The Role of Theology in Practice

I ran across an interesting topic tonight while leading my small group. We talked mostly about predestination (through a variety of angles), but I wanted us to leave with a sense of how it applies to our lives, rather than our discussion being, in essence, an intellectual game. We had discussed a couple theological issues of importance, but could have easily left it at an abstract level.

What is the role of theology in the life of a Christian? I fear I am treading on ground where far greater men have written volumes, and am in far over my head with this topic. However, the way I see it, theology's role for the believer is to bring into readily accessible form the truths we see evident in Scripture, in order that we may apply them to our lives. If we do not demand our theology be lived out, we are fooling ourselves, and are to be pitied above all others. That is to say, orthodoxy apart from orthopraxy is idolatry.

I believe theology should flow from Scripture, not from the desire to make a perfectly coherent system. Read (and revel in!) the richness of God's work in reconciling man to himself. To our finite minds, the best biblically grounded theological system may well seem foolish. It is, after all, a mystery how God extended his covenant to bring salvation to the Gentiles. Confessing the crucified, shamed, God-man, Jesus Christ, the Lord of all Creation, true God of true God, is utter foolishness to the world. Yet this is the Gospel of hope, this is the way the one true God.

How do we live in light of having been grafted in to God's people? With utter thankfulness. With lives devoid of pride. With obedience to God's commandments, through the power of the Spirit who gives us strength. With hope, knowing the battle has been won.