A simple guide to identify common positions on soteriology and moral-practice

When discussing matters of morality and soteriology (the theological discipline of study that attempts to answer the question: "How can a person be saved?"), it is quite useful to have a handle on what the precise "academic" term is for some of the common positions you are likely to encounter.

To make that easier for those beginning their venture into the world of theology, here is a compilation of just a handful of these, described by simple phrases that should hopefully enable you to understand and apply them.

The list below is likely to be updated, so feel free to bookmark this page for future reference.

List of common positions on soteriology and moral-practice:

Legalism:

"Others need to follow these rules we made up."

Moralism:

"I will know if someone is saved by how well they follow rules that I like."

Libertinism/Antinomianism:

"I don't need to follow any rules, because how I behave doesn't matter."

Holiness:

"I want to honor God in my thoughts and deeds, but I know I will fail in that."

Salvation by works:

"I did something and as a result I am saved."

Salvation by grace:

"Christ did everything, and as a result I am saved."