What is the core definition of salvation in Christianity?

In Christianity, salvation, also known as deliverance or redemption, is understood as the saving of human beings from sin and its consequences. These consequences include death and separation from God, and salvation is achieved through the sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection of Jesus Christ, leading to justification.

What are the primary components of salvation as understood in Christian theology?

Christian salvation encompasses not only the act of atonement itself but also the means by which individuals partake in this salvation, such as through faith, baptism, or obedience. It also involves questions about the afterlife, including concepts like heaven, hell, purgatory, soul sleep, and annihilation.

How is sin defined within Western Christian hamartiology?

In Western Christianity, sin is described as an act of offense against God, involving the despising of God's persons and Christian biblical law, as well as causing injury to others. It is considered an evil human act that violates both human rationality and God's nature and eternal law, as famously defined by Augustine of Hippo as 'a word, deed, or desire in opposition to the eternal law of God'.

What is the concept of original sin in Christian tradition?

Christian tradition explains sin as a fundamental aspect of human existence stemming from original sin, also known as ancestral sin. This originates from the Fall of Man, initiated by Adam's rebellion in Eden by eating the forbidden fruit, leading to a state where all descendants of Adam and Eve are held accountable for this sin, inheriting a fallen nature.

What does the Protestant doctrine of total depravity assert?

Total depravity, also termed 'radical corruption' or 'pervasive depravity,' is a Protestant doctrine stating that due to the fall of man, every person born into the world is inherently enslaved to sin. Apart from God's irresistible or prevenient grace, individuals are considered utterly unable to choose to follow God, refrain from evil, or accept salvation.

How do Calvinism and Arminianism differ in their understanding of total depravity and grace?

While both Calvinism and Arminianism (including Methodists) affirm total depravity, they differ on the role of grace. Calvinism emphasizes God's irresistible grace, which effectively overcomes human resistance, while Arminianism posits prevenient grace, which enables humans to freely respond to or reject God's salvation.

What is justification in Christian theology?

Justification, in Christian theology, is God's act of removing the guilt and penalty of sin from a person and simultaneously making that person righteous through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The specific means by which justification occurs is a significant point of divergence among various Christian traditions.

How do Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant traditions generally distinguish justification and final salvation?

Catholic, Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic traditions often distinguish between initial justification, typically occurring at baptism, and final salvation, which is achieved after a lifetime of striving to do God's will, a process often referred to as theosis or divinization. In contrast, Protestant traditions often emphasize justification by faith alone as the primary means of salvation.

What is the concept of theosis or divinization in Eastern Christianity?

Theosis, or divinization, in Eastern Christian theology, is a transformative process aimed at achieving likeness to or union with God. It is understood as a synergy, or cooperation, between human activity and God's uncreated energies, leading to purification and illumination, and is considered the ultimate purpose of human life.

What is the Catholic Church's understanding of justification and its relationship to works?

The Catholic Church teaches that justification is achieved through faith that is active in charity and good works, often referred to by the Latin phrase 'fides caritate formata'. While forgiveness of sin is present, justification can be lost through mortal sin, and it is seen as a process that can be increased through cooperation with God's grace.

How do Protestants, particularly Lutherans and Reformed Christians, view justification and good works?

Protestant traditions like Lutheranism and Reformed Christianity generally hold that justification is received by faith alone ('sola fide'), without works. However, they also believe that true faith will inevitably produce good works as a natural consequence and signifier of salvation, a process often associated with sanctification.

What is the meaning of the term 'atonement' in Christian theology?

The term 'atonement' in Christian theology generally refers to humanity's reconciliation with God through the sacrificial death of Christ. Etymologically, it derives from 'at-one-ment,' signifying the restoration of harmony between God and humanity, and it is related to Hebrew terms like 'kippur' and 'kippurim,' meaning propitiation or expiation.

What are the three main vicarious atonement traditions mentioned in the Old Testament?

