I really want to study theology, but how do I know if that is what God wants me to do?
Question:
Good day.
I've been an atheist since I was 17 years old, I couldn't understand how people could believe in anything supernatural. I'm now 30 years old and recently realized that God truly exists and that He sent Jesus Christ so that we can have a relationship with Him. Today I have no doubt about this and I am so thankful to God that He gave me faith, even though I don't deserve it at all! My question is, I have a burning desire to study theology, and I don't know why, but it feels like maybe that is not what God wants me to do. How can I know which choice is the one God wants me to make?
Thank you very much!
Answer:
God teaches us how to live godly lives through His Word. "Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (II Peter 1:2-4). However, God does not dictate our individual decisions. He has given us free will.
The interesting thing is that whatever men decide, God makes use of them to accomplish His Will. "A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps" (Proverbs 16:9). If God, for some reason, did not want you to study theology, believe me, you won't be able to. "There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the LORD'S counsel -- that will stand" (Proverbs 19:21).
If you desire to learn theology, then do so and apply your skills to furthering the spread of the Gospel through the world (Matthew 28:18-20). Theology is not something required to teach the Gospel. It is merely a man-made degree in the philosophy of religions. It can be an interesting study, but in regards to Christianity the real need is to study God's Word itself, and that doesn't require any degree program. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (II Timothy 2:15).
Response:
Thank you very much for your very helpful answer. I really appreciate it.
