Soteriology-

The Doctrine of Salvation

What is Salvation?
 Salvation applies the work of Christ to an individual’s life, addressing humanity’s
need for redemption from sin.
 The doctrine of salvation is significant as it answers humanity’s deepest questions
about sin and existence.
Key Differences in Views on Salvation
1. Time Dimensions:
o Past: Salvation is a one-time event (“We have been saved”).
o Present: Salvation is ongoing (“We are being saved”).
o Future: Salvation will be fully realized (“We shall be saved”).
o These perspectives often combine as different aspects of salvation:
 Justification: Being made right with God (past).
 Sanctification: Growing in holiness (present).
 Glorification: Final redemption (future).
Models of Salvation in Time:
1. Series of Points:
o Salvation happens in distinct, identifiable moments (e.g., conversion,
baptism).
2. Discontinuous Processes:
o Salvation unfolds in separate phases over time (e.g., justification followed by
sanctification).
3. Overlapping Processes:
o Different aspects of salvation occur simultaneously (e.g., being justified and
sanctified at the same time).
4. Continuous Process:
o Salvation is one ongoing journey with clear stages that flow into one another
(e.g., justification leading to sanctification and ending in glorification).

Nature and Locus of the Need

1. Traditional (Vertical) View: Focus on Relationship with God
  Core Problem: Humanity’s primary issue is separation from God due to sin.
o Sin: Defined as violating God’s will, creating a state of rebellion and enmity
between humans and God.
o Impact: This broken relationship is the fundamental deficiency in human
existence.
 Salvation Focus: Restoring the relationship between God and humans.
o Accomplished through repentance, forgiveness of sins, and reconciliation with
God.
 Key Concepts:
o Conversion: Turning away from sin and toward God.
o Forgiveness: God’s act of removing the guilt of sin.
o Reconciliation: Restoring peace and fellowship with God.
o Adoption: Becoming children of God and part of His family.
 Perspective: This view aligns with evangelical theology and emphasizes the
individual’s need for divine redemption.

2. Relational (Horizontal) View: Focus on Relationships with Others

 Core Problem: Human relationships and society are marked by disharmony and
conflict.
o Can include personal issues (e.g., maladjustments) or systemic problems (e.g.,
racial or economic inequality).
 Personal-Level Focus:
o Concerned with individual relationships and small-group dynamics.
o Relational Theology: Aims to heal interpersonal conflicts and foster harmony
within communities.
 Societal-Level Focus:
o Addresses large-scale social issues like poverty, oppression, and systemic
injustice.
o Liberation Theology: Seeks to bring justice and liberation to marginalized
and oppressed groups, such as addressing racial inequality or class struggles.
 Salvation Focus: Healing and reconciling human relationships, both personally and
socially.
o Example: Breaking down barriers between different groups or fostering unity
in communities.
3. Internal View: Focus on Inner Healing
 Core Problem: Emotional and psychological struggles that burden the individual,
such as:
o Guilt: Overwhelming feelings of regret or wrongdoing.
o Inferiority: Feeling inadequate or unworthy.
o Insecurity: Experiencing fear or uncertainty about one’s value or future.
 Salvation Focus: Helping individuals overcome these internal struggles through self-
awareness and growth.
o Encourages personal healing and emotional adjustment.
 Key Concepts:
o Adjustment: Achieving emotional balance and stability.
o Self-Understanding: Gaining insight into one’s own feelings and motivations.
o Self-Acceptance: Learning to value and accept oneself despite flaws.
o Growth in Self-Esteem: Building confidence and a sense of worth.
 Perspective: This approach emphasizes personal transformation and emotional well-
being as part of salvation.

