In this online teacher-training course, you will apply the methods of theology learned in the first course to additional areas of study. The creation of man and his nature as human in the image of God guide our understanding of the nature of the Fall and man’s subsequent condition. The creation and fall of angels are different in kind than that of man, but is closely related. The origin and nature of sin is intertwined with the whole study of man. The effects of sin lead us to the study of salvation—what it is, how it was obtained for us, how we obtain it, and the implications of salvation. The atonement (the satisfying of Gods wrath) will be given special consideration, since it is at the heart of the Gospel. Also, justification, regeneration, and sanctification are terms that are not understood by many Christians, yet should be truths in which a believer rejoices every day.

A study of the person of the Holy Spirit has been reserved until now in order to emphasize His main role as Comforter during the Church Age until Jesus returns for His saints. We will examine the deity of the Spirit and His work in salvation, sanctification, and in conjunction with the Word of God. The Spirit plays a major role in the New Testament church, which is the pillar and ground of the truth and the instrument God is using to carry out His program in this age. Eschatology is the study of the end times and the consummation of God’s eternal plan. This topic generates more confusion than clarity in our day, and we will seek to shed light on it.

An area of study not considered a part of systematic theology but nevertheless deeply theological is apologetics. Apologetics is the defense of the Christian faith against other religions and unbelief.

About the Instructor: Mark Farnham is Assistant Professor of Theology and New Testament and Chaplain of the Seminary at Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. He holds degrees from Maranatha Baptist Bible College, Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and is presently a doctoral student in Apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary. Before becoming a seminary professor, he pastored Montauk Avenue Baptist Church in New London, Connecticut, for seven years. He has also served as a writer, editor, and Director of Youth Ministries at Positive Action for Christ in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He lives in Harleysville, Pennsylvania, with his wife Adrienne and their three children.