BICOL BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH

ARTICLES OF FAITH
 What is
a statement of faith?

A statement of faith is a formal declaration

or summary of the core beliefs and doctrines
of a church.
 What's the use
a statement of faith?
It serves as a unifying statement of what the
congregation believes, and is often used as a
guide for worship, teaching, and decision-
making.
DOCTRINAL TRIAGE
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 E L L A N E
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inerrancy and infallibility of scriptures
The basic doctrines within the BICOL BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH
Statement of Faith represent what we believe to be core elements
of biblical teaching. We expect all members of The BICOL BIBLE
BAPTIST CHURCH to affirm these doctrines.
 The theological distinctives within The BICOL BIBLE BAPTIST
CHURCH Statement of Faith reflect what distinguishes The BBBC
from other churches who would affirm the basic doctrines. These
distinctives indelibly shape the way that The BBBC is led and the
direction the church is headed. We do not expect all members to
embrace all aspects of these distinctives, but members should
expect that the distinctives will be maintained in all ministry
environments at The BBBC, and members must not teach contrary
to them.
 Article I
Of the Scriptures
1. By “The Holy Bible” we mean that collection of sixty-six books, from
Genesis to Revelation, which, as originally written does not only
contain and convey the Word of God, but IS the very Word of God.

Notes
By implication:
1. We believe that all the words in scriptures are ALL GOD's WORDS.
2. We declare that the apocryphal books are not canon, and that no
other literature may be admitted as part of the bible.
3. We deny the possibility that God is supernaturally revealing his will
on the level of the authors of the bible. We therefore believe in
cessationism over continuationism.
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men supernaturally
(divinely) inspired; (is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction
and has God for its author, salvation for its end) that it has truth
without any admixture of error for its matter; (that it reveals the
principles by which God will judge us) and therefore is, and shall
remain to the end of the age, the only complete and final
revelation of the will of God to man; the true center of Christian
union and the supreme standard by which all human conduct,
creeds, and opinions should be tried.
Notes
There are different views on how God inspired the human authors of
scripture.
a) Neo- orthodox view
b) Dictation view
c) Limited inspiration
d) Plenary inspiration- THIS IS WHAT WE BELIEVE!
plenary simply means complete or full, meaning that we believe all
parts of Scripture as the Word of God
God breathed out the words he wanted while retaining the
personalities of the author
See 2 Timothy 3: 16-17; 2 Peter 1:21
We believe that Scripture was inerrant in the original manuscripts.
The Old Testament original manuscripts were written in Hebrew
and Aramaic, and the New Testament in Greek. No original
manuscripts still exist.

Notes:
The doctrine of inerrancy affirms that the Bible, in its original manuscripts, is
without error or contradiction in all that it teaches, including matters of history,
science, and theology. In other words, the Bible is completely trustworthy and
reliable in all that it affirms.

The doctrine of infallibility, on the other hand, affirms that the Bible is incapable
of teaching error or leading its readers astray in matters of faith and practice.
We do believe, that the King James Version represents a reliable translation
to English. Accordingly, it will be our general practice to use the KJV in the
pulpit, in SS classrooms and other church sponsored teaching situations. We
do recognize the right to consult and present alternate translations for clarifi
cation and understanding. If an alternate translation is to be used in a church
sponsored teaching situation, prior approval should be obtained from the
Pastor. We do not intend hereby to preclude the use of other translations by
members in their personal and family devotions. However, we recognize that
some translations available today were done by liberal theologians, and that
they deviate from Scriptural truth. Accordingly, we encourage members to
consult with the Pastor about the use of other translations.
 Article II
Of The True God
We believe (the Scriptures teach) that there is one, and only one,
living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, (whose name is
Jehovah), the maker and supreme ruler of heaven and earth;
inexpressibly glorious in holiness and worthy of all possible honor,
confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are
three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, equal in
every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious
offices in the great work of redemption.
Notes
There are assumptions we make when affirming this statement.
1) We assume and affirm that God exists.
2) We assume and affirm that God is knowable.
3) We affirm the Doctrine of Trinity
Reasons for believing God exists (very very very short summary)

