Christian theology explores the core beliefs of the faith, focusing on Jesus Christ's nature and role in salvation. It examines concepts like the Trinity, incarnation, and atonement, which form the foundation of Christian understanding.

The study delves into soteriology, discussing how people are saved through faith and grace. It also covers sin's impact on humanity and eschatology, addressing the ultimate fate of individuals and the world in God's plan.

Christology

The Nature and Identity of Jesus Christ

• Incarnation refers to the belief that Jesus Christ is both fully divine and fully human, the Word of God made flesh who took on human nature while retaining his divine nature
• The doctrine of the Trinity holds that there is one God who exists in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit, each fully divine yet distinct from one another
• Christology is the study of the person, nature, and work of Jesus Christ, exploring his identity as the Son of God, his humanity, and his role in salvation history
• The Resurrection is the belief that Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion, demonstrating his power over death and confirming his identity as the Son of God (empty tomb, appearances to disciples)

The Significance of Christ's Life and Ministry

• Jesus' teachings, as recorded in the Gospels, provide the foundation for Christian ethics and spirituality, emphasizing love, forgiveness, and service to others (Sermon on the Mount, parables)
• Christ's miracles, such as healing the sick and raising the dead, are seen as signs of his divine power and authority, as well as demonstrations of God's love and compassion for humanity
• The crucifixion of Jesus is understood as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity, through which Christ took upon himself the consequences of human sin and offered redemption
• The Ascension of Jesus, 40 days after his Resurrection, marks his return to the Father and his exaltation as Lord and Savior, where he intercedes on behalf of believers

Soteriology

The Process and Means of Salvation

• Salvation in Christianity refers to the deliverance from sin and its consequences, made possible through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ
• Grace is the unmerited favor and love of God towards humanity, which enables salvation and spiritual growth, emphasizing that salvation is a gift from God rather than something earned through human efforts
• Atonement describes the reconciliation between God and humanity made possible through Christ's sacrificial death on the cross, which pays the debt of sin and restores the broken relationship between Creator and creation
• Soteriology is the study of the doctrine of salvation, examining the nature of sin, the work of Christ in providing redemption, and the application of salvation to the lives of believers

The Role of Faith and Works in Salvation

• Justification is the act of God declaring a sinner righteous on the basis of faith in Christ, not by their own works or merits, as exemplified in the teachings of the Apostle Paul (Romans, Galatians)
• Sanctification refers to the ongoing process of spiritual growth and transformation in the life of a believer, as they are gradually conformed to the image of Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit
• While some Christian traditions emphasize faith alone (sola fide) as the means of salvation, others stress the importance of good works as evidence of genuine faith and as a response to God's grace (James 2:14-26)
• The relationship between faith and works in salvation has been a point of debate and division throughout Christian history, with different traditions placing varying degrees of emphasis on each aspect

Sin and Eschatology

The Nature and Consequences of Sin

• Original Sin is the doctrine that all humans inherit a fallen, sinful nature from the first man, Adam, and are thus born in a state of separation from God and in need of salvation
• Sin is understood as any thought, word, or action that violates God's holy character and righteous standards, resulting in a broken relationship with God and the need for redemption (pride, selfishness, idolatry)
• The consequences of sin are seen as pervasive, affecting not only individuals but also society and the entire created order, leading to suffering, death, and eternal separation from God

The Last Things and the Fulfillment of God's Plan

• Eschatology is the study of the "last things," dealing with the ultimate destiny of individual souls and the consummation of God's plan for creation, including topics such as death, judgment, heaven, and hell
• Christian eschatology anticipates the Second Coming of Christ, when he will return in glory to judge the living and the dead, and to establish his eternal kingdom (Parousia, Millennial Kingdom)
• The Resurrection of the Dead is the belief that at Christ's return, all the dead will be raised, the righteous to eternal life and the unrighteous to eternal punishment (1 Corinthians 15)
• The New Heavens and New Earth describe the final state of the redeemed creation, where sin and its effects are banished, and believers enjoy perfect fellowship with God in a renewed and glorified universe (Revelation 21-22)