Soteriology Course Description

This course is a study of the nature of salvation. It will focus on the process and responsibilities of salvation from the standpoint of God and from the standpoint of man. We will look both to Scripture and the church history for answers. Focus will be made on the doctrine of justification—the central issue of the Reformation. Much time will be spent attempting to understand the ongoing debate between God’s sovereignty in salvation and man’s responsibility. We will also examine at the different views of the atonement, faith and repentance, eternal security, and the destiny of the unevangelized.

Course Outline

Session 1 - Introduction and Ordo Salutis ("Order of Salvation")
Session 2 - Predestination, Part 1: Unconditional Election
Session 3 - Predestination, Part 2: Conditional Election
Session 4 - Atonement, Part 1
Session 5 - The Atonement, Part 2
Session 6 - Calling and Regeneration
Session 7 - The Doctrine of Conversion
Session 8 - The Doctrine of Justification
Session 9 - The Doctrine of Sanctification
Session 10 - The Doctrine of Perseverance

Course Objectives

The student will come to a broader understanding of salvation by learning that the process of redemption involves everything from predestination to glorification.
The student will gain knowledge of the different views of predestination.
The student will gain understanding of the various theories of the atonement held throughout the history of the Church, focusing especially of the vicarious substitutionary view.
The student will understand the different views of justification, by appreciating the Church’s struggle during the time of the Reformation.
The student will learn that salvation is a definite act and an ongoing process called sanctification.
The student will wrestle with the various theories concerning those who have never heard the Gospel.
The student will gain a greater appreciation of how the “Good News” of the Gospel is truly good news.

Course Textbooks

Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994.

Olson, Roger. Mosaic of Christian Beliefs. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2002.

Bible (preferably New American Standard or New English Translation)

Assignment Description (for self-study and certificate students)

1. Reading: There will be various reading assignments during the ten-week period. Each student will be expected to read and be prepared to discuss on the forum the material according to the schedule found in the syllabus.

2. Scripture memorization: Each student will memorize the passages provided on the Scripture memorization sheet. Once completed, the student will recite the memorized Scripture to a partner who will affirm the completion by signing the Scripture memorization sheet (included in The Student Notebook). The Scriptures should be memorized in one of the following translations:

• New American Standard
• New English Translation - NET Bible
• English Standard Version
• New International Version (though not preferred)

3. Case Studies: There will be two case studies that must be completed. These will be handed out by the teacher. Online/DVD students are to post their case studies online on the RMM forum.

4. Vocabulary Quizzes: There are two closed book theological vocabulary quizzes. Once the student looks at the quiz, he or she must take the quiz. In other words, you cannot look at the quiz and then study the terms.

Note: Online/DVD students only: All online students are required to aquire ten hours of community time. This can be accomplished on Paltalk or in the forum discussing issues relevant to the course. Each course will have a separate section on the forum.

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