Doctrine 5 and 6

Question 1

Recite Doctrine 5

Answer 1

We believe that our first parents were created in a state of innocency, but by their disobedience they lost their purity and happiness, and that in consequence of their fall all men have become sinners, totally depraved, and as such are justly exposed to the wrath of God.

Question 2

Recite Doctrine 6

Answer 2

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has by his suffering and death made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will may be saved.

Question 3

How does doctrine 5 inform our belief?

Answer 3

Doctrine 5 informs our belief of humanity

Question 4

According to the Doctrine Handbook, what does scripture say about humanity?

Answer 4

Scripture reveals that we are both “specially created and willfully fallen”

Question 5

Our capacity for human relationships reflects….

Answer 5

the nature of the Trinity and the steadfast love of God.

Question 6

In reflection upon the effects of sin ….

Answer 6

Not only are we ill at ease throughout the whole of our human personality, but we are also out of harmony with the created universe

Question 7

Explain the Wrath of God

Answer 7

It is not a way of describing extreme or uncontrolled anger in God, but is a powerful expression of his love and holiness.
In his wrath, God judges, condemns and is unable to tolerate sin, while in his love he seeks to bring us to repentance Isaiah 48:9-11; John 3:36).

Question 8

What is Sin?

Answer 8

Sin is failure to believe and trust in God, and to desire to be independent of him

Question 9

What is Original Sin?

Answer 9

“The term ‘original sin’ emphasizes the origin and radical consequences of the Fall. It reminds us that, although originally an intrusion, sin is inborn.

Question 10

What us total depravity?

Answer 10

the moral condition of fallen humanity, rather than to the beginnings of sin.
No area of human nature remains unaffected.

Question 11

3 main points of atonement.

Answer 11

. Three main doctrines are presented by this Article of Faith.

a. The death of the Lord Jesus Christ was an atoning death.
b. His atonement provides the possibility of salvation for all mankind.
c. The acceptance of salvation requires a decision which each man must make for himself; he must be willing to be saved.

Question 12

What is atonement?

Answer 12

Jesus death and resurrection opened the way for humanity to be reconciled to a loving God.
This reconciliation is called the Atonement, literally making at one, or ‘at-one-ment. (H.D. 127)

Question 13

What means are used in scripture to refer to the atonement and what do they lead up to?

Answer 13

Noah, Abraham, Moses and the Passover lamb, the prophets all pointing to Christ’s atonement.

Question 14

How do we understand the atonement?

Answer 14

“There is no single comprehensive way to interpret the Atonement through the sacrifice of Christ. But in the New Testament, helpful analogies and images, when taken together, provide insight into its meaning.”
“Ransom – …The term ‘ransom’ was used in the slave markets of the ancient world where a slave was set free through the payment, by another person, of a redemptive price.”
“The law courts - …anyone who breaks the law…deserves punishment…Jesus paid the penalty and bore the cost of sin on our behalf. “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities. Isaiah 53”
Redemptive Sacrifice – … “Christ became a once-for-all sacrifice which buys our salvation (Hebrews 10:10-14)
Victory over sin – “…Christ’s victory on the cross becomes our victory (Colossians 2:13-15)
Self-giving love – “…The cross of Jesus is at the heart of the reconciling work of God. (John 3:16)” (H.D. Pg. 129)

Question 15

What is Harmartiology?

Answer 15

The doctrine of Hamartiology is the doctrine of sin. It is interested in the questions of the nature, extent, pollution, and guilt of sin, taking up the subject from the Scriptural portrayal of sin as “a reproach to any people.”

Question 16

Wesley compared to other views on original sin:

Answer 16

Original Sin and Total Depravity continued
John Wesley – While criticized for sufficiently admitting the tendency of human nature for failure…Wesley is clear that human nature, unaided by God, is ‘wretched, and poor, and miserable, and blind and naked.
Sin is at the center of one’s being…but this does not mean that humankind is completely evil and incapable of any response to good. The depravity of the sinner is ‘total’ in the sense that every part of the being is effected by the corruption of sin. Wesley referred to this as a threefold cord against heaven not easily broken; a blind man, a perverse will, disordered affections.
Alongside this understanding Wesley could not agree with the pessimistic view of Augustine and Calvin, that fallen man is nothing but evil desire…Neither could he agree with Pelagian that humankind has the capacity for choosing good. Wesley’s theology was optimistic and understood by what theologians call ‘prevenient grace.’
Wesley held that humankind was powerless to choose good or evil on their own. However, all humans benefit from God’s prevenient grace. The term is from the Latin, pre-before and venient-coming to thus the term refers to “grace available before coming to Christ. Through this humans are enable to choose good and ultimately by grace, accept faith in Jesus Christ.