Salvation and Eschatology

Consider that the Holy Spirit reminds us that the revelation which comes from God is fully given. People are easily swayed but the world will not be saved by following some great human leader. The Holy Spirit is given to us to protect us against false teachers. The Holy Spirit of God is and has been the Agent of God in the world since the beginning. Genesis 1:2 tells us, "The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters." Consider that the Church came into being on the Day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit comes into our hearts to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. Without conviction of sin, there can be no salvation. There is something deeply wrong inside that can only be put right by God. The Holy Spirit never convicts people of sin independently of righteousness and judgment. Consider that if there is no serious conviction of sin, there is no serious conviction of righteousness either. The Holy Spirit clarifies the situation and shows us we are sinners in need of salvation. Consider that Christians do discriminate between right and wrong. The Holy Spirit brings us to repentance and faith and the Holy Spirit is a Person. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is far more important than any manifestation of His power. Consider that the Holy Spirit's power is a function of His presence and the Holy Spirit's presence is constant. Explore Galatians 5: 22-23 and the fruit of the Spirit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Specific gifts of the Spirit are preaching, teaching, evangelism, speaking in tongues. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul talks about the Spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 13:1 he says, "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal." In 1 Corinthians 14: 27-28 he says, "If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret; but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God." Consider that the gifts of the Spirit are not forms of possession. 1 Corinthians 14:31-32 tells us, "For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets . . ."

Consider that Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is essential to our experience of God and to our understanding of salvation. How do we see the Holy Spirit's relationship to God the Father and God the Son? The Holy Spirit is our contact point with God. In John 14: 16, 20 Jesus tells us, "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever . . . In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you." Also Galatians 4:6 tells us, "Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!'” Consider that the Holy Spirit does not add anything to the revelation we have already received. Explore the cost of becoming a Christian and the example of the life change of Augustine at conversion. Also, the Holy Spirit is the One who conducts the spiritual warfare in our lives. Ephesians 4: 4-6 tells us, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all." The Holy Spirit shows us how the work of the Father and Son hang together. He gives us a coherent picture of the universe. The Holy Spirit also shapes the mind of Christ in us. Consider the freedom of religion. To what extent can freedom of religion be tolerated when it involves a completely different world view?

Did Luther err in thinking justification by faith was the central doctrine of the Apostle Paul? How important was justification to Paul and how central should it be to us? Consider that justification by faith is not isolatable. Consider that central to John Calvin's theology is the Doctrine of the Sovereignty of God. It is only in Christ that we can be justified. Sanctification can only be by the grace of God. What is the nature of holiness? Holiness is a deeper union with God in Christ. Explore the thought that Israel bore the sins of the world. How can Israel bear the sins of the world?

Explore that Justification and Sanctification are inseparable. In Medieval times, Justification was a recognition of Sanctification. Luther held that we are justified by faith in Christ apart from sanctification. We are children of God not because we are sanctified but because we are justified. Consider that if we think sanctification is not necessary, we deny our justification. It is a denial of our relationship with God. Jesus tells us in John 15:14, "You are My friends if you do what I command you." Sanctification is a greater submission to His Lordship. Sanctification can not begin unless there is Justification. Consider that the rules in sanctification are determined by love. The rules connecting Justification and Sanctification are determined by love rather than by law. In Ephesians 5: 22, 25 we read, "Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord... Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her..." Also in 1 Corinthians 13:11 we read, "When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things." In Matthew 28:10 Jesus says, “Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me.” Acts 1:8 tells us, ". . . but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Consider that Sanctification is the Christian life. Sanctification is living out the life we have in Christ.

