Certificate in Christian Theology

In this course, you will examine the nature of biblical covenant, the function of the Law, and the theological unity that binds the covenants together. You should come away understanding that covenant is not a peripheral concept—it is the organizing principle of redemptive history.

In this course, you will study the structure, purpose, and central themes of the four Gospels. You should learn to read them not as separate accounts but as complementary testimonies that reveal Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament promise and the inaugurator of God’s Kingdom.

Following the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, the book of Acts opens the story of the Church. This course examines how Jesus’ mission expands through the Holy Spirit, forming a community empowered to carry the Gospel to the world.

Acts is not merely a historical account; it is a theological narrative demonstrating the continuity of God’s covenant promises through the Church, the fulfillment of Old Testament expectation, and the inauguration of God’s Kingdom in the lives of believers.

You should approach Acts not simply as a chronological record, but as a story of divine purpose, apostolic witness, and Kingdom expansion.

Introduction

As a student of God’s Word, understanding the principles of biblical interpretation is essential. Scripture is not merely a historical document or a collection of inspirational sayings; it is the living and active revelation of God, intended to guide faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16–17; Hebrews 4:12).

Proper interpretation safeguards against misreading, distortion, or superficial application, ensuring that your study leads to transformation, not confusion.

You should approach Scripture with both humility and diligence, recognizing that God has revealed Himself progressively across covenants and genres.

Hermeneutics—the science and art of interpretation—equips you to bridge the historical, cultural, and linguistic gaps between the biblical world and our contemporary context.

Lesson Description

Understanding the literary forms or genres in Scripture is critical for interpreting it correctly. The Bible is not a single type of literature but a rich tapestry of narrative, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, law, and epistolary writing. Each genre communicates truth in its own way, employing particular techniques, structures, and purposes. Misreading a genre can lead to misunderstanding God’s intent or misapplying Scripture.

You should approach each passage recognizing the author’s purpose, the historical context, and the audience. Doing so allows Scripture to speak as intended, both accurately and meaningfully, guiding faith, ethics, and spiritual formation.

Lesson Description 

Understanding the nature and attributes of God is foundational for every area of Christian theology and practice. God is not merely an abstract concept to be studied; He is a living, personal, and sovereign Creator who engages His creation and calls humanity into relationship with Him (Exodus 3:14; Psalm 145:3–7).

You should approach this study recognizing both God’s transcendence and immanence. His transcendence reminds you that He is infinitely above creation, beyond human comprehension, and entirely self-sufficient. His immanence reveals that He is actively involved in the world, sustaining, guiding, and relating to His people (Colossians 1:16–17). Appreciating this balance allows you to cultivate both reverence and intimacy in your relationship with God.

The doctrine of God’s attributes helps you understand how His being expresses itself in the world and in Scripture. Attributes are characteristics that reveal who God is—both in ways uniquely divine and in ways humans can reflect imperfectly. This knowledge is not merely theoretical; it shapes your worship, ethics, prayer life, and engagement with others.