Following are questions and answers I used in preparing for the English Bible portion of the ordination exams in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. For the official EPC study guide for the written exams, click here http://www.epc.org/mediafiles/study-guide-theology-sacraments-reformed-tradition-written-ordination-exam.pdf.
Click the Label at the bottom of this post to see all EPC Ordination Exam Study Guides.
Click the Label at the bottom of this post to see all EPC Ordination Exam Study Guides.
Click the Label at the bottom of this post to see all EPC Ordination Exam Study Guides.
1. In what chapters of the Bible is “prepatriarchal history” found?
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1. Genesis 1-11
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2. How do Genesis 1 & 2 differ from one another?
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2. Gen 1-focus on orderliness of creation in whole earth; emphasizes man as one created with authority.
Gen 2-focus on God’s love and provision for man in the Garden; emphasizes man as one under authority.
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3. Gen 3-Man rebelled against God’s authority and partook of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
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4. Explain the significance of Genesis 3:15 for redemptive history and its relation to Christ.
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4. “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heal” (Gen 3:15). The struggle between God and the evil one involves humans in a fight on two fronts: their involvement with nature and their struggle with the realm of spiritual powers. Christ’s victory over Satan is promised here.
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5. Explain the Noachic covenant and where it is found.
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5. Gen 9-A covenant of nature which God made with Noah promising that never again would the waters become a flood to destroy all flesh. The rainbow in the storm cloud was the sign of the covenant. This type of covenant is a “royal grant.”
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6. Explain the Table of Nations and where it is found. |
6. Gen 10-An account of the descendants of Noah by his three sons…Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
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7. In what chapter is the Tower of Babel found?
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7. Gen 11-The inhabitants of the land of Shinar attempted to build a tower to the heavens in order to make a name for themselves but God revoked their building permit.
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8. In what chapters of the Bible is “patriarchal history” found?
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8. Genesis 12-50
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9. What chapters of the Bible tell the story of Abraham?
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9. Genesis 12-25
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10. What tree chapters of the Bible contain the Abrahamic covenant?
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10.
Genesis 12
Genesis 15
Genesis 17
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11. In what chapter of the Bible is the destruction of Sodom located?
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11. Genesis 19
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12. In what chapter of the Bible is the testing of Abraham found?
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12. Genesis 22
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13. What is the significance of Genesis 22:14?
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13. “So Abraham called that place The Lord will Provide. And to this day it is said, ‘On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.’” (22:14). During the Israelite monarchy the phrase referred to the temple mount in Jerusalem.
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14. In what chapter of the Bible does Joseph reveal his identity to his brothers?
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14. Genesis 45
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15. In what books of the Bible are the Exodus and Conquest found?
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15. Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Joshua
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16. What are the three main divisions found in the book of Exodus?
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16.
Divine redemption (1-18)
Covenant at Sinai (19-24)
Divine worship (25-40)
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17. In what chapters of the Bible are the plagues on Egypt found?
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17. Exodus 7-11
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18. In what chapters of the Bible is the Book of the Covenant found and what is this Book?
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18. Ex 20-23 The Book of Covenant is a name for the code of laws given to Moses at Mount Sinai immediately after the Ten Commandments.
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19. Explain the significance of Exodus 34:6-7 and give cross references throughout the Old Testament.
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19. “And he (God) passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, ‘The Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished: he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.” (34:6-7) The Lord’s proclamation of the meaning and implications of his name in these verses became a classic exposition that was frequently recalled elsewhere in the OT (Nu 14:18;Ps 86:15; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2)
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20. What is the theme of Leviticus?
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20. Holiness—of God and man, i.e. man must revere God in “holiness.”
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21. What are the two provisions God makes for His people in the wilderness?
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21. 1) Manna; 2) Water
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22. What chapter in the Bible contains the story of the budding of Aaron’s rod and what is the meaning of this story?
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22. Num 17—It is a story vindicating the Aaronic priesthood against all opposition.
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23. What does the book of Deuteronomy consist of ?
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23. It consists of a repetition of the law. It functions as a covenant renewal document.
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24. What is the historical setting of the book of Deuteronomy?
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24. Moses and the Israelites are in the territory of Moab in the area where the Jordan flows into the Dead Sea. In transferring the reigns of leadership to Joshua, Moses delivered his farewell addresses to prepare the people for their entrance into Canaan. These addresses were actually a covenant renewal.
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25. Explain the significance of Deuteronomy 6:4-5, in Old Testament and Jewish history.
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25. “Hear O, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your soul and with all your strength.” (6:4-5). The Shema—it was a call to covenant fidelity, remembering the covenant which God made with his people and their unique relationship to his. It has become the Jewish confession of faith, recited daily by the pious.