Consider that the work of the Holy Spirit in individuals is always coordinated with His work in the Church. Explore four aspects of the Holy Spirit's work in constituting the Church as a vehicle for promoting the message of salvation. The Holy Spirit constitutes the Church. Consider that Pentecost must be understood in the light of the Ascension of Christ. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is a function of the reign of Christ. The tongues of fire at Pentecost represent cleansing. The tongues of fire are empowering. The Holy Spirit also comes to cleanse and empower His people. Consider that the Holy Spirit unites people in the Church without compromising or destroying their diversity. We read in Acts 2:6, "And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together, and were bewildered because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language." The Church does not recognize language or culture as a barrier. The Holy Spirit is the Source of every gift and office within the Church. The Holy Spirit also preserves the Church in being. The Holy Spirit preserves the Church by an ongoing work. Consider that heresies are true enough to be convincing but wrong enough to take people astray and blind them to the truth.

Does the Holy Spirit intervene directly or indirectly in the life of the Church? Consider that the officers of the Church need to be in tune with the Holy Spirit in order to function properly. The Church still exists despite the failure of men. The Holy Spirit will not allow the Church to be compromised by our failure. Consider that the Holy Spirit operates in the Church to correct things. Because we are sinners, the Church can never be perfect. Pentecost was the start of the missionary work of the Holy Spirit. Christians need to remember we are never at home in this world - we are always on a journey. Consider that the mission of the Church never ceases and the Holy Spirit's mission never ceases.

Explore the Doctrine of Justification. Consider that Justification is only meaningful against a background of law. Law and righteousness belong together. Our dilemma when we stand in the presence of God is if we go by justification of the Law, no matter how hard we try we will be wrong. We are wrong because God is so perfect, holy, good, and just. Justification by works or our own efforts will fail from the start. We read in Romans 7:9, "I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin became alive and I died . . ." In spiritual terms, the Law can do nothing but condemn us. If we are ever going to be justified in the sight of God, it could only happen if God made it possible. God cannot lower His standards. The only way we can be justified is by Him doing it for us. How does justification translate into us and our experience? Consider the righteousness of God. Do we acquire God's character or does God provide what we cannot obtain?

Explore that Justification can be seen as something objective or it can be seen as subjective as a provision for us tailored to our needs. In Christ, we are accepted without being changed. This is the heart of Martin Luther's teaching. Luther had been previously taught that there was no difference been sanctification and justification. Changing into what you were not before was the precondition to justification. The Church became divided between those who achieved sainthood and those who had not. The aim of the Christian life was to become one of the elite. The biblical concept is not that the saints are an elite group in the Church but that every Christian is a saint. It is obvious that the Church is full of sinners. Explore what Luther described as "simul justus et peccator" which means, "at the same time just and sinner" or what is called, "a justified sinner". What is a sinner? Consider that being justified and sinner at the same time is a paradox. The transformation of our life is a work in progress. Luther teaches us that justification is finished. Either we are guilty before God or we are not. Consider that we are guilty but have been acquitted. Luther taught that justification is acceptance. Romans 8:15 tells us, "For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!'” We are adopted by grace, not entitlement. What is faith? Faith is a gift of God. The Holy Spirit works in our heart to implant faith in God. Why is faith sufficient for justification? Saving faith is entering into a new kind of relationship with God in Christ. Luther teaches us that we cannot know Jesus without being related to Him. Consider that faith is union with Christ. The Holy Spirit brings to us the reality of justification. Once we are children of God, can we cease to be children of God? Consider that the fruit of justification is good works from our sanctification rather than the cause. Luther taught that good works flow naturally from conversion.

Explore that the Christian message is that good works do not save you. Consider that total depravity means we are cut off from God and His will and truth. We then rely on our own innate capacities. Good works are not the basis for our salvation. Consider Saul of Tarsus. In Galatians 1: 15-16 Paul says, "But when the one who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I could preach him among the Gentiles . . ." Paul knew that even through the depths of his depravity he had been predestined by God for a purpose. Consider that predestination is not a badge of superiority. Our whole life, however bad, is part of God's purpose. In Ephesians 3:8 Paul tells us, "To me—less than the least of all the saints—this grace was given, to proclaim to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ..." Our life has a purpose and it is God who gives us a sense of purpose. Are we being obedient to God? Consider that any life lived in the presence of God will be a kind of predestination. Matthew 6:20 tells us, "But accumulate for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal." And 1 Corinthians 13:12 reminds us, "For now we see in a mirror indirectly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known." Our faith does not depend on sight or how we feel.

