Understanding Salvation: Metaphors in Paul’s Letters

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the metaphors of salvation as discussed in the lecture notes on Paul’s teachings, particularly in Romans and his letters to the Corinthians.

Judicial Metaphor

Describes God as a cosmic lawgiver and judge where humanity is guilty of breaking His law.

Guilty Humanity

All humanity, both Jew and Gentile, is found guilty before God's judgment.

Punishment for Sin

The penalty for breaking God’s law is death.

Substitutionary Atonement

God executes punishment on Jesus instead of humanity, allowing sinners to go free.

God’s Righteousness

God shows His righteousness by punishing sin in Jesus, satisfying justice and offering mercy.

Salvation by Faith Alone

The principle that salvation is received through faith, not through works of the law.

Participatory Metaphor

Describes salvation as participation in Christ’s death and resurrection.

Personification of Sin and Death

Sin and death are depicted as living powers that enslave humanity.

Enslavement to Sin

Humanity is depicted as being under the control of sin and death.

Power of Death

Death is portrayed as a cosmic power that has been conquered by Jesus.

Baptism and Salvation

Baptism is the act of participating in Christ's death and signifies new life.

Mortification of the Body

The practice of putting to death sinful desires and old ways of living.

In Christ

A phrase Paul uses emphasizing the believer's identity and participation in Jesus.

Judgment of Outsiders

Paul states that he does not judge those outside the church but focuses on the behavior of believers.

Hypocrisy in the Church

The condemnation of claiming to be a brother or sister while living in sin.

Excommunication

The practice of excluding a believer from communion to encourage repentance.

Restorative Justice

A form of justice focused on restoring relationships rather than just punishment.

Cultural Context of Corinth

Corinth was a wealthy city with loose morals, heavily influenced by pagan worship.

Aphrodite Worship

Worship of the goddess of love, often involving sexual immorality.

Dionysus Worship

Worship associated with wine and intoxication, often involving ecstatic practices.

Community of the Newly Rich

Corinth was populated by individuals striving for honor and status, often newly wealthy.

Running the Race Metaphor

Paul uses athletic imagery to encourage discipline in the Christian life.

Erastus Stone

A stone inscription indicating civic honor in Corinth, representing the culture's valuing of status.

Competing for Honor

In Corinth, individuals competed for prominence in business and society.

Honor and Shame Culture

A social dynamic where public status influences relationships and behavior.

Paul's Letters to Corinth

Paul wrote multiple letters to the Corinthian church to address various issues and misunderstandings.

Power of the Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus is central to Paul’s theology and the believer’s hope for eternal life.

Evangelism through Discipline

Excommunication is meant to restore the individual to the community and to Christ.

Cleansing with Water

Baptism symbolizes the washing away of sin, but it does not confer salvation.

Engagement with Pagans

Paul emphasizes the importance of engaging with non-believers while maintaining faith.

Corinthian Church Dynamics

A church struggling with divisions and moral issues reflective of its cultural environment.

Paul’s Pastoral Concern

Paul's writings show deep concern for the spiritual health and purity of the church.

Newness of Life

The transformative experience of believers through faith in Christ, signified by baptism.

Corinth's Influence on Paul's Message

Paul tailored his teachings to address the specific cultural and moral challenges of the Corinthian context.

Jesus as the Antidote

Jesus is presented as the solution to the power of sin and death.