The Sevenfold Doctrine of Salvation

3. Justification


The sinner, on his own merit, stands before his holy Judge as a condemned criminal, guilty of sin and worthy of destruction. God's holy nature requires Him to condemn and to punish the sinner.

As an act of grace, however, God has ordered a stay in the execution of sin's penalty, eternal death. Sinners, therefore, do not fall dead the moment they sin


Apart from God's grace, the total human race would have been destroyed. Through infinite love, God provided that His sinless and perfect Son, Jesus Christ, would become the sinner's Substitute. As the sinner's Substitute, Christ perfectly satisfied all the requirements of the law.


Jesus as redeemer.  voluntarily gave His life as a ransom price for sinners through the precious shed blood of Calvary. Having paid the price for sin, .the Redeemer sets the prisoners free; they are given perfect freedom. Out of appreciation and love for the Redeemer, the redeemed give themselves to Him as His servants. (1 Pet. 2:16.)


4. Sanctification

Sanctification originates in God's grace; it is based upon Christ's sacrifice    See  (Heb. 10:10, 14, 29; 13:12);


it is conditional upon man's faith  See (Acts 26:18).

 

God performs this work of sanctification through His Son, Jesus Christ. "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption" (1 Cor. 1:30). Christ is the sinner's sanctification. In other words, Christ's holiness is imputed to the believer at conversion.


Through his vital relationship with Christ, the believer is holy before God. When a person enters into Christ, he stands on holy ground. He is separated from the world and is dedicated unto God. He has been sanctified; he is a saint.


Human beings ultimately cannot sanctify themselves. The Triune God sanctifies. The Father sanctifies ( 1 Cor 1:30 ) by the Spirit ( 2 Thess 2:13 ; 1 Peter 1:2 ) and in the name of Christ ( 1 Cor 6:11 ). Yet Christian faith is not merely passive. Paul calls for active trust and obedience when he says, "Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God" ( 2 Cor 7:1 ). No one may presume on God's grace in sanctification. Peter reminds believers to be diligent in making their calling and election sure ( 2 Peter 1:10 ).



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Newness of Life and Adoption

 The Sevenfold Doctrine of Salvation



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Justification and Sanctification


In forgiveness, God is Creditor;

in justification, He is Judge;

in reconciliation, He is King;

in redemption, He is Redeemer.


The debtor receives forgiveness; the criminal, righteousness; the enemy, peace; the slave, freedom.

Read         Rom. Ch. 4 Justification by Faith in O.T

                   Rom. Ch. 5  Results of Justification