Paul's soteriology and its relevance to the Baptist's doctrine of conversion in Amukpe Baptist Association, Delta

Abstract

The foundation and most important area of Christological discourse is Soteriology. It is the essentials of the life and ministry of Jesus on earth. This has necessitated the need to look at Paul’s Soteriology and its relevance to the Baptist Doctrine of Conversion in Amupke Baptist Association. The researcher observed a glaring challenge among a good number of members of Amukpe Baptist Association of the Ethiope-Delta Baptist Conference. Obviously, a proper understanding of the concept of salvation and a verifiable testimony of conversion experience as it relates to the Baptist doctrine of conversion appears to be lacking among some members of the Association, even while they publicly show that they are converts to the Baptist Faith tradition. The Baptist doctrine of conversion appears unclear to some members of Amukpe Baptist Association.

This research is aimed at providing explanation to Paul’s concept of salvation, enumerate the various teachings of the Baptist faith regarding salvation, show the importance of Paul’s Soteriology to Baptist’s doctrine and to conversion of souls into the local churches of Amukpe Baptist Association, demonstrate the relevance of Paul’s Soteriology to Baptist Doctrine of conversion in Amukpe Baptist Association and bring to the fore the possible impacts that unsaved membership could have on Amukpe Baptist. The study reiterates and reminds both members and the leadership of Amukpe Baptist Association what Baptist doctrine of conversion states, with regard to salvation. It also helps in eliminating misconceptions on Paul’s teachings on salvation, from the churches of Amukpe Baptist Association.

The research was carried out using twelve (12) Baptist churches out of the twenty-four (24) churches in Amukpe Baptist Association. Six (6) churches were selected from the rural communities and six (6) from semi-urban communities. A well-structured questionnaire was designed and distributed to stimulate responses from ninety-six (96) respondents. Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of quantitative data. Numerical data were manually summarized using frequency distribution tables and simple percentages.

The study’s finding indicated that Paul’s perception of salvation is built on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the revelation of the Holy Spirit. A thorough teaching on the concept of salvation, as portrayed in Paul’s Soteriology is relevant for genuine conversion of persons to Baptist faith in Amukpe Baptist Association. The spiritual and numerical growth, which Amukpe Baptist Association is in dare need of, is attainable through conversion of souls.

The study recommended that in the evangelism effort of Amukpe Baptist Association, diligence and concentration should be given to the presentation of salvific sermons in outreaches. Pastors in already existing churches and newly planted churches in the Association should be encouraged to devote time to teachings on the doctrine of salvation. All pastors, deacons and members of Amukpe Baptist Association should study the article of faith of the Nigerian Baptist Convention to have a good grasp of it.