‘Tony Lane is a masterful teacher. From his comprehensive understanding of the history of doctrine he distinguishes the essentials of orthodoxy from debatable secondary matters. He has a knack of writing epigrammatic sentences that instantly clarify an issue. He has a gift for accurately apt illustrations. Just when things might be getting a little dull, he throws in a joke or even a cartoon. Ideal for anyone who wants to understand the basics.’ Richard Bauckham, Emeritus Professor of New Testament Studies University of St Andrews, Scotland ‘Engaging in style, evangelical in spirit, ecumenical in atmosphere, and eclectic in its use of resources, Exploring Christian Doctrine presents in concise and readable form some of the ripe fruit of Tony Lane’s career- long ministry as a teacher of theology. In a well-conceived format, he lays out the big questions, offers his own perspective (always indicating the alternatives in the major issues) and on occasion, tantalizingly, leaves the reader to work through the issues independently. Exploring Christian Doctrine will delight students looking for a textbook that is clear and informative, never overbearing but always challenging.’ Sinclair B. Ferguson, Professor of Systematic Theology Redeemer Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas ‘What does the Church believe? What does the Church’s faith have to do with prayer and worship, and life in the everyday world? Why don’t all churches believe the same thing? In this useful primer, Tony Lane addresses these basic questions and more, demonstrating again and again how the evangelical faith is grounded in Scripture and related to the Church’s grand tradition. He charts his own path, to be sure, but all along the way he also shows why faithful Christians can look at some issues from different perspectives. Students, especially, will find this a welcome guide.’ Joel B. Green, Associate Dean for the Center for Advanced Theological Studies, Fuller Theological Seminary, California ‘Tony Lane’s survey of Christian belief is accessible and engaging. Alive to historical debates and to contemporary challenges, his focus nonethe- less remains on offering a clear and thorough account of the essential points of Christian doctrine from a broadly evangelical perspective. The structure of the book will help readers to engage and to go deeper where they wish. Anyone wanting to understand what Christians believe and why will find this an extremely helpful guide.’ Steve Holmes, Senior Lecturer in Theology University of St Andrews, Scotland ‘This is a simply outstanding introduction to doctrine; I know nothing like it. The product of decades of classroom experience, it is rooted in the Bible, answers a barrage of questions and objections, and is enlivened by cartoons and humour. If you think doctrine is dull and boring, think again.’ Robert Letham, Director of Research and Senior Tutor in Systematic and Historical Theology, Wales Evangelical School of Theology ‘This book does exactly what its title promises: it conducts beginning students of broadly evangelical theology on a search for buried treasure (the wealth of Christian tradition) and “risen” treasure (the wisdom and knowledge hid in Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:3)) by traversing the length and breadth of Christian doctrine. As with all successful journeys, this one comes with a map, compass and, most importantly, a knowledgeable and trustworthy guide. The book’s structure is appetizingly laid out in a series of initial questions, positions taken, objections raised, errors to avoid and Lane’s own succinct answers – all framed by credal and confessional bounds and set within the context of worship. As with all good travel, this exploration is also educational, broadening the mind, and Lane works hard to ensure that the traveller will not return home unchanged: in addition to the “answers”, Lane suggests practical applications. This is only fitting, for the ultimate purpose of doctrine is to serve discipleship and doxology.’ Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Research Professor of Systematic Theology Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Illinois EXPLORING CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE Anthony N. S. Lane (DD, University of Oxford) is Professor of Historical Theology at London School of Theology. He is the author of a number of books, including A Concise History of Christian Thought (previously The Lion Concise Book of Christian Thought), The Lion Christian Classics Collection, John Calvin: Student of the Church Fathers and Justification by Faith in Catholic– Protestant Dialogue. This book is based on an introductory Christian Doctrine module that he has taught for many years. He is married and has two children and two grandchildren. Exploring Christian Doctrine A Guide to What Christians Believe Tony L ane InterVarsity Press P.O. Box 1400, Downers Grove, IL 60515-1426 World Wide Web: www.ivpress.com E-mail: [email protected] Copyright © Tony Lane 2014 Published in the United States of America by InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, Illinois, with permission from the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, London, England. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from InterVarsity Press. InterVarsity Press® is the book-publishing division of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA®, a movement of students and faculty active on campus at hundreds of universities, colleges and schools of nursing in the United States of America, and a member movement of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students. For information about local and regional activities, write Public Relations Dept., InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, 6400 Schroeder Rd., P.O. Box 7895, Madison, WI 53707-7895, or visit the IVCF website at <www.intervarsity.org>. Copyright acknowledgements are on pages 299-300. Images: The Raising of Lazarus by Sebastiano del Piombo at National Gallery, London, UK / The Bridgeman Art Library. ISBN 978-0-8308-9623-3 (digital) ISBN 978-0-8308-2546-2 (print) CONTENTS Introduction 1 16 The Trinity 154 17 God 163 A. METHOD E. REDEMPTION: PERSONAL 1 Knowing God 11 2 The Bible 21 18 Christian initiation 175 3 Speaking about God 31 19 Baptism 184 20 Justification and assurance 194 B. CREATION 21 Sanctification 203 4 The creation of the universe 43 22 Perseverance and reward 213 5 The spirit world 51 F. REDEMPTION: CORPORATE 6 Humanity 59 23 Grace and election 225 C. SIN AND EVIL 24 The Church 1 (ecclesiology) 234 7 Sin 69 25 The Church 2 243 26 Holy Communion 252 8 The Fall and original sin 78 9 Providence 88 G. FUTURE GLORY (ESCHATOLOGY) 10 Evil and suffering (theodicy) 96 27 The end times 265 D. REDEMPTION: GOD AND 28 Hell 274 HIS WORK 29 Future hope 282 11 The law and the Old Testament 107 Questions to answer 293 12 The work of Christ 118 Glossary 294 13 The person of Christ (Christology) 128 Copyright acknowledgements 299 14 The uniqueness of Christ 138 Index of biblical references 301 15 Holy Spirit 145 Index of names and subjects 306 vii INTRODUCTION WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF 6 to show how particular doctrines relate THIS BOOK? to the contemporary scene – both Church and culture. This book originated as a series of lectures for a first-year undergraduate Christian SPECIAL FEATURES Doctrine Survey module. It is designed to be used by students at that level, either Each chapter contains a number of different on their own or as a textbook for a whole types of material: cohort. It is also written to be accessible to the educated lay person who has had no l Aims of this chapter: questions that the formal theological training. chapter sets out to answer. l What do you think? The question: a In writing the book I have sought to achieve question that can be considered there a number of objectives: and then by the individual reading the book or by the group using it 1 to provide a basic account of Christian together. beliefs – the primary objective; l What do you think? My answer: having 2 to give, as appropriate, a very brief posed the question, later in the chapter account of the history of particular I offer my own answer to it, deliberately doctrines, showing how doctrines have not called ‘The answer’. developed historically and need to be l Sceptic’s corner: a common objection, understood contextually; with my answer. 3 to illustrate particular doctrines with key l Credal statement(s): extract(s) from a historical texts, especially credal creed, confession or similar document, statements; some of these being contemporary.1 4 to show how different groups differ over l Error(s) to avoid: way(s) in which the particular doctrines; doctrine has been misunderstood or, 5 to point to the interconnections between more rarely: different doctrines, such as the person l Tension to hold: two sides of the truth and work of Christ; which need to be held in tension. 1