Outline
- Original sin
- Reprobation
- Predestination
- Grace
- Faith
- Repentance
- Confession
- Regeneration
- Adoption
- Justification
- Expiation
- Propitiation
- Imputation
- Sanctification
- Perseverance of the saints
- The role of faith and works
- The process of salvation (spirit instantaneous, soul progressive, body future)
- Liberty
- Age of accountability
Salvation
The primary subject of the Bible is salvation. Jesus, from His conception is announced as the Savior. Saviorhood and salvation cannot be separated, since it is the role of a savior to save. And a savior is one who rescues another or others from a dangerous or threatening situation. Salvation, in its basic definition, means to be rescued from some calamity or other dire situation. The Bible uses this term in a specific way to refer to ultimate redemption from sin and reconciliation to God. In this context, then, salvation is from the ultimate calamity of the judgment of God. It is Jesus Christ, the Savior, who "delivers us from the wrath to come" (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
Scripture in no uncertain terms teaches that a day of judgment will come; a day where all human beings will have to stand in the presence of God to be held accountable for the life they lived. For many this will be a dark day of gloom and darkness. It will be a day when the wrath of God will be poured out on the wicked and disobedient. This day of wrath will be the greatest calamity in human history. Its terror and destruction will be beyond imagination. To be delivered from such a day is ultimate salvation. It is Jesus Christ, in His role as Savior, who rescues His people from this day of God's wrath.
In the Bible, salvation is spoken of in tenses of past, present, and future. We were saved from the foundation of the world; we were being saved by the work of God in history; we are saved by being in a state of justification before God; we are being saved by being sanctified or made holy by God; and we will be saved when we experience the consummation of our redemption in heaven.
A key aspect of salvation to remember is that it is of the Lord (Jonah 2:9). Salvation from start to finish is the Lord's work, not man's. Human beings cannot save themselves. Salvation is both of God and from Him. Ultimately, it is God who saves us from God's wrath, which will most assuredly come. Salvation proceeds from the love of God, is based upon the atonement wrought by His Son Jesus Christ, is realized in forgiveness, regeneration, and sanctification, and culminates in the resurrection and glorification of all those who accept Jesus Christ as Savior.
Scripture in no uncertain terms teaches that a day of judgment will come; a day where all human beings will have to stand in the presence of God to be held accountable for the life they lived. For many this will be a dark day of gloom and darkness. It will be a day when the wrath of God will be poured out on the wicked and disobedient. This day of wrath will be the greatest calamity in human history. Its terror and destruction will be beyond imagination. To be delivered from such a day is ultimate salvation. It is Jesus Christ, in His role as Savior, who rescues His people from this day of God's wrath.
In the Bible, salvation is spoken of in tenses of past, present, and future. We were saved from the foundation of the world; we were being saved by the work of God in history; we are saved by being in a state of justification before God; we are being saved by being sanctified or made holy by God; and we will be saved when we experience the consummation of our redemption in heaven.
A key aspect of salvation to remember is that it is of the Lord (Jonah 2:9). Salvation from start to finish is the Lord's work, not man's. Human beings cannot save themselves. Salvation is both of God and from Him. Ultimately, it is God who saves us from God's wrath, which will most assuredly come. Salvation proceeds from the love of God, is based upon the atonement wrought by His Son Jesus Christ, is realized in forgiveness, regeneration, and sanctification, and culminates in the resurrection and glorification of all those who accept Jesus Christ as Savior.
The Atonement
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood. There would be no Christianity without the Cross. The central theme of Christianity is that God redeemed sinful man. God accomplished this by taking on the nature of a servant (the incarnation), living a sinless life, and then dying on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. Paul affirmed this ultimate display of God's love when he wrote, "I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2).
The atonement is prophesied in the Old Testament: "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). Not only was the atonement prophesied, but so also was the method of execution. Psalms 22 is a graphic prophecy of Christ's crucifixion. God instituted Israel's sacrificial system to prepare the people for Christ's atonement. The animal sacrifices had to be repeated on an ongoing basis -- they pointed ahead to the perfect and final sacrifice that would come: "The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming -- not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. If it could, would they not have stopped being offered?" (Hebrews 10:1-2).
Christ's atonement was final and complete: "When He had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit" (John 19:30). The word translated "finished" is the Greek word tetelestai -- a word that means paid in full. On the cross Christ paid the full penalty for our sins. Every cult denies salvation through the blood of Christ alone. All add works as a necessary requirement, thus making salvation a product of man's efforts, and not of God's grace. Salvation by grace alone, through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, is an essential of the Christian faith. It cannot be compromised.
Then He said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:9-10)
The atonement is prophesied in the Old Testament: "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). Not only was the atonement prophesied, but so also was the method of execution. Psalms 22 is a graphic prophecy of Christ's crucifixion. God instituted Israel's sacrificial system to prepare the people for Christ's atonement. The animal sacrifices had to be repeated on an ongoing basis -- they pointed ahead to the perfect and final sacrifice that would come: "The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming -- not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. If it could, would they not have stopped being offered?" (Hebrews 10:1-2).
Christ's atonement was final and complete: "When He had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit" (John 19:30). The word translated "finished" is the Greek word tetelestai -- a word that means paid in full. On the cross Christ paid the full penalty for our sins. Every cult denies salvation through the blood of Christ alone. All add works as a necessary requirement, thus making salvation a product of man's efforts, and not of God's grace. Salvation by grace alone, through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, is an essential of the Christian faith. It cannot be compromised.
Then He said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:9-10)
Is a Devout Life Enough?
Sin is disobeying God. Adam and Eve learned by painful experience that because God is holy and hates sin, he must punish sinners. The rest of the book of Genesis recounts painful stories of lives ruined as a result of the fall. Disobedience is sin, and it breaks our fellowship with God. But fortunately, when we disobey, God is willing to forgive us and to restore our relationship with Him.
Sin includes unintended wrongdoing. Have you ever done something wrong without realizing it until later? Although your sin was unintentional, it was still sin. One of the purposes of God’s commands was to make the Israelites aware of their unintentional sins so they would not repeat them and so they could be forgiven for them. As you read more of God’s laws, keep in mind that they were meant to teach and guide the people. Let them help you become more aware of sin in your life.
Sin is a disease beyond human cure. Leprosy, like AIDS today, was a terrifying disease because there was no known cure. In Jesus’ day, the Greek word for leprosy was used for a variety of similar diseases, and some forms were contagious. If a person contracted the contagious type, a priest declared him a leper and banished him for his home and city. The leper was sent to live in a community with other lepers until he either got better or died. Yet when the leper begged Jesus to heal him, Jesus reached out and touched him, even though his skin was covered with the dread disease.
