Short Essay Assignment
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School
Dallas Theological Seminary *
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Course
5104
Subject
Religion
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
Pages
3
Uploaded by DrHeatOyster18
1.
Describe the way of salvation, the place of faith, and the role of sacrifices under the
Old Testament economy.
The way of salvation has always by grace alone through faith alone. God chose to extend
his grace to the people in the Old Testament and they would respond through faith. The
place of faith was there as the people in the Old Testament chose to put their trust in
God to deliver them and save them from their sin and destruction.
The role of sacrifices were placed as a means to atone for the sin of the people. It also
illustrated the severity of sin because sacrifices had to be done often and allowed the
people to demonstrate obedience through faith in God by offering these sacrifices.
Ultimately, it foreshadowed the one true sacrificial Lamb on the cross.
2.
Defend your view of substitutionary atonement, and provide biblical support. Contrast
your view to at least two other substitutionary models of the atonement.
Christ died for us on the cross as a substitutionary atonement. We were meant to be the
ones going through death but Christ substituted that for us. Romans 8:32 clearly states
that the Father
gave
him up for us all.
The Ransom Theory states that Satan has held the world and its people captive and the
price of the ransom was paid through the sacrifice of Christ. It is true that Satan walks
and rules the earth but he is still under the bounds of God ultimately. Moreover, it was
not just a price to be paid as we would all have to face fiery judgment in the end, but
Christ died as a substitute in our place.
The
Christus Victor
model shows Christ’s victory over sin and death. Thus, death no
longer has power over us. This model shows the victory we find in Christ’s death and
resurrection as a sacrifice for us but does not fully exemplify the personal grace and love
extended to each and every person on earth.
3.
Discuss your view of the relationship between faith and repentance. Include biblical
support for your position.
The relationship between faith and repentance is that they are both a gift from God.
Repentance is the change of mind and heart about Christ and our own sin. Faith is what
follows in allowing Christ to be the
Lord and Savior of one’s life, walking in a new
direction and new light, and it is the only way to receive salvation. 2 Corinthians 5:17
says we are a new creation, the old has gone and the new has come. It is by repentance
in acknowledging our past and faith in acknowledging the present and the future to
come by walking in Christ.
4.
What is the meaning of justification? Provide biblical support for your position. How
does the Protestant understanding of that concept compare with the Roman Catholic
model?
Justification is the act of declaring a sinner righteous and free of guilt. Romans 5:1 says
we have been justified by faith and have peace with Christ. The Protestant concept of
justification states that it is a point in time, the moment when our lips declare that Christ
is our Lord and Savior, we are justified. Sanctification follows after the justification to be
more and more like Christ. The Roman Catholic concept is that justification is a lifelong
process through sacraments starting at baptism. It is more of works-based salvation and
not truly knowing if you will be saved.
5.
How would you describe the relationship between the sovereignty of God and the
responsibility of humans in salvation? Compare your view to both the Calvinistic and
Arminian models. Be sure to include biblical support for your position.
The relationship between the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of humans in
salvation is that there will always exist the tension of the foreknowledge of God and the
free will of humanity. The Calvinist side states that there are elect that God has chosen
who will be saved no matter what because he is sovereign over everything. At the same
time, I do believe there is the aspect of free will of humanity in choosing God. He still
gives people the faith and heart of repentance when they hear the gospel. So I would say
I am more on the Armenian side in terms of God’s
foreknowledge of those who will
believe in him through faith because Christ died for all
of
humankind (John 3:16).
6.
From your perspective, what are the best arguments for eternal security? Give three
arguments and provide biblical support.
Firstly, John 10:28 states that Jesus gives us eternal life and no one can snatch them out
of my hand. This verse shows the nature of once saved, always saved doctrine.
Secondly, when we declare our faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit indwells and regenerates
us. We are sealed with the promised Holy Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing inheritance
(Ephesians 1).
Thirdly, God begins a work in us and will complete it because his work is effectual and
his grace accomplishes what he started (Philippians 1:6).
7-8. Define pluralism, inclusivism, and exclusivism, and identify at least one biblical argument
for each. Refute the arguments for the positions you do not hold, and offer Scriptural support
for the position you favor.
Pluralism is defined as the belief that there are many paths to the truth about God and to
receive salvation. However, John 14:6 clearly states that there is only one way and one
path through Jesus Christ, so I do not believe pluralism is accurate.
Inclusivism is defined as the belief that salvation is found only through the work of
Christ. However, one can be saved apart from the knowledge of the gospel in
responding to the revelation revealed to them. Romans 1 talks about everyone knowing
about God and a sense of obligation to him.
The position which I favor is exclusivism, which is defined as the belief that salvation is
found only by repenting and declaring faith in Christ Jesus. This means that other
religions are excluded and that Jesus is the only way to salvation. (Acts 4:12). That is why
our mission here on earth is to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth and make
disciples of all nations.
9. Tweet the gospel (using 140 characters, explain the gospel to a person who has limited
understanding of the biblical story).
In a world filled with sin and evil, Christ came to redeem us through his death and
resurrection so that we can have eternal life.
10. CASE STUDY: You are a member of a Christian community where you have some spiritual
oversight or influence over people. You may not be in a leadership position but the members
of the community look to you for insight and influence. A member of the community makes
the following statement publicly to your community group. And then defends it. (In other
words, this is not a misstatement or off the cuff remark; it is
part of the prepared “sermon”
and is emphasized in the message.)
How will you respond?“God has done 95%
of the work for
our salvation. He has left 5% for us to do. We must obey.”
God has done 100% of the work for us through the death and resurrection of Christ. There is no
“work” involved on our part to obtain the salvation which has been given freely to us. We can do
nothing to earn this gift of grace from God. Ephesians 2:8-10 should be quoted to remind him
that is not of ourselves that we can boast about our salvation.
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