Explore the life of the Resurrection. Christ rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven. The Ascension links the Gospels with the Acts of the Apostles. The Ascension is also the transition of the earthly ministry of Jesus to his heavenly ministry. Christ takes the sacrifice of the Cross up to heaven and presents it to the Father. The death of Christ benefits us now because Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us. The Ascension reminds us that our salvation is in heaven and not on earth. Consider that whatever good we do in this world is not salvation. The Doctrine of the Ascension reminds us that what we do in this life, if not transformed and taken to heaven, is not salvation. Jesus ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. The right hand of God is power and justice and Christ reigns in His Church today. Pentecost is the fruit of Christ's heavenly reign. The Holy Spirit is the Messenger of the King. What is the connection between the life, death, resurrection, ascension, and heavenly session of Christ? How does Christ fulfill the promises of God? Has the Law been abolished or has it been fulfilled? In Matthew 5:20 Jesus says, "For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven." In Mark 2:27 we read, "Then he said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.'" Explore the life of the Resurrection and the Law. The Law is given as a reminder of what we are to do. If we have the love of God in our hearts, the Law ought not to be necessary. Consider that the Law can only point to what is good - it can not produce it. We read in Romans 7:12, "So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good."

What does Justification mean? Explore the New Perspective on Paul and E.P. Sanders' views on Justification. Sanders holds that Justification is a gift of God and the Jews believed this. His view is that the Jews were concerned with staying in the good graces of God. Sanders believes the function of the Law was to keep the Jews on the straight and narrow. He feels that Paul taught Christ could give the people higher quality than what the Law of Moses offered. It is a difference of degree rather than a difference of kind. But if true, why was Paul so negative about the Law? Why did Jewish people reject this? Consider that Jesus justifies for a purpose - for the kind of transformation which leads to life in heaven. Justification works out the promise of eternal life in Christ. Consider that the New Perspective on Paul does not go deep enough into the nature of Justification. Explore N.T. Wright's views on Justification. He holds that Justification is entirely the gift of God. His view is that the Covenant community of Israel was defined and held together by the Law and that the Law shaped the character of God's people. In Romans 7:9 Paul states, "I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin became alive and I died . . ." Wright says that when the Law was given, Israel fell from grace and in a sense repeated the Fall of Adam. He believes Christ comes as the New Adam to take the burden away and is the New Israel. Was Israel's failure inevitable or accidental? The problem is that Christ cannot be identified with Israel. Wright holds that Israel was destroyed as a nation because it bore humanity's sins on itself. Critics of Sanders and Wright point out that individual salvation is essentially ruled out. Wright's view emphasizes baptism which integrates a person into the Covenant and the Christian life becomes one of maintaining your grace of baptism. Consider that without repentance, faith, and a changed life, baptism itself has no meaning. Justification must be seen as part of our relationship with God. Consider that for Judaism, being a member of the Covenant and a member of the nation is the same thing.

Consider that our faith and salvation does not depend on our success. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 11:25, "Three times I was beaten with a rod. Once I received a stoning. Three times I suffered shipwreck." Also he tells us in 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith!" Knowing the goal of our salvation gives us the courage to do what is right and a sense of priority. If our focus is on eternity, predestination becomes more important. Consider other people and the bigger picture. The temptation is to try to adapt the message into one the people will accept. Consider that Paul in 1 Timothy 1:20 tells us, "Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme."