1. The Medium of Salvation

How salvation is obtained or transmitted:
A. Physical Transmission (Sacramental Systems)
 Salvation or grace is transmitted through physical objects or actions.
 Example: Traditional Roman Catholicism.
o Grace is believed to be received by physically participating in sacraments like
communion (e.g., consuming the bread).
o The value depends partly on the inward attitude of the participant, but
primarily on the external act.
B. Moral Action and Social Change
 Salvation is achieved through altering human behavior or societal structures.
 Examples:
o Social Gospel Movement: Focuses on improving society through political or
social reforms.
 o Liberation Theology: Seeks justice for the oppressed using means like
political action.
o Emphasis is often secular, aiming for systemic change rather than spiritual
transformation.
C. Faith (Evangelical Theology)
 Salvation is mediated by faith in Christ’s work on the cross.
 The individual plays a passive role, simply receiving what Christ has accomplished.
 Faith acts as the means to appropriate salvation.
2. The Direction of Movement in Salvation
Does salvation begin with individuals or with society?
A. Societal Transformation First (Social Gospel Movement)
 Core Idea: Society, not human nature, is the root problem.
o Evil societal structures corrupt individuals.
o Fixing societal conditions will lead to healthier individuals.
 Method: Alter society through systemic reform, similar to a public health approach.
o Inspired by thinkers like Jean Jacques Rousseau (humans are shaped by their
environment).
o Parallels behaviorism: Individual behavior is determined by surroundings.
B. Individual Transformation First (Conversion Emphasis)
 Core Idea: Human nature is radically sinful and corrupt.
o Evil in society is the result of evil individuals.
 Method: Change begins with personal conversion and spiritual transformation.
o Supernaturally transformed individuals will work to improve society.
o Impact: Individual transformation leads to societal change, not just by
numbers, but by the moral motivation of redeemed people.
3. The Extent of Salvation
Who will be saved?
A. Particularist View
 Salvation is based on individual responses to God’s grace.
 Key Belief:
o Not everyone will accept God’s offer of salvation.
o Some will be saved, and others will be lost.
B. Universalist View
 God will eventually restore all humanity to a right relationship with Himself.
 Two Varieties of Universalism:
o Optimistic Particularism:
 Belief that everyone will eventually accept Christ personally to be
saved.
 Challenges: Many in history have not had the opportunity to hear about
Christ.
o Unconditional Universalism:
 God will accept all people into eternal fellowship, regardless of
individual actions or choices.

4. The Objects of Salvation

What is saved through God’s plan of salvation?
A. Humanity Alone
 Traditional view: Salvation is limited to human beings, either individually or
collectively.
 The rest of creation is incidental and serves as the stage for human salvation.
B. Cosmic Salvation
 Broader View: Salvation includes the entire creation.
o All creation has been affected by sin and is under its bondage.
o Scriptural Basis: Paul’s writings in Romans.
o Final Restoration:
 The fallen cosmos will be redeemed and restored to its original,
glorious state.
 God’s ultimate plan involves not just humans but all of creation.

Historical Development of the Doctrine of Predestination

 Foreordination:
 The broadest term.
 Refers to God’s will concerning everything that happens, from human fate to natural
events (e.g., a rock falling).
 Predestination:
 More specific than foreordination.
 Refers to God’s choice of individuals for eternal life or eternal death.
 Election:
 The most specific term.
 Refers to God’s selection of some individuals for eternal life (the positive aspect of
predestination).

