5.19.19
Light In The Darkness “Soteriology, Part One” John 12:23-26
“Soteriology” is a theological term referring to the study of the doctrine of salvation. It is derived from the Greek word soteria, “salvation” — which comes from the root word soter, “savior.” A salvation theory occupies most world religions today. There is an aspect of each religion that attempts to define human redemption on some level.
True salvation can only be found in one person — Jesus Christ — the one and only Savior the world has. Mariam-Webster correctly defines soteriology as “theology dealing with salvation especially effected by Jesus Christ.”
The gospel of John makes the issue of salvation crystal clear, defining it with the very words of Jesus Himself. One cannot study the gospel of John and leave it with a misunderstanding of soteriology. Jesus was not vague or mysterious in His presentation of this truth, and yet, many rejected Him — and continue to reject Him.
John 12:23-26 is the beginning of a section in the gospel that very clearly lays out the truth about salvation. What it means, who provides it, and how to respond to it.
Jesus defines the essence of true salvation. (John 12:23-24)
Jesus relates the reality of what salvation is and why it is necessary for people to believe in Him alone for eternal life. The Greeks who wanted to meet Jesus (v.20) prompted the explanation about salvation that we see in the rest of the chapter.
Jesus said in (v.23), “…The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified…” Once Andrew approached the Lord and told Him these men desired an audience with Him, Jesus’ response was to teach the meaning of truly knowing Him.
When Jesus said, “…The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified…” He was not speaking of Him being glorified by conquering the Romans for the Jews, but He would be glorified by conquering sin for the world.
Jesus used an agricultural illustration to explain what He meant (v.24). The Lord’s point was that He would be glorified through His death and resurrection. His glorious kingdom could never be established with all its features promised in the Scriptures without the cross.
The Lord knew after the payment for sin on the cross, the gospel would spread far beyond the borders of Israel to all the nations of the world. Thus, He responded to the request of the Greeks by pointing to His impending death. Jesus knew the only way they could truly enjoy fellowship with Him was through His atoning sacrifice.
The Lord’s death would “…bear much fruit…” by providing salvation for many of every tribe and language. That fruit would include countless Gentiles like these Greeks who desired to meet Him.
5.19.19
Jesus describes the character of a true believer. (John 12:25-26)
When Jesus describes the heart attitude required of one who receives His gift of salvation, He does so on His own terms. There are many people who think they have this heart attitude toward Him, but in reality they are self-deceived.
Jesus, in no uncertain terms, tells us plainly that those who want to follow Him must change the way they think about the world. Jesus emphatically says that if we love our life, we will lose it. Conversely, the one who makes Christ, not self, his first priority will “…keep it to eternal life.”
Hating one’s life is a Semitic expression that has the connotation of giving preference to one thing over another. This is to be taken as making the Lord Jesus a priority over everything in life — family, possessions, goals, plans, and desires. (cf. Matthew 13:44-46; Matthew 10:37-39; Luke 9:23-24; 14:26-33)
The one who serves Jesus must follow Him. True salvation is not only affection, but it is also direction. To those who follow, Jesus made two ultimate and glorious promises: First, He said, “…where I am there My servant will be also…” That is nothing less than a promise of eternal life in heaven with Him. Second, He said, “…if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.” All human earthly honor pales in comparison to the eternal heavenly honor of God the Father.
Jesus also made a promise to the true believer for the present life we now live: (cf. John 14:21-24) cd.TCT.51919
Application Questions
What terms would you use to define salvation?
How closely related are those terms to salvation as defined by Christ?
What truth in John 12:23-26 stands out most to you?
What changes do you need to make in order to be known as a true follower of Christ?
Upcoming Events
Men’s Bible Study. Topical Discussion. Wednesday 6:30 PM. 5/22 @ Kevin Hector’s.
Women’s Bible Study in the Book of Esther. Thursdays 7:00 PM. 5/30 @ C.A.S.T. building.
Beach Sunset Fellowship for TCT Ladies. Saturday, June 29. Details to come.