第21课：联盟与基督的实际利益，第2部分

在课二十，我们研究三个工会在与基督实际的好处，这些信徒的生命圣灵的工作的结果[他们是毅力（信徒会继续在信仰），保证（在信徒相信他保存），成圣（信徒在敬虔的逐步增长）。圣灵与基督联盟所有的实际利益的来源。 这节课的目的是向您介绍“圣经”的教学的性质和圣灵的工作，并研究一些额外的好处，他的部信徒经验。 在这一课中，我们会研究：

1。 圣灵的 性质[即圣灵是什么样的]

2。 [即圣灵的 工作圣灵 ]

一，圣灵的本质

圣灵的性质有许多误解。 由于一些邪教和东方宗教的教义，一些已经结束，圣灵是一个简单的武力或另一个词为神的力量 。

它不只是邪教和异教这样做。 一些所谓的基督教教派否认三位一体（例如，美国五旬节）。 他们教modalism的，就是神在3个不同的方式体现自己。 这是不对的。 一神论开始否认三位一体，而现在更多或更少不可知论者。]

“圣经”，但是，呈现两个非常明确的真理，圣灵的性质：

答：圣灵是一个人。

1。 圣灵具有人格的组成部分。

一课中确定了三个不同的个性部分组成：思想（头脑），表演（会），和感觉（情感）。 圣经表明圣灵拥有所有三个。

搜索我们的心的人都知道精神的想法。 -罗马书8:27

所有这些都是一个工作，并本着同样的精神，他给他们每一个，就像他的决定 。 1哥林多前书12:11

不伤心神的圣灵。 以弗所书4:30

[请记住，人格的组成部分，是智力，情感和意志。

2。 圣灵被称为阳刚人称代词。

圣灵是所谓的“他”而不是“它”。

但是，真理的圣灵，他来时，他会引导你进入一切的真理。 约翰福音16:13

[KJV，圣灵是偶尔提到“它”（CF ​​罗8:16）。 但是，这是因为希腊字元气是一个中性词，这意味着一个修改它也必须是中性的，因此，“它的代名词。”渲染“他的新版本。” ]

B.圣灵是神 。

1。 圣灵是神密切相关 。

关联的某些段落圣灵与父神和神的儿子。

所以，你们要去，使所有国家的弟子，他们在父亲的姓名和子和圣灵的洗礼。 马太福音28:19

愿主耶稣基督的恩典，神的爱，和圣灵的交通与大家。 2哥林多后书13:14（也见1彼得1:2。）

[在这些经文中，圣灵是平等/与上帝和耶稣的地位 。]

2。 圣灵拥有神的属性 。

这些属性是无所不在（诗篇139:7），全能（路加福音1:35），永恒（希伯来书9:14）。

3。 圣灵是与神相提并论 。

圣经有时使用的字眼是“上帝”和“圣灵”互换。

彼得说，“你们撒谎圣灵。 。 。 。 你有没有人，但上帝撒谎。“使徒行传 5:3 4

二。 圣灵的工作

答：在旧约中的圣灵工作

圣灵的教义不完全在旧约在新的开发。 这是由于这样的事实，旧约强调神的统一，以抵消倾向的人，多神崇拜（多神教）。[“聚”是指“许多。”有几个迹象表明Triunity的神在旧约的NT是全面阐述了这一学说是]，但是，这并不意味着在旧约圣灵的工作，有没有引用。

1。 圣灵是活跃在创作 。

现在地球是空虚混沌，黑暗的深面，和上帝的灵徘徊在水域创世记1:2

2。 圣灵给了预言和圣经。

对于预言从来没有在人的意志的起源，但男人从上帝发言，因为他们所进行的圣灵 。 彼得后书1:21

3。 圣灵使男人来执行特定任务。

旧约经常是指神“来了”，呼吁以色列领导人，以提高他们的执政能力的民族精神。 由于以色列在神的规则（政教合一），神学家称此为“ 政教合一

恩膏 。“

于是撒母耳在他的兄弟的存在了石油和膏抹他的号角，从那天起，耶和华的灵掌权后 ，大卫。 1撒母耳记16点13

[注意，大卫已经保存indwelt（永久居住内）由圣灵在这一点上。 这是特殊的恩膏一定的工作是神-为王 。

圣灵也使官兵执行其他任务（出埃及记31:1-5）。

4。 在男人的救恩，圣灵是活跃。

旧约圣灵的救赎工作的启示是稀疏的。 此外，旧约经常使用不同的词语来形容比在新约中发现的救恩。 然而，圣经表明圣灵是救恩旧约信徒在许多相同的方式，他是在今天参与我们的救恩。 他再生（约翰福音3:3 10）[这方面仍是旧约免除部分]，indwelt（民数记27:18），指导（诗篇143:10）旧约信徒。

