Doctrine Of Salvation. Introduction

Transcription

1 Doctrine Of Salvation Introduction Salvation is the most common biblical expression used to identify the subjective changes in people's lives, when by faith they have received the Person and work of Jesus Christ at the cross. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 The Meaning of Salvation The term salvation implies deliverance, safety, preservation, healing, and soundness. It never implies in Scripture as an escape. Salvation is a rescue from impending danger. The Source of Salvation Jesus Christ is the source of salvation. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me. John 14:6 Christ Jesus is the source of salvation for two very important reasons: 1 Christ is able to save: Now unto him (Jesus) who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Ephesians 3:20. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John 10:28. 2 Christ is willing to save: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

2 That someone is able and willing to save; such a Savior must fulfill both requirements. As was previously stated, the Lord Jesus Christ is the source, and sum total of salvation! This is clearly demonstrated in the following passages: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David. Luke 1: Neither is there salvation in any other (Jesus): for there is note other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12. Man Needs Salvation Salvation means to effect successfully the full delivery of someone from out of impending danger. The very word carries with it the reality of man(s) sinfulness, thus needing the Saviour. Only a sick person needs a doctor. Man is desperately ill! From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. Isaiah 1:6. Only an accused person needs a lawyer.. Man stands condemned in God's court of law. As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: there is is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God...For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3: Only a drowning person needs a lifeguard. Man finds himself flooded by the waters of sin. Save me, O God, for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. Psalm 69:1-2

3 Why Are Men Lost? The following reasons explain why men are lost: They are lost because of their rejection of divine Bible Revelation. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. Psalm 19:1. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. Romans 1: The are lost because of disobeying their own conscience. For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another; In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. Romans 2: They are lost because of their relationship to the world. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. Ephesians 2:2 They are lost because of their relationship to Satan. In whom the god (Satan) of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2Corinthians 4:4. They are lost because of their relationship to sin. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. Romans 5:12. They are lost because of their relationship to God. That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. Ephesians 2:12. A sinner may not be as bad as he can be (like an Adolph Hitler) but he is nevertheless as bad off as he can be! Man is both dead spiritually and dying physically and in desperate need of salvation.

4 The False Hopes of Salvation There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Proverbs 14:12. The false hope of salvation is ultimately rooted in the lie that man can and / or must perform. (See Genesis 3:1-7; Note verse 7: They realized their sin, and they sewed {performed / work} fig leaves...). For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Galatians 2:16. The world believes the lie that education, church membership, good works, baptism, proper environment, or living by the golden rule will save them. But Jesus said to Nicodemus (a very religious man); Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3. In John 3:16-18, Jesus explains how a person is born again. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. To believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation is to believe that only the Lord Jesus Christ and His shed blood at the cross is the only remedy for the wages of sin For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

5 The Threefold Method of Salvation While God has indeed dealt with His creatures under different dispensations (the pre-law stages, the age of the law, the post-law stage, etc.), He saves them by the identical threefold method: 1 Salvation is always by blood: And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission (forgiveness). Hebrews 9:22 Furthermore, this blood must be innocent, shed and applied! 2 Salvation is always through a person: I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6. See also Acts 4:12. 3 Salvation is always by Grace: For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. Titus 2:11 (See also Ephesians 2:7-9). The Work of the Trinity in Salvation Stephen D. Swihart offers the following helpful information: The relationship of the Father to the Son, and the Son to the Holy Spirit in the plan of salvation is unique. A careful study of the following outline will make this association plain: The Father's Work: Designed the plan in Eternity Foreknow: For whom He did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be con formed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first born among many brethren. Romans 8:29 Predistinate: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. Ephesians 1:5 Chose/Elect: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. Ephesians 1:4. Call: Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Romans 8:30.

6 The Son's Work: Discharge the plan in fullness of time. 1. God's Eternal covenant with Christ: REAL a. Matthew 26:54; Mark 14:21; Luke 22:22; 24:25-27; Acts 2:23; 4:25-28; 13:27-28; 26:22,23; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; 1 Peter 1:11, God's Eternal covenant with Christ: REVEALED a. That Christ should be the second federal Head of the human race: And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man (Adam) is of the earth, earthy: the second man (Jesus) is the Lord from heaven. 1 Corinthians 15: b. That Christ would partake of flesh and bone: And the Word (Jesus Christ - John 1:1) was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth. John 1:14. c. That Christ would function in a Son and Servant relationship to God: See Isaiah 43:10; 49:3-6; 52:13; John 10: d. That Christ would die for the sins of the world: The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1:29 e. That Christ would receive, as His inheritance, the nations, along with all power and authority: The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. John 3:35. See also Psalm 2:6-8; 8:5-8; 22:27. The Spirit's Work: Declare the Man/Plan a. Propagation: But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:26. See also Acts 1:8. b. Conviction: See John 16:7-11 c. Regeneration: See John 3:3-7 and Titus 3:15 d. Sanctification: See Romans 15:16 and 2 Thessalonians 2:13

