Grace Meets Faith: Soteriology
As a seminary student, I work to discern practical applications from theological study. In the study of soteriology, we study beliefs and doctrines concerning salvation. This would include the idea that we need to be saved from something. For us as Christians, we recognize that what humanity needs salvation from sin, death, and hell. Our faith then leads us to Christ’s salvific work on our behalf. Beliefs about soteriology is the topic of my recent readings on John Wesley’s life and work.
Two orienting concerns bubble up in this conversation on soteriology that I think are well answered by John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement. * Maddox highlights these two orienting concerns in his study of John Wesley’s theological positions. The tensions rest between two truths: without the grace of God we cannot be saved; while without our participation (uncoerced), God’s grace will not save (Maddox, p.18).
This is interesting because it echos Martin Luther’s (Father of Protestantism) key theological principles are captured in the Latin phrases, Sola Gratia – By Grace Alone and Sola Fide – By Faith Alone. The chief thought for Luther was Solus Christus – Jesus Christ alone. Many still use these today and they would be right in doing so. Exactly how does the interplay of grace and faith work? What are the implications for those who come to Christ? What other theological thoughts are built on the answers to the questions? What about sanctification? How does holiness connect to “‘faith alone.”
The excellent little study called, “The Absolute Basics of the Wesleyan Way,” is a helpful and simple explanation of this complicated conversation. I think they put it in such a way that we can begin to understand the beginning of the conversation, which is our need to deal with the “sin which doth so easily” to go “King James” for a moment (Hebrew 12:1). Tallon and Hunter write,
“The same is true for the Christian life: we need the form of godliness – the methods of holy living – and we need the power of God to be really holy and truly happy.”
These lead to more questions. Questions are about which methods are considered effective and necessary for godly living. And how do we account for the times in Christian life when we are neither holy nor happy?
As I anticipate the unfolding of my examination of soteriology I expect God to deepen my understanding and appreciation of His saving grace. I also believe I will better understand the role that you and I have in responding to God’s grace. My prayer is that this would result in an ability to better explain salvation in such a way that many would gain a greater ability to evangelize and disciple others.
I am committing to listening to what God is saying to me about my faith in this study and to sharing that with both my colleagues and the congregation.
References
Maddox, Randy L. 1994. Responsible Grace: John Wesley’s Practical Theology. N.p.: Kingswood Books.
Tallon, Phil, and Justus Hunter. 2020. The Absolute Basics of the Wesleyan Way. N.p.: Seedbed Publishing.
*Blog Photo by Photo by Caleb Minear on Unsplash