The MacArthur Study Bible, NKJV, page 686
We teach that Satan is the open and declared enemy of God and man (Is. 14:13, 14; Matt. 4:1-11; Rev. 12:9, 10), the prince of this world who has been defeated through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Rom. 16:20) and that he shall be eternally punished in the lake of fire (Is. 14:12-17; Ezek. 28:11-19; Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10).
Last Things (Eschatology)
Death
We teach that physical death involves no loss of our immaterial consciousness (Rev. 6:9-11), that there is a separation of soul and body (James 2:26), that the soul of the redeemed passes immediately into the presence of Christ (Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23), and that, for the redeemed, such separation will continue until the Rapture (1 Thess. 4:13-17) which initiates the first resurrection (Rev. 20:4-6), when our soul and body will be reunited to be glorified forever with our Lord (1 Cor. 15:35-44, 50-54; Phil. 3:21). Until that time, the souls of the redeemed in Christ remain in joyful fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 5:8).
We teach the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life (John 6:39; Rom. 8:10, 11, 19-23; 2 Cor. 4:14), and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Dan. 12:2; John 5:29; Rev. 20:13-15).
We teach that the souls of the unsaved at death are kept under punishment until the final resurrection (Luke 16:19-26; Rev. 20:13-15), when the soul and the resurrection body will be united (John 5:28, 29). They shall then appear at the Great White Throne judgment (Rev. 20:11-15) and shall be cast into hell, the lake of fire (Matt. 25:41-46), cut off from the life of God forever (Dan. 12:2; Matt. 25:41-46; 2 Thess. 1:7-9).
The Rapture of the Church
We teach the personal, bodily return of our Lord Jesus Christ before the seven-year tribulation (1 Thess. 4:16; Titus 2:13) to translate His church from this earth (John 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:51-53; 1 Thess. 4:15-5:11) and, between this event and His glorious return with His saints, to reward believers according to their works (1 Cor. 3:11-15; 2 Cor. 5:10).
The Tribulation Period
We teach that immediately following the removal of the church from the earth (John 14:1-3; 1 Thess. 4:13-18) the righteous judgments of God will be poured out upon an unbelieving world (Jer. 30:7; Dan. 9:27; 12:1; 2 Thess. 2:7-12; Rev. 16), and that these judgments will be climaxed by the return of Christ in glory to the earth (Matt. 24:27-31; 25:31-46; 2 Thess. 2:7-12). At that time the Old Testament and tribulation saints will be raised and the living will be judged (Dan. 12:2, 3; Rev. 20:4-6). This period includes the seventieth week of Daniel’s prophecy (Dan. 9:24-27; Matt. 24:15-31; 25:31-46).
The Second Coming and the Millennial Reign
We teach that after the tribulation period, Christ will come to earth to occupy the throne of David (Matt. 25:31; Luke 1:32, 33; Acts 1:10, 11; 2:29, 30) and establish His messianic kingdom for a thousand years on the earth (Rev. 20:1-7). During this time the resurrected saints will reign with Him over Israel and all the nations of the earth (Ezek. 37:21-28; Dan. 7:17-22; Rev. 19:11-16). This reign will be preceded by the overthrow of the Antichrist and the False Prophet, and by the removal of Satan from the world (Dan. 7:17-27; Rev. 20:1-6).
We teach that the kingdom itself will be the fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel (Is. 65:17–25; Ezek. 37:21–28; Zech. 8:1–17) to restore them to the land which they forfeited through their disobedience (Deut. 28:15–68). The result of their disobedience was that Israel was temporarily set aside (Matt. 21:43; Rom. 11:1–26) but will again be awakened through repentance to enter into the land of blessing (Jer. 31:31–34; Ezek. 36:22–32; Rom. 11:25–29).
We teach that this time of our Lord’s reign will be characterized by harmony, justice, peace, righteousness, and long life (Is. 11; 65:17-25; Ezek. 36:33-38), and will be brought to an end with the release of Satan (Rev. 20:7).
The Judgment of the Lost
We teach that following the release of Satan after the thousand year reign of Christ (Rev. 20:7), Satan will deceive the nations of the earth and gather them to battle against the saints and the beloved city, at which time Satan and his army will be devoured by fire from heaven (Rev. 20:9). Following this, Satan will be thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10) whereupon Christ, who is the judge of all men (John 5:22), will resurrect and judge the great and small at the Great White Throne judgment.