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26. Where is the Decalogue repeated?
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26. Deut. 5—Moses summoned all Israel and repeated the covenant which God made with Israel at Moreb.
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27. Cite two passages from Deut. which show the importance of the history of Israel’s redemption from Egypt.
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27. Deut. 7—This chapter reveals the reason for Israel’s redemption from Egypt…because the Lord loved them. (7:7ff).
Deut. 11—This chapter reminds Israel to love and obey the Lord because of his redemptive love (11:1ff)
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28. Where is the office of the prophet discussed?
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28. Deuteronomy 18
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29. Cite three passages where “love” is discussed.
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29. 1. Deut 5:10—In Moses’ restatement of the Ten Commandments.
2. Deut. 6:4-5
3. Deut. 11:1
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30. Where are the blessings and curses of the covenant located?
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30. Deuteronomy 28
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31. What is the major series of events recorded in the book of Joshua?
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31. 1. Entrance into the land (1-5)
2. Conquest of the land (5-12)
3. Distribution of the land (13-21)
4. Tribal unity and loyalty to the Lord (22-24)
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32. Where is the story of Rahab and the spies located?
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32. Joshua 2—This is a story of reconnaissance and espionage by two spies who stay at the house of a prostitute named Rahab. Rahab gave them protection in exchange for the spies promise that she and her family would be spared on the day of the siege of Jericho.
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33. Where is the story of Achan’s sin located?
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33. Joshua 7—Achan took some of the “devoted” things for himself when forbidden by God’s covenant with Israel.
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34. Where is the renewal of the covenant at Shechem located?
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34. Joshua 24
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35. What is the significance of the phrase, “In those days Israel had no king: everyone did what was right in their own eyes.”
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35. Judges 17—It speaks of the cultic, social, and political breakdown of Israel after the death of Joshua, due to the Israelites’ penchant for rebellion.
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36. Where is the Song of Deborah located
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36. Judges 5
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37. Describe Deborah and her work as a judge.
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37. She was the fourth judge of Israel, the only female judge and a prophetess. She was the wife of Lapidoth. She and Barak defeated Sisera, the commander of the army of Jabin, king of Canaan, who had terrorized Israel for 20 years.
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38. Describe Gideon and his work as judge.
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38. He was a military hero who, with only 300 men, defeated a much larger Midianite army.
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39. Describe Abimelech and his work as judge
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39. A son of Gideon by a concubine from Shechem. He murdered all the other sons of Gideon in order to secure his position as ruler over Israel. After reigning for 3 years, he was severely wounded in a battle at Thepez when a woman dropped a millstone on his head from atop the city’s walls. He commanded his armorbearer to kill him so it could not be said that he died at the hand s of a woman.
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40. Describe Samson and his work as judge.
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40. The last of the judges who was known for both his great physical strength and his moral weakness. Betrayed by Delilah, he died, along with thousands of Philistines, when he pulled down the pillars of the temple of Dagon.
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41. What is the social and historical background of Ruth?
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41. It was a time of temporary peace between Moab and Israel in the period of the judges. Spiritually, the times were dark.
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42. Who was Ruth’s mother-in-law?
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42. Naomi
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43. What is a kinsman-redeemer?
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43. A near relative who puts up his property in order to redeem the lost property of a destitute relative. This was done so that an Israelite would not be disenfranchised from the land of his particular clan.
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44. What is Ruth’s relationship to David?
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44. Ruth was David’s great-grandmother.
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45. What is the significance of the genealogy of Ruth 4?
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45. It signifies that just as Naomi was brought from emptiness to fullness through the selfless love of Ruth and Boaz, so the Lord brought Israel from unrest to rest through their descendent David. The ultimate end of this genealogy is Christ, the great Son of David, who fulfills this prophecy and will bring the Lord’s people into final rest.
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46. Who was Samuel’s mother?
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46. Hannah, wife of Elkanah.
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47. Where is Hannah’s famous prayer located?
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47. 1 Samuel 2
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48. Who was the priest who helped her raise Samuel?
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48. Eli
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49. Give the time period for the Divided Monarchy.
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49. 931-722 BC
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50. Who were the three kings of the United Monarchy?
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50. 1. Saul; 2. David; 3. Solomon
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51. Who was the first king of the northern kingdom (Israel)?
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51. Jeroboam
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52. In what two town did Jeroboam build altars and why?
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52. Bethel and Dan—He was concerned that the people of Israel might return to the house of David if they continued to journey to Jerusalem for the festivals and observances at the Temple of Solomon. So he proposed an alternative form of worship that was idolatrous. He made two calves and erected one in Bethel and one in Dan.
