SOTERIOLOGY: THE DOCTRINE OF
SALVATION (Part I)
This devotional series centers
around a matter of utmost importance to every person on the planet. “SOTERIOLOGY” is based on the Greek root
word, “sotero,” which is translated into English as “salvation.” Why do we need to understand salvation, and
exactly what is it? Simply put, it is
the common biblical expression (used 166 times in the Holy Writ) to identify
the overall transformation in our lives when we receive the benefit of Christ’s
atonement, “by grace…through faith.” (Ephesians 2:8) Therefore, understanding salvation, receiving
salvation and sustaining salvation is actually a matter of life or death.
As such, salvation is a vitally
important concept for the believer to know, to master and to share with others. Although Jesus Christ only used the term
“salvation” once in reference to the tax collector, Zacchaeus, He presented a
host of Kingdom teachings and parables that clearly define and describe
salvation. (Luke 19:9 and Matthew, chapter 13)
First of all, let’s define our key term.
When we speak about salvation, we are referring to healing, deliverance,
preservation, safety, security and soundness.
Theologically speaking, SALVATION is absolute deliverance from the
penalty, the power and the practice of sin.
Please understand that this does not suggest a life of sinless
perfection, which was experienced only by The Anointed One. Rather, it is the application of the work of
redemption to the sinner and his/her restoration to full favor and communion
with God. The born again believer is
completely sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and thus is no longer
comfortable being “conformed to the world,” i.e. habitually practicing sin.
(Romans 12:2 and I John 3:9) Later, we
will explore this truth in greater detail.
The redemptive operation of the Holy Spirit (known as salvation) is
intended for all humankind, “for
all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) It is brought about by repentance toward God,
which produces (increased) faith, personal conversion, justification,
regeneration, sanctification and spiritual baptism. Of course, “it is GOD who works in you both
to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13) In a word, it all starts begins and ends with
JESUS CHRIST, who is “the author and finisher of our faith.” (Hebrews
12:2)
The Wesley brothers (John and Charles) often preached about “PREVENIENT
GRACE.” This term describes the
faithfulness, graciousness and mercy of God, who was always present (with us and for us) “while we were yet
sinners,” lovingly securing our salvation through the vicarious sacrifice of
His Son on Calvary’s cross. (Romans 5:8)
Even when we were not in search of His truth, He was there, always looking
out for us and for our eternal salvation.
Hallelujah…what a Savior! Stay
tuned…more to come tomorrow.
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