E. SALVATION (REDEMPTION)
TABLE OF CONTENTS – THIS SECTION
El. THE BLOOD OF JESUS (SUFFICIENT FOR TOTAL REDEMPTION)
E2. MEANS OFSALVATION
E3. CALLING- FOREKNOWLEDGE -PREDESTINATION
E4. REPENTANCE
E5. SAVING FAITH
E6. REGENERATION (BORN OF GOD)
E7. JUSTIFICATION
E8. ADOPTION
E9. BAPTISM IN HOLY SPIRIT
E10. PERSEVERANCE
E11. SANCTIFICATION – HOLINESS
E12. GLORIFICATION
1. THE BLOOD OF JESUS (SUFFICIENT FOR TOTAL REDEMPTION)
a) BLOOD OF JESUS IS DESCRIBED AS
– Blood of Jesus Christ….. I Jo 1:7
– Innocent Mt 27:4
– Blood of His cross… Col 1:20 – Precious IPe 1:19
– Blood of the Lord…. I Co 11:27 -Blood of the Lamb … Re 7:14;12:11
b) WITHOUT THE SHEDDING OF BLOOD THERE IS NO FORGIVENESS
….. Heb 9:22
– The Blood makes Atonement (Friendship with God) …
Le 17:11
c) WHAT THE BLOOD OF JESUS HAS ACCOMPLISHED
– The Church was bought by His blood… Ac 20:28
> we have been purchased for God … Re 5:9
– New covenant in His blood Mt 26:28; Mk 14:24; Lu 22:20; 1Co 11:25
> eternal covenant ….. Heb 13:20
– Redemption through the blood . Eph 1:7; Col 1:14
> redeemed from our former way of life IPe 1:18-19
– Justified (reconciled) by His blood.. Ro 5:9
– cleanses our consciences …..Heb 9:14
– We are brought close to God …..Eph 2:13
> peace with God through his blood . Col 1:20
– Forgiveness of sins ..Mt 26:28
> purifies us from all sin ..1Jo 1:7
– We are holy though his blood … Heb 13:12
– Overcome Satan by the Lamb’s blood .. Re 12:11
d) OLD TESTAMENT TYPES OF THE BLOOD OF JESUS
– Passoverlamb …. Ex 12:3-30; 1Co 5:7
> chosen beforehand . Ex 12:3; 1Pe 2:4
> taken out of the flock … Ex 12:5; Heb 2:14,17
> male Ex 12:5;Isa 9:6
> without defect …Ex 12:5; 1Pe 1:19
> slaughtered in evening ..Ex 12:6; Mk 15:33-37
> blood applied on doorframes…..Ex 12:7,22; Heb 9:13-14; 1Pe 1:2
> not applied to the threshold Ex 12:7; Heb 10:29
> meat roasted with bitter herbs .. Ex 12:8; Ro 8:17
> bread without yeast Ex 12:8; 1Co 5:7-8
> eaten in haste (ready to leave) . Ex 12:11
> blood-marked arc not judged … Ex 12:12-13; Ro 5:9
> celebrates leaving Egypt …. Ex 12:17;Mt 2:15;Heb 8:7-13
> aliens and Israelites to eat .. Ex 12:19; Ro 9:23-24
> to remain inside until morning . Ex 12:22; Ac 13:43; 14:22; Ro 11:22
– The Day of Atonement . Le 16:1-34; 23:26-32; Heb 9:1-10:39
> only High Priest allowed to enter .. Le 16:2; Heb 10:19-22
> not allowed to enter at will. Le 16:2; Heb 10:19-22
> offering for himself & household .. Le 16:6,11; Heb 9:7-10
> sprinkling blood of bull and goat…. Le 16:14-19; Heb 9:11-14
> scapegoat sent to desert ….. Le 16:8-10,20-22 Joh 1:29
> with sin offering for the people ….. Le 16:15; 1Co 3:16
> atonement for tabernacle parts . Le 16:16; 1Co 6:19,20
> bull & goat burned outside the camp … Le 16:27; Heb 13:11-13
> to be done once a year . Le 16:34; Heb 9:7-10,25-28
> starts Year of Jubilee – debts forgiven . Le 25:8-9
2. MEANS OF SALVATION
a) FAITH VERSUS WORKS
– Source of Salvation
> of God alone …..Ps 3:8; 37:39; Isa 45:21-22; Jer 3:23
> by Jesus Christ alone…..Isa 45:21-22; Ac 4:12
> is of God’s Grace…..Eph 2:5,8; 2Ti 1:9; Tit 2:11
> is through Faith in Christ … Mk 16:16; Ac 16:31; Ro 10:9; 1Pe 1:5
> is NOT by Works or Sacraments…. Ro 11:6; Eph 2:9; 2Ti 1:9; Tit 3:5
> is NOT by the law but FAITH.. Ro 3:21-31; Ga 2:16
– Good Works
> God has prepared them for us… Eph 2:10
> After being saved by Faith . Eph 2:8-10; 1Th 1:3
> Good Works demonstrate our Faith Jas 2:14-20; Re 2:13
> Note: We obey God because we love Him. Water Baptism and Lord’s Supper are part of His desire for us but we do not get saved by them.
b) IMPORTANCE OF GOD’S GRACE IN ALL ASPECTS OF SALVATION
– Our calling or election by GRACE .Ro 11:5; Ga 1:15
– We believed through GRACE .. Ac 18:27
– The Gospel is about God’s GRACE ….. Ac 20:24
GRACE:
– Justified by God’s GRACE . Tit 3:7
The undeserved
– Eternal Life though GRACE …. Eph l:7
gift of God’s
– Forgiveness of Sins – GRACE . Eph l:7
love and favor
– Comfort & Hope through GRACE.. 2Th 2:16
towards people,
– Strength in GRACE 2Ti 2:1
because of the
– GRACE to Preach…. Eph 3:8
work of Jesus.
