Soteriology
Encyclopedia
The branch of Christian theology
that deals with salvation and redemption is called Soteriology
. It is derived from the Greek
sōtērion (salvation) (from sōtēr
"savior, redeemer") + English -logy
.
Within Christian theology, soteriology examines the role of Jesus Christ as saviour (redeemer), and the nature of the salvation as a free gift
. Redemption involves the act or process of justification
or "making righteous before God".
Variant views on soteriology are among the main fault lines dividing the various Christian denominations, both between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism
and within Protestantism, notably in the Calvinist–Arminian debate on the definitions and meanings of depravity
, predestination
, and atonement.
by reconciling them with himself. (Rom. 5:10-11). The Christian believes he or she receives the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), life (Rom. 8:11), and salvation (1 Thess. 5:9) bought by Jesus
through his innocent suffering, death, and resurrection from the dead three days later (Matt. 28).
Christ's death, resurrection, ascension, and sending of the Holy Spirit
, is called The Paschal Mystery. Christ's human birth is called the Incarnation
. Either or both are considered in different versions of soteriology.
While not neglecting the Paschal Mystery, many Christians believe salvation is brought through the Incarnation itself, in which God took on human nature so that humans could partake in the divine nature (2 Peter 1.4). As St. Athanasius put it, God became human so that we might become divine (St. Athanasius, De inc. 54, 3: PG 25, 192B.). In some Christian traditions, this grace
in Christ (1 Cor. 1:4) is received as a gift of God that cannot be merited by works done prior to one's conversion to Christianity (Eph. 2:8-9), which is brought about by hearing God's Word (Rom. 10:17) and harkening to it.
teaches that human beings exist because God wanted to share His life with them. In this sense, every human being is God's child. In a fuller sense, to come to salvation is to be reconciled to God through Christ and to be united with His divine Essence via divinization (or theosis
) in the beatific vision
of the Godhead. The graces of Christ's passion, death, and resurrection are found in and acquired through the seven sacraments
.
Salvation is understood as a trinitarian event. God the Father, wishing the world, which had been corrupted by the fault
of the first parents
, to be reconciled to himself sent Jesus Christ, the Son of God, to redeem mankind through his perfect oblation on the cross; the divinisation of humanity is further accomplished by his resurrection and glorification. Human members of the Church are aided in this supernatural process by the Holy Spirit of God. The Church has clarified this trinitarian pattern of Salvation through the creeds. Within the Trinity, the Son proceeds from the Father and the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and [from] the Son. Out of the Trinity and from our perspective, the economy of salvation operates in reverse so that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit sanctifies the human person and Christ incorporates the person into His mystical body, which is the Catholic Church. In this way, the human person is reconciled to God the Father and becomes integrated into the very life of God through sanctifying grace.
Catholic teaching affirms that the Roman Catholic Church is the singular and exclusive body of Christ fully united with him. ‘Extra ecclesiam nulla salus’ is considered normative. Members of non-Catholic Christian communities may retain their incorporation in Christ only because of their union, although imperfect, with the one Roman Catholic Church.
, teaches that salvation is received by grace alone
and that one's sole necessary response to this grace is faith alone
. Older Christian teaching, as found in Catholic and Orthodox theology, is that salvation is received by grace alone
, but that one's necessary response to this grace comprises both faith and works (James 2:24,26; Rom 2:6-7; Gal 5:6).
The different soteriologies found within the Christian tradition can be grouped into distinct schools:
>
Christian theology
- Divisions of Christian theology :There are many methods of categorizing different approaches to Christian theology. For a historical analysis, see the main article on the History of Christian theology.- Sub-disciplines :...
that deals with salvation and redemption is called Soteriology
Soteriology
The branch of Christian theology that deals with salvation and redemption is called Soteriology. It is derived from the Greek sōtērion + English -logy....