1. Humanity’s Inner Sense of God (Romans 1:18-20)

2. It is assumed in the Bible!
3. The evidence is abundant in nature! (Genesis 1: 14-18, Psalms 19:1)
4. Traditional proofs (argument) for the existence of God
a) cosmological argument - argument from causes (Aquinas, Kalam)
b) teleological argument - argument from design and order
c) moral argument - argument from man's innate sense of right and
wrong
d) ontological argument- argument from a maximally great being
Reasons for believing God exists (very very very short summary)

1. Humanity’s Inner Sense of God (Romans 1:18-20)

2. It is assumed in the Bible!
3. The evidence is abundant in nature! (Genesis 1: 14-18, Psalms 19:1)
4. Traditional proofs (argument) for the existence of God
a) cosmological argument - argument from causes (Aquinas, Kalam)
b) teleological argument - argument from design and order
c) moral argument - argument from man's innate sense of right and
wrong
d) ontological argument- argument from a maximally great being
NOTE:

Only God Himself can convince a person of His existence. All these
evidence and proof can only remove barriers and apprehensions but it
is ultimately God who will open their hearts and quicken their spirit.
The Trinitarian formula:

God eternally exists as three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and
each person is fully God, and there is one God.
The doctrine of trinity is taught as early as Genesis 1:26!
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness...

Genesis 3:22, Genesis 11:7

Isaiah 6:8 Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?

The doctrine of Trinity is taught progressively.

Meaning, as time passes, God reveals more aspects of Himself
to us.
The doctrine of trinity is taught more clearly and distinctively in the
New Testament:

Matt. 3:16–17 - during the baptism of Jesus

Matt. 28: 19-20 - the great commission
2 Cor. 13:14 - Three Persons of the Trinity in one passage
1 Corinthians 12:4–6 - Three Persons, again!
1 Peter 1:1-2. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father,
through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of
the blood of Jesus Christ:
 Article III
Of The Lord Jesus Christ
The Second Person of the Triune God is the Son whose name is the
Lord Jesus Christ. He exists eternally with the Father, and at the
time of His incarnation, without change in His deity, became a man
through the miracle of His divine conception and the virgin birth.
He lived a sinless, impeccable life; died a substitutionary death for
all men; was buried and arose from the grave on the third day. He
ascended into Heaven, is presently fulfilling His intercessory and
mediatorial ministry, and has promised to return to rapture the
church, prior to the Tribulation, at the conclusion of which He will
institute His reign over Israel and the nations.
We explicitly affirm the two natures of Jesus.
He is fully human.
He is fully divine.

We affirm the doctrine of hypostatic union.

The doctrine of hypostatic union is a central tenet of Christian

theology that asserts Jesus Christ has both a fully divine nature and a
fully human nature, united in one person. These two natures coexist
without mixture, confusion, or alteration, maintaining their distinct
properties.
1.

 The Humanity of JESUS

1. The virgin birth: Matt. 1:18-25

2. Why is the virgin birth essential to Christianity?
a) The virgin birth is a fundamental aspect of Christian theology,
as it signifies that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the
womb of the Virgin Mary without human intervention. This
miraculous event highlights Jesus' divine origin and sinless
nature, allowing Him to serve as the perfect mediator between
God and humanity. (1 Timothy 2:5)
 The Humanity of JESUS

All human beings have inherited a fallen corrupt moral nature

from their first father, Adam.
Because Jesus did not descend from Adam, therefore He did not
inherit this sinful nature. (Luke 1:35)
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most
High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born[a] will
be called holy—the Son of God. (ESV)
 The Humanity of JESUS

2. The virgin birth also fulfills Old Testament prophecies, such as

Gen. 3:1, Isaiah 7:14, confirming Jesus as the long-awaited
Messiah.
 The Humanity of JESUS
JESUS had a normal human body.
1) He developed in the womb like a normal human.
2) He went through childhood, adolescence and adulthood. (Luke
2:40).
3) Jesus became tired just like everyone else. John 4:6, 19:28
4) He became hungry and thirsty like everyone else. Matt 4
5. He felt pain and was susceptible to physical death like
everyone else.
 The Humanity of JESUS
Jesus Had A Human Mind.
1) Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in
favour with God and man.
Jesus learned to roll over, crawl, stand, walk, run, talk, like
children do!

