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AFRICA MULTINATION FOR CHRIST COLLEGE

P. O. Box W 258, Waterfalls, HARARE. (Tel. 613130)

LECTURE: SOTERIOLOGY (The DOCTRINE OF SALVATION)

In SOTERIOLOGY it is important to understand the significance of the death, burial, resurrection of Jesus Christ, and
also His Ascension and Exaltation.

The death of Jesus accomplished much for us, sinners, who had no fellowship with God. (1). it is vicarious
(substitutionary), Isa. 53. (2). it is atonement, Rom. 5:11; Lev. 4:13-35. (3). it provides propitiation (appeasement) Jn.
3:36; Rom. 1:18; 1 Thes. 1:10; (4). it effected reconciliation, Rom. 5:10; Col. 1:21; 2 Cor. 5:19. We now have peace
and fellowship with God. God Himself brought this reconciliation through Christ. It is the expression of the greatness
of God's grace. Christ's death makes us acceptable before God. (5). it is redemption or ransom, ie. payment of price, as
well as deliverance of a captive, Matt. 20:28. We have redemption from the following:- the penalty of the law, Gal.
3:13; - the law itself, Rom. 7:4; 6:14; - from the power of sin, Rom. 6:6,2; - from Satan, 2 Tim. 2:26; - from all evil,
including our present mortal body, Gal. 1:4. (6). the death of Christ caused the sin nature to be judged, Rom. 6:1-10. It
caused the reigning power of our sin nature to be inoperative. (7). It brought an end of the law - Rom. 10:4; Col. 2:14.
The importance of this fact is related to justification and sanctification. (8). The death of Jesus Christ is the ground for
our cleansing from sin - 1 John 1:7.

Christ died for the whole world, for ALL, as seen in 1 Cor. 1:9; 1 Jn. 2:2; 4:14; 2 Pet. 3:9; Acts 10:43. What determines
our experience of salvation is our response, ie. faith. Jn. 8:24. Jesus Christ alone is our Saviour and mediator, 1 Tim.
2:5; Matt. 1:21.

"CALLING" or the DOCTRINE OF VOCATION:

There are various uses of the word "call" in Bible, which are not directly related to salvation.
Word "call" in Bible does not always relate to salvation, eg. as in
1. Matt. 1:21 - call His name Jesus (to name)
2. Mk. 15:16 - to summon, a battalion
3. Rom. 1:1 - to designate/appoint

There is what we call the General call of God, or the universal call of God to all people. We say that God calls all
people to a relationship/ fellowship with Him.
1. God calls all people to repentance. Matt. 3:2; 2 Pet. 3:9; Acts 2:38
2. God calls all people to faith. Mk. 1:15; Jn. 6:29; 20:30; 1 Jn. 3:23
3. *God's call is an act of grace by which He invites mankind to accept by faith the salvation provided by Christ.

God's call does not always receive a positive (affirmative) response from people. When the general call receives the
positive response, then we say it is the effectual call of God. (It is effectual unto salvation). The effectual calling of
God achieves His purposes. This is the most frequent use of the word "call" in the Bible. 1 Pet 2:9; 2 Tim. 1:8-9; 1 Cor.
1:9; Eph. 4:1; Heb. 3:1; 1 Pet. 5:10.

From the above scriptures we can say, therefore that the "called ones" are the "saved ones" because of their response.
They have entered into a relationship with Him, they fellowship with Him and share in His eternal glory. Rom. 8:28
says they are called according to His purpose.

All people are called to salvation, whatever their response. God gives a universal call to all people. Acts 17:30 - call for
ALL to repent; 2 Pet. 3:9 - ALL; Ezek. 33:11/ 18:32; Matt. 11:28; 1 Tim. 2:6; 4:10; Heb. 2:9; Jn. 6:37 - whosoever
comes to Christ will not be cast out.
Therefore we emphasize that Christ died for all. He did not die for selected groups of people, or for specific nations, but
for ALL.

MISUNDERSTANDING GOD'S CALLING / CHOOSING /ELECTION:

There are problems when we misunderstand what God's calling is all about. It is the individual's response to God's call
that determines his/her relationship to God. When anyone accepts God's calling, and repents and believes, then he is
chosen or elected, (Matt. 22:14, and also Jn. 3:16; 5:24). Those who are saved can not boast and claim that God only
loved them, for God desires all to be saved.
1. Therefore we must not be discouraged in our soul-winning (evangelism). We must obey Mt. 28:20 (all the
world), and Acts 1:8 - witness to all the earth. Acts 24:47 - all nations.
2. We must understand that God is not partial, and that He is not a respecter of persons.
3. We must not have pride as the "elected ones", and focus on our works rather than the grace of God. Rom. 4:2;
Eph. 2:9; Lk. 18:11-14

BACKGROUND TO GOD'S CALLING: (HOW DOES GOD MAKE THE CALLING?)

