Theology of Knowledge

National Association of Christian Ministers Summary Series: Theology

By Michael Mooney, NACM Exec. Elder

Have you ever noticed the contrasts and comparisons between the topic of knowledge in Genesis 3 and 2 Peter 1?

There seems to be two forms of knowledge existentially identified:

1) Objective; and

2) Subjective.

Both forms of knowledge are of theological nature.

Also, there is a:

1) Knowledge which leads to destituteness, shame, pride, and a lack of understanding God; and a

2) Knowledge of Jesus which leads to wholeness, affection, love, and godly living.

Gen 3:1; 5; 7

(1)  The snake was more clever than all the wild animals the LORD God had made. He asked the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must never eat the fruit of any tree in the garden’?”
(5)  “God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened. You’ll be like God, knowing good and evil.”
(7)  Then their eyes were opened, and they both realized that they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together and made clothes for themselves.

2Pe 1:3-9

(3)  God’s divine power has given us everything we need for life and for godliness. This power was given to us through knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and integrity.
(4)  Through his glory and integrity he has given us his promises that are of the highest value. Through these promises you will share in the divine nature because you have escaped the corruption that sinful desires cause in the world.
(5)  Because of this, make every effort to add integrity to your faith; and to integrity add knowledge;
(6)  to knowledge add self-control; to self-control add endurance; to endurance add godliness;
(7)  to godliness add Christian affection; and to Christian affection add love.
(8)  If you have these qualities and they are increasing, it demonstrates that your knowledge about our Lord Jesus Christ is living and productive.
(9)  If these qualities aren’t present in your life, you’re shortsighted and have forgotten that you were cleansed from your past sins.

Below I have posted a Mind Map that I made to demonstrate.