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53. Who was the king of the northern kingdom and his pagan wife who challenged the ministry of Elijah?
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53. Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 16-22).
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54. In what year did the northern kingdom fall to the Assyrians?
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54. 722 BC
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55. Which of Solomon’s sons was the first king of Judah?
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55. Rehoboam.
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56. Was Isaiah a prophet in Israel or Judah?
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56. Judah
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57. In what year did Isaiah begin his ministry, according to Isa 6:1?
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57. “In the year that King Uzziah died…” 740 BC.
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58. What is one of the most common titles for God in Isaiah and what does it say about Isaiah’s ministry?
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58. Holy One of Israel—the vision of the Holy One in Isa 6 permeated Isaiah’s entire ministry. He emphasized God’s transcendence and holiness. This expression also is the strongest argument for the unity of Isaiah. It occurs 12 times in chs 1-39 and 14 times in chs 40-66. Outside Isaiah it appears only 6 other times in the OT.
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59. Cite the two main chapter divisions that critical scholars hold for “First” and “Second” Isaiah.
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59. 1. Isa 1-39; 2. Isa 40-66
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60. In what chapter of the Bible is the prophecy of the virgin located?
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60. Isaiah 7:14
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61. In what chapter of the Bible is the “Wonderful Counselor” passage located?
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61. Isaiah 9:6ff
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62. In what chapter of the Bible does Isaiah speak of the new heavens and the new earth?
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62. Isaiah 65:17-25
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63. In what chapter of the Bible is the Song of the Suffering Servant located?
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63. Isaiah 53
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64. What time period may be described as “Judah Alone?”
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64. 722-586 BC
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65. Name the 7th century king of Judah who was notorious for his idolatry and ungodliness.
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65. Manasseh—2 Kings 21
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66. Name the king of Judah who instituted widespread reforms when Jeremiah was ministering.
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66. Josiah
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67. When did Josiah begin his reign?
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67. 640 BC
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68. Why is Jeremiah known as the “weeping” prophet?
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68. He wept openly about the sins of his nation and was sometimes depressed about the futility of his message. He cried out because of his love for his people and his God.
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69. Who was Jeremiah’s scribe?
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69. Baruch—he wrote Jeremiah’s prophecies of destruction from the prophet’s dictation (Jer 36).
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70. In what chapters of the Bible can the Book of Comfort be found and what is this Book?
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70. Jer 30-33: It depicts the ultimate restoration of both Israel and Judah.
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71. In what chapter of the Bible is the prophecy of the New Covenant found?
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71. Jeremiah 31
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72. What is distinctive about Habakkuk among the prophets of Israel?
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72. It includes no oracle addressed to Israel. Instead, it contains a dialogue between the prophet and God.
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73. Where is the clearest expression of Habakkuk’s trust in Yahweh in the midst of judgment found?
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73. Hab 3:17-18: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines…yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
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74. What nation is the primary topic of Obadiah?
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74. Edom
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75. What was Edom’s sin against Judah?
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75. She was proud over her own security and was gloating over Israel’s devastation by foreign powers.
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76. With which two major prophets were Zephaniah’s contemporaries?
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76. Jeremiah and Habakkuk
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77. Name the two main prophets of the exile.
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77. Ezekiel and Daniel
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78. In what period is “exilic history” found?
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78. C. 609-538 BC
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79. Give the dates for the three stages in which Jerusalem fell (see NIVSB “Background intro for Ezekiel)?
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79. 1. 597 BC
2. 588 BC
3. 586 BC
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80. In what year was the first temple destroyed?
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80. 586 BC
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81. Name the Babylonian king who destroyed the temple.
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81. Nebuchadnezzar
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82. In what three ways is Ezekiel’s priestly vocation reflected in the book that bears his name?
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82. 1. His vocation as priest is stated in 1:3
2. Most of the book is written in prose rather than poetry due to his priestly background.
3. The book contains numerous sentences of the case-law type.
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83. Where did Ezekiel minister?
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83. Babylon
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84. In what chapter of the Bible is the vision of the valley of dry bones located?
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84. Ezekiel 37
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85. What happens to the dry bones and what does it represent?
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85. The dry bones are given new life representing Israel’s restoration to life from the “death” of the Exile.
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86. In what chapter does Ezekiel speak of God’s giving Israel a new heart, a heart of flesh?
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86. Ezekiel 36
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87. What is the meaning of Daniel’s name?
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87. “God is my judge.”
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88. Explain the function of Daniel 1 in relation to the whole book.
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88. The first chapter is the prologue. It sets the stage for the rest of the book by introducing Daniel and his three friends—Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (?).
