Theology Terms Explained: “Soteriology”
In this series on the blog, we’re providing sound doctrine for everyday people by providing you with clear and simple definitions that will strengthen your theological foundation. Each article covers 4 categories including:
The Term – We lay out how it’s pronounced.
The Definition – We provide the Merriam-Webster definition and an everyday version.
The Biblical Connection – We show you where the term connects with Scripture.
Used in an Everyday Conversation – We use it in a basic conversation.
The Term
“Soteriology”
so·te·ri·ol·o·gy
The Definition
Merriam Webster: Theology dealing with salvation especially as effected by Jesus Christ
FTG’s Expanded Explanation: Soteriology is the doctrine of salvation and is rooted in the Greek word soteria, meaning to be delivered or saved. A Christian is someone who has been “saved” from sin, death, and hell because they placed their faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:1). A saved person has been justified by faith apart from works, and experiences the grace of God through salvation. Soteriology is an essential doctrine. One cannot afford to teach unbiblical views on soteriology because that would inevitably lead to teaching a false gospel. Getting the gospel right is important, so the study of soteriology is important.
The Biblical Connection
In Titus 3:5-8 the apostle Paul highlighted the glorious gospel of Christ saying, “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He richly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
This passage highlights biblical soteriology in that God saves us because of His mercy, through the regeneration of our hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit, and makes us heirs to eternal life. We do not save ourselves. He saves us! We do not justify ourselves. He already did!
Further Study: Romans 9, Ephesians 2:1-10
Used in Everyday Conversation
“Every Christian should study soteriology because every Christian should understand the beautiful truth about salvation.”
“Mormons are generally very nice people, but their soteriology is dangerously unbiblical and they teach that you have to do good works in order to be saved and stay saved.”
