Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 7 - Much more then, being now justified)

Start this lesson series here: 
Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 1)

Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 7 - Much more then, being now justified)

If you have been following this study, you should be well aware that we have been looking at justification, which is the first step of the broader term called salvation. Romans 5 is a transitional chapter that moves us out of Romans 1 to 4, concerning justification, and into Romans 6 to 8, which leads us into the beginning of sanctification. 

Word statistics in the KJV helps to confirm this fact because it is interesting to note that if you search for all spelling variants of justification, there are 29 entries scattered about in Paul's epistles. Out of those 29, 25 of them are in Romans and Galatians, and 4 additional entries in the rest of his epistles. In Romans there are 17 matches where 15 are in Romans chapters 1 to 5 and 2 in Romans 8. There are 8 in Galatians, because Paul's letter to them is to do with correcting their wayward understanding of salvation: see Gal.3:2-3. The point I'm making is that the believer is educated in the foundational understanding of justification in Romans, and then corrected in its practice in Galatians. So, barring these two books, Paul never teaches directly about justification again, because a believer, even by the end of Romans 5, should have settled on the truth of justification and moved past this serving of 'milk', into 'meatier' truths in the curriculum of Paul's doctrine.

As mentioned in the closing statements of part 6, I'd like to expound on something important in Paul's closing statements concerning justification. Let's first read the passage and then I want to provide some interesting insights in these verses,

Rom 5:8  But God commendeth [entrusts, commits] his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  (9)  MUCH MORE then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be SAVED FROM WRATH through him.  (10)  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, MUCH MORE, being reconciled, we shall be SAVED BY HIS LIFE.  (11)  And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 5 - A Transition is at Hand)

Start this lesson series here: 
Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 1)

Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 5 - A Transition is at Hand)

Romans chapter 5 is a chapter of transition. It concludes the topic of justification, and it introduces a new topic; that of sanctification, which is the next step in the broader understanding of salvation. The primary purpose of this study is actually to expound on the content of Romans 6 to 8, which I cannot wait to get into, but let me draw important attention to the fact that none of the information in chapters 6 to 8 would mean a thing if one skips over Romans 1 to 4. One cannot be saved without Romans 1-4. One cannot start to walk after the Spirit and bear the fruits of the Spirit if one ignores the gospel and disregards justification.

So, with this said, let me remind you what we have already covered from Romans 1 to 4 with the few points listed below. I want you to remember these points because we will not be returning to them in Romans. Once Paul concludes justification in Rom.5:11, he does not expound it again in this epistle. It becomes a settled fact, and Paul expects you to take the next step upwards and press on to higher revelation.

Salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth

Salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth

2Thess.2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Salvation is more than just God forgiving you your sins. Don't get me wrong. Forgiveness of sins is the first step in our salvation, but it's not only that. The salvation that Paul is referring to in the verse above, is more than just forgiveness of sins. There appears to be more information here than what many believers actually know about. What does it mean that it comes through sanctification of the Spirit.

People still remain confused or very negligent about this. Paul said in Ephesians, “Be ye filled with the Spirit.” Look at that statement carefully. That is your command and your responsibility, not God’s. God has already given us His Spirit. In 1Thess.4:8, Paul writes, “Who hath also given unto us His Holy Spirit.” God has already given us His Spirit and tells us to be filled with the Spirit. This means that we need to act upon it. OK. But how? By getting into the written Word. The Word of God is Spirit and life, Jn.6:63. If we want to get the Spirit into us and be filled with it, we must partake of the Word of God. Unfortunately, this is not a priority for many. People don’t want to gather where the Bible is being taught. They don’t want to gather where doctrine is being presented. They don’t want to read their Bible at home, and then they wonder why they 'feel' so far from God, and they pray, “God, fill me with Your Spirit.” But it does not work that way! Our doctrine tells us how to be filled with the Spirit, and it's not at the church alter, nor by the laying on of hands, nor by various activities that make us feel good. The only place to find the Spirit and get filled by it is in the written Word.

What is the explanation on Ephesian 2:10?

What is the explanation on Ephesian 2:10?

This is the verse you reference: 

Eph.2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

There are three key points in this verse: God’s workmanship, good works, and before ordained that we should walk in them. Let me clarify each of these three statements to fully explain this verse.

God’s workmanship 

When we hear and respond in faith to the grace gospel, we are redeemed back to God through the payment (sacrifice) of Jesus Christ. Our regeneration and redemption translate us from the kingdom of darkness into God’s kingdom, Col.1:13, and exposes us to righteousness through His spirit and word, Rom.5:21; Rom.6:11; 1Co 2:11-12.

