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.
Are we Calvinist or Arminian in our soteriology? The answers is, "NO!" We believe this is a false dichotomy and that there is a third option that is both the most logically consistent and the most faithful to the Biblical text..
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
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
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 in class and/or 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. (Online students are to post their case studies online through their Facebook group.)
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: All students are required to acquire ten hours of community time. This can be accomplished in classroom discussion and/or the Facebook Group page discussing issues relevant to the course.
"May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word." 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Are we Calvinist or Arminian in our soteriology? The answers is, "NO!" We believe this is a false dichotomy and that there is a third option that is both the most logically consistent and the most faithful to the Biblical text..
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 become articulate in the differences between Calvinism, Arminianism, and Molinism.
- 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
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 in class and/or 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. (Online students are to post their case studies online through their Facebook group.)
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: All students are required to acquire ten hours of community time. This can be accomplished in classroom discussion and/or the Facebook Group page discussing issues relevant to the course.
"May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word." 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