. It is derived from the Greek
Greek language
Greek is an independent branch of the Indo-European family of languages. Native to the southern Balkans, it has the longest documented history of any Indo-European language, spanning 34 centuries of written records. Its writing system has been the Greek alphabet for the majority of its history;...
sōtērion (salvation) (from sōtēr
Soter
Soter derives from the Greek epithet , meaning a saviour, a deliverer; initial capitalised ; fully capitalised ; feminine Soteira...
"savior, redeemer") + English -logy
-logy
-logy is a suffix in the English language, used with words originally adapted from Ancient Greek language ending in -λογία...
.
Within Christian theology, soteriology examines the role of Jesus Christ as saviour (redeemer), and the nature of the salvation as a free gift
Charisma
The term charisma has two senses: 1) compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others, 2) a divinely conferred power or talent. For some theological usages the term is rendered charism, with a meaning the same as sense 2...
. Redemption involves the act or process of justification
Justification (theology)
Rising out of the Protestant Reformation, Justification is the chief article of faith describing God's act of declaring or making a sinner righteous through Christ's atoning sacrifice....
or "making righteous before God".
Variant views on soteriology are among the main fault lines dividing the various Christian denominations, both between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism
Protestantism
Protestantism is one of the three major groupings within Christianity. It is a movement that began in Germany in the early 16th century as a reaction against medieval Roman Catholic doctrines and practices, especially in regards to salvation, justification, and ecclesiology.The doctrines of the...
and within Protestantism, notably in the Calvinist–Arminian debate on the definitions and meanings of depravity
Total depravity
Total depravity is a theological doctrine that derives from the Augustinian concept of original sin...
, predestination
Predestination
Predestination, in theology is the doctrine that all events have been willed by God. John Calvin interpreted biblical predestination to mean that God willed eternal damnation for some people and salvation for others...
, and atonement.
Traditional focus
Christian soteriology traditionally focuses on how God ends the separation people have from him due to sinSin
In religion, sin is the violation or deviation of an eternal divine law or standard. The term sin may also refer to the state of having committed such a violation. Christians believe the moral code of conduct is decreed by God In religion, sin (also called peccancy) is the violation or deviation...
by reconciling them with himself. (Rom. 5:10-11). The Christian believes he or she receives the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), life (Rom. 8:11), and salvation (1 Thess. 5:9) bought by Jesus
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
through his innocent suffering, death, and resurrection from the dead three days later (Matt. 28).
Christ's death, resurrection, ascension, and sending of the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit is a term introduced in English translations of the Hebrew Bible, but understood differently in the main Abrahamic religions.While the general concept of a "Spirit" that permeates the cosmos has been used in various religions Holy Spirit is a term introduced in English translations of...
, is called The Paschal Mystery. Christ's human birth is called the Incarnation
Incarnation
Incarnation literally means embodied in flesh or taking on flesh. It refers to the conception and birth of a sentient creature who is the material manifestation of an entity, god or force whose original nature is immaterial....
. Either or both are considered in different versions of soteriology.
While not neglecting the Paschal Mystery, many Christians believe salvation is brought through the Incarnation itself, in which God took on human nature so that humans could partake in the divine nature (2 Peter 1.4). As St. Athanasius put it, God became human so that we might become divine (St. Athanasius, De inc. 54, 3: PG 25, 192B.). In some Christian traditions, this grace
Divine grace
In Christian theology, grace is God’s gift of God’s self to humankind. It is understood by Christians to be a spontaneous gift from God to man - "generous, free and totally unexpected and undeserved" - that takes the form of divine favour, love and clemency. It is an attribute of God that is most...
in Christ (1 Cor. 1:4) is received as a gift of God that cannot be merited by works done prior to one's conversion to Christianity (Eph. 2:8-9), which is brought about by hearing God's Word (Rom. 10:17) and harkening to it.
Catholic teaching on Salvation
The Catholic ChurchRoman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
teaches that human beings exist because God wanted to share His life with them. In this sense, every human being is God's child. In a fuller sense, to come to salvation is to be reconciled to God through Christ and to be united with His divine Essence via divinization (or theosis
Theosis
In Christian theology, divinization, deification, making divine or theosis is the transforming effect of divine grace. This concept of salvation is historical and fundamental for Christian understanding that is prominent in the Eastern Orthodox Church and also in the Catholic Church, and is a...