The Old Testament describes three traditions of vicarious atonement: the Paschal Lamb, the sacrificial system as a whole (with the Day of Atonement being central), and the concept of the suffering servant, as depicted in Isaiah. The Apocrypha also adds the idea of the righteous martyr.

What is the significance of the kerygma in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 for early Christians?

The kerygma, or core message, found in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, states that Christ died for sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day, appearing to witnesses. For Paul, 'died for our sins' provided a basis for the salvation of Gentile believers apart from the Torah, drawing on interpretations from Isaiah and 4 Maccabees.

How did early Christians understand Jesus's exaltation after his resurrection?

Soon after Jesus's death, his followers believed he was raised by God and exalted to divine status as 'Kyrios' (Lord), positioned at God's 'right hand.' This elevated status associated Jesus with God in a unique way, fostering a new devotional pattern within Jewish monotheism, driven by powerful religious experiences and scriptural interpretation.

What is the 'ransom theory of atonement,' and who were key figures associated with it?

The ransom theory of atonement posits that Christ liberated humanity from the bondage of sin and Satan by giving his life as a ransom sacrifice to Satan. Key figures associated with this theory include Irenaeus, who adapted ideas from Gnosticism, and Origen, who introduced the notion of Satan being deceived or holding legitimate rights over sinful souls.

How did Gustaf Aulén reinterpret the ransom theory with his 'Christus Victor' doctrine?

Gustaf Aulén, in his study 'Christus Victor,' reinterpreted the ransom theory, arguing that Christ's death was not a payment to the Devil but a victory that defeated the powers of evil, particularly Satan, who had held humanity in dominion. This view emphasizes Christ's triumph over sin and death.

What is the 'recapitulation theory of atonement,' and who is credited with its comprehensive expression?

The recapitulation theory, first comprehensively expressed by Irenaeus, suggests that Christ succeeded where Adam failed, undoing Adam's wrong and leading humanity to eternal life and moral perfection through his union with humankind. Theosis, or divinization, is considered a corollary of this theory.

What is Anselm of Canterbury's 'satisfaction theory of atonement'?

In the 11th century, Anselm of Canterbury proposed the satisfaction theory, depicting God as a feudal lord whose honor was offended by human sin. Christ's life and death infinitely honored God, satisfying the debt owed to divine honor and thus averting punishment for humanity.

How did the 'penal substitution' theory of atonement emerge and what does it propose?

The penal substitution theory emerged in the 16th century during the Protestant Reformation as a reinterpretation of Anselm's satisfaction theory within a legal framework. It proposes that Christ, as a substitute for humanity, takes the penalty for people's sins, thereby saving them from God's wrath against sin.

What is the 'governmental theory of atonement'?

The governmental theory of atonement teaches that Christ's suffering allows God to forgive humans while still upholding divine justice and order. This perspective is traditionally associated with Arminian circles and draws heavily from the works of Hugo Grotius.

Who developed the 'moral influence theory of atonement,' and what is its central idea?

The 'moral influence theory of atonement' was notably propagated by Peter Abelard as an alternative to Anselm's satisfaction theory. Its central idea is that Jesus's death serves as a demonstration of God's love, which in turn changes human hearts and minds, turning sinners back to God.

What is the 'moral example theory' of atonement, and who is associated with it?

The 'moral example theory' of atonement, developed by Faustus Socinus, suggests that Jesus's death provides a perfect example of self-sacrificial dedication to God. While related to the moral influence theory, it specifically emphasizes Christ's life as a model for how believers should live.

How does Eastern Orthodox theology understand expiation and the goal of salvation?

Eastern Orthodox theology views expiation not as appeasing an angry God, but as an act of offering that makes one acceptable to God and enables closeness. The goal of salvation is theosis, where humans become divinely transfigured and fully human as intended by their Creator, becoming 'gods in their energies or operations but not in their essence'.

What is the Catholic Church's view on the fate of the universe in relation to salvation?

