Soteriology Flashcards
Is baptism necessary for salvation?
- John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
This verse states that belief in Jesus Christ is the key to obtaining everlasting life, without any mention of baptism. - Ephesians 2:8-9 - “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
This passage emphasizes that salvation is a gift of God that comes through faith, not through any actions or works performed by humans, including baptism. - Romans 10:9 - “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of confessing Jesus Christ as Lord and believing in his resurrection, without any mention of baptism. - Luke 23:43 - “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
This verse is spoken by Jesus to the thief on the cross, who was not baptized but was promised salvation by Jesus himself based on his faith.
Why did Jesus have to die for our sins?
According to Christian belief, Jesus had to die for our sins because of the concept of sin and the consequences of sin. The Bible teaches that all humans have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Sin is the breaking of God’s law and it separates humans from God (Isaiah 59:2). The penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23), both physical and spiritual. This means that sinners are not only subject to physical death but also to eternal separation from God in hell.
However, because of his great love for humanity, God provided a way for humans to be reconciled to him and have eternal life. He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins (John 3:16). By dying on the cross, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins and made it possible for us to be forgiven and reconciled to God (Romans 5:8). His death on the cross was the ultimate expression of God’s love for us, and it opened the way for us to have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).
In essence, Jesus died for our sins because of God’s great love for us and his desire to reconcile us to himself. His death on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice that provided a way for us to be forgiven, reconciled to God, and have eternal life.
What is the difference between Justification, Sanctification and Glorification?
- Justification: This refers to the act of God declaring a sinner to be righteous based on their faith in Jesus Christ. It is a legal term, indicating that the sinner has been acquitted of their sins and is now considered to be in right standing with God.
Romans 3:23-24 - “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 5:1 - “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” - Sanctification: This refers to the process of becoming holy and set apart for God’s purposes. It is a gradual process that occurs as the believer grows in their faith and obedience to God.
1 Thessalonians 4:3 - “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication.”
1 Peter 1:15-16 - “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” - Glorification: This refers to the final stage of the salvation process, when believers will receive their glorified bodies and live with God for eternity. It is the ultimate expression of God’s love and grace toward his people.
Romans 8:30 - “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”
1 Corinthians 15:51-53 - “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”
In summary, justification refers to the act of God declaring a sinner to be righteous, sanctification refers to the process of becoming holy, and glorification refers to the final stage of the salvation process when believers will receive their glorified bodies and live with God for eternity. These concepts are interconnected and essential to the Christian understanding of salvation.
What is the difference between the gospel of the kingdom and the gospel we preach today?
- Gospel of the Kingdom:
• The “gospel of the kingdom” refers to the message preached by Jesus and His disciples during His earthly ministry. It emphasizes the imminent arrival of God’s kingdom on earth and the need for repentance and faith in preparation for it.
• Matthew 4:17 (KJV): “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” This verse reflects the message of the gospel of the kingdom.- Gospel Preached Today:
• The gospel preached today generally centers on the atoning work of Jesus Christ, His death, burial, and resurrection, and the offer of salvation and eternal life through faith in Him.
• 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (KJV): “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
- Gospel Preached Today:
Explain the terms: propitiation, reconciliation, and atonement, then how do these relate to our salvation?
- Propitiation:
• Propitiation refers to the act of satisfying or appeasing God’s righteous wrath and justice through a sacrificial offering. In Christianity, it often pertains to the idea that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross served as the ultimate propitiation for human sin.
• 1 John 2:2 (KJV): “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
• Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is seen as the means by which God’s righteous anger against sin is appeased, making reconciliation with Him possible.- Reconciliation:
• Reconciliation refers to the restoration of a broken relationship or the bringing together of parties who were estranged. In Christian theology, it signifies the restoration of a harmonious relationship between humanity and God, which was disrupted by sin.
• 2 Corinthians 5:18 (KJV): “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.”
• Through the work of Christ, humans are reconciled to God, making peace and fellowship with Him possible once again. - Atonement:
• Atonement is the act of making amends for wrongdoing or covering sin. In Christianity, the term often refers to the covering or removal of sin’s guilt and penalty through a sacrificial offering, most notably the death of Jesus on the cross.