We teach that this resurrection of the unsaved dead to judgment will be a physical resurrection, whereupon receiving their judgment (John 5:28, 29), they will be committed to an eternal conscious punishment in the lake of fire (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:11-15).
Eternity
We teach that after the closing of the Millennium, the temporary release of Satan, and the judgment of unbelievers (2 Thess. 1:9; Rev. 20:7-15), the saved will enter the eternal state of glory with God, after which the elements of this earth are to be dissolved (2 Pet. 3:10) and replaced with a new earth wherein only righteousness dwells (Eph. 5:5; Rev. 20:15, 21, 22). Following this, the heavenly city will come down out of heaven (Rev. 21:2) and will be the dwelling place of the saints, where they will enjoy forever fellowship with God and one another (John 17:3; Rev. 21, 22). Our Lord Jesus Christ, having fulfilled His redemptive mission, will then deliver up the kingdom to God the Father (1 Cor. 15:23-28) that in all spheres the triune God may reign forever and ever (1 Cor. 15:28).
Index to Key Bible Doctrines
This Index to Key Bible Doctrines tells you where to find Bible passages that relate to the ten classical doctrines of the Christian faith: (1) the Holy Scriptures, (2) God the Father, (3) God the Son, (4) God the Holy Spirit, (5) Man, (6) Sin, (7) Salvation, (8) the Church, (9) Angels, and (10) Last Things.
Some of these major topics have subdivisions. For example, God the Father is organized under several subheads, arranged in alphabetical order. These subheads include Holiness of God, Mercy of God, Nature of God, Righteousness of God, etc. Under each major topic, look first for the subhead on “Nature of God,” “Nature of Man,” Nature of Sin,” etc. These are the best places to begin your research on these major Christian doctrines.
For a more extensive study of Bible topics beyond the doctrinal topics listed below, you’ll find The MacArthur Topical Bible an invaluable resource. It is published as a separate volume by Thomas Nelson Publishers.
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Doctrines and Subdivisions
The Holy Scriptures
God the Father
Counsels and Purposes of God
Faithfulness of God
Glory of God
God in Three Persons (the Trinity)
Goodness of God
Holiness of God
Justice of God
Longsuffering of God
Love of God
Lovingkindness of God
Mercy of God
Nature of God
Power of God
Providence of God
Righteousness of God
Truth of God
Unity of God
Wisdom of God
Wrath of God
God the Son
Ascension of Christ
Character and Attributes of Christ
Compassion and Sympathy of Christ
Crucifixion of Christ
Death of Christ
Deity of Christ
Exaltation of Christ
Example of Christ
Excellency and Glory of Christ
Human Nature of Christ
Humility of Christ
Incarnation of Christ
Love of Christ
Ministry of Christ as Head of the Church
Ministry of Christ as High Priest
Ministry of Christ as King
Ministry of Christ as Mediator
Ministry of Christ as Prophet
Ministry of Christ as Shepherd
Miracles of Christ
Parables of Christ
Power of Christ
Preciousness of Christ
Prophecies Fulfilled in Christ
Resurrection of Christ
Titles and Names of Christ
Types of Christ
God the Holy Spirit
Anointing of the Holy Spirit
Baptism with the Holy Spirit
Deity of the Holy Spirit
Emblems of the Holy Spirit
Gift of the Holy Spirit
Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
Inspiration of the Holy Spirit
Ministry of the Holy Spirit as Helper
Ministry of the Holy Spirit as Teacher
Offenses Against the Holy Spirit
Personality of the Holy Spirit
Power of the Holy Spirit
Sealing of the Holy Spirit
Titles and Names of the Holy Spirit
Witness of the Holy Spirit
Man
Characteristics of Man’s Unredeemed Heart
Fall of Man
Nature of Man
Sin
Characteristics of the Wicked
Ignorance of God
Nature of Sin
Rebellion Against God
Spiritual Blindness
Spiritual Bondage
Temptation
Unbelief
Salvation
Assurance of Believers
Atonement
Characteristics of Believers
Christian Conduct
Christian Liberty
Confession of Sin
Conversion
Election
Eternal Life
Faith
Good Works
Grace
Justification
Nature of Salvation
New Birth
Pardon
Perseverance of Believers
Privileges of Believers
Reconciliation with God
Redemption
Repentance
Righteousness Imputed to Believers
Sanctification
Spiritual Peace
Titles and Names of Believers
Union with Christ
The Church
Nature of the Church
Baptism
Church Discipline
Church Leaders
Divisions in the Church
Excellency and Glory of the Church
Fellowship of Believers
Lord’s Supper
Missions
Titles and Names of the Church
Angels
Nature of Holy Angels
Satan, a Fallen Angel
Last Things
Antichrist
Eternal Death
The Final Judgment
Heaven
Hell (Hades)
Punishment of the Wicked
Resurrection from the Dead
Reward of Believers
Second Coming of Christ
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The Holy Scriptures
Given by inspiration of God. 2 Tim. 3:16.