Explore the centrality of our union with Christ. The Atonement is reconciliation between God and man. Our participation is our access to the grace of God in Christ. In Hebrews 9:22 we read, "Indeed according to the law almost everything was purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." How is this understood? The Incarnation of Christ was the most fundamental act of God. Consider that in the early Church, the emphasis was on the nature of the Incarnation. What does it mean to say the Son of God became a man? How can Jesus be fully God and fully man at the same time? Gregory of Nazianzus stated, "What has not been assumed has not been healed." Generally in the ancient Greek world, the soul was thought to be an element of divinity. In the Bible, the soul is the life force of the body. In biblical terms the soul can die; in Greek terms the soul is immortal. Consider that our spirit is God given and is what connects us with God. Does Jesus have a human soul? What is the human soul? If a part of man can be damaged in some way it belongs to the soul. Does the will belong to the soul or does the soul have a will? The early Church fathers held that the human will belongs to nature - to the soul and not to the spirit. Consider what Jesus prayed in Luke 22:42, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Yet not my will but yours be done.” The will of the Father is the Divine will which the Son shares in his divinity and the will of the Son is a human will. Consider that the spirit is the image and likeness of God in us. The person is not only in relationship with God but is also immortal. Our personal identity or spiritual being does not die. Consider what Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:50, "Now this is what I am saying, brothers and sisters: Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable."

The Atonement is reconciliation. Reflect that Jesus has both a divine and human nature. Gregory stated, "What has not been assumed has not been healed." Explore Anselm of Canterbury thoughts on the Atonement. What are the implications of our atonement? Anselm's work is entitled, "Cur Deus Homo?" (Why God Man?). Anselm asked the question, "Why did Christ have to die?" Anselm, in answer to those who struggle with this question is, "You have not yet considered how great the weight of sin is." People who have trouble with the Atonement and the Cross have not considered the full weight of sin. People need to know they need salvation. Consider that the root and heart of sin is disobedience. For Anselm, to disobey God is to cut oneself off from God and to offend God. Consider that the concept of offense introduces personal relationship. God takes the offense seriously. Romans 5:12 states, "So then, just as sin entered the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all people because all sinned. . . " In order to deal with sin, God must deal with death. Anselm reflected that if there was justice in the world, everyone would die for their sin. The answer must be someone who can die to pay the penalty of sin as the justice of God requires but who can not be killed by death. Reflect that the Holy Spirit is the Giver of Life. We receive the new life of Christ in our lives, in and through the Holy Spirit. Explore Anselm and what is known as The Satisfaction Theory. Anselm held that when Christ died to pay the price of sin, he took the sins of the entire world on himself. Ephesians 4: 8 tells us, "Therefore it says, 'When he ascended on high he captured captives; he gave gifts to men.'” We receive the benefit of the Atonement in and through the Sacramental life of the Church.

Anselm's theory of the Atonement has been accepted by the western theological tradition. Explore that Martin Luther furthered Anselm's theory. Anselm held that Christ died for sins. Anselm's theory led to a mechanical view of penance. This view also led to the concept of Indulgences. Consider that if you think of Christ dying for sins, then every sin is paid for and we have access to it since the Church provides the means. But Luther came along and said that Christ did not die for sins, he died for sinners. Explore what is meant by penal substitution. Jesus took our place on the Cross. He was our substitute. Jesus took our punishment and paid the price for us. Reflect that when we are united with Christ in his death and resurrection, we know He will forgive us of our sins. Our forgiveness is assured because of our union with Christ. Reflect on Romans 6:1, "What shall we say then? Are we to remain in sin so that grace may increase?" Luther held that the Church cannot cut someone off from God because we are united to Christ. Understand that the nature of the differences between the Protestant and Catholic views at the root is sin vs. sinner. What does it mean to be holy? Consider that in the New Testament, the word "saint" applies to any Christian. Paul writes in Ephesians 1:1, "From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints [in Ephesus]. . ." Consider that holiness is a concept that is almost as hard to use today as sin is because both are not understood.

