Soteriology 101: Understanding the Works of Christ (Part 1)

Introduction
Soteriology, the study of salvation, is a crucial branch of theology that explores the profound work of redemption provided through Jesus Christ. Derived from the Greek words “soteria” (salvation) and “logia” (study), soteriology focuses on understanding the means by which God rescues humanity from sin through Christ, our Savior (Greek: “Soter”). Soteriology is a vital branch of theology because our comprehension of it fundamentally shapes our entire theological worldview. The way we view salvation affects how we live out our faith, how we understand God’s character, and how we relate to others. This is why understanding the work of Christ is essential for every believer.

In this series, we will delve deeper into God’s redemptive work through Christ and examine what it means to be “in Christ” as believers. Our goal is to strengthen our understanding of salvation, laying a firm foundation for spiritual growth and fostering a closer relationship with God. Through a detailed study of scripture, we will align our understanding with that of the Holy Spirit and explore the transformative power of salvation.

The starting point of our exploration is the necessity of salvation. Why do we need a Savior? Simply put, the need arises from the problem of sin. Without sin, salvation would not be necessary (Matthew 1:21; Acts 5:31; Luke 5:32). Let us now take a closer look at the concept of sin and why it underscores our need for Christ.

What is Sin?

Sin is the failure of humanity to conform to God’s moral law. It encompasses not only our actions but also our attitudes and our inherent moral nature. Both the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) and Jesus’ teachings condemn wrong attitudes and behaviors as sinful (Matthew 5:22, 28). In Galatians 5:20, Paul lists jealousy, selfishness, and anger among sinful actions, while the Bible also reminds us that even impure thoughts are sinful, whether acted upon or not. A life that is pleasing to God must therefore be free not only from sinful actions but also from sinful desires.

However, sin is much more than individual acts of wrongdoing. The Bible teaches that sin is deeply embedded in our nature, reflecting the depravity of the human soul. Humanity’s sinful nature renders us incapable of doing good on our own (Romans 3:10-12). In essence, we are born with a natural inclination toward sin, making us sinners by default.

Inherited Sin

One of the core aspects of sin is that it is inherited. This concept, known as “Inherited Sin,” teaches that Adam’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden brought condemnation upon all humanity. Romans 5:12-19 and 1 Corinthians 15:22 explain that through Adam’s sin, all people became guilty before God—not necessarily because of their personal actions but because of Adam’s transgression. In this sense, Adam is seen as the representative head of the human race, and his sin affected all of humanity.

Although this may seem unjust at first glance, it is vital to understand that just as humanity was represented by Adam in sin, believers are now represented by Christ in righteousness. Through this parallel, God offers redemption to humanity through the second Adam, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:15, 19).

Inherited Corruption

Beyond inherited guilt, we also inherit a sinful nature from Adam, known as “Inherited Corruption.” This means that every person is born with a natural tendency towards sin. Adam, having lost the perfect image of God through his sin, passed on his corrupted nature to all his descendants (Genesis 5:1-3). As a result, humans are inclined toward disobedience from birth (Romans 7:15-20; Psalm 51:5; Ephesians 2:1-4).

This inherent corruption makes it impossible for humanity to live according to God’s perfect standard on their own. It is for this reason that we need a Savior—someone to rescue us from the power of sin and restore us to a right relationship with God.

The Sinfulness of Sin

One might ask, “Why is sin so bad that we need a Savior?” Sin is destructive not only to us as individuals but also to those around us, bringing pain and suffering. However, the most important reason why sin is so grievous is that it is contrary to the very nature of God. As God’s creation, we are meant to reflect His image and live in harmony with His holiness. Sin mars that image and separates us from our Creator.

The consequence of sin is death (Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23), both spiritual and physical. It corrupts our nature, destroys our fellowship with God, and leads to eternal separation from Him. This is why Paul emphasizes that the law was given to reveal the true sinfulness of sin (Romans 3:20; Romans 7:7). The more we understand the depth of sin, the more we realize the seriousness of our condition and our need for salvation.

Sin is not just an act of disobedience; it is an offense against the very character of God. It tarnishes His perfect creation, dishonors His holiness, and brings death as its ultimate consequence (Romans 5:12). As a result, humanity is in desperate need of a Savior who can remove the curse of sin and restore us to life in God.

Conclusion

Understanding the severity of sin allows us to appreciate the immense love of God displayed in the sacrifice of Christ for our redemption. By recognizing the sinfulness of sin, we become more aware of our need for a Savior and the magnitude of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. His death and resurrection are not just acts of love but necessary interventions to save humanity from eternal separation from God.

As we continue in this study of soteriology, we will explore more deeply the incredible work of Christ in bringing us salvation, understanding more fully what it means to live in Him and to experience the transformative power of His grace. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll examine the process of redemption and what it means to be justified by faith.