注：一些虚假大卫在诗篇51:11的话（“不要从我收回你的圣灵”）结束，圣灵没有永久indwell旧约信徒。 然而，大卫的关注，是圣灵的政教合一的恩膏的损失，而不是对他的永久留置的损失。

[有人教导，圣灵临到，然后离开，而不是indwell他们永久新台币教导旧约信徒。 我们相信，他再生和indwelt像他今天。 这几乎是不可能的，没有再生和留置解释旧约信徒的灵性 。]

B.在基督的生命圣灵的工作

1。 耶稣是由圣灵设想 。

“这将如何，”玛丽问天使，“因为我是处女吗？”天使回答说：“圣灵要临到你身上，至高者的能力要荫庇你。”路加福音1:34 35

2。 膏抹耶稣是圣灵。

圣灵“来到”耶稣在他的洗礼。 这是旧约的政教合一的恩膏的高潮，使他的功能完美的先知，祭司，和王。

只要耶稣受了洗，他又出水面。 天忽然被打开了，他看见神的灵降他像一只鸽子和照明。 Matthew3：16

3。 耶稣事奉圣灵的力量。

但是，如果我开车由神的灵恶魔，那么神的国度已经临到你身上 。 -马太12时28分

C.工作在世界上的圣灵

1。 圣灵适用于共同的宽限期 。

圣灵限制罪的进展，在世界上（帖撒罗尼迦后书2:6-7）上帝的善良，并延伸到所有的人（马太福音5:45）。

[记住什么是“共同的宽限期”是吗 ？ 这是事实，上帝不允许人被视为罪恶的，因为他可以。 神抑制罪，并允许人们做一些“好公民或文化的措施，”虽然这个“好”是不是立功 。 很常见，因为它延伸到所有的人共同。 ]

2。 圣灵裁定罪 。

当他来了，他会定罪方面的罪恶和正义和判断的世界内疚。 约翰16时08分

注：这段话是一系列由基督使徒的圣灵的工作，产生圣经的语句的高潮。 因此，一经定罪，通过神的话语出现。

[请注意，我们配合一种主观的“感觉”的事情，以神的话语。 定罪应导致悔改罪和一个改变的生活，即成圣 。 所以成圣/心灵的成长有着直接访问，以神的话语。

此外，一经定罪，是专门与罪恶和救赎。 圣灵不会对一般的决定将其定罪。 也就是说，我们不应该说，神定罪我们去某高校或某人结婚。 例如，“我真的感到被定罪，神要我买这辆车。”]

D.在新约信徒的生命圣灵的工作

下面是一些额外的好处，圣灵作为他与基督联合的结果适用于信徒。

这些教训的标题中提到的“实际利益” 。]

1。 圣灵住在信徒。

信徒与神的个人和永久的关系，通过圣灵的留置。 圣灵的留置发生在救恩的那一刻，整个信徒的生命继续。

然而，在你的控制不是由罪恶的本性，但圣灵，如果上帝的灵在你的生命 。 人若没有基督的灵，他不属于基督。 罗马书8:9

[神居住在信徒。 我们应该期望“感觉”圣灵留置存在吗 ？ 号那么我们如何知道他的存在？ 借着信心。 我们相信上帝说什么。]

2。 圣灵照亮信徒的心灵。

圣灵教导信徒对圣经的意义。 这意味着，他说服我们，我们需要服从“圣经”（见六课）。

但你有一个从圣地之一的恩膏，大家知道事情的真相。 至于你，你收到他的恩膏仍然在你，你不需要任何人来教你。 但是，他的恩膏教你所有的事情，因为这恩膏是真实的，不是假冒只是因为它有教你，留在他 。 约翰一书2:20，27

