Theology for Dummies - Soteriology

From the Greek - meaning "Study of Salvation". The real problem with this theological term is that it is not exclusive to Christianity. Other religions will talk about soteriology as well because the basic idea is "What is salvation and how is one saved?" Now this question has been around for along time and the answers are so numerous that it takes large theological books to keep track of them all.

The basic issues in Christian Soteriology however are: 'How does God save us?', "How are sins forgiven?"; "How does one obtain eternal life?" along with many more like these. If you break it down into Christian camps of thought there are basically five with various offshoots: Orthodox, Catholic, Arminianism, Calvinism and Lutheran. It get real tricky though when putting some in a camp as elements tend to bleed over into another. Some schools have disputes over the particulars of each question within themselves as well.

The main issue though is to remember that when anyone use the term 'soteriology' they are talking about salvation.

Next: Ecclesiology

Returning to True Fundamentalism -- Part 6 -- Why Does This Matter?

OK. Let's recap. True Fundamentalism is about making a list of the minimum things required in a Christian doctrine statement to be Christian. my list is only five things long:
1. The Bible is the Inspired Word of God
2. God exists in three persons: The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit and these three are one.
3. The reality of the person and work of Jesus Christ as both historical and spiritually significant
4. Through the person and work we can find salvation and find it in no other
5. Christ will return

Now, I want to note something -- I think this is all one needs to know to become a Christian and get saved. That said can anyone note all that is not said:

1. Type of inspiration (verbal, etc.)
2. The nature of God outside the trinity doctrine -- how is God omnipotent, omniscient, etc.
3. How one is saved by faith (faith and works controversy)
4. How salvation works and the nature of salvation are left somewhat open
5. End times -- completely open.

Why is this important? I think that unity is better achieved by fighting for the core, making allowances for differences outside the core and in all things being loving. Probably, the greatest downside to the Protestant Reformation has been division and hostility between the children of God. The fact is we often fight about many things that are not central to faith and the real issues often go by without really looking at them. The kind of unity Paul talked about in his writings is quite frankly imposable as long as these issues exist. We simply have a hard time accepting someone whose beliefs about Christianity are not very similar to our own and tat is becoming our downfall.

Finis

Returning to True Fundamentalism -- Part 4 -- Salvation Through Christ

With the work of Christ complete, the door to salvation is opened. The issue for the true fundamentalist is one of Jesus being the only way to salvation. In short there are no other roads to eternal life.

The faith-works question is actually open and left to debate. The real issue is one of who purchased salvation not how it is acquired. Salvation issues are left open because salvation is a mystery and many of its parts are indeed subject to such debate.

Next: The Return of Christ

Returning to True Fundamentalism -- Part 3 -- The Person and Work of Jesus Christ

Back to work ;-)

The is where Christianity becomes Christianity -- The Person and Work of Jesus Christ. This is what it is all about really -- 1) Who was Jesus? and 2) What Did Jesus Do?

Who was Jesus? To the True Fundamental Christian Jesus is both the Son of God and the Son of Man. I have heard the cliche' that Jesus was the first 200% person but I think the better way to describe it is he was the first complete person since Adam and Eve because he was God and Man.

1) Jesus is the Son of God
2) Jesus is the Son of Man

What Did Jesus Do? He lived, died and rose again for the glory of God with the end result being our salvation.
1) He was born of a virgin
2) He lived a sinless life; teaching us how to live both in word and deed
3) He died on a cross for our sins
4) He was buried for three days and rose again
5) He glorified God through this
6) He purchased our complete salvation

This Person and Work must be maintained to have a true Christian viewpoint

Next: Salvation through Christ