Outline
I. Definition
II. The Need for Salvation
III. The Plan of God for Humanity’s Salvation
1. Election
2. Conversion
3. Justification
4. Regeneration
5. Believers Union with Christ
6. Adoption
7. Sanctification
#1 - Definition
Salvation comes from the Greek word Sodzo meaning "salvation". Soteriology deals with the provision of salvation through Christ (Christology) and the application of it through the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology)
#2 - The Need for Salvation
A. The Universality of Sin: 1 Kg 8:46; Ps143:2; Prov 20:9; Eccl 7:20; Rom 3:10,12; Rom 3:23; Gal 3:22, Eph 2:3 - All we could expect from God is judgment.
Condemnation rests on all who have not accepted Christ. (Jn 3:18,36;1 Jn 5:12,19). That is what we deserve. The process of sanctification is a battle against the sinful nature.
In the case of Adam and Eve, trust, love, confidence and closeness was replaced by fear, dread and avoidance of God.
God didn't change but their relationship with him had. (eg: citizens and the police).
God's anger is not to be thought of as uncontrolled fury or spite but as righteous indication.
When we sin we become enemies of God (Rom 8:7;Col 1:21)If we do not accept God's forgiveness in Jesus, God's wrath remains on us (Jn 3:36).
Even in this God exercises self control and longsuffering. Rejection of sin is a natural outflow of his nature. He is disappointed with our sin but not frustrated with us.
Sin involves not just the bad but also the wrong as well. It is not just bad but it is wrong. It is an ugly, twisted, spoiled action that comes short of the perfect standard of what God intended.
Such a universal effect must have a universal cause. The Bible states the sin of Adam is the cause. Rom 5:12,19 - Sin entered through one man. Death because all sinned. The effect is death. Disobedience of Adam (death) Vs. Obedience of Christ (righteousness).
#3 - The Plan of God for Humanity's Salvation
Feel free to include personal details and examples. The more relatable you or your website is, the more you connect with your readers.
God planned for humanity's salvation in the person and work of Christ. (Christology)
1. The Doctrine of Election
Definition - Election is that sovereign act of God in grace whereby he chose in Christ for salvation all those whom he foreknew would accept him.
1. It is a sovereign act of God because he was not of obligated to save anyone.
God told Man that if he sinned he would die. Man used his freewill and chose to sin. Therefore he faced the penalty of sin that is death. God did not create man with the tendency to sin. In addition God placed Man in an ideal environment. Therefore man was without excuse, man chose to sin. Thus election is God's sovereign act. God freely chose to save man just as Man freely chose to sin.
2. It is an act of grace because no one is worthy of salvation.
It is not that some were sinners and some were good. The Bible clearly states that there is no one righteous not even one.
3. He chose those to be saved on the basis of the merits of Christ.
It is nothing good that we can or have done.
4.The choice is based on a condition.
God chose to save those who he foreknew would accept Jesus as their personal Saviour. Therefore the basis of God's choice was not arbitrary.
Basic Calvinistic Teaching (Reformed Theology)
1. Total Depravity
All have sinned. Man can only go from bad to worse. Rom 3:23.
2. Unconditional Election
God has unconditionally elected some to go to Heaven and Hell.
Acts 13:48; Rom 8:27-30; Eph 1:5,11; 1 Thess 1:4; 1 Pet 1:1,2; 2 Tim 1:9
3. Limited Atonement
Atonement is only for the elect. Mk 10:45; Eph 2:8-10; Php 2:13. The Father has given the elect to Christ (Jn 6:37,44; 17:2).
4. Irresistible Grace
If God has decided for a person to go to Heaven, he is helpless. He will go to Heaven. They cannot receive salvation if they are not chosen to go to Heaven.
5. Preservation/ Perseverance of the Saints
The Elect will persevere till the end. Those who are not, will not persevere. They will also be preserved in their salvation.
Objections to Calvinism
If election is limited, atonement is limited. This is contrary to several passages of Scripture (Jn 1:29; 3:16; 1 Tim 2:6; Heb 2:9; 1 Jn 2:2; 2 Cor 5:14; Tit 2:11). Therefore God's salvation is available for all humankind, not merely for the elect.