7 The Old Testament Types of Salvation Adam and Eve, illustrating that salvation clothes us. See Genesis 3:21 and Revelation 3:5,18; 19:7,8. b. Cain and Abel, illustrating that salvation guarantees us acceptance with God the Father. It also demonstrates (in Cain's example) the wrong way to seek acceptance. See Genesis 4:4 and Ephesians 1:6 c. The Ark and the Passover, illustrating that salvation protects us from God's wrath. See Genesis 7:1; Exodus 12:23; Romans 1:18. d. Abraham and Isaac, illustrating salvation provides for us an acceptable substitute. See Genesis 22:12-14; 1 Peter 3;18. The Manna and the Smitten Rock, illustrating that salvation satisfies us. See Exodus 16:14; 17:6; Psalm 103:5; 107:9. The Brazen Serpent, illustrating that salvation cures us. See Numbers 21:9; John 3:14. Naaman, Illustrating salvation cleanses us. See 2 Kings 5:1-14; Psalm 51:7. The Tabernacle, illustrating salvation restores lost fellowship. See Exodus 25:22; Psalm 23:3.

8 The Vocabulary of Salvation There are 13 key words in the vocabulary of SALVATION. These are: Conversion Redemption Justification Substitution Regeneration Sanctification Reconciliation Imputation Glorification Propitiation Adoption Preservation Remission We shall now examine each of these important terms. A. CONVERSION: The Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. Psalm 19:7a. The Greek word translated conversion has reference to a twofold turning on the part of an individual. One has to do with repentance (a turning from), and the other with faith (a turning too). 1. Repentance (Greek: metanoia) * What Repentance is not: (a) It is not reformation, that act of turning over a new leaf. (b) It is not remorse, that act of regretting the fruit of one's crime, but not the root. By way of example, read Hebrews 12: * What Repentance is: It is a voluntary and sincere change in the mind of the sinner, causing him to turn from his sin. It should be noted here we said sin and not sins. True repentance involves the turning from one specific sin, and that sin is his rejection (unbelief) of Jesus Christ! Listen to what Jesus said: Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. John 16:7-11. God is not primarily interested in convincing a sinner to give up smoking, swearing, drinking, etc., as bad as these may be for this will never save him. His great sin which has condemned him is his rejection of Christ! Repentance therefore deals with a turning from this horrible crime of spurning Calvary!

9 2. Faith * What it is not (a) It is not a blind leap into the dark. (b) It is not supposition (c) It is not speculation (d) It is not an opinion or hypothesis * What it is It is a voluntary and sincere change in the mind of the sinner, causing him to turn to the Savior. We have now seen both sides of the coin of conversion. Repentance is a turning from sin, and faith is a turning to Christ for the forgiveness and cleansing from sin. Paul includes both concepts during his farewell message to the Ephesians elders in Acts 20:21. * How it is produced So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Romans 10:17. The reference is to the oral communication of the gospel of Christ. Notice that it is not faith in what is heard, but faith that comes about by what is heard. This is what Paul meant in 1:16 of his letter to the Romans when he said the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Saving faith is not man doing his part in response to God having done His part. Saving faith can come about only through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Salvation is God's work alone. This also shows that there is no other way to be saved but by the explicit gospel of Christ. * Why it is so necessary But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (1) The Sinner is saved through Faith. See Ephesians 2:8,9 and Romans 5:1. (2) The Saint is sanctified (grows in and by grace) faith. Thus by Faith: We Live - The just shall live by faith. Romans 1:17c. We Stand -...For by faith ye stand. 2 Corinthians 1:24c. We Walk - For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7. We Fight - Fight the good fight of faith... 1 Timothy 6:12 We Overcome - For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4. B. SUBSTITUTION: For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit. 1 Peter 3:18. Christ became on the cross what He was not: namely, sin; that we might become what we were

