Theo exam 3
What two closely related distinguishable aspects does Conversion involve?
repentance and faith
Regeneration
spiritual birth brought forth by the Holy Spirit at conversion.
Conversion
the divine/human activity in which one becomes a christian
We are called to...
A new identity in Jesus Christian freedom through grace Peace with God A life proclamation and praise Receive the Kingdom of God, eternal life and heavenly glory
Evangelical Theology
A person is reconciled to God through the work of Jesus Christ accepted through repentance and faith
God's gift of common grace
Common grace is understood as the undeserved goodness of the Creator of God expressed by his general care of creation to all persons without discrimination
Conversion vs. Regeneration
Conversion involves a human response to God's call to salvation. Regeneration is an unconscious transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit at the moment of conversion.
What is Biblical Conversion?
Conversion is defined as a conscious act in which a person turns to God in Christ through repentance and faith
Evangelical order of Salvation
Election/predestination Gospel call Conversion Regeneration Justification Adoption Union with Christ Sanctification Perseverance Glorification
Universal election in Christ
Every individual in the human race is potentially "elected" by God Held by Karl Barth
Principle #3
Fallen runners
Phases of Glorification
First Phase - At the believer's death when the should departs from the body and enters Jesus' presence. Second Phase - At the resurrection of the body when the soul is reunited with the body and vindicated at the judgment seat of Christ. Third Phase - The believer's entry into the new heaven and new earth in resurrected bodies.
Unconditional Double Election
God elected believers to eternal life God elected unbelievers to eternal death Held by Theodore Beza
Conditional Single Election
God elects based upon the foreseen response of the believer Held by James Arminius
Unconditional Single Election
God elects believers to eternal life Held by Augustine and Calvin
Principle #1
God's initiative in preservation All three members of the Trinity are involved in the Perseverance of the saints.
Roman Catholic Theology
Grace is transmitted through the sacrament of the church; thus those outside the official church cannot receive it
Why perseverance if I'am saved?
"You might lose it' "To show you have it"
Secular Theology
Believes that humanity has come to age and now needs to trust in the visible and in explanations that do not assume any transcendent or super sensible entities
Sanctification
Actualizing in forgiven sinners God's original purpose. To be set apart, to be Holy
The Message of 1 John
Assurance is gained through seeing the present reality of salvation being worked out in your life
Existential Theology(salvation)
Calls a person away from their selfish and illusory security to God who is beyond the world and scientific understanding
Universalism
Christ died for all, therefore all will be saved Major proponent - John Hick
Calvinism
Christ died only for the elect Major proponent - John Calvin
Amyraldianism
Christ's death is sufficient for all, yet efficient for the elect. Major proponent - Moses Amyraut
Union with christ
It is not merely a relationship between two friends or a teacher to a student
Grace is a gift bestowed upon people. Grace is the gift of...
Jesus Christ(John 4:10) Righteousness and Salvation (Acts 15:11) God's power to work through his servants( 2 Cor 8:1) Ministry (Romans 1:5) Spiritual endowments (Ephesians 4:7)
The Redeemed may backslide for a season
Noah Abraham King David King Solomon Peter Some will Apostatize because they are unconverted
The Grounds of Justification
Not on the basis of personal merit Not on the basis of personal worth or character. Not on the basis of personal pedigree or privileges. Not on the basis of works On the basis of Christ's merit. Based on Christ's virtuous life Based on Christ's obedient death
Characteristics of our union with christ
Our union with Christ is judicial in nature. From a legal perspective the two are now one. Our union with Christ is spiritual in nature. This union of the two does not destroy the reality of either person. Our union with Christ is vital. Jesus' life actually flows into ours, renewing our inner nature and imparting spiritual strength.
Adoption is a Distinct Salvation Event
Regeneration - We are made spiritually alive. Justification - We are declared righteous before God. Adoption - We are given the privilege of family membership(this is not implied in our justification).
Two aspects of Conversion
Repentance - turning from where we have been in our sinful condition and actions. Faith - trusting in Jesus as we believe Him for our new life in the present and the continuation into life eternal.
Principle #4
Running with Assurance
Varied interpretations of Perseverance
Saving Grace lost by walking after the Flesh(Arminians). Elect Believers Persevere, Non- elect Believers Fall away(Lutherans). God Preserves the converted in Perseverance to the end(Reformed0.
Principle #2
Taking God's warnings seriously
The Gospel call is...
The Holy Spirit's work in which He enables our minds and hearts to be receptive to the Gospel.
Liberation Theologies
The basic problem of society is the expressionand explanation of the powerless classes by the powerful which needs to be eradicated
What does the Bible say about Salvation?
The biggest change from Old Testament to New Testament is the personal dimension comes into full light. Also, the person experiences salvation because of the deliverance from sin accomplished through Jesus
The Need for Grace
The degree in which we understand our sinfulness in the degree to which we appreciate grace
New Testament Understanding of Faith
The direction of faith is solely put in the person and work of Jesus
The Nature of Glorification
The perfecting of the soul The perfecting of the body
Varied interpretations of salvation
The process of personal Reformation( liberal theology) The sacramental Process of making Righteous( Roman Catholic Theology) Entire Sanctification through a "second blessing" experience( wesleyans and holiness tradition) Through Holy Spirit baptism( Pentecostals) The Gradual process of becoming Holy( evangelicals) Through a decisive act of surrender to Christ(Keswick and victorious life advocates) An objective accomplished fact(Neoorthodox)
How do we make the most of this union?
Through prayer Through the Word Through the Lord's Supper Through Ministry Through Christian love
The Need for Regeneration
Unregenerate are morally evil(John 3:19). Unregenerate live in spiritual darkness(Matt 4:19). Unregenerate are slaves to sin(John 8:34). Unregenerate are under the sentence of physical, spiritual and eternal death(John 3:15-16).
The Time Dimension
We have been saved( justification) We are being saved(sanctification) We will be saved(glorification)