我们区分“意义”和“意义”一文。 任何人都可以使用的语言，可以得到一个文本的意义。 但只有那些被保存，可以欣赏到一个文本的意义。 意义已经做应用的意义。 圣灵照亮我们心中的神的话语的意义。 ]

注：以上参考，并不意味着一个并不需要为自己的研究圣经（提摩太后书2:15）或其他（1提摩太后书3:2）圣经真理教。 “恩膏”上述是圣灵的工作照明的参考。

[恩膏是不是有些额外的踢或颠簸的权力灵魂获奖或说教 。 这是圣经的理解和运用到你的生活能力。]

3。 圣灵使信徒服事教会。

圣灵给每个信徒至少有一个属灵的恩赐部在当地教会的目的（1哥林多前书12）。

有很多人今天要锻炼他们的礼物，为建立基督的普遍身体 。 他们那种“自由浮动”没有任何一所教堂，这是不对的的连接 。 其一是在信徒的有组织的团体，即，一个教堂的情况下行使他的礼物。]

学习生活

1。 你的一个朋友告诉你，自从他相信基督，他一直祈祷接受圣灵。 你应该怎么告诉他？

如果他信任的基督，他已经有了圣灵（罗8:9）。 一个获得圣灵在救恩的时刻 。 一个不需要祈祷，接受他。 如果没有圣灵，他是不会被保存。

2。 “教会是一个人类组织。 我不需要男人，我有圣灵教我教。“什么是这种思想的错误呢？

1。 教会是没有本质上是一种人类的组织 。 基督把它称为“我的教会。”2。 基督徒是指挥，是一个地方教会的一部分，并成为有。 3。 作为教会的一部分，应该被别人愿意教 。 在羊群的牧师教给他们 。 4。 它的这种想法，导致异端邪说和邪教。 这是一个这样的诗句，公然不准确的声明为1提摩太前书3:2

圣灵教导我们，但他使用的手段，使他不神的话语和他人的教学 。 此外，圣灵的工作是说服我们圣经的意义，而不是意义。 这是我们的工作，以确定通过我们个人的圣经研究和他人的教学圣经的意义 。

3。 有人教，大卫在诗篇51:11（“不要投我从你的存在，或从我收回你的圣灵。”）祷告是证明一个人可以失去他的救恩。 这样解释这节经文有什么错？

大卫是不说失去圣灵的留置，但失去圣灵的政教合一的恩膏。 他要求上帝不要做给他看，他到他的前任，扫罗（撒上16:1，13-14）。

4。 一位牧师正带领他的会众，到一些有争议的做法。 当执事问题，他的一些决定，他回应引述历代16时22分（“请勿触摸我的受膏者。”）。 这节经文教导牧师有一个特殊的神的恩膏？

没有，它是指在政教合一的王国的国王，而不是教会。 这里是有必要使以色列和教会之间的一个明显的区别 ..

为什么在旧约中的受膏者男子圣灵吗？

使他们能够过的政教合一。 那些先知，祭司，或国王的办公室的受膏者。

谁是最后一个人接受的政教合一的恩膏？

基督

第20课：联盟与基督的实际利益，第1部分

与基督联合，不仅有许多位置的好处，但一些实际利益以及[“位置”是什么意思 ？ 一个状态/长期的变化 。 这些好处是什么？ 理由（被称为义）（神的家庭正在采取），通过和永恒的安全性（一次得救，永远得救），由于他与基督联合，信徒经验的好处，在日常生活中。

在这一课中，我们将研究三个联盟与基督实际的好处：

1。 锲而不舍的好处

2。 保证的好处

3。 成圣的好处

一，锲而不舍的好处

持之以恒意味着谁是得救的信徒将继续生活。 真信徒会坚持下去，或将继续致力于，在两个关键领域。 这些地区作为两个测试的真正救赎。

答：理论测试：正版的信徒将继续致力于神的话语。

这福音，你将被保存，如果你抓紧我传给你们的字。 否则，你认为是徒劳的。 1哥林多前书15:2

但是现在他已经不甘心你。 。 。 如果你继续]信仰的建立，和坚定的，不会移动从举行的福音，希望 。 歌罗西书1:22 23

这些经文都强调需要持续承诺的福音。 短语，“字”和“的信念，”但是，扩大的承诺，包括所有基本的基督教教义。 一个真正的信徒不会拒绝的福音，也没有基督教信仰的主要教义（如基督的神性和圣经无误）。 如果不这样，他表明他是不是真正保存。

