Systematic Theology Part 5 The Doctrine of the Application of Redemption How do we grow in Christian maturity? What are the blessings of Christian growth? 1
Justification How and when do we gain legal standing before God? Justification is an instantaneous legal act of God in which he: 1) thinks of our sins as forgiven and Christ s righteousness as a blessing to us, and 2) declares us to be righteous in his sight. Explanation and Scriptural Overview Definition of : a progressive work of God and man that makes us more and more free from sin and like Christ in our actual lives. 2
Differences between Justification and Justification Legal standing Once for all time Entirely God s s work Perfect in this life The same in all Christians Internal condition Continuous throughout life We cooperate Not perfect in this life Greater in some than in others Three Stages 1) has a definite beginning at regeneration. Regeneration: a secret act of God in which he imparts new spiritual life to us being born again.. John 3 3-83 2) increases throughout life. Christians are to grow more and more in sanctification. 3) is completed at death (for our souls) and when the Lord returns (for our bodies). Because sin remains in our hearts in this life. is never completed in this life. 3
is never completed in this life Perfectionist Position: Sinless perfection in this life. Matthew 5: 48, 2 Cor.. 7: 1, 1 Thes.. 5: 23, I John 3: 6: Can or should we achieve a state of sinless perfection in this life? is never completed in this life Perfectionist Position: Can or should we achieve a state of sinless perfection in this life? 1. It is not taught in Scripture that when God gives a command, he also, gives the ability to obey in every case. We are unable to reach God s standards of holiness! We needs God s s grace and forgiveness to overcome our remaining sin! 4
is never completed in this life Perfectionist Position: Can or should we achieve a state of sinless perfection in this life? 2. There are verses in Scripture that we cannot be morally perfect. Matt. 6: 12-13, 13, Romans 6: 12-13 13 James 3: 2, 1 John 1: 8 Wisdom and Caution Although sanctification is not achievable in the life: Not an excuse to not strive for holiness or growth. This would be contrary to God s s commands. We should not lose hope or stop trying. Contrary to Romans 6. As Christians grow in maturity, the kinds of sin that remain in their lives are often not so much of words or deeds (outward) but motives of the heart, desires (inward). Examples: pride, selfishness,, lack of courage or faith, lack of zeal in loving God with our whole hearts and our neighbors as ourselves, failure to fully trust God. 5
Indeed, the more sanctified the person is, the more conformed he is to the image of his Savior, the more he must recoil against every lack of conformity to the holiness of God. The deeper his apprehension of the majesty of God, the greater the intensity of his love to God, the more persistent his yearning for the attainment of the prize of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ, the more conscious will he of the gravity of sin that remains and the more poignant will be his detestation of it.was this not the effect in all people of God as they came into closer proximity to the revelation of God s s holiness? John Murray, Redemption Accomplished and Applied. Next Week : Growth in the likeness of Christ. How do we grow in Christian maturity? What are the blessings of Christian growth? 6