Skip to main content

theology is living to God

For 150 years, both in England and in the American colonies, The Marrow of Theology, by William Ames, was the standard theological work for ministers. It is biblical, succinct, and well-organized. Increase Mather once said that, other than the Bible, this was the only book of theology a minister needed. 

My first introduction to Puritan theology in seminary was through the reading of this book.  After reading the first chapter I was hooked on Ames. I was grabbed at the outset by his definition and nature of theology.  The following excerpts of that chapter are words I need to read and reread often.  My penchant for dwelling only in my thought life needs to be continually challenged with full-orbed "living to God." 

Here is how Ames defines theology...

"Theology is the doctrine or teaching of living to God.  John 6:68, The words of eternal life; Acts 5:20, the words of this life; Romans 6:11, Consider yourselves...alive to God."

"...[it is] a discipline which derives not from nature and human inquiry like others, but from divine revelation and appointment."  (Isa. 51:4; Matt. 21:25; John 9:29; Gal. 1:11-12; John 6:45)

"Since living is the noblest work of all, there cannot be any more proper study than the art of living."

"Since the highest kind of life for a human being is that which approaches most closely the living and life-giving God, the nature of theological life is living to God."

"Men live to God when they live in accord with the will of God, to the glory of God, and with God working in them."  (1 Peter 4:2, 6; Gal. 2:19-20; 2 Cor. 4:10; Phil 1:20)

"This life in essence remains one and the same from the beginning to eternity." (John 3:36; 5:24)

"Living well is more excellent than living happily." 

"Theology, therefore is to us the ultimate and the noblest of all exact teaching arts.  It is a guide and master plan for our highest end, sent in a special manner from God, treating of divine things, tending towards God, and leading man to God.  It may therefore not incorrectly be called... 'living to God'... "

-- William Ames (1576 -- 1633), The Marrow of Theology, I:1 "The Definition or Nature of Theology" 

The Kindle version of Marrow is not recommended. The Labyrinth Press print edition is best. 

Read more from The Marrow -- here's William Ames on faith


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

clement quotes hebrews

Clement of Rome wrote to the church in Corinth around AD 90.  This is perhaps the same Clement, companion of Paul, mentioned in Philippians 4:3.  Many hold him to be the first bishop / pope in Rome, aka St. Clement I.   Clement quotes from the letter to the Hebrews.  Origin suggested that Clement was in fact the writer (as transcriber or amanuensis) of Hebrews.  Perhaps this letter began as a "word of exhortation" given by Paul at the synagogue (Heb 13:22; cf Acts 13:15) which then became a circular letter for the churches.  Other possible authors of Hebrews include Luke, Barnabas, or Apollos.  The theology is Pauline, but the transcriber is obviously second-generation (Heb. 2:3-4). At any rate, this early church leader in Rome, is already quoting Hebrews in his letter in AD 90:    CHAPTER 36  ALL BLESSINGS ARE GIVEN TO US THROUGH CHRIST This is the way, beloved, in which we find our Savior, even Jesus Christ,  the High Prie...

Howard Hendricks on OT books chronology

When I was in seminary, Howard Hendricks (aka "Prof") gave us a little card with the books of the OT chronologically arranged. The scanned copy I have was a bit blurry and I wanted to make something like this available for our church class in OT theology ("Story of Redemption"). A few minor edits and here it is...

bible reading july 5-6

Bible reading for July 5 -- 6 July 5 -- Jeremiah 1 and Matthew 15 July 6 -- Jeremiah 2 and Matthew 16 ================    HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, July 4! Throughout the years I have felt varying degrees of loyalty to this nation. The more I have studied history, however, and have observed God's working in it, the more deeply I have come to appreciate the founding principles of this country. In practice this nation has allowed a greater freedom for the gospel to go forth and for the church to flourish than any other nation. Along with the UK the US has been the sending base for thousands of missionaries around the world. The freedoms we have are not to be treated lightly. "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." ( The Declaration of Independence ) ================    "...my people have committed t...