Foundations: An Overview of Systematic Theology

Season 1

60 episodes · Jun 21, 1999

In Foundations: An Overview of Systematic Theology , R.C. Sproul shows that the truths of Scripture relate to each other in perfect harmony. This eye-opening series addresses a myriad of questions about the origin and authority of the Bible, God, the Trinity, man, sin, salvation, revelation, miracles, the church, the end times, and more.

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S1E1

What is Theology?

Jun 21, 199924m

There is much confusion behind the word theology. While most disciplines such as biology or zoology are commonly understood, the study of God is usually a foreign concept. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul defines the term theology as a subject that encompasses all of what God has revealed generally and specially.

S1E2

Scope & Purpose of Theology

Jun 28, 199924m

Why do we continue to study theology even after many learned scholars have developed comprehensive systems of thought? In this lesson, Dr. Sproul explains that the scope and purpose of our study of theology is ultimately to be instructed by God and to grow in obedience to Him.

S1E3

General Revelation & Natural Theology

Jul 5, 199924m

While Scripture is the supreme source of revelation concerning God, it is not the only source. The Bible tells us that we can clearly see God’s eternal power and divine nature in the created realm. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul affirms the biblical truth that general revelation and natural theology are sufficient to leave all people without excuse.

S1E4

Special Revelation

Jul 12, 199924m

While God has revealed Himself to us in creation, the knowledge necessary for salvation is revealed to us only in Scripture. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul maintains that God has given us direct revelation of Himself through sacred Scripture and that Jesus Christ is the fullness of His revelation.

S1E5

Inspiration & Authority of Scripture

Jul 19, 199924m

The Reformation slogan sola Scriptura, meaning “Scripture alone,” has its origins in Martin Luther’s conflict at the Diet of Worms. The Reformers firmly believed that the Bible is the very Word of God. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul highlights how the Reformers’ stance on the inspiration and authority of Scripture is relevant for the study of theology today.

S1E6

Infallibility & Inerrancy

Jul 26, 199924m

Scripture’s infallibility and inerrancy have come under attack, particularly through the rise of higher criticism in recent centuries. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul defines infallibility and inerrancy and explains why they are critically important for the Bible to serve as the authoritative rule for faith and life.

S1E7

Canonicity

Aug 2, 199924m

The question of canon asks, How do we know the right books have been included in the Bible? In this lesson, Dr. Sproul explores this question and discusses the scope of the Scriptures and how far the canon of Scripture extends.

S1E8

Scripture & Authority

Aug 9, 199924m

God does not give us Scripture to be an abstract doctrine but to be His divine Word that fully equips us to be men and women of God. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul walks through Scripture’s nature, origin, and authority, and considers how the Bible’s authority relates to the church.

S1E9

Knowledge of God

Aug 16, 199924m

Even though our knowledge of God is neither exhaustive nor comprehensive, we can still speak about Him in a way that is meaningful and true. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul reminds us that God has spoken to us in terms that we can understand and that He has made us in His image, which enables meaningful communication between God and us.

S1E10

One in Essence

Aug 23, 199924m

The oneness of God is so central to the religious life of His people that the book of Deuteronomy commands it to be taught to their children on a daily basis. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul discusses the truth that our God is one in essence.

S1E11

Three in Person

Aug 30, 199924m

Many argue the doctrine of the Trinity is a contradiction and that Christians worship three gods instead of one. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul demonstrates that, while the doctrine of the Trinity is mysterious, it is by no means contradictory

S1E12

Incommunicable Attributes

Sep 6, 199924m

When we study the doctrine of God, one of the most important things we’re concerned with is an understanding of His attributes. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul distinguishes between the communicable and the incommunicable attributes of God and the practical ramifications they have for our lives.

S1E13

Communicable Attributes

Sep 13, 199924m

God’s communicable attributes are those characteristics that He shares with His creation. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul explores the attributes of God and explains their importance for godly living.

