SPICER ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY

DIVISION OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Aundh Road, Pune, Maharashtra, India

COURSE OUTLINE & SYLLABUS

THST 511 DOCTRINE OF SALVATION

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Credit: 4 Hours Semester I (2021-22)
Monday-Thursday: 11:30-12:30 August 30, 2021-January 31, 2022
INSTRUCTOR CONTACT DETAILS

Name: Koberson Langhu, PhD E-mail: kobersonlanghu@sau.edu.in

Mobile/WhatsApp: 7066195744 Address: Spicer Adventist University Campus

COURSE DESCRIPTION

A study of the Christian doctrine of salvation (soteriology). It begins with a study of the related
doctrine of humanity and sin with their origin, nature, results, and destiny. The course
involves a biblical, historical, and systematic study of the subject. The Seventh-day Adventist
perspective of salvation is given special attention with adequate treatment of the views of
other Christian faiths.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the completion of the course, the student should

1. Have a biblical understanding of the origin, nature, and destiny of man.
2. Have a clear understanding of the origin, nature, results, and destiny of sin.
3. Have a thorough understanding of the need and rationale of Christ’s crucifixion.
4. Have a firm grasp of the current various Christian views about salvation.
5. Have a correct and sufficient understanding of the doctrine of salvation from a
Seventh-day Adventist perspective.

LEARNING METHODOLOGY

The course objectives and learning outcomes will be accomplished through live lectures,
quizzes, assignments, examinations, term paper, and discussions.
 MA RELIGIOUS STUDIES PROGRAM OUTCOMES

1. Have a deep and personal conviction of God’s call to the mission of the church.
2. Develop a Christ-like spiritual maturity for fruitful personal life and church mission.
3. Possess sound principles of biblical interpretation that is faithful to the Bible.
4. Be well-grounded in the fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
5. Exhibit Christian leadership skills for service in Adventist churches and institutions.
6. Be qualified and ready for cross-cultural missionary work both locally and globally.
7. Exhibit the skills to conduct church activities including evangelism and ordinances.
8. Grow into an effective soul-winner with the passion to initiate, nurture, and disciple.
9. Be a responsible and active participant in the welfare of the community.
10. Be an efficient evangelist, pastor, or seminary professor with the ability to teach and preach.
11. Be able to effectively articulate ones’ faith both in oral and written form.
12. Acquire the skills to conduct various research work for the benefit of the church.
13. Be qualified to pursue higher studies in any Adventist institution of higher learning.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS

Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. Second edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Academic, 1998, p. 479-578, 579-675, 779-1034.
Gulley, Norman R. Systematic Theology: Creation, Christ, Salvation. Berrien Springs, MI:
Andrews University Press, 2012 (p. 80-170; 570-770).
________. Steps to Christ. Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Class Quiz: There will be regular class quizzes usually on alternate Mondays. These quizzes
will be based on the textbook and the lecture notes.
Exams: There will be two major exams: Mid-Semester and Final Semester Exams. See class
schedule for the exam dates.
Reading Report: There will be a total of seven reading reports (see pages 7-8). Each report
should be a summary of the reading and 2-3 pages long. Submit it on the given date.
Book Review: A student is expected to read Ellen White’s book Steps to Christ and write
a book review for each book. Assignments should be submitted on the specified date.
Research Term Paper: Choose a topic for a research term paper and submit a proposal on
or before October 24, 2021. You will have the opportunity to make a presentation of your
research finding in the class with expectation of questions from your classmates. The
length of the paper is expected to be 15+ pages (double space). For research format,
please refer to A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations by Kate
L. Turabian (8th edition) and SAU Research Standards and Writing Manual by Shawna
Vyhmeister (SAU Research Handbook).