Sin is also an incurable disease – and we all have it. Just as the leper could not save himself, so the sinner is helpless before his fate. And one sinner cannot save another just as one drowning man cannot save another. It takes someone outside our condition to save us from our condition. Only Christ’s healing touch can miraculously take away our sins and restore us to real living. But first, just like the leper, we must realize our inability to cure ourselves and ask for Christ’s saving help.
- Genesis. 3:17To Adam He said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate the fruit I told you not to eat, I have placed a curse on the ground. All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it.
Sin includes unintended wrongdoing. Have you ever done something wrong without realizing it until later? Although your sin was unintentional, it was still sin. One of the purposes of God’s commands was to make the Israelites aware of their unintentional sins so they would not repeat them and so they could be forgiven for them. As you read more of God’s laws, keep in mind that they were meant to teach and guide the people. Let them help you become more aware of sin in your life.
- Leviticus 4:1-2 The Lord said to Moses, “Give the Israelites the following instructions for dealing with those who sin unintentionally by doing anything forbidden by the Lord’s command.
Sin is a disease beyond human cure. Leprosy, like AIDS today, was a terrifying disease because there was no known cure. In Jesus’ day, the Greek word for leprosy was used for a variety of similar diseases, and some forms were contagious. If a person contracted the contagious type, a priest declared him a leper and banished him for his home and city. The leper was sent to live in a community with other lepers until he either got better or died. Yet when the leper begged Jesus to heal him, Jesus reached out and touched him, even though his skin was covered with the dread disease.
- Matthew 8:3 Jesus touched him. “I want to,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared.
- Romans 7:18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.
Sin is also an incurable disease – and we all have it. Just as the leper could not save himself, so the sinner is helpless before his fate. And one sinner cannot save another just as one drowning man cannot save another. It takes someone outside our condition to save us from our condition. Only Christ’s healing touch can miraculously take away our sins and restore us to real living. But first, just like the leper, we must realize our inability to cure ourselves and ask for Christ’s saving help.
- Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
- Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned
What Is the Age of Accountability?
Do children go to heaven when they die? Do teens? To arrive at Biblical answers to these questions, we must look at some good news and some bad news. The good news comes later in this essay. It may surprise you! But first comes a whole bunch of bad news.
Unrighteous people will not inherit God's kingdom. Putting it bluntly, sinners do not go to heaven. But is a little child a sinner? And what about teens? For that matter, what about you and what about me? Are we sinners? Bad news -- the Bible says, "Yes!"
ALL people are sinners by nature, even a brand new infant who has never sinned. Consider - a tiger shark kills for food simply because it is a tiger shark's nature to do so. Therefore, a newly spawned tiger shark is a killer by nature even though it has not yet killed.
Similarly the Scriptures state a newly born human is a sinner by nature even though that baby has not yet sinned. A child needs to be taught to tell the truth, whereas a child need not be taught to lie. Lying comes naturally to a sinner. A sinner isn't a sinner because he sins. A sinner sins because he is a sinner.
Does God hold each of us responsible for our sins? More bad news -- the Bible again says, "Yes!" Psalm 51.4 says that all sins are an offense against God Himself. Therefore when we lie to someone, we have also lied to God. Moreover, the Bible clearly states that each of us must one day stand before God and be judged for our sins.
But will God judge the sins of little kids? I'm glad you asked because now (at last!) we can begin to set the stage for some good news. There is a theory known as "the age of accountability." "Age of accountability" denotes that age at which a person becomes mature enough to be held responsible by God for his or her sins. According to this theory, someone who dies BEFORE attaining the age of accountability will go to heaven, even though he or she has not received Jesus as Savior. But exactly what is that age?
The answer to that important question lies in the Old Covenant.
Notice that Adonai gave an age at which a male became a man and became responsible for his soul. That age was declared to be 20. This is not the only evidence however.
Yahweh Adonai delivered the people of Israel from the bondage of slavery in Egypt, and brought them across the wilderness to the very doors of the Promised Land. There, the children, listening to the fears of 10 of the 12 spies that had been sent into the Promised Land, refused to cross the Jordan in obedience to the Lord’s command. In response He declared,
Notice that again, the ones who were held responsible for that fateful decision were all those 20 years old or more. Joshua and Caleb, the two spies who urged the people to obey Adonai and all those who were nineteen and under would be allowed to survive the coming wanderings and enter the Promised Land.
Later, the Lord further identified those who would enter the Promised Land as “children” and specifically stated that the didn’t know good from evil.
So, the Lord considers those who are under twenty to be children who do not know the difference between good and evil. They are thus not held accountable. They fall “under the age of accountability.”
Interestingly recent research into the development of the human brain has revealed that the anterior or prefrontal part of the brain is the area where executive functions (i.e. planning, the selection and implementation of goals, the exercise of judgment and the formation of insight). The prefrontal cortex is not fully formed in the adolescent until about age twenty. (Deborah Yurgelun-Todd is the director of neuropsychology and cognitive neuroimaging at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Mass)
- 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 HCSB Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit God's kingdom? Do not be deceived: no sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, (10) thieves, greedy people, drunkards, revilers, or swindlers will inherit God's kingdom.
Unrighteous people will not inherit God's kingdom. Putting it bluntly, sinners do not go to heaven. But is a little child a sinner? And what about teens? For that matter, what about you and what about me? Are we sinners? Bad news -- the Bible says, "Yes!"
- Romans 3:23 HCSB For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
ALL people are sinners by nature, even a brand new infant who has never sinned. Consider - a tiger shark kills for food simply because it is a tiger shark's nature to do so. Therefore, a newly spawned tiger shark is a killer by nature even though it has not yet killed.
- Psalms 51:5 HCSB Indeed, I was guilty when I was born; I was sinful when my mother conceived me.
- Psalms 58:3 HCSB The wicked go astray from the womb; liars err from birth.
Similarly the Scriptures state a newly born human is a sinner by nature even though that baby has not yet sinned. A child needs to be taught to tell the truth, whereas a child need not be taught to lie. Lying comes naturally to a sinner. A sinner isn't a sinner because he sins. A sinner sins because he is a sinner.
- Psalms 51:4 HCSB Against You--You alone--I have sinned and done this evil in Your sight. So You are right when You pass sentence; You are blameless when You judge.
- Romans 14:12 HCSB So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
- Hebrews 9:27 HCSB And just as it is appointed for people to die once--and after this, judgment--
- Revelation 20:12 HCSB I also saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life, and the dead were judged according to their works by what was written in the books.
Does God hold each of us responsible for our sins? More bad news -- the Bible again says, "Yes!" Psalm 51.4 says that all sins are an offense against God Himself. Therefore when we lie to someone, we have also lied to God. Moreover, the Bible clearly states that each of us must one day stand before God and be judged for our sins.