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89. Name the four kingdoms represented by the visions in chapters 2 and 7.
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89. 1. Babylon—head of gold
2. Medo-Persia—chest and arms of silver
3. Greece—belly and thighs of bronze
4. Rome—legs of iron and feet of clay
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90. What is the significance of Daniel 2:44; 4:34, 35; 5:21; 7:27?
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90. God is in sovereign control over all creation. He creates, sustains, and redeems in sovereignty.
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91. Does Revelation 11:15 help you understand Daniel?
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91. “The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.’(Rev11:15). The sovereignty of God which is so heavily emphasized in the book of Daniel reaches its climax in Revelation.
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92. Name the three prophets who dealt with the restoration period.
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92. 1. Haggai
2. Zechariah
3. Malachi
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93. In what year did the Jews return to the land of Palestine?
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93. 538 BC
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94. Who was the Persian king who issued the decree to send the Jews back to Philistine?
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94. Cyrus
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95. In what year did Haggai and Zechariah begin their ministries?
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95. 520 BC
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96. What was the main burden of Haggai’s ministry?
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96. Haggai was concerned with the rebuilding of the temple and with the returnees’ obedience and/or disobedience to God.
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97. Give the main excuse of the people as seen in Haggai 1:2.
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97. “…These people say, ‘The time has not yet come for the Lord’s house to be built.’”
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98. What is the significance of Haggai 2:6-9 for Old Testament eschatology?
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98. It is an announcement of the coming day of God’s judgment on the nations. The restoration promised to Israel will encompass all of creation and with it the glory of the Lord will be greater than in Solomon’s time.
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99. In what chapters do the visions of Zechariah take place?
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99. Zechariah 1-6
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100. In what two places is the prophecy of the Branch found?
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100. Zech 3:8 and 6:12—the “Branch” is a messianic title.
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101.What is Malachi’s main literary technique?
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101. Rhetorical questions and answers; repetition.
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102. What is the significance of Malachi 1:2-5 for the doctrine of the covenant and election?
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102. “I have loved you,” says the Lord. “But you ask, ‘How have you loved us?’ “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” the Lord says. “yet I have loved Jacob, but Esau I have hated…” (Mal 1:2-5). This passage provides the basis for Romans 9. God’s covenant is made freely by his sovereign choice.
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103. What is strange about the book of Esther, causing some to question whether it should even be included in the canon?
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103. It never mentions the name of God.
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104. What Jewish festival was initiated in this book (Esther)?
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104. Purim—a feast marking the Jews’ miraculous deliverance from Haman’s evil plot to exterminate them.
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105. What four books fall under the category of poetical and wisdom literature?
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105. 1. Psalms
2. Proverbs
3. Ecclesiastes
4. Song of Songs
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106. Give the main thrust of Psalm 1.
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106. It is the polarity of the righteous and the wicked.
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107. Cite an important verse from Psalm 1.
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107. Ps. 1:1: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.”
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108. Give the main thrust of Psalm 2.
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108. It is a royal psalm proclaiming the blessedness of all who acknowledge the lordship of God and his anointed and “take refuge in him.”
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109. Cite the two important verses from Psalm 2.
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109. Ps 2:7—“…You are my son; today I have become your Father.”
Ps 2:9—“…You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
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110. Give the main thrust of Psalm 23.
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110. The Lord is the heavenly Shepherd-King.
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111. Give the main thrust of Psalm 46.
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111. It is a triumphant confession of fearless trust in God.
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112. Cite an important verse from Psalm 46.
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112. Psalm 46:1-4: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.”
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113. Give the main thrust of Psalm 51.
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113. It is a humble prayer for forgiveness and cleansing.
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114. Cite an important verse from Psalm 51.
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114. Ps. 51:10: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
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115. Give the main thrust of Psalm 67.
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115. It is a communal prayer for God’s blessing.
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116. Cite an important verse from Psalm 67.
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116. Ps 67:1-2: “May god be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.”
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117. Give the main thrust of Psalm 84.
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117. It is a prayer of longing for the house of the Lord.
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118. Cite an important verse from Psalm 84.
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118. Ps 84:1—“How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty.”
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119. Give the main thrust of Psalm 96.
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119. It is a call to all nations to praise the Lord as the only God and to proclaim the glory of his reign throughout the world.
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120. Cite an important verse from Ps 96.
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120. Ps 96:1-4a: “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name: proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations., his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise…”
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121. Give the main thrust of Psalm 103.
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121. It is a hymn of God’s love and compassion toward his people.
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122. Cite two important verses from Ps 103.