1. Early Church and Augustine

 Early Views: No exact formulation; growing conviction in the West about human
sinfulness and the need for divine grace.
 Augustine’s Contributions:
o Adam was created truly free but transmitted a sinful nature after the fall.
o Without divine grace, humans are unable to choose good.
o God’s grace works with human wills, enabling free and good choices.
o Augustine introduced the idea that predestination is based on God’s sovereign
will, not foreknowledge.
2. Pelagius and Augustine’s Response
 Pelagius’ Views:
o Humans are born without inherited sin; Adam’s fall affects only as a bad
example.
o Free will and external aids (e.g., reason, law, and Christ’s example) are
sufficient for righteousness.
o God’s predestination is based on foreseeing individual merit.
 Augustine’s Counterarguments:
o Humans inherit sin and guilt from Adam, and divine grace is essential for
salvation.
o God freely chooses who receives grace, independent of foreseen actions.
o The Council of Ephesus (431) condemned Pelagianism.
3. Semi-Pelagianism and the Synod of Orange (529)
 Semi-Pelagianism:
o Taught synergism (cooperation between God and man in salvation).
 o Accepted human inability without grace but rejected absolute predestination.
 Synod of Orange: Condemned semi-Pelagianism but avoided full acceptance of
Augustinianism.
4. Medieval Developments
 Notable Figures:
o Gottschalk: Advocated double predestination (elect and lost); views
condemned in 848.
o Johannes Erigena: Rejected foreknowledge as a basis for predestination,
emphasizing God’s eternal nature.
o Anselm and Thomas Aquinas: Reconciled predestination with human
freedom.
o Aquinas distinguished between God’s general will (all to be saved) and special
will (specific election).
5. Reformation Era
 Martin Luther:
o Strongly Augustinian, emphasizing God’s absolute sovereignty.
o Rejected predestination based on foreknowledge; salvation depends entirely
on grace.
 John Calvin:
o Developed the definitive doctrine of predestination.
o Taught God’s sovereign election and rejection are just and lead believers to
holiness.
o Calvin’s successor, Theodore Beza, emphasized double predestination and
supralapsarianism (God’s decrees logically precede creation).
6. Arminius and Arminianism
 Theodore Koornhert: Criticized Beza’s view, arguing it made God the author of sin.
 Arminius’ Views:
o Predestination is based on God’s foreknowledge of who will believe.
o God’s first decree is appointing Jesus as Savior, with salvation for those who
repent and believe.
o Sufficient grace is available to all, allowing free acceptance or rejection of
salvation.
7. Wesley and Prevenient Grace
 John Wesley:
 o Expanded Arminianism by emphasizing prevenient grace (universal grace
given to all humans).
o This grace enables humans to respond to God’s offer of salvation freely.
Possible Solutions for Predestination
1. Biblical Data on Election
o Election occurs in various contexts in Scripture:
 Individuals chosen for salvation (e.g., Paul, Romans 9).
 Groups or nations chosen for service (e.g., Israel as God’s people).
 Specific tasks or roles assigned by God’s sovereign decision.
2. Key Vocabulary
o Hebrew Terms:
 Bachar – Refers to choosing/selecting individuals for a special
relationship or purpose (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:6).
o Greek Terms:
 Eklegomai – To choose or elect (e.g., Ephesians 1:4).
 Proorizo – To predetermine or establish beforehand (e.g., Romans
8:29).
 Prothesis – Indicates God’s deliberate plan or resolve to act (e.g.,
Ephesians 1:11).
3. Human Inability
o Scripture emphasizes human inability to respond to God apart from
divine intervention:
 Romans 1:18-23 – All humanity suppresses the truth in
unrighteousness.
 Romans 3:10-11 – No one seeks God on their own; all have turned
away.
 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 – Spiritual blindness prevents belief in the
gospel.
o Implication: Without divine action, humans cannot come to God,
underscoring the necessity of grace.
4. Calvinist and Arminian Views on Grace
o Arminian Perspective:
 Prevenient grace nullifies sin’s effects, enabling humans to freely
choose salvation.
 o Calvinist Critique:
 The Bible does not explicitly teach a universal prevenient grace;
instead, it highlights specific and effectual grace for the elect.
5. Divine Election
o Election refers to God’s sovereign choice in enabling a response to the
gospel.
 Matthew 13:16 – Disciples’ understanding of spiritual truths was
granted by God.
 John 6:44 – “No one can come to me unless the Father draws him.”
 John 15:16 – “You did not choose me, but I chose you.”
o Divine drawing is effectual:
 John 6:37 – Those given by the Father will come to Christ.
 John 6:45 – God’s teaching and drawing guarantee faith.
6. Acts 13:48 and Election
o The phrase “as many as were ordained to eternal life believed” shows
divine arrangement.
o The Greek word tasso suggests an authoritative appointment by God, not
self-determination.
7. Foreknowledge and Predestination
o Foreknowledge (proginosko) in Scripture involves intimate, relational
knowledge, not merely foresight of actions:
 Romans 8:29 – Foreknowledge leads to predestination, conforming
the elect to Christ’s image.
 1 Peter 1:1-2 – Foreknowledge is linked to God’s choice and
sanctification of believers.
o Implication: God’s foreknowledge indicates a personal, loving choice
rather than neutral observation of future decisions.