The Bible clearly and unequivocally teaches that Christ died for all humanity not only for the elect. (1 Tim 4:10; 1 Jn 4:14 cf. Jn 4:42). The invitation of salvation is to 'whosoever' (Jn 3:15,16; 11:26; 12:46; Ac 2:21; 10:43).
There are numerous exhortations to repent and believe in Jesus (Mt 3:2; 18:3; Lk 13:3,5; Jn 6:29; Ac 2:38; 3:19; 16:31; 17:30; 1 Jn 3:23). In this way, humanity can respond to God exercising their freewill and God can grant them forgiveness (Ac 5:31; 11:18; 2 Tim 2:25).
Calvinism makes God responsible for reprobation (rejecting sinners without mercy). Ez 3:11,32; 2 Pet 3:9.
Calvinism discourages evangelism and missions therefore motivation for reaching the lost is lacking. If election means that all those whom God has arbitrarily chosen will certainly be saved and that all those whom he has not chosen will not be saved why should Christians be overly concerned about preaching the gospel to every person? Contrariwise, the knowledge that salvation is available to all humankind motivates us for missionary activity.
Objections to the above arguments by the Calvinists
There are statements in the Gospel of John that show that the Father gave certain ones to Christ (Jn 6:37; 17:2,6,9).
Response: The Father foreknew all those who would believe in the Son and it is these ones who, the Father gave to the Son.
Jesus said, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him (Jn 6:44). 5:40 - shows how divine sovereignty and human responsibility need to work together. People are culpable for what they do.
Phil 2:13 - This is not a verse regarding salvation. Paul is writing to a church. So this means that we need to do our part even after our salvation.
Rom 9:10-16 - reasoning that Man has no choice.
Response
God foreknew who would do what after they grew up.
The choice of Jacob over Esau was one of continuing the covenant of blessing all families of the earth through the Messiah not a choice to salvation. For not all the descendants of Israel (Jacob) are Israel. And not all the children of Abraham are children of promise. Its only those who believe who are the true Israel. A descendant of Esau can be saved as equally as a descendant of Jacob.
Our View of Election
All humanity are totally depraved and unable to save themselves.
Christ died for everyone. (Refer to previous section B)
God is just and fair to all human beings.
a. God was under no obligation to provide salvation for anyone.
b. But God out of his love, mercy and grace chose to provide salvation for all humanity through Christ.
God's election is based on God's foreknowledge of those who will repent and accept God's salvation through Jesus.
God's foreknowledge is not causative. Rom 8:29-30 - God's foreknowledge comes first before predestination , election, justification and glorification. Doesn't mean that he causes it. Eg: Our knowledge of the sunrise doesn't mean that we cause it. So where does predestination and election come in? The invitation to enter in is for all. But once you've entered you know that you are predestined, elected, justified and glorified. - all this is possible in Christ.
God's foreknowledge is based on man's choice, man's choice is not based on God's foreknowledge. God foreknows what man chooses. God can only know what we choose.
Only those who accept Christ are predestined, elected, justified and glorified. God chooses us 'in Christ'. It is not an arbitrary choice but based on an individual accepting or rejecting the free gift of salvation 'In Christ'. If a person says 'no' to God's free gift then God doesn't choose him. God who is omniscient, knew before the world began those who will accept and those who will reject God's salvation.
The Golden Chain: Rom 8:29,30 - Foreknowledge-Predestination-Election-Justification-Glorification. 1 Pet 1:1,2; Eph 1:4,5; 2 Thess 2:13,14
Passages in Scripture that show that a person can lose his or her salvation: 2 Pet 1:3-11; Heb 6:4-6; 2 Pet 2:21 (speaking about heretics); 2 Tim 4:10 (Demas); 1 Cor 9:27
Conclusion
a. God knows cognitively everything past, present and future.
b. God knows some will accept Christ as their Saviour.
c. Man is free to accept or reject Christ.
d. God knows and predestines those who accept Christ to salvation.
e. Anyone could be predestined if he or she would accept Christ
f. Therefore, we must be involved passionately in missions and evangelism.
2. Conversion
A. Definition
Conversion is a person turning around from sin to go to God.