10 not: namely, righteous! The Son of God became the Son of man that the sons of men might become the sons of God (Read prayerfully Isaiah 53 and 2 Corinthians 5:21). C. RECONCILIATION: To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19. The meaning of Reconciliation The Greek word allasso means to change from that of enmity to that of friendship. And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross having slain the enmity thereby. Ephesians 2:16 The implications of Reconciliation a. That a previous animosity once existed (known as enmity). b. That the offended party (God) now view things differently (favorably). The two phases of Reconciliation a. God has reconciled us to Himself. See 2 Corinthians 5:19 b. Man must realize reconciliation to God is by Christ alone. D. PROPITIATION: And He (Christ) is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2. 1. The meaning of Propitiation. The Greek word hilasmos means to render favorable, to satisfy, to appease. 2. The method of Propitiation. It is by the shedding of pure, innocent, and applicable blood. The blood of Christ! Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. Romans 3: The necessity for Propitiation. It was necessary because of God's wrath (that stern reaction of the divine nature to evil in man). He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John 3:36. See also Romans 1:18; Ephesians 5:6; Revelation 6: The results of Propitiation. a. God is justified in forgiving sin. b. God is justified in bestowing righteousness. Read Romans 3: c. Redeemed Men and Women abide in God's favor forever! E. REMISSION: To him (Christ Jesus) give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. Acts 10:43

11 1. The meaning of Remission. This concept is practically synonymous with the word forgiveness. It refers to a sending back, a putting away. A classic illustration is found in Leviticus 16 where the high priest brought two goats to the tabernacle during the Great Day of Atonement. One goat was killed and its blood sprinkled upon the mercy seat. Concerning the other goat; read verses 21 and The uniqueness of Remission. Of the 13 key words in the vocabulary of salvation remission alone has to do with subtraction, whereas all other terms speak of a glorious addition! F. REDEMPTION: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people. Luke 1:68. The threefold meaning of Redemption: To pay a ransom price for something or someone: Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. Hebrews 9:12. To remove from a slave market place: Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. Galatians 3:13. To effect a full release: Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:24. Note the costliness of redemption: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers: But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 1 Peter 1: G. REGENERATION: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Titus 3:5. The definition of Regeneration. It is that process whereby God through a second birth imparts to the believing sinner a new nature. See John 3:3 and 1 John 5:1

12 The necessity for regeneration. It is necessary because of human nature. By nature all men are: a. Dead to God - And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. Epheshians 2:1 b. Sons of disobedience - Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. Ephesians 2:2 c. Children of wrath - Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lust of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Ephesians 2:3 d. Cursed with Adam's sin nature - Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. Romans 5: The means of Regeneration. Three factors are vital for a sinner to experience regeneration: The Word of God - Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 1 Peter 1:23 The Man of God - For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10: The Spirit of God - Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Titus 3:5. 4. The fruits of Regeneration. The twice-born person now loves the following: a. Other Christians - We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 1 John 3:14 b. Jesus - Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 1

13 John 5:1-2. c. The separated life - Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15. d. His enemies - Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. Matthew 5:44. e. The Word of God - As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. 1 Peter 2:2 f. The Souls of men - Read about Paul's desire for people to be saved. Romans 9:1-3 and 10:1. g. Prayer - Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 H. IMPUTATION: Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Romans 4:8 1. Definition of Imputation. To impute is the act of one person adding something good or bad to the account of another person. 2. Kinds of imputation. In the Bible there are three main theological imputations: a. The imputation of Adam's sin upon the human race. See Romans 5:12. b. The imputation of the race's sin upon Christ. See 1 Peter 2:24 and Hebrews 2:9. c. The imputation of God righteousness upon the believing sinner. See Philippians 3:7-9. I. ADOPTION: But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Galatians 4:4-5. 1) The Theology of Adoption. The word literally means the placing of a son. Adoption logically follows regeneration. Regeneration gives one his nature as a child of God, whereas adoption gives him his position as a son of God. See Romans 8: ) Adoption contrasted. How spiritual adoption differs with civil adoption. a. We never adopt our own children, but God never adopts any other! b. Civil adoption provides comfort for the childless, but God had a beloved Son (See Matthew 3:17; 17:5) prior to adopting us.

