Recite Doctrine 5
We believe that our first parents were created in a state of innocency, but by their disobedience they lost their purity and happiness, and that in consequence of their fall all men have become sinners, totally depraved, and as such are justly exposed to the wrath of God.
Recite Doctrine 6
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has by his suffering and death made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will may be saved.
According to the Doctrine Handbook, why is human life sacred?
We have been created as the crown of God’s creative activity, to love, worship, serve, and enjoy him forever.
What does it mean to say that mankind is created in the image of God?
- God is free, personal spirit, we are living beings with individuality, autonomy and reason.
- Our capacity for human relationships reflects the nature of the Trinity and the steadfast love of God.
- Gifted us with potential for creativity and the ability to appreciate beauty.
- Been realized in Jesus Christ. We see full human expression of Gods’ holiness and love.
- Created to live in harmony with God and the rest of creation.
Definitions of Sin
- an intrusion into human life
- failure to believe and trust in God
- Idolatry
- failure to live according to the high standard of love for God and one another that true humanity demands.
- anything contrary to the known will of God
What is original sin?
It is the origin and radical consequences of the Fall. Sin is inborn, our tendency is to sin. We are “born to sin” refers to our condition under the power of sin.
What is depravity?
Refers more specifically to the moral condition of fallen humanity, rather than to the beginnings of sin.
- Often called total depravity, has produced in human nature extends to the total personality.
- It is not concerned with the depth of sin but rather about the breadth of the influence of sin in human life.
What did God’s original intention for humankind include?
God’s intention was that we would live in a state of love and harmony with him, with one another, and the rest of creation.
Be able to discuss the idea of prevenient grace held by John Wesley.
- Humans are powerless to choose good or evil solely on their own.
- All humans benefit from prevenient grace.
- Comes from latin, pre- before venient- coming to.
- Through this grace humans are able to choose good and ultimately by faith to accept God’s saving grace.
- Salvation by grace through faith begins with preventing.
Define Anthropology
The study of man/ humanity
- Anthropos- man (greek)
- Adamah- Man, from the earth (Hebrew)
Definie Hamartiology
The study of sin
-Hamartia- sin (Greek) deviation,”falling short: of the intentions of God
Define Soteriology
The study of salvation
- Soter- Savior (Greek)
- Soterion- Salvation (Greek)
- Sosai- To save; to heal (Greek)
Define Redemption
To buy back; restore what is lost; the total saving work of God in Christ
What are the six truths about the nature of sin?
- Sin is rooted in a shifting of attention from the Creator to the creature.
- Sin is often a matter of asserting self-sovereignty against the divine.
- Sin quickly weaves its web throughout the social- corporate dimension of humanity.
- Sin involves the breaking of relationship and the attempt to hide.
- Sin includes often the denial of responsibility.
- Sin becomes a destructive factor in all our relationships.
What are the theories of the atonement?
- Christus Victor – Jesus in his death became victorious over Satan and the powers of Evil.
- Sacrifice – The “self-offering” of Jesus for the sake of humanity. Christ gave himself for our sin. This was a “vicarious” sacrifice, made on behalf of others.
- Moral Influence – Christ’s humility in his death provided an example for that same humility in mankind, from which we can learn. This was restated by Peter Abelard (1079-1142 AD) who said that the incarnation and death of Christ are viewed as the highest expression of God’s love.
- Satisfaction – A “balancing of accounts” which settled the difference between the standards of God and human inability to satisfy them. Without this satisfaction, the fellowship between God and humanity could not be restored.
- Substitution – Christ pays the penalty due for the sins of those on whose behalf he died. (Sometimes referred to as Penal Substitution).
- Ransom – A term making reference to the slave markets of the ancient world where a slave would be set free through the payment, by another, of a redemptive price. (The price – Christ’s life, results in the liberation of our life).
Describe the nature of Christ’s humiliation
- He suffered physically – Beating and abuse
- He suffered socially – Mocking of the crowd – Rejection
- He suffered emotionally – Agony in the Garden
- He suffered spiritually – Sense of separation from the Father - abandonment