– GRACE to Serve God …Heb 12:28
– Growth in GRACE . 2Pe 3:l8
– We are what we are, by GRACE …. 1 Co 15:10
c) OUR PART IN SALVATION, WITH GOD’S HELP
– Repentance & Baptism.. Ac 2:38 – Confession & Faith . Ro 10:9-10
– Acting on God’s Word… Jas 1:21-25 – Endurance…. Mt 10:22
d) SALVATION TEACHING PASSAGE-Ro 3:21-26 .. see also:
– Produces righteousness ….. Ro 3:21
– Apart from the law.. Ro 3:2l Ro 3:28
– From God….. Ro 3:21-22 …. Php 3:9
– Through faith in Jesus Christ … Ro 3:22….. Ac 4:12
– To all who believe .. Ro 3:23…..Ac 2:21
– Needed by all …. Ro 3:23 …. 2Pe 3:9
– Freely by His grace . Ro3:24 ….. Eph 2:8
– Through faith in His blood.. Ro 3:25-26 …. Heb 9:14; 1Jo 1:7
e) SALVATION DELIVERS US FROM THE FOLLOWING:
– Sin … Mt 1:21 &1Jo 3:5
– Uncleanness Eze 36:29
– Self… Ro 6:
-God’s Wrath…Ro 5:9; 1Th 1:10
– Law . Ro 6:14
– Eternal Death …..Joh 3:16-17
– This present Evil World Ga 1:4
– Power of the Devil… Col 1:13; 2:15; Heb 2:14-15
f) AFFECTS ALL ASPECTS OF THE BELIEVER
– Body – healing – by His stripes . 1Pe 2:24
> future glorified body …. 1Co 15:44; Php 3:21; Ro 8:23
– Soul – salvation of the soul . 1Pe 1:9
> hope and cleansing . Heb 6:18,19; Jas 1:21
– Spirit – made perfect ….. Heb 12:23
> communication with God’s Spirit… Ro 8:16
3. CALLING-FOREKNOWLEDGE-PREDESTINATION
a) DEFINITIONS
– Call: Because sin has spiritually blinded man and has made him unable to believe, God must act first in order to enable us to turn to Him.
– Foreknowledge – Predestination: Because God knows all things and has all power, we acknowledge that those who get saved do so by His almighty will and purposes.
b) PREACHING
– People are called by the preaching of the gospel ….Ro 10:14-15
> Jesus preached . Mt 4:17; Mk 1:38-39; Lu 4:18-19; 4:43-44
> disciples preached .. Mt 10:7; Mk 3:14; 16:15; Lu 9:2
> we should preach … 2Co 5:18-20
– What they preached
> the gospel….Ro 1:15; 2Co 2:12; Mk 16:15; Lu 4:18; Section F3
> deliverance . Lu 4:18
> kingdom of God ….. Lu 4:43; 9:2,60
> Jesus Christ Ac 5:42; 1Co 1:23; Ga 1:16
> word of faith …..Ro 10:8
> the word 2Ti 4:2
– To whom they preached
> to the poor…Mt 11:5
> in all the world . Mt 24:14
> everywhere . Mk 16:20;Ac 8:4
> in villages … Ac 8:25
>inthcdties ….. Ac 8:40
> to every creature …..Col 1:23
c) GOD’S FOREKNOWLEDGE AND CHOOSING
– God knows the end from the beginning Isa 46:10
– God chose Israel ….. De 4:37 7:6
– Jesus chose His disciples …. Joh 15:16; Ac 1:2
– Jesus foreknew Judas would betray Him …. Joh 6:70; 13:11
– Believers are chosen by God’s foreknowledge . 1Pe 1:2
– Believers are a chosen people … 1Pe 2:9-10
– We were chosen in Christ before creation .. Eph 1:4; Ro 8:18-35
– Salvation is a GIFT from God .. Ro 5:15-17
– God’s sovereign choosing is plainly taught..Ro 9:1-33
d) PROCESS OF THE CALL AND THE CHOOSING
– Ro 8:28-39
> those who are called of God, LOVE God… Ro 8:28
> the predestined ALLOW THEMSELVES
to be changed by God Ro 8:29
> the called go through a PROCESS called
SALVATION Ro 8:30
> to the end that they might be GLORIFIED
with Him ..Ro 8:30
> the all-powerful God is working for the Called ….. Ro 8:31-39
}1 He is fighting for us…..Ro 8:31
}2 He is supplying all our needs . Ro8:32
}3 He is vindicating us …. Ro 8:33
}4 He is ever interceding for us .. Ro 8:34
e) CAUTIONS!! Some will say that if God knows who will be saved, then we don’t have to do anything. Not so! God uses us to achieve
His purposes… 2Pe 3:9
– Church must preach the gospel . 1Co 1:21; 2Co 5:18-20
> we are His ambassadors ….. 2Co 5:20; Eph 6:20
> God is making His appeal through us .. 2Co 5:20
– The gospel is also preached to those who reject it
> as a testimony to all nations, then the end
will come .. Mt 24:14
> some will refuse to love the truth .. 2Th 2:10
– We are commanded to preach to the people ….. Ac 10:42
– Called to preach the gospel . Ac 16:10
– People must be sent to preach …Ro 10:15
– Paul felt compelled to preach the gospel …. 1Co 9:16
– Paul tries all means so as to possibly save some …. 1Co 9:19-23
– We need to make our own calling and election sure …. 2Pe 1:10
– It is possible to resist God’s grace … 2Co 6:1-2
4. REPENTANCE
a) REPENTANCE INVOLVES:
– Knowing that we are sinners in the sight of God … Ps 51:3-4
– A deep feeling of remorse for our sins . 2Co 7:10-11; Lu 18:13; Ps 38:18
– An active turning away from sin to God …. 1Th 1:9; Ac 26:18
– God responds by forgiving our sins Ac 2:38,5:31,8:22; 1Jo 1:9
– We continue by setting our hearts and minds to follow God
> which becomes SAVING FAITH .. see Section E5
– Great rejoicing in heaven …. Lu 15:7,10
b) REPENTANCE IS COMMANDED BY GOD TO ALL.. Eze 18:30-32; Ac 17:30
– Jesus came to call sinners to repentance Mt 9:13; Mk 2:17; Lu 5:32
c) REPENTANCE PREACHED BY
– O.T. prophets …. Joe 2:12; Ho 14:2; Da 4:27; Isa 58
– John the Baptist Mt 3:2
– Jesus. Mt 4:17;Lu 13:3
– Jesus’ followers . Lu 24:46-47
– Peter. Ac 2:38;3:19
-Paul .. Ac 17:30-31
d) REPENTANCE INVOLVES A CHANGE OF
– Our mind ….. Mt 21:28-29
– Our hearts ….2Co 7:9-10; Isa 57:15
– Our will . Lu 15:18-20
e) REPENTANCE IS ASSOCIATED WITH
– Conviction of sinAc 2:37-38; 19:16-19
– Water Baptism …Ac 2:38
– Holy Spirit….Ac 2:38
– Turning to God ..Ac 2:38; 3:19
– Confession of sinPr 28:13; 1Jo 1:9; Mt 3:6; Ps 38:18; Da 9:20
– Forgiveness of sin … Lu 24:46-47; Ac 2:38
– Faith (believing) Mt 21:32; Mk 1:15; Ac 20:21
– Turning from sin ….. 2Ch 6:26
– Turning from idolatry ….Eze 14:6; 1Th 1:9
– Changed lifestyle …. Mt 3:2-8
– Fear of judgment Lu 23:40; Mt 3:7
f) EXAMPLES OF TRUE REPENTANCE
– King David (Bathshcba) ….. 2Sa 12:13; Ps 51
– King David (Census) …..2Sa 24:10-14
> Note: There were natural consequences despite God’s forgiveness.
– Prodigal son Lu 15:18,21
– Tax collector ….. Lu 18:13
– Zacchaeus…..Lu 19:2-10
– Thief on the cross … Lu 23:39-43
g) EVIDENCE OF TRUE REPENTANCE
– Good works follow true repentance Mt 3:8,5:16; Ac 26:20; Eph 2:10; 1Ti 2:10,6:18; 2Ti 3:17; Tit 2:7,14; Heb 10:24; 1Pe 2:12
– We forgive our enemies Mt 6:12-15; 18:21-35; Mk 11:25-26; Lu 6:37; 11:4; 17:3,4; 23:34; Ac 7:60; Eph 4:32
– We do not go or look back ..Lu 9:62
– Restitution … Lu 19:2-10
h) EXAMPLES OF FALSE OR INEFFECTIVE REPENTANCE
– Pharaoh in Egypt (immediate fear only) …. Ex 9:27,35; 10:16,20
– King Saul (desired honor of people)….. 1Sa 15:24-31
– Judas Iscariot (regret is not enough) …. Mt 27:3-5
– Simon the Sorcerer (fear only) Ac 8:18-24
– Esau (unable to change his mind) .. Heb 12:17
5. SAVING FAITH
a) DEFINITION OF SAVING FAITH
We believe that there is only one God and that He is as He reveals Himself in the Scriptures, the Bible. We believe that Jesus Christ is truly God and truly man and that He died for our sins and was raised for our justification. We demonstrate our faith to God by remaining faithful and obedient (by His help through the Holy Spirit) even if circumstances are difficult.
– See also The Gospel …. Section F4
There is a “gift of faith” which comes by the Holy Spirit to equip believers to do various works of ministry.
For this kind of faith, see ….. Section F11
b) SAVING FAITH INVOLVES:
– Our Mind: knowledge of the truth of Christ Jesus Ps 9:10; Ro 10:17
– Our Hearts: agreeing that these things are true Mk 12:32; Joh 1:12
– Our Wills: acting upon the truth …. 1Jo 2:3-6
c) WHAT SAVING FAITH IS NOT:
Biblical, saving Faith does NOT involve charms, fetishes, special prayers, mantras, good works or religious activities or sacraments.
– See False Gospels … Section F6
d) FROM WHERE DOES SAVING FAITH COME?
– Saving Faith is a gift from God ….. Eph 2:8
– Our initial believing is from God .. Php 1:29
– Jesus is the author and finisher Heb 12:2
– Disciples ask Jesus for more faith . Lu 17:5
e) HOW DOES SAVING FAITH COME TO US?
– Hearing Ro 10:14-17; Eph 1:13
– The Word of God (Gospel) Ro 10:14-17; Joh 20:31; 2Ti 3:15
– By Preaching …..Ro 10:14-17; Joh 17:20; Ac 8:12
f) WHAT IS THE OBJECT OF OUR FAITH?
– The Truth of the Scripture . Joh 5:46; Ac 24:14; 26:27
– Roman 4:18-25 includes
> sure PROMISES OF GOD Ro 4:20-21 …. Heb 11:13
> faith in GOD’S POWER …. Ro 4:21….. 1Co2:4-5
> faith in GOD HIMSELF …. Ro 4:24….. Joh 14:1; 2Ch 20:20
> faith in JESUS OUR LORD … Ro 4:24…. Joh 14:1; 6:29; Ac 20:21
> the GOSPEL OF JESUS … Ro 4:25…. see Section F4
g) WHAT DOES SAVING FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST ACCOMPLISH FOR US?