[是否有教义分歧的余地 ？ 是的，最高点 。 一个人能否不完全相信和我一样，仍然保存？ 可以。 还比照。 约翰一书2:19]]

B. 道德的考验：真信徒将继续致力于在敬虔的增长。

我们知道，我们来认识他，服从他的命令，如果我们 。 该名男子说，“我知道他，”但不会做他的命令是个骗子，真理也不在他心里 。 2:3约翰一书4

因为一个真正的信徒是一个新的创造（哥林多后书5:17），他会改变他的生活方向。 他有一个愿望，在神的知识增长和指示，服从他的命令。 如果没有欲望的增长和服从，它可能是由于他是不是真的保存。

注：这是可能的，真正的信徒暂时反叛。 然而，这样的叛乱在契税（拒绝神的话语不可能是一个真正的信徒）。[这是信徒的误解或误导 。 因此，真正的信徒。]三个原则应该注意到一个错误的面额，运动，或集团的一部分，但是。 首先，谁不长的信徒是例外而不是规则。 二，信徒在这些领域的反叛有没有圣经的基础上保证他们的救恩“（约翰一书2:3 4）。也就是说，这样的人有没有坚实的基础上，以确保它们被保存。 如果没有救恩的证据，有没有保证。]最后，应当预见信徒身上在这些领域的反叛神的纪律，而不是他的祝福。 这样的纪律可能会很严重。 例如，在哥林多教会的成员背叛不尊重主的晚餐。 因此，神严重纪律。

这就是为什么在你们中间许多人体弱多病，和你有[死亡]。 哥林多前书11:30（也见1约翰5:16。）

二。 保证效益

另一种是与基督联合的实际好处是救恩的保证。 救恩的保证，是信心的信徒，他是真正保存。也就是说，一个没有不断怀疑，担心，并想知道如果他真的是保存。 他相信，他是。 常常混淆与永恒的安全保证。 他们都像同一枚硬币的两个的两面 。 保证是信徒的信心，他是保存。 永恒的安全是事实，神使信徒保存。]神使用给予保证救恩有三样东西。 他们三人都必须按顺序在信徒的生命中，他有相信他是保存的圣经基础。

[解释保证（一种主观的信心，你真的保存）和永恒的安全性（一个事实，就是不能失去他的救恩）之间的差异。]

答：真正的信徒，相信神的应许，以保存和让他。

因为神爱世人，他 ​​给了他唯一的儿子，凡信他的的不至灭亡，有永恒的生命。 约翰福音3:16

我给他们永生，他们永不灭亡，没有人可以夺去我的手出来。 谁给了他们给我，我的父亲，是高于一切的，没有人可以夺去了我父亲的手。 -约翰10:28-29

[神已经答应救人，并让他们保存。 什么是真实的，如果上帝没有让信徒保存 ？ 1。 他的功能不够强大; 2。 他撒了谎。]

B.真正的信徒将坚持的信念和良好的工程。

基督教的保证是不可分割地联系在一起的毅力。 如果一个人声称自己是一个基督教不会继续在他的承诺，以正确的教义和服从的生活，他不相信他是保存的圣经基础。

[如果没有坚持的信念和良好的工程，可他有信心，他保存的 ？ 不，他已经没有理由认为他是保存。

什么是救恩的一些证据（“生命体征”）？ 几个被发现在约翰一书：

1. 走在灯光下，即，过着敬虔的生活（1:5-7）

2. 服从基督的命令（2:3-6）

3. 其他信徒的爱（3:14-17 ）

4. 正统教义（正确的信念）（4:6）

那些显示救恩等证据，在他们的生活有充分的理由，有信心，他们是真正得救。 那些缺乏这样的证据，没有理由认为他们将被保存。 ]

C.真正的信徒接受圣灵内在的见证 。

圣灵证明我们的精神，我们是神的儿女 。 罗马书8:16

圣灵用神的话语， 说服信徒，他是上帝的孩子。 他说服他的承诺，上帝会保存和保留那些接受他的主和救主的这些经文的真实性。

需要注意的是内在的证词，专门适用于被保存的保证。 它并不适用于其他事物一样，应该做些什么或哪里去了，等]

