Bible Doctrine Survey

The doctrinal studies that are available from this page were written by Pastor Tom Alexander and reflect his teaching and preaching ministries. Every effort has been made to give proper credit to original sources. If a citation is lacking, it will be added upon proper notification at Pastor@FirstBaptistWellington.org.

Permission is granted for use of these studies for personal use and for up to 50 copies for local church use. Please contact Pastor Alexander for any other permissions.

Session 1 - Introduction and Importance of Bible Doctrines

A general introduction to doctrinal study: What is it? Why is it important? Why doesn't everyone agree on doctrinal issues? How should we handle our differences?

Session 2 - Theology Proper

This session covers the doctrine of God, including a survey of various views about God, why we believe He exists, what He is like, and what we believe about the Trinity. Special emphasis is then given to God the Father, including His names and works.

Session 3 - Bibliology

Bibliology deals with the doctrines related to Scripture. These include revelation, inspiration, the character of inspired Scripture, canonicity, preservation, illumination, and interpretation. Included in this study is a discussion of the text of Scripture and various versions.

Session 4 - Christology

The doctrine of Christ focuses on His Person (Deity, humanity, incarnation, the unity of His two natures, and His impeccability). The study continues with discussions of Christ's death and resurrection, as well as His present and future ministries.

Session 5 - Pneumatology

Pneumatology is the study of the Holy Spirit. It begins with His personhood and His Deity. The remainder of the study focuses on His ministries (His ministry in the Old Testament, in Christ's earthly ministry, to the lost, in salvation, in the life of the believer, and in the future).

Session 6 - Angelology

Angelology refers to the study of angels, both holy and fallen (Satan and demons). This study begins with the nature of all angels. It continues with the ministries of holy angels, and then moves to Satan and his demons.

Session 7 - Anthropology and Hamartiology

This session combines two doctrines: Anthropology (the doctrine of man) and Hamartiology (the doctrine of sin). The study of the doctrine of man begins with man's origin and nature, followed by a brief discussion of man's purpose and responsibilities. This portion of the session concludes with a study of man's fall. The study of Hamartiology begins with a discussion of the nature of sin and the condition of lost mankind. This is followed by sections dealing with the origin and penalty of sin, concluding with a brief overview of sin in the life of a Christian.

Session 8 - Soteriology

Soteriology deals with the doctrine of salvation. Beginning with a brief discussion on the importance of this doctrine, and four foundational truths concerning salvation, the majority of this study focuses on how salvation is God's solution to lost man's condition (the answers to the problems raised in Session 7). This session then answers the question, "What is saving faith?" and concludes with a study on eternal security.

Session 9 - Ecclesiology

Ecclesiology is the study of the church. This study includes definitions and distinctions between the local church and the universal church, as well as the distinction between the church and Israel. The church's founding, completion, ownership, and importance in God's plan are examined. The focus of the study then moves primarily to the local church, including discussions concerning its purposes and mission, its government, its officers, and its ordinances. Attention is then given particularly to the distinctives of those that call themselves Baptists. The session concludes with a study on church discipline and a brief discussion on ecclesiastical separation.

Session 10 - Eschatology

Eschatology refers to the doctrine of last things, or prophecy. This study begins with a brief summary of the importance of this doctrine. Next, three keys to the proper interpretation of prophecy are examined. Two lengthy sections discuss the Tribulation and the Rapture in detail. The final three sections deal with the Millennium, future judgments, and eternity.