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The Doctrine of Salvation
An Introduction to Soteriology
from
the Reformed Perspective
by
Rev. Allen Vander Pol
Miami International Seminary
14401 Old Cutler Road
Miami, FL 33158
Email”
Website: www.mints.edu
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Doctrine of Salvation
PREFACE
COURSE INTRODUCTION
JUSTIFICATION
OBJECTIVES
REQUIREMENTS
BENEFITS
CLASS RECORD
DEFINITIONS OF IMPORTANT WORDS
LESSON ONE: CHRIST’S SAVING WORK
INTRODUCTION
A. EXPIATION
1. The Meaning of Expiation
2. Expiation in the Old Testament
3. Expiation in the New Testament
4. Summary
B. PROPITIATION
1. The Meaning of Propitiation
2. Propitiation in the Old Testament
3. Propitiation in the New Testament
4. Summary
C. RECONCILIATION
1. The Meaning of Reconciliation
2. Reconciliation in the New Testament
3. Summary
D. REDEMPTION
1. The Meaning of Redemption
2. Redemption in the Old Testament
3. Redemption in the New Testament
4. Summary
OBSERVATIONS
QUESTIONS
LESSON TWO: THE ORDER AND CALLING
INTRODUCTION
A. THE ORDO SALUTIS
1. The focus of the Ordo Salutis
2. A question concerning the Ordo Salutis
3. Constructing an Ordo Salutis
B. CALLING
1. The External (Gospel) Call
a. The Content of the Gospel Call
b. The Audience of the Gospel Call
c. The Sincerity of the Gospel Call
2. The Internal (Effectual) Call
a. How the Internal Call differs from the External Call
b. How Scripture teaches us about the Internal Call
c. How we may describe the Internal Call
SUMMARY
QUESTIONS
LESSON THREE: REGENERATION AND CONVERSION
INTRODUCTION
A. REGENERATION
1. The meaning of Regeneration
a. Meaning of the English word
b. Meaning in the New Testament
2. The theological definition of Regeneration
3. The Bible’s teaching about Regeneration
a. Mankind’s natural inability
b. God’s regenerating work
c. The change created by regeneration
1) Regeneration is an instantaneous change.
2) Regeneration is a supernatural change.
3) Regeneration is a radical change.
d. The effects of regeneration
4. Regeneration and other doctrines
a. Regeneration and the internal (effectual) call
b. Regeneration and conversion
c Regeneration and sanctification
B. CONVERSION
1. The meaning of conversion
2. Biblical words for conversion, repentance and faith
a. Conversion and Repentance
b. Faith
3. The aspects of conversion
a. Three aspects of repentance
b. Three aspects of faith
c. “Faith” which lacks some of these aspects
4. The author of conversion
SUMMARY
QUESTIONS
LESSON FOUR: JUSTIFICATION AND ADOPTION
INTRODUCTION
A. JUSTIFICATION
1. Definition of Justification
2. Biblical words for Justification
3. Biblical passages on Justification
a. Romans 3:21-24
b. Galatians 2:15, 16
c. James 2:17
d. Philippians 3:8b-9
4. Major points of the doctrine of Justification
a. The Wrath of God
b. God’s Act of Justification
1) God’s negative work of Justification
2) God’s positive work of Justification
c. God’s ground of Justification
d. The instrument (means) of Justification
5. A historical note concerning Justification
6. Justification and the So-called New Perspective on Paul
B. ADOPTION
1. Adoption in the Bible
2. Theological Understanding of Adoption
3. Three Phases of Adoption
a. Deliverance from the past
b. Privilege in the present
c. Hope for the future
SUMMARY
QUESTIONS
LESSON FIVE: SANCTIFICATION
INTRODUCTION
A. THE BIBLICAL MEANING OF HOLINESS AND SANCTIFICATION
B. DEFINITION OF SANCTIFICATION
1. The Source of Sanctification
2. The Effect of Sanctification
3. The Pattern of Sanctification
4. The Goal of Sanctification
a. False ideas about Good Works
b. Positive teaching about Good Works
5. Summary of the definition of Sanctification
C. ISSUES CONCERNING SANCTIFICATION
1. The Time of Sanctification
a. Sanctification as a process
b. Sanctification as a past gift
2. The role of faith in Sanctification
3. Perfectionism and Sanctification
a. Description of Perfectionism
b. Evaluation of Perfectionism
4. Summary of issues concerning Sanctification
QUESTIONS
LESSON SIX: PERSEVERANCE AND GLORIFICATION
INTRODUCTION
A. PERSEVERANCE
1. The idea of the Perseverance of the Saints
2. Scripture’s teaching of Perseverance
3. Arguments against the doctrine of Perseverance
a. The doctrine causes carelessness.
b. The doctrine contradicts the Bible’s warnings.
c. The doctrine contradicts examples in Scripture.
4. Assurance and Perseverance
a. The connection between Assurance and Perseverance
b. Definition of Assurance
c. Biblical teaching on Assurance
d. Developing Assurance
B. GLORIFICATION
1. Definition of Glorification
2. Events which accompany Glorification
a. Christ returns in glory.
b. All believers receive glorification together.
c. God renews the entire creation.
d. The Father exalts the Son.