But will God judge the sins of little kids? I'm glad you asked because now (at last!) we can begin to set the stage for some good news. There is a theory known as "the age of accountability." "Age of accountability" denotes that age at which a person becomes mature enough to be held responsible by God for his or her sins. According to this theory, someone who dies BEFORE attaining the age of accountability will go to heaven, even though he or she has not received Jesus as Savior. But exactly what is that age?
The answer to that important question lies in the Old Covenant.
- Exodus 30:11-16 HCSB The LORD spoke to Moses: (12) "When you take a census of the Israelites to register them, each of the men must pay a ransom for himself to the LORD as they are registered. Then no plague will come on them as they are registered. (13) Everyone who is registered must pay half a shekel according to the sanctuary shekel (20 gerahs to the shekel). This half shekel is a contribution to the LORD. (14) Each man who is registered, 20 years old or more, must give this contribution to the LORD.
Notice that Adonai gave an age at which a male became a man and became responsible for his soul. That age was declared to be 20. This is not the only evidence however.
Yahweh Adonai delivered the people of Israel from the bondage of slavery in Egypt, and brought them across the wilderness to the very doors of the Promised Land. There, the children, listening to the fears of 10 of the 12 spies that had been sent into the Promised Land, refused to cross the Jordan in obedience to the Lord’s command. In response He declared,
- Numbers 14:29 HCSB Your corpses will fall in this wilderness--all of you who were registered in the census, the entire number of you 20 years old or more--because you have complained about Me.
Notice that again, the ones who were held responsible for that fateful decision were all those 20 years old or more. Joshua and Caleb, the two spies who urged the people to obey Adonai and all those who were nineteen and under would be allowed to survive the coming wanderings and enter the Promised Land.
Later, the Lord further identified those who would enter the Promised Land as “children” and specifically stated that the didn’t know good from evil.
- Deuteronomy 1:39 HCSB Your little children who you said would be plunder, your sons who don't know good from evil, will enter there. I will give them the land, and they will take possession of it.
So, the Lord considers those who are under twenty to be children who do not know the difference between good and evil. They are thus not held accountable. They fall “under the age of accountability.”
Interestingly recent research into the development of the human brain has revealed that the anterior or prefrontal part of the brain is the area where executive functions (i.e. planning, the selection and implementation of goals, the exercise of judgment and the formation of insight). The prefrontal cortex is not fully formed in the adolescent until about age twenty. (Deborah Yurgelun-Todd is the director of neuropsychology and cognitive neuroimaging at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Mass)
What About Those Who've Never Heard of Christ?
In view of this perennial question, the first thought that comes to mind is the assurance that Hashem surely does not play favorites.
I believe that it is critical to keep in mind Peter’s teaching that God has people in EVERY nation who fear him and do righteousness. We recognize that they may be few in number.
However few they may be, they can be found in every nation, which means that God must have a plan for them. Paul speaks of this plan.
Those who are outside the pale of the Law are judged accordingly. Those who have had the tremendous privilege and responsibility of receiving the revealed Law of God are also judged accordingly. As it is written:
By what are those who are “outside the law” judged? Paul says that they are judged according to their obedience to their consciences (Romans 2:15) and Peter argues that God accepts those who fear Him and do righteousness according to their best understanding of what that means.
Do not mistake my meaning. I am NOT saying that there is salvation outside of the Messiah. Had He not atoned for our sins, not one of us would ever get to heaven.
As Jesus Himself said,
Those who have heard the Gospel find themselves under an increased load of responsibility. They must respond appropriately to what they know. Those who have never heard the Gospel must also respond appropriately to what they know. There is no favoritism with God.
What may those who have never heard of Jesus know?
If someone has never heard of Jesus, but recognizes that there is a God in heaven, who created all things, and to whom they are accountable, and responds with a humble and obedient desire to behave in a righteous manner in accordance with their conscience and the promptings of the Holy Spirit (who can access them even if no missionary ever does), Peter tells us that God accepts them.
“Then what is the advantage of missionary work?” You may ask.
In chapter two, Paul says that these poor souls, living without the knowledge of the Gospel, struggle in their condition. At times, their consciences excuse them, and at other times accuse them. They are never sure of their salvation. In this state, they remain like the Old Covenant saints upon whom the Spirit would come and go, come and go.
The singular gift of the Messiah is the Holy Spirit (John 14:16) who, as our Seal (Ephesians 4:30), grants us permanence and assuredness of salvation (Romans 5:5; Titus 3:5-7. Beyond salvation, the Spirit grants us continuous guidance and teaching (John 15:26; 16:13; Acts 13:2). The Spirit enables us to know how to live as El Ch’uwl’s children (Romans 8:1-8; Galatians 5:16-25). There is every advantage to coming to the knowledge of the truth and being sealed to the day of redemption by the presence of the Holy Spirit.
I’m just saying that God is fair and He has a plan for those who through their isolation or through the sinful incompetence of His followers never get to hear the Good News.
This should also be taken into account when struggling with spiritual complacency. If we fail to show fruit, fail to truly act according to our conscience and consistently do what is right, perhaps (though we have heard) we have failed to heed the Gospel.
In spite of the blessed truth of God’s loving compassion even for those who have never heard of His Messiah, the command for those of us who HAVE heard remains:
- Acts 10:34-35 HCSB Then Peter began to speak: "In truth, I understand that God doesn't show favoritism, (35) but in every nation the person who fears Him and does righteousness is acceptable to Him.
I believe that it is critical to keep in mind Peter’s teaching that God has people in EVERY nation who fear him and do righteousness. We recognize that they may be few in number.
- Matthew 7:14 HCSB How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.
However few they may be, they can be found in every nation, which means that God must have a plan for them. Paul speaks of this plan.
- Romans 2:11-16 HCSB There is no favoritism with God. (12) All those who sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all those who sinned under the law will be judged by the law. (13) For the hearers of the law are not righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be declared righteous. (14) So, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, instinctively do what the law demands, they are a law to themselves even though they do not have the law. (15) They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts. Their consciences testify in support of this, and their competing thoughts either accuse or excuse them (16) on the day when God judges what people have kept secret, according to my gospel through Christ Jesus.
Those who are outside the pale of the Law are judged accordingly. Those who have had the tremendous privilege and responsibility of receiving the revealed Law of God are also judged accordingly. As it is written:
- Luke 12:48 HCSB But the one who did not know and did things deserving of blows will be beaten lightly. Much will be required of everyone who has been given much. And even more will be expected of the one who has been entrusted with more.
By what are those who are “outside the law” judged? Paul says that they are judged according to their obedience to their consciences (Romans 2:15) and Peter argues that God accepts those who fear Him and do righteousness according to their best understanding of what that means.
Do not mistake my meaning. I am NOT saying that there is salvation outside of the Messiah. Had He not atoned for our sins, not one of us would ever get to heaven.
