Chapter 14: Human Nature, Sin, and Grace
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Human Nature, Sin, and Grace
In Chapter 11 we considered the foundations of the Christian doctrine of salvation, paying particular attention to the basis and nature of salvation. A series of issues relating to salvation remain to be addressed: what must human beings do in order to share in the salvation which is made known and made available through Christ's death upon the cross? The issues which this question raises are traditionally discussed under the general heading of “the doctrine of grace,” which embraces an understanding of human nature and sin as well as the role of God in salvation. There is the closest of connections within the Christian tradition between the doctrine of salvation, on the one hand, and that of grace, on the other. We have already explored some aspects of these doctrines in earlier discussions; it is now time to explore them at greater length individually.