What is the definition of theology?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

God has revealed Himself in Scripture, showing us that He is the Creator, Sustainer, Judge, and the eternal "I AM". The study of God and His attributes is known as theology. Without theology, we cannot truly know or worship God, and we miss the life-giving relationship He invites us into . Though our understanding of God is limited, He has graciously made Himself known through His Word and ultimately through His Son, Jesus Christ. Right theology strengthens our faith, shapes our worldview, and fuels our obedience and worship. Pursuing sound theology helps us avoid error and discover the joy, hope, and purpose that come from truly knowing God.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Without theology, our relationship with God would be limited. Practically, theology is reading the Bible to discover what God has said about Himself. Theology teaches us that God is the Creator, Sustainer, and Judge of all things (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 96:13; Colossians 1:17); that He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end of all things (see Revelation 1:8; Revelation 22:13); that He is, as Moses learned, the great "I AM" (Exodus 3:14), the free, purposeful, self-sufficient, almighty, self-existing, self-determining Being and not an impersonal cosmic force (Isaiah 40:28; Psalm 90:2; see John 1:1-3).
• God wants to be known. Moses asked to see who God is (Exodus 33:13), and we are encouraged to seek after God (Deuteronomy 4:29).
• We are called to come before God in worship (1 Chronicles 16:29). We cannot worship Him if we do not know Him.
• Those who seek the LORD lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10).
• We are to seek the LORD while He may be found (Isaiah 55:6).
• God calls us to seek Him with our whole heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The word "theology" comes from two Greek words, theos meaning 'God' and logos meaning 'the word about (or the study of) God' as He is revealed in the Scriptures. Even though our attempts to understand an infinite God will fall short because of our limited understanding (Romans 11:33-36), God has given us the Bible for us to study and understand who He is.
• Some people try to avoid theology because they believe it is divisive, but understanding God as He is revealed is uniting and a beneficial thing (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
• Through theology, we learn who God is and that He has revealed Himself to humanity through His Son Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-3; John 14:9) and that through His blood we have eternal life (John 3:16; 1 John 1:7; Romans 5:9).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Studying theology is not reserved for scholars—it is essential for every believer who wants to know God truly and walk with Him faithfully. When we commit ourselves to learning who God is through His Word, our faith becomes anchored in truth, not emotion or cultural trends. Right theology fuels right worship. It transforms how we see the world, how we respond to trials, how we love others, and how we resist sin. If we neglect theology, we risk shaping a god in our own image—a distortion that leads to confusion, disillusionment, and spiritual drift. But when we pursue sound theology, we discover a God who is glorious, gracious, and good beyond measure. The more we understand His holiness, His love, His justice, and His mercy, the more we are drawn to trust Him, obey Him, and reflect Him in our daily lives. If we want to endure with joy, discern truth from error, and live lives that matter for eternity, we must pursue the study of God with both mind and heart.

UNDERSTAND

• Theology is the study of God as He reveals Himself in Scripture.
• Knowing and worshiping God rightly depends on theology.
• Sound theology strengthens faith, anchors us in truth, guards us from error, and draws us into a deeper relationship with a holy and gracious God

REFLECT

• How intentionally are you pursuing a deeper understanding of who God is through Scripture?
• How does your view of God shape your worship, decisions, or relationships?
• In what areas of your life have you been tempted to follow a version of God shaped by something other than by Scripture?

ENGAGE

• Why do you think some people are hesitant to study theology, and how can we help make it more approachable?
• How does understanding God's character—His holiness, justice, mercy, and love—impact the way we respond to trials or sin?
• What are some practical ways we can encourage one another to grow in sound theology in everyday life?