SUMMARY
QUESTIONS
LESSON SEVEN: THROUGH UNION WITH CHRIST AND BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
INTRODUCTION
A. THROUGH UNION WITH CHRIST
1. The Concept of Union with Christ
2. Union with Christ in His Saving Work
3. Union with Christ in His Saving Blessings
4. The All-importance of Union with Christ
B. BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
1. The Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Christ
2. The Holy Spirit as the Provider of Christ’s saving blessings
SUMMARY
QUESTIONS
LESSON EIGHT: GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY AND EVANGELISM
INTRODUCTION
A. J. I. PACKER ON BOTH TRUTHS
1. The Antinomy
2. Exclusive Stress on Human Responsibility
3. Exclusive Stress on God’s Sovereignty
4. An Illustrating chart
5. The Practical Compatibility between God’s Sovereignty and Missions
B. CHARLES G. FINNEY’S STRESS ON HUMAN RESPONSIBILITY
1. Finney’s Theology
2. Finney’s Practice at Revival Meetings
3. The Dangers of Finney’s Methods
C. CHARLES H. SPURGEON’S STRESS ON GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY
1. Spurgeon’s Call for Faith in Christ.
2. Surgeon’s Refusal to Rely on Human Responsibility
SUMMARY
QUESTIONS
CONCLUSION
SUPPLEMENT TO THE COORDINATOR’S MANUAL
1. HOW TO USE THIS SUPPLEMENT
2. THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS COURSE
3. GENERAL MATERIALS FOR COORDINATORS
4. LESSON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
5. STUDENTS’ EXAM – THE DOCTRINE OF SALVATION
6. EXAM ANSWERS
ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY OF WORKS CITED
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PREFACE
“Soteriology,” or the Doctrine of Salvation, discusses a small part of the Bible’s teaching concerning salvation. In “Theology” we discuss the Father’s plan for the accomplishment of salvation. In “Christology” we study what Christ accomplished by His death and resurrection to save sinners. But in the Doctrine of Salvation (“Soteriology”) we learn how God applies salvation to the life of the Christian. This study—of the application of salvation—will form the focus for most of this course.
However, this course has a broader focus than most courses which discuss the Doctrine of Salvation. Some theologians would place Lesson One of this course in “Christology.” It explores some of the ways Christ’s death and resurrection affected God Himself. Christ’s death offered the necessary sacrifice for sin, removed God’s wrath from the sinners, reconciles God to sinners, and paid the price needed to purchase the sinner’s freedom from sin. Lessons Two through Seven present material which “Soteriology” usually covers. Finally, Lesson Eight branches out slightly to explore how one’s view of soteriology shapes the way one preaches the gospel or conducts missions. We believe this expanded approach helps students who will not receive the full array of courses normally included in doctrinal (also called dogmatic or systematic) theology.
Members of the church of Christ need to know the doctrine of salvation. Much controversy in teachings and practice has arisen within the church of Christ. Unfortunately most members do not know why people promote their opposing views. This lack of information severely weakens the church of Christ. So this course seeks both to build students up in the Christian faith and to equip them with reasons for upholding what we believe Scripture teaches.
We also need to know the doctrine of salvation because it influences how we preach the gospel and approach missions. We should not merely copy the methods of preachers or missionaries who seem successful. We should also understand the theological convictions which shaped their methods. We should analyze those convictions in the light of Scripture. We should desire a systematic understanding of Scripture so that we can exhibit the balance of thought which the fullness of Scripture instills. So we hope that this course enables students to reach greater maturity.
We hope that this course informs, deepens, and excites students. We pray that the Lord will honor His name through the content which this course presents and the response which students give. May Christ appear all-important in our understanding of the Christian life.
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COURSE INTRODUCTION
JUSTIFICATION
An introduction to the biblical doctrine of salvation will help students understand more clearly the implications of the death and resurrection of Christ. It will help Christians understand what salvation from God has given them. It will also urge church leaders to think theologically about the gospel message of the church and the way Christians should present it.
OBJECTIVES
1. Students will learn about the salvation work and salvation blessings of Christ.
2. Students will learn the basic elements of the biblical doctrine of salvation.
3. Students will learn to apply God’s word biblically when they declare God’s word.
REQUIREMENTS
1. Attendance (15%)
Students will attend class.
2. Class Homework (15%)
Students will complete the home work of each lesson.
3. Reading (30%)
Students must read 300 pages for BA or 600 pages for MA studies and write a review of the reading. Students must read from the following list of assigned academic writings. Each student will present in class a written report of one page per 100 pages read.
a. Louis Berkhof. Systematic Theology, Part 4 (“Soteriology in General” through “Perseverance of the Saints”). 134 pages. Available as book and online at: http://www.davidcox.com.mx/library/B/Berkhof%20%20Systematic%20Theology%20%28b%29.pdf.
b. John Calvin. Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book Three. 473 Pages. Available as book and online at: http://books.google.com/books?id=RYHL_tt3EFoC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Religion&ei=_Y8STI7uApTCygTRkZ2MCw&cd=9#v=onepage&q&f=false.
c. Anthony Hoekema: Saved by Grace. 254 pages. Available as book and in Kindle format.
d. John Murray. Redemption: Accomplished and Applied. 173 pages. Available as book and in Kindle format.
e. R. C. Sproul: Crucial Questions Series. The following titles may be read for this course (approximately 70 pages each):
1) Can I be Sure I’m Saved?