- Romans 3:23 HCSB For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
As Jesus Himself said,
- John 14:6 HCSB Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Those who have heard the Gospel find themselves under an increased load of responsibility. They must respond appropriately to what they know. Those who have never heard the Gospel must also respond appropriately to what they know. There is no favoritism with God.
What may those who have never heard of Jesus know?
- Romans 1:19-20 HCSB since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. (20) From the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what He has made. As a result, people are without excuse.
- Psalms 19:1-4 HCSB For the choir director. A Davidic psalm. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands. (2) Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge. (3) There is no speech; there are no words; their voice is not heard. (4) Their message has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the inhabited world. In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun.
If someone has never heard of Jesus, but recognizes that there is a God in heaven, who created all things, and to whom they are accountable, and responds with a humble and obedient desire to behave in a righteous manner in accordance with their conscience and the promptings of the Holy Spirit (who can access them even if no missionary ever does), Peter tells us that God accepts them.
- Hebrews 13:16 HCSB Don't neglect to do good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.
“Then what is the advantage of missionary work?” You may ask.
- Romans 2:15 HCSB They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts. Their consciences testify in support of this, and their competing thoughts either accuse or excuse them
- Romans 8:1-4 HCSB Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, (2) because the Spirit's law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. (3) What the law could not do since it was limited by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending His own Son in flesh like ours under sin's domain, and as a sin offering, (4) in order that the law's requirement would be accomplished in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
In chapter two, Paul says that these poor souls, living without the knowledge of the Gospel, struggle in their condition. At times, their consciences excuse them, and at other times accuse them. They are never sure of their salvation. In this state, they remain like the Old Covenant saints upon whom the Spirit would come and go, come and go.
The singular gift of the Messiah is the Holy Spirit (John 14:16) who, as our Seal (Ephesians 4:30), grants us permanence and assuredness of salvation (Romans 5:5; Titus 3:5-7. Beyond salvation, the Spirit grants us continuous guidance and teaching (John 15:26; 16:13; Acts 13:2). The Spirit enables us to know how to live as El Ch’uwl’s children (Romans 8:1-8; Galatians 5:16-25). There is every advantage to coming to the knowledge of the truth and being sealed to the day of redemption by the presence of the Holy Spirit.
I’m just saying that God is fair and He has a plan for those who through their isolation or through the sinful incompetence of His followers never get to hear the Good News.
This should also be taken into account when struggling with spiritual complacency. If we fail to show fruit, fail to truly act according to our conscience and consistently do what is right, perhaps (though we have heard) we have failed to heed the Gospel.
- James 2:14-17 HCSB What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith, but does not have works? Can his faith save him? (15) If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food, (16) and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well," but you don't give them what the body needs, what good is it? (17) In the same way faith, if it doesn't have works, is dead by itself.
In spite of the blessed truth of God’s loving compassion even for those who have never heard of His Messiah, the command for those of us who HAVE heard remains:
- Matthew 28:19 HCSB Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Is It Ever Too Late to be Saved?
There are three answers to your question; three circumstances that influence that fateful moment.
First, it is possible to cross that line in this life.
It is possible to become so hardened in this life that the Spirit begins to take you at your word and gives you what you have repeatedly claimed to want, independence from the sovereign will of God. We call that point “Pharaoh’s line”, a reference to the Pharaoh who refused to obey Hashem’s command to let Israel go.
God, in His transcendence over time, knew that it would happen, but gave Pharaoh the opportunity anyway.
Notice that God was talking about the end result, the retrieval of Israel. God didn’t go in hardening Pharaoh’s heart, He simply was acknowledging that in the end His efforts with Pharaoh would be useless. We can actually watch the process unfold over time.
As you can see, there was a distinct line that Pharaoh crossed where the Lord God said, “enough”. We believe that it is possible to cross that line in this life by steadfastly refusing the Spirit’s message of salvation concerning the Messiah. (See also Unforgivable Sin)
Second, that line is crossed at death.
The number of our days have already been determined by God and sets limits that no man can pass (Job 14:5). When we die, we are like water that is poured out on the ground and can’t be recovered (2 Samuel 14:14). There is no reincarnation. There are no second chances. Each of us will die once and be judged (Hebrews 9:27). There is no purgatory. You don’t get to take a peek at life after death and make your decision then.
Third, there will be a time in the future when all remaining humans will cross that line.
The elders of CBF hold to a “prewrath” view of the timing of the Rapture. Our understanding is that the saints will NOT be raptured before the beginning of the seven year Tribulation period, but that we will be persecuted until shortly after the Abomination of Desolation takes place at the mid-point (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). The rapture will initiate the Great Day of God’s Wrath, which we are told that we will escape (1 Thessalonians 5:9).
At that point, the Spirit’s testimony to human hearts will be removed (2 Thessalonians 2:7-8) and a spirit of delusion will be sent instead (2 Thessalonians 2:11) so that from that point on the rebels will believe only what is false and will be condemned in their sins.
If you would like to see what that condition would be like, consider King Saul’s slow descent into madness initiated by the following statement:
As the Scriptures say,
First, it is possible to cross that line in this life.
It is possible to become so hardened in this life that the Spirit begins to take you at your word and gives you what you have repeatedly claimed to want, independence from the sovereign will of God. We call that point “Pharaoh’s line”, a reference to the Pharaoh who refused to obey Hashem’s command to let Israel go.
God, in His transcendence over time, knew that it would happen, but gave Pharaoh the opportunity anyway.
- Exodus 4:21 HCSB The LORD instructed Moses, "When you go back to Egypt, make sure you do in front of Pharaoh all the wonders I have put within your power. But I will harden his heart so that he won't let the people go.
- Exodus 7:3-4 HCSB But I will harden Pharaoh's heart and multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. (4) Pharaoh will not listen to you, but I will put My hand on Egypt and bring out the ranks of My people the Israelites, out of the land of Egypt by great acts of judgment.
Notice that God was talking about the end result, the retrieval of Israel. God didn’t go in hardening Pharaoh’s heart, He simply was acknowledging that in the end His efforts with Pharaoh would be useless. We can actually watch the process unfold over time.
- Pharaoh hardened his heart (Exodus 7:13)
- Pharaoh hardened his heart (Exodus 7:22)
- He didn’t even take it to heart (Exodus 7:23)
- Pharaoh hardened his heart (Exodus 8:15)
- Pharaoh hardened his heart (Exodus 8:19)
- Pharaoh hardened his heart (Exodus 8:32)
- Pharaoh hardened his heart (Exodus 9:7)
- The Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart (Exodus 9:12)
- Pharaoh hardened his heart as the Lord said (Exodus 9:34-35)
- The Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart (Exodus 10:1)
- The Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart (Exodus 10:20)
- The Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart (Exodus 10:27)
- The Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart (Exodus 11:10)
- The Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart (Exodus 14:4)
- The Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart (Exodus 14:8)
As you can see, there was a distinct line that Pharaoh crossed where the Lord God said, “enough”. We believe that it is possible to cross that line in this life by steadfastly refusing the Spirit’s message of salvation concerning the Messiah. (See also Unforgivable Sin)
Second, that line is crossed at death.
