His Church and the doctrine of last things, yea, even ones Angelology, the study of His angels, springs with rapture from the study of the person of the Christ. It is, therefore, needful to dwell here, on the person of the Christ.

A Systematic Theology must first have as its foundation a true Bible Doctrine. From that foundation a discourse must systematically analyze the doctrine keeping it pure from its detractors, and evaluating its fit into the larger arena of theology. Detractors from truth are myriad from outside but fall under three major considerations when guarding against internal sabotage. The Roman Catholic Religion has always directly opposed Bible truth; the Protestant Reformers are supposed to have come back to Bible truth, but, subtly, they carry all the Roman error as concealed weapons; and the ecumenical Bible correctors who make a pretense of using textual criticism and modern language to “fix” what God was unable to preserve. These three are enemies to Bible doctrine, Roman, directly, Reformed, more subliminally, and Ecumenical Bible correctors, very shrewdly. Exposing their pernicious ways is not generally the focus of a Bible Doctrines book, and in a world where Bible doctrine is under constant attack, this type of systematic theology needs be developed. Herein a solid Biblical Doctrine must form the basis and starting point for a systematic theology.

There is no truer, or more thorough, published, Baptist, and Biblical doctrine than that of Dr. Mark G. Cambron.² His teachings on Christology at Tennessee Temple Bible School thoroughly lay the foundation for this systematic theology. His book, Bible Doctrines³ will, with the permission of the Cambron Institute⁴, be given in block quotes throughout this effort. The book is readily available through http://www.thecambroninstitute.org , and it forms the foundational basis for this Systematic Theology.⁵

The names and Titles of Christ

The Bible names and titles of Christ give tremendous insight into who the Christ is. Dr. Cambron considered these Bible names the most important introduction to his Christology studies. He gives considerable examination to these twenty one names⁶: Jesus., Christ, Messiah, Lord, Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus, The Lord Jesus Christ, I AM, The Son of God, The Son of Man, The Son of Abraham, The Son of David, The son of the Highest, Second Man, Last Adam, The Word, Emmanuel, Saviour, Rabbi, Rabboni, and Master. Believing in the verbal inspiration of the Holy Scriptures and believing that every single word is directly chosen by God, it is necessary to preserve and defend this list extracted from Scripture and presented by Dr. Cambron. Below, in a block quote of his book, is his extensive analysis of each of these names and titles of Christ :[block quote of Dr. Cambron’s Bible Doctrines page 60-69}

FOR THE BODY OF THIS REPORT SEE SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY FOR THE 21ST CENTURE -CHRISTOLOGY

Christology Conclusion

Christology is such a prominent, perhaps preeminent, consideration in theology, that its repute, and His, will never be complete. In the last verse of his Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Apostle John put it thus, “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen” (John 21:25)

Appendix 1 – TH 805 Assignment

Assignment Sheet

TH803 ADVANCED SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY – III

TEXT: Systematic Theology (Vol. 5), by Lewis Sperry Chafer, (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications),1976. ISBN: 0-8254-2340-6

NOTICE Louisiana Baptist Theological Seminary makes every effort to utilize the best available textbooks for each course offered. However, this does not mean that LBTS endorses the entire content of every textbook used.

SUPPLEMENTARY TEXT: Select two other conservative systematic Theology works of the student’s choice for reading and comparison on the subjects covered in the course.

COURSE OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this course is to challenge the student to launch into an advanced study of theological definitions, terms and concepts as required in the ten disciplines of systematic theology and specifically in this course the study of Christology.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

(1) Read Lewis S. Chafer’s volume 5 p.3 – 376 for “Christology” and also read carefully the corresponding sections in the two supplemental textbooks you have chosen for understanding, marking listings, Scriptures, and helpful information in each book which you might wish to quickly locate for completing the following requirements for this course.

