Questions tagged [soteriology]
The study of the mechanisms by which an individual is saved.
489
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How do Christians who believe in libertarian free will explain the large imbalance in the ratio of people saved vs. condemned?
In principle, the decisions made by an agent endowed with freedom of the will (in the libertarian sense) are not determined. That is, a free agent's decisions cannot be the result of a sequence of ...
5
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1answer
61 views
Within Anglicanism, what is the Biblical Basis for certainty that baptised infants who die will be saved?
In the Church of England Book of Common Prayer the following statement is made:
It is certain by God's Word, that children which are baptized, dying before they commit actual sin, are undoubtedly ...
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2answers
145 views
Is repentance of sins possible outside the Gospel?
Does every human being, at least once in their lifetime, have a genuine chance to repent of their sins, turn away from them and start living a righteous life? If so, does this also include people who ...
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4answers
921 views
The Christian Duck Test? [closed]
If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.
There is arguably little difference between the lifestyle of the Stoic and the lifestyle of the ...
3
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1answer
143 views
How do Christians discern whether they are on the narrow path that leads to life or the broad path that leads to destruction?
Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV):
13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is ...
3
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0answers
35 views
What is the most authentic Reformed 'ordo salutis'?
This question follows on from a comment made in the previous closed question.
The Wikipedia article on the subject of ordo salutis quotes and lists the following, in the following order, as '...
3
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4answers
889 views
For those who don't believe baptism is required for salvation, when, scripturally, does someone die with Christ?
Paul recites as part of an early creed.
2 Timothy 2:11 ...If we have died with him, we will also live with him;...
Here it seems that our living with Christ is conditioned on us having died with ...
2
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2answers
131 views
Are there Christian Denominations or Movements who believe that Jesus didn't actually pay our sin debt?
I was wondering if there are any prominent or otherwise named group of Christians who believe that Jesus did away with our debt by legally canceling our debt instead of actually paying for the entire ...
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4answers
172 views
How do Christians who adhere to the maxim “in essentials unity; in non-essentials liberty; and in all things charity” determine what is essential?
The phrase has been worded in different but equivalent ways. For example, the Wikipedia article titled In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas says:
In necessariis unitas, in ...
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0answers
15 views
How do Eternal Security adherents interpret Ezekiel 18:21-18 and 33:12-16?
Note: for better readability, the relevant parts of the quoted passages are in bold.
Ezekiel 18:21-28 (ESV):
21 “But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps ...
2
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1answer
132 views
Predestination and Freewill
Is predestination a Catholic doctrine? If so, how does the Catholic Church harmonise the doctrine of predestination against freewill?
The Catechism of the The Catholic Church states:
"Not only ...
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1answer
65 views
Did Judas play an important role for God’s salvation?
In reading the bible, we see Judas as the great enemy who betrayed our Lord Jesus. But looking in a different perspective, was his role gave benefit for the fulfilment of death and crucifixion of the ...
5
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9answers
317 views
Why did Jesus need to die for our sins?
I feel silly asking this because I feel like it should be obvious. Why did Jesus need to die for our sins?
I am asking because this part of Christianity still confuses me. I thought Judaism taught ...
3
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2answers
225 views
If Christ Has Been Given All Authority Why Does He Need to Make Intercession For Us?
The bible tells us both that Jesus has been given all authority but he also is ever making intercession for us with God the Father.
Has there ever been any theological explanation by anyone on why ...
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1answer
72 views
Theologians who thought Christ incarnated primarily to reveal the doctrine of the Trinity?
Are there any theologians (Doctors or Fathers of the Church) who thought that, regardless whether Adam had sinned, Christ still would have incarnated, primarily to reveal the doctrine of the Trinity?
5
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0answers
162 views
What is the biblical basis for the doctrine that salvation cannot be lost? [duplicate]
Not much to add to the title. How do Christians who advocate the "once saved, always saved" doctrine back it up with Scripture? How do they commonly defend their interpretations against ...
3
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1answer
89 views
According to Biblical Unitarianism does belief in the Trinity disqualify one from salvation?
According to Biblical Unitarianism does belief in the Trinity disqualify one from salvation?
