1. Soteriology: The doctrine of salvation
Satan sought to destroy God’s creation by introducing sin, but God’s eternal strategy was to demonstrate His wisdom in giving a plan for the salvation of sinners
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2. False Theories of Atonement
Ransom to Satan: Satan held people in captive, so payment due to Him.
Recapitulation Theory: Christ lived through all the phases of Adam’s life, but was victorious over sin
Commercial Theory: Sin robbed God of His honor, which He resolved by giving His Son. Through His death God received honor and awarded His Son, who passed honor to man. Dealt with original
Moral Influence Theory:Death of Christ merely a demonstration of God’s love, not a necessary expiation for sin
Accident Theory:Christ was enamored with being Messiah and His death was unintentional and unnecessary.
Example (martyr) Theory:Sin did not need atoning. Christ’s obedience unto death is example for correct living.
Government Theory:Christ’s death was a token payment for sin, not an equivalent payment, which enabled God to forgive.
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3. Correct views: Substitutionary
Christ died in the place of each sinner
“Vicarious”, viarius, “one in place of another”
Christ is the Substitute who bears the punishment rightly due sinners, their guilt being imputed to Him in such a way that He representatively bore their punishment
Two prepositions:
Anti: “for” as “instead of” (Matt 20:28)
Huper: “for” as “in place of” (Gal 3:13;1 Pet 3:18) Phil 13
Key verses: 2 Cor 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24; Heb 9:28; Isa 53:4-6
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4. Correct views: Redemption
Words used
Translates agorazo, “to purchase in marketplace,” esp. of slaves purchased out of bondage (1 Cor 6:20; 7:23; Rev 5:9)
Implication is the transfer from being a slave of sin, to being a slave to Christ who paid the price
Translates exagorazo, “removed completely from any obligation”, esp. the bondage to the law and its condemnation. It is a legal freedom (Gal 3:13; 4:5)
Translates lutroo, “obtain release by payment of a price”
The believer has been set free by the payment of a ransom, the blood of Christ (1 Pet 1:18), to be a special possession of God (Tit 2:14)
Redemption views salvation from the perspective of the solution of sin’s problem
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5. Correct views: Reconciliation
The making of peace with God
Man moved away from God by sinning (Isa 59:1-2; Col 1:21-22)
Through Christ the enmity and wrath of God are removed (Rom 5:10)
“God removes the barriers of sin, enabling man to be saved”
Word used: katallasso, “to effect a change, to return to favor with”
Two parts to reconciliation:
Objective provision for reconciliation: 2 Cor 5:18a, 19a
Subjective experience of reconciliation: 2 Cor 5:18b, 19b
Reconciliation views salvation from man’s perspective
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6. Correct views: Propitiation
The death of Christ fully satisfies the justice of God toward every sinner
God is just and cannot overlook guilt without cause
Through union with Christ, the believer is accepted
Word hilaskomai used:
With repentant tax collector who prayed for “mercy” (Lk 18:13)
Description of Christ making propitiation Heb 2:17
As a noun describing Christ (1 John 2:2; 4:10; Rom 3:25)
Propitiation views salvation from God’s perspective
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7. Correct view: Forgiveness
The legal act of God whereby He removes the charges that were held against the sinner because proper satisfaction or atonement for those sins has been made
Words used to translate “forgiveness”
charizomai: “to show grace or favor” by canceling any debt. (Col 2:13)
aphiemi: “to let go, release, send away” (Eph 1:7)
Forgiveness views salvation from man’s need
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8. Correct view: Justification
To declare righteous in a legal sense due to the efficacious blood sacrifice of Christ.
Two parts:
Forgiveness, removal of all guilt and end of separation (Acts 13:39; Rom 4:6-7; 5:9-11)
Bestowal of full righteousness (2 Cor 5:19) through grace (Rom 3:24) and occurs when believer exercises faith in God’s provision (Rom 4:2; 5:1)
Enables God to maintain His integrity and standards, while entering in fellowship with sinners
Justification views salvation from man’s need in order to have a relationship with a holy God
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9. Is the Calvin’s TULIP how we are saved?
T = Total Depravity
U = Unconditional Election
L = Limited Atonement
I = Irresistible Grace
P = Perseverance of the Saints
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10. Extent of atonement: Limited?
