Welcome to Our Introduction to Theology Part Two: Soteriology in Christianity Homeschool Curriculum

Course Sample for Our Introduction to Theology Part Two: Soteriology in Christianity Homeschool Bible Course

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Introduction to Soteriology: The Need for the Atonement
by Dr. Craig Biehl

1. Man’s Need for Salvation (review)

1. 1. Original Sin

1. 1. 1. Definition: The sinful state and condition into which all are born, including the guilt of sin and the corruption of nature

1. 1. 1. 1. Original guilt: By imputation of Adam’s sin, “So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men” (Rom. 5:18; see also 3:19 and Eph. 2:3)

1. 1. 1. 2. Original Corruption: Moral corruption and pollution of all the faculties of the soul (Rom. 1:29–32)

1. 2. Total Depravity

1. 1. 1. Total Depravity does not mean:

1. 1. 1. 1. That fallen man doesn’t have a conscience.

1. 1. 1. 2. “The virtuousness of an agent does not consist in his having a conscience, but in the conformity of the dispositions and affections of his will to the law of which conscience is the organ.” A.A. Hodge, Outlines of Theology, p. 328.

1. 1. 1. 3. “That unregenerate man, possessing a natural conscience, does not often admire virtuous character and actions of others.” Ibid, p. 329.

1. 1. 1. 4. “That any man is as thoroughly depraved as it is possible for him to become, or that each man has a disposition inclined to every form of sin.” Ibid.

1. 1. 2. Total Depravity means:

1. 1. 1. 1. “. . . every man by nature is totally alienated in his governing disposition from God, and consequently his every act, whether morally indifferent, or conformed to subordinate principles of right, is vitiated [morally corrupted] by the condition of the agent as a rebel.” (Ibid.)

1. 1. 1. 2. All our faculties are corrupt.

1. 1. 1. 3. Apart from a recreative act of God, man can only get worse. (Ibid.)