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 CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE

 Be on time for class

 Turn off all forms of social media
 Do not eat when the class is in session
 Treat one another with love and respect
 Participate by asking questions & sharing your opinion

SEMESTER PLAN

DATE CLASS CLASS LECTURES

& DAY QUIZ (Subject to Change) READING REPORT
Aug 30-
Sept 2 No Class
Sept 6
Mon No Class
Sept 7
Tues No Class
Sept 8
Wed Introduction & Orientation to the Course
Sept 9
Thurs Introduction & Orientation to the Course
Sept 13
Mon Introduction & Orientation to the Course
Sept 14 PART I—THE DOCTRINE OF HUMANITY
Tues Chapter 1—Introduction to the Doctrine of Humanity
Sept 15
Wed Chapter 1—Introduction to the Doctrine of Humanity
Sept 16
Thurs Chapter 2—The Origin of Humanity
Sept 19
Sun No Class Report 1
Sept 20
Mon Chapter 2—The Origin of Humanity
Sept 21
Tues Chapter 3—The Image of God in Human
Sept 22
Wed Test 1 Chapter 3—The Image of God in Human
Sept 23
Thurs Chapter 3—The Image of God in Human
Sept 26
Sun No Class Report 2
Sept 27
Mon Chapter 4—The Constitutional Nature of the Human
Sept 28
Tues Chapter 4—The Constitutional Nature of the Human
Sept 29
Wed Chapter 4—The Constitutional Nature of the Human

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Sept 30 PART II—THE DOCTRINE OF SIN
Thurs Chapter 5—Sin & Human Nature in History
Oct 3
Sun No Class Report 3
Oct 4
Mon Chapter 5—Sin & Human Nature in History
Oct 5
Tues Chapter 5—Sin & Human Nature in History
Oct 6
Wed Test 2 Chapter 6—The Nature of Sin
Oct 7
Thurs Chapter 6—The Nature of Sin
Oct 10 Research Topic
Sun No Class Submission
Oct 11
Mon Chapter 6—The Nature of Sin
Oct 12
Tues Chapter 7—The Results of Sin
Oct 13
Wed Chapter 7—The Results of Sin
Oct 14
Thurs Chapter 8—The Magnitude of Sin
Oct 18
Mon Chapter 8—The Magnitude of Sin
Oct 19
Tues Chapter 8—The Magnitude of Sin
Oct 20 PART II—THE DOCTRINE OF SALVATION
Wed Test 3 Chapter 9—Introduction to the Doctrine of Salvation
Oct 21
Thurs Chapter 9—Introduction to the Doctrine of Salvation
Oct 24 Proposal
Sun No Class Submission
Oct 25
Mon Chapter 9—Introduction to the Doctrine of Salvation
Oct 26
Tues Chapter 10—Theories of the Atonement
Oct 27
Wed Chapter 10—Theories of the Atonement
Oct 28
Thurs Chapter 10—Theories of the Atonement
Oct 31
Sun No Class Report 4
Nov 1
Mon Chapter 10—Theories of the Atonement
Nov 2
Tues Chapter 11—The Central Theme of the Atonement
Nov 3
Wed Test 4 Chapter 11—The Central Theme of the Atonement
Nov 4
Thurs Holiday (Diwali)

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Nov 7
Sun Chapter 11—The Central Theme of the Atonement Report 5
Nov 8
Mon Chapter 12—The Extent of the Atonement
Nov 9
Tues Chapter 12—The Extent of the Atonement
Nov 10
Wed Chapter 13—The Antecedent to Salvation: Predestination
Nov 11
Thurs Chapter 13—The Antecedent to Salvation: Predestination
Nov 14
Sun No Class Report 6
Nov 15
Mon Chapter 13—The Antecedent to Salvation: Predestination
Nov 16
Tues Chapter 14—The Doctrine of Grace
Nov 17
Wed Test 5 Chapter 14—The Doctrine of Grace
Nov 18
Thurs Chapter 14—The Doctrine of Grace
Nov 22
Mon Chapter 15—The Beginning of Salvation: Subjective Aspects
Nov 23
Tues Chapter 15—The Beginning of Salvation: Subjective Aspects
Nov 24
Wed Chapter 15—The Beginning of Salvation: Subjective Aspects
Nov 25
Thurs Internal Examination
Nov 29
Mon Chapter 15—The Beginning of Salvation: Subjective Aspects
Nov 30
Tues Chapter 16—The Beginning of Salvation: Objective Aspects
Dec 1
Wed Chapter 16—The Beginning of Salvation: Objective Aspects
Dec 2
Thurs Chapter 16—The Beginning of Salvation: Objective Aspects
Dec 5
Sun No Class Report 7
Dec 6
Mon Chapter 16—The Beginning of Salvation: Objective Aspects
Dec 7
Tues Chapter 17—The Continuation of Salvation: Assurance
Dec 8
Wed Test 6 Chapter 17—The Continuation of Salvation: Assurance
Dec 9
Thurs Chapter 18—The Continuation of Salvation: Assurance
Dec 13
Mon Chapter 18—The Continuation of Salvation: Perfection
Dec 14
Tues Chapter 18—The Continuation of Salvation: Perfection

