Paul's doctrine of Salvation (Soteriology)

Question 1

Five-fold chain

Answer 1

• God foreknew
• God predestined
• God called
• God justified
• God glorified

Question 2

Chain-link clarification

Answer 2

• God foreknew; Cognition is not causation, God knows who will freely choose Him, God uses prayer to align our hearts with His
• One is predestined to become like Christ. God has access to the multiple dimensions of time and space. We can explain how things work, but not why things work.
• All are invited, but only believers are called
• He justified us, imputing His own character into us. Decreed not guilty by means of pardon
• He glorified - ultimately bestows on us His full weight of blessing; His presence and pleasure

Question 3

Further Pauline Soteriological Emphases

Answer 3

• All of this is by GRACE; unearned, unmerited favour. Saved by GRACE through faith. Grace that is only found through Christ.
• Our due penalty was taken up by Christ and His perfection was imputed to us.
• We therefore have ACCESS to God and all that He offers, even though we were once aliens and enemies to Him.
• Jesus knocks down all the temple walls, allowing all people access to God

Question 4

The law in Paul

Answer 4

• Paul goes into Arabia, which can be an allusion to Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai
• Law can mean the ‘torah’, the Tanach, a legal structure, a general principle, even traditions from the fathers. Only context determines, and not always with precision
• Views the code both negatively and positively depending on use/application

Question 5

Positive Aspects of the Law

Answer 5

• It is the very oracles of God
• It is Holy, righteous, and good
• It is Spiritual
• It is a tremendous honour for and blessing to the Jewish people
• It reveals/shows us what sin is
• Temporary servant guide in leading us to Christ

Question 6

Negative Aspects of the Law

Answer 6

• Though providing an earthly liberty, the law cannot justify
• In the sense that it cannot actually liberate, it is a yoke of bondage
• As revealing right from wrong, it is a God-send; but it is no means of salvation or divine/eternal liberation