Required reading
Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge (Vol 2) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Part III by beginning Chapter 1 (The plan of salvation) and reading up to the heading '8. The Augustinian Scheme'.
My summary
This week Hodge begins teaching soteriology by discussing the plan of salvation.
Firstly Hodge establishes that God has a plan of salvation.
Then Hodge discusses:
(i) supralapsarianism;
(ii) infralapsarianism (Hodge's view);
(iii) hypothetical redemption;
(iv) the Lutheran position;
(v) the Remonstrant doctrine;
(vi) Wesleyan Arminianism.
What grabbed me
I appreciated Hodge's point that this discussion of the different views of God's plan of salvation is worthwhile: 'Although this may be said to be the turning point between these great systems, which have divided the Church in all ages, yet that point of necessity involves all the other matters of difference; namely, the nature of original sin ; the motive of God in providing redemption; the nature and design of the work of Christ; and the nature of divine grace, or the work of the Holy Spirit. Thus, in a great measure, the whole system of theology, and of necessity the character of our religion, depend upon the view taken of this particular question. It is, therefore, a question of the highest practical importance, and not a matter of idle speculation.'
Your view of soteriology affects your view of all major doctrines.
Next week's reading
Conclude Chapter 1 (The plan of salvation).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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