S1E14

The Will of God

Sep 20, 199924m

Many obedient Christians earnestly wonder what God’s will is for their lives. However, when we discuss the will of God, we need to make a distinction between God’s revealed will and God’s hidden will. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul explores these distinctions and explains how to apply them according to His Word.

S1E15

Providence

Sep 27, 199924m

The secular mind-set says that God is a spectator in heaven with no control over what happens on earth. Yet Christians have always had an acute sense that this is our Father’s world and that the affairs of men and nations are in His hands. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul highlights that God is actively involved in preserving His creation, even working His will through our intentional decisions.

S1E16

Creation Ex Nihilo

Oct 4, 199924m

God created all things ex nihilo, “out of nothing.” By the command of His word, all things came into being. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul introduces the Christian doctrine of creation and shows how it is different from secular and atheistic views of creation.

S1E17

Angels & Demons

Oct 11, 199924m

Modern man is critical of anything supernatural, but belief in angels and demons is an important part of the Christian faith. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul uses Scripture to explain the role of ministering spirits and the reality of Satan and demons.

S1E18

The Creation of Man

Oct 18, 199924m

Various theories of evolution and humanism have changed culture’s understanding of man’s origin and being. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul defines human beings in terms of their dignity as creatures made in the image of God.

S1E19

The Nature of Sin

Oct 25, 199924m

The full measure of sin and its effects in the world are often overlooked, but the Christian doctrine of sin sees the vastness of the problem and takes it very seriously. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul describes the impact of the fall in nature, in our relationship with God, and in our relationships with others.

S1E20

Original Sin

Nov 1, 199924m

The extent and scope of the nature of sin leads to the question of original sin. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul discusses the concept and consequence of the first sin and the controversy surrounding this doctrine.

S1E21

Transmission of Sin

Nov 8, 199924m

The connection between Adam’s sin and the sins of humanity is explained in the doctrine of the transmission of a sin nature. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul compares the transmission of Adam’s sin and the transfer of Christ’s righteousness as the second Adam.

S1E22

The Covenants

Nov 15, 199924m

In Scripture, God relates to His people according to covenant. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul outlines the three major covenants that serve as the framework of Scripture.

S1E23

The Christ of the Bible

Nov 22, 199924m

Christology, the doctrine of the person and work of Christ, is foundational for Christian theology. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul paints a picture of the complexities and greatness of Christ as proclaimed from Genesis to Revelation.

S1E24

The Christ of the Creeds

Nov 29, 199924m

The early church faced much controversy over the doctrine of Christ. The councils of Nicaea and Chalcedon both aimed to clarify the biblical teaching on Christ’s person. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul walks through the controversies over Christ’s person and describes Him as both truly God and truly man.

S1E25

The Names of Christ

Dec 6, 199924m

The different titles of Christ in history are descriptive of His character and nature. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul examines the prominent names of Christ found in the New Testament.

S1E26

The States of Christ

Dec 13, 199924m

The states of Christ refer to Christ’s role or activity at various times throughout His life and existence. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul covers the states of Christ all the way from His preincarnate existence to His final return.

S1E27

The Offices of Christ

Dec 20, 199924m

The offices of Christ are connected to Christ’s role as mediator. In God’s plan for redemption, Christ serves a threefold office called the munus triplex. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul explains how Christ fulfills the Old Testament offices as our Prophet, Priest, and King.

S1E28

Substitutionary Atonement

Dec 27, 199924m

The classical view of Christ’s atonement as the substitutionary satisfaction of God’s justice is necessary for salvation. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul walks through the different aspects of Christ’s atonement found in Scripture.

S1E29

Why Did Christ Die?

Jan 3, 200024m

Though some consider the notion of substitutionary atonement to be barbaric, it is the only view of the atonement that fully satisfies the demands of God’s justice. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul lays out the significance of Christ’s death as a substitution and maintains that rejecting the doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement is paramount to rejecting Scripture itself.