The Catholic Church teaches that salvation is intended for the entire creation, not just humans and angels. The universe's salvation, its freedom from evil and filling with good, is predestined to occur at the Last Judgment through deification, where all creation (except demons and the damned) will share in God's perfection and happiness.

What are the five 'solas' of the Protestant Reformation concerning salvation?

The five 'solas' of the Protestant Reformation declare that justification is attained by grace alone ('sola gratia'), through Christ alone ('solus Christus'), by faith alone ('sola fide'), according to Scripture alone ('sola scriptura'), and all for the glory of God alone ('soli Deo gloria').

How does Lutheran theology describe the relationship between faith, justification, and good works?

Lutheran theology holds that justification is a free gift received through faith alone ('sola fide'), not through human works. However, true faith is seen as active and thankful, leading to sanctification and good works as a necessary consequence and evidence of salvation.

What are the core tenets of Reformed (Calvinist) theology regarding salvation, often summarized by TULIP?

The core tenets of Reformed theology, summarized by the acronym TULIP, are: Total Depravity (humanity's inability to save itself), Unconditional Election (God's sovereign choice of the elect), Limited Atonement (Christ's atonement intended for the elect), Irresistible Grace (God's saving grace cannot be resisted by the elect), and Perseverance of the Saints (the elect will remain in faith until the end).

What is the Arminian view on election and the possibility of losing salvation?

Arminian theology, including that of Methodists, posits conditional election, meaning God elects those whom He foresees will have faith. They also teach that salvation is conditional upon continued faith in Christ, and thus, a person can potentially lose their salvation through persistent unbelief or apostasy.

What is the Methodist emphasis on justification and sanctification?

Methodism affirms justification by faith, but defines justification primarily as 'pardon' or forgiveness of sins. The process of being made truly righteous and holy, known as sanctification, is seen as a subsequent work of the Holy Spirit, essential for salvation and achieved through a life of faith, obedience, and good works.

What is the Anabaptist understanding of 'faith that works' in relation to salvation?

Anabaptist theology emphasizes 'faith that works,' teaching that justification is a dynamic process where believers partake in Christ's nature and are enabled to live increasingly like Jesus. True faith, for Anabaptists, must lead to repentance and a transformed life, expressing itself through communal relationships and obedience to Christ's teachings.

What are the key requirements for salvation according to Oneness Pentecostalism?

Oneness Pentecostals believe salvation is attained through faith in Jesus Christ, which includes more than just mental assent. It requires obedience demonstrated by repentance, water baptism in Jesus's name, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues.

How do Churches of Christ understand the relationship between faith, baptism, and salvation?

Churches of Christ generally hold an anti-Calvinist view, presenting conversion as obedience to the gospel facts rather than an emotional, Spirit-initiated event. They believe faith and repentance are necessary, and while Christ's grace cleanses sins, baptism is understood as a confessional expression of faith and repentance, not an inherently redeeming ritual.

What is the core belief of Free Grace Theology regarding salvation?

Free Grace Theology asserts that salvation is accomplished solely by God's grace through faith alone in Jesus Christ, without any requirement for good works, either for initial salvation or as evidence of it. While believers are encouraged to live good lives as a testimony, this does not affect their eternal security, as they believe salvation cannot be lost.

What is Christian universalism?

Christian universalism is the doctrine or belief that all people will ultimately be reconciled to God. This view may include the possibility of finite punishment or purgatory-like states but generally rejects the idea of endless conscious torment in hell or the annihilation of souls.

What is the Jehovah's Witnesses' understanding of salvation and the role of Jesus's sacrifice?

Jehovah's Witnesses believe salvation is achieved through Jesus Christ's ransom sacrifice, viewing him as the 'second Adam' who undid Adamic sin. Salvation requires repentance, calling on God's name through Jesus, obedience to Christ as King, and good works, such as baptism and evangelizing, which demonstrate genuine faith.

