Alternative Presentations Assignment: Research Paper Write-A ✓ Solved

Alternative Presentations Assignment: Research Paper Write a 5

Write a 5-7-page research paper on a theme in the New Testament (biblical theology). Choose a prominent theme in the New Testament. Read and research this theme in at least 5 different and substantial sources (at least 2 should be from a critical journal article). Develop a biblical theology of this theme. Identify similarities and differences in its presentation evaluating its integration within the New Testament: The Theology of the Messiah; the Theology of the Salvation; The Theology of Suffering; The Theology of Church; The Theology of Leadership; The Theology of Wisdom; or The Theology of the Worship.

Format for Research Paper: Double-spaced, 1-inch margins, Times New Roman 12-point font. Submissions must be Microsoft Word documents only. The choice of formatting style (e.g., SBL, APA, MLA, Turabian) is at the student’s discretion, so long as there is consistency. Use inclusive language. The title page must contain the following: title; student’s name, email address, course name and number.

Paper For Above Instructions

The New Testament (NT) is a rich source of theological themes that deeply explore the nature of God, Christ, and human existence. Among these, the Theology of Salvation is one of the most prominent themes, which serves as a fundamental tenet of Christian belief and practice. Salvific theology addresses the means by which God redeems humanity and restores the broken relationship caused by sin. Throughout the New Testament, various authors articulate distinct dimensions of this theme, highlighting its significance and multifaceted expressions. This research paper seeks to develop a biblical theology of salvation as presented in the NT, evaluating similarities and differences in its depiction across different contexts and authors while integrating scholarly perspectives to enhance our understanding of this foundational theme.

To explore the theme of salvation thoroughly, this paper will examine several key texts from the NT, including the synoptic gospels, the letters of Paul, and the Gospel of John. Each of these texts contributes uniquely to the understanding of salvation, offering varying insights into the process, implications, and recipients of salvific grace.

Identifying Key Dimensions of Salvation in the New Testament

1. The Theological Basis of Salvation: The concept of salvation in the NT is primarily rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The synoptic gospels consistently emphasize Jesus’ role as the Savior of the world, with passages such as Matthew 1:21, where the angel informs Joseph that Mary will bear a son "and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins" (ESV). This articulation underscores the essential Christian belief that salvation is an act of divine intervention initiated by God’s grace through Jesus Christ.

Pauline theology further develops this theme by emphasizing justification through faith. In Romans 3:23-24, Paul states, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (ESV). This notion of justification reveals a pivotal aspect of salvation — it is not merely an external legal status but a transformative encounter with God's grace that reconciles individuals to Himself.

2. The Role of Faith and Works: Salvation, according to the NT, is intricately tied to both faith and works. The letter of James provides a practical perspective on the theme, stating, "Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:17, ESV). This assertion complements Pauline thought, where faith is the means through which individuals receive salvation. However, James emphasizes that genuine faith manifests in good works, highlighting a synergistic relationship between faith and action in the believer’s life.

Contrasting Perspectives of Salvation Across the New Testament

When exploring salvation in the Gospel of John, we find a different nuance, focusing on the belief in Jesus as the way to eternal life. John 3:16 famously states, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (ESV). Here, belief plays a central role in the salvific process. While the synoptics detail Jesus’ works and teachings leading to salvation, John emphasizes the intimate relationship between faith in Christ and the promise of eternal life.

3. Covenantal Themes and Salvation: A significant aspect of New Testament theology is the covenantal framework within which salvation is presented. The arrival of Christ signifies the fulfillment of God's promises established in the Old Testament. Hebrews 9:15 posits that "Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance" (ESV). This theme of the new covenant illustrates how salvation is part of God's redemptive plan, bridging the gap between humanity and divine grace across both Testaments.

Scholarly Perspectives on Salvation

Numerous scholars have engaged with the theme of salvation in the New Testament, providing valuable insights into its complexities. For instance, Ben Witherington III suggests that understanding the social and historical context of the early church significantly enriches our grasp of salvation’s implications and applications (Witherington, 1998). Similarly, N.T. Wright's works insist on the eschatological aspects of salvation, arguing that salvation encompasses the entire creation and points towards God’s ultimate restorative plan (Wright, 2006). Moreover, scholars like Sandra Schneiders emphasize the personal and communal dimensions of salvation, discussing the holistic transformation it entails for individuals and communities (Schneiders, 2011).

Conclusion

The New Testament offers a profound exploration of the Theology of Salvation, presenting it through various lenses that reflect the diverse experiences and theological emphases of its authors. By examining the key biblical texts and integrating scholarly interpretations, this paper illustrates the extraordinary breadth and depth of salvation within the Christian narrative. Understanding these theological dimensions enriches our faith and provides a foundational framework for Christian belief and practice, calling believers to a life characterized by faith, community, and transformative action.

References

  • Schneiders, S. M. (2011). The Revelatory Body: Theology as Inductive Art. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press.
  • Witherington, B. (1998). The NT Story: The Gospel of Luke. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  • Wright, N. T. (2006). Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He Matters. New York: HarperCollins.
  • Stott, J. (2006). The Cross of Christ. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic.
  • Fee, G. D., & Stuart, D. (2014). How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
  • O’Collins, G. (2011). Salvation for All: The Christian Vision. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Barth, K. (1956). Church Dogmatics. Edinburgh: T&T Clark.
  • Horsley, R. A. (2003). The Liberation of the Oppressed: The Meaning of the Cross. Harrisburg, PA: Trinity Press International.
  • Porter, S. E., & Pitts, C. (2013). The Bible and the Question of Meaning: Theological and Methodological Perspectives. Leiden: Brill.
  • Hays, R. B. (2000). The Conversion of the Imagination: Paul as Interpreter of Israel’s Scripture. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

Related Assignments