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SOTERIOLOGY
THE DOCTRINE OF
SALVATION
INTRODUCTION:
The doctrine of SOTERIOLOGY can be considered as the most important of all the doctrines.
The ETERNAL SECURITY and PEACE of a man is the most important issue in this present LIFE.
This doctrine is largely closely interlinked with other doctrines, like Trinity, Anthropology, etc. If a person is not truly saved, his or her understanding of this and other doctrines will be flawed.
A solid understanding of the doctrine of Anthropology is vital for the understanding of this doctrine.
Due to the intense interest this doctrine normally generates, it is very important to stay focused on vital issues concerning this doctrine.
Hence, as a guide to the discussion of this vital doctrine, and to ensure that one does not veer off the path of the crucial issues that ought to be focused on, certain fundamental questions ought to be posed.
As an introduction in this study of the doctrine of SOTERIOLOGY, some of the key questions that must be posed and answered are;
[a] What is meant by Salvation?
[b] Salvation from what?
[c] Why the need for Salvation!
[d] Who is the Savior?
[e] Who needs salvation?
[f] When does salvation begin?
INTRODUCTORY KEY QUESTIONS
[a] What is Salvation?
Definition:
Salvation can be defined as a rescue from disaster, loss, an approaching danger, be it distant or imminent. However, with direct reference to a Sinner, having eternity in mind, it may be defined as the rescue of a person’s soul from SIN, and its consequences.
The consequences of SIN are many, but the ultimate penalty is eternal Death. If a person remains in the state of Sin, he or she is a slave to SIN, a prisoner, and regarded as a captive of Satan - the father and source of SIN.
For as long as a sinner does not seek an ESCAPE ROUTE through repentance, as a first step, he or she is, incarcerated in the realm of the spirit; only awaiting his or her eternal death sentence.
[b] Salvation from what?
SIN and its consequences!
[c] Why the need for Salvation!
Without salvation, a person is at the mercy of Satan, and also headed for eternal doom.
[d] Who is the Savior?
God's Son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
[e] Who needs salvation?
Anyone who cannot help himself or herself from an approaching or imminent danger!
[f] When does salvation begin?
When a person repents, and throws invitation to God's Son, Jesus Christ, to come to his or her rescue.
CONTENTS OF THIS DISCUSSION
This discussion includes the following:
1.0 SALVATION AS A GIFT
2.0 KEY ELEMENTS OF SALVATION
1.0: SALVATION AS A GIFT
The more one studies the doctrine of Anthropology, that is the study of man and thereby getting to know the true state of Man, the more the one appreciates the fact that Salvation is a GIFT.
It is important to recognize that Salvation is part of the bigger PACKAGE or GIFT; God has for ALL who obey Him.
Isaiah 1: 18-19
GOD'S INVITATION
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 1:19 If ye be WILLING AND OBEDIENT, ye shall EAT THE GOOD OF THE LAND: 1:20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” Isaiah 1: 18-19
1.0.1 KEY NECCESSITIES MAKING TRANSFER OF GIFT POSSIBLE
For any GIFT to be considered as a GIFT, there are two vital components or parts that MUST NOT BE IGNORED.
They are:
1. ACTIVE PLAYERS, making the GIFT transfer possible.
2. The TERMS OF AGREEMENT, making the transfer possible.
Who are the ACTIVE PLAYERS?
The active players that make any GIFT transfer and, specifically,
SALVATION possible are:
A. The giver of the GIFT, who is God.
B. The receiver of the GIFT, who is Man.
In other words, the giver may be willing to give or might have fulfilled his part in the process of transferring the gift to the recipient, but the potential receiver CANNOT benefit from the intent of the GIVER until he, the RECEIVER, actively gets involved to receive it , and make it his or her own. Hence, the role of BOTH the GIVER and the RECEIVER are crucial and important in any GIFT transfer; not only for the transfer to be possible, but also for the RECEIVER to appreciate and derive the benefits inherent in the GIFT.
1. A GOD'S PROVISION
The first step toward the salvation of man from eternal damnation was taken by God when He gave His only begotten Son, as sacrificial lamb for man. God’s Son, Jesus Christ, is also referred to as the Lamb of God.
God is the giver of the GIFT.
“For God so loved the world, that HE GAVE his only begotten Son, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
God’s offer of a GIFT led to three monumental or significant developments:
They are.