How does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints view the atonement and salvation?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that Jesus Christ's atonement is infinite and central to the 'plan of salvation.' They distinguish between unconditional salvation (resurrection for all) and conditional salvation (highest heaven for the righteous who obey covenants and ordinances), with baptism being required for accountable individuals.

What is the 'classic paradigm' of atonement theories, and what are its main components?

The classic paradigm, developed by the Church Fathers, includes theories like the Ransom theory, Christus Victor, and Recapitulation. These theories generally view Christ's death as a means to liberate humanity from sin, death, and demonic powers, or to restore humanity to its original state.

What is the 'objective paradigm' of atonement theories, and what are its key examples?

The objective paradigm of atonement theories focuses on the objective accomplishment of Christ's work in satisfying divine requirements. Key examples include Anselm's Satisfaction theory, where Christ repays a debt to God's honor, and Penal Substitution, where Christ takes the punishment for human sin.

What is the 'subjective paradigm' of atonement theories, and what is its primary focus?

The subjective paradigm of atonement theories emphasizes the effect of Christ's work on human consciousness and perception. Theories like Moral Influence and Moral Example focus on how Christ's death demonstrates God's love or provides a moral example, thereby changing human hearts and inspiring repentance.

How does the concept of 'pistis Christou' relate to differing interpretations of Paul's writings on salvation?

The phrase 'pistis Christou' (pistis Christou) can be translated as 'faith in Christ' (traditional interpretation) or 'faithfulness of Christ.' This ambiguity has led to different interpretations of Paul's writings, with some scholars suggesting Paul emphasized Christ's faithfulness as the means of justification and salvation, rather than solely human faith in Christ.

What is the significance of Jesus's death being described as a 'ransom for many' in the Gospels?

The description of Jesus giving his life as a 'ransom for many' in the Gospels highlights the sacrificial aspect of his death. This concept, along with comparisons to the Passover Lamb, suggests that Jesus's death served to liberate humanity from sin and its consequences, akin to a price paid for freedom.

How did the Council of Trent formally define the Catholic view of Christ's redemptive work?

The Council of Trent formally stated that Jesus merited the grace of justification, which involves not only the remission of sin but also the infusion of the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity. This state of grace can be maintained or lost through a person's actions and choices.

What is the Catholic understanding of cooperation with grace in achieving salvation?

While initial justification is seen as solely merited by Christ's sacrifice, the Catholic Church teaches that a justified Christian can merit an increase in justification and attain eternal life by cooperating with God's grace. This cooperation involves actively living out one's faith and adhering to God's will.

What are the 'five points of Calvinism' (TULIP) and how do they relate to salvation?

The five points of Calvinism, summarized by TULIP, outline a specific view of salvation: Total Depravity (human inability), Unconditional Election (God's sovereign choice), Limited Atonement (Christ died for the elect), Irresistible Grace (the elect cannot resist God's saving grace), and Perseverance of the Saints (the elect will remain saved). These points collectively describe a monergistic view of salvation, where God alone is the primary actor.

How does Lutheranism view the role of the Holy Spirit in conversion and sanctification?

Lutheranism teaches that conversion and faith are solely the work of the Holy Spirit, created through the Word and Baptism. While faith is the instrument that receives salvation, it is God's gift. The Holy Spirit then works within the believer to renew them and empower them for good works through sanctification.

What is the concept of 'synergism' in Arminian theology, particularly in relation to salvation?

In Arminian theology, synergism refers to the cooperation between divine grace and human free will in the process of salvation. While God initiates salvation through prevenient grace, enabling a person to respond, the individual's free choice to accept or reject this grace is considered essential for the completion of their salvation.

What is the 'New Birth' in Holiness Pentecostalism?

In Holiness Pentecostalism, the 'New Birth' refers to the experience of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Those who undergo the New Birth are encouraged to seek a 'second work of grace,' known as entire sanctification, which involves a deeper purification and empowerment by the Holy Spirit.