Explore the views of Pelagius and Augustine according to the Doctrine of Salvation. Pelagius is credited for saying that when Adam fell, he was not completely cut off from God. Augustine held that there is nothing in fallen man which is capable of recovery in its own strength. Consider that the Atonement is central - it is the payment for the price of sin. In Hebrews 9:22 we read, "Indeed according to the law almost everything was purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." Consider that after Jesus died on the Cross he descended into Hell. 1 Peter 3:19-20 tells us, ". . . in it he went and preached to the spirits in prison, after they were disobedient long ago when God patiently waited in the days of Noah . . ." The Covenant of Common Grace is sometimes called the universal covenant. There has been a long tradition that holds that Jesus went to the souls in prison in order to liberate them. Ephesians 4:8-9 tells us, "Therefore it says, 'When he ascended on high he captured captives; he gave gifts to men.' Now what is the meaning of 'he ascended,' except that he also descended to the lower regions, namely, the earth?" Jesus died on the Cross to deal with the whole question of evil. The death of Christ was to deal with the root problem of evil. Can a Christian be possessed by the devil? Galatians 4:6 says, "And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, who calls 'Abba! Father!'” Consider that a believer's view on the devil and evil show the measure of their spiritual maturity. If we are engaged in spiritual warfare, we need to know what we are up against in order to deal with it in the right way. Consider the Resurrection. The Crucifixion of Christ cannot be preached without preaching the Resurrection of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:2 says, "For I decided to be concerned about nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified." Also 1 Corinthians 15:14 tells us, "And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is futile and your faith is empty." Romans 6:4 says, "Therefore we have been buried with him through baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may live a new life." What is the Resurrection? The Resurrection is the call to live a new life. The old life is put to death and a new life begun. To bear witness to the God who delivered us, there must be an impact in the way that we live.

Explore that having a spiritual body does not mean we are different persons. Our relationship with God now will fundamentally be the same in eternity. Consider that salvation means a total transformation. Jesus had all a human being has without being a human person. In Jesus, the divine nature controls the human nature. Consider that the Council of Chalcedon (AD 451) agreed that the Son of God, Jesus Christ, is one divine Person in two natures- one human and one divine. Previously man had been defined primarily by human nature and identity was defined and determined by the nature. Reflect that Jesus controlled his natures. According to Chalcedonian Orthodoxy, "The Divine person of the Son of God suffered and died in his human nature." Our personhood of being created in the image and likeness of God is more fundamental than our nature. In death, we pass from human nature into divine nature but we remain the same person. How can an immortal being become mortal? Consider that as persons, we are in a way divine because we are created in the image and likeness of God. It is our identity that survives and it is as persons that we connect with God. As our nature is renewed and restored, so are our minds and wills. We will no longer have the desire to sin. Reflect that we can have a real relationship with God in Christ now on earth but it does not blur the distinction between the divine and human natures. Does the spiritual body have any resemblance to the physical body? Ephesians 2:6 states, ". . . he raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus . . ."

Would a sinless person need a Savior? Consider that no person is exempt from hearing the Gospel. At what age do we become sinners? Explore that every child is born with the inheritance of a broken relationship and sinfulness in the sight of God. What can be done about this? What if the child is unable to make a profession of faith? If baptism saves, do people loose their salvation if they sin after baptism? Consider that baptism of infants is a proclamation of the Gospel. A child is not exempt from the need of a Savior. Consider that baptism is not an individual thing-we are being brought into the family of Christ. Salvation is a work of God's grace. Explore Matthew 13 and The Parable of the Sower. In Matthew 13:4 we read, "And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them." Also Paul, in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 says, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase." It is important to remember that the Church actually belongs to God. Salvation is the work of God, we are servants, and we cannot manipulate it.

Explore that the means of grace are dispensed in and through the Church. Excommunication is a term used by the Church to mean cut off from the means of grace. Consider that the grace the medieval church was dispensing did not belong to them- it was the grace of Jesus Christ. What exactly are the means of grace? The chief means of grace in the medieval church were the sacraments. Who is entitled to receive the sacraments? Consider that the Eucharist became the regular means of receiving the grace of God. The Eucharist also became surrounded by peripheral devotions by which the Church could exercise control.