The number of our days have already been determined by God and sets limits that no man can pass (Job 14:5). When we die, we are like water that is poured out on the ground and can’t be recovered (2 Samuel 14:14). There is no reincarnation. There are no second chances. Each of us will die once and be judged (Hebrews 9:27). There is no purgatory. You don’t get to take a peek at life after death and make your decision then.
Third, there will be a time in the future when all remaining humans will cross that line.
The elders of CBF hold to a “prewrath” view of the timing of the Rapture. Our understanding is that the saints will NOT be raptured before the beginning of the seven year Tribulation period, but that we will be persecuted until shortly after the Abomination of Desolation takes place at the mid-point (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). The rapture will initiate the Great Day of God’s Wrath, which we are told that we will escape (1 Thessalonians 5:9).
At that point, the Spirit’s testimony to human hearts will be removed (2 Thessalonians 2:7-8) and a spirit of delusion will be sent instead (2 Thessalonians 2:11) so that from that point on the rebels will believe only what is false and will be condemned in their sins.
If you would like to see what that condition would be like, consider King Saul’s slow descent into madness initiated by the following statement:
- 1 Samuel 16:14-15 HCSB Now the Spirit of the LORD had left Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD began to torment him, (15) so Saul's servants said to him, "You see that an evil spirit from God is tormenting you.
As the Scriptures say,
- 2 Corinthians 6:2 HCSB For He says: In an acceptable time, I heard you, and in the day of salvation, I helped you. Look, now is the acceptable time; look, now is the day of salvation.
- Hebrews 4:7 HCSB again, He specifies a certain day--today--speaking through David after such a long time, as previously stated: Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.
Why Does God Harden Or Soften Hearts?
Why does God harden and soften hearts? For instance, why did He harden Pharaoh’s heart (Exodus 4:21)? Wouldn’t He want Pharaoh to have a soft heart?
Meforshim:
Heart is a broad term in Hebrew and indicates the inner person and his or her capabilities. Here clearly the will is involved; it is Pharaoh’s intent to reject God’s command. This intent is mentioned often in Exodus 4-14, and the seventeen different references to it alternate between statements that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart (as here and in 7:3), descriptions that simply affirm that “Pharaoh’s heart became hard”,[1] and statements that “Pharaoh…hardened his [own] heart”.[2]
The critical issues are (1) whether Pharaoh operated as a free and responsible person in refusing Moses’ requests, or whether (2) he was caused to act against his own will by the action of God? It is clear from the text and from the phrase that gives us trouble itself that Pharaoh was acting as a free and responsible person. When God says in v. 21 “I will harden his heart” He is predicting the ultimate outcome.
Pharaoh began hardening his own heart.[3] He persisted in His ways despite clear warning from God through Moses. Finally he crossed the line and God’s patience ran out.
From that point on God began hardening Pharaoh’s heart.[4] To say that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart (intent, will) indicates that God simply strengthened the intent to refuse Moses’ request which Pharaoh already had. Clearly God did not cause Pharaoh to act against his own will. Thus Pharaoh was responsible for his intent, even though God hardened him in it.
[1] 7:13; 8:19
[2] 8:15, 32
[3] 7:13, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7
[4] 9:12; 10:1, 20:27
Meforshim:
Heart is a broad term in Hebrew and indicates the inner person and his or her capabilities. Here clearly the will is involved; it is Pharaoh’s intent to reject God’s command. This intent is mentioned often in Exodus 4-14, and the seventeen different references to it alternate between statements that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart (as here and in 7:3), descriptions that simply affirm that “Pharaoh’s heart became hard”,[1] and statements that “Pharaoh…hardened his [own] heart”.[2]
The critical issues are (1) whether Pharaoh operated as a free and responsible person in refusing Moses’ requests, or whether (2) he was caused to act against his own will by the action of God? It is clear from the text and from the phrase that gives us trouble itself that Pharaoh was acting as a free and responsible person. When God says in v. 21 “I will harden his heart” He is predicting the ultimate outcome.
Pharaoh began hardening his own heart.[3] He persisted in His ways despite clear warning from God through Moses. Finally he crossed the line and God’s patience ran out.
From that point on God began hardening Pharaoh’s heart.[4] To say that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart (intent, will) indicates that God simply strengthened the intent to refuse Moses’ request which Pharaoh already had. Clearly God did not cause Pharaoh to act against his own will. Thus Pharaoh was responsible for his intent, even though God hardened him in it.
[1] 7:13; 8:19
[2] 8:15, 32
[3] 7:13, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7
[4] 9:12; 10:1, 20:27
Will God Only Forgive So Many Times and Then Stop?
I know I’m running contrary to the common doctrine of grace as it is taught in the average culturally Christian church. However, I do not see it taught in the Scriptures that God will forgive us ad infinitum ad nauseam regardless of what we do.
The primary passage quoted to support this bizarre belief is:
Let’s not even deal with the fact that many important manuscripts (Ì75 א1 B D* W Θ 070 579 1241 pc sys sa) lack verse 34. It is included in א*,2 (A) C D2 L Ψ 0250 Ë1,(13) 33 Ï lat syc,p,h, so let’s accept this as an authentic quote by the Messiah.
This was the occasion when the Perfect Lamb was dying to atone for the sins of all mankind! Of course He had to forgive the act. He went into it voluntarily, knowing beforehand what was going to happen and did not seek to avoid it.
However, that forgiveness is not universally imputed. It is only when we repent of our sins, believe that the Messiah’s death was sufficient for our needs and take that free gift that it becomes useful to us (Mark 1:15; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 26:20).
Otherwise, we would have to go to the logical conclusion (which many do) that all humans will be universally saved. We know THAT’s not true because the same Master who said “forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing…” said,
Then we have Paul’s many admonitions to verify that we have not “fallen short” of the full knowledge of God; that we have not presumed upon His grace erroneously and to our own detriment. (Romans 11:21-22; 2 Corinthians 13:5)
And we have Paul’s clear teaching that those who are God’s children, if they persist in their sin, may get sick and even die (1 Corinthians 11:30)!
I teach and believe that the Scriptures are a unified whole; that God’s immutability precludes Him from behaving one way in the Old Covenant and another in the New. The differences we see are not derived from a change of mind but from a progressive revelation or from a change of behavior from humans.
