Themes in Paul's Writings


Throughout his writings, Paul refers to many key words that are at the heart of his theology.  These key words and themes are listed below with an index to help your understanding of each term. 

  Grace
  Justification
  Reconciliation
  Redemption
Grace

  God's love that is unearned at work in Jesus Christ for the salvation of sinful people.  The extravagant goodness of God to undeserving people.

  “But because of his great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” 
Ephesians 2: 4-5 


Justification

  A term used within the legal system.  Pardon from the sentence of sin and death based upon the righteous obedience of  Jesus. 

  “Jesus our Lord was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”  Romans 4: 25


Reconciliation

  A term from the realm of relationships.  Restoration of fellowship between God and humankind. 

  “For if, when we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to God through the death of God's Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!”  Romans 5: 10


Redemption

  A term coming from the slave-market.  Deliverance from the slavery of indwelling sin and the bondage of the law. 

  “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the son he loves, in who we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Colossians 1: 13-14.


Righteousness

  Being in a right relationship with God based upon faith in God's salvation graciously established and given by Jesus Christ. 

  “God made Christ who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
II Corinthians 5: 21.


Salvation

  Signifies well-being in all its forms.  Salvation means deliverance from the penalty of sin and death as well as restoration of wholeness and newness of life.  Salvation is rooted in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Savior. 

  “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes…” 
Romans 1: 16.


Sanctification

  The path to holiness.  The process of becoming more like Christ through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit of God. 

  “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.  May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 
I Thessalonians 5: 23.

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