– We are saved….. Mk 16:16; Joh 3:16; Joh 3:36; Ac 16:31; 1Pe 1:8
– We are declared righteous .. Ro 3:21-31; 5:1; Ga 2:16; 3:6
– We will not face God’s wrath … Joh 3:36; lTh 4:16-18
– Our sins are forgiven …. Ac 10:43; 13:39; 26:17-18; Ro 3:25
– We are adopted into God’s family . Joh 1:12; Ga 3:26
– We receive the Holy Spirit Ac 11:15-17; Ga 3:14; Eph 1:13
– We are preserved until Jesus’ return …. 1Pe 1:5
– We are cleansed (sanctified) ….. Ac 26:17-18
– We have access to God . Ro 5:2; Eph 3:12
– We inherit God’s promises .. Ga 3:22; Heb 6:12
– We receive spiritual light….. Joh 12:36,46; Heb 6:4,10:32
– We receive eternal life . Joh 3:15-16; 6:40,47; 20:31; Ga 2:20
h) WHAT DOES FAITH PRODUCE IN US?
– Peace (with God) …. Ro 5:1; Isa 26:3
– Hope (of God’s glory) … Ro 5:2
– Joy … Ac 16:34; 1Pe 1:8
– Boldness in preaching … 2Co 4:13
i) WHAT IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN FAITH AND GOOD WORKS?
– James 2:14-26
> impossible that faith will not produce good deeds..Jas 2:14
> words without actions do not help ..Jas 2:15-16
> faith without actions also is useless …. Jas 2:17-20
> Abraham’s faith led to obedient actions ….. Jas 2:21-24
> Rahab acted on her faith that God was with Israel..Jas 2:25
> it is still FAITH that justifies (Ro 4:1-3), but not with mere words, but actions that show we truly believe …. Jas 2:26
– We cannot be saved by doing good works
> ministry in Jesus’ Name is insufficient Mt 7:22-23
> observing the law does not save….. Ro 3:20; 9:30-32
> no self-effort leads to faith or salvation ….. Eph 2:8-9; Tit 3:5
– Doing good deeds is commanded by God
> but not as a means to salvation Ps 34:14; 37:3; Lu 6:35; Heb 13:16
– We are created in Christ to do good works Eph 2:10
– There arc rewards for good works .. Mt 25:34-36; 26:6-13; 1Pe 2:12; Heb 13:16; Re 2:2;
Re 22:12
j) PEOPLE OF FAITH
– Old Testament People with Enduring Faith Heb 11:1-40
– New Testament People of Faith
> leper …. Mt 8:2 > centurion…. Mt 8:10
> ruler ….. Mt 9:18 > blind men . Mt 9:28
> diseased ….. Mt 14:36 > Canaanite woman .. Mt 15:28
– Victories won by men of faith
>Abraham ….. Ge 22:8
> Caleb vs Anakite giants ….. Jos 14:12
> David vs Goliath …. 1Sa 17:37
> Three Israelites in the fire .. Da 3:17
> Paul & shipwreck … Ac 27:25-28:10
6. REGENERATION (BORN OF GOD)
Regeneration means that a person receives a new, holy nature from God. We need this new
nature to be part of God’s Holy Kingdom.
a) REFERRED TO AS:
– Born of God
> as opposed to earthl y, human birth Joh 1:12,13
> those born of God do not continue in sin … 1Jo 3:9-l0
> those born of God are characterized by LOVE ….. 1Jo 4:7
> those born of God believe Jesus is the Christ .. 1Jo 5:1
– Born again (in order to see the Kingdom of God) .. Joh 3:3,7
– Born of water and the Spirit (enter God’s Kingdom)…. Joh 3:5
– Born of the Spirit (as opposed to the flesh) ….. Joh 3:6,8
– New Creation (likened to being IN CHRIST) . 2Co 5:17
> created new to be like God ….. Eph 4:24
> new thinking producing righteousness
and holiness … … … … Eph 4:22-24
– Birth through the word of truth .Jas 1:18
> is a gift from our heavenly Father.. Jas 1:17
– Birth through the living and enduring word of God ….. 1Pe 1:23
– Washing of Rebirth & Renewal by the Holy Spirit. Tit 3:5
> before we were disobedient and wicked in
many ways Tit 3:3
> our salvation comes from God’s mercy,
not our works … … … . Tit 3:4,5
b) HOW CAN A PERSON BE “BORN AGAIN”? .. Joh 3:4
– It is not a fleshly act but a work of the Spirit … Joh 3:5,6
– Believe in Jesus and you will have eternal life . Joh 3:14-16
– We were dead in sin – now alive in Christ .. Eph 2:1-7; Ro 6:11
> not by works, so none can boast, but
by God’s grace …. Eph 2:8,9
c) MAN’S PART IN BEING BORN AGAIN
– We must believe the Gospel, the good news of Jesus .. Joh 3:14-16
– We must separate ourselves from sinning .. 1Jo 3:9; Ro 6:12,13
– We must allow our mind and thinking to be transformed… Ro 12:2
> don’t let the world shape you and your actions Ro 12:2
> we must know and obey God’s will for us . Ro 12:2
– We must put off the old, corrupted nature .. Eph 4:22
> we must put on the new nature (made like God’s).. Eph 4:24
> we must be made new in our way of thinking . Eph 4:23
> we should purify ourselves by obeying the truth…. 1Pe 1:22,23
> we should love one another fervently… 1Pe 1:22
d) EVIDENCE OF BEING BORN AGAIN
– No longer bound by sin, not continuing in sin . 1 Jo 3:9; Ro 6:1-3
– We now do good works. Eph 2:10
– The growth of the Fruit of the Spirit is evident Ga 5:22-25
> as opposed to the deeds of the flesh …. Ga 5:19-21
– See also Spiritual Growth … Section F12
e) IS ACCOMPLISHED BY THE SPIRIT, NOT BY
ANY FLESHLY ACT….. Joh 3:6
f) IT REQUIRES THE DEATH OF THE “FLESH”
(SINFUL NATURE).. Eph 2:1-10
g) EVIDENCE IS THE GROWTH OF THE FRUIT
OF THE SPIRIT.. Ga 5:19-23
– See Spiritual Growth …. Section F12
h) REGENERATION IS SOMETIMES MISTAKENLY CONFUSED WITH WATER
BAPTISM
– Two Scriptures associated rebirth and water or washings
> born of water/washing of rebirth … Joh 3:5; Tit 3:5
– Washing and Water do not necessarily refer to baptism
> washing of water by THE WORD . Eph 5:26
> clean through the
WORD I HAVE SPOKEN TO YOU ….. Joh 15:3
> born again..through. .WORD OF GOD ….. 1Pe 1:23
– Baptism and salvation are associated … 1Pe 3:21
> not because of the water, but a good conscience…. 1Pe 3:21
> it saves you BY THE RESURRECTION
OF JESUS 1Pe 3:21
– Paul baptized only a few of the Corinthians ….. 1Co 1:14-16
> but he gave birth to them through the GOSPEL….. 1Co 4:15
– Cornelius was saved before he was water-baptized Ac 10:44-48
7. JUSTIFICATION
Because we are in Christ Jesus, we are moved out of the place of guilt and God’s wrath and into a place of innocence before God and into a loving relationship with Him.