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From now we will consider God's calling to those in Christ. They are God's chosen because of their response to the
general call. In their case it is now an effectual call. The effectual calling of God is our basic concern because it relates
vitally to the area of salvation. This type of calling is the most frequent use of the word "call" in N.T.

Thus the doctrine of calling is better understood when we talk about being "in Christ." (Eph. 1:4). Outside Christ we can
not talk about the effectual calling.

1. 2 Tim. 1:9 - gives us the background to God's calling, it says we are called according to His purpose. Also
Rom. 8:28. It is God's gracious purpose. From 2 Tim. we learn that God's calling to salvation has nothing to do with
our works, for our works can never achieve salvation. This grace of God, together with the purpose of God existed
"before the world began/ or ages ago/ or from all eternity/ before the beginning of time." See Eph. 3:11; Eph. 1:11

2. The other background of God's calling is His choosing. 2 Thes. 2:13-14. Also this choosing is from the
beginning. The salvation that takes place now has its origins in the past. Eph. 1:4 - He chose you before the foundation
of the world. The important thing to note is that He chose us IN CHRIST. This makes it clear that the choosing of God
is only by His prevenient grace, (and nothing in us at all.) He chose us, we did not choose Him. John 15:16. Also the
Bible says while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. See also Deut. 7:6-8.

3. The other word used in the N.T. in connection with salvation is predestining. Eph. 1:4-5. This statement come
after Paul has talked about God choosing us in Christ before the foundation of the world. Then he adds that in love God
predestinated us to adoption as sons. PREDESTINING also points to the action of God before time. But it points more
to the end to which we are called. (It describes the purpose.) Eph. 1:11-12, and Rom. 8:28-29. It stresses the sovereign
act of God. God's sovereignty = Deut. 29:29; Rom. 11:33.

We can also observe from these texts that the word "predestine" may serve for choose or elect. See Rom. 8:28-30. It is
important to note that the word "predestine"/ "predestinate" is only used in the NT to refer to the issues of salvation, and
nothing else. The word occurs only 6 times in NT. In four of the instances it deals directly with salvation, (i.e. Rom.
8:29, 30; Eph. 1:5, 11). Also in Acts 4:28; 1 Cor. 2:7. This means that there is no such thing as "predestination to death/
damnation" as some teach. But only one predestination to life. However, there are two destinations in life, i.e. eternal
life and eternal death. (Thus double /two destinations NOT the double predestination. Eternal death does not belong to
God's predestining action, since predestining only refers to the general arena of salvation.

4. God's foreknowledge is also another factor in the background of His calling. Rom. 8:29. "Whom He foreknew
He also predestined ...." Therefore God's choosing or election is for people whom He foreknew. See 1 Pet. 1:1-2. God
foreknows them as real persons. E.g. Israel, (Rom. 11:2; Deut. 4:37); Jesus, (Lk. 9:35; 1 Pet. 1:20); Ps. 139:1, 16. See
Amos 3:2. Note: The Bible does not teach that this kind of knowing is that of God foreseeing any human action. God
election is not based on the foreknowledge in the sense of God's knowing ahead what someone will do and then basing
His election on that knowledge.

ELECTION or the choosing of God in NT is not the idea of limiting some to believe and others to damnation. God's
grace does not discriminate. In the OT we see more of the idea of SELECTION, (to fulfill God's purposes), but in NT
we see ELECTION. Election relates only to all who believe in Christ. NOTE: that election does not rule out human
responsibility. There is nothing automatic about it, thus the statement of Jesus in Matt. 22:14, "Many are called, few are
chosen." God's general/ universal call receives different responses. It is possible to reject it. John 3:19; Lk. 7:30. See
Lk. 9:57-62. Therefore God's choosing does not coerce anyone, not reject anyone. Jn. 6:37. God's choosing is on the
basis of our faith. It is not the election that enables us to believe. NB. Election (or effectual calling) is related to/ for
BELIEVERS only, i.e. those IN CHRIST. Thus it is the people of faith who are the elect people of God. God yearns for
the salvation of those outside the election and faith. Ezek. 33:11; Acts 17:30. NB. Tit. 2:11 - grace to all mankind, for
salvation.

METHOD/ (MEANS):
How does God call us?
1. The calling of God to salvation occurs by the ministry of the WORD and the HOLY SPIRIT. It is the
combination of this that makes the calling effectual.
The WORD = Rom. 10:16; 1 Thes. 2:13; 2 Thes. 2:14.
The SPIRIT = John 16:8; Heb. 3:7; Gen.6:3.
The preaching of the Word is also known as the OUTWARD CALL, while the ministry of the Holy Spirit to the
individual can be called the INWARD CALL.

