The Doctrine of Salvation -- Soteriology

The Doctrine of Soteriology

The doctrine of soteriology is the doctrine of salvation. It involves the means by which God has intervened in the affairs of man to save him from the just punishment for our sins.

The Doctrine of Election

Election is the “that eternal act of God whereby He, in His sovereign good pleasure, and on account of no foreseen merit in them, chooses a certain number of men to be the recipients of special grace and of eternal salvation.”[1]

Essential truths embraced or contained in election:[2]
1. God has by Election chosen some to salvation, but not all (Rom.16:13; 2 Thess. 2:13; Eph. 1:4; 1Pet. 1:2; Rom. 9:23).
2. Election was accomplished in eternity past (Eph. 1:4; 2 Tim. 1:9; Acts 15:18; 2 Thess. 2:13-14).
3. Election does not rest merely on foreknowledge, it is also based on foreordination (Rom. 8:29; 1 Pet. 1:2; Rom. 11:5-6; 2 Thess. 2:13; Eph. 1:4; Rom. 9:10-13).
4. Divine election is immutable (2 Tim. 2:18-19; Rom 8:30).
5. Election is a part of and is related to Christ’s mediation (Jn. 3:16; Rev. 13:8; Rom. 11:34).

The Extent of the Atonement

There is disagreement among Christians on the extent of the atonement. There are scripture passages that point to a limited atonement (Eph. 1:4; 2 Tim. 1:9-10; John 17:9). Yet the passages on the unlimited nature of the atonement (not salvation) are definitive (Heb. 2:9; 1 Tim. 2:6-10; 4:10; Tit. 2:11; 1 John 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:9).

Justification

“Justification may be defined as that judicial act of God by which, on account of Christ, to whom the sinner is united by faith, He declares that sinner to be no longer exposed to the penalty of the law but restored to divine favor.”[3]

Elements and grounds of Justification:
1. The remission of punishment (Mic. 7:18, Ps. 130:4).
2. The restoration to favor (2 Cor. 5:18; John 1:12; Rom 8:15; Gal. 4-5; Eph. 1:5; 1 Jn. 3:2).
3. It is not by works (Acts 13:19; Rom. 3:20-25; 5:1-9; Gal. 2:16; 3:13 1 Pet. 2:24).

The Place of Grace, Faith, and Works

1. Man is saved by grace alone (Rom. 4:4; Eph 2:8-9; 2 Thess. 2:16; Tit 2:11; 3:7; 1 Pet. 5:10)
2. Faith is the means by which man responds to the call of God and is saved (Eph. 2:8-9; 1 Pet. 1:9).
3. Works have no place preceding salvation. Works are a sign of a vibrant faith and lack of works cannot be said to be evidence of a spurious faith (Eph. 2-10James 2:14-26; Heb. 10:24; Tit. 2:14; 3:8-14)

Security of the Believer

Reasons why believers are forever secure in Christ:
1. There is security is because it is based on the promises of God (Rom. 8:31-39).
2. God’s presence assumes that we are secure, since He is Holy (John 10:27-30).
3. Because of God’s power and role in the believer’s salvation is secure (1 Peter 1:3-5).
4. A grammatical understanding of the aorist tense point to security (Acts 16:31; Rom 4:3).


[1] Berkhof, L. Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1941), Pg. 114.
[2] Chafer, Lewis Sperry Systematic Theology (Dallas TX: Dallas Seminary Press) Vol. III Pg. 172-175
[3] Pardington, George P. Outline Studies in Christian Doctrine (Harrisburg: Christian Publications 1926) Pg 316-317

The Doctrine of Sin

I had to recently do a Summary of various doctrines for my Systematic Theology class. They were to be limited to one page. So I thought it apt that I should post them here.

The Doctrine of Hamartiology

This doctrine deals with the origins of sin in man, as well as the effect sin has had upon mankind. Therefore this doctrine is the theology of sin.

The Definition of Sin

Sin is: [1]
1. Sin is the transgression of the law of God (Rom. 3:23; 4:15; 5:14; Gal.3:19).
2. Sin is a failure to reach or conform to God’s standard (Rom. 3:23; 14:23).
3. Sin is wrongful acts toward God and man (Rom. 1:18; Exod. 20:1-17);
4. Sin is a principle or the natural nature of man today (Rom. 7:14-15; Gal. 3:22; John 9:41; 15:24; 19:11).
5. Sin is rebellion against God (1 John 3:4; Titus 2:14; Matt. 24:12)

The Origin of Sin

The origin of sin was first found in Satan when he through pride saw himself equal with God (Isa. 14:12-17; Ezek. 28; 1 Tim. 3:6). Then in the Garden Satan deceived Eve to disobey God and to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 3). Yet while Eve was deceived Adam willingly chose to sin just as Satan had done before (Gen. 3:6)

The Effect Sin

The effect of the fall:
1. That while Adam was created in the image of God we now are begotten in the image of our father. Therefore the sin nature is passed from parent to children. (Gen. 5:3; Ps. 51:5).
2. The guilt of sin is placed upon all persons who remain apart from Christ. This is the doctrine of the imputation of sin in which we were all seminally present in Adam at the fall of man (Rom. 5:12-21; Heb. 7:9-10).
3. All have committed acts of sins themselves (Rom. 3:23) and as a result we are all sinners by nature and by conduct.
4. Man is spiritually dead (Eph. 2:1; Col. 2:13) and also awaits his physical death.
5. Man does not know God (Gal. 4:8); he has no gratitude towards God (Rom. 1:21); he has no desire for God (Rom. 3:11); he has no love for God (1 Jn. 4:10); he has no faith in God (Jn. 3:18); he has no fear of God (Rom. 3:18); he does not worship God (Rom. 1:21-25); he resists the truth (2 Tim. 3:8); he receives not the things of God (1 Cor. 2:14); he rejects the truth of God (2 Thess. 2:12); he disobeys God’s gospel (2 Thess. 1:8); he is an enemy of God (Rom. 5:10); his intellect is blinded (2 Cor. 4:4); and he is reprobate in actions and in thoughts (Rom. 1:28).