God is the Judge and He declares us “Not Guilty” because Jesus has done all that is necessary.
a) GOD ALONE IS THE JUDGE AND LAWGIVER
– God as Judge of all.. Ps 50:6;75:7; Ac 7:7; 10:42; Heb 12:23; 2 Ti 4:1
– God is able to save, able to destroy. Jas 4:12
– God judges through Jesus according to the gospel.. Ro 2:16
– See also . Ps 7:11; 9:8; 94:2; Isa 33:22
b) BEFORE BEING BORN AGAIN WE WERE ALL GUILTY BEFORE GOD
Guilt is not particularly a feeling we have, but rather our standing before God the Judge as worthy of the punishment of death.
– The wages of sin is death….. Ro 6:23
– All the unredeemed are guilty .. Ro 3:19,20; Ga 3:22; 1 Jo 1:8
– Trespassing God’s commandments means guilt ….. Le 6:4
> disobedience of one law means guilty of all…. Jas 2:10-13
> misuse of God’s Name is guilt-worthy Ex 20:7; De 5:11
> idol worship is guilt-worthy …. Eze 22:4
> fighting against God’s people brings guilt . 1Sa 26.-9
> many, many other actions and thoughts bring guilt before God
– In the Old Testament confession and a trespass offering could clear guilt … Le 5:4-6
> restoration might be necessary Le 6:5-7; Nu 5:6-8
– In the New Covenant with Jesus having paid the full price,
see Repentance …. Section E4
– Guilt may be incurred in our ignorance Le 4:13,22,27
– Forgiveness by Priestly intercessionNu 14:18-20; Heb 7:25-27
– Guilt is inherited ….. Ex 34:7; Nu 14:18
> unless one is born again ….. Col 2:13-14
c) HOW CAN OUR SENTENCE OF “GUILTY” BE CHANGED TO “NOT GUILTY”?
– Our Innocence is not achieved by trying to keep the Law
> see Saving Faith ….. Section E5
> if through the law… Christ died in vain Ga 2:19-21
> law should lead us to Christ to be justified
by faith….. Ga 3:24
> law brings knowledge of our guilt . Ro 3:20
– Our Innocence is not achieved by any self-effort
> no fallen man is innocent before God .. Job 9:2-3; Ps 143:1-2
> we are NOT born innocent Job 25:4; Ps 51:5
> no ritual or actual cleansing can clean us .. Jer 2:22
– Our Innocence is due to Christ Jesus’ actions on our behalf
> Christ’s righteousness is counted as ours if we have faith in Him…
….. Isa 61:10; Jer 23:6; Ro 3:22; 1Co 1:30; 2Co 5:21
> by the Blood of Christ . Sec E1
> by the resurrection of Christ Jesus . Ro 4:25; 1Co 15:17
– It is God’s doing (a free gift if we believe)
> God justifies men who have faith in Jesus Ro 3:24-26
> justification is from God …. Php 3:9
> by faith alone … Ro 3:28; 4:3;Ga 3:6;Heb 11:4
> leads to peace with God ….. Ro 5:1
8. ADOPTION
Relates to the rights, privileges and duties of our being included in God’s household, His family.
a) OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD BEFORE ADOPTION
– Alienated from God Col 1:21-23; Eph 4:18
– Under God’s wrath .. Col 3:6; Eph 5:6
Ro 1:18; Joh 3:36
b) HOW TO BECOME AN ADOPTED SON OF GOD
– Predestined by God.. Ro 8:29; Eph 1:5
– Receive Jesus, receive power to become the sons of God…Joh 1:12
– According to God’s promise, not natural birth.. Ga 3:29; Ro 9:8
> from many nations.. Ga 3:28; Joh 11:51; Ro 9:4
– By faith in Christ Jesus.. Ga 3:26; Eph 1:5; Heb 2:9-11
– Those who have been baptized into Christ . Ga 3:27
– Adoption is contrasted with Law …. Ga 4:5
– Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God…..Ro 8:14
c) CHARACTER OF A SON OF GOD
– Holy Spirit witness to our adoption Ro 8:15-16
– Separation from sin is necessary …. 2 Co 6:17-18
– Freedom from bondages ….. Ro 8:21
– As children we should be like God . Mt 5:43-48; 1 Jo 3:2
> Jesus is the only BEGOTTEN Son Joh 1:18; 3:16; Heb 11:17; 1 Jo 4:9
– Peacemakers called sons of God …. Mt 5:9
– Blameless and harmless Eph 1:4; Php 2:15-16
– Love for Jesus … Joh 8:42
– Love for other children of God . Joh l3:34, 35
– Subject to Fatherly discipline of God … Heb 12:4-11
d) OUR ADOPTION IS COMPLETED AT THE RESURRECTION
– Completion at the resurrection . Lu 20:35-36; Ro 8:19-23; 1 Jo 3:2
– Co-heirs with Jesus . Ga 3:29; Ro 8:17
– Adoption is completed at glorification . Ro 8:23; See E12
9. BAPTISM IN HOLY SPIRIT
a) PROMISED OUTPOURING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
– As an endtime outpouring of God’s Spirit .. Eze 36:26-27
> cleansing
> new heart
> new spirit
> God’s Spirit in you
> in order to keep God’s decrees
> followed by a coming together of the people
of God Eze 37:
– As an endtime outpouring of God’s Spirit .. Joe 2:28-32
> all people
> young & old
> men & women
> prophesy
> dreams
> visions
