Taking Systematic Theology via Twitter

Ever wanted to sit in on a Systematic Theology class? Not able to attend seminary right now? Too lazy to go to iTunes U and listen to hours and hours of lectures? Well, here’s your solution, follow me through the wonders of a one week intensive of Systematic Theology via Twitter.

That’s right, I’ll be twittering my way through my Systematic Theology III summer intensive at RTS-O this week. Feel free to follow me throughout the day and study along as we study the doctrine of redemption (here’s the course syllabus).

I plan to post snippets from the course notes, great quotes from Dr. Scott Swain (who is both a brilliant and engaging professor), and other observations from the class… For those who’ve ever wondered what a seminary summer intensive is like, this will give you a feel for it.

It all began yesterday, so for those who haven’t been following let me catch you up to speed:

• Systematic Theology III all week long… 8-5, M-F… I get tired just thinking about it. #
• Class is packed… roll call taking quite a while… #
• …an entire week talking about Jesus and redemption… this is going to be great! #
• the redemption of creation, from the curse, through death, for covenant fellowship with God in a new creation—all by the hand of a Mediator #
• 1 peter 3:18 – For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God #
• http://twitpic.com/5pau – Union and communion with God. #
• Using metaphor of music – Our present agenda: to trace and describe the movement of redemption. #
• For the record, I’m taking vintage notes – http://tinyurl.com/5demz2 #
• Five minute break. #
• B. God promises redemption to Abraham: the Covenant of Grace #
• God covenants to be Abraham’s God AND Father. Father? Hebrews 11:8 ‑ Inheritance comes from a father. #
• God fulfills his redemptive promise through Moses (et al) in three stages: #
• (1) inauguration (redemption accomplished/covenant union secured), #
• (2) continuation (redemption sustained/covenant communion enjoyed), and #
• (3) consummation (redemption consummated/covenant communion consummated). #
• A mediator is one appointed and anointed by God from among God’s people to represent God to his people and to represent God’s people to God. #
• Hour and a half lunch break. #
• Lunch over… on to redemption inaugurated #
• http://twitpic.com/5pyy – Vintage notes for first half of day one. #
• What are the two reasons God chose Israel? Deuteronomy 7:7-8 – Because of his love and a promise made to their fathers. #
• Worship is the goal of redemption. #
• http://twitpic.com/5q4k – Time to take another break. #
• Atonement is the precondition of forgiveness * Forgiveness is always costly. #
• Interestingly, “redemption” in Israel (on various non-spiritual levels) is procured by a family member. #
• 3:26 – Officially feeling sleepy. #
• God promises in the Law to do what the Law could not do (cf. Rom 3:21) #
• 10 minute break #
• God continues to fulfill his redemptive promise through David-Solomon: mediation through King and Temple #
• He just said “Rad” #
• Calling it a day. Packing up and heading home. Looking forward to a relaxing evening. #