Consider for instance the Ninevites. As a result of their sin Yahweh Shaphat was going to destroy them and sent Jonah to warn them of their impending doom. When they repented of their sins, God relented from destroying them. Did God fundamentally change? No. His desire for justice and righteousness remained the same. When the Ninevites were in alignment with this, they were safe. When they ran against God’s holiness they brought their destruction. They changed – God did not.
Because of God’s immutability I believe (contrary to many “cultural Christians”) that the Old Covenant has many lessons for us. Let’s take your question and apply the case of Pharaoh. It says in Exodus 4:21 that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. Scripturally speaking “heart”is a broad term in Hebrew that generally indicates the inner person and his or her innate capabilities.
In this case the will is clearly involved. It was Pharaoh’s intent to reject God’s command. This intent is mentioned often in Exodus 4:1-14, and the seventeen different references to it alternate between statements that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart (as here and in 7:3), descriptions that simply affirm that “Pharaoh’s heart became hard” (7:13; 8:19), and statements that “Pharaoh…hardened his [own] heart” (8:15, 32).
The critical issues are:
(1) Whether Pharaoh operated as a free and responsible person in refusing Moses’ requests, or whether
(2) He was caused to act against his own will by the action of God?
It is clear from the text and from the phrase that gives us trouble itself that Pharaoh was acting as a free and responsible person. When God said in v. 21 “I will harden his heart” He was predicting the ultimate outcome.
Pharaoh began hardening his own heart (7:13, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7). He persisted in His ways despite clear warning from God through Moses. Finally he crossed the line and God’s patience ran out.
From that point on God began hardening Pharaoh’s heart (9:12; 10:1, 20:27). To say that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart (intent, will) indicates that God simply strengthened the intent to refuse Moses’ request which Pharaoh already had. Clearly God did not cause Pharaoh to act against his own will. Thus Pharaoh was responsible for his intent, even though God hardened him in it.
Because of these and many other biblical examples, I believe that though Hashem is a patient and merciful God, it would be unwise for us to PRESUME upon that grace. Upon examining numerous biblical instances I must conclude that it is possible to cross the line while still in this life and no longer hear the prompting voice of the Holy Spirit.
I must leave you then with the conclusion drawn by the author of the book of Hebrews. Don’t wait and see how close to that line you can come. Repent today while you still can.
The primary passage quoted to support this bizarre belief is:
- Luke 23:34 HCSB [Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing."] And they divided His clothes and cast lots.
Let’s not even deal with the fact that many important manuscripts (Ì75 א1 B D* W Θ 070 579 1241 pc sys sa) lack verse 34. It is included in א*,2 (A) C D2 L Ψ 0250 Ë1,(13) 33 Ï lat syc,p,h, so let’s accept this as an authentic quote by the Messiah.
This was the occasion when the Perfect Lamb was dying to atone for the sins of all mankind! Of course He had to forgive the act. He went into it voluntarily, knowing beforehand what was going to happen and did not seek to avoid it.
However, that forgiveness is not universally imputed. It is only when we repent of our sins, believe that the Messiah’s death was sufficient for our needs and take that free gift that it becomes useful to us (Mark 1:15; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 26:20).
Otherwise, we would have to go to the logical conclusion (which many do) that all humans will be universally saved. We know THAT’s not true because the same Master who said “forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing…” said,
- Matthew 7:14 HCSB How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.
Then we have Paul’s many admonitions to verify that we have not “fallen short” of the full knowledge of God; that we have not presumed upon His grace erroneously and to our own detriment. (Romans 11:21-22; 2 Corinthians 13:5)
And we have Paul’s clear teaching that those who are God’s children, if they persist in their sin, may get sick and even die (1 Corinthians 11:30)!
I teach and believe that the Scriptures are a unified whole; that God’s immutability precludes Him from behaving one way in the Old Covenant and another in the New. The differences we see are not derived from a change of mind but from a progressive revelation or from a change of behavior from humans.
Consider for instance the Ninevites. As a result of their sin Yahweh Shaphat was going to destroy them and sent Jonah to warn them of their impending doom. When they repented of their sins, God relented from destroying them. Did God fundamentally change? No. His desire for justice and righteousness remained the same. When the Ninevites were in alignment with this, they were safe. When they ran against God’s holiness they brought their destruction. They changed – God did not.
Because of God’s immutability I believe (contrary to many “cultural Christians”) that the Old Covenant has many lessons for us. Let’s take your question and apply the case of Pharaoh. It says in Exodus 4:21 that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. Scripturally speaking “heart”is a broad term in Hebrew that generally indicates the inner person and his or her innate capabilities.
In this case the will is clearly involved. It was Pharaoh’s intent to reject God’s command. This intent is mentioned often in Exodus 4:1-14, and the seventeen different references to it alternate between statements that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart (as here and in 7:3), descriptions that simply affirm that “Pharaoh’s heart became hard” (7:13; 8:19), and statements that “Pharaoh…hardened his [own] heart” (8:15, 32).
The critical issues are:
(1) Whether Pharaoh operated as a free and responsible person in refusing Moses’ requests, or whether
(2) He was caused to act against his own will by the action of God?
It is clear from the text and from the phrase that gives us trouble itself that Pharaoh was acting as a free and responsible person. When God said in v. 21 “I will harden his heart” He was predicting the ultimate outcome.
Pharaoh began hardening his own heart (7:13, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7). He persisted in His ways despite clear warning from God through Moses. Finally he crossed the line and God’s patience ran out.
From that point on God began hardening Pharaoh’s heart (9:12; 10:1, 20:27). To say that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart (intent, will) indicates that God simply strengthened the intent to refuse Moses’ request which Pharaoh already had. Clearly God did not cause Pharaoh to act against his own will. Thus Pharaoh was responsible for his intent, even though God hardened him in it.
Because of these and many other biblical examples, I believe that though Hashem is a patient and merciful God, it would be unwise for us to PRESUME upon that grace. Upon examining numerous biblical instances I must conclude that it is possible to cross the line while still in this life and no longer hear the prompting voice of the Holy Spirit.
- Psalms 81:11-12 HCSB "But My people did not listen to Me; Israel did not obey Me. (12) So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own plans.
- Romans 1:28 HCSB And because they did not think it worthwhile to have God in their knowledge, God delivered them over to a worthless mind to do what is morally wrong.
I must leave you then with the conclusion drawn by the author of the book of Hebrews. Don’t wait and see how close to that line you can come. Repent today while you still can.
- Hebrews 3:12-13 HCSB Watch out, brothers, so that there won't be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that departs from the living God. (13) But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin's deception.
What Is the Purpose of the Law If Not to Save? Is it Obsolete?