Is called a definite or particular redemption
Some texts that suggest redemption was particular:
Gave His life for His sheep (Jn 10:15)
Christ died for the Church (Acts 20:28; Eph 5:25)
He died for the “elect” (Ro 8:32-33)
He does not love everyone the same (Ro 1:7; 8:29; Col 3:12; 1 Thess 4:1)
Argument or assumption: God’s plan cannot be frustrated– if He died for all, but all aren’t saved, His plan failed!
The expression, “He died for all,” means “some” from every tribe and nation is a spin!
Problem: Hebrews 2:9 but we see Jesus, … so that by God's grace he would experience death on behalf of everyone.
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11. Extent of atonement: Unlimited?
He died for everyone, but only effective to those who believe:
Clear understanding of NT passages
Limited view is based on logic, not Scripture
“World” is God-hating, Satan-dominated (Jn 1:29; 3:16; 4:42)
“Whosoever” is used 110 times always as universal
“All” included ungodly (Rom 5:6) and everyone (2 Co 5:14-15; 2 Tim 2:6)
2 Pet 2:1 states Christ died for false teachers
Christ died for “sinners” which is never means just the “church” or the “elect” (1 Tim 1:15; Rom 5:6-8)
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12. Finite Limitations
Man wants to explain everything so that it makes sense to him, but God seems to leave some things unexplained (Deut 18:18).
Philosophy, Logic and speculation attempt to close the gap
Clear revelation in the Word can’t explain all about God
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13. Process of Salvation: by the Father
Decree of God: an exhaustive, all-inclusive decree that predetermines every aspect of life
Eph 1:11 In Christ we too have been claimed as God's own possession, since we were predestined according to the one purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will
ta panta is the DEMONSTRATIVE use = “all these things”
Of the 45 uses of ta panta 25 have demonstrative force, 14 do not, 5 are ambiguous
Here Paul refers to the wonderful salvation plan of the Father (Eph 1:3-6), which is implemented by the Son (1:7-11)
The SUBJECTIVE work of the Spirit comes after v. 11 thus is not included in the ANTECEDENT of the demonstrative (“these”), thus not part of this eternal counsel
Col 1:20, “and through him to reconcile all (these) things to himself” does not teach universalism, but the demonstrative use refers to the “church” as explained in v. 21, “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you…”
This key verse for the Calvinist does not describe an all-inclusive decree, nor does any verse in the NT
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14. Process of Salvation: by the Father
Foreknowledge, proginoskein, clearly describe a CONDITION
Only 2 passages relate foreknowledge and election and both are explicit about conditionality
Romans 8:29 “because those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, …”
1 Peter 1:1-2 From Peter, …, to those temporarily residing abroad … who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father …”
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15. Process of Salvation: by the Father
Election
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
Eph 1:4, verb “chose”, eklego, “to call out”, is always in middle voice: “for Himself”
Took place in eternity past (Eph 1:4); act of sovereign will (Rom 9:11); not conditioned on man (2 Ti 1:9)
Predestination
Proorizo, “mark out beforehand”, used 6 times
Includes all events (Acts 4:28); determines adoption status (Eph 1:5); assures ultimate glorification (Ro 8:29-30)
Adoption
Huiothesai means “placing as son” (Rom 5:18; Gal 4:5; Eph 1:5)
Four acts in Roman culture: (1) Lost rights for former family, (2) Became full heir in new family, (3) All debts from former life annulled, (4) Legal standing
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16. Process of Salvation: by Son
Work of redemption through the substitutionary death of Christ
Work of sanctification, hagiasmos, “set apart”
Positional sanctification: Standing before God for believers in Christ (Heb 10:10, 14, 29)
Experiential sanctification: Progressive and dependent upon the believer committing his life to obedience (1 Pet 1:16; Rom 6:13; 12:1-2)
Ultimate sanctification: To be presented w/o spot or blemish (Eph 5:26-27)
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17. Process of Salvation: by the Spirit
Enables to hear (Heb 3:7; John 6:63?)
