“…the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1b)
“How then can man be righteous before God?” Bildad to Job (Job 25:4a)
In this section I will strive to present a systematic explanation of the Gospel as revealed in the Scriptures. This is what I’ve come to embrace and believe.
“The word gospel means good news. As used in the New Testament, it is the good news that Jesus Christ died on the cross for the sins of the world and that he was raised from the dead on account of our justification and that by him all who believe are justified from all things.” (SRB)
Illumination : Enlightenment, something that makes clear.
A person must first come to acknowledge and believe that the God of the bible is who he says he is. That he created this world and everything in it. That He is perfect and holy and that mankind is not. That we are estranged from God because of our sinful nature. That we are all in need of being cleansed from our sin in order to experience a favorable relationship with God. This divine revelation is a gracious gift of God. It cannot be acquired by logic or human reason. Paul writes in 1 Cor 2:7-17, “but the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God,” (verse 14a). One must be regenerated in order to discern and comprehend the gospel. The gospel is revealed through the scriptures and is made known to us by the power of the Holy Spirit. God does the illuminating, it is not of ourselves. This illumination takes us from spiritual darkness into the light of God’s true plan of salvation. What is required is an open mind, the word of God and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Please refer to the following scriptures. (Psalm 119: 105, 130, Matt 16:16-17, John 1:4, 8:12, 2 Tim 3:16-17)
Regeneration : to make new, to be born again.
Jesus spoke to Nicodemus in John 3:3-8, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”, vs 3. ”Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God”, vs 5. “Do not marvel that I say to you, ‘You must be born again’”, vs 7.
“It is the work of the Holy Spirit. He uses the word of God to lead the sinner to place his or her trust in Jesus Christ and then the Holy Spirit imparts the new nature into the believer.” (RBC) We receive a new nature, not an improved old nature. This happens the moment a repentant sinner surrenders all self-effort and meritorious works in an attempt to achieve a favorable standing before God. This also means that a person no longer relies on a liturgy of religious ceremonies and sacraments. This surrender of our self-efforts means you have placed your entire faith and trust in the perfect, sufficient and complete works Jesus Christ alone. Believing that Christ’s accomplishments cannot be added to or improved upon.
“thus says the Lord….I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a new heart of flesh.” (Ezek 36:26 NKJ) One of my favorite bible verses. (Ezek 36:25-28, John 3:3-8, 6:63, Eph 5:25-26, Rom 10:17, 1 Peter 1:22-25)
I cannot tell you the moment in my life that this occurred. It was sometime after I’d become neutral about my former faith. I started listening to several radio bible ministries combined with my own study of scriptures. Particularly, Truth for Life Ministry and Grace to You Ministry.
Sanctification: to set apart for God, to be separated from sin unto salvation, from works unto grace.
To the believer, one who possesses true saving faith in Christ, Sanctification holds a threefold meaning.
Positional Sanctification: Believers are set apart the moment of regeneration. God no longer sees our sinful nature. It has been removed. Our sins are now covered by the shed blood of Jesus. Our old nature removed, we are now clothed with Christ’s perfect righteousness. It has been called the Great Exchange.
We are sanctified by God the Father. The Father ordains and administrates our salvation. He justifies the guilty through his son, Jesus. The Father “…calls us into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Cor 1:9, 1 Thes 4:3, Heb 10:10-17)
We are sanctified by God the Son. Through his works. Jesus Christ died for our sanctification, saving us from God’s wrath and judgement. Christ is our sinless substitute paying the penalty for our sins with complete finality. (Rom 5:6, 2 Cor 5:18-21, 1 John 2:2, Titus 2:14, 1 Pet 3:18)
We are sanctified by God the Holy Spirit. He is the active agent in our regeneration, imparting his seal upon our hearts. The Spirit establishes us as heirs, children of God. (Phil 1:13-14, Rom 15:16, 2 Thes 2:13, 1 Cor 6:11, 1 Pet 1:2)
Progressive Sanctification – This is the ongoing process of becoming more Christ-like. Genuine believers experience a continual sanctification by the work of the Holy Spirit through the obedience to the Word of God. It is the responsibility of all who are saved to live an outward life pleasing to God. This is the external evidence or sign of our justification. The Spirit guides us throughout our Christian journey providing the desire and power to become faithful and steadfast. Without the existence of spiritual maturity, one’s claim to salvation becomes questionable? See James 2:14,26. Also (John 17:17-19, Rom 6:12-14, 2 Cor 3:18, Col 3:5-8, 12-17, 1 Thes 5:23-24)
Consummation – Glorification, when believers are ultimately brought into complete conformity to Christ at the Lord’s return.
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, you may be also.” John 14:3
“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified together.” Romans 8:16-17
“Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Tim 4:8
“…And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thes 4:16b-17
“…reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:4b-5
“He who testifies to these things says ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” Rev 22:20-21
Salvation, Sanctification and Glorification is all of Grace.
I humbly thank you all for following along in my journey. It does matter what we believe and where our faith rests. It is my prayer that these articles begin to stir a new awareness in your heart. Please don’t take my words for it. Paul writes in 2 Tim 3:15-17, “and…that you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through Jesus Christ. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Also, Eph 6:17,”And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Additional articles to follow.
References:
New Schofield Reference Bible, NKJ (I also use The MacArthur Study Bible and Reformation Study Bible.)
All Doctrines of the Bible, by Herbert Lockyer
The Breath of the Lord, by Paul VanGorder
“Without the existence of spiritual maturity, one’s claim to salvation becomes questionable”
There are those who do not reach full maturity, but their salvation is still accurate. This is usually due to fears of man, fears of the world. However, one cannot lose their salvation, they can only choose to turn from God and may the Lord help those on his day soon approaching. Good word brother! May the Lords face shine upon you today and always!