14 c. There are usually many pleasing characteristics in a civil adopted child, but not in God's children prior to their adoption. See Romans 3: d. Civil adoption could never give the child the same nature of the Father, but God's adopted are given the very mind of Christ. See 1 Corinthians 2:16. e. In some cases, civil adoption could be declared null and void, but God's adopted are absolutely secure! See Philippians 1:6 and Epheshians 4: The Trinity in Adoption a. There is an intimacy towards the Father. See Romans 8:15 b. There is an inheritance with the Son. See Romans 8:17; Hebrews 2:11 c. There is an illumination by the Spirit. He both leads us and assures us. See Rom. 8: J. JUSTIFICATION: Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 1. The definition of Justification Negative considerations (What it is not) a. It does not mean to be acquitted, that is, to successfully defend oneself against all charges. See Romans 3:19. b. It does not mean to be pardoned, that is, to be found guilty, but given a second chance. c. It does not mean to be paroled, that is, to set a guilty person free with certain restrictions. Positive considerations (What it is) 1. The great theologian, A. Strong, has defined justification in the following way: By justification we mean that judicial act of God which, on account of Christ, to whom the sinner is united by faith, He declares that sinner to be no longer exposed to the penalty of the law, but restored to His favor. (Systematic Theology, p.849). Justification is thus that legal act whereby man's status before God is changed for the good. 2. The method of Justification. See Romans 4:16. a. It is of faith - See Romans 5:1. As this is the best and only way for the sinner to be saved. b. It is of grace - See Ephesians 2:8-9. As this is the best way for God to be

15 glorified. See Ephesians 2:1-10. Note: Some have imagined a contradiction between Paul (Romans 4:4-5) and James (James 2:24) concerning the justification of man. There is no such contradiction: a. Paul says that through faith a man is justified before God. b. James says that through works a man is justified before men. c. Paul says faith is the root of justification. d. James says works is the fruit of justification. Yes: You are saved by faith alone; but faith is not alone (without works). Good works will not justify a man before God, but a justified man will do good works. 3. The results of Justification a. The remission of sin's penalty - Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Romans 4:7 b. The restoration to divine favor - See Romans 5:1-11 c. The imputation of Christ's righteousness - For he (God) hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:21. Man justifies only the innocent, but God only the guilty. Man justifies on the basis of self-merit, but God on the basis of the Saviour's merit. K. SANCTIFICATION: And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. John 17:19. See also Ephesians 5:25, Sanctification defined Negative Consideration (What it is not) a. It is not the eradication of the sinful nature. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8,9. his b. It is not the second blessing. Some have taken their theology of the second blessing from 2 Corinthians 1:15. However, Paul describes the Corinthian believers in first epistle as already being sanctified (1 Corinthians 1:2; 6:11). c. It is not the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Read 1 Corinthians 12:13. Paul states all believers have been baptized by the Holy Spirit, regardless of their personal spiritual condition. Compare this with 1 Corinthians 3:1-4.

16 Positive Consideration (What it is) Sanctification occurs in the various forms some 300 times in the New Testament and 760 times in the Old Testament for a total of 1060 in the Bible. The basic meaning in all these instances is to set apart. At this point it may help to contrast sanctification with justification. a. Justification deals with our standing, while sanctification deals with our state b. Justification is that which God does for us, while sanctification is that which God does in us. c. Justification is an act, while sanctification is a work. d. Justification is the means, while sanctification is the end. e. Justification makes us safe, while sanctification makes us sound. f. Justification declares us righteous, while sanctification makes us righteous. g. Justification removes the guilt and penalty of sin, while sanctification checks the growth and power of sin. 2. Sanctification Achieved In Romans 6 Paul the apostle clearly lays out the program leading to that lifelong process of growing in grace and spiritual maturity, which is sanctification! The plan involves four simple commands: 1. Know Ye! See Romans 6:1-10 That we have buried with him (Christ) by baptism into death! (6:4). Hear Paul states Christ not only died for me, but as me! See 2 Corinthians 5:21. The word baptism simply means identification. This identification with Christ on Calvary is one of many dry baptisms in the Bible. Other would include: 1. The Baptism of sin and suffering upon Christ - Matthew 20: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit upon believers at Pentecost - Acts 1:5. 3. The Baptism of believers into the body of Christ - 1 Corinthians 12: The Baptism for the dead - 1 Corinthians 15:29. Note: This is thought to refer to that act of living believers identifying themselves with martyred believers by picking up their fallen banners (testimony). 5. The Baptism unto Moses - 1 Corinthians 10:2