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122. 1. Ps 103:2—“Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
2. Ps 103:12—“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
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123. Give the main thrust of Psalm 110.
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123. It contains oracles concerning the Messianic King-Priest.
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124. Cite an important verse from Ps 110.
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124. Ps 110:1—“The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’”
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125. Give the main thrust of Psalm 121.
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125. It is a dialogue of confession and assurance.
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126. Cite an important verse from Psalm 121.
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126. Ps 121:1-2—“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
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127. Give the main thrust of Psalm 128.
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127. It is the scope of pure blessedness.
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128. Cite two important verses from Ps 128.
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128. 1. Ps 128:1—“Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways.”
2. Ps 128:3—“Your wife will be a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table.
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129. Give the main thrust of Psalm 132.
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129. It is a prayer for God’s favor on the son of David who reigns over David’s throne.
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130. Cite three important verses from Psalm 132.
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130. 1. Ps 132:10—“For the sake of David your servant, do not reject your anointed one.”
2. Ps 132:13—“For the Lord has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling.”
3. Ps 132:17—“Here I will make a horn grow for David and set up a lamp for my anointed one.”
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131. Give the main thrust of Psalm 139.
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131. It is a prayer for God to examine the heart and see its true devotion.
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132. Cite four important verses from Psalm 139.
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132. 1. Ps 139:1-2—“O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 2. ”Ps 139:7—“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” 3. Ps 139:13-14—“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well.” 4. Ps 139:23-24—“Search me, O God, and know my heart, test me and know my..”
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133. Give the main thrust of Psalm 146.
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133. It is an exhortation to trust in the Lord, Zion’s King.
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134. Cite two important verses from Ps 146.
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134. 1. Ps 146:3—“Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save.”
2. Ps 146:5-6—“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—the Lord, who remains faithful forever. The Lord sets the prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.”
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135. What are three literary types of Psalms?
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135. 1. Prayers for the individual.
2. Prayers of the community.
3. Confessions of confidence in the Lord.
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136. What is the theme of Proverbs and where is it stated?
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136. The theme is the way of wisdom (fear of the Lord). Proverbs 1:7—“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
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137. In what chapter of the Bible is the poem of the excellent wife located?
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137. Proverbs 31.
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138. What does “hokmah” mean?
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138. It means “wisdom.”
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139. What is meant by wisdom in Proverbs and what are two passages which illustrate it?
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139. Wisdom is rooted in the reverence and fear of the Lord. All security and success depends on this fear. Wisdom is the practical outworking of the fear of the Lord in the life of the believer. Prov 1:7 and Prov 3:5-6 are two key passages that illustrate this.
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140. What does “goheleth” mean?
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140. It means “teacher.”
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141. What is the most common refrain found in Ecclesiastes and where can an example be found?
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141. Eccl 1:2—“Meaningless! Meaningless! Says the Teacher, “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”
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142. What are some of the things which the preacher finds futile?
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142. 1. Pleasure
2. Wisdom
3. Riches
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143. From what perspective is Ecclesiastes written?
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143. It is the perspective of man’s own limited understanding. The teacher takes measure of man and examines his capabilities seeing the vanity of the human enterprise apart from God.
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144. Who wrote the Song of Songs?
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144. Solomon
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145. What does the phrase “Song of Songs” mean?
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145. It means “the greatest of songs.”
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146. What has been the most common interpretation of this book (Song of Songs) in the history of the Church?
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146. It is that the Song is an allegory of the love relationship between God and Israel or between Christ and the Church or between Christ and the soul.
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147. What is the significance of Song of Songs 8:6-7?
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147. It represents the literary climax of the Song where the unsurpassed power and value of love—the love that draws man and woman together—are finally expressly asserted. “Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned.” (S of S 8:6-7).
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148. What does Song of Songs 8:6-7 say about marital love?
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148. It is the strongest human bond in human experience.
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149. What are the eight main divisions of the life of Christ according to the Synoptic Gospels?
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149. 1. Birth and early years of Jesus.
2. Beginnings of Jesus’ ministry
3. Jesus’ ministry in Galilee
4. Jesus’ withdrawals from Galilee
5. Jesus’ last ministry in Galilee
6. Jesus’ ministry in Judea and Perea
7. Passion week
8. Resurrection
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150. In what two gospels is the birth of Christ recounted?
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150. Matthew 1 and Luke 2
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151. Cite the three chapters in the Synoptics where the parable of the sower is found.
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151. Matthew 13; Mark 4; Luke 8
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152. Cite the three chapters in the Synoptics where the transfiguration is found.
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152. Matthew 17; Mark 9; Luke 9
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153. Cite the three chapters in the Synoptics where the Olivet discourse is found.