Implications of Predestination
1. Universal Offers of Salvation
o The gospel is proclaimed to all humanity, yet not all respond:
 God’s offer of salvation is genuine, but human sin renders people
incapable of accepting it without divine grace.
  Calvinist View: Only those whom God has elected will respond
positively, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled.
2. The Nature of Divine Grace
o Predestination highlights both the necessity and sufficiency of God’s
grace.
 Romans 8:30 – Those predestined are also called, justified, and
glorified.
o Grace is not a response to human effort but originates from God’s
sovereign will.
3. Encouragement for Believers
o Assurance of salvation:
 John 6:37 – “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and
whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”
o Confidence that God’s plan for the elect is secure and unchangeable,
bringing hope and peace.
4. Responsibility and Worship
o Predestination underscores God’s initiative in salvation, inspiring
gratitude and reverence among believers.
o Romans 11:33-36 – Paul marvels at the depth of God’s wisdom and ways,
leading to doxology.
5. Implications for Evangelism
o Encouragement for Evangelistic Efforts:
 Predestination ensures that evangelism is not in vain, as God will
use it to draw His elect.
o The responsibility to preach the gospel remains central:
 Romans 10:14-15 – Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through
the word of Christ.
The Beginning of Salvation:
Subjective Aspects
The doctrine of salvation is a broad and complex topic, so it’s helpful to break it down into
different stages. One way to do this is by looking at salvation in three parts:
1. Beginning of Salvation – How a person first comes to faith.
2. Continuation of Salvation – How a believer grows in faith.
 3. Completion of Salvation – The final fulfillment of salvation when believers are fully
united with God.
Beginning of Salvation: Two Perspectives
When someone becomes a Christian, there are two ways to look at it:
 From the Human Side (Conversion) – This is when a person repents and believes in
Jesus.
 From God’s Side (Regeneration) – This is when God gives the person new spiritual
life.
There are also objective aspects, meaning things that happen between God and the person:
 Union with Christ – Becoming one with Jesus.
 Justification – Being declared righteous before God.
 Adoption – Being welcomed into God’s family.
Effectual Calling: How God Draws People to Salvation
Before a person can turn to God, something must happen. The Bible teaches that people are
spiritually blind and unable to believe on their own. So, God takes action to bring them to
faith. This is called effectual calling, which means that God works powerfully in a person’s
life to bring them to salvation.
Two Types of Calling
1. General Calling – God invites all people to come to Him. For example, Jesus said,
“Come to me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). However,
not everyone responds to this call.
2. Effectual (Special) Calling – This is when God works in the hearts of certain people
(the elect), enabling them to believe and respond to Him.
The Bible gives examples of this special calling:
 Jesus personally called His disciples (Matthew 4:18-22).
 Jesus reached out to Zacchaeus in a special way (Luke 19:1-10).
 God dramatically called Saul (Paul) on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19).
 Lydia believed because “the Lord opened her heart” (Acts 16:14).
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit helps people understand the message of salvation because, without Him,
people are unable to grasp spiritual truth. This is why some people see the message of Jesus’
death on the cross as foolishness, but those who are called by God recognize it as wisdom (1
Corinthians 2:6-16).
Key Differences from Other Views
Some believe that God gives everyone a chance to respond (prevenient grace), but effectual
calling is different because:
1. It is given only to the elect (those chosen by God).
2. It always leads to a positive response—those whom God calls will believe.
Conclusion
Effectual calling is God’s powerful work of drawing people to Himself. While many people
hear the gospel, only those whom God specially calls will truly understand and respond in
faith. This calling ensures that those whom God has chosen will come to salvation.

The Beginning of the Salvation:

Objective Aspects of Salvation
 Salvation is not only about a person’s spiritual transformation (subjective aspects)
but also about a change in their legal standing before God (objective aspects).
 This section focuses on doctrines such as union with Christ, justification, and
adoption—all of which affect how God views believers.