What is the significance of baptism in the theology of Churches of Christ?

For Churches of Christ, baptism is understood not as a work that earns salvation, but as a confessional expression of faith and repentance. It is the point at which an individual is incorporated into Christ and becomes a child of God, signifying a commitment to obedience and a transformed life.

How does Free Grace theology view the relationship between salvation, faith, and works?

Free Grace theology emphasizes that salvation is received solely through faith in Jesus Christ, by God's grace alone, and is not dependent on any works. While good works are encouraged as a testimony and to please God, they are seen as a consequence of salvation, not a requirement for it, and salvation is considered eternally secure.

What is the 'problem of Hell' in relation to Christian universalism?

Christian universalism often arises from grappling with the 'problem of Hell,' which questions the compatibility of endless conscious torment with the concept of a loving and just God. Universalists may propose that any punishment in hell is finite and corrective, ultimately leading to universal reconciliation with God.

Salvation In Christianity Wiki: The Divine Rescue: A Comprehensive Exploration of Christian Salvation

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The Essence of Salvation

Definition and Scope

In Christian theology, salvation, also referred to as deliverance or redemption, signifies the saving of human beings from sin and its ultimate consequence: separation from God. This salvation is achieved through the sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection of Jesus Christ, encompassing the justification that arises from this redemptive act.^[a]^[1]

The concept extends beyond the atonement itself to encompass the means by which individuals partake in this salvation—whether through faith, baptism, or obedience. It also addresses the scope of salvation, considering whether it is primarily individual or universal, and touches upon eschatological questions concerning the afterlife, including heaven, hell, purgatory, soul sleep, and annihilation.^[2]^[3]^[4]

Partaking and Afterlife

Central to Christian soteriology are the mechanisms through which salvation is received. Debates persist regarding the roles of faith, baptism, and adherence to divine commands in this process. Furthermore, differing views exist on whether salvation is exclusively for individuals who consciously accept Christ or if it extends universally. These discussions are intrinsically linked to beliefs about the afterlife, encompassing concepts such as heaven, hell, purgatory, soul sleep, and annihilation.^[2]

The fundamental divergences among Christian denominations often stem from their distinct interpretations of sin, depravity, justification, and the nature of atonement.^[5]

Understanding Sin

Christian Hamartiology

In Western Christian thought, sin (hamartiology) is understood as an act of offense against God. This offense occurs through despising God's person and violating His biblical law, often resulting in harm to others. Sin is characterized as an evil human act that transgresses the rational nature of humanity and the eternal law of God. Augustine of Hippo defined sin as "a word, deed, or desire in opposition to the eternal law of God."^[6]

Original Sin and Depravity

Christian tradition explains sin as an inherent aspect of human existence, originating from the "fall of man" initiated by Adam's disobedience in Eden. This concept, known as original sin or ancestral sin, implies that humanity inherited a fallen nature. Paul's epistles, particularly Romans 5:12-19, and Augustine's interpretation, emphasize this inherited sinfulness, suggesting that all descendants of Adam and Eve are held accountable for his rebellion, thereby deserving God's wrath apart from their personal transgressions.^[d]^[7]^[8]^[9]

Total depravity, a related Protestant doctrine, posits that due to the fall, every person is enslaved to sin by their inherent nature. Without divine grace, individuals are considered utterly unable to choose God, refrain from evil, or accept salvation. This doctrine affects every part of a person's being, not necessarily implying maximum evil, but rather a pervasive corruption of the natural state.^[10]^[11]^[12]^[13]^[14]^[15]^[16]^[17]^[18]

The Act of Justification

Defining Justification

In Christian theology, justification is understood as God's act of removing the guilt and penalty associated with sin, while simultaneously declaring a sinner righteous through the atoning sacrifice of Christ. The precise means by which justification occurs is a significant point of divergence among Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant traditions, representing a key theological distinction since the Reformation.^[17]^[18]^[e]