*Note: this is not asking whether non-trinitarianism is true or whether a trinitarian baptism is valid but ...
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3answers
123 views
Are there souls in hell who contributed to other soul's salvation?
This question is from a Catholic perspective. Is there any writings or some teaching whether a person who highly contribute to someone else's salvation could in fact end up in hell if abandon faith at ...
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1answer
56 views
Which places in the Bible have been suggested in Christianity as a basis for the possibility that some of humans before Christ could be saved? [duplicate]
Which places in the Bible have been suggested in Christianity as a possible basis for the possibility that some of humans who were not Jews and lived before Christ still could be saved?
The wiki page ...
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5answers
998 views
According to Protestantism, are we saved by faith into a repentance of law-following?
Just have a question regarding faith and works:
A person has eternal life solely by faith in Jesus Christ (as in believing every word Jesus said, including his claims that he is God), but by believing ...
3
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3answers
91 views
Can People Who Aren't Saved, Heal in Jesus’ Name?
For backstory, I've recently been looking for confirmation that I'm really saved. I've started to repent of all my sins (that I know of) about 1-2 weeks ago. I've pretty sure I've been saved since I ...
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2answers
172 views
Do Baptists teach that baptism by full water immersion is essential to salvation
My understanding is that Baptists and Jehovah’s Witnesses reject infant baptism and advocate full water immersion of adults who fully understand what they are doing and what baptism means.
Believer's ...
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4answers
1k views
Can someone be saved if they willingly live in sin? [closed]
For example, if somebody says, "Since God forgives sins, why not live a sinful life? Then when I'm dying in my bed, I'll just ask him to forgive me for my sins."
How should I respond to that ...
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5answers
463 views
What is an overview of Christian viewpoints on the eternal destiny of individuals who die never hearing the Gospel?
Many individuals die never having heard the Gospel. Some illustrative examples are: pretty much everyone who was born before Jesus, individuals contemporary to Jesus but who were too far away at the ...
5
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1answer
103 views
Was Apollos ever baptized in the name of Jesus?
Regarding Apollos, the Bible states:
Acts 18:25 (ESV Strong's) 25 He had been instructed in the way of the
Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the
things concerning ...
6
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3answers
250 views
How does Catholicism biblically defend purgatory in a way that upholds the sufficiency of Christ's work?
Below is a quote from an answer to this question "What is the basis of the teaching that souls in purgatory can intercede for the living?:
The (Catholic) Church refers to the souls in purgatory ...
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0answers
25 views
Why is the sacrifice of Jesus needed for the atonement of sins? [duplicate]
Christianity teaches that Jesus was crucified in order that ours sins be forgiven, and without this sacrifice then atonement could not be attained. Why did Jesus have to die for our sins in order for ...
6
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3answers
1k views
What is the difference between Arminianism, Molinism, and Calvinism?
I know the basic difference between Arminianism and Calvinism in the soteriology subject, but when Molinism comes I can't grasp the core doctrines that it teaches. I'm not asking for which is better, ...
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1answer
124 views
Just what does Infant Baptism accomplish as regards Original Sin?
The answer to this question indicates that the human soul is created by God, and without any lack of saving grace, at the precise instant that the soul is infused into the newly propagated human body.
...
4
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1answer
100 views
Christ 'made' sin - the Reformed, Protestant view?
Following on from both of the two recent questions regarding the inheritance or transmission of 'original' or 'inbred' sin, from generation to generation, I am interested in the Trinitarian, ...
6
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2answers
380 views
On what basis was Jesus’ death sufficient for redemption according Non-Trinitarians who maintain that Jesus was not eternal God as God the Father is?
To Peter Turner’s point A) Scripture is the source that says blood was necessary and that blood was sufficient, question revolves around why a Non-Trinitarian Jesus has sufficient worth to save ...
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2answers
177 views
Do different Christian denominations think each other will be saved?
There're lots of Christian denominations out there. I'm wondering if each of them have an official answer to "if the Second Coming were today, believers of [other denomination] will/will not be saved"....
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2answers
66 views
Can God replace his covenent with Abraham?
In the book of Genesis, God makes the covenant of circumcision with Abraham for him and his descendants. In verse 7 we are told this is an everlasting covenant.