(1) INCARNATION: God’s Son, Jesus Christ, became flesh and lived as man on earth, and called Son of Man.
(2) DEATH: God’s Son, Jesus Christ, died. He TOOK THE PLACE OF MAN, thereby rescuing man from tasting the death awaiting him due to SIN.
(3) RESURRECTION: God’s Son, Jesus Christ, resurrected. He displayed His power over death and assured all who believe in Him that they also will resurrect as he did.
1. A.1: INCARNATION
For God’s provision to be made available to man, it was necessary for INCARNATION – God becoming man, as indicated in the following scriptures.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 1:2 the same was in the beginning with God.” John 1: 1 – 2.
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1: 14
“ Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
Philippians 2: 5 – 8.
God’s word said.
“For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Hebrew 2: 14.
SINLESSNESS OF JESUS CHRIST
1. A.1:1 SINLESS IN NATURE:
Unlike Adam and Eve, Christ did not yield to temptation in His nature.
Jesus said:
"Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.” John 14:30
1. A.1.2 SINLESS IN ACTION:
Unlike Adam and Eve, Christ did not yield to temptation in His actions.
Jesus said.
"And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him." John 8:29
"Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 2:23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:"
1 Peter 2:22 -23
1.A .2.0 ATONEMENT: Jesus Christ died for man
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures”
1 Corinthians 15: 3
Aspects of Atonement:
The death of Christ for humanity has many
significant aspects; two of these are.
1.A 2.1 Substitution:
It is a substitution death, meaning He died in the place of the world, but the benefits become effective only when an individual believes and accept the offer, He makes to man.
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” Isaiah 53: 6
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”
1Peter 2: 24
1. A 2.2 Sufficiency:
The atonement is sufficient and complete to deal with SIN and its consequences. No other penalty is needed to make it complete.
“Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” Hebrew 9 : 12
“For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified” Hebrew 10: 14
1. A 3.0 RESURRECTION
Christ arose from the dead
“ For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 15:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.”
1 Corinthians 15:3
1. A 3 Facts about the resurrection of Christ
A 3.1 Bodily Resurrection His resurrection was bodily
“But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 20:25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 20:26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 20:27 Then saith he to Thomas, reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
John 20:24-29
1.A 3.2 The Father agreed
The resurrection shows that the father agreed, gave approval and accepted the sacrifice on behalf of humanity.
And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
Romans 1:4
1.A 3.3
The resurrection was followed by ascension to Heaven
“And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 1:10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:9
But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God: Hebrews 10:12
1. B. THE RECEIVER OF THE GIFT, WHO IS MAN.
1.B.1 Admission of Sins
Man must admit that he is deserving of eternal punishment in Hell
“As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one” Romans 3:10 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Roman 6:23
1.B.2 Repentance
Man must repent of his Sins
"Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Romans 2:4
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38
1.B.3 Belief
Man must believe that Jesus Christ died for his Sins.
“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Roman 5:6
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Roman 5:8
“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10a
1.B.4 Man MUST invite Christ into his life
Man must invite Christ to come into his heart, and accept Him alone as his Savior, turning away from every other thing including his own works for salvation.
“But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”
Roman 4:5
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God”
Ephesians 2:8.
1.B.5 Man MUST confess to others that he has accepted Jesus Christ as his or her savior
“ That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Romans 10 : 9 ”
2.0: KEY ELEMENTS OF SALVATION.
For a man to finally enter Heaven the following elements or Milestones must exist in the life of Man.
1) Man has been saved – Born Again, and name registered in Heaven.
2) Man is being saved – Working out salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12
3) Man shall be saved – When man is finally is united with Christ.
John 16:22
“Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Luke” 10:20
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
Philippians 2:12
“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
Romans” 13:11
“And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.”
John 16:22
“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:13
BREAKDOWN OF THE KEY ELEMENTS OF SALVATION.
The milestones of SALVATION can further be broken down as follows.
A. CALLING OF MAM
B. CONVERSION of Man
C. JUSTIFICATION of Man
D. REGENERATION of Man
E. SANCTIFICATION of Man
F. GLORIFICATION of Man
2. A: CALLING of Man by God
The calling of man is done by God the Father. The call is as simple as this; that all men should come to His Son, Jesus Christ, for Salvation by GRACE through FAITH.