Eastern and Catholic Perspectives

Eastern Orthodox and Catholic traditions often distinguish between initial justification, typically occurring at baptism, and final salvation, achieved through a lifelong endeavor to align with God's will. This process, known as theosis or divinization, aims for likeness to or union with God. It is seen as a transformative journey facilitated by purification (catharsis) and illumination (theoria), requiring a synergy between human effort and divine grace.^[19]^[20]^[21]^[22] Catholicism views justification as an infusion of faith, hope, and charity, which can be lost through mortal sin, necessitating cooperation with grace for continued salvation.^[24]^{[web 3]}

Protestant Interpretations

Protestant theology generally holds that righteousness is imputed to the sinner, with sin being merely "covered." Justification is achieved through faith alone (sola fide), without reliance on works. While works are not the basis for salvation, they are considered a necessary consequence and evidence of true faith. Lutherans and Anglicans believe justification can be lost through loss of faith or mortal sin, whereas the Reformed tradition emphasizes the perseverance of the saints.^[18]^[25]^[26]

Theories of Atonement

Biblical Foundations

The concept of atonement is rooted in Old Testament Hebrew terms like kippur and kippurim, signifying "propitiation" or "expiation." The English word "atonement" itself derives from "at-one-ment," reflecting the restoration of harmony with God.^[f]^[g]^{[web 4]}^[27]^[28]^[29]^[30]

In the Old Testament, reconciliation with God was achieved through divine appointment of sacrificial systems, particularly the Day of Atonement, and prophetic visions of a new covenant. Key metaphors include the Paschal Lamb, the sacrificial system as a whole, and the suffering servant described in Isaiah.^[k]^[41]^[30] The Old Testament Apocrypha also introduces the concept of the righteous martyr.^[41]^[30]

Historical Paradigms

Theological understanding of Christ's death and resurrection has evolved through various theories. These are often categorized into three main paradigms:

Classic Paradigm: Encompasses early Church Father interpretations, including Ransom theory (Christ liberating humanity from Satan) and Recapitulation theory (Christ succeeding where Adam failed).^[37]^[38]^[30]
Objective Paradigm: Focuses on legal and satisfactional aspects, including Satisfaction theory (Christ satisfying God's honor) and Penal Substitution (Christ taking the penalty for sin).^[37]^[38]
Subjective Paradigm: Emphasizes the impact on human consciousness, such as Moral Influence theory (Christ's death demonstrating God's love) and Moral Example theory (Christ's life as a model).^[37]^[38]

These paradigms, while distinct, are sometimes seen as complementary, offering different facets of Christ's redemptive work.^{[web 21]}

Key Theories Explained

Ransom Theory: Christ's death serves as a ransom paid to Satan, liberating humanity from sin and death. Early proponents like Irenaeus and Origen viewed this as a victory over evil.^[90]^[91]

Recapitulation Theory: Christ, by uniting humanity with Himself, re-enacts and perfects human life, undoing Adam's failure and leading humanity to eternal life and divinization (theosis).^[99]^[98]

Satisfaction Theory: Proposed by Anselm, this view sees Christ's death as satisfying God's offended honor, paying a debt humanity could not.^[103]

Penal Substitution: A Reformation development, this theory posits Christ as a substitute, bearing the divine punishment for humanity's sins to avert God's wrath.^[104]

Moral Influence Theory: Developed by Abelard, this perspective emphasizes Christ's death as a demonstration of God's love, transforming human hearts and minds.^[109]^[110]

Moral Example Theory: Associated with Socinus, this view highlights Christ's death as providing a perfect example of dedication to God.^[114]

Eastern Christian Perspectives

Theosis and Divine Life

Eastern Christian theology, particularly within Orthodox traditions, emphasizes the theosis or divinization of humanity. This view, rooted in the recapitulation theory, sees Christ's death as a ransom that restores humanity's relationship with God. The ultimate aim is for believers to participate in the divine nature, becoming what God intended them to be—fully human and conformed to the image of Christ.^[134]^[135]