2. God's servants also play an important part. 2 Chron. 36:15; Jer. 25:4; Matt. 22:2-9; Rom. 10:14. Even the
prophet Jonah. The role of John in Mark 1:14-15. Acts 1:8. It is important for the message to be heard. Mark 4:3-9;
Acts 2:14, 22. People must hear, and hear clearly. The focus must be Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. (Jn. 12:32); 1
Cor. 2:2-5; 1 Cor. 1:18, 23-24; 15:3-4.

Another thing is that the preacher must be sent. Rom. 10:15; Jn. 20:21. 1 Cor. 1:1 "apostle" = Gk. apostolos = "to send
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out" or "away". Acts 9:15 and 22:21, and Gal. 2:7 = Paul and Peter. Acts 13:2-3 - sent by saints, called by Holy Spirit.
They did not just go! Every Christian is sent as in the Great Commission, Matt. 28:20; Acts 1:8, but it does not mean
that a person is sent to everyone. There is therefore what we call profession to profession witnessing, which is very
effective. (Doctor to doctor, gardener to another, etc.) But what we need is to adopt the attitude of Isaiah, i.e. "Here I
am, Lord send me." (Isa. 6:8)

3. God's providence also calls mankind to salvation. Jer. 31:3; Rom. 2:4. i.e. (His love and goodness) or His
judgement: Ps. 107:6-6, 13; Isa. 26:9.

THE RESPONSE TO THE CALLING OF GOD:

1. The response to God's calling is FAITH, i.e. Saving faith. Heb. 11:6. Faith is our response to God's revelation/
truth. Faith is saying yes to God's word, without any doubt or hesitation.

2. Faith comes by hearing the Word or utterance of Christ, speaking directly to your heart, through rhema. Rom.
10:17. God is the source of Faith. Heb. 12:2; It is a gift of God. Eph. 2:8. Gal. 5:22.

3. Faith consists of three things: knowledge, assent, and trust (voluntary). Faith is based on the knowledge of the
Word. It is our response to the revelation from the Word. Hos. 4:6; Matt. 22:29.

THE RESULTS / CLIMAX OF CALLING:

Salvation, (1 Pet. 1:9); eternal life (Jn. 3:16) and peace with God (Rom. 5:1) are some of the results of the faith or the
climax of God's calling in our lives. Also the climax of the faith (or calling) is our union with Christ. The Bible teaches
that it is we in Christ, and Christ in us.
1. WE IN CHRIST: Eph. 1:3, (4, 7, 13 = in Him.) To be in Christ is to be incorporated by faith into Him. Also
Rom. 6:11; 8:1; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:13. Being in Christ is a spiritual union, according to 1 Cor. 6:17.

2. CHRIST IN US: Gal. 2:20. It is a mystery. Col. 1:27. Christ is in us through the Holy Spirit. Rom. 8:9-11
(the Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ.) Christ in us is not a bodily reality but a spiritual presence. It
is through faith, Eph. 3:17.
Eph. 4:12, 15 = the head and the body. Christ is the head, and we (believers) are the body. The two are joined
and function as one. Also Eph. 5:31 = husband and wife metaphor. The two "become one." Thus truly the
climax of faith is union with Christ.

REGENERATION:

Regeneration is the inward change that occurs in those who come to salvation. It means re-birth. "RE" = again,
"GENERATION" = genesis, origin, birth. It means being born again. Jn. 3:7; 1 Pet. 1:23; Tit. 3:5. It is a spiritual
rebirth, not a second physical birth, as some false religions teach reincarnation. Jn. 3:6 - it is spiritual. It is also the
work of the Holy Spirit.

The O.T. looked forward to this process of regeneration, but it was fully realised with the coming of Christ in the N.T.
Ezek. 11:19; 36:26; Jer. 24:7; Ps. 51:10. "Heart" and "spirit" refer to one thing, i.e. the inner life, or the centre of human
personality.

Regeneration makes us new beings - 2 Cor. 5:17

We become new beings, its not just our spirit that is changed, but the whole being. Regeneration is (imperative) a
command not a choice - "You must be born again." Jn. 3:3,7
Rebirth is the only way for us to see or enter the kingdom of God - Jn. 3:5. Outside regeneration we are considered
dead, i.e. spiritually dead. Eph. 2:1-2; Gen. 2:17. This spiritual death eventually leads to physical death.

Rom. 5:12 - the only hope for humanity that is spiritually dead is spiritual rebirth. This rebirth is only possible through
Christ.
John 3:18; 5:24. Only the one who is born again qualifies to be a Christian.

MEANS OF REGENERATION:

1. It is by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. It is the work of God in His Trinity. Jn. 1:13 - born of God and
also 1 Jn. 3:9; 4:7; 5:4.

There is also the significance of "water" and "washing" (Jn. 3:5); Tit. 3:5; Eph. 5:26. Water points to baptism , i.e.
identifying with death and resurrection of Christ. But the water itself in baptism does not bring about rebirth, as some
false religions teach. Yet baptism is important, in obedience to Christ.