• Romans 5:11 (KJV): “And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.”
• Atonement through Christ’s sacrifice provides forgiveness and cleansing from sin, reconciling humanity to God.
- Reconciliation:
Relation to Salvation:
• These terms are closely related to our salvation. Propitiation emphasizes how Jesus’ sacrifice appeases God’s wrath, making reconciliation with Him possible. Reconciliation signifies the restoration of our relationship with God, which is made possible through Christ’s atonement for our sins. • Together, these concepts underscore that salvation is achieved through faith in Jesus Christ, who bore the penalty for our sins on the cross. Through His propitiation, we find reconciliation with God and experience atonement for our sins, receiving forgiveness, and the gift of eternal life.
In summary, propitiation, reconciliation, and atonement are key theological concepts that explain how Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross provides the means for our salvation, reconciling us to God and covering our sins.
What happens to a believer when he dies? When a lost person dies?
- For the Christian:
• The body returns to dust (Genesis 3:19) and awaits resurrection.
• The soul/spirit of the believer goes to be with the Lord.
• 2 Corinthians 5:8 (KJV): “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”- For the Lost Person:
• The body returns to dust.
• The soul/spirit of the non-believer goes to a place of separation from God, often referred to as Hades or Hell.
• Luke 16:22-24 (KJV): The story of the rich man and Lazarus illustrates this view, with the rich man’s soul going to Hades after death.
- For the Lost Person:
What is biblical repentance and what must accompany it for salvation? Is repentance necessary for salvation?
od, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”
4. Faith and repentance are both necessary for salvation:
5. Acts 20:21 - “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 3:9 - “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
In summary, biblical repentance involves a change of heart and mind that leads to a turning away from sin and a turning toward God. It is a key aspect of salvation, and both repentance and faith are necessary for salvation.
Why can’t a man be saved by keeping the law? If the law cannot save a person then what is the purpose of the law in relation to salvation?
The Bible teaches that no one can be saved by keeping the law. The purpose of the law is to reveal our sinfulness and our need for a Savior. Here are some KJV verses that demonstrate this:
1. The law cannot save us:
2. Galatians 2:16 - “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”
Romans 3:20 - “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”
2. The purpose of the law is to reveal our sinfulness:
3. Romans 7:7 - “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.”
Galatians 3:24 - “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”
3. Keeping the law perfectly is impossible:
4. James 2:10 - “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.”
Galatians 3:10 - “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.”
In summary, the law cannot save us because no one can keep the law perfectly. Instead, the purpose of the law is to reveal our sinfulness and our need for a Savior. The law shows us that we are not able to save ourselves and that we need a Savior to save us.
Does the Bible teach predestination, who does it involve? Does God predestine people to Hell?
Predestination and election are related concepts, but they are not exactly the same thing. Election refers to God’s choice to save certain individuals, while predestination refers to God’s plan for their salvation. The Bible teaches that God predestines those whom He has elected to be saved, but it does not teach that God predestines anyone to hell. Here are some KJV verses that support these ideas:
1. Election:
Ephesians 1:4-5 - “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,”
2. Predestination:
3. Romans 8:29-30 - “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”
4. 2 Peter 3:9 - “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
John 3:16-17 - “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
In summary, election and predestination are related concepts, and the Bible teaches that God has elected certain individuals for salvation and predestined them to be conformed to the image of Christ. However, the Bible does not teach that God predestines anyone to hell, and it is clear that God desires all people to repent and be saved.
What is election according to the Bible, and did Christ die only for the Elect?
Christ elected every body to be saved
Whosoever shall call upon the name of he Lord shall be saved
John 3:16
1. Election:
2. Romans 8:28-30 - “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”
Ephesians 1:4-5 - “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,”
2 Timothy 1:9 - “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,”
2. Christ died for the Elect:
3. John 10:11 - “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
Ephesians 5:25 - “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”
1 Peter 2:24 - “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”
These verses show that God has chosen certain individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world, and that Christ died specifically for those individuals. This doctrine is known as limited atonement or particular redemption. However, it is important to note that the Bible also teaches that the offer of salvation is extended to all people, and that anyone who believes in Christ can be saved (John 3:16, Romans 10:13).