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Dec 15
Wed Chapter 19—Last Generation Theology
Dec 16
Thurs Chapter 19—Last Generation Theology
Dec 19 Steps to Christ
Sun No Class Review
Dec 20
Mon Chapter 19—Last Generation Theology
Dec 21
Tues Chapter 20—The Completion of Salvation: Glorification
Dec 22
Wed Test 7 Chapter 20—The Completion of Salvation: Glorification
Dec 23-
Jan 2 Winter Vacation
Jan 3
Mon Term Paper Presentation
Jan 4
Tues Term Paper Presentation
Jan 5
Wed Term Paper Presentation
Jan 6
Thurs Term Paper Presentation
Jan 10
Mon Term Paper Presentation
Jan 11
Tues Term Paper Presentation
Jan 12
Wed Term Paper Presentation
Jan 13 Term Paper
Thurs Last day of Class Submission

Jan 14-19 Preparation/Study Period

Jan 20-31 Semester/Term-end Examinations

Please note: Lecture topics may change as the instructor sees fit.

UNIVERSITY POLICIES

Class Attendance: As per the university attendance policy, an aggregate of 75% class
attendance is required. Failure to meet this minimum requirement may result in F grade.
Style and Format of Written Work: Please refer to SAU Research Standards and Writing
Manual by Shawna Vyhmeister for writing format.
Academic Integrity: Spicer Adventist University as a Christian institute expects students to
maintain a high level of academic integrity. Plagiarism, presenting another person’s work as
one’s own, giving or receiving inappropriate assistance during an examination, providing
others with answers, or other inappropriate assistance on homework and research should be
avoided at all cost. Theology students who are potential future pastors, evangelists, and Bible
workers must specially guard themselves against such inappropriate practices.

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 GRADING AND ASSESSMENT

Grades are normally assigned according to the table below. (Taken from old bulletin)
Grade Marks % Grade Points
O 70 & above 7
A 60 to 69.99 6
B 55 to 59.99 5
C 50 to 54.99 4
D 45 to 49.99 3
E 40 to 44.99 2
F (Fail) 39.99 & below 0
REFERENCES

Dederen, Raoul, ed. Handbook of Seventh-day Adventist Theology. Hagerstown, MD: Review
and Herald, 2000.

Demarest, Bruce. The Cross and Salvation: The Doctrine of God. Wheaton, IL: Crossway
Books, 1997.

Hanna, Martin, Darius Jankiewicz, and John Reeve, eds. Salvation: Contours of Adventist
Soteriology. Berrien Springs, MI: Andrews University Press, 2018.

Knight, George R. Sin and Salvation: God’s Work for and in Us. Hagerstown, MD: Review
and Herald, 2008.

Moskala, Jiri, and John C. Peckham, eds. God’s Character and the Last Generation. Nampa,
ID: Pacific Press, 2018.

Seventh-day Adventists Believe: A Biblical Exposition of Fundamental Doctrine. Hagerstown,

MD: Review and Herald, 2018, p. 113-164.

