Theories of Salvation

Theories of Christ's Role in Salvation

Exactly how the salvation of humans through Jesus is understood has sometimes differed between different Christian groups:

The Ransom theory

Based on the idea that the devil had power over people because of their sins. They had become prisoners of sin.
- Because Jesus was sinless, his death was able to give his life as a ransom for the souls of every human being.
- This belief also describes this as a gift (grace) from God and a sign of God’s love.
- The devil could have no power over Jesus’ soul because Jesus was sinless.

The Ransom theory continued

This understanding forms part of Catholic theology.
- ‘The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’ [Matthew 20:28 NIV]

The Substitution theory

Based on the idea that people who have sinned deserve to be punished:
- Penal substitution is when someone takes the punishment on behalf of someone else.
- In Christian theology, Jesus accepts the punishment (his suffering and death) for the sins of all people. This is seen as a free gift from God (grace), not something that people deserve.
- Provided a person has faith in Jesus, then his punishment saves them from the punishment they deserve.
This theory is held by many Protestant Churches.

The Moral Transformation theory

Places emphasis on the life and teaching of Jesus:
- If Christians follow Jesus’ example and obey his teachings, their lives are transformed and so they can become good people in the sight of God.
- This teaching sees Jesus’ death as a form of martyrdom, a witness to the trials Christians may have to face in living their Christian lives.
This is a view of salvation that some Orthodox Christians support.

1Buddhism

2Christianity

2.1Key Beliefs

2.1.1The Nature of God

2.1.2The Problem of Evil

2.1.3Monotheism

2.1.4Creation

2.1.5Bible Accounts of Creation

2.1.6The Trinity and Creation

2.1.7Afterlife

2.1.8Heaven and Hell

2.1.9The Influence of Afterlife on Life

2.1.10End of Topic Test - Christianity Key Beliefs

2.1.11Exam-Style Questions - Christian Beliefs

2.2Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.2.1The Incarnation

2.2.2Jesus - Divine & Human

2.2.3The Crucifixion

2.2.4Jesus' Betrayal

2.2.5Resurrection & Ascension

2.2.6Sin

2.2.7Original Sin

2.2.8Punishment

2.2.9The Means of Salvation

2.2.10Achieving Salvation

2.2.11Disagreements About Salvation

2.2.12The Role of Christ in Salvation

2.2.13Theories of Salvation

2.2.14End of Topic Test - Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.3Worship & Festivals

2.3.1Different Forms of Worship

2.3.2Prayer

2.3.3Sacrament

2.3.4Baptism

2.3.5Other Sacraments

2.3.6Eucharist

2.3.7Pilgrimage & Celebrations

2.3.8Christmas & Easter

2.3.9End of Topic Test - Worship and Festivals

2.4Community

2.4.1Local Community

2.4.2Mission, Evangelism & Church Growth

2.4.3Worldwide Church

2.4.4Reconciliation

2.4.5Persecution

2.4.6Caring for Those in Need

2.4.7End of Topic Test - Community

2.4.8Exam-Style Questions - Christian Practices

3Catholicism (Christianity)

4Islam

5Judaism

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