THEO101: Theology Essentials

Year 1 • 3 Credits • Weekly Syllabus

THEO101 is a 3-credit course in the Year 1 program at Sozo Bible College.

12-Week Course Outline

1. Week 1 Introduction to Theology and Revelation

   This week defines theology as the study of God and His relation to the world, exploring general revelation (creation, conscience) and special revelation (Scripture, Jesus). Students will examine how God reveals Himself progressively through history, setting the foundation for trustworthy...

2. Week 2 The Doctrine of God (Trinity, Attributes)

   Focusing on God's nature, this week covers the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) with biblical support (e.g., Matthew 28:19) and attributes like omniscience, omnipotence, holiness, love, and immutability. Discussions include how these truths inspire awe, trust, and ethical living in response to...

3. Week 3 Creation and Humanity's Role

   Exploring Genesis 1-2 and related passages, this week addresses God's creative acts, the order of creation, and humanity's imago Dei (image of God) status. Topics include stewardship of the earth, human dignity, gender roles, and the implications for environmental care, social justice, and...

4. Week 4 Sin and Its Consequences

   This week examines the fall (Genesis 3), original sin, total depravity (Romans 3), and effects on individuals, society, and creation. Students will reflect on sin's universality, consequences like death and brokenness, and the need for redemption, fostering humility and dependence on grace.

5. Week 5 Christology: Person and Work of Jesus

   Delving into Jesus' dual nature (fully God, fully human) via the hypostatic union, this week covers His incarnation, virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. Emphasis on how Christ's personhood enables His mediatorial role, bridging God and humanity.

6. Week 6 Atonement and Salvation

   This week unpacks theories of atonement (substitutionary, Christus Victor) from passages like Isaiah 53 and Romans 5, explaining justification, regeneration, and adoption. Students will explore salvation's process (calling, faith, repentance) and assurance, addressing debates on election and...

7. Week 7 The Holy Spirit and Pneumatology

   Covering the Spirit's personhood, deity, and roles (conviction, regeneration, sanctification, gifts), this week draws from John 14-16 and Acts. Discussions include baptism in the Spirit, fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5), and how to live empowered by the Spirit in daily life and ministry.

8. Week 8 The Church and Ecclesiology

   This week defines the church as the body of Christ (Ephesians 4), exploring its universal and local aspects, marks (unity, holiness), and functions (worship, edification, mission). Topics include leadership structures, discipline, and the church's role in society as salt and light.

9. Week 9 Sacraments and Ordinances

   Examining baptism and the Lord's Supper, this week compares views (paedobaptism vs. credobaptism, real presence vs. memorial). Biblical foundations (Matthew 28, 1 Corinthians 11) are analyzed, with reflections on how these practices symbolize and strengthen faith.

10. Week 10 Eschatology: End Times and Hope

    This week surveys end-time events—rapture, tribulation, millennium, judgment, new creation—from Revelation and prophecies. Various interpretive views (premillennial, amillennial) are presented, emphasizing hope, urgency for evangelism, and living in light of eternity.

11. Week 11 Theology in Ethics and Daily Life

    Applying theology to ethics, this week uses doctrines to address issues like bioethics, justice, and sexuality (e.g., via the Ten Commandments, Sermon on the Mount). Students will learn to integrate theology into decision-making, worldview, and cultural engagement.

12. Week 12 Review and Personal Theological Statement

    Synthesizing the course, this week reviews key doctrines and guides students in crafting a personal creed or statement of faith. Reflections on growth, applications, and ongoing study encourage a lifelong pursuit of theological depth.