The Centrality of Eternal Sonship in the Introductions of Romans and Hebrews

Taught by Lane G. Tipton, this course seeks to open up the whole of the theology of Romans and Hebrews in light of their opening verses.

Format

Online
Course

Duration

7 hours, and 24 minutes

Subtitles Included

English

Price

$97
Free

Course Overview

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Taught by Lane G. Tipton, this course seeks to open up the whole of the theology of Romans and Hebrews in light of their opening verses. It overviews the prophetic and apostolic gospel of God’s Son in the introduction of Romans 1:1–6 with special attention to how the gospel relates to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Sustained consideration is given to the long-standing debate within Reformed interpretation of Romans 1:1–4, which divides along the lines of a two-nature versus two-estate view. The course then refines and clarifies the Son-centered character of the gospel and offers a dogmatic account of how the eternal person of the Son relates to his personalized humanity and to his traversing in history from the estate of humiliation to the estate of glory. The lectures relate the two-stage transfer of typological kinship from David to Saul to the two-age transfer of eschatological kingship to the incarnate Christ as David’s son and David’s Lord. The study of the introduction of Romans concludes with an investigation of the nature of the mystery of Christ as Lord and his church called to be his possession to the glory of his name. 

The course also examines the centrality of the eternal Son of God in the prologue of Hebrews 1:1–4, highlighting the literary structure of the passage and the full range of revelation regarding the Son of God. The study expounds Christ’s preexistent person, eternal being, and the relation between his immutable person and his works and acts that fall in time, ranging from the work of creation to his incarnation, death, and ascension into heaven.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Articulate how the introductions of Romans 1:1–6 and Hebrews 1:1–4 center on the eternal Son of God and provide a theological lens for interpreting each book.
Distinguish between ontological and redemptive-historical interpretations of Romans 1:3–4 and explain the significance of the Son’s two estates—humiliation and exaltation—in Paul’s gospel.
Explain how the transfer of kingship from Saul to David serves as typological background for understanding Christ’s eschatological kingship as David’s Son and David’s Lord.
Summarize the structure and content of Hebrews 1:1–4 and assess how the passage reveals the immutable Son in creation, incarnation, and exaltation.

Resources and Information

Accreditation
Course Materials
Certification

Reformed Forum is an approved provider of Continuing Education Units through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). This course has not yet been approved for CEU credit. If you are interested in receiving ACSI credit for this course, contact us to let us know.

Course Diagrams

Each lesson concludes with a brief quiz, which will assist you in assessing your progress. The questions are multiple choice or true/false. Each question is designed to reinforce basic points of the lectures and to provide a means of self-assessment.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will have the option to download a certificate of completion on the main course page.

Course Lessons

Your Teacher

Patrick Jones - Course author

Lane G. Tipton

Dr. Lane G. Tipton is pastor of Trinity Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Easton, Pennsylvania and Fellow of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Reformed Forum.

The Centrality of Eternal Sonship in the Introductions of Romans and Hebrews

Taught by Lane G. Tipton, this course seeks to open up the whole of the theology of Romans and Hebrews in light of their opening verses.

Format

Online
Course

Duration

7 hours, and 24 minutes

Subtitles Included

English

Price

$97
Free