It is this very exposure to God’s spirit and word that begins His workmanship within us. It is HIS workmanship, not ours. Let me make this clear by reminding you of a seed planted in the ground. You can water the seed, but it is outside of your power to make it grow. Similarly, the growth and transformation within a believer is God working in them, through His written word, to will and do according to His good pleasure. The good works that are produced in the life of a believer is a result of this transformation. A believer cannot generate these works by willpower. They are the result of the spiritual fruits that increase in a believer as they grow in knowledge of the word of God, and exercise obedience unto righteousness from a renewed mind, Rom.6:16-17; Rom.12:1-2.

Our salvation does not end at the cross! There is MUCH MORE to what Jesus did for us!

His cross marks the start of your salvation, His resurrection is God's power to run the race and win the prize of the high calling of God.

Don't be blinded in your mind by the enemy. Don't remain ignorant and childlike in the faith. Get into the Word of God and let it educate and sharpen you unto the full redemption plan of God and His purpose for your future and vocation in the ages to come. Our Lord's cross marks the start of your salvation; His resurrection is God's power to run the race and win the prize of the high calling of God.

Read this important message here:

https://thebigpictureviews.blogspot.com/2024/09/his-cross-marks-start-of-your-salvation.html

Sanctification is not reforming the flesh. It is renewing the mind.

Sanctification is not reforming the flesh. It is renewing the mind.

A false notion about sanctification is to reform the flesh. Common expectations placed upon new believers are to conform to traditions, prescribed patterns, or programs that the church dictates, and growth is determined by how well they perform and conform in these pious works of the flesh. The fruit of this system is self-glory through achievements and admiration. It grows the outer man, the carnal nature. There is no spiritual knowledge or understanding imparted, and spiritual growth is stunted, producing nothing more than babes and children who can only function under laws. The result of this carnal immaturity is envying, and strife, and divisions.

1Co 3:1-3  And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.  (2)  I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.  (3)  For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

DM#18: Our spiritual position and physical condition

Doctrine of the Mysteries #18

Our spiritual position and physical condition

Read the five verses below slowly and carefully and then compare the first two verses to the last three. There is a HUGE difference in how Paul describes the believers at Corinth.

1 Cor 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are SANCTIFIED in Christ Jesus, CALLED SAINTS, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord,

1 Cor 1:30 But of Him YOU ARE IN CHRIST JESUS, who became for us wisdom from God —and RIGHTEOUSNESS and SANCTIFICATION and redemption—

1 Cor 3:3 ...for YOU ARE STILL CARNAL. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?

1 Cor 5:1 It is actually reported that THERE IS FORNICATION AMONG YOU, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father's wife!

1 Cor 5:2 And YOU ARE PUFFED UP, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you.

Do you notice a difference? Paul is writing to the Christians at Corinth, a city infamous for its immorality. The last three verses reveal the low spiritual condition of the Corinthians, the fact that they were still carnal Christians, full of pride and still babes in the understanding of spiritual things. BUT, Paul calls them 'saints' in the first verse! Did you get that!

The Four Cornerstones of Romans (Part 6: Knowing Some Things)

Start this post series from the beginning, here.

The Four Cornerstones of Romans (Part 6: Knowing Some Things)

Where the focus of part 4 (of this series of post) was becoming aware that there is knowledge to gain, this part is going to deliver that knowledge.

We are still in Romans chapter 6 as part of this second cornerstone of the Christian faith, which is, God’s grace. Chapter 5 of Romans was the chapter on our justification, and how through faith in the cross work of Christ, we are transferred from Adam’s administration into the administration of Christ. The following points were discussed:

• Paul has led us through the positional aspect of justification in Romans chapter 5.
• Justification is a verdict of righteousness and innocence declared upon us by the imputation of Christ’s
• It is God’s work and something that happens outside of our influence and control.
• We are literally transferred from the administration of Adam into the administration of Christ.

The Four Cornerstones of Romans (Part 2: An Overview of Grace)

Start this post series from the beginning, here.

The Four Cornerstones of Romans (Part 2: An Overview of Grace)

The letter to the Romans is the foundation of the Christian faith. The letter contains four key cornerstones that stabilize and secure the faith of a believer. When all four of these cornerstones are set in place, the believer will be grounded in the faith and able to grow up in Christ, know God’s will and do it, walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, and be fruitful in every good work.

The first cornerstone, in Romans chapters 1-3, instructs of God’s righteousness. Paul outlines the reality of man’s utter depravity and guilt before God, and the fact that we are all hopelessly lost and doomed to hell. Understanding the righteousness of God and the fact that men cannot earn or achieve justification, sets us up to fully appreciate the second cornerstone, God’s grace, which Paul writes about in Romans 5-8.

