Monday's word of the week.

Soteriology

This one word of 11 letters packs some punch. When one thinks of Soteriology, the basic definition brings us back to the doctrine of salvation.

Looking at the definition for Soteriology we go no further than our friendly online reference dictionary.com. Soteriolgy is the Branch of Christian thelogy that deals with salvation. It is derived from the Greek sōtērion (salvation)(from sōtēr savior, preserver) + English - logy. So again, basically we are dealing with salvation and the nature of how God provides for that salvation.

Lets look at soteriology from a Biblical viewpoint. Now of course you won't find Soteriology in the bible in that specific word form. However we do find two word sources that play right off of Soterion. The first one is Soteria - We see this definition from Blue Letter Bible -

1) deliverance, preservation, safety, salvation
a) deliverance from the molestation of enemies
b) in an ethical sense, that which concludes to the souls safety or salvation
1) of Messianic salvation
2) salvation as the present possession of all true Christians
3) future salvation, the sum of benefits and blessings which the Christians, redeemed from all earthly ills, will enjoy after the visible return of Christ from heaven in the consummated and eternal kingdom of God.

We see it used in the Bible in many places - Specifically taking the place of Salvation, Saved, and Health. In Luke 1:71 "that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us," in Luke 1:77 "To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,".

The other word we see taken from Soterion is Soterio. Its specific definition is:

1) saving, bringing salvation
2) he who embodies this salvation, or through whom God is about to achieve it
3) the hope of (future) salvation

Its use in the bible is found in places like Luke 2:30 "For mine eyes have seen thy salvation of God." and Titus 2:11 " For the grace of God that bringeth salvation that appeared to all men,"

The main difference between the two words is that Soterio means "that brings salvation" and Soteria means "the one being saved or delivered, or health". This is a very important point and will determine how the word is used in biblical context.

Soteriology is the doctrine of Salvation. We as believers understand the meaning of salvation, but non-believers may be confused. The Gospel message consists of several facts to include a supernatural birth, sinless life, death on the cross, risen savior, witnessed by many. Salvation comes to us as we believe and have faith that he is indeed our pure lamb that was slaughtered on the cross to appease our God. That he took the sins of man upon himself saving me from the trial of meeting God and being sentenced to a FOREVER death. I thus will be saved, or have salvation from my belief in the savior. Taking him literally as my savior. I am sometimes said to have "saving faith".

I do hope that Soteriology is a little more understandable. I also hope you understand salvation and the Gospel message.