SOTERIOLOGY – THE DOCTRINE
OF SALVATION
Systematic Theology | Advanced Theological Studies
DEFINITION OF SOTERIOLOGY
• Soteriology is the branch of Christian
systematic theology that studies the doctrine
of salvation – its basis, means, process, and
effects.
• From Greek 'soteria' (salvation) and
'logos' (study)
• It addresses critical questions such as:
What are we saved from, by whom, through
what, and for what purpose?
THE NEED FOR SALVATION
a, Problem of Sin
• Sin is universal (Rom. 3:23), inherited (Rom. 5:12),
and results in spiritual death (Eph. 2:1).
• Humans are alienated from God (Isa. 59:2) and
under His wrath (Rom. 1:18).
Human Inability
• Salvation cannot be attained through works
(Eph. 2:8–9).
• The unregenerate heart cannot please God
(Rom. 8:7–8).
b, The Work of Christ (Christocentric Soteriology)
• Substitutionary Atonement – Christ took our
place (Isa. 53:4–6; 1 Pet. 2:24).
• Propitiation – Christ bore God’s wrath
(Rom. 3:25).
• Redemption – Christ paid the price (Eph. 1:7).
• Reconciliation – Restoring relationship
(2 Cor. 5:18–19).
• Justification – Declared righteous (Rom. 5:1).
THE BASIS OF SALVATION
a. The Love and Grace of God
• God’s love is the motive (John 3:16; Eph. 2:4–5).
• Grace is the means – unmerited favor (Titus 2:11).
b. The Work of Christ (Christocentric Soteriology)
• Substitutionary Atonement – Christ took our place (Isa.
53:4–6; 1 Pet. 2:24).
• Propitiation – Christ bore God’s wrath (Rom. 3:25).
• Redemption – Christ paid the price (Eph. 1:7).
• Reconciliation – Restoring relationship (2 Cor. 5:18–19).
• Justification – Declared righteous (Rom. 5:1).
THE ORDO SALUTIS (Order of Salvation)
Stage Description Key Scriptures
Election God’s eternal choice to save Ephesians 1:4–5; Romans
individuals 8:29
Calling Gospel call (external) and Romans 8:30; 2 Timothy 1:9
effectual calling (internal)
Regeneration New birth by the Holy Spirit John 3:3–8; Titus 3:5
Conversion Faith and repentance Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9–10
(human response)
Justification Legal declaration of Romans 3:24; Galatians 2:16
righteousness through faith
Adoption Becoming children of God John 1:12; Romans 8:15
Sanctification Ongoing process of being 1 Thessalonians 4:3;
made holy Hebrews 10:14
Perseverance True believers will endure to John 10:28; Philippians 1:6
the end
Glorification Final transformation into Romans 8:30; 1 John 3:2
Christlikeness at resurrection
MAJOR CONCEPTS IN SOTERIOLOGY
a. Grace and Faith
• Grace is the divine initiative (Eph. 2:8), and faith is the human response.
• Faith is not a work but a gift (Phil. 1:29).
b. Repentance
• A heartfelt turning from sin to God (2 Cor. 7:10).
• Involves both mind and will – change in thinking and behavior.
c. Union with Christ
• Believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection
(Rom. 6:5; Gal. 2:20).
• All benefits of salvation are mediated through this union.
d. Imputation
• Our sin imputed to Christ (2 Cor. 5:21).
• Christ’s righteousness imputed to us (Rom. 4:5–8).
SOTERIOLOGICAL MODELS AND VIEWS
The Five Points of Calvinism – TULIP
John Calvin
Calvinism is often summarized by the acronym TULIP:
T – Total Depravity
• Humans are completely corrupted by sin and cannot choose God on
their own.
• Every part of man (mind, will, emotions) is affected by sin.
• Scripture: Romans 3:10–12; Ephesians 2:1
U – Unconditional Election
• God chooses people for salvation not based on any foreseen merit or
faith but according to His sovereign will.
• Scripture: Romans 9:11–13; Ephesians 1:4–5
L – Limited Atonement (also called Particular Redemption)
• Jesus died only for the elect, not for all humanity.
• His death effectively secures salvation for those whom God has
chosen.
• Scripture: John 10:11, 26–28
I – Irresistible Grace
• When God calls someone to salvation, they will
respond.
• God’s grace is effectual and cannot be resisted by
the elect.
• Scripture: John 6:37, 44; Romans 8:30
P – Perseverance of the Saints
• True believers will never lose their salvation; they
will persevere in faith to the end.
• Scripture: John 10:28–29; Philippians 1:6
The Five Points of Arminianism
Jacobus Armenius
Arminian theology was developed in response to Calvinism and
is often summarized in five key points:
1. Free Will (or Human Ability)
• Humans are sinful, but God’s prevenient grace enables
everyone to choose to accept or reject Him.
• Scripture: Joshua 24:15; Revelation 3:20
2. Conditional Election
• God’s election is based on His foreknowledge of who
would believe in Him.
• God does not predestine individuals unconditionally.
• Scripture: Romans 8:29; 1 Peter 1:2
3. Universal Atonement
• Jesus died for all people, not just the elect.
• Salvation is available to everyone, but only effective for
believers.
• Scripture: John 3:16; 1 John 2:2
4. Resistible Grace
• God gives grace to all, but people can resist it and refuse
salvation.
• Scripture: Acts 7:51; Matthew 23:37
5. Conditional Security (or Fall from Grace)
• True believers can fall away from faith and lose their
salvation if they do not continue in faith.
• Scripture: Hebrews 6:4–6; 2 Peter 2:20–22
EXTENT OF THE ATONEMENT
• Universal Atonement: Christ died for all
(John 3:16; 1 John 2:2)
• Particular Atonement: Christ died only for
the elect (John 10:11,15)
• Debate is both theological and pastoral.
ASSURANCE OF SALVATION
• Based on the promises of God
(1 John 5:13), the inner witness of the Spirit
(Rom. 8:16), and spiritual fruit (Matt. 7:20).
SALVATION AND WORKS
• Works are not the cause of salvation but
the evidence of genuine faith (Eph. 2:10;
James 2:17).
• Faith and works are not opposed but
integrated.
THE GOAL OF SALVATION
• Glorifying God and enjoying Him forever
(Rom. 11:36).
• Restoration of God’s image in man
(Col. 3:10).
• Living as citizens of the kingdom of God
(Phil. 3:20).
