Soteriology is a category of Systematic Theology that refers to the study of salvation. It attempts to answer the questions regarding why we need salvation, how we receive it, and the work God has done in providing it.
Justification
I believe that the relationship between God and humanity was broken at the first sin (Gen 2:17, 1Co 15:22) and humanity was unable to restore the relationship (2Ti 1:9) having received corruption unto total depravity (Rom 8:21), but receiving justification through faith in Christ Jesus (Gal 2:16) both those looking forward to Christ before his birth (Isa 45:25), those who saw him (Joh 20:29), and those who were yet to believe (1Pe 1:8).
Not all Christian theologies hold this view as those of the Social Gospel vantage point do not believe it is the individual that needs saving as much as it is the restoration of a corrupt society that needs rectifying.[1]
Adoption
I believe that the restoration of our relationship with God the Father has been achieved through Christ Jesus (Rom 8:15) and the effectual calling of God (Mat 11:28, Isa 45:22, Rom 10:17); through whom we approach the Father with humility and boldness (Eph 3:12).
Another viewpoint is that of Catholic Theology, which believes it is only through the Church that one has a “channel of God’ grace.”[2]
Regeneration
I believe that upon justification of the believer through faith in Jesus Christ that involves repentance (Job 42:5-6, Mat 3:2), one receives the Holy Spirit who begins the work of regeneration (Joh 3:6-7) progressively transforming the believer, or sanctifying them, at the time of acceptance (Tit 3:5) and in completion at the final future renewal of all things (Mat 19:28).
My view rejects the view that repentance as not necessary for salvation as all one needs is faith.[3] In the NDBT, regeneration is described as the “operation of the Holy Spirit on the believers as they begin the Christian life (Tit 3:5)” and the “eschatological renewal associated with the consummation of the kingdom of God” (Mat 19:28).[4] According to my belief in Scripture, repentance is necessary.
Perseverance
I believe that those who are born again are kept by God’s power through the Holy Spirit (1Co 12:13) and will persevere (1Co 12:31) until the final culmination of their lives; unable to lose the salvation they given and received (Joh 10:28-29) being reserved until the return of Jesus Christ (1Th 5:23).
Glorification
I believe that at the time of a believer’s death it is not a punishment, but a stage in the completion of the believer’s sanctification (1Co 5:8) in which glorification is the final step of redemption that will occur once all believers have died, to be reunited in soul and body in a resurrected and glorified as joint-heirs with Christ Jesus (1Co 15:22, Rom 8:17).
Norman Geisler remarks that sin will be abolished, we will see God face to face, and our full freedom will be perfected at the glorification.[5] Erickson follows the process of regeneration and its continuation into sanctification to until glorification of the individual with Christ.[6] Brevard Childs observes this perspective has deep roots in the Old Testament, and is also shared by a Qumran author who remarked that his “justification is in the righteousness of God which exists forever” in the Manual of Discipline.[7]
Extreme Liberalism belittles human tendency to sin; thus, questions the need of regeneration and enters the sphere of Arminianism which views God as not desiring any to perish (2Pe 3:9); these conclude all will be saved or all will have opportunity to be saved. My belief statement and the position of those mentioned is that the glorification is for believers who complete all stages leading to glorification.
[1] Ibid., 904.
[2] Ibid., 915.
[3] Ibid., 950.
[4] T. Desmond; Rosner Alexander, Brian S.; Carson, D.A., et al, New Dictionary of Biblical Theology (Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 2008).
[5] Norman L. Geisler, Systematic Theology (4vols.; Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2002), 242.
[6] Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1998), 1011.
[7] Brevard S. Childs, Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments: Theological Reflection on the Christian Bible (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1993), 489.