Consider the history of Israel. The impact of the Jewish people and Judaism has had a wide affect. Where has this extraordinary history come from? The Jewish people have been chosen by God. Deuteronomy 7:8 tells us why, ". . . because the Lord loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers . . ." Explore that the history of Israel is a model for the Christian Church and also for the individual believer. Consider that election, in biblical-historical terms, is not primarily individual. The whole idea of election in the Old Testament has been that of a people, a nation. 2 John 1 begins, "From the elder, to an elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth . . ." Election must be seen primarily in the plural. Explore that according to the history of Israel, it is possible to belong to the chosen people without being saved. God preserves a remnant. If the Church has inherited the promises made to Israel and is God's chosen people, the same question of a remnant arises. 1 Corinthians 1: 26-27 states, "Not many were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were born to a privileged position. But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise . . ." Because we are chosen by God, we are protected and given a mission in the world which is bigger than we are. Consider what Nathanael questioned in John 1:46, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Again 1 Corinthians 1:27 tells us, "But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise . . ." Election and grace are a witness to the sovereignty of God and also to the validity of our calling. Being a child of God means we are elect, chosen as part of a mission and plan of God.

Explore that a part of salvation is to be saved into a community of believers. The text in 1 Corinthians 12 is a clear picture of the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:21 tells us, "The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you,” nor in turn can the head say to the foot, “I do not need you.” Consider that the principle of unity is Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16 asks us, "For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to advise him? But we have the mind of Christ." We are who we are because of where we fit into the body of Christ and not something we have in ourselves. The life we live is in Christ, because of Christ, and with Christ, our Head. Consider that in the New Testament, Christians cared for one another. We belong to a much larger community and have a responsibility in Christ to love and serve for the health and welfare of the whole body. What does Christ mean for our salvation? The Son of God has come into the world to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. Philippians 2: 5-9 tells us, "You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, who though he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross! As a result God highly exalted him ..." Ephesians 2:6 says, ". . . he raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus . . ." The meaning of the word "Christ" is "anointed". Prophets, priests, and kings were recognized by anointing. Christ is the Anointed One. Explore that Jesus is all three anointed offices, Prophet, Priest, and King. Jesus fulfills all three of these offices in a unique way. In John 5:39 Jesus says, "You study the scriptures thoroughly because you think in them you possess eternal life, and it is these same scriptures that testify about me . . ." Jesus is not just the Messenger but is also the Message. We read in Isaiah 52:7, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings, who publishes peace, who brings good tidings of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns!" Heaven is about the experience and presence of Christ. Heaven will be the fullness of the presence of Christ. What is the kingdom of Christ? Consider that the kingdom of Christ is a spiritual reality.

Explore that we who are united in Christ share in his calling and ministry. Union with Christ does not mean being dissolved into Christ. Consider Romans 8:17 which tells us, "And if children, then heirs (namely, heirs of God and also fellow heirs with Christ)—if indeed we suffer with him so we may also be glorified with him." Also, Matthew 16:24 tells us, "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.'" Explore the Doctrine of Predestination. Although predestination and election are connected, they are not identical. Election looks to the past and predestination points to the future. Predestination as a theological principle was developed mainly by Augustine. Augustine's view was that being children of God, He has called us to a particular destiny. Augustine developed this doctrine due to another doctrine of Pelagius which challenged the Christian faith. Pelagianism holds that the fall of Adam was not total. Consider that the prevailing thought today is that people are basically good. As Christians, we are realists in our assessment of humanity. Explore the Doctrine of Total Depravity. Total Depravity means that we are unable to rescue ourselves because every aspect or our being has been affected by sinfulness. Total depravity does not mean our being is malfunctioning. The Fall is a change of direction and input to our way of thinking. Augustine realized that what is wrong with us is total depravity.