Viewed with the proper hermeneutic filters in mind, the Law’s role is to teach us that there is a God to whom we owe obeisance and worship.[1] In that sense, the Law is our schoolmaster, teaching us the meaning of sin and warning us of the consequences of continued rebellion to our rightful King.[2] It clearly elucidates the depths of our depravity and our complete inability to do anything about it.[3] The Law can thus be a terrifying thing because disobeying in spite of knowledge of God’s ways can bring greater damnation.[4]
However, on the positive side, it gives us guidelines on the proper treatment of our fellowman, discussing at great length the role of justice and equity.[5] We can think of that aspect of the Law as a manual titled “Happiness Through Submission to God’s Ways.”[6]
While it’s true that the Law was not given as a means of salvation, it does give us a prioritization framework as well as a working definition of “goodness”.[7] It is a moral compass, if you will. It reveals God’s holy nature, giving us a clear target to aim for as we pursue to obey Hashem’s command to be holy like Him.[8]
Yahweh M’kaddesh[9] does not change.[10] It’s always been about faith and grace.[11] The Law is only as effective as one’s faith makes it. Even in the Old Covenant. Those who believe God are justified, regardless of the form of His demands. So the Law is very much about faith.[12]
Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, received when we submit to the Christ’s rightful rule, the Law is written on our hearts and through the whisperings of the Spirit in our conscience[13] and the study of God’s Word, every path before us will become clear.[14]
Far from making the Law outdated or outmoded, the “Age of Grace” has made the Law that much more pertinent, now that we understand its purpose and limitations better.
[1] Psalm 19:7-9; Acts 18:13-14
[2] Romans 3:19; Galatians 3:21-24
[3] Romans 7:6-25
[4] Luke 20:47; Romans 2:12-15; 3:20; 4:15; 7:7-8
[5] Leviticus 19:18; Galatians 5:14; 6:2
[6] Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1-3; Luke 12:32
[7] Romans 2:12; 1 Corinthians 6:1-12; 3:13; 1 Timothy 1:8-10; 2 Timothy 2:5; Revelation 20:12-13
[8] Psalm 19:7-9; 119:9-10; Acts 18:13, 18; Romans 7:12; 2 Peter 1:4
[9] Yahweh M’kadesh – God Who makes holy (Exodus 31:13; Leviticus 20:8; Ezekiel 37:28)
[10] Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; 102:26-27; Psalm 33:11; Isaiah 31:2; Malachi 3:6; Romans 11:29; Hebrews 1:11-12; 6:17-18; 13:8; James 1:17;
[11] (faith) Deuteronomy 32:51; 1 Samuel 23:16; Habakkuk 2:4; (grace) 2 Samuel 7:28; Psalm 84:11; Proverbs 3:34
[12] Romans 3:27-31
[13] Isaiah 30:21
[14] Psalm 119:105, 165; Proverbs 3:23
However, on the positive side, it gives us guidelines on the proper treatment of our fellowman, discussing at great length the role of justice and equity.[5] We can think of that aspect of the Law as a manual titled “Happiness Through Submission to God’s Ways.”[6]
While it’s true that the Law was not given as a means of salvation, it does give us a prioritization framework as well as a working definition of “goodness”.[7] It is a moral compass, if you will. It reveals God’s holy nature, giving us a clear target to aim for as we pursue to obey Hashem’s command to be holy like Him.[8]
Yahweh M’kaddesh[9] does not change.[10] It’s always been about faith and grace.[11] The Law is only as effective as one’s faith makes it. Even in the Old Covenant. Those who believe God are justified, regardless of the form of His demands. So the Law is very much about faith.[12]
Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, received when we submit to the Christ’s rightful rule, the Law is written on our hearts and through the whisperings of the Spirit in our conscience[13] and the study of God’s Word, every path before us will become clear.[14]
Far from making the Law outdated or outmoded, the “Age of Grace” has made the Law that much more pertinent, now that we understand its purpose and limitations better.
[1] Psalm 19:7-9; Acts 18:13-14
[2] Romans 3:19; Galatians 3:21-24
[3] Romans 7:6-25
[4] Luke 20:47; Romans 2:12-15; 3:20; 4:15; 7:7-8
[5] Leviticus 19:18; Galatians 5:14; 6:2
[6] Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1-3; Luke 12:32
[7] Romans 2:12; 1 Corinthians 6:1-12; 3:13; 1 Timothy 1:8-10; 2 Timothy 2:5; Revelation 20:12-13
[8] Psalm 19:7-9; 119:9-10; Acts 18:13, 18; Romans 7:12; 2 Peter 1:4
[9] Yahweh M’kadesh – God Who makes holy (Exodus 31:13; Leviticus 20:8; Ezekiel 37:28)
[10] Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; 102:26-27; Psalm 33:11; Isaiah 31:2; Malachi 3:6; Romans 11:29; Hebrews 1:11-12; 6:17-18; 13:8; James 1:17;
[11] (faith) Deuteronomy 32:51; 1 Samuel 23:16; Habakkuk 2:4; (grace) 2 Samuel 7:28; Psalm 84:11; Proverbs 3:34
[12] Romans 3:27-31
[13] Isaiah 30:21
[14] Psalm 119:105, 165; Proverbs 3:23
Grace
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). The New
Testament is first and foremost a written testimony of God's grace -- it is by grace we have been saved. The word grace can be defined as God's undeserved favor. When Adam and Eve fell, God was under absolutely no obligation to effect a means whereby mankind could be restored to fellowship. Just as the angels who rebelled received swift judgment, so too could Adam and Eve have received a similar judgment. Such a judgment would not have been inconsistent with God's holy nature -- a nature which cannot tolerate sin. This is grace: that God has bestowed
forgiveness and eternal life on sinners who, instead of favor, deserve nothing less than
immediate, eternal punishment and separation from God.
"He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:3-4) To suggest that God's grace was conditional, or that grace alone is not sufficient, is to insult God. Isaiah 53 is but one example of what God underwent -- through the Incarnation -- to achieve our salvation. That God Himself took on human form, walked among us and suffered as we suffer, and then died an excruciating death on a cross -- all for the
purpose of redeeming lost humanity -- is an example of the magnitude and incomprehensibility of God's love.
Every cult denies God's grace by denying God's sacrifice. Each teaches that human
works are a necessary requirement for individual salvation; as if to say that the price God paid was not truly adequate, and therefore God needs our help. Any such teaching is a counterfeit gospel -- a doctrine of demons. The true New Testament gospel, the gospel of grace, is that, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:23-24). "So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me His prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life -- not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace" (2 Timothy 1:8-9).
Testament is first and foremost a written testimony of God's grace -- it is by grace we have been saved. The word grace can be defined as God's undeserved favor. When Adam and Eve fell, God was under absolutely no obligation to effect a means whereby mankind could be restored to fellowship. Just as the angels who rebelled received swift judgment, so too could Adam and Eve have received a similar judgment. Such a judgment would not have been inconsistent with God's holy nature -- a nature which cannot tolerate sin. This is grace: that God has bestowed
forgiveness and eternal life on sinners who, instead of favor, deserve nothing less than
immediate, eternal punishment and separation from God.