S1E30

The Extent of the Atonement

Jan 10, 200024m

The most controversial issue in any discussion of Christ’s work as our Savior is the extent of Christ’s atonement. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul discusses the subject of limited atonement, also known as definite atonement, in addressing the question, For whom did Christ die?

S1E31

The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament

Jan 17, 200024m

Most people are confused by the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the Old Testament saints. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul begins a study of the person and work of the Holy Spirit by looking at His work within the context of the Old Testament, confirming His role in empowering individuals to carry out particular functions on behalf of God.

S1E32

The Holy Spirit in the New Testament

Jan 24, 200024m

It is by the Holy Spirit that the redemptive work of Christ is applied to the believer. It is through His work that they are granted spiritual life. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul continues his study of the Holy Spirit by looking at His work within the context of the New Testament, particularly in the work of regeneration.

S1E33

The Paraclete

Jan 31, 200024m

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in the lives of believers and in the life of the church. He is the Paraclete, the Helper whom Christ promised to send. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul explains the importance of the Spirit’s role as the promised Comforter whom God has sent to be with His people in the midst of a hostile world.

S1E34

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Feb 7, 200024m

Have you been asked, “Are you baptized in the Holy Spirit?” What does that mean? In this lesson, Dr. Sproul discusses “the baptism of the Holy Spirit,” as well as the related phenomenon of speaking in tongues and the false distinction between conversion and baptism in the Spirit.

S1E35

The Gifts of the Spirit

Feb 14, 200024m

Christ has given the church gifts of the Holy Spirit to edify and strengthen the entire body. In the lesson, Dr. Sproul explores the different views of spiritual gifts and examines the validity of spiritual gifts in the context of our day.

S1E36

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Feb 21, 200024m

The chief goal of the Holy Spirit is to apply the gospel in such a way as to fulfill the will of God. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul details and describes the fruit of the Spirit so that we as Christians might know how to pursue it in our lives.

S1E37

Are Miracles for Today?

Feb 28, 200024m

In the church today, miracles are a subject of debate. Should we expect miracles to occur in the contemporary church, or did miracles cease at the end of the Apostolic age? In this lesson, Dr. Sproul explains in detail some of the issues surrounding the question of whether miracles occur today.

S1E38

Common Grace

Mar 6, 200024m

According to the classic definition, grace is unmerited or unearned favor. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul builds on this understanding and makes the important distinction between common (universal) grace and special (salvific) grace.

S1E39

Election & Reprobation

Mar 13, 200024m

When trying to understand God’s decrees, believers come face-to-face with the difficult doctrine of predestination. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul explores many of the challenging questions that arise when we consider the relationship between salvation and the sovereign decrees of God.

S1E40

Effectual Calling

Mar 20, 200024m

What is it that God does when He intervenes in a person’s life to bring them to faith? In this lesson, Dr. Sproul addresses this important question as he distinguishes between the views of monergism and synergism. Is it God alone who changes the heart of the sinner, or does this change of heart rest also on the willingness of the sinner?

S1E41

Justification by Faith Alone

Mar 27, 200024m

The doctrine of justification by faith is so significant that it provoked the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul defines justification and its necessary components.

S1E42

Saving Faith

Apr 3, 200024m

What is saving faith? This question received a deserved amount of attention at the time of the Reformation, and it should receive just as much attention from us today. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul examines the three ingredients of saving faith asserted by the Reformers.

S1E43

Adoption & Union with Christ

Apr 10, 200024m

To be part of the family of God is a gift. It is not something that believers earn, nor is it something that they have by the sheer virtue of being human. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul explains the special privilege of being a child of God through adoption and union with Christ.

S1E44

Sanctification

Apr 17, 200024m

When someone has been justified by faith in Christ, the transformative work of sanctification begins. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul discusses the path of sanctification in the Christian life and the impact that it has for believers’ growth in grace.