2. The Word of God / Gospel brings rebirth. 1 Pet. 1:23,25; Matt. 4:3-9; Heb. 4:12; 2 Cor. 3:6
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3. The word may be resisted but it will surely bring salvation, for it is effective. Jer. 23:29; Isa. 55:11; Jer. 1:12.
The word of God is powerful, effective.
We learn from the parable of the Sower, that the seed is the Word, and as it is sown it bears fruit, therefore keep sowing
the Word. And it should be our prayer that God makes our hearts to be that fertile ground that receives the Word, and
bears much fruit, not only thirty fold, or sixty fold, but a hundred fold, i.e. optimum yield. The word sown in the heart
and activated by the Holy Spirit will surely bring forth salvation.

Regeneration relates to the total person in his heart, mind and will, i.e. the whole being. Mk. 12:30. When regeneration
occurs the heart and mind are transformed, or changed to be new. Ps. 51:10-12 - new spirit; Ezek. 36:26 - new heart.
Without this regeneration we are dead and our minds are darkened by sin and evil.

1. There is therefore the need for illumination to occur to our dark minds for us (1): to understand (comprehend)
the Gospel of salvation. 2 Cor. 4:4,6. This illumination is the work of the Holy Spirit, (2). Illumination is
important for us to see our need for salvation, as it reveals our desperate (plight) condition. Acts 26:17-18. (3).
For regeneration to occur the person must know that he is lost, without hope and "without God", separate from
Christ. (Eph. 2:12); Jn. 15:5. It is not a mere sense that one has made some mistakes, as if you can correct
yourself. But it is to know and admit that one has no relationship with God, one is lost and is a sinner before
God, whatever the outer appearance. (4). Understand that one is sinning against God personally, even if one
might be "good" to people, Ps. 51:4. Know and admit that one is not righteous on their own, Rom. 3:10. Our
righteousness is like filthy rags before God, Isa. 64:6. To know this personally is necessary if one is to come
into salvation. Therefore illumination of the human condition by the Word of God is important. Col. 1:13; 1
Pet. 2:9; Jn. 9:25 - I was blind but now I see. This is the testimony of those whose eyes have been opened to the
grace of God in Jesus Christ. This illumination takes place in the mind.

2. For regeneration to occur there must also be a conviction of sin. This is more than illumination. It is a deep
conviction of one's sinfulness and evil, (instead of being self defensive, resisting or trying to explain). Acts
2:37 - what shall we do? The Word must "cut to the heart." The heart is very important, and must be cut by the
powerful Word of God: Prov. 4:23; Jer. 17:1; Mk. 3:5; Rom. 2:5 - hard heart. CONVICTION is far than a
feeling of misery or remorse. 2 Cor. 7;10 - worldly grief produces death, but Godly grief leads to repentance.
E.g. Judas in Matt. 27:4 had remorse, not the true repentance. Lk. 22:62 - Peter was convicted; Lk. 18:13.
Conviction is by the Holy Spirit - Jn. 16:8. Therefore our harsh preaching can not accomplish much. Preach
Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit will convict people. Conviction leads to circumcision of the heart. When we
are cut to the heart, there is a cutting away that follows. Deut. 30:6; Rom. 2:29; Gal. 6:15.

3. The climactic moment that makes for regeneration is the moment of repentance. (Greek = metanoia, i.e. "a
change of mind, a change of direction of the will.") It is in repentance that a person turns from the old to the
new, from darkness to light, from the kingdom of the devil into the kingdom of God, from the way of death into
the way of eternal life. It is important to stress the grace and mercy of God to the convicted sinner, that if one
turns to God, he will be fully received. Isa. 1:18; Jn. 3:17; 6:37. Christ receives the repentant sinner. God
hates sin but He loves the sinner. The awareness of sin and a deep conviction of guilt is not to bring a person
under condemnation, but to prepare the way for turning to God, for salvation.

The call to repentance (to turn to God) began in the O.T. 2 Chron. 6:36-39 - all heart and soul. 2 Chron. 7:14 - there
must be a turning away from sin and evil, to God. Ezek. 33:11. Turning of the will to God; and turning of the heart to
God.

The O.T. repentance was not fully realised until the coming of Christ. Christ fulfilled the O.T. expectation. In the N.T.
John the Baptist began by preaching calling mankind to repentance, Matt. 3:2. Multitudes came to John to be baptised
by him, confessing their sins, Matt. 3:6. John told them to bear fruits worthy or befitting repentance, Matt. 3:8. This
proclamation by John was only preparatory for the coming of Jesus Christ.
Mk. 1:14-15 - when John is arrested Jesus likewise called for repentance, and throughout His ministry, Lk. 5:32. At
Pentecost (Acts 2) the declaration of the life, ministry, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ results in the
genuine repentance of thousands of people.

In the N.T. radical repentance is finally possible. It is a repentance "unto Life", (Acts 11:18). This repentance comes
about through the message that in Jesus Christ there is forgiveness of sins. It is the message of God's mercy and grace
not condemnation. What Israel could not do fully is now possible through Jesus Christ.