2. Union with Christ

Scriptural Teaching on Union with Christ
 Definition: Union with Christ means that believers are spiritually joined to Christ
in such a way that His righteousness, death, and resurrection apply to them.
 This concept is central to salvation, as all benefits of salvation flow from being “in
Christ.”
Biblical Examples of Union with Christ:
1. Believers are “in Christ”
o 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has
passed away, the new has come.”
o Ephesians 1:3-4 – God has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing.
2. Christ is “in believers”
o Colossians 1:27 – “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
o Galatians 2:20 – “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”
3. Sharing in Christ’s Life and Work
o Romans 6:4-5 – We are buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him.
 o 1 Corinthians 15:22 – “In Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made
alive.”
Inadequate Models of Union with Christ
Some explanations fail to fully capture the nature of union with Christ:
1. Metaphysical Union (Pantheism)
o Teaches that all humans are part of the divine essence (like Hinduism or
Buddhism).
o Refutation: The Bible teaches that Christ dwells only in believers, not in all
people (2 Cor. 5:17).
2. Mystical Union
o Claims that believers lose their personal identity in Christ, like a person in a
trance.
o Refutation: The Bible emphasizes personal responsibility—believers live by
faith, not by being hypnotized (Gal. 2:20).
3. Friendship/Teacher-Student Union
o Suggests that believers and Christ are only connected by shared values, like a
teacher-student relationship.
o Refutation: Jesus lives in believers, not just influences them (John 14:23).
4. Sacramental Union (Catholic View)
o Claims that receiving the sacraments (Lord’s Supper, Baptism, etc.)
physically joins believers to Christ.
o Refutation: Sacraments symbolize union with Christ but do not cause it (Eph.
2:8-9).
Characteristics of Union with Christ
1. Judicial (Legal) Union
o God sees believers as one with Christ, so they share in Christ’s
righteousness (Romans 8:1).
2. Spiritual Union
o The Holy Spirit brings believers into this relationship (1 Cor. 12:13).
3. Vital Union
o Just as a branch receives life from the vine, so believers receive spiritual
strength from Christ (John 15:4-5).
Implications of Union with Christ
  Declared Righteous – Because believers are in Christ, there is no condemnation for
them (Rom. 8:1).
 Empowered for Life and Ministry – “I can do all things through Him who
strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).
 Sharing in Christ’s Suffering – Believers will suffer with Christ but will also reign
with Him (2 Tim. 2:12).

3. Justification
Definition
 Justification is God declaring sinners righteous because of Christ’s atonement.
 It is not a moral transformation (like sanctification) but a legal verdict (like a judge
declaring “Not guilty”).
Biblical Basis
1. Romans 4:5 – “God justifies the ungodly.”
2. Romans 8:33-34 – Justification is contrasted with condemnation.
3. Deuteronomy 25:1 – A judge declares a person righteous, rather than making them
righteous.
Forensic (Legal) Nature of Justification
 Justification is not God pretending that sinners are righteous; rather, Christ’s
righteousness is credited to them.
 Analogy: A husband and wife share assets; believers share Christ’s righteousness.
Objections to Justification by Faith
1. “God is lying by declaring sinners righteous.”
o Refutation: No, because Christ’s righteousness is truly credited to believers.
2. “Righteousness cannot be transferred.”
o Refutation: Christ and believers are united, making His righteousness theirs
(2 Cor. 5:21).
3. “Faith or Works?”
o Faith alone justifies, but true faith always produces good works (James
2:17).

4. Lingering Consequences of Sin

  Even after forgiveness, sin still has earthly consequences (e.g., David’s punishment
in 2 Sam. 12:13-14).
 Forgiveness removes eternal punishment, not all earthly consequences.