B. Two Steps Involved in Conversion
1. Repentance
a. The importance of repentance
i. The message of the Old Testament Prophets: Deut 30:10; 2 Kings 17:13; Ez 14:6; 18:30
ii. The message of John the Baptist: Mt 3:2; Mk 1:15
iii. The message of Christ: Mt 4:17; Lk 13:3-5; Mt 21:32
iv. The message of the apostles: Mk 6:12; Ac 2:38; 3:19; 20:21; 26:20; 17:30
v. It is foundational for salvation: Heb 6:1
b. What is repentance?
i. Intellectual: Seeing oneself as God sees us - A Sinner (Job 42:5,6; Ps 51:3; Lk 15:17,18). A correct view of Christ (Ac 2:14-40)
ii. Emotional: Sorrowing for our sins and desiring for forgiveness (Ps 38:18; Ps 51:1; 2 Cor 7:9,10)
iii. Volitional: Confession of our sins, forsaking them and turning to God (Ps 32:5; 51:3,4; Lk 15:21; 18:13; 1 Jn 1:9; Rom 2:4; Lk 19:8)
c. The Means of Repentance
i. Repentance is a gift from God (2 Tim 2:25 cf. Ac 5:31; 11:18)
ii. Miracles: Mt 11:20-24
iii. The Word of God:
a. Lk 16:30,31
b. Preaching in general: Jon 3:5-10
c. The preaching of the Gospel: Mt 12:41; Lk 24:47; Ac 2:37-41
iv. The goodness and patience of God: Rom 2:4; 2 Pet 3:9
v. The Chastisement of the Lord: Rev 3:19 cf. Heb 12:10
vi. A new vision of God: Job 42:5,6; Is 6:5
B. Faith
1.A person's life is governed by what he or she believes
2. The Importance of Faith
a. We are saved by faith: Ac 16:31; Rom 5:1; 9:30-32; Eph 2:8
b. Sanctified by faith: Ac 15:9; 26:18
c. Kept by faith: Rom 11:20; 2 Cor 1:24; 1 Pet 1:5; 1 Jn 5:4; Is 7:9 cf. eph 6:16
d. Healed by faith: Mk 9:23; Ac 14:9-10; Js 5:15
e. We live by faith: 2 Cor 5:7
f. We overcome difficulties by faith (Heb 11:32-38; Rom 4:18-21)
g. We please God by faith (Heb 11:6)
h. Unbelief is sin (Jn 16:9; Rom 14:23)
i. Unbelief hinders miracles (Mk 6:5,6)
j. By faith we receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit and God's miracles (Jn 7:38,39; Gal 3:5,14)
k. Faith can be exercised on behalf of others and can produce perseverance (Mk 2:3-5; Mt 15:21-28)
l. Our faith in God's promises can save the lives of others (Ac 27:24-25)
m. Faith is of eternal character (1 Cor 13:13)
Conclusion: From beginning to end of our Christian lives, faith is vital. Rom 1:17.
3. The Definition of Faith
Heb 11:1 is a partial description of faith, not a definition. Heb 11 is the "faith chapter" portraying women and men of faith (Heb 11:4-38). By observing carefully the above passage we see that faith is:
A. Knowing what God says in his word
B. Believing what God says in his word
C. Acting upon what God says in his word
The central focus of faith is the Word of God. Your acting upon is evidence of your belief. This what made the heroes of faith in Heb 11. Therefore "blind faith" is not Biblical faith. It is always based on the Word of God. Just by believing or wanting something does not mean we have faith. We should not believe on what we want to believe but on what God says. The Bible is the only infallible rule for our faith and practice.
d. The Source of Faith
i. The Word of God: Rom 10:17; Ac 4:4
ii. Jesus Christ: Heb 12:2; 2 Pet 1:1)
iii. God the Father: Rom 12:3 cf. Eph 2:8
iv. The Holy Spirit: 1 Cor 12:9 cf. Gal 5:22
e. The Results of Faith:
i. Salvation: Rom 5:1
ii. The Holy Spirit as the gift and sign of our adoption: Gal 3:5,14; 4:5-7
iii. Sanctification: Ac 26:18
iv. Spiritual Protection: 1 Pet 1:5
v. Peace: Is 26:3; Rom 5:1; Phil 4:6-7
vi. Eternal Rest: Heb 4:3
vii. Joy: 1 Pet 1:8
viii. Good works:
a. We have been saved by faith apart from good works: Rom 3:20; Eph 2:8,9
b. But we are saved for good works: Eph 2:10
c. James emphasizes that true or genuine faith will manifest itself in good works: Js 2:17-26
d. Paul says the same thing: Eph 2:10 cf. Tit 3:8
3. Justification
a. Definition
That act of God whereby he declares righteous a person 'in Christ'.