In this post I will outline how Paul develops a three-levelled understanding of God’s grace, and how it is of critical importance to understand grace in its totality, so that you do not skew the true meaning and power of this free gift and it’s liberating truth. I will expound on each level of grace in posts to come.

So, what are the three levels of grace that we learn about in Romans chapters 5-8?

The Journey: Part 8 - The unfamiliar road called, "Grace"

Start here at the Introduction: The Journey Begins

The Journey: Part 8 - The unfamiliar road called, "Grace"

When it comes to this journey of sanctification, it is interesting to note that Paul tells us to keep a straight and careful course. (I'm paraphrasing here with my own analogy). If we veer off to the left, we will run into the ditch called, "the flesh". If we veer off to the right, we will run into the ditch called, "the law".

From these opening statements of Paul in Romans chapter 6, as well as the evidence of reproof and correction in his letters to Corinth and Galatia, it is apparent that these two "ditches" are the greatest hinderances and dangers we face as we begin to grow up in Christ. In this post, will expound on what is necessary to learn so we can stay on a straight course. In the next post, I will provide you with insights on the "ditches" that lie on both sides of the road, and also inform you of the dangers they pose to your safety and progression towards maturity in Christ.

The Journey: Part 7 - Sanctification, an Introduction and Motivation

Start here at the Introduction: The Journey Begins

The Journey: Part 7 - Sanctification, an Introduction and Motivation

What is sanctification?

In its basic definition, sanctification is,

• the action of separating or declaring something holy:
• the action or process of being freed from sin or purified:

So, if sanctification is the means of being separated unto God through a process of purification, the next important question to ask is, how are we sanctified? Jesus provides us a concise and powerful answer during a prayer He prayed, saying the following,

The Journey: Part 5 - Justification through Christ

Start here at the Introduction: The Journey Begins

The Journey: Part 5 - Justification through Christ

The topic of justification is often complicated by theological attempts to explain what happens in the spiritual context of a person's salvation. Though I do want to get a bit deeper into this topic in this post, it is notable that it can also be a very easy topic if one simply receives it by the same faith that brought you to salvation in Christ in the first place. To dive into this post let me start by defining the word justification from a Biblical stance.

What is 'Justification'

Sanctification is a two-fold truth

Sanctification is a two-fold truth.

First, our sanctification (being made pure, being set apart) is our fixed, secure and true standing before God, "in Christ." This is our positional sanctification … "Being in Christ." So, in one sense, and in fact, every true believer in Christ has already been sanctified, or made pure to God, by the work of Christ and the operation of the Holy Spirit the moment we were saved.

2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,

1 Corinthians 6:11 ...and such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

Christ in You vs. You in Christ

Concerning believers in the grace gospel, Paul says these two things: (1) you are in Christ, and (2) Christ is in you.

"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:" – Colossians 1:27-28

The phrase "Christ in you" is found in Col 1:27, and in the next verse every man is presented perfect "in Christ Jesus" (Col 1:28).

What do these seemingly opposite but similar sounding statements mean?

What's the difference between 'you in Christ' and 'Christ in you'?

 

How do I confess a sin that I don't feel bad for?

A person that blatantly sins and does not feel bad about it is (1) either not saved, or (2) they have responded to the gospel but have a badly seared conscience (1Tim.4:2), or a rebellious mind that desperately needs to be renewed by the life and love of the Word of God.

To start answering your question, I must draw your attention to the fact that we have the known moral (or universal) sins like, murder, stealing, adultery, bearing false witness, coveting, etc. The Bible is clear that these are sins and any spirit-led believer will know that they sin if they do these, whether they feel bad or not!

How do I know when something is a sin?

The bible clearly lists various things as sins and therefore it is easy to know that these things are morally wrong. Things like, idolatry, greed, covetousness, lying, gluttony, complaining, murder, bribery, stealing, gossip, jealousy, adultery, etc. These and many more are either a violation of God's moral laws or a violation of moral and ethical laws set out by an authority like a government or ruling entity. Violating these causes you to fall into sin and probably face some form of consequences.

But what about things that are not so obvious? Is smoking a sin? Is drinking a sin? What about anger, or not giving to the needy, or hurting someone's feelings? Do I sin if I choose not to go to church or if I want that extra piece of cake? What happens if I get a speeding ticket? Have I sinned in God's eyes for violating a law on the road? The list can go on and on, so the question remains, how do I know when something is a sin, especially if it is not as obvious, and not necessarily listed in the bible?