Systematic Theology III
Christology, Soteriology, and Eschatology
Syllabus
ST522
Spring 2014
Dr. Douglas F. Kelly
Reformed Theological Seminary
Course Overview
Systematic Theology III – ST522
Dr. Kelly
TEXTBOOKS:

The Bible

The Westminster Confession of Faith

Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology

John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion

John Murray, Redemption Accomplished and Applied

Douglas Kelly, Systematic Theology, Vol. II (in manuscript format, to be purchased at start of course)

Douglas Kelly, Revelation: A Mentor Commentary (Christian Focus, 2012)
STRUCTURE OF THE COURSE:
Lectures and readings will deal with five major topics:
1. CHRISTOLOGY
We study the person and work of Christ based on exegesis of Scripture with reference to relevant
historical church councils and confessions.
Required reading for Christology:

Kelly, Systematic Theology, Vol. II: Chapters 1-5,7-11
2. SOTERIOLOGY
We study the application of Christ's work of redemption, the order of salvation and its benefits. We
shall survey the exegetical basis and theological implications of:

Union with Christ

Calling

Regeneration

Conversion

Faith

Justification

Adoption

Sanctification

Perseverance
Required reading for Soteriology:

Syllabus material

Murray, Redemption Accomplished and Applied
3. ESCHATOLOGY
We study the exegetical basis and theological implications of the doctrine of Last Things, including:

Death

The intermediate state

The return of Christ

The resurrection

The final judgment
Required reading for Eschatology:

Syllabus material

Calvin, Institutes, III.25 (pp. 987-1008)

Berkhof, Systematic Theology, 695-737

Kelly, Revelation:
o Introduction, pp. 10-12 (read the section called, 'A Second Reason')
o pp. 19-21 (read the section called 'When Was Revelation Written?')
o Read the following chapters: 2, 3, 10, 13-15, 17, 19, 23, 24, 27, 29, 30, 32, 34, 35, 42, 44, 45,
47-49, 52-56, 58, 59, 65.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Do the required reading.
2. Learn the content conveyed in lectures.
3. Take-home exam on Kelly, Systematic Theology, Vol. II. Due at the beginning of class on
Wednesday, April 2, 2014. Constitutes 25% of the course grade.
4. Prepare an 8-10 page essay (see “Term Paper Topics” below). Due at the beginning of class on
Wednesday, March 26, 2014. Constitutes 25% of the course grade.
5. Two exams:
a. A mid-term exam covering what has been done up to that point. This exam should last between one
and two hours. Take extra care to be familiar with what has been covered up to this point in Kelly,
Systematic Theology, Vol. II. To be taken in class on Wednesday, March 12, 2014. Constitutes
25% of the course grade.
b. A final exam, covering what has been done since the mid-term. It should take about two hours,
though you may have more time if you wish. It will be taken during exam week. Constitutes 25%
of the course grade.
Term Paper for Systematic Theology III
This paper should be 8-10 pages in length (typed and double-spaced) with appropriate footnoting and
bibliography. Do not include a string of long quotations. Make sure you (1) deal with the relevant information
competently and fairly to all sides, and (2) interact with the material yourself so that you demonstrate that you
have "thought about it theologically." (3) Have a proper introduction and conclusion and a clear structure for
your essay. (4) Use good grammar and write clearly. (5) Use 8 sources, and footnote, where appropriate.
A. Discuss “The New Perspective on Paul,” particularly as regards Justification. Make reference to such
scholars as N.T. Wright, Sanders and Dunn.
B. “Evangelicals and Catholics Together”: The current debate and your assessment of it. Deal with
theological issues; not personalities.
Refer to such sources as

“Evangelicals and Catholics Together...” in First Things (May 1994, pp. 15-22);

R.C. Sproul ministries, Table Talk Nov., 1994, and also the Feb. 1995 issue:

C. Colson, “Why Catholics are our Allies” in Nov. 14, 1994 Christianity Today,

J.I. Packer, “Why I signed it” in Dec. 12, 1994 CT

McGrath’s “Do we still need the Reformation...” in the same edition.

Michael Horton and J.I. Packer’s “Resolutions for R.C. and Evang. Dialogue.”

Check for more recent articles in CT and Table Talk.
You could (but do not need to) refer to such works as Scott Hahn’s Rome, Sweet Home and John
Gerstner’s Rome, Not Home, plus any other material you deem relevant.
You may refer to the following new books:

N.L. Geisler and R.E. MacKenzie, Roman Catholics and Evangelicals (Baker, 1995).

