The Christian doctrine of salvation is a foundational concept in the realm of Systematic Theology. It emphasizes that salvation is not something that can be earned through human effort, unlike in other religions. In Christianity, salvation is a gift from God that is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
The significance of faith cannot be understated, as it is the only action that allows us to receive salvation without actually doing anything. As stated in Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This verse serves as a powerful reminder that salvation is not dependent on our works, but rather on the grace of God.
This doctrine of salvation is at the core of the Christian faith and serves as a source of hope and inspiration for believers. It underlines the belief that through faith in Jesus, individuals can experience eternal life and forgiveness of sins. As you delve into the study of Systematic Theology, it is important to grasp the profound impact of the doctrine of salvation on Christian belief and practice. Embracing this truth can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment to your journey of faith.
THE FOUR MAJOR SUBDIVISIONS OF THE DOCTRINE OF SALVATION
1. Basis of Salvation:
You cannot earn your salvation. As imperfect beings, we cannot achieve perfection on our own. However, in His mercy, God offers the gift of forgiveness and a new life in Christ through grace and faith in Jesus. This central passage from Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us that salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn through our own works. This forms the foundation of Christian doctrine in Systematic Theology, emphasizing the grace of God and the importance of faith in Jesus Christ.
2. Result of Salvation:
The result of salvation is God's ultimate solution to the disconnection between man and Him, through the offer of forgiveness of sins and a rebirth into eternal life in Christ (1 Peter 1:3). This transformation brings about a new nature, free from the flaws of sin, and created in the likeness of God, embodying holiness and righteousness (Ephesians 4:24). The central passage that encapsulates this profound change is found in 1 John 1:9, which emphasizes the faithful and righteous nature of God to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness when we confess our sins. This result of salvation is foundational to the Christian doctrines of Systematic Theology, emphasizing the essential nature of God's grace and the transformative power of redemption.
3. Cost of Salvation:
Discovering the cost of salvation is essential in understanding the foundational Christian doctrines of Systematic Theology. In Romans 3:23 and 6:23, we learn that sin leads to spiritual death and separation from God. However, Jesus, being without sin, willingly sacrificed Himself to serve as a substitute for our own death. Through belief in Jesus and the acceptance of Him as our personal Savior, we receive the gift of eternal life. This is exemplified in the central passage of 1 Peter 3:18, which proclaims Christ's sacrificial death for the sake of bringing us closer to God. Understanding the cost of salvation and its relation to Christian doctrines is crucial for establishing a strong theological framework.
4. Timing of Salvation:
The timing of salvation is crucial to understanding the Christian doctrines of Systematic Theology. As a spirit that has a body, a person undergoes a transformation upon becoming a Christian, with their spirit being born again and given eternal life. However, their physical body remains unchanged, still corrupted by sin, susceptible to disease and death, and in bondage to sin.
This dichotomy between the born again inner man and the physical outer man creates a continuous struggle for the Christian, as they battle against their old sinful nature. This conflict persists until the death of the body, at which point the born again spirit is immediately transported to heaven to receive a new, sinless body.
The central passage in Romans 8:23 encapsulates this struggle, as Christians eagerly await the redemption of their body and the ultimate transformation into their new, sinless state. This process of timing in salvation is an integral part of understanding the Christian doctrines of Systematic Theology, providing hope and inspiration for believers as they endure the struggles of their earthly existence.
This article based on the following resources:
Anders, M. (2018). 30 Days to Understanding the Bible, 30th Anniversary: Unlock the Scriptures in 15 minutes a day. Thomas Nelson.
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