三。 成圣的好处

成圣是由神的信徒，除了设置。 它有一个位置和实际方面。 位置方面是神已经设置除了从世界和对自己的所有信徒。[这是发生在救恩的时刻。 这不是一个感官/情感体验。]持续的， 渐进的变化，发生信徒精神上的成熟与实践环节。

[实用成圣也被称为渐进成圣。 的特点应当是不断逐渐增长，在敬虔信徒的生命。 有挫折，但总的趋势将朝着增长。]

答：成圣是圣灵的工作。

上帝选择你要保存通过圣灵成圣的工作 。 -帖撒罗尼迦后书2:13

圣灵的变化，通过他们的经文（约翰福音17:17）知识的信徒。 因此，如果一个人住一个成圣（圣洁）的生命，他必须学习圣经，圣灵使用的工具，以帮助他成长。

作为一个基督徒的增长是直接关系到圣经研究/读/冥想 。 较熟悉的你“圣经”成为，圣经你开始思考，更多的圣经，你开始生活 。 因此，你不能从神的话语，无论是书面的，并宣布（宣扬）的访问中成长，除了多。]

B.成圣涉及信徒的积极服从 。

有些人认为的神秘经验，在圣灵“ 动作 ”他们基督徒的生活。 根据这一思路的学校，信徒总是被动，等待的精神移动他祷告，见证， 等[例如，一些五旬节团体只是等待神“说什么”在他们的会议。]虽然成圣是圣灵的工作，神从来没有命令信徒要等待一些“移动”，他只是命令他住乖乖。

让我们净化自己的一切，污染身体和精神，完善的崇敬的圣洁的神。 2哥林多前书7:1

[因此，我们在经济增长的主动式翻滚。 我们不只是等待它的出现。 它需要纪律：研究圣经，祈祷，拒绝罪，验收的责任等。]

C.成圣涉及改变方向 。

一个基督之前，他是罪的奴仆。 在神拯救他，然而，他在生活变化的方向。 从这一刻起，他从邪恶的分离，拥抱敬虔。

1。 信徒从邪恶的分离 。

不要同负一轭一起与不信的。 什么正义和邪恶的，有什么共同点？ 或什么奖学金可以轻与黑暗？ 基督和[撒旦]之间的和谐是有什么 ？ 信徒有什么共同与不信？ 2哥林多前书6:14 15

在这段话中的“枷锁”，是指两个或两个以上的人之间的联盟。 信徒有没有团结与不信的业务。

[上述假教师节优惠的情况下。 因此，该命令适用于联络/互动/参与与那些持有错误的学说。 保罗不是说我们不能与不信的朋友或联营公司。

比照 弗5:6-8，11。 分离一直是原教旨主义的关键因素 。 早在40's - 50的一组决定拒绝赞成列入分离的福音派 。 这些人被称为“新福音派”。 他们中的许多将大幅同意与我们教义，但秩序时，它涉及到实践。]

2。 敬虔信徒拥抱 。

，那么，由于你已经与基督提出，上面的东西，那里有基督坐在神的右边设置你的心。 -歌罗西书3:1

D.成圣是得救的信心自然结果。

有人[例如，查尔斯Ryrie，赞恩霍奇斯]教一个人可能在某个时间点上的信任基督为救主，不附带服从他的承诺。 这样的承诺可能会在稍后的时间点。 根据这种观点，基督徒的生活是围绕着两个精神“高点”： 拯救和时间奉献时间，这两类基督徒允许：那些不是专用/致力于那些]。这救恩奉献的分离是不符合圣经“圣经”，表明：

1。 得救的信心本身是一个服从的行为。

他将惩罚那些谁不知道上帝和不服从我们主耶稣基督的福音 。 帖撒罗尼迦后书1:8

[比照。 约翰福音3:36 - “服从”是平行/代名词“相信。” 信仰是服从福音。]

2。 被形容为听话的信仰得救的信心。

有什么好处，我的兄弟，如果一个人声称有信心，但没有事迹吗？ 这样的信心能救他吗 ？ 假设一个兄弟或姐妹没有衣服和日常食品。 如果你对他说，“走，我希望你注意保暖，以及美联储”，但他的身体需要什么，有什么好处？ 以同样的方式，本身的信念，如果它不是由行动伴随着，是死的 。 詹姆斯2:14 17

