Sundays, September 7 - November 23 | 9:45 am | Parlor
Join Al Krummenacher and Chris Knepp in a theological discussion of salvation and atonement. How are we saved? How do we know we are saved? How many images and theories exist of salvation? This will be an interesting and informative class!
In week 1 of the 12-week Pastors Class "Am I Saved?", Rev. Al Krummenacher delves into Christian Soteriology, the doctrine of salvation, by first exploring the fundamental question of why we need to be saved. It addresses the "Human Conundrum: Sin," defining it in three forms: Original Sin, our participation in Structural Sin (systemic injustices), and Personal Sin (both acts of commission and omission). Al emphasizes that while sin is a serious matter, the core truth of Christian faith isn't our sinfulness, but rather that we are created in God's image, and God's power and love ultimately overcome sin.
Rev. Al Krummenacher teaches the 2nd "Pastor's Class" installment of "Am I Saved?", exploring various perspectives on Christ's atonement. He explains that atonement signifies Jesus' death and resurrection reconciling humanity with God, making amends for sin, and restoring a broken relationship, with salvation as the ultimate outcome. Drawing on C.S. Lewis's insight that Christians agree "it works" regardless of "how it works," Al covers seven perspectives, supported by key figures and biblical passages, attempting to answer why Christ's death was necessary, offering diverse theological understandings of humanity's reconciliation with God.
Rev. Chris Knepp's turn at leading this 3rd "Pastor's Class" on "Am I Saved?" explores the crucial question, "What must I do to be saved?" beginning with the Philippian jailer's inquiry to Paul and Silas in Acts 16. The class examines the immediate response—"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved"—and then delves into the nuances of salvation across different Christian traditions: Reformed, Evangelical, and Roman Catholic. While all traditions share core beliefs, they emphasize distinct aspects. Pastor Chris highlights that while faith is central, the role of "works" is understood differently—either as evidence of salvation (Reformed, Evangelical) or as a collaborative participation in God's grace (Roman Catholic)—ultimately inviting reflection on what these diverse perspectives can teach us about God, faith, and the Church.
In the Pastors Class "Am I Saved?" Part 4, Rev. Chris Knepp explores the post-salvation journey, distinguishing between past justification, present sanctification, and future glorification. The class delves into whether salvation can be lost, presenting both "eternal security" and "falling away" perspectives, while affirming that saved individuals still contend with sin, but are transformed to pursue good works. Chris also examines the biblical stance on universalism, emphasizing that while God desires all to be saved, salvation is uniquely found through faith in Christ.