Given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:16; Heb. 3:7; 2 Pet. 1:21.
Christ sanctioned, by appealing to them. Matt. 4:4; Mark 12:10; John 7:42.
Christ taught out of. Luke 24:27.
Are called the
Book. Ps. 40:7; Rev. 22:19.
Book of the Law. Neh. 8:3; Gal. 3:10.
Book of the Lord. Is. 34:16.
Holy Scriptures. Rom. 1:2; 2 Tim. 3:15.
Law of the Lord. Ps. 1:2; Is. 30:9.
Oracles of God. Rom. 3:2; 1 Pet. 4:11.
Scripture of Truth. Dan. 10:21.
Sword of the Spirit. Eph. 6:17.
Word. James 1:21-23; 1 Pet. 2:2.
Word of Christ. Col. 3:16.
Word of God. Luke 11:28; Heb. 4:12.
Word of truth. James 1:18.
Contain the promises of the gospel. Rom. 1:2.
Reveal the laws, statutes, and judgments of God. Deut. 4:5, 14; Ex. 24:3, 4.
Record divine prophecies. 2 Pet. 1:19-21.
Testify of Christ. John 5:39; Acts 10:43; 18:28; 1 Cor. 15:3.
Are full and sufficient. Luke 16:29, 31.
Are an unerring guide. Prov. 6:23; 2 Pet. 1:19.
Are able to make wise to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Tim. 3:15.
Are profitable both for doctrine and practice. 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.
Described as
Pure. Ps. 12:6; 119:140; Prov. 30:5.
True. Ps. 119:160; John 17:17.
Perfect. Ps. 19:7.
Precious. Ps. 19:10.
Living and powerful. Heb. 4:12.
Written for our instruction. Rom. 15:4.
Intended for the use of all men. Rom. 16:26.
Nothing to be taken from, or added to. Deut. 4:2; 12:32.
One portion of, to be compared with another. 1 Cor. 2:13.
Designed for
Regenerating. James 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:23.
Making alive. Ps. 119:50, 93.
Illuminating. Ps. 119:130.
Converting the soul. Ps. 19:7.
Making wise the simple. Ps. 19:7.
Sanctifying. John 17:17; Eph. 5:26.
Producing faith. John 20:31.
Producing hope. Ps. 119:49; Rom. 15:4.
Producing obedience. Deut. 17:19, 20.
Cleansing the heart. John 15:3; Eph. 5:26.
Cleansing the ways. Ps. 119:9.
Keeping from destructive paths. Ps. 17:4.
Supporting life. Deut. 8:3; Matt. 4:4.
Promoting growth in grace. 1 Pet. 2:2.
Building up in the faith. Acts 20:32.
Admonishing. Ps. 19:11; 1 Cor. 10:11.
Comforting. Ps. 119:82; Rom. 15:4.
Rejoicing the heart. Ps. 19:8; 119:111.
Work effectively in those who believe. 1 Thess. 2:13.
The letter of, without the Spirit, kills. John 6:63; 2 Cor 3:6.
Ignorance of, a source of error. Matt. 22:29; Acts 13:27.
Christ enables us to understand. Luke 24:45.
The Holy Spirit enables us to understand. John 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:10-14.
No prophecy of, is of any private interpretation. 2 Pet. 1:20.
Everything should be tried by. Is. 8:20; Acts 17:11.
Should be
The standard of teaching. 1 Pet. 4:11.
Believed. John 2:22.
Appealed to. 1 Cor. 1:31; 1 Pet. 1:16.
Read. Deut. 17:19; Is. 34:16.
Read publicly to all. Deut. 31:11-13; Neh. 8:3; Jer. 36:6; Acts 13:15.
Known. 2 Tim. 3:15.
Received, not as the word of men, but as the Word of God. 1 Thess. 2:13.
Received with meekness. James 1:21.
Searched. John 5:39; 7:52.
Searched daily. Acts 17:11.
