Reformation Soteriology is a doctrine that emphasizes on the fact that Christianity is about salvation, which can only be obtained by grace. This was a drift from the Roman Catholic ideas of salvation where by the reformers realized some weaknesses in bible interpretations. The aspect of sin and the fact that everybody was born a sinner has been a point of contradiction. Sin is a natural occurrence that has to be accepted and help obtained to overcome and live a righteous life1. Calvinism emphasize on the importance of the coming of Christ and his death that brought redemption to human being. Nobody ca access this saving grace unless they accept Christ as an intermediary between man and God. This is followed by a confession where a Christian recognizes that they cannot live o their own and need the help and strength of the Holy Spirit.
Salvation is a walk of faith where by a Christian has to overcome the daily challenges that come with life. This does not however imply that they will be condemned when they do wrong. The grace obtained can always redeem them only if they confess their sins and continue living righteous. The main challenge with this doctrine lies in the fact that people take advantage of the fact that they can always be redeemed when they fall2. Sin is likely to become a lifestyle where they engage in actions they could have easily avoided. Calvinism insists that grace is not a permit to engage in sinful acts but rather to strengthen believes in the walk of salvation. Living righteous can only be obtained by frequent study of the bible and engaging in positive acts. Salvation is a desirable act that will determine where individuals will go after death; hell or heaven.
Davidson, Ivor & Rae, Murray. God of Salvation: Soteriology in Theological Perspective. New
York: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd., 2011.