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153. Matthew 24; Mark 14; Luke 21
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154. Cite the three chapters in the Synoptics where Jesus is praying in the Garden of Gethsemane.
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154. Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22
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155. What does the term “Q Material” refer to?
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155. It refers to all material held in common by Matthew and Luke but not found in Mark.
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156. What is distinctive about Matthew’s version of the birth narrative?
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156. The actual birth of Jesus is not recorded. Rather, the account moves from Joseph’s visit from the angel to the visit of the Magi after Jesus’ birth.
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157. How does Matthew’s gospel seem to be organized?
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157. It seems organized around five great discourses, perhaps modeled after the structure of the Pentateuch: 1. The Sermon on the Mount; 2. Jesus’ discourse to the Twelve; 3. Jesus’ discourse from a boat; 4. Jesus’ discourse with his disciples; 5. Jesus’ discourse while walking from the Temple.
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158. Where is the Sermon on the Mount found?
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158. Matthew 5-7.
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159. Where are the Beatitudes found?
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159. Matthew 5:3-11
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160. Where is the Great Commission found?
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160. Matthew 28:18-20
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161. Cite three narrative features of Mark.
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161. 1. It is simple; 2. It is succinct; 3. It is vivid, emphasizing more what Jesus did than what he said.
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162. Cite three of Mark’s theological emphases.
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162. 1. The Cross—both the human cause and the divine necessity of the cross are emphasized by Mark; 2. Discipleship—Jesus’ calls to discipleship often arise from his predictions of his passion; 3.Messianic Secret—several times Jesus warns his disciples or the person for whom he has worked a miracle to keep silent about who he is or what he has done.
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163. What is distinctive about Luke’s version of the birth narrative?
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163. Luke is the only Gospel writer who relates his narrative to dates of world history (“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken…” 2:1).
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164. Name two classes of people Luke focuses on in his work.
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164. 1. Women; 2. The poor.
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165. Name three parables which are found only in Luke’s gospel.
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165. 1. Parable of the Rich Fool (12:16-21); 2. Parable of the Prodigal Son (15:11-32); 3. Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (16:19-31).
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166. In what chapter of the Bible is the walk to Emmaus recorded?
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166. Luke 24.
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167. Explain the significance of Luke 24:25-26 and 24:44-48 for our understanding of the Old Testament.
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167. Jesus was the fulfillment of OT prophecy. Everything he endured was rooted in the OT. 24:25-26—“(Jesus) said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and ten enter his glory?” 24:44-48—“(Jesus) said to them, ‘This is what I told you while I was still with you: everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
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168. Where is the Prologue of John’s Gospel and how does it function?
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168. Jn 1:1-18 highlights the Incarnation of Christ (his deity, excellency) and his astounding rejection by the people.
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169. Name the three key concepts in John’s Prologue.
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169. 1. The Word became flesh; 2. The Word-made-flesh dwelt among us and was rejected; 3. The Word gives life to all who believe.
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170. Cite two miracles in John’s Gospel that are not found in the Synoptics.
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170. 1. The water turned into wine (Jn 2); 2. Jesus’ raising of Lazarus (Jn 11).
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171. Cite three “I am” sayings in John’s Gospel.
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171. 1. “I am the resurrection and the life (Jn 11); 2. “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (Jn 14); 3. “I am the true vine.” (Jn 15).
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172. Where is Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus located?
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172. John 3
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173. Where is Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman located?
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173. John 4
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174. Where is the Farewell Discourse located?
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174. John 13-17
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175. Where is the High Priestly Prayer located?
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175. John 17
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176. Cite one of Jesus’ sayings on the cross which appears only in John’s Gospel.
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176. Jn 19:26-27—“Dear woman, here is your son…Here is your mother.”
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177. What is the theme verse of the book of Acts and what is its relation to the last verses of the book?
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177. Acts 1:8—“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” It provides a virtual outline of the entire book. The book is nicely resolved with Paul preaching the gospel from the seat of the Roman empire.
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178. What is the significance of Acts 2:38-39 for the doctrine of baptism?
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178. Acts 2:38-39—“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Baptism depicts graphically what happens as a result of the Christian’s union with Christ, which comes with faith.
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179. Where is the selection and ordination of the first deacons located?
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179. Acts 6
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180. What is the significance of Acts 6:2-3 for the doctrine of the offices in the church and especially for the calling of the teaching elder?
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180. Acts 6:2-3—“So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them..” Two offices are taught—elder and deacon. The office of the teaching elder is primarily the teaching of the Word and prayer.
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181. Where is Paul’s conversion located and his later recounting of that conversion experience?
