The Cyber Kazbá

Starting such a endeavor as to write a Biblical Theology of Soteriology seems to mix two academic exercises in one. In my field of study there is what we call Systematic Theology (or systematics) and biblical theology. The first is a study that entail developing “systems” of doctrine that are generally derived from the bible to be sure, but seek “fill” in some gaps as to how certain doctrines can be formulated and eventually practiced.

A good example of systematics is the Trinity. No where in the Bible  is the word Trinity mentioned, yet it stands as a foundational doctrine for orthodox Christianity. The development of the ideas we have around a triune God are developed systematically once the text suggests such a principle. The exercise in systematic theology then goes into using proper language, principles, and logical outcomes of such biblical concepts such as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Biblical theology is limited to the text, and only allows the text to form and create concepts, ideas and doctrines. It is concerned with the literary, historical and cultural devices the text uses to outline God’s truth, actions, and plans. It seeks to place theology in the larger context of biblical narrative and God’s History.

I will start briefly with a systematic introduction to soteriology, and then proceed with biblical theological approach to this idea.

This idea of creating a biblical theology of soteriology came to me after I had finished my theological studies at two schools. I learned so much about the Bible and was very pleased with the quality of education that I received. However I often questioned why I had to go to a paid university to get such a degree.

The information and truths I learned were foundational to what most Christians should learn, think about and study. Yet what I saw in the church was that most Christians were very uneducated when it came to the Bible and Theology.

Very simple things like understanding the general flow of history through the Bible, who are important characters  and understanding very basic ideas like covenant and justification were (and still are) foreign concepts to many in the church. Even to those who had been there for years!

So a quest to educate the people of church is sorely needed. I don’t know if a blog is a good place to start but its as good as any.

What compounded my urge to write this biblical theology is my fascination with the doctrine of soteriology. Which, by the way, if you don’t know what it means, means the theology of salvation.

Salvation is such foundational idea to all Christians. Yet, many haven't taken the time to sit down and understand what it means to be saved. What does it mean to be saved? From whom? From what? How is someone saved? What are the minimum requirements to be saved?

You may think that these answers are easy. I am saved from hell. I am saved by belief in the Lord Jesus. Are good answers to start. But when it’s pressed further, are there other forces/places/people I am being saved from? What does it mean to believe in Jesus? What exactly must I believe? If I don’t believe in the resurrection, am I saved? If I don’t believe in speaking in tongues, am I saved? How can I tell if I am saved?

When do I “get saved”? Is it something in the past? Does it happen in the future? What role do I play in my salvation? in the salvation of others? What role does God play in salvation? If I am saved do I “go to heaven”? Are humans the only creatures who are/will be saved?

Many more questions could be asked to confuse the topic, but I think you get the point. It’s not so easy. So instead of pontificating about the answers to these questions, as a systematic approach would be, I would like to look at the Bible as a whole and take a walk through it identifying the key points in the literature and history as it relates to God’s plan of salvation.

There are 16 areas, thus 16 blog posts  (17 if you include this one) that I will look at when it comest to a biblical theological of soteriology:

1) Creation
2) The Fall
3) The Flood
4) Calling of Abraham (formation of Israel)
5) The Exodus
6) The Law
7) Judges
8) Prophets
9) Kingdom of Israel - rise and fal
10) Christmas (Incarnation)
11) The teachings of Jesus
12) The works of Jesus
13) The Work of Jesus (atonement)
14) Resurrection
15) The Holy Spirit
16) Eschatology (the end)

The aim is to educate and invite a conversation as we seek to understand God’s plan of salvation as its laid out in scripture as well as applying these ideas to our everyday lives. I also as we gain understanding of who God is and his plan for the world it might open up doors for us to share this with others who don’t yet know Him.