Class notes for session 6

Class notes for 12 November 2008.

Study unit 27 – METHODS


The Method of OT Theology: Kaiser.

Four types of theologies:
1. Structural type (takes themes from dogmatics, such as covenant)
2. Diachronic type (takes periods in time as departure point)
3. Lexographic type (takes certain figures, like Elohist in focus)
4. Biblical themes type (Takes themes like Kingdom of God, etc. as departure.)

Distinguish between systematic methods vs. History-of-religion.

p. 11 Rather than selecting theological data that will satisfy our needs the text will already have set up priorities and preferences of its own.

Introduction: The nature of Biblical Theology: VOS

Principle of periodicity – Covenant makings.

Criteria for discovering nodal points of OT.
1. Critical placement of interpretive statements in textual sequence,
2. The frequency of repetition of ideas
3. The recurrence of phrases of terms that began to take on a technical status
4. The resumption of a theme where a forerunner has stopped.
5. The use of categories of assertions previously used,
6. The organising standard by which people, places, and ideas were marked for approval, contrast, inclusion, and future and present significance.

VIEWS PROMISE AND BLESSING AS CENTRAL THEME OF OT.
6 Practical uses of Biblical theology:

1. It exhibits the organic growth of the truths of special revelation
2. It supplies us with a useful antidote against the teachings of rationalistic criticism
3. It imparts new life and freshness to the truth by showing it to us in its original setting
4. It can counteract the anti-doctrinal tendency in the present time
5. It relieves the unfortunate situation that even the fundamental doctrines of the faith should seem to depend mainly on the testimony of isolated proof-texts
6. It gives us new insights on the Glory and might of the Lord.

7 METHODS BY HASEL P. 66-67 IN STUDY GUIDE.

Study Unit 28 – The search for a central theme.

KAISER – Problems with a central theme.
HELBERG – Kingdom of God
WALTON - Covenant

Other themes:
GOD, Jesus Christ, Kingdom of God, Covenant, Promise and fulfilment, Salvation/redemption, Human existence, Fellowship/communion, Law and justice, Cult, God’s plan, Theophany

STUDY UNIT 29+30 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OT AND NT

Kruger:
1. No connection
2. No difference
3. Old and new
a. Historical,
b. Covenantal
c. Typological

Greidanus
Chapter 2 The necessity of Preaching Christ from the OT

A. The lack of Preaching Christ from the OT
B. The unique character of the OT
C. The relation of the OT to the New.
D. THE OLD TESTAMENT’S WHITNESS TO CHRIST
E. BENEFITS FROM PREACHING CHRIST FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

CHAPTER 5
NEW TESTAMENT PRINCIPLES FOR PREACHING CHRIST FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

1. Christ centered preaching is to be God-centered
2. Interpret the OT from the reality of Christ
3. Many roads lead from the OT to Christ

KAISER – The Old Testament and the New Testament

1. The Old Testament catchword for the New Testament
2. The Unity of the Old and New Testaments3. The Better Covenant.