Understanding Reformed Soteriology: The Way of Salvation and the Doctrines of Grace

In the landscape of Christian missions, understanding the way of salvation is paramount, especially for those on the front lines of the Great Commission. Yet, it's astonishing how many evangelical missionaries lack a biblical grasp of soteriology, God's plan of salvation as laid out in Scripture. This often leads to teachings that emphasize human choice over divine sovereignty, which can result in a gospel and evangelistic methodologies that are more human-centered and works-oriented than biblically sound.

Doctrines of Grace and Missions in Italy

The Importance of Soteriology in Evangelism

The topic of God's plan of salvation is not just a theological sideline; it's central to the Gospel message. To proclaim the Gospel faithfully and guide others to Christ, one must have a precise understanding of both the message and the process of salvation. How can we communicate the transformative power of the Gospel without fully grasping the nuances of God's redemptive plan?

Dr. Gregg Allison defines soteriology as:

One of the topics of systematic theology, being the doctrine of salvation (Gk. sotēria). It encompasses all the mighty acts of God in delivering people from sin and condemnation and bringing them salvation. These acts include election (God’s gracious choice of his people), effective calling (God’s summons to salvation), regeneration (new birth by the Spirit), conversion (the human response of repentance and faith), justification (God’s declaration of forgiveness and the imputation of Christ’s righteousness), adoption (inclusion in God’s family), union (identification) with Christ, sanctification (progress in salvation), perseverance (God’s work to retain Christians in salvation), and glorification (completion and fullness of salvation). [1]

The Doctrines of Grace: A Biblical View

The Doctrines of Grace offer a scriptural perspective on salvation that underscores God's sovereignty and the human condition:

Radical or Total Depravity: Humans are spiritually dead in sin, incapable of choosing Christ without divine intervention (Eph. 2:1, Rom. 3).
Unconditional Election: God elects individuals not based on merit but on His sovereign will and love (Eph. 1:4-5; 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, Gal. 2:16, 2 Tim. 1:9, Rom. 3:28).
Particular Redemption or Limited Atonement: Christ's death was specifically for those God predestined and chose, securing their salvation (Eph. 1:4, Jn. 10:14-15; 27-28; 3, Jn. 17:9). Jesus died for His own, but is simultaneously the Savior of the world (1 Jn. 4:14) who is making all things new (Rev. 21:5).
Efficacious or Irresistible Grace: When God calls, His grace is effectual, leading to the regeneration of the elect (Jn. 3:3-8, Col. 2:13, Eph. 2:5, 1 Pt. 1:3; 23, 2 Cor. 5:17, Titus 3:5).
Persevering Grace or Perseverance of the Saints: Those truly saved by God will persevere to the end because of His grace (Phil. 1:6, Jn. 10:28-29, Rom. 8:1; 35-39).

Salvation, from start to finish, is the Lord's work (Jonah 2:9, Rev. 19:1, Ps. 3:8). It's by "grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone, as revealed in Scripture alone."

Impact on Missionaries and Evangelism

A deep understanding of these doctrines can profoundly humble a missionary, increasing love for God and aligning their desires with His will. However, without this understanding, missionaries might fall into pride when successful or despair when facing challenges, potentially leading to a dilution of the Gospel message or even leaving the mission field.

In Italy, where missionary turnover is high, this issue is particularly relevant. A solid grasp of the doctrines of grace can equip missionaries for the long haul, fostering endurance and faithfulness. It should also be noted that missionaries to Italy must deal directly with Roman Catholicism, which like the Arminian system, is a works-based and man-centered system that goes contrary to the true biblical doctrines of grace which abase man and exalt God.

The Arminian system of thought teaches that man is free to choose Christ (even though dead in sin and a slave to sin and Satan), Jesus died for every individual (even though not all are saved), God saves people based on his foreknowledge of who would believe, man can resist the grace of God, and people can lose their salvation. The result of these teachings is what one could call a truncated and man-centered gospel with a works-based salvation.

Recommended Reading for Deeper Insight

To delve deeper into these life-changing doctrines, consider taking our free course at the PMc Academia with pastor Caleb and or reading some of these great books here below. I also dive into the importance of these doctrines in my upcoming book for aspiring missionaries, so stay tuned.

Chosen by God by R.C. Sproul
Predestination Made Easy by Kenneth Gentry
The Doctrines of Grace: Rediscovering the Evangelical Gospel by James M. Boice
The Freedom of the Will by Jonathan Edwards
The Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther
What's So Great about the Doctrines of Grace? by Richard D. Phillips
Grace Defined and Defended by Kevin DeYoung
A Practical Discourse on the Sovereignty of God by Elisha Coles
The Doctrine of Justification by Faith by John Owen
The Fourfold State of Man by Thomas Boston
The Potter's Freedom by James White

Understanding and embracing the doctrines of grace can transform one's approach to missions, ensuring that the Gospel is shared in its fullness and purity, to the glory of God alone. If you are an aspiring missionary, it would be beneficial to cultivate a robust understanding of these core teachings of Christianity. Thankfully, many giants of the faith have gone before us, leaving a wealth of literature on this subject. Take some time to immerse yourself in their writings before heading to the mission field. You will greatly benefit from learning how to wield your spiritual armaments effectively through their insights.

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see. 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; 'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home. [2]

Written by Jesse Schreck | founder, director, and missionary church planter in Italy with Practical Missions Cohort

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