The Necessity of Theology: Ecclesiological and Evangelical

Sound theology ensures healthy churches, as well. God’s people throughout the narrative of Scripture were defined by their knowledge of Him. The final sermons of Moses, as recorded in the book of Deuteronomy, develop at great length (and repetition) the importance of God’s law and revelation in the corporate life of His people. The people of God are to serve God according to His precepts (Deut. 10:12), to be transformed in their hearts by their knowledge of Him (Deut. 10:16), and to faithfully obey all He commands (Deut. 11:22-23, 27-28). Furthermore, Scripture reveals the knowledge of God is not far off from His people, but readily given and accessible to them (Deut. 30:14). In the New Testament the Church becomes the guardian and keeper of God’s revelation of Himself, as made perfectly evident and manifest in the person of Jesus Christ. Paul writes that through Christ the mystery of God has been revealed to the Church to be partakers of the promise in Christ (Eph. 3:3-6). Theology enables to the Church to have clear and authoritative understanding about the fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith and the God of the Bible.
The evangelical purposes of the Church prove beyond reach without a proper regard and emphasis on theology. First, the study of theology makes known the mission of the Church in the world. Matt. 28:18-20 articulates the Church’s calling to make disciples in the entire world on the foundation of Christ’s authority and teachings. Further, Paul writes that the Church is charged with the responsibility to make the mystery of God and the Gospel known throughout the world (Eph. 3:10). These passages demonstrate both the responsibility of the Church as well as the foundation and message of its task. Second, the ability to fulfill its mission effectively and widely is in direct proportion to the soundness of the church’s doctrine. Christian theology enables the Church to proclaim accurately the Gospel of Christ as well as defend its beliefs rationally against opponents of the faith. Historically, the Church has relied on theology against heretics and antagonists to ensure the Biblical soundness of new churches and believers.