"Salvation" post 1

I warned you that I might get a bit theological here and there.  I have been going back over my Soteriology (the doctrine of salvation) notes slowly, and I'm hoping to jot down my thoughts and findings.  I am also currently reading a book with a sightly different view of how one is saved and how one receives eternal life.  (Different from the view presented in a class I took at church which I'm coming to find seems more in line with what scripture teaches)   This book, The Gospel According to Jesus, by John MacArthur, views the doctrine of salvation more in line with what I would have said I believed in the past although I honestly don't think I've ever clearly studied this particular doctrine, I have just tried to figure it out over time based on some Bible study, some sermons from many different denominational leanings, and conversations with others.  I'm trying to evaluate both positions and search out the scriptures to solidify my own findings and positions.

The first point we went over in the course I took at church was the fact that words are polymorphic.  This might seem like an obvious thing to consider, but it was really enlightening to me.  The example presented was the use of the word, "run."  We use it in different ways, and it takes on different meanings depending on how it is used.  For example:

"I am going to run to the store."
"I am going to run for office."
"I am going to hit the ball and score a run."
"I am going to run around the bases."

As a general rule when we are speaking, listening or reading, we instinctively determine context and therefore a generally accurate meaning of the words being used; however, when it comes to the Bible, we aren't always trained to do that.  I know I am not.  In the past I assumed that when I read the word, "salvation" in the Bible, it meant saved from hell by faith in Jesus Christ.  But, it doesn't always meant that!

Understanding the polymorphic meaning of words has been significant in my own study of the Bible.  It has helped me to not make so many assumptions when I'm reading.  I bring many preconceived ideas to the study of the Bible, and just this little improvement in my thinking has helped me lay aside some of them.

Thus concludes point number 1.  Happy Monday!