17 6. The Baptism of judgment during the tribulation - Matthew 3:11,12. That we have been planted together... in the likeness of his (Christ) resurrection. (6:5). believer has now been transplanted two time: The a. To the Cross, where he died with Christ. b. To the tomb, where he arose with Christ. That because of these two facts, the believer is: a. Dead to sin (6:2) b. Freed from sin (the penalty and power of sin - 6:7). 2. Reckon Ye! See Romans 6:11-12 This simply means that by faith we are to act upon these facts regardless of any personal feelings! 3. Yield Ye! See Romans 6: Obey Ye! a. We are to stop yielding (present tense) our body member as instruments of unrighteousness. b. We are to once for all yield our body members as instruments of righteousness. Who are we to Obey? a. The Christian is to obey His new Master and to ignore his old one (6:16, see also James 4:7). We can serve but one master at a time (Matthew 6:24). b. The Christian is to obey that form of doctrine into which he has been delivered. Why are we to Obey? Because we are freed from sin - 6:22. This marks the sixth time Paul has stated this fact. There are three Latin theological terms which may clarify this precious doctrine (teaching). These are: Non posse non pecare - Not able not to sin. This refers to believers before their salvation. Posse non pecare - Able not to sin. This describes them after their salvation. They now have the power to live victorious lives.

18 Non posse pecare - Not able to sin. This describes their existence after the rapture L. GLORIFICATION: Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Romans 8:30. See also 1 Corinthians 15: a. The meaning of glorification. It refers to the ultimate and absolute physical, mental, and spiritual perfections of all believers. See Romans 8:22,23; and Jude 1:24,25. b. The time of glorification. It will begin at the Rapture and continue throughout all eternity. See 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; and 1 Corinthians 15: c. The purpose of glorification. Glorification is both logical and necessary final side of the great salvation triangle. It completes justification and sanctification. Note: In the past, Christ the Prophet saved us from the penalty of sin through justification! In the present, Christ the Priest saves us from the power of sin through sanctification (setting apart). In the future, Christ the King shall save us from the presence of sin through glorification! The source of glorification. What kind of body will the believer possess? M. PRESERVATION: o It will be a body like Christ's Body - 1 John 3:2; Philippians 3:21. o It will be a body flesh and bone - Luke 24:39. o It will be a recognizable body - 1 Corinthians 13:12. o It will be a body in which the Spirit predominates - 1 Corinthians 15:44,49. o It will be a body unlimited by time, gravity, or space - Luke 24: o It will be an eternal body - 2 Corinthians 5:1. o It will be a glorious body - Romans 8:18. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John 10:27,28. This word: preservation, deals with the burning question, Can a saved person ever lose his or her salvation? The only way to answer this question with authority is by the Word of God!

19 First, we must ask this important question scripturally before we can answer it scripturally: Can Jesus Christ lose the believer? Read John 10: The Bible clearly teaches that salvation is wholly of grace and totally apart from any good works by man (Ephesians 2:8,9). Now if good works play no part whatsoever in obtaining salvation, how can they help in keeping it? If one must maintain good works to remain saved, then salvation is simply not of grace at all. One cannot have it both ways. The only way to live the Christian live is the way it begins: by grace through faith! What are the proofs of this precious biblical doctrine? Does the Bible indeed teach once saved always saved? IT SURELY DOES! In fact, the work of the entire Trinity guarantees it. 1. The Work of the God the Father Because of His plan and program. See Romans 8: Note the features of this plan: a. To predestinate all those He foreknew to be conformed to the image of Christ - Romans 8:29. b. To accept all these in Christ (Ephesians 1:6; Colossians 3:3). This means that the believer has as much right to be in heaven as Christ does, for the believer is in Christ! c. To call, justify, and glorify all those accepted in Christ (Romans 8:30). Note especially the last phrase of this verse, them he also glorified. Glorification, of course, will not take place until the rapture (1 Corinthians 15:51-54). But here in Romans 8:30 Paul puts the word in past tense! In other words, in God's sight the believer is already glorified in heaven with Christ! This is one of the strongest verse in the Bible on eternal security. Because of His power. See John 10:28; Romans 4:21; 8: Because of His love. See Romans 5:7-11; 8: Because of His Faithfulness in chastening (child training) His own. Heb 12: The Work of God the Son a. Because of His promises - See John 5:24; 6:37; 10: b. Because of His prayer - See John 17:9-12, c. Because of His death - See Isaiah 53:5,11; John 19:30. d. Because of His resurrection - Romans 6:3-10. e. Because of His present ministry: (1) His work as our advocate in heaven assures our eternal security. See 1 John 2:1. (2) His work as our intercessor in heaven assures our eternal security.

