Bachelor of Theology Basic Christian Doctrine Flashcards

What is the theological distinction between 'justification' and 'sanctification'?

Answer: Justification is God's declaration of righteousness while sanctification is the process of becoming righteous

Justification is a forensic, once-for-all declaration of right standing before God, while sanctification is the progressive transformation into Christlikeness.

Which doctrine teaches that the Holy Spirit applies the benefits of Christ's redemption to the elect through means such as preaching and sacraments?

Answer: The ordo salutis

The ordo salutis ('order of salvation') describes the logical sequence of the Spirit's work—calling, regeneration, faith, justification, adoption, sanctification, glorification.

What heresy taught that Jesus was not divine from birth but was 'adopted' as God's Son at his baptism?

Answer: Adoptionism

Adoptionism held that Jesus was a human being elevated to divine sonship at a specific moment, denying the pre-existence and eternal divinity of Christ.

In covenant theology, the 'covenant of grace' is said to have one condition, which is:

Answer: Faith in Christ as mediator

The covenant of grace promises salvation to all who believe in Jesus Christ as the mediator who fulfills the original covenant of works on behalf of the elect.

What does the doctrine of 'divine impassibility' classically assert?

Answer: God does not experience suffering or emotional change caused by external circumstances

Divine impassibility holds that God's being and blessedness are not subject to passions or changes of emotional state caused by creatures.

The term 'eschatology' in Christian theology primarily deals with:

Answer: The study of last things including death, resurrection, judgment, and the new creation

Eschatology (from the Greek 'eschatos,' meaning last) addresses the ultimate destiny of individuals and the cosmos in light of Christ's return.

Which concept refers to the idea that Scripture interprets Scripture, and unclear passages should be understood in light of clearer ones?

Answer: The analogy of faith

The analogia fidei (analogy of faith) is the Reformation hermeneutical principle that the overall teaching of Scripture provides the framework for interpreting individual texts.