What Is Biblical Theology? | dr. Jim Hamilton

Jim Hamilton begins by praying that God would free believers from the expressive individualism of modern culture and reshape them by Scripture. He defines biblical theology as “the attempt to understand and embrace the interpretive perspective of the biblical authors.” Christians should see the world the way Moses, Isaiah, Paul, and John saw it—understanding reality, history, and themselves through the Bible’s categories.Hamilton structures his talk chiastically and contrasts the Bible’s story with the modern self, shaped by psychologized feelings, sexualized identity, and politicized desires (as described by Carl Trueman). These cultural narratives function like alternative “scriptures,” giving people identity, ethics, meaning, and community—yet they ultimately damage and deceive, as illustrated through a woman whose life was shaped and ruined by Sex and the City.The heart of the message is a call to live out of and into the true story of Scripture. The world is a cosmic temple, created for God’s presence and glory. Humanity’s fall corrupted this temple, but God’s promises—from Genesis to Isaiah—point to renewal through the promised seed. Biblical symbols, patterns, and typology teach believers how to interpret the world.Hamilton warns against the false gospels of wokeness and sexual fulfillment, which try to replace creation, fall, redemption, and restoration with counterfeit versions. He closes by urging Christians to let the Bible’s story reshape identity and hope—like showing a bullied young Kate Middleton a picture of her royal wedding—so believers endure trials in light of their future glory with Christ.