With America's confidence in the Bible at an all-time low and the strength of her spiritual convictions waning, it is essential for Christians—especially Christian leaders—to be well-grounded in biblical theology. To have a clear and comprehensive understanding of the key doctrines of evangelicalism. In response, professor and award-winning author Bruce Demarest has made plain God's glorious plan of salvation, his provision for the human dilemma through Christ's work on the cross, and the application of saving grace to unbelievers. Demarest's unique approach defines each topic, identifies its most pressing issues, examines the ways in which the doctrine has been understood historically, and interprets the Bible's revelation. The result is a clear and carefully constructed doctrinal statement that you can defend, live out, and communicate to others. This singular, comprehensive treatment of one of Christianity's essential doctrines gives definitive, Bible-based answers about salvation and the cross— and about related theological issues such as grace and regeneration. It's perfect for clarifying your theology and gaining deep understanding of this foundational theme. Part of the Foundations of Evangelical Theology series.

Features singular, comprehensive discussion and analysis of key evangelical doctrines--including the doctrine of salvation, sin, the Holy Spirit, man, and the person and work of Christ.

How can Christians claim that the death of Jesus Christ on the cross is a victory? Eastern Orthodoxy has made its own contributions to the belief in salvation through Christ, but its expressions sometimes sound unfamiliar to Western branches of the church. James Payton explores the Orthodox doctrine of salvation, helping Christians of all traditions listen to Orthodox brothers and sisters.

G. Ronald Murphy offers an insightful examination of the lasting significance of Yggdrasil in northern Europe, showing that the tree's image persisted not simply through its absorption into descriptions of Christ's crucifix, but through recognition by the newly converted Christians of the truth of their new religion in the images of their older faith.

"An argument for a unified and normative Christian view of salvation"--

What does it mean to be saved, and how can we make sense of theChristian claim that Christ died for our sins? That is the work of soteriology, the classic discipline of theology thatinquires into the "saving work" of Christ and asks the what, why, andhow of redemption as understood by Christians. In this careful surveyand insightful analysis of two thousand years of Christian refl ectionon salvation, theologian David Brondos lays bare the rich, diverse, andeven competing understandings of salvation, their social context anddevelopment, and their strengths and weaknesses. Concentrating onthirteen of the most important fi gures in that long arc – from its biblical roots to its most controverted contemporary expressions – Brondosunfolds the thought of each theologian as articulating a distinctive storyof salvation or atonement. An excellent learning tool, Brondos's succinct and helpful text is augmentedwith a helpful time line, illustrations, glossary, suggestions forfurther reading, and questions for discussion and refl ection. His workillumines how Christians through the ages have understood Jesus,salvation, and human reconciliation with God. The thirteen figures include Isaiah, Luke, Paul, Irenaeus, Gregory of Nyssa, Anselm, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Albrecht Ritschl, Karl Barth, Rudolf Bultmann, Jon Sobrino, and Rosemary Radford Ruether.

Since the birth of evangelicalism in the eighteenth century, it has defined itself as a movement keenly interested in salvation. What, however, has the evangelical understanding of salvation been? What is it today? What should it be? What Does It Mean to Be Saved? marshals leading evangelical scholars to probe these questions with the goal of encouraging a more holistic understanding of salvation. Each chapter introduces a distinctive point of view on an aspect of redemption. Issues addressed in the volume include individual and corporate salvation, salvation with regard to women, the poor, the oppressed, and the natural world.