Consider the account of David and the death of his child. Reflect on Hebrews 11:39 which tells us, "And these all were commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised." Consider that grace is the key to salvation. Theologically, grace is God's favor towards us. Grace is the manifestation of God's love to us and God's grace is not dependent on us -it is a gift. Consider St. Augustine and his work on grace in the 4th century. Augustine is responsible for the first serious theological analysis of the subject of grace. Consider that Augustine tended to objectify grace. He categorized grace into types. Prevenient grace is grace given before anything else can happen. Another category of grace for Augustine is a cooperating grace or essentially sanctification. Sufficient grace is enough grace to get us into heaven. Efficient grace is given to the elect. Consider that God works in us in different ways. Jesus had a superabundance of grace. Reflect that being a part of the body of Christ means sharing in His grace. How do we receive the grace offered through Christ? Explore the concept of the means of grace which are the ways the grace of God is conveyed to the believer.

Explore the meaning of grace. It is remarkable that the notion of grace has survived. Grace is still a concept we deal with today. Consider the means of grace as being how the grace or gift of God in Jesus Christ comes to us. How are the means of grace defined? In modern times, the concept of grace has been tied to covenant. Reflect that the term "election" means "choice". Election is the choice which God has made of a people to serve Him in a special way. Consider that the Bible affirms the unity of mankind. The Gospel is meant to be preached to all people. Explore that within the human race, God chose a particular person - Abraham. In Genesis 18: 17-18 we read, "The LORD said, 'Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, since Abraham will surely become a great and mighty nation, and in him all the nations of the earth will be blessed?'" The history of Israel and the way election works out has a number of lessons for us. God's choice of Israel has nothing to do with Israel itself. Deuteronomy 7:7-8 tells us, “The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but because the LORD loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers . . ." Consider the history of Israel in the Old Testament is a history of rebellion and failure. Just as God set Israel free from Egypt, God sets us free from the bondage of sin. Even Moses, the great hero, is a flawed character. Consider that despite their failings and limitations, they represent the leadership of the elect people. Reflect on the account of Jephthah and that he is mentioned in Hebrews 11:32, "And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah . . ." Ephesians 2:8 explains, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God . . ."

Consider that our rebellion against God in no way diminishes God. For salvation to have meaning, God must be able to provide and maintain salvation. God must be sovereign and in control of all things. Consider that God is not bound by His creation. God's sovereignty is manifested in practice in what is called His providence. Creation is subject to God and reflects His character or plan and purpose. Explore that there is also a unity of purpose in the world. Consider that Natural science presupposes order. Reflect on Isaiah 55:8 which states, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD." Also Romans 8:28 tells us, "And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose . . ." Consider that consistent is to believe that all things happen because God allows it. Explore the term "Theodicy" which is the problem of evil in a world governed by God who is good.

Consider that God loves us even though we don't love Him and the love that we have for God is given to us. Salvation is a gift from God. Paul tells us in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Our salvation can only happen because of God's love. Consider that our salvation is directly dependent on the love and obedience of the Son to the Father and the love and affirmation of the Father for the Son. Luke 3:22 tells us, "... and a voice came from heaven, You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased." Romans 8:38-39 also says, "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Consider that predestination has to do with destiny and destiny is where we are going. We are going into a deeper knowledge, experience, and above all, union with Christ. In John 21:20-23 we read, "Peter turned around and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. (This was the disciple who had leaned back against Jesus’ chest at the meal and asked, “Lord, who is the one who is going to betray you?”) So when Peter saw him, he asked Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus replied, “If I want him to live until I come back, what concern is that of yours? You follow me!” So the saying circulated among the brothers and sisters that this disciple was not going to die. But Jesus did not say to him that he was not going to die, but rather, “If I want him to live until I come back, what concern is that of yours?” Paul tells us in Galatians 1:15-16, "But when the one who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I could preach him among the Gentiles..." Reflect that God who is at work in you is at work in others and is in control of the universe.

Reflect on Galatians 4:6, "And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!'” Consider that the context of the way in which we have been created determines the nature of our sinfulness and the nature of the way our salvation works. Evil can only be understood in personal terms. Free will is connected to our personhood. Explore that our salvation has two distinct aspects. We have an experience of a relationship with God here on earth but we cannot escape from the inheritance of sinfulness which comes to us from the fall of Adam. Consider that forgiveness is possible for those who fail in the Christian life. When Adam and Eve sinned, their sin was passed on to the human race. What does this mean? Reflect that there is a distinction between sin and sinfulness. We inherit sinfulness or a state of being sinful. Our basic problem is that we have a broken relationship with God. If we do not have a right relationship with God, we cannot give that to our children. Reflect that the one person that was sinless was Jesus. Jesus stated in John 5:17, "My Father is working until now, and I too am working.”