Hebrews 5: 7-8 In the days of His humanity, He offered up both

prayers and pleas with loud crying and tears to the One able to
save Him from death, and He was heard because of His devout
behavior. Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from
the things which He suffered. (NASB)
 The Humanity of JESUS

Jesus had human emotions.

1) Jesus was troubled (tarasso). John 12:27; 13:21
2) Jesus experienced sorrow and cried like a normal person.
Matt. 26:38, John 11:35
3) Jesus was tempted. Heb. 4:15.
 The Humanity of JESUS

Jesus was sinless.

Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be

touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points
tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (KJV)

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize

with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been
tempted as we are, yet without sin.
 QUESTION

Was Jesus capable (peccable) or

incapable (impeccable) of
sinning?
 The Diety of JESUS

We affirm that Jesus is 100 percent God.

Direct Scriptural Claims.
The Word God (Theos) used of Christ
John 1:1-14, 20:28; Romans 9:5; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 1:8

The Word Lord (Kyrios) Used of Christ:

Luke 2:11
Read: Luke 1:43. Mother of my Lord....
Matt. 3:3. Who was John the Baptist referring to?
 The Diety of JESUS

Jesus claimed to be God

Matt. 22:44 in reference to Psalms 110:1

...What think ye of Christ? Whose son is he? They say unto him,
The son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in
spirit call him Lord, saying, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou
on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?
If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?
And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any
man from that day forth ask him any more questions.
 The Diety of JESUS
Jesus claimed to be God

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and
was glad.
Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and
hast thou seen Abraham?
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before
Abraham was, I AM.
Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself,
and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them,
and so passed by. (Matt. 8:56-59)
 The Diety of JESUS
Jesus claimed to be God

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and
the last. Revelations 22:13
 Jesus Possessed Divine Attributes
Jesus claimed to be God

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and
the last. Revelations 22:13
 Article IV
Of The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person; equal with God
the Father and God the Son and of the same nature; that He was
active in the creation; that in His relation to the unbelieving
world He restrains the evil one until God’s purpose is fulfilled;
that He convicts of sin, of judgment and of righteousness; that
He bears witness to the Truth of the Gospel in preaching and
testimony; that He is the agent in the New Birth; that He seals,
endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies and helps the
believer.
Notes:
To believe that the Holy Spirit is a mere force or power is a
heresy.
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person
The Holy Spirit Is a Thinking Being
The Bible says that the Holy Spirit has the intellectual
capacity to think and know. (1 Corinthians 2:10, Romans 8:27)
The Holy Spirit is a Being with emotions. (Romans 15:30,
Ephesians 4:30)
The Holy Spirit can be insulted and be blasphemed against
Notes:
The Holy Spirit teaches (1 Corinthians 2:13)
The Holy Spirit comforts (John 16:7)
The Holy Spirit gives commands. (Acts 8:29; Acts 10:19-20)
The Holy Spirit speaks! (Acts 13:2)
The Holy Spirit performs miracles. (Matthew 12:28)
 Article V
Of the devil or Satan
 We believe that Satan was once holy, and enjoyed heavenly
honors; but through pride and ambition to be as the Almighty,
fell, and drew after him a host of angels; that he is now the
malignant prince of the power of the air, and the unholy god of
this world.
We hold him to be man’s great tempter, the enemy of God and
His Christ, the accuser of the saints, the author of all false
religions, the chief power back of the present apostasy; the lord
of the antichrist, and the author of all the powers of darkness -
destined however to fi nal defeat at the hands of God’s own
Son, and to the judgment of an eternal justice in hell, a place
prepared for him and his angels.
 Article VI
Of Creation
 We believe in the Genesis account of creation, and that it is
to be accepted literally, and not allegorically or fi guratively;
that man was created directly in God’s own image and after
His own likeness;that man’s creation was not a matter of
evolution or evolutionary change of species, or development
through interminable periods of time from lower to higher
forms; that all animal and vegetable life was made directly
and God’s established law was that they should bring forth
only “after their kind.”
Notes:
We believe in the literal interpretation of Scriptures
By literal interpretation, we seek to understand the
Bible in its plain, normal sense, taking into account the
context, genre, and historical background of the text.
The goal of a literal interpretation is to discern the
author's intended meaning, as inspired by God, and to
avoid imposing our own preconceived ideas or
allegorical interpretations on the text.
Notes:

