GotQuestions.org: What is
Soteriology?
Soteriology is the study of the doctrine of
salvation. Soteriology discusses how Christ’s death secures the salvation of
those who believe. It helps us to understand the doctrines of redemption,
justification, sanctification, propitiation, and the substitutionary atonement.
Some common questions in studying Soteriology are:
Once saved always saved? Perhaps the most
heart-wrenching fear some believers live with is that we can do something to
lose our salvation. But the Bible speaks clearly about the eternality of our
salvation and how we are preserved by the One who bought us with His blood.
Is salvation by faith alone, or by faith plus works? Am
I saved just by believing in Jesus, or do I have to believe in Jesus and do
certain things?
Is baptism required for salvation? What is baptismal
regeneration? Baptismal regeneration is the belief that a
person must be baptized in order to be saved. While baptism is an important
step of obedience for a Christian, the Bible is clear that baptism is not a
requirement for salvation.
What
is repentance and is it necessary for salvation? Biblical
repentance is changing your mind about Jesus Christ and turning to God in faith
for salvation (Acts 3:19). Turning from
sin is not the definition of repentance, but it is one of the results of
genuine, faith-based repentance towards the Lord Jesus Christ.
What
does it mean to be a born again Christian? The phrase
"born again" literally means "born from above." It is an
act of God whereby eternal life is imparted to the person who believes—a
spiritual transformation.
Other than Christology, Soteriology is the area where Christianity is the most
different from the cults and other world religions. Understanding Biblical
Soteriology will help us to know why salvation is by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9), through faith alone, in Jesus
Christ alone. No other religion bases salvation on faith alone. Soteriology
helps us to see why. A clear understanding of our salvation will provide a
"peace that passes all understanding" (Philippians 4:7) because we come to know that He
who can never fail is the means by which we were saved and the means by which
we remain secure in our salvation. If we were responsible to save ourselves and
keep ourselves saved, we would fail. Thank God that is not the case!
Titus 3:5-8 is a tremendous summary of
Soteriology, "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done,
but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and
renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus
Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become
heirs having the hope of eternal life."
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