b. By nature a person is not only spiritually dead but actively a transgressor of God's righteous requirements: Rom 3:23; 5:6-10; Eph 2:1-3; Col 1:21; Tit 3:3
c. Justification is a declarative act, not something done within a person.
d. Things involved in justification
i. Remission of penalty
The penalty for sin is death: Physical, spiritual and eternal (Gen 2:17; Rom 5:12-14; 6:23). If a person needs to be saved, the penalty needs to be removed. It was removed by and in the death of Christ, who bore the punishment of our sins in his own body (Is 53; 1 Pet 2:24). Since Christ has borne humanity's penalty for sin, God now forgives the sins of those who believe in Christ (Ac 13:38,39; Rom 8:1, 33,34; 2 Cor 5:19,21).This is the forgiveness of sins (Rom 4:7,8; Eph 1:1; 4:32; Col 2:13)
ii.The Restoration of Favour with God
The sinner has not only incurred penalty for sin but also incurred God's wrath (anger leading to judgment) - Jn 3:36; Rom 1:18. Justification remits the penalty of sin and restores our relationship with God.
a. Friendship with God: Gen 15:6; 2 Chr 20:7; Js 2:23
b. Heirs of God and fellow-heirs with Christ: Rom 8:16; Gal 3:26; Heb 2:11; Tit 3:7
c. The Imputation of Righteousness: Christ's righteousness is imputed to us: 'Imputation' means credited to one's account (Phil 18; Ps 32:2; Rom 4:6; 2 Cor 5:21; 1 Cor 1:30).
d. Parables of Jesus speaking of this: The Wedding garment: Matt 22:1-14; Lk 15:22-24. Therefore our sins are pardoned and we are restored to favour with God. Hence justification is also a forensic (legal) term.
e. The Method of Justification
i. Questions on Justification are asked in Scripture - Job 25:4; Ps 143:2
In the Old Testament, people were justified by faith. For example, Abraham (Rom 4:1-5,9-12; Gen 15:6), David (Rom 4:6-8; Ps 32:2), Even Others were justified by faith (Heb 11). The answer to Job's question "Who can be justified before God?" is "nobody". God is the one who justifies. It is a gift.
b. It is not by works of the Law: Gal 3:10; Js 2:10; Rom 3:20; Gal 2:16. Then why have the Law at all? The Law reveals sin (Rom 3:20; 7:7) and draws us to Christ (Gal 3:24). The work of God is to believe in the One whom he has sent (Jn 6:29)
c. It is by the grace of God (Rom 3:24; Tit 3:7 cf. 3:5; Eph 2:4,5,8)
d. It is by the blood (death) of Christ (Rom 5:9; Heb 9:22; Rom 4:25; 1 Jn 2:2)
e. It is by faith (Rom 5:1; 10:10; Gal 2:16 cf. Ac 13:38,39; Rom 3:28; Gal 3:8, 24)
F. The Results of Justification
1. There is no condemnation (Rom 8:1,33)
2. We have peace with God (Rom 5:1)
3. We are saved from the coming wrath.
4. We are glorified (Rom 8:30)
4. Regeneration
A. The Meaning of Regeneration
1. It is the communication of divine life into the human soul (Jn 3:5; 10:10,28; 1 Jn 5:11,12)
2. It is a participation in the divine nature (2 Pet 1:4).
3. It is a possession of a new heart (Jer 25:7; Ez 19:14; 36:26)
4. It is the production of a new creation (2 Cor 5:17; Eph 2:10; 4:24)
B. The Means of Regeneration - God (Jn 1:13)
1. The death and resurrection of Christ (Jn 3:14; 1 Pet 1:13)
2. The Word of God (Js 1:18; 1 Pet 1:23; Eph 5:26)
3. The Holy Spirit (Jn 3:5,6; Tit 3:5 cf. Ac 16:14
5. The Believer's Union with Christ
A. The Scriptures represent the union of the believer with Christ in various ways
1. Analogies of this union.
a. A Building: Eph 2:22; 1 Pet 2:24,25
b. Marriage: Eph 5:31,32; Rev 19:7-9
c. The vine and branches (Jn 15:1-6)
d. The human body (1 Cor 12:12-31; Eph 4:15,16)
e. Adam and his descendents (Rom 5:21; 1 Cor 15:22, 49)
f. Shepherd and sheep (Jn 10:1-18; Heb 13:20; 1 Pet 2:24;