"He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:3-4) To suggest that God's grace was conditional, or that grace alone is not sufficient, is to insult God. Isaiah 53 is but one example of what God underwent -- through the Incarnation -- to achieve our salvation. That God Himself took on human form, walked among us and suffered as we suffer, and then died an excruciating death on a cross -- all for the
purpose of redeeming lost humanity -- is an example of the magnitude and incomprehensibility of God's love.
Every cult denies God's grace by denying God's sacrifice. Each teaches that human
works are a necessary requirement for individual salvation; as if to say that the price God paid was not truly adequate, and therefore God needs our help. Any such teaching is a counterfeit gospel -- a doctrine of demons. The true New Testament gospel, the gospel of grace, is that, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:23-24). "So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me His prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life -- not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace" (2 Timothy 1:8-9).
Faith
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Christianity is the only faith-based (as opposed to works-based) worldview. Christianity is God reaching out to man through the person of Jesus Christ. Our position in Jesus Christ is based, not on works, but upon our faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross.
Faith is synonymous with being sure: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and
certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1). We exercise faith when we trust in the promises of God. Christian faith is not "blind faith." Blind faith is faith divorced of reason. Christian faith is faith based upon evidences: "We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty" (2 Peter 1:16). We are instructed to know these evidences (manuscript, archeological, prophetic, historical, and statistical), so that we can give thoughtful responses to those who question us about our faith: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15).
Another concept of faith that must be rejected is the concept that faith is a substance.
The belief that faith is a tangible substance that can be manipulated with words is not a
concept taught in the Bible, but rather is a doctrine originating with the metaphysical cults.
Likewise, the teaching that God has faith and that we are to have "God's faith" is also unbiblical. God is to be the object of our faith -- we are to have faith in God (Mark 11:22). "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).
Faith is synonymous with being sure: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and
certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1). We exercise faith when we trust in the promises of God. Christian faith is not "blind faith." Blind faith is faith divorced of reason. Christian faith is faith based upon evidences: "We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty" (2 Peter 1:16). We are instructed to know these evidences (manuscript, archeological, prophetic, historical, and statistical), so that we can give thoughtful responses to those who question us about our faith: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15).
Another concept of faith that must be rejected is the concept that faith is a substance.
The belief that faith is a tangible substance that can be manipulated with words is not a
concept taught in the Bible, but rather is a doctrine originating with the metaphysical cults.
Likewise, the teaching that God has faith and that we are to have "God's faith" is also unbiblical. God is to be the object of our faith -- we are to have faith in God (Mark 11:22). "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).
Repentance
"From that time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near'" (Matthew 4:17). In the New Testament, the word repentance means to change one's mind or purpose, always for the better. Repentance is to acknowledge sin and turn from it. Without first repenting there can be no forgiveness: "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off -- for all whom the Lord our God will call'" (Acts 2:38-39).
Repentance is an ongoing requirement in the life of a believer. When sin manifests,
repentance is required: "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him" (Luke 17:3-4). True repentance produces fruit in the life of the believer; failure to repent causes loss: "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place" (Revelation 2:4-5).
Repentance requires that one acknowledges his sin. Repentance also requires one to
be willing to turn from sin. It is an essential doctrine of historic Christianity. "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).
Repentance is an ongoing requirement in the life of a believer. When sin manifests,
repentance is required: "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him" (Luke 17:3-4). True repentance produces fruit in the life of the believer; failure to repent causes loss: "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place" (Revelation 2:4-5).
Repentance requires that one acknowledges his sin. Repentance also requires one to
be willing to turn from sin. It is an essential doctrine of historic Christianity. "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).
Justification
Righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:23-24) In Acts 16, the jailer asked Paul and Silas a fundamental question: "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Paul and Silas responded, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved -- you and your household." We are justified solely on the basis of the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Justification can be defined as the act by which an unjust sinner is made right in the
sight of a just and holy God. Justification occurs at conversion, when Christ's righteousness is imputed to the believer as result of the believer's exercise of faith in Christ. Faith itself is a gift of God: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Works plays absolutely no role in justification. This is one element that distinguishes the Christian faith from all other worldviews. Yet we often hear the cults quote James 2:24 as a "proof" that justification is by works, or is the result of a combination of faith and works, since James says that "You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone."
That interpretation violates the context of James 2, and clearly contradicts other Scripture verses. What James is saying is that, while we are justified in the sight of God by faith, we are justified in the sight of men as result of our works. Works is the outward evidence of having received justification -- it is not the method by which we are justified. Justification is by grace through faith alone. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. (Romans 5:1-2)
Justification can be defined as the act by which an unjust sinner is made right in the
sight of a just and holy God. Justification occurs at conversion, when Christ's righteousness is imputed to the believer as result of the believer's exercise of faith in Christ. Faith itself is a gift of God: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Works plays absolutely no role in justification. This is one element that distinguishes the Christian faith from all other worldviews. Yet we often hear the cults quote James 2:24 as a "proof" that justification is by works, or is the result of a combination of faith and works, since James says that "You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone."
That interpretation violates the context of James 2, and clearly contradicts other Scripture verses. What James is saying is that, while we are justified in the sight of God by faith, we are justified in the sight of men as result of our works. Works is the outward evidence of having received justification -- it is not the method by which we are justified. Justification is by grace through faith alone. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. (Romans 5:1-2)
Sanctification
"But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:11). Sanctification is often viewed as the second of three stages in the life of a believer; the first being justification, the second sanctification, and the third glorification. Sanctification is a process. It begins at conversion and continues throughout the earthly life of the believer. It is the process whereby the believer, empowered by the Holy Spirit, becomes increasingly more Christ-like in character. Paul explains the Holy Spirit's role in sanctification this way: "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).
Unlike justification, sanctification requires work on the part of the believer. The Holy Spirit does not act alone; we must cooperate with him in the sanctification process: "As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy because I am holy'" (1 Peter 1:14-16). It is important to realize that, while we do play a necessary role in sanctification, we are not left to our own devices for fulfilling our obligation. Not only does God the Holy Spirit work through us, but we have in fact been predestined by God to undergo sanctification: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son that He might be the firstborn among many brothers" (Romans 8:28-29).
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:1-2).
Unlike justification, sanctification requires work on the part of the believer. The Holy Spirit does not act alone; we must cooperate with him in the sanctification process: "As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy because I am holy'" (1 Peter 1:14-16). It is important to realize that, while we do play a necessary role in sanctification, we are not left to our own devices for fulfilling our obligation. Not only does God the Holy Spirit work through us, but we have in fact been predestined by God to undergo sanctification: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son that He might be the firstborn among many brothers" (Romans 8:28-29).
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:1-2).
