Theories of salvation

(Originally written March 22, 2006 in 3 Subject)

Historic Christian Thought

1. Expiation - "removal of sin"

Scapegoat (Leviticus 16)
-Israel's sin 'laid upon' the goat
-No blood
-The goat 'scapes' - escapes
-The guilt of sin is removed

Romans 3:25 RSV 'expiation' translates from the Greek "hilasterion"

2. Propitiation

Propitiation - "to appease" another's anger

-Divine wrath against sin is propitiated by Christ's sacrificial death
-Sacrificial goat (Leviticus 16), blood sacrifice

Romans 3:25 is translated as propitiation from the Greek "hilasterion"

Through faith in Christ's blood.

Blood is a penal sacrifice

Hilasterion is the Old Testament 'mercy seat' in the Septuagint

3. Redemption via Ransom

Mark 10:45 - "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many"

The question is, a ransom to whom?
-The Devil? (Christus Victor theory)
-The Law of God?
-The Wages of Sin?
-No one in particular?

The redemption is both present and future

4. Reconciliation

2 Corinthians 5:14-21

Restoration of fellowship with God means the death of Christ and subsequent resurrection
Fellowship with God is an objective reality of God
Reconciliation is God's great goal