Biblia.com

Systematic Theology

GOD AS TRINITY

NORMAN R. GULLEY

Andrews

University Press

Berrien Springs, Michigan

Andrews University Press

Sutherland House

8360 W. Campus Circle Dr.

Berrien Springs, MI 49104-1700

Telephone: 269-471-6134

Fax: 269-471-6224

Email: aupo@andrews.edu

Website: http://universitypress.andrews.edu

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner or translated into other languages without written permission from the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

ISBN 978-1-883925-69-7

The author assumes full responsibility for the accuracy of all quotations appearing in this text and the documentation of the many sources cited. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. WWW.ZONDERVAN.COM. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Offices by Biblica, Inc.™

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Gulley, Norman R.

Systematic theology: God as trinity / Norman R. Gulley.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-1-883925-69-7 (hardcover)

1. Trinity--History of doctrines. 2. Seventh-Day Adventists--Doctrines. I. Title.

BT111.3.G85 2011

231’.044--dc23

2011035101

Dedication

This volume is dedicated to two Adventist scholars who have made a significant contribution to scholarship and serve on the Seminary faculty of Andrews University

Fernando Canale

for his important contributions to Systematic Theology, and

Richard M. Davidson

for his important contributions to Old Testament interpretation.

They discover truth through applying

the sola-tota-prima scriptura principles.

Contents

God’s Eternal Relationship: Trinity

I. Introduction

A. Relational Trinity

B. Relational Trinity throughout the System

C. Replacement of Distortions about God

II. Scripture’s Revelation of the Persons in the Relational Trinity

A. The Father

1. Scripture Calls the Father “God”

2. Christ Calls the Father “God”

B. The Son

1. Scripture Calls Christ “God”

2. The Father Calls Christ “God”

3. Relationship to the Father

4. Christ as Creator

5. “I AM” Name

6. King of Kings

7. Same Nature as God

8. Same Worship as God

C. The Spirit

1. The Spirit in the Old Testament

2. The Spirit Is a Person

3. Scripture Calls the Spirit “God”

4. Christ Calls the Spirit “God”

5. Spirit as God beyond the Book of Acts

D. Trinity: First Doctrine Explored

III. Old Testament Evidence for the Relational Trinity

A. The Shema Does Not Preclude Plurality

B. Evidence for Divine Plurality

C. Explicit Trinity

1. Trinity in Isaiah

D. Conclusion

IV. New Testament Evidence for the Relational Trinity

A. Christ Reveals the Trinity

B. Trinity in the Epistles

V. Conclusion

VI. Study Questions

VII. Appendices...

Content not shown in limited preview…

About Systematic Theology: God as Trinity

What is theology all about? In this long-awaited second volume of a multi-volume comprehensive theological system, Norman R. Gulley addresses the foundational question about theology: Who is God? The author starts with the premise that theology is, ultimately, about the essential character of God. What kind of God is he? Is he a good God or a bad one? Gulley’s biblical “cosmic controversy” worldview undergirds his answers to the most fundamental questions of what the Bible teaches about God.

Working steadfastly from the platform of sola scriptura established in his Prolegomena, Gulley takes the serious reader on a wide-ranging and insightful tour of the many facets of the doctrine of God. His approach first presents his biblical argument on a given topic, and then provides a helpful survey and summary critique of other views throughout the history of theological and philosophical thought. Beginning with God as relational Trinity, Gulley addresses many other vital questions posed over time, including arguments about timelessness, immutability, and impassability; old and new covenants; God’s revelation through the biblical Sanctuary; His ultimate plan of mediation; redemption and restoration; process and openness theology; predestination; and other topics. As in the first volume, Gulley ranges easily over millennia in showing how different concepts and philosophies have affected our understanding of the character of God.

This ambitious work is designed for both the committed student of theology and the general reader who will appreciate each chapter’s opening summary, concise conclusion, and helpful set of study questions. This volume provides the fundamental basis of the rest of the system, and is a paradigm shift from many traditional views about God.

Support Info

sytmtctheogulley02

Table of Contents