Laid up in the heart. Deut. 6:6; 11:18.
Taught to children. Deut. 6:7; 11:19; 2 Tim. 3:15.
Taught to all. 2 Chr. 17:7-9; Neh. 8:7, 8.
Talked of continually. Deut. 6:7.
Not handled deceitfully. 2 Cor. 4:2.
Not only heard, but obeyed. Matt. 7:24; Luke 11:28; James 1:22.
Used to answer spiritual enemies. Matt. 4:4, 7, 10; Eph. 6:11, 17.
All should desire to hear. Neh. 8:1.
Mere hearers of, deceive themselves. James 1:22.
Advantage of possessing. Rom. 3:2.
Believers
Love exceedingly. Ps. 119:97, 113, 159, 167.
Delight in. Ps. 1:2.
Regard, as sweet. Ps. 119:103.
Esteem, above all things. Job 23:12.
Long after. Ps. 119:82.
Stand in awe of. Ps. 119:161; Is. 66:2.
Keep, in remembrance. Ps. 119:16.
Grieve when men disobey. Ps. 119:158.
Hide, in their hearts. Ps. 119:11.
Hope in. Ps. 119:74, 81, 147.
Meditate in. Ps. 1:2; 119:99, 148.
Rejoice in. Ps. 119:162; Jer. 15:16.
Trust in. Ps. 119:42.
Obey. Ps. 119:67; Luke 8:21; John 17:6.
Speak of. Ps. 119:172.
Esteem, as a light. Ps. 119:105.
Pray to be taught. Ps. 119:12, 13, 33, 66.
Pray to be conformed to. Ps. 119:133.
Plead the promises of, in prayer. Ps. 119:25, 28, 41, 76, 169.
Those who search, are truly noble. Acts 17:11.
Blessedness of hearing and obeying. Luke 11:28; James 1:25.
Let them dwell richly in you. Col. 3:16.
The wicked
Corrupt. 2 Cor. 2:17.
Make, of no effect through their traditions. Mark 7:9-13.
Reject. Jer. 8:9.
Stumble at. 1 Pet. 2:8.
Do not obey. Ps. 119:158.
Frequently twist, to their own destruction. 2 Pet. 3:16.
Consequences for those who tamper with or destroy. Jer. 36:29-31; Rev. 22:18, 19.
God the Father
Counsels and Purposes of God
Excellence of. Is. 25:1; 28:29; Jer. 32:19.
Immutability of. Ps. 33:11; Prov. 19:21; Is. 14:24, 27; 46:11; Jer. 4:28; Rom. 9:11; Heb. 6:17.
Sovereignty and eternality of. Is. 40:13, 14; Dan. 4:35; Eph. 3:11.
Sufferings and death of Christ were according to. Acts 2:23; 4:28.
Believers saved and united according to. Rom. 8:28; Eph. 1:9-11; 2 Tim. 1:9.
Should obey. Jer. 49:20; 50:45.
Mystery of. Deut. 29:29; Matt. 24:36; Acts 1:7.
The wicked
Do not understand. Mic. 4:12.
Despise. Is. 5:19.
Reject. Luke 7:30.
Faithfulness of God
Is part of His character. Is. 49:7; 1 Cor. 1:9; 1 Thess. 5:24.
Declared to be
Established. Ps. 89:2.
Everlasting. Ps. 119:90; 146:6.
Great. Lam. 3:23.
Incomparable. Ps. 89:8.
Infinite. Ps. 36:5.
Unfailing. Ps. 89:33; 2 Tim. 2:13.
Should be pleaded in prayer. Ps. 143:1.
Should be proclaimed. Ps. 40:10; 89:1.
Manifested
In His counsels. Is. 25:1.
In afflicting believers. Ps. 119:75.
In fulfilling His promises. 1 Kin. 8:20; Ps. 132:11; Mic. 7:20; Heb. 10:23.
In helping believers endure temptations. 1 Cor. 10:13.
In keeping His covenant. Deut. 7:9; Ps. 111:5.
In executing His judgments. Jer. 23:20; 51:29.
In forgiving sins. 1 John 1:9.
To believers. Ps. 89:24; 2 Thess. 3:3.
Believers encouraged to depend on. 1 Pet 4:19.
Will be praised. Ps. 89:5; 92:2.
Glory of God
The supreme purpose of redemption. Eph. 1:12.
Every tongue should confess Christ as Lord, to. Phil. 2:11.
