Adventist University of the Philippines

COLLEGE OF THEOLOGY
Preliminary Exam – Religion & Ethics in Modern Society

NAME: LAYTO, VIVIENNE ROZENN G. DATE: 09/02/20

1. Reviewing back the theological discussion of the “moral law” (letters a-e), write a short
reaction paper of either agreement or disagreement of 5-7 sentences. (copy paste the
quotation you want to react with then write your 5-7 sentences reaction) Then, if your
reaction is in-agreement, derive 2 or 3 biblical support from the above table of the
“nature of the moral law.” (Just write the reference only such as Matthew 5:17, no need
to write the verse). On the other hand, if you are not satisfied with the theological
concepts (disagree), establish your argument through Biblical support with correct
context and you can write it up to 10 sentences.

“The Law of God, and especially the Ten Commandments, reflects God’s
character. The decalogue has existed and will exist as long as His character remains
unchanged forever.” God wants us to be like Him that’s why He had sent us those
commandments. His characters are so perfect that is stated in Matthew 4:47 that He
wants us to achieve those. He wants us to be like Him so we will surpass the judgement
and reach heaven. He is righteous enough which is written in Corinthians 1:30, that we
must be like Him. He wants our spiritual being written in John 4:24 to grow and be
sanctified.

2. Among the explanation of the function of the Moral law, which one stand the most for
you and why?

“While salvation is by faith in Christ’s death on the cross, judgement is based on

the law.” This clearly proves that Christ has been faithful to us that He was able to
provide us the salvation on the cross. His sacrifice lead to the establishment of the
moral laws that will serve as the judgement for our salvation. For us to be able to
cherish the salvation He had guaranteed to us, we must be able to abide to the laws that
He had set for us. The commands that He provided will serve as the standard that we
must follow to reach our top goal in life, which is to meet Him on His second coming.
We should know what is right or wrong so Christ will know that we deserve the salvation
that He has prepared for us.
3. After studying discussion on justification and sanctification, how would you define
Justification and sanctification biblically and systematically? How this definition assured
you of your salvation?

Biblically, justification is to be pardon and forgiven, therefore free from

condemnation which sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Systematically, justification is the divine act acquittal, of declaring a repentant sinner
released from the guilt of sin and restored to divine favor while sanctification is the
lifelong process of character development subsequent to conversion, in contrast with
justification.
Since justification and sanctification is in contrast, I agree with sanctification
because being able to change character takes a long time. It serves as our continual
growth is grace and in faith. Growing spiritually will also help us in following the moral
laws and will make us reach the standard need to be able to achieve salvation.

4. Which of the explanations of sanctification you liked/appreciated the most, and why?

What I like the most is this definition, “Sanctification is the lifelong process of
character development subsequent to conversion.” Sanctification is not as easy as what
others may think. You cannot have it in an instant. It is a lifelong process because we
have to continually grow in Christ. Sanctification is the work of a lifetime. We continually
develop Christ-like characters that God wants us to have. We can’t develop those in an
instant. It is a process because we spiritually grow slowly until we reach the beautiful
figure that fits heaven.

5. Explain the important role of the Holy Spirit (II Thessalonians 2:13, I Peter 1:2) in our
daily sanctification to make us fit to heaven.

The Holy Spirit serves as our guide to know whether things are right or wrong.
The Holy Spirit is working in us whenever we decided to do the right things. Since
sanctification is a lifelong process, the Holy Spirit is with us. Helping us to fight
temptation and to stay obedient with the law that God has given us. If we stay obedient
through the help of the Holy Spirit, we will fit to heaven. With the help of the Holy Spirit,
we will continue to grow in grace until we experience salvation.