2. From each chapter of Chafer’s book and merging the corresponding material from your two supplemental books, prepare a detailed outline or discussion on each chapter with a full explanation of the terms involved. Show the page number and inclusive Scriptures for each point as appropriate. Always feel free to disagree with the authors, but be sure you verify from Scripture why you believe your position has more merit. Your chapter outlines will be graded as if they were to be used for training others. You should have a minimum of twenty-five pages of notes for this course.

3. After completing the assignments of this course forward your course materials to LBTS.

SEND ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO: spettey@lbu.edu

or Louisiana Baptist University, 6301 Westport Avenue, Shreveport, Louisiana 71129.

I have used the following supplemental theology textbooks for this course:

Bancroft, Emery H., Elemental Theology, 1932, Baptist Bible Seminary, 1945, 1960, Zondervan 1977.

Cambron, Mark G. Bible Doctrines. Grand Rapids, Michigan, Zondervan Publishing House, 1954.

Geisler, Norman L, Systematic Theology in One Volume, Bethany House, 2002, 3, 4, 5, 11

Strong, Augustus H.. Systematic Theology:Three Volumes in 1. Philadelphia, Valley Forge PA, The Judson Press, 1907, 35^th printing 1993.

Hodge, Charles. Systematic Theology: Volume I-IV. Charles Scribner & Company, 1871, Hardback- Grand Rapids, Mich., Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1940.

Appendix 2 Change of Assignment Correspondence

Pastor Rice, 07/14/2014

You will notice that you made a good grade on this work as always, because you presented excellent work, but I offered no comment(s).

I have held off but believe it is time to speak to an issue of concern.

Apparently the examination of Lewis S. Chafer’s Systematic Theology is very distasteful to you; much more than I originally realized, or perhaps the task has become more objectionable as you progressed through it. I am not sure which is the case, but regardless, the end result is the same. It would appear the course work I assigned has become more punishment than an exercise of spiritual and educational enrichment.

First, let me say that my intent is never to force-feed any student a specific point of view or make an academic assignment so unpleasant as to seem like chastisement rather than a learning experience. All education involves a certain amount of personal discipline and study, but that task need not be burdensome. It can exciting and fun, which is exactly what I would like it to be for you and all my students.

Therefore, I am asking you to propose a reasonable alternative to the remaining courses involving the study of Chafer’s Systematic Theology. Please suggest a legitimate alternative that I can look at, prayerfully consider, and approve.

I know you are a reasonable person and did not enter this degree program to avoid a challenge. I believe you wanted to be challenged, to be stretched academically, and professionally in the sense of your calling to ministry. I have great respect for you personally and for your willingness to make a legitimate alternative choice. Although I cannot declare, carte blanche, that I will approve your choice without knowing what you will say; I can offer strong assurances that I will be very flexible in working with you.

I look forward to your response.

Steven R. Pettey, D. Min, PhD                                                  

Dean of Louisiana Baptist Theological Seminary

6301 Westport Ave.   Shreveport, LA     71129

(318) 686-2360       spettey@lbu.edu

Dear Dr. Petty, 07/15/2014

I very much appreciate your offer that I pursue a reasonable alternative to Dr. Chafer’s seven volumes of Systematic Theology. In starting Volume V of that reading I have already adjusted my attitude and direction in this effort and determined that no overall change of the assignment is necessary at this time.

It may not appear so in my harsh critiques, but reading the works of Dr. Chafer has not been distasteful or unpleasant to me. It has caused a passionate shock and awe that has been extremely beneficial. I could not have arrived at my present understanding without an assignment which forced me into this arena, so I am very appreciative of your assignment. I pursue formal higher education because it forces me to read things I would not read in a self study pursuit. Force-feeding may be to strong a phrase for this phenomena, but that notion is essential to a solid education.

I have gone as far as I can go in critiquing Dr. Chafer. Some consider that I have gone to far. One says I now resonate a grotesque holier-than-thou attitude. (Faithful are the wounds of a friend, don’t we know.) Be that as it may, my passionate shock and awe has served its purpose well, at least for me.

