SOTERIOLOGY

'Soteriology' is the study of salvation. The word comes from two Greek terms: ''soter,'' meaning "savior," and ''logos,'' meaning "word", "reason", or "principle". Many religions give emphasis to salvation of one form or another, and as such have their own soteriologies. Some soteriologies are primarily concerned with relationships to, or unity with, gods; others more strongly emphasize cultivation of knowledge or virtue. Soteriologies also differ in what sort of salvation they promise. However, the term is primarily used in Christian theological studies. Soteriology is the branch of Christian doctrinal theology that deals with salvation through Jesus Christ. [1].

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Soteriology

Soteriology

Soteriology traditionally focuses on how the Triune God ends the separation people have from him due to sin by reconciling them with himself. (Rom. 5:10-11). Christians receive the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), life (Rom. 8:11), and salvation (1 Thess. 5:9) bought by Jesus Christ through his innocent suffering and death (Acts 20:28). This grace in Christ (1 Cor. 1:4) is received though faith (Eph. 2:8-9) in him (Gal. 3:22, Rom. 10:9), which is caused by God's Word (Rom. 10:17). Some Christians teach the reception of Christ by grace alone through faith alone, while others emphasize the cooperation with God through one's own good works and membership in a church. The different soteriologies found within the Christian tradition can be grouped into distinct schools: the Catholics and Orthodox on Justification, the Church, the Sacraments, and the freedom of the will; Arminianism's synergism; Calvinism's predestination; and a large range [2] of Lutheran doctrine, including conversion [3], Justification by grace alone through faith alone [4], the Means of Grace [5], and the Church [6]. Universalists believe that human beings separate themselves from God through sin and that we are then automatically reunited with the faithful God when we choose to be without the need of any divine expiation. [7].