BI-325 Paul's Theology

Does Paul's thought hold together as one whole? With Romans as your guide, follow his gospel from human need to new life in Christ, and see how it shapes the church.

Following Theology of St. Paul, this course moves from the human predicament to the gospel of Christ crucified and risen. Then it looks at salvation as one new life: a new status, a new existence and a new power. It ends with life between the ages: hope, the church as Christ's body, and how believers should live. You also learn to weigh a teaching that makes salvation depend on works, or that turns grace into an excuse to sin.

What you will study

• Paul's life, his letters and the main themes of his thought
• Humankind under judgment: sin, death and the law
• The gospel of Christ crucified
• The risen and exalted Lord
• Justification by faith, union with Christ and the gift of the Spirit
• Living between Christ's first coming and his return
• The church as the body of Christ: gifts and leadership
• How believers should live: love, freedom and building one another up

Course materials

• Theology of St. Paul, a WWES textbook
• The Bible