5. Adoption
Definition
 Adoption is God making believers His children, giving them full rights in His
family.
 John 1:12 – “To all who received Him... He gave the right to become children of
God.”
Characteristics of Adoption
 Happens at the same time as justification.
 Involves both legal status and personal experience (John 15:14-15).
Benefits of Adoption
1. Forgiveness of Sins – Eph. 4:32.
2. Reconciliation with God – Rom. 5:8-10.
3. Freedom from Fear – Rom. 8:14-16 (No more “spirit of slavery”).
4. Inheritance with Christ – Rom. 8:16-17 (“Heirs of God”).
5. God’s Discipline as a Father – Heb. 12:5-11.
6. God’s Goodwill and Love – Unlike a criminal being released from prison but still
distrusted by society, God fully embraces believers as His own children.

6. Conclusion
 Salvation is not just a personal experience but also a change in status.
 Union with Christ, justification, and adoption form the foundation of Christian
identity.
 Justification is legal, adoption is relational, and union with Christ is the source of
spiritual power.

The Continuation of Salvation

Sanctification: The Process of Becoming Holy
1. The Nature of Sanctification
  Sanctification is an ongoing work of God in the believer’s life that makes them truly
holy.
 The word "holy" here means developing a real likeness to God in character and
conduct.
 It is not just an external change but an inward transformation aligning a believer’s
moral condition with their status before God.
 It begins at regeneration (new birth in Christ) and continues throughout life.
 This process is carried out by the Holy Spirit, who applies Christ’s work to a
believer's life.
2. Two Aspects of Sanctification
a. Positional Holiness (Being Set Apart for God)
 Holiness in the Bible often means being set apart for a divine purpose.
 In the Old Testament:
o Objects, places, and people were consecrated to God (e.g., the Holy Place,
priests, the Sabbath).
 In the New Testament:
o Believers are considered saints (holy ones) because they belong to God, not
because of their moral perfection.
 Example: Paul calls the Corinthian church “saints” (1 Cor. 1:2) even though they
struggled with sin.
b. Practical Holiness (Moral Purity and Christlike Character)
 Beyond being set apart, believers are also expected to live a holy life.
 This involves:
o Avoiding sin and sinful influences.
o Developing Christlike virtues such as love, patience, and humility.
 Jesus emphasized this aspect:
o “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matt. 5:48)
o He taught that true holiness includes loving enemies, showing mercy, and
living with integrity.
 Paul echoed this:
o “Live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” (Eph. 4:1)
3. Differences Between Justification and Sanctification
Justification Sanctification