B. It is a Mutual Indwelling between Christ and the believers
1. The believer is in Christ (Jn 14:20; Rom 6:11; 8:1; 2 Cor 5:17; Eph 2:13; Col 2:11,12; 1 Jn 2:6; 4:13 cf.
2. Christ is in the believer (Jn 14:20; Rom 8:10; Gal 2:20; Col 1:27
3. The Father and the Son indwell the believer (Jn 14:23)
4. The Holy Spirit indwells the believer (Jn 14:17; Rom 8:9,11)
5. The believer partakes of Christ (Jn 6:53,56,57; 1 Cor 10:16,17)
6. The believer partakes of the divine nature (2 Pet 1:4)
7. The believer is one in spirit with the Lord (1 Cor 6:17)
8. God's seed remains in the believer (1 Jn 3:9)
C. The nature of this union
1. It is not a pantheistic union. We do not become divine
2. It is a union with the believer only.
3. It is a more than a union of love or sympathy between friends.
4. The human personality is not absorbed or destroyed by this union.
5. It is a spiritual union (1 Cor 6:17; 12:13; Rom 8:9-11).
6. It is a vital union (Gal 2:20; Col 3:3,4)
7.It is both an individual and a collective union (1 Cor 12:27; Eph 5:30 cf. 1 Cor 6:15).
8.It is a mystifying union.
9.It is indissoluble from without (Rom 8:35ff; Jn 10:28).
6. Adoption
A. Definition
Accepting a child or a person into a family just as if it were naturally born in the family with all the rights and privileges of one naturally born.
B. In regeneration we have a new nature. In justification, we have a new standing, in sanctification we have a new character, In adoption we have a new position.
C. The Time of adoption
1. In the past, in eternity, before the foundation of the world.
2. In the present: In time - At the time when a person receives Jesus as his or her personal saviour.
3. In the future: At the parousia (1 Jn 3:1-3; Rom 8:19,23)
D. Results of Adoption
1.Deliverance from the law and the basic principle of the world (Gal 4:1-5)
2.The Gift of the Holy Spirit (Gal 4:6; Eph 1:11-14; Rom 8:15,16)
3.The leading of the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:14 cf. Gal 5:18)
4.Heirs and Joint-heirs with Christ (Gal 3:29; 4:7)
7. Sanctification
A. Definition
1. Separation for God
2. Dedication to God,
3. Conformity to the image of Christ
(2 Cor 6:17,18; Phil 3:10; 2 Cor 3:18 cf. Gal 5:22; Phil 1:6; Rom 8:29)
B. It is an imperative (Heb 12:14; 1 Pet 1:15; 1 Thess 4:3-9; Rom 6:13,19 cf. Rom 12:1,2)
C. It is an exhortation (2 Cor 7)
D. The Time of Sanctification
1. Positional Sanctification This happens immediately after conversion (1 Cor 1:30; 3:17; 6:11; 2 Thes 2:13)
2. Progressive Sanctification: Rom 6:1-6,7,11-23; 8:13; 12:1-2; 2 Pet 3:18; 2 Cor 3:18; Eph 4:11-16; Phil 3:12
3. Progressive sanctification does not mean sinless perfection (Gen 6:9 cf. 9:20,27; Job 1:1 -"blameless" cf. 42:6; Gen 17:1; Mt 5:48; Col 1:28; 1 Jn 3:8,9 cf. 1 Jn 1:8; 2:1; 1:7; 1 Cor 6:10)
4. Final Sanctification: Heb 12:23; 1 Cor 13:10; 1 Thess 3:13; 1 Jn 3:2 cf. Rom 8:23; Phil 3:20,21
E. The Means of Sanctification
1. The Word of God: Eph 5:26; Jn 17:17
2. God the Father: 1 Cor 1:30; Heb 12:9,10; Phil 2:13
3. Christ: Heb 2:11; 10:10; 13:12
4. The Holy Spirit: Gal 5:16,17; Rom 8:13; Gal 5:22,23
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