Enables to understand (1 Cor 12:3; Mat 13:13-15, 19, 23; Jn 16:14; Eph 4:21; 1 Co 2:10) (opposite also (Ro 11:8)
Draws a person to Christ (Jn 12:32) (Reverse of Acts 28:27)
Convicts of need (Jn 16:9)
Regenerates a believing sinner (Tit 3:5)
Baptized by Spirit into His Body (1 Cor 12:13)
Indwelling of Spirit (Rom 8:9)
Adoption by the Spirit (Rom 8:15)
Becomes the “down payment, earnest” of salvation (2 Co 1:22) and gives assurance of salvation (Rom 8:16)
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18. Process of salvation: Man’s side
How does man acquire so great a salvation?
The wrong answer is anathema (Gal 1:8-9).
Erroneous views add requirements to faith:
Repent and believe: Should not be seen as separate events. Acts 20:21 indicate they are one act.
Believe and be baptized (from Acts 2:38). Peter called on those guilty of crucifying Christ to be marked as distinct. They were already believers. Also Mark 16:16 only condemns those who don’t believe.
Believe and confess Christ from Rom 10:9, refers to acknowledgement of His deity
Believe and surrender to Christ. Acknowledging Christ as Lord means His deity, not necessarily as Lord of your life. If not carnal Christians would be lost still (1 Cor 3:1). Lordship is a condition for spiritual maturity, not salvation.
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19. Steps of Divine-Human Encounter
Foreknew, prognosis, Ro 8:29
Determined counsel, horizo boule, Acts 2:23
Someone sent, Ro 10:15
Elect (chose), eklektos, 1 Pet 1:2
Someone preached, announced gospel, Ro 10:15
Predestinate, proorizo, text
Call, kaleo, Rom 8:30
Heard, Ro 10:15; Eph 1:13
Illuminate, photizo, Heb 10:32
Understood, Mt 13:15; Ac 8:30
Draw, helkuo, Jn 6:44
Persuaded, Ac 26:28
Regenerate, paliggenesia, Tit 3:5 and Seal, sphragizo
Commitment to Believe, and Trust Eph 1:13
Justify, dikaioo, Ro 3:24
Lead (Isa 48:17), empower (Ro 15:13), and gift (1 Co 12:4-7)
Obey (Phil 2:12) and serve (Mt 6:24; 1 Th 1:9
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Glorified by God (Ro 8:30)

20. A poet’s expression
Near, so very near to God, Nearer I could not be; For in the person of His Son, I’m just as near as He. Dear, so very dear to God, Dearer I could not be; I’m just as dear as He.
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21. Biblical view of receiving salvation
Many passages indicate that belief is the only requirement: Jn 1:12; 3:16, 18, 36; 5:24; 11:25-26; 12:44; 20:31; Acts 16:31; 1 Jn 5:13
Three elements of biblical faith
Intellect (knowledge): unless one believes all that Jesus claimed to be and do, he will die in his sins (Jn 8:24). Includes (a) personal sinfulness, (b) Christ’s atoning sacrifice, (c) bodily resurrection (Jn 20:30-31)
Emotion (conviction): A sense that it is true (Jn 16:8-11).
Will (Decide to trust): An awareness of serious personal need, a conviction that there is only one solution, and a willingness to trust Christ’s death with all your heart (Rom 10:9)
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22. The Grace of God: “Common Grace”
The unmerited favor of God toward all men displayed in His general care for them (Jas 1:17)
“Those general operations of the Holy Spirit whereby He, without renewing the heart, exercises such a moral influence on man through His general or special revelation, that sin is restrained, order is maintained in social life, and civil righteousness is promoted;
“Those general blessings, such as rain and sunshine, food and drink, clothing and shelter, which God imparts to all men indiscriminately where and in what measure it seems good to Him”
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23. “Efficacious Grace” of God
Also “special grace”: “The work of the Holy Spirit which effectively moves men to believe in Jesus Christ as Savior.”
Results in a willingness to accept Christ in your life, thus is IRRESISTIBLE
Based on the “calling” passages: Rom. 1:1, 6–7; 8:28; 1 Cor. 1:1–2, 24, 26; Eph. 1:18; 4:1, 4; 2 Tim. 1:9
This calling denotes the effective invitation of God whereby He woos the person through the power of the Holy Spirit and renders the individual willing to respond to the gospel.