) in the beatific vision
Beatific vision
The beatific vision - in Christian theology is the ultimate direct self communication of God to the individual person, when she or he reaches, as a member of redeemed humanity in the communion of saints, perfect salvation in its entirety, i.e. heaven...
of the Godhead. The graces of Christ's passion, death, and resurrection are found in and acquired through the seven sacraments
Sacraments of the Catholic Church
The Sacraments of the Catholic Church are, the Roman Catholic Church teaches, "efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper...
.
Salvation is understood as a trinitarian event. God the Father, wishing the world, which had been corrupted by the fault
Original sin
Original sin is, according to a Christian theological doctrine, humanity's state of sin resulting from the Fall of Man. This condition has been characterized in many ways, ranging from something as insignificant as a slight deficiency, or a tendency toward sin yet without collective guilt, referred...
of the first parents
Adam
Adam is a figure in the Book of Genesis. According to the creation myth of Abrahamic religions, he is the first human. In the Genesis creation narratives, he was created by Yahweh-Elohim , and the first woman, Eve was formed from his rib...
, to be reconciled to himself sent Jesus Christ, the Son of God, to redeem mankind through his perfect oblation on the cross; the divinisation of humanity is further accomplished by his resurrection and glorification. Human members of the Church are aided in this supernatural process by the Holy Spirit of God. The Church has clarified this trinitarian pattern of Salvation through the creeds. Within the Trinity, the Son proceeds from the Father and the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and [from] the Son. Out of the Trinity and from our perspective, the economy of salvation operates in reverse so that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit sanctifies the human person and Christ incorporates the person into His mystical body, which is the Catholic Church. In this way, the human person is reconciled to God the Father and becomes integrated into the very life of God through sanctifying grace.
Catholic teaching affirms that the Roman Catholic Church is the singular and exclusive body of Christ fully united with him. ‘Extra ecclesiam nulla salus’ is considered normative. Members of non-Catholic Christian communities may retain their incorporation in Christ only because of their union, although imperfect, with the one Roman Catholic Church.
Distinct Protestant schools
Protestant teaching, originating with Martin LutherMartin Luther
Martin Luther was a German priest, professor of theology and iconic figure of the Protestant Reformation. He strongly disputed the claim that freedom from God's punishment for sin could be purchased with money. He confronted indulgence salesman Johann Tetzel with his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517...
, teaches that salvation is received by grace alone
Sola gratia
Sola gratia is one of the five solas propounded to summarise the Reformers' basic beliefs during the Protestant Reformation; it is a Latin term meaning grace alone...
and that one's sole necessary response to this grace is faith alone
Sola fide
Sola fide , also historically known as the doctrine of justification by faith alone, is a Christian theological doctrine that distinguishes most Protestant denominations from Catholicism, Eastern Christianity, and some in the Restoration Movement.The doctrine of sola fide or "by faith alone"...
. Older Christian teaching, as found in Catholic and Orthodox theology, is that salvation is received by grace alone
Sola gratia
Sola gratia is one of the five solas propounded to summarise the Reformers' basic beliefs during the Protestant Reformation; it is a Latin term meaning grace alone...
, but that one's necessary response to this grace comprises both faith and works (James 2:24,26; Rom 2:6-7; Gal 5:6).
The different soteriologies found within the Christian tradition can be grouped into distinct schools:
- OrthodoxOrthodox ChristianityThe term Orthodox Christianity may refer to:* the Eastern Orthodox Church and its various geographical subdivisions...
and Roman Catholic (synergism)- JustificationJustification (theology)Rising out of the Protestant Reformation, Justification is the chief article of faith describing God's act of declaring or making a sinner righteous through Christ's atoning sacrifice....
through holy living - Communion with the Church
- Receiving of the sacramentSacramentA sacrament is a sacred rite recognized as of particular importance and significance. There are various views on the existence and meaning of such rites.-General definitions and terms:...
s
- Justification
- ArminianismArminianismArminianism is a school of soteriological thought within Protestant Christianity based on the theological ideas of the Dutch Reformed theologian Jacobus Arminius and his historic followers, the Remonstrants...