> signs in heavens
– By John the Baptist
> Jesus will baptize in the Holy Spirit …. Mt 3:11; Lu 3:16; Mk 1:8; Joh 1:33
– Jesus promises His disciples ….. Ac 1:5; 11:16
> wait for promise, clothed with power .. Lu 24:49; Ac 1:8
> characterized by an overflowing lifestyle .. Joh 7:37,38
> to be given AFTER Jesus was glorified …. Joh 7:39
> Spirit of truth is with you and will be in you…. Joh 14:16-17
> Jesus must leave to send the Comforter ….. Joh 16:7
b) OLD TESTAMENT TYPES OF HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM
– We are clearly told that there are two baptisms.1 Co 10:2; Heb 6:2
> The Red Sea is salvation from bondage (water) …. Ex 15
> The Jordan is the abundant life (Spirit) ….. Nu 13-14
> Born again means seeing the kingdom (water) Joh 3:3
> Born of water and Spirit means entering … Joh 3:5
> Altar of burnt offerings for cleansing (water).. Ex 29:36
> Altar of incense (oils) for worship (Spirit) Ex 30-6-8
– The Holy Spirit filled the temple in a CLOUD Ex 40:34,35
– FIRE came down when God showed His glory ….. 2Ch 7:1-3; Ac 2:1-4
– It is as streams of WATER in the desert …. Isa 32:15-20; 35:5,6
– Described as a fountain of WATER ….. Zec 13:l; Joh 4:14
– It is a flood of WATER poured out in last days Eze 47; Isa 44:3-5
– It is WATER poured out as rain in the end Joe 2:23; Eze 34:26; Jas 5:7
– It is the anointing OIL poured upon the priests. Le 14:18; Ex 29:7
– It is the OIL pouring from the olive tress … Zec 4:12
– It is the OIL in the lamps in the temple. Le 24:2; Re 2: 1
– It is the OIL of gladness when the Spirit comes ….. Isa 61:1-3
c) COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT-FULFILLMENT OF THE PROMISES
– Pentecost (Jews first receive Holy Spirit) …Ac 2:1-4,16-21
> sound of a violent wind
> tongues of fire
> speak in tongues
> enabled by Holy Spirit
> fulfillment of Joe 2:28-32
– Samaritans – receive the Holy Spirit ….. Ac 8:14-17
> accepted Word of God
> Holy Spirit had not come upon them
> been baptized “into the Name of the Lord Jesus”
> received the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands
– Gentiles (Cornelius receives the Holy Spirit) … Ac 10:44-48
> first Gentiles to receive
> while Peter was preaching the gospel
> Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message
> they knew they received the Holy Spirit because they spoke in tongues
> and praised God
> commanded to be baptized in the Name of the Lord
– Ephesian believers .. Ac 19:1-7
> believed
> had not received the Holy Spirit
> water baptized into the Name of the Lord Jesus
> Holy Spirit came on them
> they spoke in tongues and prophesied
– The promise is for ALL WHOM THE LORD
WILL CALL.. Ac 2:38-39
d) HOW TO BE BAPTIZED IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
– Ask the Father in Heaven … Lu 11:13
– It is for everyone (not a special few) …. Ac 2:38-39
– He will not give you a false thing … Lu 11:11-13
– Conditioned upon willingness to repent ….. Ac 2:38,39
– Given to those who obey God… Ac 5:32
– Imparted through:
> laying on of apostles’ hands ….. Ac 8:14-17; 19:6
> laying on of other saints’ hands.Ac 9:17
> anointed preaching.. Ac 10:44
> times of waiting on God….. Ac 2:4
> times of intense prayer . Ac 4:24-31
– Holy Spirit is NOT NECESSARILY RECEIVED simply
> when one believes and is saved ….. Ac 8:14-17; 19:2
> when one has been water-baptized Ac 8:16
e) RESULTS OF RECEIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT
– Tongues. ….. Ac 2:1-4,16-21; 10:44-48; 19:1-7
– Prophesy Joe 2:28-32
-Power Lu 24:49; Ac 1:8
– Praising God Ac 10:44-48
-Boldness to preach…. Ac 2:1-4,16-21
– Fruit of the Spirit….. Ga 5:22….. see Fruit of Spirit. Section G1
>love
>joy
> peace
> patience
> kindness
> goodness
> faithfulness > gentleness > self-control
– willingness to die for Jesus (witness Gr = martyr).. Ac 1:8
– ability to minister in the supernatural…. Isa 61:1; 1Co 12; Note 1:
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is not a mystical experience for leaders only, neither is it for the first-century church only. It is for all whom the Lord our God calls (Ac 2:29-40).
This experience should never be sought only for the power or gifts that accompany it.
The proper attitude for receiving the Holy Spirit is with a humble repentant heart and for the purpose of glorifying Jesus (Joh 16:12-15). Sought in this way, it is IMPOSSIBLE
that anyone would receive another spirit.