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24. 8 Observations of Efficacious Grace
Not everyone is called (1 Cor 1:24-28)
Effective because is never rejected (1 Cor 1:23-24)
Yet never operates contrary to man’s will: he is still responsible to believe (Jn 5:40)
Involves the “drawing” power of God (Jn 6:44;12:32)
Previous work of Spirit necessary (conviction of unbelief and righteousness of Christ – Jn 16:8-11)
Response of grace is faith – Not a blind faith, but an objective faith in knowledge of truth, thus Word is vital (Rom 10:17; 1 Pet 1:23)
Grace is only applied to individuals (Rom 8:30)
Originates in eternity past, but is effective in time (Rom 9:11)
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25. Defense of Efficacious Grace
Necessary because of sin (Eph 2:1): if dead then initial response is impossible.
Efficacious because God cannot fail (Rom 8:29-30). None are lost.
Grace is fair because God is always Just (Rom 9:14). Finite minds cannot grasp all the conditions.
Grace is fair because Man must Believe. Grace does not nullify man’s responsibility to believe. (Jn 3:16, 18, 36; 5:24)
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26. Objections to Efficacious Grace
Man ceases to be responsible
Although salvation impossible without God’s initiating the work on the heart, no one willing to believe is ignored.
The commands to believe place responsibility on man (Jn 3:16, 18, 36; 6:37; Acts 16:31)
It is unjust
Impossible accusation according to Rom 9:14
God does not owe efficacious grace to anyone!
All have chosen to reject God (Rom 3:11-12). If He chose not to display His grace at all, He would still be just!
Grace at work
Man’s response in response to grace ?
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27. Regeneration Translation of paliggenesia, “to impart life”
Twice in NT:
Matt 19:28, Renewing of world in time of Messiah
Tit 3:5, Rebirth of redeemed person
Distinct from “conversion.” In regeneration the soul is passive; in conversion, soul is active
It is the impartation of divine live in a soul. 2 Peter 1:4, “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature…”
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28. Regeneration in Scriptures
Jn 3:3, 16, “new birth,” anothen, “from above,” i.e., “from God.”
A spiritual birth, i.e. a birth in our spirit, not a physical birth
Prophesized in Ezeq 36:25-26
Verb form is passive, i.e. something is done to man; it is not what man does
It is an action of the Spirit on/in our spirit
It is the transmission of God’s Spirit into our spirit (Titus 3:5)
It is a cleansing action done through exposure to the Word (Eph 5:26)
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29. Contrasts of the two births
First birth Second birth
Origin
Means
Nature
Realm
Position
Of sinful parents
Of corruptible seed
Of the flesh-corruptible
Satan’s slave
An objective of divine wrath
Of God Of incorruptible seed Of the Spirit– spiritual Christ’s freeman An objective of divine love
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30. Explanation of Regeneration
It is instantaneous (Jn 1:13; 3:5, aorist tense)
It is not the result of human experience
Experience can be the result of the new birth, but not cause it
It is not based on human effort (Jn 1:13)
Faith and trust are not the causes of regeneration
They are simultaneous events, but not causative
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31. Results of Regeneration
New Nature
Participation in the “divine nature” (2 Pet 1:4)
A “new man” or nature (Eph 4:24)
A “new creature” (2 Cor 5:17)
New Life
A “new mind” to know God (1 Cor 2:16)
A “new heart” to love God (Rom 5:5)
A “new will” to obey God (Rom 6:13)
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32. Views of Eternal Security
Armenian view: since salvation was fully received by the will of man, it can be departed from by the will of man
Calvinist view: Since salvation depends upon the Perseverance of the Lord (not the believer), salvation can never be lost
Security is based upon the work of the Father, Son and Spirit
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33. Securing work of Trinity
Father:
Chosen from eternity past (Eph 1:4)
Predestinated to position of sonship (Eph 1:5)
Son:
Redeemed the believer (Eph. 1:7), removed the wrath of God from the believer (Rom. 3:25), justified the believer (Rom. 5:1), provided forgiveness (Col. 2:13), and sanctified the believer (1 Cor. 1:2)
Prays for believers to be with Him (John 17:24); continues to be their Advocate at God’s bar of justice (1 John 2:1); and He continues to make intercession as the believer’s High Priest (Heb. 7:25).
Spirit:
Gave him life (Tit. 3:5); indwells the believer forever (John 14:17); sealed the believer until the day of redemption (Eph. 4:30), the sealing being a down payment, guaranteeing our future inheritance; baptized the believer into union with Christ and into the body of believers (1 Cor. 12:13).
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