The Doctrine of Soteriology from a Comparative Perspective

A Dialectical Approach from theLutheran and Roman Catholic Contexts

Abstract

Although the doctrine of soteriology (salvation) is core to Christianity, it has divided ecclesiology for over five centuries, since the Protestant reformation of the sixteenth century. There is a misunderstanding on the role of grace and works of faith in the process of attaining salvation, especially between the Roman Catholics and the Protestants, particularly the Lutherans. The misunderstandings have been visible in the process of teaching and practice of this doctrine to their respective memberships; and many Christians are in dilemma in regard to work or not to work so as to earn salvation. The teaching on justification that leads to salvation deals with how both grace and works are involved in the process that leads to salvation. The use of the Hegelian dialect, in this article, helps us to find and propose a common way of understanding soteriology. It also guides us in understanding the teachings from the proponents of salvation by grace alone and from those who antagonistically propose that both God’s grace and a believer’s works play a role in God’s salvific plan in an individual. We therefore aim at finding a way of teaching Christians in our contemporary world in matters regarding soteriology from its doctrinal perspectives. It is anticipated that this will help in addressing the rift that obtains in the teaching of the doctrine of soteriology. Hence, this article will strive to shed more light on how one could receive justification in order to be in God’s salvific plan.