We believe in the creation account literally

We believe in Creatio Ex Nihilo (out of nothing) John 1:3
We believe that God created the universe and everything
in it within 6 days (24 hour-days) Exodus 20:11
If it wasn't 6 days, the command in Exodus to keep the
Sabbath does not make any sense!
Notes:

We reject the view that humanity evolved from simpler

life forms.
This is contrary to the plain interpretation of scriptures
The Bible teaches that humans were created in the image
of God, with a unique dignity and value. This image of
God is not something that developed gradually over time
through a process of evolution, but is a special status
conferred upon human beings at their creation.
Notes:
The Bible clearly states that sin and death entered the world
through Adam's disobedience. This view is inconsistent with
the idea of evolution, which posits that death and suffering
have been a part of the natural world from the beginning. If
human beings evolved over millions of years, then there
could not have been a single historical Adam whose
disobedience brought sin and death into the world.
Romans 5:12
Notes:
We are not anti-science. We believe in science insofar as
it conforms with what the Scriptures say.
We look forward to the day that our understanding of
science will reveal that the Scriptures are true!
The apparent contradiction between what the Bible says
and the current state of the sciences will reconcile
eventually.
Article VII
Of Man
The fall of man

We believe that man was created in (holiness) innocence

under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgressions
fell from (that holy and happy state) his sinless and happy
state, in consequence of which all mankind are now
sinners, not by constraint, but of choice; (being by nature
utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God,
positively inclined to evil) and therefore under just
condemnation (to eternal ruin) without defense or excuse.
Notes:
We believe in the radical (total) depravity of man.
Human beings are not only born with a sin nature but are
also completely unable to turn to God on their own.
This is because we are spiritually dead.
The dead cannot and will not believe on its own!
Genesis 3:1-6, 24; Ezekiel 18:19-20; Romans 1:18, 20, 28,
32; 3:10-19; 5:12,19; Galatians 3:22; Ephesians 2:1, 3]
On abortion

We believe that life begins at conception. Accordingly, we

hold that the intentional termination of that life by
abortion is condemned by Scripture as sin.

(Psalm 139:13-16; Jer. 1:5; Amos 1:13).

Notes:
We believe that scientifically, at the moment of
fertilization, a unique and genetically distinct human
being is formed.
The fertilized egg, or zygote, contains all the genetic
information needed to develop into a fully formed
human being.
We believe that every human being is valuable and
deserving of protection from that moment forward.
On homosexuality

In light of current events in our country we feel it is

necessary to state, not our preference, but our firmly held
conviction, that the Bible absolutely and without
equivocation condemns as sin the practice of
homosexuality or lesbianism.
On homosexuality

Accordingly, no person who is a party to such a

relationship, or who has in the past maintained such a
relationship, and is unrepentant, may be a member of this
church or serve in any capacity.
(Rom. 1:18-32; Lev. 18:22; Lev. 20:13; 1 Cor. 6:9, 10; I Tim.
1:10).
Notes:
While we recognize that gender is a spectrum, we reject
the view that it can be totally independent from the
God-determined sexuality a person has
We believe that gender is not simply a social construct
but is tied to biological sex and the roles and
responsibilities that correspond with it.
Statement on Marriage and Human Sexuality

