THE DOCTRINE OF SALVATION (Soteriology)

Introduction: God foreknew all that was to take place in man’s fall, and He planned that such salvation was needed before the foundation of the Earth.

God’s plan of salvation is so simple that the least among the sons of man can grasp enough of it to experience that transforming power. At the same time it is so profound that no inadequacy has ever been discovered.

The heart of God’s plan of salvation centers around the office and function of a mediator – One who could go between an offended God and a helpless sinful creature man. (Job 9:32,33; I Tim. 2:5)

This is the reason for the incarnation of the Second person of the Godhead; to be a mediator for God He must be God, to represent mankind He must be a man. (Jn. 1:14; Heb.2:14-17, Jn.1:14:6) (Jn. 1:14; Heb.2:14-17, Jn.1:14:6)

All this has been made possible through the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I. Provision that have been made A. The death of Christ His primary purpose in coming to this earth was to bring salvation to the souls of man. (Matt. 1:21, Lk. 19:10)

I.Importance of the Death of Christ (Old Testament) a. types: - Coats of skins - (Gen. 3:21) - Coats of skins - (Gen. 3:21) - Abel’s Offering - (Gen. 4:4) - Abel’s Offering - (Gen. 4:4) - Offering of Isaac - (Gen. 22) - Passover Lamb- (Ex. 12) - Passover Lamb- (Ex. 12) - Brazen serpent - (Num. 21, Jn. 3:14) - Slain Lamb – (Isa. 53:3-7) - Slain Lamb – (Isa. 53:3-7)

b. Prophecies: - S eed of the woman - (Gen. 3:15) - S eed of the woman - (Gen. 3:15) - Crucifixion scene - (Ps. 22) - Crucifixion scene - (Ps. 22) - Smitten shepherd - (Gen. 22) - Cut-off Messiah- (Zech. 13:17) - Cut-off Messiah- (Zech. 13:17) - Vicarious suffering - (Deut. 9:26)

(New Testament) a.175 x in the New Testament (N.T) - 7, 957 Verse in the N.T, 1 out of every 45 verses refers to His death. - last 3 days of our Lord’s earthly life occupy one fifth of all narratives. - last 3 days of our Lord’s earthly life occupy one fifth of all narratives.

(New Testament) b.Incarnation – (Heb. 2:14; Matt. 20:28) c. Necessity for man’s Salvation (Jn. 3:14; Matt. 16:21; Lk. 17:25)

2. Misunderstanding concerning His death a) Accident Theory – Christ is simply a man and this subject to death as any other man. b) Martyr Theory c) Moral Theory – Christ suffering and death were merely natural results of His becoming flesh. d) Governmental Theory

3. True meaning of Christ Death a) Vicarious – substitution b) Atonement – covering c) Propitiation – signifies the turning away of wrath by a sacrifice. d) Reconciliation

3. True meaning of Christ Death e) Redemption - penalty of the law - from the law itself - from sin as a powers in one’s life - from Satan - from all evil, including our present mortal body

B. Resurrection of Jesus Christ 1.The importance of Resurrection a) It is one of the two primary doctrine of the gospel (I Cor. 15:14)

b) Foundation stone on which the Church was builds. - Our preaching in vain, - Our preaching in vain, forth in vain - Apostle’s are false witnesses - Apostle’s are false witnesses - Believers are yet in their sins - Believers are yet in their sins - Those who have died are perished. - Those who have died are perished.

2. Nature and manner of Christ’s resurrection a) His resurrection was by the work of the trinity. -by God the Father - (Eph. 1:19,20) -by His own Power - (Jn. 10:17,18) -by the Holy Spirit - (Rom. 8:11)

b) It was an actual resurrection – Jesus Actually died -Soldiers, Centurion, blood and water flowed from His side, Joseph of Arimathea, women at His cross, Jesus himself. c) It was a bodily resurrection d) it was a unique resurrection - (Rev. 1;18) d) it was a unique resurrection - (Rev. 1;18)

3. Proof of Christ’s Resurrection a) E mpty tomb b) Grave clothes c) The coming of the Holy Spirit

4. Benefits of Resurrection a) A firm foundation of our faith b) Assurance of forgiveness of sins c) We now have a merciful High Priest d) Power in life and service e) Assurance of resurrected life – eternal f) Certainly of a day judgment f) Certainly of a day judgment

C. Ascension and Glorification of Jesus 1. His ascension - (Mk. 16:19) 2. His exaltation – He is now our High Priest. We are assured of access to God; Christ head of the Church; Spirit poured out; He prepare a place for His own and pledge His return. (Mk. 16:19)

3. Practical values of His ascension – an incentive to Holiness; right conception of the church; right attitude towards the world; a deep sense of responsibility; a joyous hope of His return.

II. Application of the provisions A.Election B. Repentance C. Faith D. Justification E. Regeneration F. Adoption G. Sanctification H. Assurance I. The security of the believers