Key Doctrines of the Faith: Soteriology
by David Chadwick
Each key doctrine of the Christian faith is meant to provide a strong and solid foundation on which we can stand. Matthew 7:25 reminds us that the house founded on the rock will stand through life’s rain, floods, and winds. I want anyone who hears these words to build such a solid doctrinal foundation that you will be able to stand through anything.
Today’s key doctrine of the Christian faith is soteriology: the doctrine of salvation.
Jesus came to rescue us from our sins, to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). The salvation of Jesus doesn’t just save us from physical death. It saves us for eternal life! It also motivates us to live on this side of eternity with purpose, vigor, and passion. Our lives have been saved for a purpose!
Did you know Jesus talked more about hell than heaven? Matthew 10:28 says, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Without Jesus, hell is our eternity. It’s a real place, originally created for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). Not for you and me! But if we maintain our rebellion against God, it will become our eternal home as well.
God in his perfect holiness cannot have anything to do with our sinfulness. It’s an offense against a holy God. He rejects all sin. He must. Think in terms of a physically healthy body coming in contact with unhealth. The body’s natural reaction is violently to reject it. So is God’s holiness toward our sin. Otherwise, he would compromise on the things he deems true.
To be “saved” means Jesus saves us from eternal separation from him. He saves us from hell and invites us into an eternal dwelling with him one day.
That’s the meaning of John 3:16: For God so loves us he sent his Son and if we believe in his death to forgive our sins, we will never die/perish but live forever. This message is radically life-changing for those who embrace it!
Soteriology. The doctrine of salvation. Praise God for this gift of eternal life with Jesus!!