“A person’s life, spiritual growth and Christian experience are no better than
his theology. A right theology ought to lead to right living, right dying and the
anticipation of the resurrection unto glory. And it will if one’s theology derives
from a faithful study of the Word of God.
But what is theology? It is the doctrinal teaching of the Word of God systematized
and absorbed into the mind, heart, and life. First, it is the doctrinal teaching of the
Word of God. We must learn to see the scriptures doctrinally, and once thoroughly
grasped, we must make consistent application to ourselves and to the world about
us. Second, this knowledge must be systematized. Bits and pieces of truth may be
alarming or astounding, but rarely life–changing. Third, such Divine truth must
be absorbed into the mind, heart, and life. Unless the truth of the scriptures is
absorbed into our lives, it will never be suitably and consistently manifest. Theology
must become living truth from the living God, determining the spiritual, moral,
ethical, and practical boundaries of our very existence.
Theology must become practical. God gave us His truth to temper and determine
our lives. What good is biblical truth if it is not the determining factor of our
everyday lives? May our theology be consistent and life–transforming by the Spirit
of God!
Systematic Theology is the central branch of theological science. It covers all the
major areas of Divine truth, dealing with the essence and the substance of God’s
Word in a logical manner. It becomes a tool to reveal God’s Word set forth in a
consistent manner. One should seek to obtain a grasp of systematic theology for a
balanced grasp of God’s truth.
It is the work of the Holy Spirit to open and apply the Word of God to our hearts,
minds, and lives. A systematic and prayerful approach to Divine truth will greatly
help in this opening and application!
May this volume set forth the basis for a survey of the major doctrines of our
Christian faith, remove contradictions, and provide a source for the consistent,
practical study of Divine truth.”
—W. R. Downing

DR. W. R. DOWNING, PhD, DD, was a Baptist preacher for 58 years. During
that time, he pastored six churches and taught at several theological institutions.
He is still active in the ministry by the grace of God