There is an answer to the problem of evil. Consider that If God were to minimize the importance of our sin, it would mean we do not matter to Him. God gave His own Son who came into the world to die for you and me. Consider that God's sovereignty is an engaged and committed sovereignty. What is the foundation of salvation? John 3:16 tells us, "God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." Why should God love sinful human beings? Romans 5:8 tells us, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Explore that the sovereignty of God and our salvation is worked out in the context of love. Christ's love for us flows out of His love for the Father. God's love is perfected in Himself. Our salvation means being integrated into the love life of God. Reflect that love by its nature knows no limit.

Salvation is not something that can be understood in isolation from other aspects of Christian teaching. God has created the world outside of himself. Consider that Christian doctrine tells us there is a radical difference between God as he is in himself and the world of the creation. The world is not an extension of God. The perfect order creation is supposed to have is not like God. Consider the created order is not eternal ; it is bound by time and will eventually be destroyed. The created order is not 'good' in itself, but is a result of God's personal ordering. Christian doctrine professes that we do not do what is right. Consider that doing wrong cuts us off from God the source of our life and that disobedience is a form of slavery. Recognize that salvation is the way we are delivered from this problem. Salvation is not a return to the original state of creation. Explore Genesis 3:22 as it states, "And the LORD God said, 'Now that the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil, he must not be allowed to stretch out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.'” Our salvation is not be regarded as a loss of moral awareness. We retain the knowledge of good and evil and add eternal life. In salvation, human life or activity is also redeemed. Consider Revelation 22:2, "On each side of the river is the tree of life producing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month of the year. Its leaves are for the healing of the nations." All human achievement is under divine control ultimately. Consider that developments while good, also may have a negative side and that the problem with the human race is a spiritual problem not a material one.

What is the basic problem? Scripture tells us the problem is not inherent either in the material creation or in human beings. Evil is not to be identified with matter. Consider that the problem we face is spiritual. Our problem is also tied with spiritual beings over whom we have no control. Consider that we cannot achieve salvation simply by changing our minds. Sin goes deeper than the human will. Evil is something beyond humanity. Consider that salvation in this world is not an escape from evil. We cannot save ourselves. Scripture presents this outside power as an active evil personal force. Explore that many, including Karl Barth, suggest evil is a deprivation and evil exists because people are less than perfect. Consider that this view takes away responsibility. To say evil is a deprivation is the first step in saying evil is not there at all. With this idea salvation becomes meaningless too since there is nothing to be delivered from. This view also reduces salvation to education or knowledge. Sin is not a matter of ignorance.

Where did this personal evil power come from? Christian doctrine tells us that God is good and sovereign and nothing can happen in his world without his permission. Consider that evil does not exist because God is powerless to deal with it. Some hold the view that while good and evil are opposing forces, they are independent of each other. Consider that Satan is a creature created by God and must have been created good. God does not make anything intrinsically evil so Satan is not evil by nature but is evil by choice. Consider that Satan led Adam and Eve into sin by tempting them. The nature of the temptation was to become like God. Adam and Eve wanted the right thing in the wrong way. Is God necessary? Satan was not deprived of his being when he disobeyed God. As a spiritual creature, Satan was by nature immortal. Explore the meaning of mortality as the ability to die. If death is the result of sin, why does avoiding sin not protect us from death and its causes? The reality is that good people sometimes suffer and sometimes bad people do not. Consider John 9:3 which tells us, "Jesus answered, 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but he was born blind so that the acts of God may be revealed through what happens to him.'" A person cannot become a Christian in the hope of becoming healthy. Also in 2 Corinthians 12:9 we read, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'”