Salvation: Contours of Adventist Soteriology

Abstract

God’s salvation of humanity, as presented in the Scriptures, will always be the highest, most sublime, and more rewarding of all theological subjects. It is a truth that is both startlingly simple and profoundly complex—as simple as knowing that “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so,” and so complex that the Apostle Paul described this intricate cosmic drama as “the mystery of godliness” (1 Tim. 3:16, NKJV). Throughout Christian history, many debates have raged about this greatest of all topics, often resulting in schisms, anathemas, and bloodshed. And the debate continues among Christians today. In this landmark volume, organized by the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University, nineteen scholars collectively present the most comprehensive treatment of this topic to be published in the Adventist world. Salvation strongly affirms Adventism’s Protestant soteriological roots, further refined by the work of the seventeenth-century Reformer Jacob Arminius. Built on the Protestant principles of sola gratia et fides and soli Deo gloria, this book is organized according to the five tenets of Arminianism: Conditional Election, Unlimited Atonement, Total Depravity, Resistible Grace, and Christian Assurance/Sanctification. The first part of the book addresses the Cosmic Controversy, God’s foreknowledge, and predestination. The second part wrestles with the problem of sin and human nature. The third part presents a biblical understanding of the work of Christ. The fourth part explores the teaching of God’s grace, including His prevenient or initiating grace. The fifth and final part illumines our assurance of salvation.