Expiation, in the Eastern view, is an act of offering that changes the one making the offering, enabling closeness to God. Christ's sacrifice is understood not as appeasing an angry God, but as defeating sin and death, thereby facilitating human transfiguration and the recovery of divine likeness.^[134]^[135] Oriental Orthodox traditions share this emphasis but distinguish their concept of deification from the more absolute claims of Palamism, maintaining that humans become deified to the extent permitted by their nature, without becoming consubstantial with God.^[136]^[137]

Catholic Understanding of Salvation

Sacrifice and Reconciliation

The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus's death on the Cross is a salvific sacrifice that redeems and reconciles humanity to God. This sacrifice is viewed as a dual act: a gift from the Father who gave His Son for sinners, and the Son's voluntary offering of His life through the Holy Spirit to atone for human disobedience.^{[web 26]}

Catholic theology often delineates salvation into justification (related to infused faith and the satisfaction of justice) and sanctification (related to infused charity and the capacity for beatific vision). While initial justification is solely Christ's work, Catholics believe justified individuals can merit an increase in grace and eternal life through cooperation with God's grace.^[139]^[140]^[141]^{[web 26]}

Tridentine Definition and Cooperation

The Council of Trent formally articulated the Catholic view, defining justification as not merely the remission of sin but also the infusion of faith, hope, and charity. This state of grace can be lost through mortal sin. The process involves a synergy between divine grace and human free will, particularly in the ongoing journey of sanctification.^[148]

The Church teaches that salvation is communal, with individual salvation intertwined with that of others.^[142] The ultimate end of divinization is the beatific vision, where believers will see God's essence, a state that encompasses both the soul and the resurrected, deified body.^{[web 27]}^{[web 28]}

Fate of the Dead

Catholic doctrine outlines specific destinations for souls after death based on their state at the moment of passing:

Fate of the dead in Catholicism
If one dies in	Then one goes to	For a duration of
1. Final impenitence (with or without original sin)	Hell	Eternity
2. Original sin only (unbaptized)	Limbo (historically, though debated) / Hell	Eternity
3. Repentant sin (mortal or venial)	Purgatory	Temporary, before proceeding to Heaven
4. No sin, but temporary punishment due	Purgatory	Temporary, before proceeding to Heaven
5. No sin and no punishment	Heaven	Eternity

The Church does not definitively state the number of people who go to heaven or hell, nor does it adhere to double predestination or universalism.^[152]

Protestant Views on Salvation

The Five Solas

Protestantism, broadly defined by the five solas of the Reformation, emphasizes justification by grace alone, through Christ alone, by faith alone, for the glory of God alone, as revealed in Scripture alone. Justifying grace is seen as God's initiative, not earned by human rituals, works, asceticism, or meditation.^[201]

Magisterial Protestants (Lutherans, Anglicans, Reformed) believe justification is by grace alone, with good works following as a necessary consequence and signifier of salvation (sanctification).^[18]

Calvinism and Arminianism

Calvinism emphasizes predestination and the doctrines summarized by TULIP: Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints.^[221]^{[web 32]}^{[web 33]}^{[web 34]}^[222]

Arminianism, conversely, posits conditional election, unlimited atonement, total depravity (enabled by prevenient grace), resistible grace, and the possibility of apostasy (conditional preservation of the saints).^[236]^[237]^[238]^[239]^[240]^[241]^[242]^[243]

Lutheranism and Methodism

Lutheranism teaches justification for all through Christ's death, received by faith alone. While sanctification follows faith, salvation can be forfeited through loss of faith or mortal sin.^{[web 30]}^[196]^[197]^[198]^[199]^[200]

Methodism, while affirming substitutionary atonement, also highlights participation, moral influence, and the pursuit of holiness. Justification is seen as pardon, with sanctification being the process of becoming righteous, which is conditional on continued faith and obedience.^[224]^[225]^{[web 35]}^{[web 36]}^[226]^[203]

Anabaptism and Free Grace

Anabaptist theology emphasizes a "faith that works," viewing justification as a dynamic process of partaking in Christ's nature and living increasingly like Him.^[229]^[230]^[205]

Free Grace theology, often held by Independent Baptists, strongly asserts that salvation is accomplished by faith alone, irrespective of any subsequent works.

