What Is Theology?“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” — John 17:3 (LSB)

Introduction: Knowing the One True God

At its core, theology is about knowing God. It is not merely academic or speculative. Theology is the pursuit of the most important knowledge a human being can possess: the truth about God as He has revealed Himself in Scripture. In John 17:3, Jesus defined eternal life in terms of relational knowledge—“that they may know You.” Theology, therefore, is not just information; it is worshipful investigation.

The word theology comes from two Greek words: theos (God) and logos (word, reason, or discourse). Simply put, theology is the disciplined reflection on God, His works, His will, and His Word.

The Task of Theology

In the Christian tradition, especially within the Reformation heritage, theology is often described as faith seeking understanding (fides quaerens intellectum). It involves receiving the truth God has revealed and then organizing, explaining, and applying that truth to all of life.

Louis Berkhof described theology as “the science of God and of the relationship between God and the universe.” But unlike other sciences, its foundation is revelation, not discovery. We do not study God by ascending to Him with reason; we study Him because He has graciously condescended to us in His Word.

Theology Must Be Biblical

Theology that is not anchored in the inspired, inerrant Scriptures is not Christian theology. All doctrine must be measured against God’s Word (2 Tim 3:16–17). The Reformers understood this deeply. They recovered the principle of sola Scriptura, affirming that theology must arise from the exegesis of Scripture, not from church tradition or philosophical speculation.

As Herman Bavinck said, “Dogmatics does not start with man; it begins with God.”

Theological Knowledge Is Personal and Transformative

Theology is not for the ivory tower. It is for the pulpit, the living room, and the prayer closet. Knowing God leads to loving Him, fearing Him, trusting Him, and obeying Him. It transforms the mind (Rom 12:2), purifies the heart (1 Tim 1:5), and steadies the soul in suffering (Ps 46:1).

Paul prayed that the Colossians would be “filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Col 1:9). True theology bears fruit in godliness.

Theology Is for Every Believer

Many Christians assume theology is only for pastors or seminary professors. But Scripture teaches otherwise. Every believer is a theologian—either a good one or a poor one. When we speak about God, pray to Him, interpret Scripture, or evangelize—we are doing theology. The question is not whether you are a theologian, but whether you are a faithful one.

Theological Humility and Worship

The goal of theology is not mastery of God, but worship of God. The more we learn of His holiness, His sovereignty, and His mercy, the more we are driven to humble adoration. As Paul exclaimed after a deep theological discourse:

“Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” (Rom 11:33).

Application: Knowing God in Truth

• Are you seeking to know God as He is, or as you wish Him to be?

• Is your theology shaped by Scripture or by cultural preferences?

• Does your knowledge of God lead you to greater holiness and deeper worship?

If you want to grow in Christ, grow in your theology. Not abstract theories—but God’s truth, rightly handled, joyfully believed, and reverently applied.

Conclusion

Theology is not a luxury. It is life itself. To know God truly is to live rightly. And to study theology faithfully is to worship sincerely. Let us press on to know the Lord (Hos 6:3), for in knowing Him we find our greatest joy, our surest foundation, and our eternal hope.