Colson & Neuhaus, ed. Evangelicals & Catholics Together (Word: 1995).

R.C. Sproul, Faith Alone, (Baker: 1995).
C. Deal with your assessment of “The Jesus Seminar”: its presuppositions methodology and influence.
See: The Five Gospels: The Search for the Authentic Words of Jesus, Funk et al., MacMillan: 1993 amd
Jesus Under Fire, eds. M.J. Wilkins and J.P. Moreland, Zondervan, 1995.
For general background, you may wish to refer to:

Robert Strimple, The Modern Search for the Real Jesus, (P&R 1995).

Colin Brown, Miracles and the Critical Mind, (Eerdmans:1984).

Colson & Neuhaus, ed. Evangelicals and Catholics Together (Word:1995).

R.C. Sproul, Faith Alone, (Baker:1995).
D. The doctrine of Adoption in Reformed theology and its specific relevance for pastoral counseling (deal
with its application to one of these four areas: ‘self-image’, depression, divorce, child-abuse).
Possible references re: adoption:

John L. Girardeau, Discussion of Theological Questions (chapter on ‘adoption’).

R.A. Webb, The Reformed Doctrine of Adoption.

Francis R. Beattie, The Presbyterian Standards: An Exposition of the Westminster Confession and
Catechisms (Section on ‘adoption’).

John Murray, Collected Writings, 2: Systematic Theology, 223-234.

C. John Miller, paper, “Orphans vs. Sons.”

Allen Mawhinney, “Baptism, Servanthood and sonship” in Westminster Theological Journal 49
(1987) 35-64.
Course Objectives Related to MDiv Student Learning Outcomes
With Mini-Justification
Course:
Professor:
Campus:
Date:
3ST522
Douglas Kelly
Charlotte
Spring 2014
MDiv Student Learning Outcomes
Rubric




Articulation
(oral &
written)
Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both
oral and written, of essential biblical, theological,
historical, and cultural/global information, including
details, concepts, and frameworks.
Strong
Scripture
Significant knowledge of the original meaning of
Scripture. Also, the concepts for and skill to research
further into the original meaning of Scripture and to
apply Scripture to a variety of modern circumstances.
(Includes appropriate use of original languages and
hermeneutics; and integrates theological, historical,
and cultural/global perspectives.)
Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and
practice, with emphasis on the Westminster
Standards.
Strong
Sanctification
Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the
student’s sanctification.
Strong
Desire for
Worldview
Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of
God.
Moderate
Winsomely
Reformed/
Evangelistic
Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an
appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians,
especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the
Gospel in a God-honoring manner to non-Christians;
and a truth-in-love attitude in disagreements.)
Ability to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture
to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm.
Strong
Worship
Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christianworship forms; and ability to construct and skill to
lead a worship service.
N/A
Shepherd
Ability to shepherd the local congregation: aiding in
spiritual maturity; promoting use of gifts and callings;
and encouraging a concern for non-Christians, both in
Moderate
Reformed
Theology
Preach
Mini-Justification
Strong
Moderate
Minimal
None
Strong
Moderate
Students are required to express and
articulate views based on readings,
research, and class lectures, while
incorporating their own viewpoints.
The emphases of this course,
Christology, Soteriology, and
Eschatology, each find their
explanation by returning to the
Scriptures for understanding.
Although Scripture is the primary
voice in this course, much of it is
interpreted in the light of reformed
theology, and backed up by the
Westminster Standards.
Students will not only learn
theological truths about Christ,
salvation, and the end times, but
will also be taught how to view each
of these in a biblically sound
perspective.
Seeing life through the lens of an
accurate understanding of
Christology, Soteriology, and
Eschatology affects everything that
we do.
Because each of these are
controversial topics, other views are
considered, discussed, and
addressed in light of Scripture.
The content of this class will help
students to better understand these
controversial issues, thus greatly
aiding their preaching.
The content of this class is
significant in aiding leaders to not
only lead their congregations to
America and worldwide.
Church/World
Ability to interact within a denominational context,
within the broader worldwide church, and with
significant public issues.
Moderate
maturity, but also to safeguard
against erroneous doctrine in the
church.
This class utilizes the teachings of
the Church Fathers and other
theologians from throughout
history, and thereby offers a rich
emphasis on history. Many of the
issues that the church has faced in
the past continue to plague the
church today, and this course offers
orthodox responses to those issues.