S1E45

Perseverance of the Saints

Apr 24, 200024m

The New Testament gives us confidence that God is going to preserve His own and bring His work of redemption to completion. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul addresses the question of whether Christians have the ability to lose their salvation.

S1E46

Biblical Images of the Church

May 1, 200024m

Ecclesiology is the subdivision of systematic theology that has to do with the nature, function, and mission of the church. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul defines the true meaning of the church as the people of God from the aspects of the visible and invisible church.

S1E47

The Church: One & Holy

May 8, 200024m

The qualities of the church are reflected in the New Testament imagery of the church as one body and a building with one sure foundation. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul explains the unity and diversity within the one church.

S1E48

The Church: Catholic & Apostolic

May 15, 200024m

The characteristics of the church as catholic and Apostolic are often misunderstood by Protestants today. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul defines these terms according to the universal nature and Apostolic foundation of the church

S1E49

Worship in the Church

May 22, 200024m

Worship is the central purpose of the church and therefore should not be neglected or overlooked. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul takes a look at the question, What is true worship?

S1E50

The Sacraments of the Church

May 29, 200024m

The sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper have caused considerable controversy within the church, but for good reason. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul explains the importance and seriousness of the sacraments as gifts of Christ to the church.

S1E51

Baptism

Jun 5, 200024m

Baptism is a significant moment in every Christian’s life because it is an sacrament instituted by Christ as a sign and seal of God’s promises. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul answers important questions surrounding the meaning, origin, and significance of baptism.

S1E52

The Lord's Supper

Jun 12, 200024m

Throughout church history, the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper has been a central concern of the church. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul introduces and distinguishes between the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, and Reformed views of the Lord’s Supper.

S1E53

Death & the Intermediate State

Jun 19, 200024m

Eschatology is the study of the last days and our future hope of redemption. As such, it deals with the most perplexing problems of life: death. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul discusses the last enemy and helps us understand what happens to God’s people when they die.

S1E54

The Resurrection

Jun 26, 200024m

For the Christian, the soul lives on in heaven after death until it is reunited with the body at the second coming of Christ. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul teaches the future hope of the resurrection of the body for the Christian and the nature of our glorified resurrected bodies.

S1E55

The Kingdom of God

Jul 3, 200024m

The coming of Christ was the inauguration of the kingdom of God, which will be fully manifest at the end of time. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul explains the nature of God’s kingdom and the fundamental task of the church in relation to it.

S1E56

The Millennium

Jul 10, 200024m

The millennium is the thousand-year reign of Jesus Christ, a period which has been interpreted with much variation. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul discusses the various views regarding the order and nature of the millennial reign of Christ.

S1E57

The Return of Christ

Jul 17, 200024m

The return of Jesus has often been a source of controversy. Many have tried to determine when Christ will return even though Christ Himself revealed that no one knows the day or the hour of His return. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul mentions three aspects of the second coming of Christ that we can know.

S1E58

The Final Judgment

Jul 24, 200024m

When we stop to think about all that we have said and done in our lives and how God will judge us, it is sobering to say the least. How should we, as Christians, view the final judgment? In this lesson, Dr. Sproul builds on our understanding of the final judgment and explains why those who are in Christ do not need to fear judgment.

S1E59

Eternal Punishment

Jul 31, 200024m

The doctrine of hell is an unpopular teaching today, but that doesn’t change the fact that it is still a biblical teaching. We serve a holy God, and His just demands will not allow sin to go unpunished. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul defends the doctrine of hell as a just penalty for sin, a penalty that we all deserve apart from Christ.

S1E60

The Believer's Final Rest

Aug 7, 200024m

There are many things about heaven that have not been revealed to us. Yet, we know that in heaven Christians will experience a rest that none of us have experienced in this life. In this lesson, Dr. Sproul describes what to expect when we reach the final destination of the Christian life.