2) What Does it Mean to Be Born Again?
3) What is Faith?
All available as books and in Kindle format.
f. Monergism.com features, or has links to, the following articles. All articles appeared on the internet on 20 May 2011. We list them according topics:
On Effectual Call – D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: “Effectual Calling and Regeneration.” 49 pages.
http://www.monergism.com/effectualregeneration.html
On Regeneration – Gannon Murphy: “A Defense of Monergistic Regeneration.” 20 pages. http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/Murphy01.html
On Conversion - John Piper: “That Which is Born of the Spirit is Spirit.” 13 pages.
http://www.soundofgrace.com/piper81/022281m.htm
On Faith – J. Gresham Machen: “Faith in God.” 9 pages.
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/introduction-to-the-christian-faith/faith-in-god.php
On Repentance – Michael Horton: “Here Comes the Judge.” 9 pages. http://www.monergism.com/directory/link_category/Repentance/
On Justification – J. I. Packer: “The Reformed Doctrine of Justification.” 21 pages.
http://www.the-highway.com/Justification_Packer.html
On Adoption - Charles Spurgeon: “Adoption—the Spirit and the Cry.” 25 pages.
http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/1435.htm.
On Sanctification – J. I. Packer: “Sanctification.” 3 pages. http://www.monergism.com/sanctification_the_christian_g.php
On Perseverance – Jonathan Edwards: “How to Know if You are a Real Christian.” 20 pages. http://www.puritansermons.com/sermons/edwards1.htm
On Glorification – Dustin Shramek. “Glorification: The Resurrection of our Bodies.” 4 pages.
http://www.contendforthefaith2.com/glorifstudy.html
On Union with Christ - Augustus Hopkins Strong: “Únion with Christ.” 45 pages.
http://www.monergism.com/union_augustus.html.
g. Students may request their coordinators to approve other available sources for use in this course.
4. Essay (20%)
Bachelor’s level students must write a 10-page essay. Master’s level students must write a 15-page essay (Title page, and bibliography should be written in addition). The project provides students an opportunity to add to the knowledge which they receive in this course. They can also learn more how to apply this knowledge to ministry in the church. The essay should follow this procedure:
1) Choose one of the following doctrines: internal call, regeneration, conversion, faith, repentance, justification, adoption, sanctification, perseverance of the saints, or glorification.
2) Choose no more than three passages from the Bible which explain the doctrine which you chose. (Only one of these passages may appear extensively in the course to explain this teaching.)
3) Write an essay which 1) explains the meaning of the doctrine, 2) interprets the passages which you chose and shows how they teach the doctrine, and 3) explains how—in the light of your chosen passages—the doctrine teaches us about the Christian life or about the ministry of the church.
5. Final Exam (20%)
Students will take a final exam.
BENEFITS
1. Students will learn about fullness of the doctrine of salvation which Scripture proclaims.
2. Students will learn about how the doctrine of salvation affects the church’s ministry.
3. Students will perform theological work themselves by presenting teaching from Scripture regarding the contents of this course.
CLASS RECORD
Name of Student / Level of Study / Attendance(15%) / Homework
(15%) / Readings
(30%) / Project
(20%) / Final Exam (20%) / Final Grade
(100%)
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DEFINITIONS OF IMPORTANT WORDS
Adoption: God’s transfer of a person’s membership from the family of Satan to the family of God.
Assurance of Faith: The confidence of a believer in Christ that, despite his sin, God has permanently made the believer His child and an heir of heaven.
Atonement: “Atonement” comes from the English phrase, “at one.” It refers to what God did in Christ to achieve peace between holy God and human sinners. By His death and resurrection, Christ made God “at one” with sinners. He united sinners and God.
Calling: God’s command to sinners to repent of their sins and trust in Christ. Theologians refer to both an external call and an effectual call.
Conversion: “That act of God whereby He causes the regenerated, in their conscious life, to turn to Him in faith and repentance.”[1]
Definitive Sanctification: The perspective on sanctification which this course calls sanctification as a past gift. By definitive sanctification the Holy Spirit makes the sinner a new person when he comes to faith in Christ.
Effectual Call: The work of the Holy Spirit when He uses the external (gospel) call to make the sinner’s heart respond to it with faith and repentance.
Expiation: The removal of guilt through the covering of sin or a payment for sin.[2] By shedding His blood for sin, Christ covered the sins of those who believe in Him.
External Call: The presentation of the gospel and the offer of salvation in Christ to sinners. It includes a presentation of what God did for sinners in Christ, the command to repent and believe in Christ, and the promise that all who trust in Christ will surely receive salvation from their sins.[3]