Note 2:
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is not the climax of the Christian life. We should never think that because we have received the Holy Spirit we are better than others, or that we are more spiritual The Corinthian church had clearly received the Holy Spirit and yet was still very carnal (1Co 1:7; 3:3). Rather, we should think of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit as an INITIAL filling of the Holy Spirit of which there will be many subsequent fillings (Eph 5:18 “Be continuously being filled with the Spirit” = Literal)
– the 120 experienced a second filling after Pentecost …. Ac 4:31
– we are commanded to be continually filled with
the Spirit… Eph 5:18
> the Greek meaning here is continual filling ….. Eph 5:18
> filling is related to not walking after the flesh . Eph 5:15-18
> we are often filled in times of worship and
thanksgiving… Eph 5:19-20
> God fills those who are properly submitted to
each other. Eph 5:21
– Paul told Timothy to stir up the gift of the Spirit…. 2 Ti 1:6
– The Ephesian church was in danger of losing the Spirit….. Re 2:5
f) SPECIFIC PEOPLE WHO WERE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
– John Baptist Lu 1:15
-Elizabeth. Lu 1:41
– Jesus Lu 4:1
– Pentecost ….. Ac 2:4
-Promise for everyone Ac 2:3839
– Peter preaching . Ac 4:8
-Disciples Ac 4:31
– Stephen . Ac 7:55
-Paul… Ac 13:9
Note: In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit “came upon” individuals, temporarily giving them power from God to accomplish supernatural acts or to prophesy. It is only after Jesus was glorified that the Holy Spirit was “poured out” to the end that all who receive Him may be FILLED with the Spirit. Job 14:17 makes it clear that the Spirit of Truth would not only be with us, but in us. If He was only with us He may leave us. But now that He is in us He is there to stay. Some Old Testament examples of the Holy Spirit coming upon individuals are:
– the Seventy elders …Nu 11:25
-Balaam … Nu 24:2
– Othniel .. Jdg 3:10
-Gideon … Jdg 6:34
– Samson . Jdg 14:6
-Saul .. 1 Sa 10:10
– David….. 1Sa 16:13
-Saul’s servants …. 1 Sa 19:20
– Ezekiel .. Eze 2:1-2
10. PERSEVERANCE
a) Perseverance is our being safe “in Christ Jesus” until He returns.
– God will not change His promises to us ….. 1Ki 8:56;Eze 12:25; Mt 5:18
b) The question here if not whether I am able to deny Christ.
– Rather whether God is able to keep me through the trials…2Ti 1:12
c) Our confidence is not in our ability to do works that “keep us saved”.
– Our confidence is that God will not in any way deceive us.Nu 23:19
– We need only keep the faith we have in Him.
– We need to allow Him to work His will in us .. 1Th 2:13
d) WE CAN KNOW THAT WE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE.. 1Jo 5:13; 4:13
– Believe in Jesus and what He has done for us .. 1Jo5:13
– Be filled with the Spirit of God 1Jo 4:13
e) GOD IS FOR US, HELPING US
– No external power can separate us from God …Ro 8:31-39
– Jesus Christ prays for us ….. Heb 7:25
> God always hears Jesus ….. Joh 11:42
> Holy Spirit intercedes for us …. Ro 8:26
– God always provides a way out of temptations. Ro 14:4; 1Co 10:13
– Our confidence is in God, not in ourselves 2Ti 1:12
– God is able to keep us … Ro l4:4; Jude 24,25
f) PROBLEMS WITH SIMPLY BEING CONFIDENT
– There are dangers of being led astray … Mt 24:3-14
– We must guard our hearts…. Heb 3:12-14; Pr 4:23
– We must continue in the faith…. Col 1:21-23
– We must not get proud, lest we fall 1Co 10:12
– We must pay close attention lest we drift away ….. Heb 2:l
– We must be diligent and not lazy … Heb 6:11-12
g) POSSIBLE TO DELIBERATELY TURN AWAY FROM GOD
– Heb 6:4-6 & 10:26-27 If we DELIBERATELY sin and consistently wander away from the truth, it if possible to end up in unbelief.
BUT NOTE that the Bible says He has better thoughts than that concerning us (Jer 29:11). Knowing the horror of falling away should be enough to keep a believer faithful.
– It is possible for individual believers to deny Jesus and turn their back to God, but God has provided His Word, ministers in the Church, and the Holy Spirit so that those who are chosen will be kept from turning away.
– If we deny God, He will also deny us….2Ti 2:12
– Turning from God is worse than never having
known Him … … … 2Pe 2:20-22
– Trusting in works for salvation can sever us from Him … . Ga 5:3,4
– Warning: we can fall even as those in the wilderness .. 1Co 10:5-12
– Disobedience can cause us to lose what was ours .. Mt 21:43
– THEREFORE, we must guard our hearts from
sin’s deceit … … … .. Heb 3:13,14
h) MIXTURE IN THE CHURCH
– Jesus warns that the Church WILL HAVE true believers and pretenders.
> wheat and weeds … Mtl3:24-30 > good fish and bad… … … … Mt 13:47-50
> these are intermingled and difficult to separate …. Mt 13:28-30
– Therefore we must not look at others’ faithfulness,
but to our own Ga 6:4; Php 2:12
i) A TEACHING PASSAGE 1Pe 1:1-9
– Elect of God… He chose us 1Pe 1:2
– Chosen according to God’s foreknowledge 1Pe 1:2
– We must allow the Holy Spirit works to purify us . 1Pe 1:2
– We are saved for obedience to Jesus Christ 1Pe 1:2
– We are being justified by His blood 1Pe 1:2
– New Birth by God’s mercy . 1Pe 1:3
– Our inheritance is safe in heaven … 1Pe 1:4
– God’s power will shield us until the end ….. 1Pe 1:5
– Suffering from trials …. 1Pe 1:6
– Trials are not to defeat us but to prove our faith…. 1Pe 1:7
– Our faith is not by sight 1Pe 1:8
– Our faith in God has Salvation as its goal.. 1Pe 1:9
11. SANCTIFICATION- HOLINESS
Sanctification deals with our character and conduct as God’s children. God declares us righteous (Justification) but then by the Holy Spirit we become righteous. This is an ongoing process started at repentance. Holiness means being separated from sin and fully dedicated to God.
a) SEPARATION
– In the world but not of it Joh 15:18-19; 17:14-16; 1Jo 4:5-6; 1Co 2:12; Jas 4:4
– Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers …… … … 2Co 6:14-18
– Do not love the things of the world 1Jo 2:15-17; 1Jo 4:4
– Do not share in the sins of Babylon. Re 18:4-5
– Old Testament circumcision represented separation unto God
> for those under the law Ro 2:25
> was meant to be a heart separated to God . Ro 2:28-29
b) EXODUS FROM EGYPT REPRESENTED SEPARATION UNTO GOD
Pharaoh tempted Israel not to fully separate themselves.
