Soteriological Dimension of the Imperative in the Gospel of Matthew
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the imperative dimension of soteriology in the Gospel of Matthew. Using a library research method, it explores how salvation in Matthew is inseparably linked to the actions and obedience of believers. The findings show that Matthew presents salvation not merely as a passive gift but as something that demands an active response—a life of obedience. Like an unfruitful tree that is cut down, faith without action is considered incomplete. The imperative soteriology of Matthew is expressed through Jesus’ teachings that call believers to do the “will of God,” rooted in grace and the covenant of forgiveness through Christ. The Greek verb poieō (“to do”) plays a central role in Matthew’s soteriological vision, signifying wholehearted obedience to God’s commandments. This imperative element encourages a transformative faith, where believers demonstrate their salvation by actively living in alignment with God’s will in both attitude and action.
Downloads
References
Aarde Van , God with Us: The Dominant Perspective in Matthew’s Story (Pretoria: University of Pretoria, 1994).
B. W. Bacon, “Jesus and the Law: A Study of the First ‘Book’ of Matthew (Mt. 3–7)” (JBL 47:1928)
D. Seeley, Deconstructing the New Testament (Biblicall Interpretation Series, Leiden, 1994)
G. Bornkamm, Tradition & Interpretation in Matthew (London: SCM Press, 1963).
G. Stanton, peny., The interpretation of Matthew (London: SPCK, 1983).
Haposan Silalahi, DIMENSI SOTERIOLOGI KATA POIEŌ DALAM MATIUS 7:21 (Dunamis, Jurnal Teologi dan Pendidikan Kristen, n.d.) Volume 7 No. 1 Tahun 2022.
H. Windisch, The Meaning of the Sermon on the Mount (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1951)
Jong-Ki Park, Obedience and Prophecy in Matthew: Rhetorical Function of Mt. 7:15-23 in Matthew’s Narrative (PhD diss, Graduate Theological Union, 2001)
M. Goulder, Paul advocates for a radical option whereas Matthew, a conservative one. Midrash and Lection in Matthew (London: SPCK, 1974).
Roger Mohrlang, Matthew and Paul: A Comparison of Ethical Perspestives (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1984).
William Loader, Matthew, Paul, and Others: Asian Perspectives on New Testament Themes CONFERENCE SERIES (innsbruck university press, 2019).
W. Marxsen, New Testament Foundations for Christian Ethics (Philadelphia: Fortress, 1993).
Copyright (c) 2025 Te Deum (Jurnal Teologi dan Pengembangan Pelayanan)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Examples of Creative Commons Licensing Notifications in the Copyright Notices
1. Proposed Policy for Journals That Offer Open Access
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
2. Proposed Policy for Journals That Offer Delayed Open Access
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication, with the work [SPECIFY PERIOD OF TIME] after publication simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
