Important theological terms for the beginners - Part III || Salvation Perspectives || 2025 || Equipping Young Generation in Theology and Apologetics

 

1) Calvinism: In a system of theology which deals with how salvation works in regard to God's sovereignty and human free will, Calvinism attributes work of salvation solely on God's sovereignty. It can be summarized in an acronym: TULIP

where

T = Total depravity i.e. Mankind is totally deprived of accessing back to God because they are dead in sin and cannot respond.

U = Unconditional election i.e. God chooses some peoples for salvation without any conditions applied but merely His choice.

L = Limited atonement i.e. Jesus died for those whom God elect.

I = Irresistible Grace i.e. those who were already elect, they have no option to resist God's grace.

P = Perseverance of saints i.e. God will keep his elects eternally secure

 

Calvinism was propounded by a reformer John Calvin. Today, this system of theology is well known by label "predestination" and otherwise "Once Saved, Always Saved". They focus on the role of Holy Spirit in regeneration of an individual in order to enable them to accept the Gospel. However, there are various differing views itself within Calvinism regarding how God carries out his salvation plan and order of salvation.

 

2) Arminianism: It is just opposite to Calvinism. Its proponents believe that salvation is work of God and human co-operation. They focus on free will and God electing peoples on basis of his foreknowledge. Not all of them believe in potentiality in Losing of salvation. Most Pentecostal and even some Baptist churches hold this theology.

 

3) Free will: It is God given ability of making choices and decisions. Apart from other aspect of Christian living, its role in salvation is very disputed. This has become one of the most difficult and even to some extent a controversial topic in churches not just in regard to salvation but also origin of sin and the way it should properly be understood. Some argue we only have free will to rebel against God while other argue there cannot be true love and being responsible without it. Arminianism theology consider Free will has vital role in one's salvation and the way we live has severe consequences in our salvation while Calvinism theology rejects this idea. Hence, it has been a topic of much debate and ambiguity today in Christian circle.

 

4) Predestination: This is also widely confused issue. Although the scripture does have explicit teaching on predestination, the actual meaning of the word has been a subject of much controversy. Usually, predestination has been widely understood as God electing certain peoples for eternal life.

 

5) Apostasy: It is a deliberate act of leaving the faith. A common term we usually hear is backslide. It is miserable condition of falling away from God. For Calvinism theology, this cannot happen otherwise the fallen individual isn't consider as a genuine believer at first place.

 

6) Reprobate: Those who aren't chosen by God for the eternal life in Christ. In a layman language it can be said as those who are non-elect.

 

7) Elect: Much debated term but usually understood as God chosen peoples for eternal life. Only these peoples respond to God's calling and receive his grace for salvation in Christ.

 

8) Regeneration: It can be understood as "being born again". It is a stage in which an individual turns to a newly redeemed creation by grace through faith in Christ. However, its order in relationship to our faith is of uncertainty. Some think regeneration comes before faith. One has to be regenerated first by intervention of Holy Spirit and then they can accept the Gospel to receive salvation. Meanwhile others think that faith in the Gospel leads to regeneration. whatever be the case, it is merely becoming a new man in Christ.

 

9) justification: It is the first stage of salvation process in which penalty of sin is removed. We are declared righteous before God because of our faith in Christ. We are justified before God. This is actually the stage when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

 

10) Sanctification: This is second stage in which power of sin is removed. Holy spirit indwells our life and help us to fight sin and grow in image of Christ. This is life long process of great struggle with sin. It is renewal of mind, soul and emotions.

 

11) glorification: This is the final stage in which presence of sin is removed. This stage immediately occur after Christ's return. We are indeed awaiting this moment. This is the phase when our earthly body also gets resurrected and turned to glorious form.

[What does AI have to say on this?

I've reviewed the theological content provided. It offers a solid introduction to key theological concepts, particularly focusing on different views of salvation.

Assessment for beginners:

• Provides clear definitions of major theological systems (Calvinism, Arminianism)
• Explains important theological terms (predestination, free will, apostasy, etc.)
• Outlines the salvation process (justification, sanctification, glorification)

The content is useful for beginners, though some concepts could be explained with more examples or simplified further.]

Stay tuned for more terms...