Category Archives: Soteriology

Biblical Foundation for Victorious Christian Living

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There is a great deal of confusion today regarding what is involved in victorious Christian living and what makes it possible. Some of the answers being given out are plainly wrong, and many others are only partially true. It will be in the teaching of the Scriptures that God’s answers will be found. It is not possible in this brief treatment to mention everything which could be said, but a framework will be developed to note God’s wonderful provisions for us in this area of victorious Christian living.

The Handy Slogan-Word Legalism

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If ye love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15). If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15). But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless (Matt. 12:7). It may be a common observation that it is easier to corrupt a congregation than it is to edify it. To build it up in faith and conviction seems to be the result of years of instruction and agony.

The Catholic View of Salvation: A Fundamentalist Evaluation

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Introduction On March 29, 1994 a declaration was released entitled, “Evangelicals and Catholics Together.” It states, “We affirm together that we are justified by grace through faith because of Christ.” But is the evangelical (or fundamentalist) view of salvation really the same as the Roman Catholic? The evangelical/fundamentalist view teaches that the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ on the cross accomplished our salvation and that this salvation is applied by personal trust in this sacrifice. The Roman Catholic View of Salvation 1.

What is Legalism?

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Introduction This article is not really a book review. But it is a response to a very important issue raised by Charles Swindoll in his book Grace Awakening. While there are many helpful truths in the book, there are also several problems – one of which is his understanding of legalism. Because it is wrong and colors his thinking, it affects many of the other things on which he comments. A Definition of “Legalism” Swindoll’s book is a sustained attack on “legalism,” yet the term is not defined until page 81.

Do We Really Know the Gospel?

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Each year, as I teach the doctrine of salvation, I give a quiz to test my students’ understanding of the Gospel. I ask them to imagine that they are in a hospital room, calling on an unbeliever who is at death’s door. The students have time for only twenty-five words to communicate the Gospel. After the 25th word, the patient has passed away. What would the students say in this situation? Are they able to express the Gospel so concisely that if the mortally ill person responds properly, he is saved?

Evangelism That is Theological

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Christians hold to various opinions regarding personal evangelism. It is possible for opinions to change. Changes are sometimes based on one’s understanding or even one’s spiritual condition. Even though the term “evangelism” does not appear in the New Testament, the concept of evangelism is found throughout the Bible. Christians have the unique opportunity and the unequaled responsibility of introducing others to the Savior. The Gospel we proclaim by life and by lip has to do with a Person rather than a program.

Eternal Security

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Evangelical Christians continue to be divided over the issue of whether or not truly saved persons can forfeit their salvation Certain biblical passages have been used to support each of the views. In this brief article, the major views will be presented, and the view which this author believes to be the correct one will be supported by an examination of Romans 8:28-30. View #1: Truly saved persons can forfeit salvation by sinning but may regain salvation by repentance. According to this view, sin destroys the believer’s relationship to Christ.

Evangelistic Preaching and Giving Invitations

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Evangelistic Preaching is a legitimate style of preaching that can and should be used today. Evangelistic preaching is not mere emotionalism. It is not a string of sad stories. It is not what some would call exceptional Christian salesmanship. And, it need not be used exclusively. Preachers must preach the whole counsel of God. There should be no question that the content of preaching should be the Word of God. The Scriptural content of a sermon is that which gives it life, substance and vitality.

Lordship Salvation: Forgotten Truth or a False Doctrine? Part 2

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Several days ago my wife and I were discussing the matter of Lordship salvation. Our eleven-year-old daughter, Christa, overheard us and asked, “Daddy, what is Lordship salvation?” I replied that it is the view that believing in Christ as Savior is not enough. A person also needs to let Christ control every thought and action to be truly saved. Christa’s perceptive reply was, “Well, Daddy, then no one can be saved, can he?” And so it is. If God expects total submission of our body, soul, spirit, heart and mind for salvation, no one can possibly be saved.

Lordship Salvation: Forgotten Truth or False Doctrine? Part 1

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If you were Satan, which doctrine would you want to undermine? Which area of theology would you pervert, to prevent people from being saved? An individual may be wrong about the doctrine of the church or deny the millennial kingdom and yet doubtless be gloriously redeemed. However, if a person is wrong on the doctrine of salvation, specifically, the prerequisites for salvation, he misses the very heart of the gospel. One would expect Satan to attack in the area of soteriology.