Repentance and forgiveness are closely related in the N.T. - Lk. 24:47; Acts 3:19; 5:31. Repentance is a turning from
the old to the new, turning from sin and evil to God, from old attitudes and old habits to new ones. Lk. 15:17-21.
Conversion is the other word we will see in N.T. It also means turning from sin and turning to God. Acts 3:19; 15:3.
The call to repentance is the call to conversion. Acts 26:20.

Since repentance involves the will, action is needed. Confession with the mouth is important. Rom. 10:9. Lk. 15:21 -
say it. Confession must be made unto salvation.
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MEANS TO REPENTANCE:

Repentance is a gift of God. 2 Tim. 2:25; Acts 5:31; 11:18. (Repentance is a gift of God, not by our works, but by God's
grace. Acts 5:31 - it is given; and Acts 11:11 - it is granted by God).

Repentance is also brought about by various things. Jesus taught that miracles (Matt. 11:20), even the coming of the one
from the dead (Lk.16:30) are not enough to produce repentance. What produces repentance is: the Word of God (Lk.
16:30-31), the preaching of the gospel (Matt. 12:41; Lk. 24:47; Acts 2:37-38; 2 Tim. 2:25); the goodness of God towards
His creation (Rom. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9); the chastisement of the Lord (Heb. 12:10-11; Rev. 3:19); belief of the truth (Jonah
3:5-10); and a new vision of God or illumination, (Job 42:5-6).

In the act of repentance there is a turning from sin to Christ. This unites us with Christ. This union, which is a mystery,
is the climax of regeneration. It is God's purpose for our regeneration.

This union is also reflected by our Baptism in water, ie. it means immersion in Christ, and thereby identifying with His
death, burial and resurrection. Rom. 6:3-6; Gal. 2:20
1 Cor. 6:19 - temple; Gal. 3:27 - put on Christ; Rom. 8:9-10
2 Cor. 13:5 - Christ in us; 2 Cor. 5:17

RESULT:

New life, (Gk. "kainos") is the result of regeneration. "Kainos" means new in quality or in nature. 2 Cor. 5:17 - a new
nature.
Newness of life means the total being is changed, in the heart, mind and will. One is still the same person but old in
terms of the former sinful life. Sin no longer dominates, but one is new.

1. THE HEART is changed. The spirit is transformed, because of the spiritual rebirth. Ezek. 36:26 - new heart.
God cleanses our heart in regeneration. Matt. 15:19. The heart needs to be washed clean. Tit. 3:5; Acts 15:9. The
cleansing of the heart is by faith. Ps. 51:1-19. 1 Jn. 1:9 - cleansing. After the cleansing of our hearts God then
inscribes His laws on our clean hearts. His law is His Word, see Psalms. Jer. 31:33; Heb. 8:10; Rom. 2:15; 1 Pet. 2:2;
The cleansed heart, full of the word is also unified. So there is unification of the heart. Ezek. 11:19 - one heart; Jer.
31:33; Ps. 86:11. The whole heart should yield to God, totally. Deut. 6:4-5; Acts 4:32. Where there is one heart there is
no deception, and there is unity, truth, faithfulness, total obedience to God.
2. THE MIND - since the whole being is changed, the heart, mind and soul (will) is transformed in regeneration.
Eph. 4:22-23 - be renewed in the mind. Rom. 12:1-2 - be transformed
Eph. 6:17 - helmet (for the head, mind). All these are commands for us to deal with our minds, it is us who control our
minds, or decide what to think. The battle is in the mind.

We need new thought patterns/ minds because as regenerated people we now have the mind of Christ. We no longer
have the dark and evil minds, Rom. 1:21. We therefore need to think like Christ. 1 Cor. 2:16; Phil. 2:2,5; Rom. 8:7; 1
Pet. 1;13. The mind of Christ is the mind to obey God at all cost, to submit to God's will, to fulfill God's purposes, to be
an available instrument for God's service. This is what Christ did, Phi. 2. Prov. 23:7 shows that what you think is what
you become, therefore think good and positive always, Phil. 4:8. God has given us the spirit of a sound mind. 2 Tim.
1:7.

3. A LIBERATED WILL - regeneration also includes the liberation of the will. Liberation from the strong bondage of
sin and evil. Tit. 3:3-5; Rom. 6:6,20. No man can liberate himself, or remove his own darkness. It takes spiritual
rebirth. Until regeneration takes place, we are not liberated no matter our outward appearance.
Col. 1:13 - we need liberation from darkness; Acts 26:18. Christ breaks the power of evil. 1 Jn. 3:8; Rom. 8:1; Jn.
8:32,36 - only Christ's truth sets us free.