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
11 Peter 3:9
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
“Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”
Romans 8:30
THE MEANS AND WAYS God uses to CALL Sinners - ways through which God prompts man or woman
God calls man through many ways, including calling;
2.A.1 Through His word
2.A.2 Through the Holy Spirit
2.A.3 Through men
2.A.4 Through circumstances
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Roman 10:17
“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”
John 16:13
“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?”
Romans 10:14
“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”
Romans 2:4
2.B: CONVERSION of Man
Man, having heard God’s call or prompting, turns to God in repentance and faith
Conversion includes
1. Repentance
2. Faith
2. B.1 Repentance, includes turning away from SIN
“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”
11 Corinthians 7:10
2. B.2: Faith is turning to Christ.
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
John 1:12
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height.”
Ephesians 3:17-18
2. C: JUSTIFICATION of Man.
Justification involves.
1. Forgiveness
2. Adoption
3. Imputation of Christ’s Righteousness to Man
2. C.1 Forgiveness
It is extremely important to recognize that SIN is, first and foremost, a SPIRITUAL FILTH. Hence, in dealing with SIN, only SPIRITUAL SOLUTION is acceptable in dealing with it. The ONLY spiritual 'detergent' capable of cleansing SIN is the BLOOD of God's Son, and NOT water, as some believe. Water is for cleansing physical filth and CANNOT deal with SPIRITUAL FILTH. Hence, once a person repents, receives Jesus Christ and enters into covenant with Him, God then tells the one;
“….Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” Matt 9:2
“ In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”
Ephesians 1:7
“ Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 13:39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses”
Acts 13:38
2. C.2 Restoration and Adoption
God, then, restores and adopts the believer to His family and into His favor.
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. “
Roman 5:1 -2
“ But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”
Galatians 4:4-5
2. C.3: Imputation of Christ’s Righteousness to Man
Simultaneously Christ’s righteousness is imputed to Man, making him or her righteous before God.
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
11 Corinthians 5:21
“ But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,”
Romans 4:5 – 6
2. D: REGENERATION
1. God, through the Holy Spirit, takes way old nature of man.
2. God, through the Holy Spirit, gives man a new nature. which is no longer controlled by Sin
2. D.1: God takes way old nature of man
God takes way old sinful nature of man, which was subject to Sin, Satan, death, and Hell.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
11 Corinthians 5:17
2. D.2: God gives Man new Nature
God gives man a new nature, which is no longer controlled by Sin, Satan, death, and Hell.
“ And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;”
Ephesians 2:1
“ Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son”
Colossians 1:13
“ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
11 Corinthians 5:17
“Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.”
Romans 6:9
2. E. 1: SANCTIFICATION
From the moment a person is saved, and becomes a believer, he or she embarks on a journey of HOLINESS, both in the heart and behavior. This process is called sanctification. This is unending journey, starting from spiritual birth to the point the believer becomes united with Christ, and expected to increase as one grows in the things of Christ.
“And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
I Corinthians 6:11
“Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.”
Hebrews 13:12
“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20 – 21
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:”
Colossians 3:5
“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”
Romans 8:13
2. E. 2: STAGES OF SANCTIFICATION
Sanctification has three stages, namely,
2. E. 2: 1: Initial Sanctification
This occurs at spiritual Birth. At this point, a spiritual surgical operation occurs; the heart of the person is transformed from the heart of stone to the heart of flesh. The believer then receives some measure of power to start the journey of Holiness.
“And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
I Corinthians 6:11
2. E. 2. 2: Progressive Sanctification
Sanctification is a process that must continue throughout the entire Christian life
“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”
Romans 6:6
“And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”
11 Corinthians 5:15
“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
Romans 8:11
2. E. 2. 3: Final Sanctification
This will occur when we finally meet Him on His return, or at death.
“Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”
Philippians 3:21
“To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,”
Hebrews 12:23
2. F: GLORIFICATION
This will occur when we finally meet Him on His return, or at death.
“Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”
Philippians 3:21
“To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,”
Hebrews 12:23
NOTE:
More in depth look at Holy Ghost Baptism, Water Baptism, speaking in tongues etc. vis a vis Salvation will be addressed under GENERAL TOPICS
Just stay tuned!
K.N. Arku-Lawson
Evangelist
www.pasgom.org |
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