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References

Definition of salvation in Christianity: Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed. 1989: "The saving of the soul; the deliverance from sin and its consequences"

×××¤××¨ \ ×Ö´Ö¼×¤Ö¼×Ö¼×¨, kipÃºr (male, singular)

Romans 5:12â19

Bavinck 2006, pp. 75â125: detail the historical development of hamartiology, including Pelagius's position and the mediating positions

Arminius, James The Writings of James Arminius (three vols.), tr. James Nichols and W. R. Bagnall (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker, 1956), I:252.

Matthew George Easton, 'Atonement' in Illustrated Bible Dictionary (T. Nelson & Sons, 1897).

4 Maccabees 6

1 Corinthians 15:3â8

Isaiah 53:4â11

4 Maccabees 6:28â29

Isaiah 53

Hosea 6:1â2

2 Kings 20:8

2 Corinthians 5:14

Hultgren 2011, p. Appendix 3: "Pistis Christou: Faith in or of Christ?".

Luke 4:16â22

Isaiah 53

Matthew 8:16â18

Bethune-Baker 1903, p. 334: Just as mankind in Adam lost its birthright, so in Christ mankind recovers its original condition

Table drawn from, though not copied, from Lange, Lyle W. God So Loved the World: A Study of Christian Doctrine. Milwaukee: Northwestern Publishing House, 2006. p. 448.

Melton, J.G., Encyclopedia of Protestantism, p229, on Formula of Concord, "the 12 articles of the formula focused on a number of newer issues such as original sin (in which total depravity is affirmed)"

The Book of Concord: The Confessions of the Lutheran Church, XI. Election. "Predestination" means "God's ordination to salvation".

Monergism; thefreedictionary.com

The Westminster Confession of Faith, Ch XVII, "Of the Perseverance of the Saints".

Ps 51:10

Titus 3:5

Eph 2:8

"The Watchtower 1973, page 724" â "Declaration and resolution", The Watchtower, December 1, 1973, page 724.

The Watchtower, March 15, 1989, p. 31 Call on Jehovahâs Name and Get Away Safe! âThe Way of Salvationâ

"James Urges Clean and Active Worship", The Watchtower 3/1/83 p. 13, "Faith that does not prompt us to do good works is not genuine and will not result in our salvation."

Jewish Encyclopedia, SIN

Jeewish Virtual Library, Jewish Practices & Rituals: Sacrifices and Offerings (Karbanot)

Jewish Encyclopedia (1906), ATONEMENT

Jordan Cooper, E.P. Sanders and the New Perspective on Paul

ADAM â jw.org. Retrieved January 10, 2013.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Salvation in Christianity Wikipedia page

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The Essence of Salvation

Definition and Scope

Partaking and Afterlife

Understanding Sin

Christian Hamartiology

Original Sin and Depravity

The Act of Justification

Defining Justification

Eastern and Catholic Perspectives

Protestant Interpretations

Theories of Atonement

Biblical Foundations

Historical Paradigms

Key Theories Explained

Eastern Christian Perspectives

Theosis and Divine Life

Catholic Understanding of Salvation

Sacrifice and Reconciliation

Tridentine Definition and Cooperation

Fate of the Dead

Protestant Views on Salvation

The Five Solas

Calvinism and Arminianism

Lutheranism and Methodism

Anabaptism and Free Grace

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References

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