When we are liberated by Christ, then are we able to accomplish or understand the perfect will of God. The liberated
person (who is born again) has been freed from the dominion of Satan and now lives in the kingdom of God, to do the
will of God, (Eph. 6:6)

Jn. 1:12 - as sons of God we should look like Him, not like the devil. When regeneration takes place our nature becomes
Godly. We become partakers of the divine nature, (2 Pet. 1:4). And since we are "born of God" (1 Jn. 3:1,9; 5:1,4), God
shares some of His attributes with us, ie. His holiness, truth, love. Though God shares these attributes with us, He
NEVER shares His GLORY with any man. Whoever tries to take/ share with the glory of God is judged immediately by
God, eg. Herod in Acts 12:23; Num. 20:12; Gal. 6:13-14; Rev. 16:9). God is a jealous God. To HIM alone, belongs the
Glory, honour, power and praise, forever!! (Heb. 13:12; Rev. 1:6; 5:13; 7:12; 19:1)

(a). Holiness - Eph. 4:24 - put on holiness. A regenerated person is inclined to holiness. He hates sin the way God hates
it. Rom. 6:17-18 - slaves to righteousness; 1 Jn. 2:29 - righteous deeds, these are a reflection that one is born of God.
(b). Love - 2 Cor. 5:14 - love of God controls us. Love is the new way of life for the regenerated person. 1 Jn. 4:7-
8,19; ("agape" - unconditional love of God). Mk. 12:30-31; Gal. 5:22.
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(c). Truth - Jn. 14:17; 2 Jn. 1-2; 1 Tim. 2:4; James 1:18; Jn. 8:31-32; Jn. 14:6

Through regeneration there is entrance into a new life. We begin to operate in a new spiritual dimension of power. We
walk in a newness of life. (Rom. 6:4). We pass from death unto life, Jn. 3:16; 5:24; Eph. 2:1 (there is a new spiritual
life). We now have eternal life. We are now alive unto God, Rom. 6:11. Previously we were dead, without hope,
without God (Eph. 2:12). Now we have abundant life, Jn. 10:10; 1 Pet. 1:3-4.

We also become aware of the presence of God, as we fellowship with Him. God's attributes in us enable us to
fellowship with Him. 1 Jn. 1:3. We have Christ's assurance that we are not alone, in any situation. Matt. 28:20. We
also experience true joy, not just happiness. True joy is found only in the Lord, through the Holy Spirit. Jn. 15:11; Lk.
2:10; Isa. 12:3; Phil. 4:4,11; Ps. 30:5; Isa. 51:11; 61:3. In the presence of God is fulness of joy, Ps. 16:11. Victory
through Christ is another aspect of the new life, which is a result of regeneration. 1 Jn. 5:4; Rom. 8:37 - we are more
than conquerors through Christ; 2 Cor. 10:4-5; nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, Rom. 8:38-39; greater is
He who is in us, 1 Jn. 4:4. We overcome our enemy by the blood of Jesus and by our testimony of faith, Rev. 12:11. No
weapon formed against us shall prosper, Isa. 54:17.
JUSTIFICATION:

Martin Luther, who emphasized the doctrine of justification during the period of the Reformation, spoke of it as "the test
of a standing or falling church." He said that the doctrine of justification must be learned diligently, for in it are
included all other doctrines of our faith. "If it is sound all others are sound as well."

Justification by faith is the foundation truth of God's provision of salvation for guilty and lost sinners. Regeneration and
justification are closely related doctrines. Conversion of the soul is followed by justification. In regeneration man
receives a new life and a new nature, and in justification he receives a new standing before God. Regeneration has to do
with that which takes place in the believer's heart, mind, and will; and justification concerns his standing before God.
Regeneration refers to the impartation of life, spiritual re-birth. It is the divine answer to spiritual death. But
justification is being declared righteous in the eyes of God. It is the divine answer to the problem of guilt. Instead of the
guilty sinner being condemned, he is declared righteous by faith in Christ.

Justification and regeneration are inseparable, and they occur at the same time, by the same act of faith. Regeneration is
a change of nature; justification is pardon for sin. Regeneration is a work done within us; justification is a work done
for us. Regeneration is a change of character; justification is a change of relationship.

Justification is that act of God whereby He declares righteous the one who believes in Christ. It is a declarative act of
God, by His grace. Justification involves:
(1). the remission of the penalty of sin, ie. death. Gen. 2:17; Rom. 5:12-14; 6:23.
(2). the restoration of favour. It is more than acquittal.
(3). the imputation of the righteousness of Christ.
(4). the non-imputation of man's sins, ie. complete forgiveness by God. The Bible teaches that God totally forgives,
Rom. 4:7; Isaiah 43:25; Micah 7:18-19; Jer. 31:34; Jer. 50:20; Psalm 103:1-4;10-12; Mark 2:5; Lk. 7:48; John 8:11

Man by nature is sinful. He is a transgressor before God, and deserves death. Rom. 3:23; 5:6-10. Therefore he can not
fellowship with God, unless God Himself provides a way.