Instantaneous act Lifelong process

Declares a sinner righteous Transforms a sinner into Christ’s image

Changes our status before God Changes our character and conduct

Based on Christ’s work alone Involves God’s work and human responsibility
4. The Characteristics of Sanctification
a. Supernatural Work of God
 Sanctification is primarily God’s work, not human effort.
 Paul prayed:
o “May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely.” (1 Thess. 5:23)
 Other passages affirm this:
o Ephesians 5:26 – Christ sanctifies the church.
o Titus 2:14 – Jesus purifies believers for good works.
b. Progressive in Nature
 Unlike justification, sanctification is not a single event but a lifelong journey.
 Paul assures believers:
o “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.” (Phil. 1:6)
 It involves gradual growth in righteousness and victory over sin.
c. Aimed at Christlikeness
 God's ultimate goal is for believers to be conformed to Christ’s image (Rom. 8:29).
 Sanctification is about internal transformation, not just external behavior.
d. The Work of the Holy Spirit
 The Holy Spirit plays a key role in sanctification:
o Guiding believers in truth (John 16:13).
o Producing the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).
o Empowering believers to overcome sin (Rom. 8:13).
5. The Believer’s Role in Sanctification
 Though sanctification is God’s work, believers must actively pursue holiness:
o “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” (Phil. 2:12-13)
o “Put to death the deeds of the body.” (Rom. 8:13)
 o “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Rom. 12:2)
 Sanctification involves both:
o Avoiding sin (Romans 6:12-13).
o Growing in Christlike virtues (Col. 3:12-14).
Sanctification: Complete or Incomplete?
1. Perfectionist View (Some believe complete holiness is possible in this life)
 Some Christians (e.g., certain Wesleyan and Pentecostal groups) teach sinless
perfection is achievable.
 They believe:
o Believers can reach a state where they no longer sin.
o Supported by verses like:
 Matthew 5:48 – “Be perfect as your Father is perfect.”
 1 Thessalonians 5:23 – “May God sanctify you completely.”
2. Non-Perfectionist View (Most believe sanctification is never fully complete on earth)
 Many theologians argue no one can be entirely free from sin in this life.
 They base this on verses like:
o 1 John 1:8-10 – “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.”
o Romans 7:18-19 – Paul struggles with sin despite being a mature believer.
 Even great heroes of faith (Moses, David, Peter, etc.) struggled with sin.
3. Balanced Conclusion
 While perfection is the goal, complete sinlessness is unlikely before Christ’s return.
 Paul urges striving toward holiness, knowing it is a lifelong battle.
The Christian Life
1. Union with Christ
 Believers are spiritually united with Christ.
 This is the foundation of Christian living (Phil. 3:8-11).
 Through this union, believers:
o Share in Christ’s righteousness.
o Receive spiritual blessings.
o Are empowered to live victoriously.
2. A Relationship of Friendship with Christ
  Jesus calls believers His friends (John 15:15).
 Friendship with Jesus means:
o Trust and confidence in Him.
o Love and obedience to His commands.
3. The Role of the Law in Christian Life
 The Law was given to reveal God’s standards but was never a means of salvation.
 Salvation in both Old and New Testament is by faith, not by works.
 The New Testament teaches:
o Believers are freed from the law’s condemnation (Rom. 8:3-4).
o Love fulfills the law (Rom. 13:8-10).
4. Separation from the World
 Christians are called to live distinct and holy lives (2 Cor. 6:17-18).
 However, they must also be salt and light in the world (Matt. 5:13-16).
 A balance is needed:
o Engage with society without compromising holiness.
o Maintain personal purity while influencing the world for Christ.
The Salvation of Old Testament Believers
1. How Were OT Believers Saved?
 Salvation was always by faith, not works.
 Example: Abraham was justified by faith (Gal. 3:6).
2. Did OT Believers Experience Regeneration?
 Some argue they were not born again because the Spirit had not yet come.
 However, Scripture describes:
o Heart transformation (Ezek. 36:26).
o Spiritual renewal (Psalm 51:10-12).
3. Differences Between OT and NT Salvation
Old Testament New Testament

Salvation through faith in God’s promises Salvation through faith in Christ

No permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit Spirit indwells all believers

External rituals (temple, sacrifices) Direct access to God through Christ

Conclusion
 Sanctification is an ongoing process, leading believers toward holiness.
 Though perfection is the goal, struggles with sin remain.
 The Christian life is about growing in Christlikeness while living as a witness in the
world.
Completion of the Salvation
1. Introduction
 Two inevitable experiences for believers:
1. Physical death – The transition from earthly life.
2. Life beyond – The eternal existence after death.
 Key Questions:
o Will believers remain faithful until the end? (Perseverance)
o What will life be like beyond this world? (Glorification)
 Importance of the topic:
o If salvation is not guaranteed, Christians may live in fear and uncertainty.
o If salvation is fully secure, some might become spiritually careless.