We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual

activity be engaged in outside of a monogamous marriage
between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of
homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest,
fornication and adultery, are sinful perversions of God’s gift of
sex.
(Gen. 2:24; Gen. 19:5, 13; Gen. 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1: 26-
29; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9; 1 Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4)
Notes:

No person openly guilty and unrepentant of these sins

should be allowed to serve in any form of capacity in the
church or its related ministries
All persons guilty of these same sins should undergo
church discipline for their restoration
Statement on Marriage and Human Sexuality

God created man and woman in His image as two distinct but equal
genders which He intends to use for His glory
(Gen. 1:26-27).

Furthermore, individual gender is assigned by God and determined at

conception
(Ps. 139:13-16).
Statement on Marriage and Human Sexuality

Therefore we believe that to intentionally alter or change one’s

physical gender or to live as a gender other than the one assigned
at conception is to reject God’s right as Creator to assign gender
to His creatures and is a personal rejection of His plan to glorify
Himself through the original gender He assigned that individual
(1 Cor. 10:31).
On Complementarianism

Men and women are absolutely equal in essence, dignity, and

value but are distinct by divine design. As part of God’s good
created order, men and women are to have different yet
complementary roles and responsibilities in the home and
church. As it relates to the church, men and women are both
expected to lead; however, the office of elder is reserved for
qualified men (1 Tim. 3; Titus 1).

Notes:

Complementarianism is the viewpoint that God restricts

women from serving in certain church leadership roles
and instead calls women to serve in equally important,
but complementary roles. (THIS IS OUR VIEW)
Egalitarianism is the viewpoint that there are no biblical
gender-based restrictions on ministry in the church.
(NOT OUR VIEW)
Notes:

The plain reading of the Scriptures favors

complementarianism. 1 Timothy 2:9-15
A difference in role does not equate to a difference in
quality, importance, or value.
Subordination does not mean inferiority
This mirrors The Trinitarian view of God. God the Son and
the Holy Spirit submits to the father but are not inferior
to Him, in value, status, nor power!
Notes:

Complementarianism is the obvious choice in light of the

plain reading of the Scriptures!
It is also what makes most sense in light of the simple
fact that men and women have different biological and
emotional qualities!
 QUESTION: Do women have a part in God's
ministry?

Overwhelmingly YES!
But there are limitations from scripture.
Women are not permitted to be pastors or preachers.
QUESTION: Can women teach in the church?

YES! To children and among fellow adult women.

The plain reading of biblical text and an analysis of the
context will reveal that the prohibition applies in the
congregational setting when adult men are present
IMPORTANT!!!
This is a second order doctrine
 Article VIII
Of the Virgin Birth
 We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy
Ghost in a miraculous manner; born of Mary, a virgin,
as no other man was ever born or can ever be born of a
woman, and that He is both the Son of God, and God,
the Son.
Notes

We reject Catholic teaching of Mary as a mediator

between God and humanity or as a co-redemptrix
with Christ.
We do not believe in Mary's perpetual virginity or her
assumption into heaven
We reject the teaching that she was also conceived
without sin
Notes

We reject the possibility that there will ever be

another person who will be conceived in the same
manner as Jesus Christ was.
The virgin birth is a unique one time event. To admit
the possibility of another will mean that the
atonement of Jesus was insufficient!
 Article IX
Of The Atonement for Sin
 We believe that the salvation of sinners is
wholly of grace; through the mediatorial office
of the Son of God, Who by appointment of the
Father, freely took upon Him our nature, yet
without sin, honored the divine law by His
personal obedience, and by His death made a full
and vicarious atonement for our sins;
 that His atonement consisted not in setting us an
example by His death as a martyr, but was the voluntary
substitution of Himself in the sinner’s place, the Just
dying for the unjust, Christ, the Lord, bearing our sins in
His own body on the tree; that, having risen from the
dead, He is now enthroned in heaven and uniting in His
wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine
perfection, He is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a
compassionate and an all sufficient Savior.
 5 Views on the Atonement
(very very very short summary)