God who is righteous in all His ways demands of us a reciprocal righteousness. But because of our sinful nature we can
not respond in a such a way to God, and we can not. Yet there is no way to avoid the demand of God that we walk in
righteousness. Hence we find ourselves in a crisis. How can sinful man stand before God? Only God can make the
way. When God is recognized for who He is, man can only cry out, like Prophet Isaiah, "Woe is me!" (Isa. 6:1-5). Isa.
64:6 - man's righteousness is like filthy rags before God. It is a serious situation for all mankind, which merits God's
judgment. Thus it is important to understand the teaching of justification.
It is God who declares or pronounces sinful man as righteous. This is justification. It is the act of God, as no man can
justify himself. It is not the justification of the righteous, but of the unrighteous. Rom. 4:5; Luke 16:15; Luke 18:9-14.

METHOD of JUSTIFICATION:

1. It is not by works of the law. Gal. 2:16; 3:10,24; James 2:10; Rom. 3:20; 7:7
2. It is by the grace of God. Rom. 3:24; Tit. 3:7; Eph. 2:4,8
3. It is by the blood of Christ. Eph. 1:7; Rom. 5:9; 4:25; Heb. 9:22; 1 Jn. 2:2. In justification sins are not excused,
but punished in the person of Jesus Christ, the substitute. Salvation is free, but not cheap. It cost God His only
Son. Jesus had to die for our salvation. Now we receive by faith.
4. It is by faith in Christ. Rom. 1:16-17; 5:1; 10:10; 3:28,30; Gal. 2:16; 3:8,24; Acts 13:38. It is not for faith that
we are justified, but by faith. Faith is not the price of our justification, but our personal response to God's truth,
or revelation. It is the only way/ means by which we can receive anything from God. Faith alone is the
instrument of justification.
5. Repentance is also a condition of our justification. God forgives us only when we repent. 1 Jn. 1:9; Prov.
28:13; Lk. 13:3.
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6. The vicarious suffering or atonement of Christ is another condition of justification. 1 Cor. 5:7; 15:3; Eph. 2:13;
Gal. 3:13; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 10:4; 9:12. Justification is grounded in the costly deed of redemption.
7. Our present sanctification is also a condition of justification. 1 Cor. 4:11; Rom. 8:1; Col. 1:13-14.

RESULTS:
There are many results directly connected with justification.
1. There is remission of penalty. Condemnation goes, and there is peace with God. Rom. 4:7; 5:1; 8:1,33; 2 Cor.
5:19.
2. There is restoration to God's favour. Rom. 4:6; 1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 5:21.
3. Imputation of Christ's righteousness. Rom. 4:5. The believer is now clothed in a righteousness not his own, but
provided for him by Christ, and he is therefore accepted to fellowship with God.
4. Their is heirship. Tit. 3:7; Gal. 4:7; Rom. 8:17.
5. There is also a direct result in practical Christian living. Justification leads to righteous living. Phil. 1:11; 1 Jn.
3:7; James 2:14-26.
6. The justified man is assured that he will be saved from the wrath of God. Rom. 5:9; 1 Thes. 1:10.
7. Assurance of glorification. Matt. 13:43; Rom. 8:30; Gal. 5:5.
8. Peace. Rom. 5:1 - with God. Eph. 2:14; Gal. 3:28 - with ourselves and other people. John 14:27 - peace within
us.

PLACE OF WORKS IN JUSTIFICATION:

We need to consider the place of works in justification. We are justified by faith. The nature of faith is to be active.
We are justified by faith without works, but then we must express our faith by our works otherwise our faith is not valid.

Faith leads to good works, the works are according to the commands of God, i.e. a result of obedience. We have been
saved apart from good works (Rom. 3:20; Eph 2:9; Gal. 2:16), but we have been saved for good works. (Eph 2:10). In
Matt 5:16, Jesus commands good works. The book of James emphasises the manifestation of faith in "works". (James
2:17-26)

In Gal. 2:16; 3:10-11 - Paul stresses the insufficiency of the works of the law, yet he emphasises that works are the result
(outgrowth) of faith. (Titus 1:16; 2:14; 3:8) These good works are also the fruit of the Spirit, (Gal 5:22-23; Eph 5:9).
Faith should not just be confessed with the mouth, but it must be backed by appropriate actions. Faith without
appropriate action is dead, James 2:17,26. Faith must also work through love, Gal 5:6.

ADOPTION:

"Adoption" means "placing as a son." The believer, after the new birth is adopted into the family of God, to be an heir
with Christ. Adoption is "son-placing", not "son-making." Thus the believer is placed as a son. Eph. 1:4-5. Rom. 8:15 -
we have received the spirit of adoption as sons, by which we cry out, "Abba, Father!" We are fellow heirs with Christ,
Rom. 8:17. In adoption we receive new position, but in justification we receive new standing.