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181. 1. Acts 9—actual conversion experience; 2. Acts 22—to an angry mob in Jerusalem; 3. Acts 26—to Agrippa.
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182. Name the church which commissioned Paul and Barnabas for their missionary journeys.
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182. Antioch of Syria.
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183. Where is Paul’s Areopagus address located?
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183. Acts 17.
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184. What is the Galatian heresy Paul is speaking against?
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184. Judaizers who insisted that a number of the ceremonial practices of the OT were still binding on the NT.
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185. Where does Paul say that those who are of faith are the sons of Abraham?
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185. Gal 3:7—“Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham.”
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186. Where does Paul say that he has been crucified with Christ?
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186. Gal 2:20.
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187. What is the theme statement of Romans 1?
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187. Rom 1:16-17—“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes, first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’”
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188. Where does Paul state that all are sinners?
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188. Romans 3:23.
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189. What verse states that the wages of sin is death?
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189. Romans 6:23.
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190. Where is an extended passage which proves that sin is universal since all men are “in Adam”?
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190. Romans 5:12-21.
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191. Where does Paul explain the present place of the Jews in God’s work in redemptive history?
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191. Romans 9-11.
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192. Where does Paul speak of offering ourselves as “living sacrifices”?
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192. Romans 12:1-2.
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193. Cite a verse on which the ordo salutis is partly based.
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193. Romans 8:29-30—“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”
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194. Which verse contains an ascription of praise beginning with the words, “O the depths of the riches of both the wisdom and knowledge of God”?
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194. Romans 11:33-36.
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195. In what chapter does Paul speak about the struggle between the old man and the new?
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195. Romans 7.
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196. Give a six-point outline of the argument employed by Paul in Romans.
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196. 1. In the Gospel a righteousness from God is revealed; 2. All of mankind is unrighteous; 3. Through justification, the righteousness of God is imputed; 4. Through sanctification, the righteousness of God is imparted; 4. In the problem of the rejection of Israel, God’s righteousness is vindicated; 6. The righteousness of God is practiced by believers.
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197. What is the theme of Ephesians?
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197. It is the revelation of Christ’s glory and lordship which the church is to proclaim to the world through the power of the Spirit.
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198. What is the significance of the “heavenlies” for gaining perspective on the Christian life?
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198. Christ is the exalted head of the church ruling in the heavenlies. The believer is in union with Christ. His life is therefore bound up in Christ who empowers the Christian through the Spirit to contend with the principalities and powers of the heavenlies.
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199. Explain the significance of Ephesians 4:1-13 for the doctrine of the church.
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199. God has made provision for those in the church to live and work together in unity and to grow together into maturity.
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200. What heresy is Paul fighting in the book of Colossians?
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200. He is fighting an extreme form of Judaism and an early stage of Gnosticism.
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201. Explain the significance of Colossians 2:9 for the doctrine of Christ’s nature.
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201. Colossians 2:9—“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form” The very essences of deity was present in totality in Jesus’ human body (a direct refutation of Gnosticism).
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202. Who was Philemon?
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202. He was a wealthy believer in Colosse who was a slave owner.
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203. Who was Onesimus?
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203. He was Philemon’s slave who was converted to Christ under Paul’s ministry.
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204. Why did Paul write his letter to Philemon?
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204. He wrote to appeal personally to Philemon to receive the former runaway, Onesimus, as a Christian brother.
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205. What New Testament book has been called “Paul’s letter of Joy?”
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205. Philippians
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206. Cite two verse which indicate Paul’s joy.
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206. 1. Phil 3:1—“Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord.”
2. Phil 4:4—“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice.”
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207. Where does Paul speak of his desire to press on for Christ’s higher call?
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207. Phil 3:14—“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
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208. Explain the significance of Phil 1:21.
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208. Phil 1:21—“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Christ was the source and secret of Paul’s continual joy (even in prison), for Paul’s life found all its meaning in Christ.
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209. What is the significance of Phil 2:5-11 for Christology?
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209. It reveals both a humiliated and an exalted Christ.
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210. What types of problems are being addressed in the pastoral letters?
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210. 1. False teachers; 2. Ungodliness; 3. Laziness.
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211. Cite two views of 1 Timothy 2:11-15 for the doctrine of church offices.
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1. Paul’s prohibition of women teaching men is not universal nor permanent but historically conditioned; 2. Paul’s appeal to the man-woman relationship is grounded in creation and is therefore a universal and permanent restriction.
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212. What is the main theme of Hebrews?
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211.It is the absolute supremacy of and sufficiency of Christ as revealer and as mediator of God’s grace.