1. Ransom theory
2. Moral Influence theory
3. Christus Victor theory
4. Substitutionary Atonement theory
5. Penal Substitutionary theory of atonement (our view)
 Ransom Theory (Incomplete)

This theory says that Christ was a ransom paid to Satan to

free humanity from his bondage.
Satan had legal rights over humans since the fall of Adam and
Eve, and only a perfect sacrifice could satisfy his demands.
Christ offered himself as a ransom, but Satan did not know
that he was also God and could not hold him in death. Christ
then defeated Satan and liberated humans from his power
There is an misplaced on the duality of good vs evil
Main basis is Matthew 20:28
 Christus Victor theory (Wrong)

This theory says that Christ's death and resurrection were a

victory over the powers of evil that oppress humanity.
God is a mighty warrior who fights against the forces of sin,
death, and Satan that enslave humans.
Christ entered into the realm of darkness and confronted these
enemies on the cross.
He then rose from the dead and triumphed over them, breaking
their hold over humans.
Christ's death and resurrection liberated humans from their
bondage and enabled them to share in his victory.
 Moral Influence theory (Wrong)

This theory says that Christ's death was a demonstration of

God's love that inspires humans to love God and others.
God is a loving father who wants to reconcile with his
children who have gone astray.
Christ showed the extent of God's love by dying for his
enemies and forgiving them.
Christ's death also sets an example of self-sacrifice and
obedience for humans to follow.
Based on John 4:10-11
 Substitutionary Atonement theory (Incomplete)

Also known as satisfaction theory

This theory says that Christ satisfied the honor and justice of
God that were offended by human sin.
God is a righteous and holy king who cannot tolerate sin and
must punish it.
Humans could not pay the debt of sin they owed to God, so
Christ paid it on their behalf by dying on the cross.
Christ's death satisfied God's wrath and restored his honor.
Developed by Anselm of Canterbury in response to the Ransom
View of the atonement
 Penal Substitutionary Atonement theory
(our view)
This theory says that Christ took the place of humans and bore
the penalty of their sins on the cross.
God is a righteous judge who must uphold his law and condemn
sinners.
Humans are guilty before God and deserve eternal death.
Christ, who was sinless, voluntarily took their sins upon himself
and suffered the wrath of God in their stead.
Christ's death appeased God's justice and secured forgiveness
for humans.
 Penal Substitutionary Atonement theory
(our view)
This is in contrast wit Anselm’s Satisfaction Theory in that God
is not satisfied with a debt of justice being paid by Jesus, but
that God is satisfied with punishing Jesus in the place of
mankind.
In Anselm's view, the punishment is averted, in this view the
punishment is absorbed
Biblical support Isaiah 53:4-6, 2 Corinthians 5:21
Developed during the Protestant Reformation, in particular by
John Calvin
 Article X
Of Grace In The New
Creation
 We believe that in order to be saved, sinners
must be born again; that the new birth is a new
creation in Christ Jesus; that it is instantaneous
and not a process; that in the new birth the one
dead in trespasses and in sins is made a partaker
of the divine nature and receives eternal life, the
free gift of God;
that the new creation is brought about in a
manner above our comprehension, not by
culture, not by character, nor by the will of man,
but wholly and solely by the power of the Holy
Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to
secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel;
that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits
of repentance and faith and newness of life.
 Article XI
Of The Freeness of
Salvation
 We believe in God’s electing grace; that the
blessings of salvation are made free to all by the
gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to
accept them by a cordial, penitent and obedient
faith; and (that) nothing prevents the salvation of
the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent
(determined) depravity and voluntary rejection
of the gospel; which rejection involves him in an
aggravated condemnation.
 Article XII
Of Justification
 We believe in God’s electing grace; that the
blessings of salvation are made free to all by the
gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to
accept them by a cordial, penitent and obedient
faith; and (that) nothing prevents the salvation of
the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent
(determined) depravity and voluntary rejection
of the gospel; which rejection involves him in an
aggravated condemnation.
The Order of Salvation
(Ordo Salutis)
 What is the order of Salvation?

