The Cross and Salvation: The Doctrine of Salvation (Foundations of Evangelical Theology)

by Bruce A. Demarest

Publisher:

Crossway

, 1997

Overview

Bruce Demarest has made plain God’s glorious plan of salvation, his provision for the human dilemma through Christ’s work on the cross, and the application of saving grace to unbelievers. Demarest’s unique approach defines each topic, identifies its most pressing issues, examines the ways in which the doctrine has been understood historically, and interprets the Bible’s revelation. The result is a clear and carefully constructed doctrinal statement that you can defend, live out, and communicate to others.

With America’s confidence in the Bible at an all-time low and the strength of her spiritual convictions waning, it is essential for Christians—especially Christian leaders—to be well-grounded in biblical theology, and to have a clear and comprehensive understanding of the key doctrines of evangelicalism.

In response, professor and award-winning author Bruce Demarest has made plain God’s glorious plan of salvation, his provision for the human dilemma through Christ’s work on the cross, and the application of saving grace to unbelievers. Demarest’s unique approach defines each topic, identifies its most pressing issues, examines the ways in which the doctrine has been understood historically, and interprets the Bible’s revelation. The result is a clear and carefully constructed doctrinal statement that you can defend, live out, and communicate to others.

This singular, comprehensive treatment of one of Christianity’s essential doctrines gives definitive, Bible-based answers about salvation and the cross—and about related theological issues such as grace and regeneration. It’s perfect for clarifying your theology and gaining deep understanding of this foundational theme.

Contents

Top Highlights

“In sum, the word salvation in its theological sense denotes, negatively, deliverance from sin, death, and divine wrath and, positively, the bestowal of far-ranging spiritual blessings both temporal and eternal. God freely conveys these benefits on the basis of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ the Mediator. Soteriology (from the Greek words soter and logos) is the theological term denoting the doctrine of salvation, the aspects of which will be discussed in logical order in the subsequent chapters of this volume.” (Pages 27–28)

“Catholicism insists that the supernatural benefits of Christ’s sacrifice are conveyed physically through the church’s sacraments.” (Page 32)

“(4) the unsaved are hopelessly enslaved by sin, death, and the Devil.” (Page 29)

“Paul explained (1) that the unsaved are spiritually depraved.” (Page 28)

“Regeneration is that work of the Spirit at conversion that renews the heart and life (the inner self), thus restoring the person’s intellectual, volitional, moral, emotional, and relational capacities to know, love, and serve God.” (Page 293)

Praise for the Print Edition

A very good book about that most distinctive and vital Christian doctrine: salvation in Christ.… I can imagine more than one teacher (myself included) considering the construction of an entire course around this book.… Moreover, Demarest’s competence in several disciplines means the work would stretch even advanced students into that integration of biblical foundations, theology (including theology in its historical dimensions), and personal/ministry application for which we all surely long.

—Bob Robinson, Biblioteca Sacra

A valuable contribution to the evangelical theological community. Lucid and readable, Demarest’s work is an encyclopedic approach to the subject, which results in a good sourcebook on the major options in the hotly contested doctrines of soteriology. Demarest’s treatment of such issues as lordship salvation, the nature of repentance, and various views of sanctification indicate his familiarity with the various options. Although no reader will agree with every theological position Demarest adopts, his explanations of views with which he disagrees seem fair…. It would make an excellent textbook for seminary or graduate courses in soteriology and a helpful addition to any pastor’s library.

—Glenn R. Kreider, Journal of Evangelical Theological Society

Product Details

• Title: The Cross and Salvation: The Doctrine of Salvation
• Author: Bruce A. Demarest
• Series: Foundations of Evangelical Theology
• Publisher: Crossway
• Print Publication Date: 1997
• Logos Release Date: 2007
• Pages: 544
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Salvation
• Resource ID: LLS:CROSSSLVTN
• Resource Type: Systematic Theology
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-10-05T16:54:06Z

About Bruce A. Demarest

Bruce A. Demarest was educated at Wheaton College and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He earned his doctorate in biblical and historical theology at the University of Manchester, where he was mentored by Professor F.F. Bruce. Bruce spent 10 years working with evangelical missions organizations and also has taught at numerous evangelical seminaries throughout the United States, Canada, the Middle East, and Asia. A professor at Denver Seminary, he is the author Soul Guide, Satisfy Your Soul, The Cross Salvation, General Revelation, Who Is Jesus?, and has written for national publications such as Christianity Today, Foundation, Reflections, and Criswell Theological Review.