My new attitude and direction will entail following your assignment more closely; wherein I “prepare a detailed outline or discussion on each chapter with a full explanation of the terms involved.” You never asked for a critique and I appreciate your patience as I labored through mine. It has indeed stretched me academically, and, honestly, it has been exciting and fun on my part. Therefore the turning point I propose is one of my going back to your original intent, that my discussion might be used for training others. It has always concerned me that there is no Systematic Theology which thoroughly corners the Baptist and Biblical position. My new attitude and direction will involve less “critique” of Dr. Chafer, and more “development” of that Systematic Theology.

Again, I thank you for your flexibility and your faith in this old systems engineer. I expect I reacted to Dr. Chafer with more passion than you normally see. Your challenge might appear as a force-feeding, but it is exactly what I needed to push the boundaries of my understanding. You are greatly appreciated. I shall stay the course.

Pastor Ed Rice

SPECIFIC BIBLIOGRAPHY for this report

The Holy Bible

Bancroft, Emery H., Elemental Theology, 1932, Baptist Bible Seminary, 1945, 1960, Zondervan 1977, [In 1932 Emery H. Bancroft became the first Dean of Baptist Bible Seminary, Johnson City, NY and published his text for his course Elemental Theology. In 1968 the Seminary relocated to Clark Summit PA. In 1970 this author attended Practical Bible Training School on the Johnson City campus and studied Bancroft’s text. In 1999 – 2000 this author attended Baptist Bible Seminary to take Greek (NT502 and NT503) via a 3 hour commute from Hammondsport NY to Clark Summit PA, and was reintroduced to Bancroft’s exceptional work.]

Cambron, Mark G. Bible Doctrines. Grand Rapids, Michigan, Zondervan Publishing House, 1954, [Independent Baptist, Professor, Tennessee Temple Bible School, 1954].

Chafer, Lewis Sperry. Systematic Theology. Dallas Seminary Press, 1948.[Lewis Sperry Chafer was an American theologian. He founded and served as the first president of Dallas Theological Seminary, and was an influential founding member of modern Christian Dispensationalism. Born: February 27, 1871, Rock Creek, Died: August 22, 1952, Seattle, Education: Oberlin College, Wheaton College. For my Doctorate of Philosophy in Theological Studies through LBTS, I was tasked to analyze all six volumes of his Systematic Theology]

Dollar, George W., A History of Fundamentalism in America, Bob Jones University Press, 1973.

Hodge, Charles. Systematic Theology: Volume I-IV. Charles Scribner & Company, 1871, Hardback- Grand Rapids, Mich., Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1940, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, http://www.ccel.org, public domain. [The Internet Archive www.archive.org/details/systematictheolo01hodg], [Charles Hodge, 1797-1878, Presbyterian Minister, Princeton Theologian].

GENERAL BIBLIOGRAPHY for all reports

The Holy Bible

Bancroft, Emery H., Elemental Theology, 1932, Baptist Bible Seminary, 1945, 1960, Zondervan 1977, [In 1932 Emery H. Bancroft became the first Dean of Baptist Bible Seminary, Johnson City, NY and published his text for his course Elemental Theology. In 1968 the Seminary relocated to Clark Summit PA. In 1970 this author attended Practical Bible Training School on the Johnson City campus and studied Bancroft’s text. In 1999 – 2000 this author attended Baptist Bible Seminary to take Greek (NT502 and NT503) via a 3 hour commute from Hammondsport NY to Clark Summit PA, and was reintroduced to Bancroft’s exceptional work.]

Cambron, Mark G. Bible Doctrines. Grand Rapids, Michigan, Zondervan Publishing House, 1954, [Independent Baptist, Professor, Tennessee Temple Bible School, 1954].