There is no chronological sequence or order in the experience of salvation. Conversion, justification, regeneration,
union with Christ, and adoption, etc. all take place at the same instant. But sanctification has a logical sequence, and it
is both an act and a process.

SANCTIFICATION:
In the Scripture, sanctification has both a primary and a secondary meaning. (a). It is a dedication, a consecration, or
setting apart for some specific and holy use. Lev. 27:14; Jer. 1:5; Deut. 7:6; 1 Pet. 2:9. (b). It is a cleansing and
purging from moral defilement. It means to make holy, perfect or pure. This is the progressive experience. It is a
process. Lev. 16:30; Ps. 24:3-4; Matt. 5:8; Tit. 2:14; 2 Cor. 7:1 - purification of spirit and body.

The three aspects of sanctification are:

1. Positional sanctification - the moment one is born again he is said to be sanctified, 1 Cor. 6:11; 1 Pet. 2:9; 1
Cor. 1:2,30. Positional sanctification is based on the death of Christ, Heb. 10:10. It is an accomplished reality,
because of what Christ has done. Heb. 9:13-14. All believers, whatever their present situation have been
sanctified in Jesus Christ, and therefore are saints. Paul addressed the church at Corinth as "those who have
been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling." (1 Cor. 1:2). All Christians, ie. those "in Christ Jesus" are
people who have been sanctified. Sainthood therefore is for all God's people, not for the departed persons, (as
Roman Catholics teach). All believers are saints irrespective of their spiritual attainments.

2. Practical or continuous sanctification - Lev. 11:44; 19:2; 1 Pet. 1:16; 1 Thes. 5:23; Phil 2:12 - "work out your
salvation" refers to present salvation or continuous sanctification. It is NOT a movement towards being "set
apart", because we are already sanctified since we are IN CHRIST, but it is a growth in sanctification, a
gradual process of transformation. It is a day-by-day growth in holiness, as we continue in the spiritual warfare.
Col. 3:8-16 says put "on" and put "off" certain things, because we are sanctified, or set apart for God. Our talk
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must line up with our walk. We must do as we say we are, i.e sanctified. Heb. 10:14; 12:1, 14; 1 Cor. 6:17;
7:1; 1 Jn. 1:9. Present salvation is the salvation from the power and dominion of sin, Rom. 6:9, 12, 14.

3. Complete and final (or future) sanctification - 1 John 3:1-3; Phil 3:20-21, awaiting the coming of the Lord
who shall deliver us from the body of flesh. There is a sense in which we will not be fully set apart to God until
our position and practice are brought to into perfect accord, and this will occur only when we see Christ and
become as He is. This is the ultimate or future sanctification, which awaits our complete glorification with
resurrection bodies. Eph. 5:26-27; Jude 24-25. Mark 13:13 - he who endures to the end shall be saved. Rom.
13:11 - our salvation is nearer now. Psalm 119:166, 174 - I hope for Thy salvation; I long for Thy salvation. It
is the future salvation, the final (future) sanctification for those who would have endured to end, who worked
their present salvation without giving up. 1 Thes. 5:23. Phil. 3:10-15, "That I may know Him and the power of
His resurrection, ....that I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained it,
neither were already perfect, ..... I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ
Jesus."

Therefore sanctification relates to the beginning, the continuation and the goal of the Christian life. It is past, present
and future. Sanctification is God's will for us all, 1 Thes. 4:3-4. It is God who sanctifies us, not our works or efforts,
(Exod. 31:13c; Lev. 20:8; 21:8,15). Man cannot "sanctify" himself, ie. the positional aspect. It is the act of God,
through Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is by the grace of God. Our part is to obey God and die to sin,
and live for righteousness. (Rom. 6:11,19; 8:13; Jn. 15:4-5).

Faith and sanctification always work together. Acts 15:9; 26:18.

Obedience to the Word of God is also very important. The Word sanctifies us, John 15:3; 17:17. Our personal
commitment is necessary in the process of sanctification. Rom. 12:1-2, and we are required to always yield to the Holy
Spirit, John 16:8,13.

From the OT, especially in the Book of Leviticus, God calls His people to purity of heart and mind. Lev. 11:44; 17:11;
20:7-8,26. God desires to fellowship with His people, and the only way to maintain that fellowship is through "blood
sacrifice", as Leviticus emphasises. Sacrifices are for expiation and consecration.
The important thing to understand is the grace of God. All is by the grace of God. The OT does not teach any magical
concept of sacrifice. It reveals that man deserves to die for his sins, but by sacrificing he casts himself at the mercy of
God. The sacrifice is a substitute for himself, and the blood of the sacrifice covered his sin. It was not the sacrifice that
availed, but the covenant mercy of God, the grace and love of God. (See Micah 6:6-8; Isaiah 1:11-20; Hosea 6:6; Matt.
9:13; 12:7; I Sam. 15:22; Ps. 51:16-17.