(synergism)- Free acceptance of the gospel
- Justification through faith in Christ
- RegenerationRegeneration (theology)Regeneration, while sometimes perceived to be a step in the Ordo salutis , is generally understood in Christian theology to be the objective work of God in a believer's life. Spiritually, it means that God brings Christians to new life from a previous state of subjection to the decay of death...
through Spirit or water baptism
- CalvinismCalvinismCalvinism is a Protestant theological system and an approach to the Christian life...
(monergismMonergismMonergism describes the position in Christian theology of those who believe that God, through the Holy Spirit, works to bring about effectually the salvation of individuals through spiritual regeneration without cooperation from the individual...
)- ElectionPredestinationPredestination, in theology is the doctrine that all events have been willed by God. John Calvin interpreted biblical predestination to mean that God willed eternal damnation for some people and salvation for others...
by the hidden, eternal decree of God - Justification through Christ's atonementLimited atonementLimited atonement is a doctrine in Christian theology which is particularly associated with the Reformed tradition and is one of the five points of Calvinism...
- Regeneration through the irresistible workIrresistible graceIrresistible Grace is a doctrine in Christian theology particularly associated with Calvinism, which teaches that the saving grace of God is effectually applied to those whom he has determined to save and, in God's timing, overcomes their resistance to obeying the call of the gospel, bringing...
of the Holy Spirit - Union with Christ through faith in him
- Election
- LutheranismLutheranismLutheranism is a major branch of Western Christianity that identifies with the theology of Martin Luther, a German reformer. Luther's efforts to reform the theology and practice of the church launched the Protestant Reformation...
(monergism), in a wide range http://www.wels.net/university/moodle/mod/glossary/view.php of ideas, including- ConversionReligious conversionReligious conversion is the adoption of a new religion that differs from the convert's previous religion. Changing from one denomination to another within the same religion is usually described as reaffiliation rather than conversion.People convert to a different religion for various reasons,...
http://www.wlsessays.net/files/LangeWill.pdf - Justification by graceSola gratiaSola gratia is one of the five solas propounded to summarise the Reformers' basic beliefs during the Protestant Reformation; it is a Latin term meaning grace alone...
through faithSola fideSola fide , also historically known as the doctrine of justification by faith alone, is a Christian theological doctrine that distinguishes most Protestant denominations from Catholicism, Eastern Christianity, and some in the Restoration Movement.The doctrine of sola fide or "by faith alone"...
(acceptance of forgiveness) http://www.wlsessays.net/subject/J/Justification - Means of GraceMeans of GraceThe Means of Grace in Christian theology are those things through which God gives grace. Just what this grace entails is interpreted in various ways: generally speaking, some see it as God blessing humankind so as to sustain and empower the Christian life; others see it as forgiveness, life, and...
http://www.wlsessays.net/files/BartlingMeans.PDF - The Church http://books.google.com/books?id=cxsRAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA37&dq=&as_brr=1#PPA1,M1.
