The term "theology" tends to
be a catch-all word used to describe the entire belief system of an
individual or movement. To be precise though, theology refers to the
study of God.
We believe that God exists but is unknowable by man apart from divine
revelation, either general or specific. General revelation, through nature
and the constitution of man, enables one to know there is a God, but only
Specific (Special) revelation, the Word of God, enables one to know God in
a personal manner. Because of Specific revelation we know that God is an
invisible, personal, and living Spirit. His attributes include, but are
not limited to, his Omnipresence, Omnipotence, Omniscience, Immutability,
Holiness, Righteousness, Justice, Goodness, Mercy, Truth, Love,
Faithfulness, and Perfection. Because of Specific revelation we know that
God is three persons in one essence. He has one indivisible essence which
wholly and equally pervades each member of the Godhead – Father, Son,
and Spirit. Each of the three persons of the Godhead is fully God without
division. Because of Specific revelation we know that the Triune God is
related to the Universe (everything that is not God) in four ways: He
planned it (Decree), created it (Creation), upholds it (Preservation), and
controls it (Providence).
This information is also available in a
detailed outline suitable for study.
