11 Flashcards
Define justification.
Justification is the act by which God declares the sinner to be righteous. This denotes the sinner’s change in status before God, as he is counted righteous without regard to past sins (pp. 325-326).
What are two elements of justification?
a. God forgives the sinner and removes the guilt and penalty associated with his sins.
b. God imputes the righteousness of Christ to the sinner so that he can partake of everything that the sinless Christ is entitled to receive because of His righteousness (p. 326).
How do we receive justification?
Through our faith in Christ and His redemptive work, which includes our obedience to the gospel (p. 327).
Briefly explain how justification has its work in each of these:
a. Repentance:
b. Water baptism:
c. Spirit baptism:
a. Man and God begin to form a relationship and this lays a foundation for water baptism and the baptism of the Holy Spirit (p. 327).
b. Sins are remitted, so the guilt and penalty of sin are removed (pp. 327-328).
c. The Holy Spirit imparts the righteousness of Christ, because the Spirit is Christ in us (Romans 8:4) (p. 328).
Define regeneration:
Regeneration means a new birth (p. 328).
The new birth involves what two elements?
a. Destroying the power of the old nature (II Corinthians 5:17).
b. Imparting a new nature, that of God Himself (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10; II Peter 1:4) (pp. 328-329).
What is the source of regeneration?
It comes by God’s grace through our faith in, and therefore obedience to, His gospel (p. 329).
Define adoption.
Adoption is the act of choosing and placing a child. Spiritually, this term signifies that we become God’s adult sons and heirs by His conscious choice. Thus, we have all the rights associated with that status (p. 330).
What is the agent of our adoption?
The Spirit (Romans 8:15) (p. 331).
On what is our adoption founded?
God’s grace and God’s choice (Ephesians 1:4-5) (p. 331).
The Spirit witnesses that we are now adopted. In what sense is our adoption still future?
We await the revelation of our position in creation, the redemption of our bodies and the fullness of our inheritance—all of which we will receive upon Christ’s return (p. 331).
The word “sanctification” literally means what?
Separation.
Define sanctification as
a. An act or event.
b. A process.
a. An initial act of separation from sin and consecration to God.
b. The process of becoming righteous.
When does sanctification begin? Cite a supporting verse.
With repentance, water baptism and the Spirit baptism (I Corinthians 6:11).
How does sanctification continue in the life of a believer?
By the operation of the indwelling Spirit as we live a life of faith (II Thessalonians 2:13; I Peter 1:2;
Romans 1:17) (p. 333).