Satan likewise tempts us to not fully separate ourselves unto God.
– Pharaoh-stay in the land of Egypt and sacrifice to God .Ex 8:25
> Satan wants us to be religious but not separated from sin.
– Pharaoh – don’t go too far from Egypt .. Ex 8:28
> Satan wants us to continually associate with sin.
– Pharaoh -let only the men go, not their families …..Ex 10:11
> Satan wants us to become religious BUT not care for our homes.
– Pharaoh-don’t take your wealth with you … Ex 10:24
> Satan wants us to use our wealth somewhere other than for God.
c) GOD SEPARATES IN HIS WORK
– Creation
> light is separated from darkness …. Ge 1:4
> sky is separated from earth Ge 1:6-8
> seas are separated from dry land …. Ge 1:9-10
– Our sin separates us from God . Isa 59:2
– Birth separates a child from his mother Ga 1:15
– Abram is separated from his homeland Ge 12:1
– Exodus, Israel is separated from Egypt Ex 12:1-39
– Clothing and planting rules (no mixing)De 22:9-11
– Believers are to be separated from the world … 2Co 6:17-18
– Apostles are separated to minister .. Ro 1:1; Ac 13:2
– The righteous will be separated from the wicked … Mt 25:32
d) SANCTIFICATION-HOLINESS
– Produced by God (Father, Son & Holy Spirit)
> Father…. Eze 37:28; 1Th 5:23; Jude 1
> Jesus ….. Heb 2:11; 13:12
> Holy Spirit.. Ro 15:16;1Co 6:11;2Th 2:13
> through Jesus’ work ….. Heb 10:10; 13:12
> through Word of God …Joh 17:17-19; Eph 5:26
> by God’s corrections …. Heb 12:10; Jas 1:2-4
– Holiness is the character of God ….. See Index
> we are to be holy as He is holy 1Pe 1:16
> endtimes-the holy will remain holy Re 22:11
– Holy men & women of old . 2Pe 1:21; 1Pe 3:5
– Church to be a holy priesthood & holy nation ..1Pe 2:5,9
– Can’t inherit the kingdom of God without holiness. 1Co 6:9-11
– Beauty of Holiness…1 Ch 16:29; 2 Ch 20:21; Ps 29:2; 96:9
– Highway of Holiness….. Isa 35:8
– Rejoicing in Holiness…..Ps 60:6; 97:12; 108:7
– Body, Soul & Spirit to be sanctified lTh5:23-24
– Avoidance of sexual immorality & lust. 1Th 4:3-8
12. GLORIFICATION
a) THE MYSTERY OF THE AGES
– Christ in you, the hope of glory Col 1:27
– Christ’s ultimate purpose: bringing many sons to glory….. Heb 2:10
b) WE WILL NOT ALWAYS BE IN THESE FALLE N BODIES
– Righteous will shine in the kingdom …. Mt 13:43
– We will be changed 1Co 15:51
– Our lowly bodies will be transformed .. Php 3:20-21
– What will our spiritual bodies be like?
> like Jesus’ glorious body …. Php 3:21
> with a new splendor …. 1Co 15:40
> imperishable …. 1Co 15:42
> a spiritual body ….. 1Co 15:44
> we will be like Jesus …. 1Co 15:49
– We shall appear with Christ in glory …. Col 3:4
– When will we be changed?
> when the last trumpet sounds .. 1Co 15:51-52
> the dead will be raised with new bodies … 1Co 15:52
> those still alive will be changed …. 1Co 15:52
> when Jesus appears we shall be like Him.. 1Jo 3:2,3
> because of this hope we purify ourselves . 1Jo 3:2,3
c) JESUS GLORIFIED
– Possessed heavenly glory from all eternity ….. Joh 17:5
– Revealed in the incarnation ….. Joh 1:14
– Transfiguration . Mk 9:23; Lu 9:32
> Moses and Elijah appear in glorious form . Lu 9:30,31
– Seen in the Crucifixion Joh 7:39; 12:28-33
– Seen after the Resurrection . Lu24:36-39
– Seen in Revelations Re 1:13-16; 19:11-12
– Will be seen at His second coming . Mt 16:27
d) SUFFERING
– Endure suffering to share His glory Ro 8:17; 2Ti 2:10; 1Pe 5:1
– Glory far outweighs the suffering .. Ro 8:18; 2Co 4:17; Eph 1:18
– Trials test our faith and produce glory . 1Pe 1:6,7
– God’s Spirit and glory rest especially on him who suffers.. 1Pe 4:14
– Stephen saw God’s glory as he suffered martyrdom …..Ac 7:55
– Those who pass through tribulation highly honored …. Re 2:10; 7:9-17
e) QUALITIES OF JESUS’ RESURRECTED BODY
– He talked….. Mt 28:9-10,17-20
– Disciples recognized Him .. Mt 28:9
– His hands and side remained marked by wounds .. Joh 20:20
– He ate with them ….. Lu 24:42-43
> He is not a spirit; the body is physical . Lu 24:37-40
> His body was touchable …. Lu 24:39; Joh 20:27; Mt 28:9
– He took a different form ….. Mk 16:12; Lu 24:13-32
– He appeared and disappeared … Lu 24:31
– He entered through dosed doors ….. Joh 20:26
– He did many signs .. Joh 20:30
– He was lifted up to heaven . Ac 1:9