20 See Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 7:23, The Work of God the Spirit a. He regenerates the believer - See John 3:3-7. b. He baptizes the believer in the body of Christ - Romans 6:3,4. c. He indwells the believer - John 14:16. d. He seals the believer - Ephesians 4:30. e. He strengthens the believer - Ephesians 3:16. f. He prays for the believer - Romans 8:26. Let us now hear the conclusion of the matter. Can a saved person ever be lost? If he can, then one is forced to admit the following unthinkable things: 1. It is possible for one who has been purged from sin by the blood of Christ to become unpurged! 2. It is possible for one who has been forever perfected to become unperfected! 3. God does remember that which He promised to forget (see Hebrews 10:17). 4. God does that which He dares anyone else to do: namely, to lay something to the charge of His elect (see Romans 8:33-34). 5. It is possible for one born of God to become unborn! 6. It is possible for one who has been sealed to become unsealed! 7. It is possible for one who has been baptized into the body of Christ to become unbaptized! 8. It is possible for one who has been joined to the Body of Christ to suffer amputation! 9. It is possible for God's very elect to be defeated by Satan! 10. God did not really mean what He said in the following verses: a. Shall NEVER perish - John 3:16 b. Shall NEVER thirst - John 4:14 c. Shall NEVER be judged - John 5:24 d. Shall NEVER hunger - John 6:35 e. Shall NEVER taste of death - John 8:52 f. Shall NEVER be forsaken - Hebrews 13:5 g. Shall NEVER be moved - Psalm 15:5; 55:22

21 The Assurance of Salvation These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 1 John 5:13. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. 2 Corinthians 13:5 The Bible is the source of assurance of salvation! The following questions and scriptural references are provided as a guideline for the assurance of salvation. Read each one prayerfully. First, have you enjoyed spiritual fellowship with God, with Christ and with fellow believer? That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us. and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 1 John 1:3-4 Second, do you have a sensitivity to sin? But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.1 John 1:7 Third, are you basically obedient to the commandments of Scripture? And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep his commandments.1 John 2:3

22 Fourth, what is your attitude toward the world and its values? Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15 Fifth, do you practice sin less (not sinless) now that you have professed faith in Christ? Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 1 John 3:6 Sixth, have you experienced answered prayer? And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 1 John 3:22 Seventh, do you have the inner witness of the Holy Spirit? Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of His Spirit. 1 John 4:13 Eighth, do you have the ability to discern between spiritual truth and error? Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.1 John 4:1

23 Ninth, do you believe the basic doctrines of the faith? Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. 1 John 5:1a Tenth, have you experienced persecution for your Christian position? And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. Philippians 1:28 What a wonderful thing it is when a person has a true friend... the type of friend who will never betray his trust. A friend who will always be there when you need him. A friend who is concerned about your needs, your heartaches, your problems and even the things you desire in life. A friend whose love for you will not change even when you change. Such a friend would be a real treasure. This Friend is someone who loves you so much that He gave His life for you. The Bible says in John 15:13: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Jesus Christ gave His life for you nearly 2,000 years ago, before you were ever born. He laid down His life on the cross, was buried three days, and rose bodily from the grave to save you from your sin. His desire was that you might become His friend by accepting Him as your personal Saviour. Jesus not only gave His life for you, He offers His life to you. Jesus Christ can be the friend you need in your life, but the decision is yours. To turn down the friendship of One who offers freely the gift of eternal life and promises to meet our needs in this life would truly be a tragic mistake. The Bible says: For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23. The reason you need the Saviour is because you are a sinner. We are all sinners. As sinners, there is no way we can earn our way, or work our way to Heaven. There is not a thing that a person can do, regardless of how good they are compared to others, we are still sinners and fall short of the glory of God. The Bible says: For the wages of sin is death...romans 6:23a. The penalty of sin is death. This speaks of the second death. Revelation 20:14,15 says, And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Yes, the Bible teaches that there is an eternal lake of fire where sinners go for rejecting the only payment for their sin: The shed blood of Jesus Christ! Yes, Jesus Christ is the answer for man's sin problem. The Bible says in Romans 6:23b:...but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. God the Father has a free gift for every person who will receive it. That gift is eternal life for all who will believe that the death, burial and resurrection of Christ is all they need to trust in for God's forgiveness. Only Christ Jesus can save you! For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13.

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