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213. Name three to whom Christ is compared in the book of Hebrews.
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212. 1. Moses; 2. Angels; 3. Aaronic priests
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214. What chapter is known as the “Faith” chapter?
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213. Hebrews 11.
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215. What is the significance of Hebrews 1:1-4 for the issue of continuing revelation?
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214. 1:1-4—“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in those last days he has spoken to us by his Son…” It show Jesus as the ultimate author of all revelation who surpassed the fragmentary and unfinished OT revelation.
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216. What is the significance of Hebrews 11:6 for the doctrine of faith?
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215. 11:6—“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Faith must have an object and the proper object of genuine faith is God alone.
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217. What letters compose the “Catholic” letters?
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216. 1. James; 2. Petrine letters; 3. Johannine letters; 4. Jude
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218. Where does Peter speak of the church as a “holy nation, a royal priesthood, etc..” and how is this significant vis a vis dispensationalism?
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217. 1 Peter 2:9—As Israel was called God’s chosen people in the OT, so in the NT believers are designated as chosen. Here Peter calls the church a holy nation showing a continuity between the nation Israel and the church, which dispensationalism denies.
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219. Where does Peter address the Elders of the Church as under-shepherds under the Chief Shepherd?
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218. 1 Peter 5.
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220. Where does Peter speak to Christian wives with unbelieving husbands?
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219. 1 Peter 3.
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221. Cite: Jn 1:8-9 and explain its significance for the doctrine of sanctification.
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220. Jn 1:8-9—“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” This is a key verse refuting perfectionism. It also demonstrates the progressive nature of sanctification.
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222. What doctrinal problem was threatening the community to which John wrote in 1 John?
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221. It was an early form of Gnostic teaching which was also libertine, throwing off all moral restraints. The Gnostics “secret knowledge” supposedly exempted them from the ethical demands of the Gospel.
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223. Cite a passage which deals with the Gnostic problem.
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222. Jn 4:1-3—“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the anti-Christ, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.”
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224. Cite two passages where John speaks of love.
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223. 1. 1 Jn 4:7—“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.”
2. 1 Jn 4:10—“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
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225. Explain the significance of 1 John 4:10 for the doctrine of Christ’s work.
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224. God’s holiness demanded judgment for man’s sin. God, therefore, out of love sent his Son to make substitutionary atonement for the believer’s sin. In this way, the Father’s wrath is propitiated (satisfied).
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226. What type of literature is Revelation?
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225. Apocalyptic.
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227. Where are the seven letters found in Revelation?
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226. Revelation 2-3.
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228. What were three problems these churches were facing?
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227. 1. Cold hearts; 2. Compromise with the world; 3. Sexual immorality.
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229. In what chapter is the thousand year reign of Christ found?
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228. Revelation 20.
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230. State the amillenial view of Revelation 20.
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229. The millennium describes the present reign of the souls of deceased believers with Christ in heaven. The present form of God’s kingdom will be followed by Christ’s return, the general resurrection, the final judgment, and Christ’s continuing reign over the perfect kingdom on the new earth in the eternal state.
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231. State the premillenial view of Revelation 20.
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230. The present form of God’s kingdom is moving toward a grand climax when Christ will return, the first resurrection will occur and his kingdom will find expression in a literal, visible reign of peace and righteousness on the earth in space-time history. After the final resurrection, the last judgment and the renewal of the heavens and the earth, this future, temporal kingdom will merge into the eternal kingdom, and the Lord will reign forever on the new earth.
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232. State the postmillenial view of Revelation 20.
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231. The world will eventually be Christianized, resulting in a long period of peace and prosperity called the millennium. This future period will close with Christ’s second coming, the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and the eternal state.
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233. Familiarize yourself with Von Hendricksen’s outline of Revelation in his book More Than Conquerors.
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232. 1. Christ in the midst of the Seven Golden Lampstands (1-3); 2. The book with seven seals (4-7); 3. The seven Trumpets of Judgment (8-11); 4. The woman & the man-child persecuted by the Dragon and his Helpers (the Beast & the Harlot) (12-14); 5. The seven bowls of wrath (15-16); 6. The Fall of the Great Harlot & of the Beasts (17-19); 7. The Judgment upon the Dragon (Satan) followed by the New Heavens & Earth, New Jerusalem (20-22).
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234. Recite all 66 of the biblical books by name in the order of the English Bible.
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233. Gen, Ex., Lev.,Num., Deut., Josh., Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Prov., Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Mt., Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thess, 1 & 2 Tim., Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2, 3 John, Jude, Revelation
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1 comment:
Really like your ordination exam study guides. They'll be great resources for officer training.
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