The order of salvation, also known as

ordo salutis, outlines the sequential
steps by which God works in an
individual's life for their salvation.
Notes:

Our church statement of faith leans towards the Reformed

view of the doctrines grace
This is not something that you are required to believe in to be a
member of this church as this is a third order doctrine in
priority
This is a contentious topic and care must be exercised when
discussing this even among fellow Christians!
This debate will not be settled in this life.
 The Order of Salvation?
The gospel call
Election Regeneration
and effective calling

Adoption Justification Conversion (faith and

Repentance)

Death
Sanctification Perseverance
(glorification)
 What is election?

Election is an act of God before creation in which he

chooses some people to be saved, not on account of any
foreseen merit in them, but only because of his sovereign
good pleasure.
(Acts 13:48, Ephesians 1:4-5, Romans 8:29-30)
Issues with election

There is no question as to whether or not the bible

teaches about election, it overwhelmingly does!
There is an ongoing debate as to how this election
works.
How does election work? Two general views
1. God sees into the future and choses according to who
believes in Him.

2. God chose people before the foundation of the world

without any reference to their future decision.

Note: We believe in the second view because it makes more sense in light
of the principle of plain reading view of the Scriptures.
Problems with the 1st view
If God predestines people based on their future
profession of faith, then God does not actually elect them
because then humans become the active agents who
chose to be saved.
Instead the bible teaches us that the purpose as to why
God chose people is because of His grace and glory.
(Romans 11:5-6)
If election is based on something in us (future choice) then
that is dangerously leading to salvation by our own merits
Our view

Election is unconditional. The reason that God chose

some but not all is simply God's sovereign choice. It is
because God chose to love (Ephesians 1:5) not because
He saw something in us or because he foreknew our
choice into the future.
What is the Gospel Call and Effective Calling?

The Gospel call refers to the external proclamation of

the Gospel to all people (synergistic), inviting them to
repent and believe in Jesus Christ for salvation. It is a
general invitation extended to everyone who hears the
Gospel message. (Matthew 11:28-30, Mark 1:14-15, and
Acts 2:38-39, Romans 10:14)
What is the Gospel Call and Effective Calling?

Effective calling, also known as irresistible grace or

effectual calling, is the internal work of the Holy Spirit
(monergistic), enabling and drawing the elect to
respond in saving faith to the Gospel call. It is a
specific and effectual work of God in the hearts of His
chosen people. (2 Thess. 2:14, John 6:44).
What are the elements of the Gospel Call?

1. An explanation of the facts concerning salvation.

a. Everyone is a sinner. (Romans 3.23)
b. Death is the penalty for our sins. (Romans 6:23)
c. Jesus is the atonement for our sins. (Romans 5:8)

2. An invitation to faith and repentance.

John 1:11-12 - "...But as many as received Him to them gave he power..."
Matthew 11:28 - "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden.."
Revelation 3:20 - "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear
my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him,
and he with me."
 What are the elements of the Gospel Call?

3. A promise of forgiveness and eternal life

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life."

Acts 3:19 "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may
be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the
presence of the Lord."
What is the importance of the Gospel Call?
The gospel call is important also because through it God addresses us
in the fullness of our humanity. He does not save us “automatically”
without seeking for a response from us as whole persons. Rather, he
addresses the gospel call to our intellects, our emotions, and our wills.
He speaks to our intellects by explaining the facts of salvation in his
Word. He speaks to our emotions by issuing a heartfelt personal
invitation to respond. He speaks to our wills by asking us to hear his
invitation and respond willingly in repentance and faith—to decide to
turn from our sins and receive Christ as Savior and rest our hearts in
him for salvation.

Systematic Theology, Wayne Grudem

 What is Regeneration?
Regeneration refers to the supernatural and transformative
work (monergistic) of the Holy Spirit in an individual's life. It is
the act by which a person is spiritually reborn or made alive
in Christ.

