The Role of Biblical Theology and Systematic Theology

Two Lenses for Understanding Scripture

Introduction

In Week 7 of this course, we are studying how Scripture must be read not only in its parts but also in its whole. We began by considering the unity of Scripture and canonical context, learning that every passage finds meaning within the larger story of God’s redemption. The next step is to ask: How do we draw theology from this unified Scripture?

Christians throughout history have approached theology from different angles. Two key approaches — biblical theology and systematic theology — complement one another. Biblical theology traces themes and developments across the canon. Systematic theology organizes the teachings of Scripture into coherent categories. Both are essential for faithful interpretation and application.

This article introduces students to each approach, explains how they differ, shows how they work together, and demonstrates their importance for hermeneutics.

1. What Is Biblical Theology?

1.1 Definition

Biblical theology is the discipline that seeks to understand and articulate the theology of the Bible as it unfolds in history. It asks: How did God reveal Himself progressively, and how do the parts of Scripture contribute to the overarching story?

1.2 Characteristics

• Historical: Attends to the progression of revelation over time.

• Contextual: Seeks to understand each text in its historical and literary setting.

• Thematic: Traces motifs like covenant, kingdom, temple, or exile across the canon.

• Christocentric: Recognizes that all themes converge in Christ.

1.3 Example

The theme of temple:

• Eden functions as the first temple where God dwells with His people.

• The tabernacle and Solomon’s temple continue this theme.

• Jesus presents Himself as the true temple (John 2:19–21).

• The church is described as God’s temple (1 Cor. 3:16).

• Revelation ends with God dwelling with His people in the new creation, where God Himself is its temple (Rev. 21:22).

Biblical theology highlights how the temple theme unfolds across redemptive history.

2. What Is Systematic Theology?

2.1 Definition

Systematic theology organizes the teaching of Scripture into logical categories, asking: What does the whole Bible say about this doctrine?

2.2 Characteristics

• Topical: Organizes doctrines under headings such as God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, church, and last things.

• Logical: Seeks coherence and consistency in doctrine.

• Comprehensive: Draws from the whole canon rather than a single passage.

• Contextual for the church: Addresses contemporary questions by applying biblical truth systematically.

2.3 Example

The doctrine of atonement:

• Systematic theology gathers Old Testament sacrifices, Isaiah 53, the Gospels’ passion narratives, Paul’s teaching on justification, and Hebrews’ explanation of Christ’s priesthood.

• It organizes these texts into models of atonement: substitutionary, moral influence, Christus Victor, etc.

• It asks how all these perspectives fit together into one coherent doctrine.

Systematic theology answers the question: What does the whole Bible teach about atonement?

3. Differences Between Biblical and Systematic Theology

3.1 Orientation

• Biblical theology is historical and narrative, tracing the development of revelation.

• Systematic theology is topical and logical, organizing doctrine for coherence.

3.2 Questions Asked

• Biblical theology: How does God’s revelation unfold across history?

• Systematic theology: What does the Bible teach about this doctrine in its fullness?

3.3 Use of Context

• Biblical theology emphasizes each text in its original setting.

• Systematic theology synthesizes across settings into unified doctrine.

4. Complementary Roles

4.1 Why We Need Both

• Biblical theology keeps systematic theology grounded in Scripture’s story. It prevents abstraction by rooting doctrine in history.

• Systematic theology helps the church articulate clear doctrines for teaching, confession, and practice. It prevents fragmentation by organizing Scripture into a unified body of truth.

4.2 Example: The Kingdom of God

• Biblical theology traces the kingdom theme: from God’s rule in creation, to Israel’s monarchy, to Jesus’ proclamation of the kingdom, to Revelation’s vision of God’s reign.

• Systematic theology then asks: What does the Bible teach about God’s sovereignty, the present and future aspects of His kingdom, and how this informs our theology of church and mission?

4.3 Example: Justification

• Biblical theology situates justification in the covenant story of Abraham, Israel’s law, and Paul’s letters.

• Systematic theology integrates those insights into the doctrine of justification by faith, clarifying its relationship to sanctification and glorification.

5. Practical Guidance for Students

5.1 When Doing Exegesis

• Start with biblical theology: read the passage in its historical and canonical context.

• Then consider systematic implications: how does this passage contribute to broader doctrine?

5.2 When Teaching or Preaching

• Use biblical theology to connect the text to the larger story of redemption.

• Use systematic theology to explain doctrinal significance for today.

5.3 When Engaging Culture

• Biblical theology shows how God’s story intersects with human stories.

• Systematic theology provides coherent doctrine to respond to ethical and theological questions.

6. Case Studies

6.1 Creation

• Biblical theology: Traces creation from Genesis, through Israel’s worship of the Creator, to the new creation in Christ.

• Systematic theology: Organizes doctrines of creation, providence, and humanity (anthropology).

6.2 The Holy Spirit

• Biblical theology: Shows the Spirit’s work in creation, prophecy, empowering Jesus’ ministry, and indwelling the church.

• Systematic theology: Develops pneumatology, articulating the Spirit’s personhood, deity, gifts, and role in sanctification.

6.3 Salvation

• Biblical theology: Follows the exodus, exile and return, and Christ’s saving work.

• Systematic theology: Develops soteriology — doctrines of election, justification, sanctification, and glorification.

7. Encouragement for Students

Some may feel torn between the story-driven approach of biblical theology and the logical structure of systematic theology. But both are necessary. One without the other becomes distorted: biblical theology without systematics risks fragmentation, while systematic theology without biblical theology risks abstraction. Together, they provide a balanced approach to God’s Word.

We must hold these two approaches in fruitful tension. Think of biblical theology as tracing the melody of God’s story, while systematic theology organizes the harmonies that support and enrich the melody. Together, they form the music of Christian doctrine.

Conclusion

Theology is about knowing God through His Word. Biblical theology and systematic theology offer two complementary lenses: one traces the unfolding drama of redemption, the other organizes its truths into coherent doctrine. For faithful hermeneutics, students must learn to value both approaches.

Exegesis cannot stop at the verse level. We must trace themes across history (biblical theology) and then articulate doctrines that serve the life of the church (systematic theology). This integrated approach equips students to read Scripture more deeply and to live more faithfully in response to God’s Word.

References

Carson, D. A. (1996). The Gagging of God: Christianity Confronts Pluralism. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Childs, B. S. (1970). Biblical Theology in Crisis. Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Press.

Fee, G. D., & Stuart, D. (2014). How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (4th ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Goldsworthy, G. (1991). According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

Grudem, W. (2020). Systematic Theology (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic.

Vanhoozer, K. J. (2005). The Drama of Doctrine: A Canonical-Linguistic Approach to Christian Theology. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox.

Wright, N. T. (2012). How God Became King: The Forgotten Story of the Gospels. New York, NY: HarperOne.