What is the study of salvation called?

Definition and Terminology

The study of salvation is called “Soteriology.” The name derives from the Greek word “sōtēria” (σωτηρία), meaning “deliverance” or “salvation,” and “logos” (λόγος), meaning “study” or “doctrine.” Within Scripture, this term encompasses God’s redemptive plan for humanity—His rescue of people from sin’s penalty, sin’s power, and ultimately sin’s presence.

Biblical Foundation

Soteriology is rooted in the overarching narrative of Scripture, which reveals that human beings are estranged from God because of sin. As it is written, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The central message of salvation is that God, through Jesus Christ, has provided a way for humanity to be reconciled to Him, “for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Key Concepts in Soteriology

1. Grace

Salvation is entirely God’s unmerited favor. “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God…” (Ephesians 2:8).

2. Faith

This gift is received through trusting in the saving work of Christ. “…not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:9).

3. Atonement

Christ’s sacrificial death pays the debt for sin. “He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2).

4. Resurrection

The bodily resurrection of Jesus confirms the power of God to grant eternal life and validate Christ’s claims. “He is not here; He has risen!” (Matthew 28:6).

5. Repentance

Turning away from sin and turning toward God is a cornerstone of salvation. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 3:2).

Old Testament Foreshadowing

From the earliest accounts, the Old Testament anticipates redemption. Genesis 3:15 points to a future “seed” who will crush evil. Sacrificial systems outlined in Leviticus prefigure the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Passover (Exodus 12) foreshadows spiritual rescue, symbolizing God’s deliverance of His people from bondage.

Genealogies tracing Adam to Abraham and beyond (Genesis 5; 11) are often used to uphold a young-earth timeline, indicating a relatively recent creation. The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in the mid-20th century near Qumran, have provided manuscripts of Old Testament books (such as Isaiah) that closely match the traditional text, highlighting the historical reliability of these ancient Scriptures.

New Testament Fulfillment

With the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the Old Testament promises of salvation find their complete fulfillment. Jesus declared, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). This singular path of salvation is accessible to individuals of all backgrounds, culminating in Christ’s resurrection.

Historical evidence supporting the empty tomb includes records that date back to the earliest decades after Jesus’ death, as attested by first-century writings corroborating the presence of early disciples in Jerusalem proclaiming the risen Christ (see 1 Corinthians 15:3–8). Scholars tracing these claims (including analyses akin to those of the Dead Sea Scrolls’ textual fidelity) reinforce the consistency of the manuscripts.

Core Elements of Salvation

1. Redemption

Jesus redeems humanity from bondage to sin. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses…” (Ephesians 1:7).

2. Justification

Believers are declared righteous through faith. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

3. Sanctification

The process by which believers grow in holiness through the Holy Spirit. “For this is the will of God: your sanctification…” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).

4. Glorification

The final state of believers, where they receive new bodies and experience eternal fellowship with God (Romans 8:30).

Archaeological and Historical Corroboration

Archaeological findings such as the Tel Dan Stele (attesting to the House of David), the Pilate Stone (verifying the existence of Pontius Pilate), and various inscriptions referencing biblical figures validate the historical people and places recorded in Scripture. These discoveries, alongside textual evidence like the large manuscript families of the Greek New Testament and the close alignment of significant copies, strengthen the authenticity of the biblical record.

In fields of science and philosophy, arguments for design underscore the improbability of complex living systems emerging solely by chance. Illustrations of this complexity can be seen in the structure of DNA and in geological formations that align with catastrophism accounts reminiscent of a global Flood narrative (Genesis 6–9).

Practical Implications

Soteriology shapes one’s life by inviting a response of faith, repentance, and commitment to grow in a relationship with God. Believers are encouraged to share the good news, relying on “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). Lives are then transformed as individuals experience forgiveness, moral renewal, and hope for eternity.

Conclusion

The study of salvation, known as Soteriology, delves into the depth and breadth of God’s plan to rescue humanity from sin through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Scripture presents salvation as a divine gift, not earned by human effort but freely granted by God’s grace. With supportive evidence from archaeology, manuscript studies, and arguments for intelligent design, the cohesive message of the Bible stands firm.

Soteriology continues to be a foundational part of understanding humanity’s greatest need and God’s loving provision through Jesus, upheld by centuries of scriptural and historical testimony that consistently points to the same glorious truth: the redemption of humankind and the invitation to eternal fellowship with God.