詹姆斯在这一段的问题是：一个非工作的信心能救吗？ 他的结论是：没有！ 这种信心是死的的。 像一句空话，它实现了没有。 承诺服从基督不能脱离真正的信仰。

[这是必要再次强调，未提交的基督徒是不会允许在NT 。 门徒/奉献被假定为正常状态的事务。 承诺不只是“超级”的基督徒 。 那些声称要保存还没有水果，以表明它们保存没有特殊类别 。 那些没有证据，没有保证，他们可能正是詹姆斯谈论“死”的信念（即，没有信仰） ]

注：有次在信徒的生命，当他做重要的决定，以更充分地献身于他的救主。 事实上，基督徒的生活确实是一天天，时刻时刻奉献基督的过程。 什么是不符合圣经的想法，奉献给基督信徒的选项。 没有奉献的信念是一种信仰，不保存。

学习生活

1。 你的一个朋友声称，没有人可以肯定地知道，他是保存。 这是真的吗？

约翰一书5:11-14。 此外，新台币的作者都知道他们被保存，写信的人，因为如果他们能知道，他们被保存。 此外，如果一个没有确保自己不知道，他是保存，为什么他会不断见证别人呢 ？ 因此不会有传福音。

神如何保证他的孩子呢？

通过他的承诺，继续保存的信徒，信徒的毅力，和圣灵的内在见证

如果这个人有充分的理由怀疑他的救恩，你会得出什么结论？

他可能不会被保存，或他可能被教导错误的教义，他是错误的。 不要虚假保证的人可能不会被保存。 没有证据=无法保证。

2。 在谈论一个基督教朋友对他的backslidden状况（他不再参加教会，他不读他的圣经，等等），他回答说，：“我等待上帝给我看他要我做什么。”你的朋友的想法有什么不对？

上帝已经显示出他是什么，他希望他在他的话语。 他已经开始这样做，神已经告诉他做。 他不应该等待上帝“移动”，他或显示在一些特殊的方式来服从他 。

Lesson 19: The Positional Benefits of Union with Christ

Upon being united with Christ through faith and repentance, the believer immediately receives several benefits.

[Remember that union with Christ is another way of referring to salvation. Union with Christ highlights the idea that the benefits of Christ's life and death have been imputed to the believer. Since the relationship between Christ and the believer could be described as a "union," the phrase "union with Christ" is an appropriate synonym for "salvation."]

The benefits of union with Christ, which we will study in the following three lessons, can be divided into two types:

1。 The positional benefits

2。 The practical benefits

Positional benefits are those blessings which the believer possesses but does not experience . That is, God brings about a change in the believer's position or status without the believer sensing or perceiving such [ie, feelings/emotions. The change is real but non-perceptible] . For instance, the Bible states that believers have been adopted by God into His family. A believer does not feel this adoption take place. Nonetheless, he has been legally adopted by God and is now His child.

["Position" has to do with one's standing before God. One's position before salvation is that of being alienated, an enemy, under the wrath of God, etc. At salvation, that position changes. One is forgiven, justified, adopted into God's family, etc. So positional benefits are those benefits one receives because of a change in status/standing. One does not feel or notice or empirically sense this change.]

This lesson will focus on three of the positional benefits of union with Christ:

1. Justification

2. Adoption

3. Eternal Security

[Justification and adoption are things that happen to us; at salvation, we are justified and adopted. They are changes in status/standing/position. Eternal security is a bit different. It is more like a result of salvation than a position, but it is a benefit that results from our new position.]

I. Justification

Justification is the act of God whereby He declares a sinner to be legally righteous and treats him as such. Justification does not mean “to be made righteous” but “to be declared legally righteous.” When one is saved, he does not become righteous; he is still a sinner. Rather, God declares him legally righteous because of his union with Christ.

A. Justification is a work of God .

It is God who justifies. Romans 8:33

B. Justification is by faith .

Know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. Galatians 2:16

["Ideas have consequences." This idea was the cause of the Reformation. Martin Luther was convinced that a man was justified by faith in Christ rather than by obeying the RC church. This is also what sets us apart from all works-oriented religions. They believe man is justified by works. We believe man is justified by grace through faith.]

C. Justification is a result of the believer's union with Christ.

At the moment of salvation, Christ's righteousness is imputed to the believer. Consequently, when God looks at him, He does not see his sinfulness; rather, He sees Christ's righteousness. As a result, God is able to declare him righteous.

