Written Reflection on Anticipating the Class Ahead

I will admit that when I saw this course's name, I was unfamiliar with soteriology. I was thrilled to find that soteriology is the study of theology concerning salvation. While I am grounded in my faith, I have many questions. I have been a part of two denominations that tend to have differing views of salvation and its longevity. One denomination taught that once someone was saved, they would always be saved. The other denomination taught that salvation is conditional and can be lost when unrepented sin exists. I believe both denominations have errors in their teachings, but I am unsure of the correct answer. I do not believe someone new to the faith can realistically remain sin-free, nor do I believe that the immeasurable gift of the cross can so easily be removed. I am hopeful this course will give clarity or greater insight into the theology of salvation.

I am expecting God to provide answers for me during this journey. Some things I ponder include: Are the questions I have had about salvation and its dependence on humanity or Jesus legitimate questions? Have I been correct in my questioning? What is a better theology? Is there more the church should do concerning salvation and individual journeys? Is there a denomination or church that will align more with what I believe salvation and relationship with the Lord is?  

My concern in this class is since the teaching will primarily focus on John Wesley, what if I don’t agree with something? Or what if the readings are too Shakespearean to me and hard to understand? I worry that I may not consume everything or that the reading assignments will leave me feeling overwhelmed, especially as my husband and I are in the midst of a ministry transition, which may include moving to another state. 

My commitment to this class and the journey is to reach out and ask questions. Ask about assignments that I do not fully understand. I am bad at making assumptions and causing a double workload or delayed workload on myself. An example would be this assignment; I thought the blog page needed to be fully set up and personalized before submitting it. 

I desire to grow closer to the Lord during this time of learning. I pray to see more beauty in the journey. In my experience, many people never reach a good place in their understanding of God and, therefore, run away from Him where their assumptions of God are not the reality they receive. I desire to have a clearer understanding of the scripture and learn what helps Christians succeed and not turn away from God. 

“The Absolute Basics of the Wesleyan Way” by Phil Tallon and Justus Hunter was enjoyable and an easy read. Tallon and Hunter did an excellent job of introducing John Wesley and his growing faith. I relate to Wesley in the early part of his journey as he was always a student willing to learn and humble enough to allow the Lord to teach him. I look forward to continuing this course and learning more.