Regeneration involves a radical change at the core of a

person's being, specifically their spiritual nature. It is a
spiritual birth or renewal that brings about a new spiritual life,
enabling a person to have faith in Jesus Christ and to live in
obedience to God. (John 3:3-7; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:3)
 Regeneration is Monergistic
We did not choose when we will be born physically.
Neither do we choose when we will be born spiritually.

We do not have any part in our physical birth.

Neither do we have a part in our spiritual birth.

The New birth is primarily the work of the Holy Spirit. But the
Trinity is involved. (Eph 2:5, Col. 2:13, 1 Peter 1:3)
 The New Birth is Instantaneous
It is not our spirit alone that was regenerated, but our
whole being.
We are a new creation. (2 Cor 5:17)
The new birth happens only once and in an instant!
We deny that this is a process nor that it can happen more
than once in a person's life.
IMPORTANT: WE DO NOT ALWAYS KNOW WHEN THIS
NEW BIRTH OCCURS!
 The New Birth comes before saving faith
This is in a logical sense NOT a chronological sense.
The new birth gives us the ability to respond to God's call.
In actual human experience, we perceive it as if the new
birth comes simultaneously with saving faith and
repentance.
Can the dead believe? No.
If the dead can believe to be alive, then we have some
contribution to our new birth. That is wrong.
(1 Cor 2:14, Acts 16:14, John 6:65, Col 2:13, Ephesians 2:4-5)
 Regeneration will bring results
We often confuse regeneration with the results of
regeneration
Regeneration is the secret work of God to quicken us from
the dead, the results of regeneration are the outward
results of having a new life!
The results will not be visible if there is no new life!
Consequently, there will be no visible results if there is no
new life!
(1 John 4:7, basically the whole book of 1 John, Gal 5:22-
23)
 What is Conversion?

Conversion is our willing response to the gospel call,

in which we sincerely repent of sins and place our
trust in Christ for salvation.
 What are the elements of Saving Faith?

True saving faith involves knowledge, assent and personal trust.

Knowledge is required but it is not enough on its own. (Rom 10:14)
It is possible to know the truth of the gospel and reject it. (Rom 1:32)
Knowledge and assent are not enough.
Consider the experience of Nicodemus (John 3) and Agrippa (Acts
26:27-28
 What are the elements of Saving Faith?
A decision should be made to believe on Jesus to personally
save us.
Hence, there must be knowledge, assent and trust.
John 1:12 "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his
name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were
born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of
man, but of God" (ESV)
 What are the elements of Saving Faith?

It is safer and better to use the word trust in our setting over
belief because one may believe without a strong personal
conviction
I can believe that the sky is blue without a strong personal
dependence on that fact
Faith as used in modern English can be problematic because it is
sometimes used as something irrational or contrary to reason.
 Is Faith Contrary to Reason?
NO!
Knowledge and understanding is a prerequisite to faith.
As knowledge increases, faith increases with it.
Romans 10: 17 "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing
through the word of Christ." ESV
 What is Repentance?

Repentance refers to a heartfelt and sincere turning away from sin

and a genuine change of mind, heart, and direction toward God. It
involves acknowledging and confessing one's sins, feeling remorse
or godly sorrow for them, and making a deliberate choice to
forsake sinful thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.
 What are the elements of Repentance?

Repentance, like faith, is an intellectual knowledge (that sin is

wrong), an emotional assent of the teachings of Scripture regarding
sin (a sorrow for sin and a hatred of it), and a personal decision to
turn from it.
Which comes first? Faith or repentance?

Neither. They are simultaneous events.

The bible describes them as two aspects of one act of coming to
the Lord.
When we towards Christ , we are at the same time turning away
from the sins that we are asking Christ to save us from.
Faith and Repentance Continue Throughout
the Christian Life
There is an initial trusting and repentance at the beginning of
the Christian life once we are regenerated.
But faith and repentance are not stagnant statuses.
They are rather attitudes of heart that continue throughout our
lives as Christians.
Consider the model prayer Matthew 6: 7-15