Soteriology: Teachings of the Great Reformers.

What is Soteriology?

Soteriology is a branch of theology that deals with the study of salvation. It focuses on the various beliefs, doctrines, and theories regarding how individuals are saved or achieve salvation. Soteriology explores questions such as the nature of sin, the means and methods of redemption, the role of faith and good works, and the ultimate destiny of human beings.

Soteriology answers the questions of how we gain eternal life & what it really means to be “saved”.

At the heart of the Soteriology lie concepts that directly shape our identity, purpose, and destiny: sin, redemption, grace, and faith.

Our need for salvation stems from our fallen nature and separation from God due to sin.

Sin definition:

In Hebrew, the word “sin” is translated as חֵטְא (cheta).

Cheta means “sin” or “transgression.” an act of w

It is an act of willful disobedience or violation of God’s commandments or moral principles.

Sin is a deviation from the righteous path and brings about guilt and separation from God. Sin denotes separation.

Soteriology seeks to answer how we go about fixing this break and come into salvation.

Left to ourselves, we remain helpless and hopeless. But through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, a way has been opened for us to be reunited with God.

By Christ’s atoning work, we are adopted into God’s family and empowered to live a life for the purpose of Eternity, by His Spirit.

Christ the Source of Salvation:

John 14:6 – “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”

Acts 4:12 – “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Election by God’s Grace:

Romans 9:11 – “(Though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls).”

Ephesians 1:4-5 – “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world.. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship.”

Limited Atonement:

Matthew 1:21 – “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

John 17:9 – “I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me.”

Irresistible Grace:

Acts 16:14 – “The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.”

1 John 5:1 – “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God.”

Perseverance of the Saints:

John 10:27-28 – “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.”

Philippians 1:6 – “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

So across the New Testament, we see Calvinist soteriology woven into the gospel message, highlighting the sovereignty of God in salvation through Christ alone. Various groups differ on the details, but the essential truths are the same:

Jesus is the only means by which we can be reconciled to God and escape the penalty of sin.

If we acquire Him as our Savior & Lord, having and Knowing that our lives are living for the sake of His Heavenly purpose, we have the promise of eternal life with us, by Him.

Soteriology seeks to unpack and systemize these profound yet highly personal truths, shedding light on the Gospel’s liberating message of grace, hope and new beginnings.

Let its keys unlock the door to your own journey of transformation and salvation in Christ!

Here are some brief definitions of “soteriology” throughout Christian/ Church History:

Early Church: In the early years of Christianity, soteriology referred to the theological understanding of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and His redemptive work on the cross. It emphasized the concept of atonement and the forgiveness of sins.

Quotes:

Athanasius: “The salvation of humanity came about through the Savior’s coming as a human being. For the soul cannot see God….. nor be saved, otherwise then by putting on that which it had lost” (the divine likeness).

Irenaeus: “The Word of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, who did, through his transcendent love, become what we are, that he might bring us to be even what he is himself.”

Justin Martyr: “We have learned from the prophets, and we hold it to be true, that punishments, chastisements, and rewards are rendered according to the merit of each man’s actions.”

Clement of Alexandria: “He who of his own accord advances in virtue, and increases his store of goodness, speedily arrives through love at divine perfection.”

Augustine: In the teachings of Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD), soteriology focused on the idea of original sin and God’s predestined grace as the means of salvation. Augustine emphasized the sovereignty of God in the salvation of humanity.
Reformation: During the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, soteriology became a central topic of debate. Reformers such as Martin Luther and John Calvin emphasized the teachings of salvation by grace alone (sola gratia) through faith alone (sola fide), opposing the Catholic view of salvation through a combination of faith and good works.