- Conversion
Comparison between Protestants
This table summarizes the classical views of three different Protestant beliefs about salvation.| Topic | Lutheranism Lutheranism Lutheranism is a major branch of Western Christianity that identifies with the theology of Martin Luther, a German reformer. Luther's efforts to reform the theology and practice of the church launched the Protestant Reformation... |
Calvinism Calvinism Calvinism is a Protestant theological system and an approach to the Christian life... |
Arminianism Arminianism Arminianism is a school of soteriological thought within Protestant Christianity based on the theological ideas of the Dutch Reformed theologian Jacobus Arminius and his historic followers, the Remonstrants... |
| Human will | Total Depravity without free will until spiritual regeneration | Total Depravity without free will permanently due to the nature of divine sovereignty | Total depravity, with prevenient grace Prevenient grace Prevenient grace is a Christian theological concept rooted in Augustinian theology. It is embraced primarily by Arminian Christians who are influenced by the theology of Jacob Arminius or John Wesley. Wesley typically referred to it in 18th century language as prevenient grace... , does not preclude free will |
| Election | Unconditional election to salvation only | Unconditional election Unconditional election Unconditional election is the Calvinist teaching that before God created the world, he chose to save some people according to his own purposes and apart from any conditions related to those persons... to salvation and damnation (double-predestination) |
Conditional election Conditional election In Christian theology, conditional election is the belief that God chooses, for eternal salvation, those whom He foresees will have faith in Christ. This belief emphasizes the importance of a person's free will... on the basis of foreseen faith or unbelief |
| Justification | Justification of all people completed at Christ's death | Justification is limited to those predestined to salvation, completed at Christ's death | Justification made possible for all through Christ's death, but only completed upon placing faith in Jesus (hypothetical universalism) |
| Conversion | Monergistic Monergism Monergism describes the position in Christian theology of those who believe that God, through the Holy Spirit, works to bring about effectually the salvation of individuals through spiritual regeneration without cooperation from the individual... , through the means of grace Means of Grace The Means of Grace in Christian theology are those things through which God gives grace. Just what this grace entails is interpreted in various ways: generally speaking, some see it as God blessing humankind so as to sustain and empower the Christian life; others see it as forgiveness, life, and... , resistible |
Monergistic, through the inner calling of the Holy Spirit, irresistible Irresistible grace Irresistible Grace is a doctrine in Christian theology particularly associated with Calvinism, which teaches that the saving grace of God is effectually applied to those whom he has determined to save and, in God's timing, overcomes their resistance to obeying the call of the gospel, bringing... |
(synergism), resistible due to the common, sufficient grace of free will |
| Preservation and apostasy | Falling away is possible, but reflection on one's faith provides assurance of preservation | Perseverance of the saints Perseverance of the saints Perseverance of the saints, as well as the corollary—though distinct—doctrine known as "Once Saved, Always Saved", is a Calvinist teaching that once persons are truly saved they can never lose their salvation.... : the eternally elect in Christ will necessarily persevere in faith and subsequent holiness until the end |
Preservation is conditional Conditional preservation of the saints The Conditional preservation of the saints, or commonly conditional security, is the Arminian belief that believers are kept safe by God in their saving relationship with Him upon the condition of a persevering faith in Christ... upon continued faith in Christ; reflection on one's faith provides assurance |
See also
- Atonement in Christianity
- ChristologyChristologyChristology is the field of study within Christian theology which is primarily concerned with the nature and person of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament. Primary considerations include the relationship of Jesus' nature and person with the nature...
- EcclesiologyEcclesiologyToday, ecclesiology usually refers to the theological study of the Christian church. However when the word was coined in the late 1830s, it was defined as the science of the building and decoration of churches and it is still, though rarely, used in this sense.In its theological sense, ecclesiology...
- Eternal life (Christianity)Eternal life (Christianity)In Christianity the term eternal life traditionally refers to continued life after death, rather than immortality. While scholars such as John H. Leith assert that...
- Original sinOriginal sinOriginal sin is, according to a Christian theological doctrine, humanity's state of sin resulting from the Fall of Man. This condition has been characterized in many ways, ranging from something as insignificant as a slight deficiency, or a tendency toward sin yet without collective guilt, referred...
- SalvationSalvationWithin religion salvation is the phenomenon of being saved from the undesirable condition of bondage or suffering experienced by the psyche or soul that has arisen as a result of unskillful or immoral actions generically referred to as sins. Salvation may also be called "deliverance" or...
- SoteriologySoteriologyThe branch of Christian theology that deals with salvation and redemption is called Soteriology. It is derived from the Greek sōtērion + English -logy....
- TheosisTheosisIn Christian theology, divinization, deification, making divine or theosis is the transforming effect of divine grace. This concept of salvation is historical and fundamental for Christian understanding that is prominent in the Eastern Orthodox Church and also in the Catholic Church, and is a...