How does this go in hand with the fact ...
4
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6answers
261 views
Why is it not enough for Jesus to be human to be the perfect sacrifice, why must he be God?
Regardless of whether Jesus is God or not, why do some stridently hold to, 'Jesus can only cover sin by His own death as God'?
Until Jesus' perfect sacrifice/offering, the law required an animal to ...
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2answers
121 views
Looking for references from the early Church Fathers on Galatians 3:13
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: [Galatians 3:13, KJV]
...As it relates to a Luther(esque) ...
2
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2answers
108 views
What does Trinitarian Protestantism understand by salvation being in the name of 'Jesus Christ of Nazareth'?
Peter had the following words to say to the rulers, elders and scribes in Jerusalem regarding the healing of the lame man at the temple :
... the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth ... neither is there ...
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5answers
300 views
How is Gods judgement of man fair when he judges them without considering their deeds?
In America, our judicial system is built on the idea that a man is assumed innocent, and then proven guilty with evidence.
In contrast, Paul wrote:
Romans 9 10-18: ...there was Rebekah also, when ...
5
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1answer
188 views
Is the root of salvation correctly summed up as “Be saved and repent!” or should it be “Repent and be saved!”?
In the article below, the phrase "Be saved and repent!" was endorsed. I wish to know what a Reformed Protestant view would be on this. The context for the phrase is this:
The editor wrote an article ...
0
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1answer
301 views
Why don't Catholics believe that Christ's atonement removed Original Sin?
Original Sin is the Catholic doctrine that all human are born sinners due to the inheritance of the sin of Adam. However, Jesus Christ atoned for the sin of mankind.
Therefore, one would assume the ...
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1answer
136 views
What is the biblical support for being 'born again' (or' born from above') in this life?
Many think they are 'born again' when they are baptised on receiving the Holy Spirit as a gift from God.
However, it seems apparent from the scriptures that being 'born from above' happens at our ...
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1answer
100 views
Why Jesus died on the cross and not by any other mean? [duplicate]
I know why Jesus died for us? But why the cross? Why not by any other mean?
7
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3answers
1k views
Do non-Christians go to hell?
What is the official stance of various Christian denominations on whether or not non-believers go to hell? How do denominations which preach that they do, reconcile the damnation of people who grow ...
3
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1answer
151 views
Why do Christians believe Christ's death applies to future sins? [closed]
One of the points that different Christian denominations and movements generally agree on is that Christ died on the cross to atone for our sins, and his death was the ultimate sacrifice. This ...
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2answers
348 views
Is the sign of the Cross as well as the crucifix a Catholic “trade mark”?
Why do Catholics have crucifix in their home and Churches; priest, bishops, cardinals, popes and the faithful wear crucifix in their neck and make a sign of the cross before and after prayer and ...
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3answers
229 views
Did Jesus die for all? Is “for many” the same meaning as “for all “ in Matthew 26:28?
In Matthew 26, Jesus said,
Matthew 26:28: For this is my blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many unto remission of sins.
And In Isaiah, please take note the word “many”
Isaiah 53:...
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8answers
552 views
How do reformed theologians reconcile John 15:2 with “once saved always saved"?
Every branch in me (εν έμοι ) that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he [the Father, v1] cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit. (John 15:2, ASV)
Some ...
4
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0answers
135 views
How is Union with Christ understood across Christianity?
1 Corinthians 1:30 (NIV): It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
Union with Christ is an ...
7
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3answers
461 views
According to Catholicism can you be saved without being baptised?
Is faith through Jesus Christ without baptism enough for salvation? According to the bible, “without faith, it is hard to please God”. If someone at a young age whose been baptised didn’t have faith ...
2
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3answers
156 views
What does the perpetual virginity of Mary add to our salvation?
I tried this question earlier and it was closed due to so many other similar questions but, having looked through I didn't find an answer.
What, if any, is the salvific benefit of the perpetual ...
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0answers
31 views
Why the Perpetual Virginity of Mary? [duplicate]
The Savior having been born of a Virgin as prophesied, what if any, according to Roman Catholicism, are the salvific benefits of the continued or perpetual virginity of Mary?