Chafer, Lewis Sperry. Systematic Theology. Dallas Seminary Press, 1948.[Lewis Sperry Chafer was an American theologian. He founded and served as the first president of Dallas Theological Seminary, and was an influential founding member of modern Christian Dispensationalism. Born: February 27, 1871, Rock Creek, Died: August 22, 1952, Seattle, Education: Oberlin College, Wheaton College. For my Doctorate of Philosophy in Theological Studies through LBTS, I was tasked to analyze all six volumes of his Systematic Theology]

Satan, 1909, Free ebooks – Project Gutenberg,2004, http://www.gutenberg.org accessed 06/01/2013

Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI, 1985.

Dollar, George W., A History of Fundamentalism in America, Bob Jones University Press, 1973.

Gaussen, L., Theopneustia – The plenary Inspiration of The Holy Scriptures deduced from Internal Evidence, and the Testimonies of Nature, History and Science, David Scott’s translation, Chicago, The Bible Institute Colportage ASS’N., 1840.

Geisler, Norman L, Systematic Theology in One Volume, Bethany House, 2002, 3, 4, 5, 11 [Geisler, also a neoevangelical, sharply contrasts with Lewis Sperry Chafer in that Geisler 1) admits what he is, neoevangelical, 2) admits what he is attempting, a compilation of evangelical theologies, 3) shows superb organization and structure of thought, 4) contains depth, and 5) is a masterful communicator. This author cannot endorse all that Geisler believes to be true, but can endorse that he seems to capture all that has been believed by conservative evangelicals.]

Hodge, Charles, Systematic Theology: Volume I-IV, Charles Scribner & Company, 1871, Hardback- Grand Rapids, Mich., Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1940, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, http://www.ccel.org, public domain. [The Internet Archive www.archive.org/details/systematictheolo01hodg], [Charles Hodge, 1797-1878, Presbyterian Minister, Princeton Theologian].

Larkin, Clarence. The Spirit World, Published by the Clarence Larkin Estate, 1921, Cosimo, 2005

Miley, John, Systematic Theology Vol. 1 & 2, The Library of Biblical and Theological Literature, New York: Eaton and Mains, 1894, The Internet Archive http://www.archive.org/details/systematictheolo01mile, [John Miley (1813-1895, Methodist Theologian].

Rice, Edward G., The 357 Magnum Errors of the Modernist’s Critical Texts, Public Domain, http://www.gsbaptistchurch.com/baptist/bible/texterror.pdf, http://www.lulu.com/shop/pastor-edward-rice/the-357-magnum-errors-of-modernists-critical-texts/paperback/product-5586759.html

Ryrie, Charles C., Basic Theology. Victor Books, Wheaton, Illinois, 1981.

Schofield, C. I., Prophecy Made Plain, Photolithoprinted by Grand Rapids Book Manufacturers, Grand Rapids, MI, 1967.

Shedd, William G. T., Dogmatic Theology, Roosevelt Professor of Systematic Theology in Union Theological Seminary, New York, Charles Scribner & Sons, 1888. [The Internet Archive www.archive.org/details/dogmatictheology01sheduoft], [William G.T. Shedd, 1820-1894, Old School Presbyterian & Reformed Theologian].

Strong, Augustus H., Systematic Theology:Three Volumes in 1, Philadelphia, Valley Forge PA, The Judson Press, 1907, 35^th printing 1993. [Augustus H. Strong, 1836-1921, American Baptist Pastor & Theologian].

Thiessen, Henry Clarence, Lectures in Systematic Theology, Grand Rapids, Mich., William B. Eerdman Publishing Company, 1949. [Henry Clarence Thiessen, ? -1947, President of Los Angles Baptist Theological Seminary, later renamed John MacArthur’s The Master’s College].

Lectures in Systematic Theology. Revised by Vernon D. Doerksen, Grand Rapids, Mich., William B. Eerdman Publishing Company, 2006.

Waite, D.A.. Defending the King James Bible. The Bible For Today Press, 2002.