What is adoption and when does it take place?
Adoption is a term used in the Bible to describe the spiritual reality of being brought into God’s family as His children through faith in Jesus Christ. Here are some KJV verses that support this idea:
1. Adoption:
2. Romans 8:15 - “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”
Galatians 4:4-7 - “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”
Ephesians 1:5 - “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,”
2. When does adoption take place?
3. Ephesians 1:13-14 - “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”
Galatians 3:26 - “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”
These verses show that adoption takes place when a person puts their faith in Jesus Christ and is born again through the Holy Spirit. At that moment, they become a child of God and are adopted into His family. As children of God, believers have the assurance of eternal life and are heirs of God’s kingdom (Romans 8:17).
Can a believer lose his salvation and if not, what is the Scriptural basis for his eternal security?
there are several KJV verses that support the idea of eternal security for believers:
1. John 10:27-29 - “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.”
2. Romans 8:38-39 - “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
3. Ephesians 1:13-14 - “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”
4. Philippians 1:6 - “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
These verses demonstrate that believers have the assurance of eternal life and cannot be separated from the love of God. They are sealed with the Holy Spirit and God is faithful to complete the work He has begun in them. While believers may struggle with sin and face discipline from God, they can have confidence in their salvation and the security that comes with it
Is believing in Jesus enough to be saved, or does a man have to also do good works?
View 1: Salvation by Faith Alone (Sola Fide):
• This perspective, often associated with the Protestant Reformation, emphasizes that faith in Jesus Christ alone is sufficient for salvation. Good works are viewed as a result of genuine faith but not a means of earning salvation. • Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV): “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” • Romans 3:28 (KJV): “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”
What does it mean to be ‘justified?’
To be “justified” in Christian theology means to be declared righteous or right with God. It involves God’s act of pardoning and forgiving a person’s sins, treating them as if they had never sinned, and counting them as righteous in His sight. Here’s an explanation of justification with relevant KJV Bible verses:
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Romans 3:24 (KJV): “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
- This verse emphasizes that justification is a gift of God’s grace, not something earned.
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Romans 5:1 (KJV): “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
- Justification is received through faith in Jesus Christ, resulting in reconciliation with God.
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Romans 8:30 (KJV): “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”
- This verse highlights that justification is part of God’s sovereign plan for believers.
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Galatians 2:16 (KJV): “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”
- Justification is contrasted with trying to earn it through the works of the law; it comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
In summary, justification is the act of God declaring a person righteous and forgiven of their sins based on their faith in Jesus Christ. It is not achieved through personal merit or good works but is a result of God’s grace and the redemptive work of Christ on the cross.
What part does each person of the Godhead play in salvation?
In Christian theology, the doctrine of the Trinity teaches that there is one God who exists in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Each person of the Godhead plays a distinct role in salvation. Here’s an overview of their roles, supported by relevant KJV Bible verses:
1. The Father:
- The Father is the initiator of salvation. He planned and ordained the salvation of humanity before the foundation of the world.
- Ephesians 1:4-5 (KJV): “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.”
- The Father sent His Son into the world to accomplish salvation (John 3:16).
2. The Son (Jesus Christ):
- The Son is the central figure in the work of salvation. He came to earth, lived a sinless life, and offered Himself as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity.
- John 3:16 (KJV): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
- Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides forgiveness of sins and eternal life to those who believe in Him.
3. The Holy Spirit:
- The Holy Spirit is the one who convicts, regenerates, and empowers believers for a life of faith and godliness.
- John 16:8 (KJV): “And when he [the Holy Spirit] is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.”
- Titus 3:5 (KJV): “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”
- The Holy Spirit seals believers, indwells them, and guides them in their Christian journey.
In summary, each person of the Godhead plays a distinct but harmonious role in the work of salvation. The Father plans and initiates salvation, the Son accomplishes it through His sacrificial death and resurrection, and the Holy Spirit applies it to the lives of believers, enabling them to live as children of God. Salvation is a collaborative work of the triune God, highlighting the unity and purpose of the Trinity in the redemption of humanity.