2. Perseverance (Will a True Believer Always Remain Saved?)

A. The Calvinist View (Salvation is Eternal and Cannot Be Lost)
1. Doctrine of Perseverance:
o Believers who are saved will remain saved forever.
o If salvation were losable, it would contradict God’s election.
2. Theological Reasoning:
o God has chosen certain individuals for salvation.
o If they could lose salvation, then God's election would be ineffective.
3. Biblical Support:
o 1 Peter 1:3-5 – Salvation is imperishable, uncorrupted, and kept in heaven.
o Romans 8:38-39 – Nothing can separate believers from God's love.
o Philippians 1:6 – God will complete what He started in believers.
 o John 10:27-30 – No one can snatch believers out of God's hands.
4. Additional Arguments:
o The Holy Spirit indwells believers permanently (John 14:16).
o Union with Christ – The believer and Christ are one (John 15:1-11).
o New birth is irreversible – If eternal life is "eternal," it cannot be lost.
o Assurance of salvation – Believers can have confidence in their salvation.
B. The Arminian View (Salvation Can Be Lost Through Apostasy)
1. Salvation is conditional on continued faith.
o A believer can turn away and lose salvation.
2. Biblical Warnings About Falling Away:
o Matthew 24:3-14 – False prophets will lead people astray.
o Colossians 1:21-23 – Salvation is conditional on "continuing in the faith."
o Hebrews 3:12-14 – Warning against an "unbelieving heart."
3. Biblical Examples of Apostates:
o King Saul – Lost God’s favor and died tragically.
o Judas Iscariot – Was a disciple but later betrayed Christ.
o Hymenaeus & Alexander (1 Timothy 1:19-20) – Shipwrecked their faith.
o Demas (2 Timothy 4:10) – Abandoned Paul for worldly desires.
4. Practical Objections to Calvinism:
o Human Free Will – If believers cannot lose salvation, they are not truly free.
o Believers are held accountable – Why warn them if they cannot fall away?
C. Resolving the Debate
 John 10:27-30 (Calvinist Proof):
o Christ says "they shall never perish."
o Double negative in Greek means an absolute promise.
 Hebrews 6:4-6 (Arminian Proof):
o Describes those who have "tasted" salvation but fall away.
o Raises the issue: Can someone lose salvation permanently?
 Balanced Conclusion:
 o Falling away is possible (logically), but it will never happen (divinely
prevented).
o Warnings in Scripture act as safeguards to keep believers from apostasy.
o True believers will endure because God ensures their perseverance.

3. Glorification (The Final Perfection of the Believer)

A. Meaning of "Glory"
1. Old Testament Meaning (Hebrew: "Kabod")
o Describes God’s greatness, splendor, and majesty.
o Psalm 24:7-10 – "King of Glory" refers to God’s infinite beauty and power.
2. New Testament Meaning (Greek: "Doxa")
o Means brightness, magnificence, and honor.
o John 17:1-5 – Jesus asks the Father to restore His pre-existing glory.
3. Christ's Glory:
o Revealed in His resurrection (Acts 3:13-15).
o Will be revealed in His Second Coming (Matthew 24:30, Titus 2:13).
B. The Glorification of the Believer
1. Final Vindication (Believers Publicly Justified)
o Romans 8:33-34 – No accusation can stand against God’s elect.
o Matthew 25:31-46 – Final judgment will confirm the believer’s
righteousness.
2. Moral and Spiritual Perfection
o Colossians 1:22 – Believers will be presented holy and blameless.
o Philippians 1:9-11 – Love and righteousness will be perfected.
o Revelation 20:7-10 – Sin, evil, and temptation will be eradicated.
3. Full Knowledge of God
o 1 Corinthians 13:12 – Now we see dimly, but one day we will see clearly.
o 1 John 3:2 – "We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."
4. Resurrection and Transformation of the Body
o Philippians 3:20-21 – Believers' bodies will be made like Christ’s glorious
body.
 o 1 Corinthians 15:38-50:
 Perishable → Imperishable
 Weakness → Power
 Natural Body → Spiritual Body
o 1 Corinthians 15:51-52:
 Instant transformation at Christ’s return.
 "In the twinkling of an eye, the dead will be raised incorruptible."
5. Renewal of the Entire Creation
o Romans 8:18-25 – All creation will be set free from corruption.
o Revelation 21:1-5 – A new heaven and new earth will replace the old.
4. Practical Implications
1. Security in Salvation
o Believers can rest assured that their salvation is permanent.
o Romans 8:38-39 – Nothing can separate us from God’s love.
2. Warnings as a Means of Perseverance
o The warnings in Scripture are not empty threats, but divine safeguards.
3. True Faith Produces Good Works
o Matthew 7:16-20 – "By their fruits, you will know them."
o Genuine faith leads to transformation, not careless living.
4. Encouragement for the Future
o Believers have a glorious destiny.
o No more sin, suffering, or death – a perfect, eternal life in God’s presence.
Conclusion
 Perseverance ensures believers will not lose salvation.
 Glorification guarantees eternal transformation.
 The Christian hope is not just survival but ultimate perfection in Christ.