As a result of the nature of sin and the affect upon man we are unable to live a life of righteousness and therefore justly deserve eternal judgment by a Holy God. Thus one must conclude that it is only be the grace of God that salvation is even possible.

[1] This list is taken from the Moody Handbook of Theology by Paul Enns pg. 310.

A Troublesome song

On another blog site I posted:

On another note here is another song that is loved by many that has always been troublesome to me -- "The Old Rugged Cross." For a litle background before I parse the words, when I got saved I had grown up in slavery to the false gospel of Catholicism and it's veneration of relics.

My notes are in Bold

"On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,The emblem of suffering and shame;And I love that old cross"

I love Jesus not the piece of wood

"where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain.So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, "

We are to cherish Jesus not the piece of wood.

"Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, "

Same thing we are to cling to Jesus not the peice of wood

"And exchange it some day for a crown.O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,Has a wondrous attraction for me; "

This verse makes the contrast most obvious that the song is about the peice of wood.

"For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above To bear it to dark Calvary. In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,A wondrous beauty I see, "

We are to see beauty in Jesus and what he has done.

"For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,To pardon and sanctify me. To the old rugged cross I will ever be true; "

I will be true to Jesus not some peice of wood and I will bear the reproach of Christ

"Its shame and reproach gladly bear;Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,Where His glory forever I’ll share."

Having said all of that I would be one of the first to mention that what modern Christianity lacks most is a proper appreciation and rest upon what was accomplished on the cross. Our walk in every way is forever associated with what He did on the Cross. But the association is with Him and his finished work not the peice of wood.

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.

Resting in Jesus!

Ken Banks

How Do We Equip the Saints

On another forum a question was raised as to what are some practical ways for teachers to test the effectiveness of their teaching responsibilties as presented in Eph 4:11-16.

Here is the response I posted:

First of all this is an excellent question. It allows an opportunity to exegete a portion of Scripture as well as the practical application of the Scripture.

King James has “perfecting of the saints” rather than “equipping of the saints.” I think both offer different facets of the dynamic involved. It is a training or teaching that leads to maturity in the saints. While the standard to which we strive in verse 13 is never ending, we all as pastors and teachers, with discernment know how affective we are at producing mature Christians. That discernment is also the mark of a teacher in Hebrews 5:14, where the contrast is between someone who is skillful in the use of the Word of God, and someone who is not.

Now back to Ephesians. I think there are some very practical signs of maturity right in the text of Ephesians. Up to verse 16 I think Paul was laying the doctrinal foundation, and then starting in verse 17 he is outlining the practical application of the doctrine. This is found in the tiny phrase “this I say therefore”, or “So this I say.” It connects what will be presented with what came before.

Without writing a long exegesis the next paragraph outlines the contrast of walking by the power of the old man, and walking by the power of the new man. Paul equates the walking in the old man in three ways. The first one is they walk in the vanity, or futility of their own minds. The Greek word that is translated “vanity”, or “futility” literally means “depravity.” This makes it easier to see how it is linked back to the old man. The second sign that a person is walking by the old man is that they will be past feeling or callous towards sin. The third aspect of living by the old man is that they will be given over to their own desires. If our desires are run-amok we will in the end fall into sin.

Contrast this with the result of putting on the new man in verses 24-32. It is a practical list that a pastor or teacher with discernment can see being produced in the believers that have come under his care. If there is a lack of these things, then with discernment we teach them to become skillful in the Word of God, and how to put on the new man. Each person may have unique needs when looking at the list in verses 24-32.

The teaching and preaching of the pulpit are the best ways to teach people to become skillful in the Word of God. Yet it is not enough in my view. As each person has different strengths and weaknesses there is no way to tailor pulpit ministry that covers all of the details. That perhaps can only be handled by the one on one, or small group teaching that is generally called discipleship ministry. In 2 Tim 2:2 Paul tells Timothy to teach faithful men who in turn can teach other faithful men.

One last thought is that the pastor or teacher must do all of this in a spirit of gentleness, patience, and meekness. (2 Tim 2: 24-25) I must always remind myself of this one since I am the first to stand up against false doctrine and sin. I guess that sometimes I go into something looking for a fight. I have at times done the same thing.

Our Position in Christ Jesus

It is the hope of this Web site that in some small way believers can be shown all that they have as a result of having placed their faith in the finished work of Christ. As we rest upon all of the aspects of His work on our behalf we can walk in newness of life. One of the keys is to understand that we died with Christ. This concept is mentioned in some manner in many of the Apostle Paul’s letters. This post will offer a number of them without going into details as to their exegesis.

First in Romans:
Romans 6:6 “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 6:11 “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

In 2 Corinthians:
2 Cor 5:14-15 “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 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.”

In Galatians:
Gal 2:20 “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.”

In Ephesians:
Eph 2:22-24 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

These are just a few of the passages that will be explored in future posts. Also there will be an examination of how we are to walk in Christ. We are not to depend upon either the works of the flesh or by placing ourselves back in bondage to the Law of Moses. We are to walk by the power of the new man and the Holy Spirit living in us. What a gracious gift this truly is! To have God Himself living in this pot of clay!

Resting that I might walk, and stand for Him!

Ken Banks