Stott, John R. W. The Cross of Christ. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2006.

White, Ellen G. Desire of Ages. Nampa, ID: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2002.

________. Selected Messages, vol. 1. Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald, 1958, p. 350-
400.

READING REPORT

Reading Report 1: Pfandl, Gerhard. “Some Thoughts on Original Sin.” Biblical Research
Institute.

Reading Report 2: Chapter 29-31 of Knight, George R., ed. Questions on Doctrine.
Annotated edition. Washington, DC: Review & Herald Publishing Association, 1957.

Reading Report 3: Chapter 32-34 of Knight, George R., ed. Questions on Doctrine.
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SAU DIVISION OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Annotated edition. Washington, DC: Review & Herald Publishing Association, 1957.

Reading Report 4: Chapter 35-36 of Knight, George R., ed. Questions on Doctrine.
Annotated edition. Washington, DC: Review & Herald Publishing Association, 1957.

Reading Report 5: Pfandl, Gerhard. “Romans 2 and the Salvation of the Heathen.” Biblical
Research Institute.

Reading Report 6: Knight, George R. “Seventh-day Adventism, Semi-Pelagianism, and

Overlooked Topics in Adventist Soteriology: Moving Beyond Missing Links and Toward a
More Explicit Understanding.” Andrews University Seminary Studies, Vol. 51.

Reading Report 7: Rodriguez, Angel. “Righteousness by Faith & Sinless Perfection.”

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LAwnpCulZs

SUGGESTED TOPICS FOR TERM PAPERS

1. What is the Biblical meaning of Total Depravity of Man?

2. Did humanity inherit Adam’s Original Sin and Guilt?
3. What is the Role of Man in his own Salvation?
4. What are the Steps toward Salvation?
5. Can we attain Spiritual Perfection like Christ?
6. What is the Biblical Definition of Spiritual Perfection?
7. Is “Once Saved, Always Saved” biblical?
8. What is the Biblical Meaning of Election/Predestination?
9. How can one fight and defeat temptations?
10. What is the Biblical Meaning of Sanctification?
11. What is the meaning of “salvation by grace”?
12. What is the Adventist Understanding of Perfection?
13. Can non-believers be saved without accepting Christ?
14. If God is love, why would He not save everyone?
15. What is the Relationship between Faith and Works?
16. Is Jesus Christ the only way to Salvation?
17. If God is omniscient, why did He create those who will be lost?
18. What are the Signs of a True Christian?
19. If Satan was defeated on the Cross, why is he still active?
20. What will be the eternal destiny of infants?
21. Is Baptism necessary for Salvation?
22. Will God save only Seventh-day Adventists?
23. What is the Role of Sabbath Observance in ones’ Salvation?
24. Was it really necessary for Jesus to die for humanity’s Salvation?
25. To whom did God pay the ransom to save mankind?
26. Is being a good person enough for Salvation?
27. Is Universalist theology of Salvation biblical?
28. How can a person know that he is saved?

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 INSTRUCTOR PROFILE

Koberson Langhu is an assistant professor of church history. He was born and brought up in
Charongching village in the state of Manipur. He did his high school at Anallon Christian
Institute (Manipur) and Spicer Higher Secondary School, eventually completing grade ten from
the former. He did plus-2 program at Spicer Memorial College in 1998 and went on to do B.
Th. (Bachelor of Theology) and M. A. in Religion. He began his six years-mission service at
Northeast Adventist College (NAC) as a Bible instructor, briefly working as men’s dean. In
2017, he completed his doctoral studies at Adventist International Institute of Advanced
Studies in the Philippines, majoring in church history. His main areas of interests are Adventist
history, reformation history, Adventist studies, and systematic theology. He is passionate about
music (especially gospel), lawn tennis, reading, writing, and traveling. He is married to Sanita
Phawa, PhD (AIIAS), an assistant professor in Education Department. They are blessed with
two daughters (Audrey and Stacey) and a son (Danny).
___________________________________________________________________________

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is

the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.” Romans 1:16.

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