God made [Christ Jesus] who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

Through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. – Romans 5:19

[So the only righteous we have is that which is given to us at the moment of salvation. The righteousness that we have is Christ's righteousness. Think of it as a bank transaction. Forgiveness takes away your debt and justification gives you a positive balance.]

D. Justification produces a peaceful relationship with God.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1

[Before salvation, the opposite was true; we were enemies of God. This is also called reconciliation – the restoration of a positive relationship.]

二。 Adoption

Adoption is the legal placement of someone into a family as a son . At the moment of salvation, God places you into His family and gives you all the rights and privileges of a son; God is your legal Father.

[Like justification, adoption is a legal or judicial concept. Whose family is one in before salvation? Satan's. This is contra the liberal idea of the "universal Fatherhood of God and the universal brotherhood of man." Eg, the song "Let There Be Peace on Earth" -- ". . . with God as our Father, brothers all are we." Hogwash.]

A. Adoption is the work of God .

In love [God] predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:4 5

B. Adoption is by faith .

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26

C. Adoption is a result of the believer's union with Christ.

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Galatians 3:26 27

Note: To be baptized or immersed into Christ is another way of describing union with Him.

[How is baptism comparable to our relationship with Christ? In baptism/immersion, one is engulfed, totally covered by the water. When one accepts Christ, he is totally committed to Him, it's a total, radical life change that "covers" every aspect of life.]

D. Adoption has practical results.

1。 圣灵的带领

因为那些由神的灵引导的，都是神的儿子。 罗马书8:14

神的养子的结果之一，是圣灵的带领。 使用神的话语，圣灵的领导或指导神的孩子。

[圣灵的领导是不是某种神秘的感觉，预感或感觉你应该做一些事情， 。 实事求是地讲，它仅仅是服从神的话语。 被领导者，是要加以控制，而被控制是简单的服从。 还要注意，上帝的精神将永远不会导致某人违背神（禁忌“的精神死士”）的话语 。 如果你想在你的生命圣灵的领导，你有“圣经”在你的生活。]

父神的爱纪律2 。

而且您忘记，鼓励，地址为儿子的字：“我的儿子，做不使主的管教，做不失去心脏时，他责备你，因为的主学科那些他爱的，和他惩罚每一个人他接受作为一个儿子“作为纪律忍受困苦;神对待你们如同待儿子。 焉有儿子不被父亲管教的呢 ？ 希伯来书12:5 7

God does not punish believers as He does unbelievers. Rather, He disciplines believers out of love, desiring to do what is best for them. His goal for us is not necessarily happiness and prosperity , but Christ-likeness . He disciplines us with that goal in mind.

[What if one is disobedient and receives no chastening/discipline? Cf Heb 12:8. It's an evidence that one is not part of the family. Contra the health and wealth gospel.]

三。 Eternal Security

Eternal security refers to the fact that all true believers are kept saved by God. A true believer cannot lose his salvation.

[Don't confuse eternal security with assurance of salvation.]

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

A. Eternal security is a work of God .

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. John 10:28 29

B. Eternal security is a result of the believer's union with Christ.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

Note: To be “in Christ” is another way of describing union with Him.

C. Eternal security is God's will for all believers.

And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me. John 6:39

[What are some of the things that would have to be true if eternal security were not true? 1。 God was unwilling to keep us saved; 2. God was unable to keep us saved; 3. God was wrong when he elected us; 4. God has to throw us out of his family; 5. God has to take back the righteousness He imputed to us; etc, etc, etc. Obviously, it is impossible to undo salvation.]

Recap & Review

在这一课中，我们了解到：

1. Justification is a positional benefit of union with Christ. Justification is the act of God whereby He declares a sinner to be legally righteous and treats him as such.

2. Adoption is a positional benefit of union with Christ. Adoption is the act of God whereby He legally places the believer into His family, giving him all the rights and privileges of a son.

3. Eternal security is a positional benefit of union with Christ. Eternal security is the work of God whereby He keeps saved those whom He has already saved.

Learning to Live It

11

1。 During a conversation at school, a Catholic friend says to you that a person is made righteous by following Christ and the teachings of the church. Are sinners ever made righteous?

没有，罪人是不是“造”正义，他们不会突然成为无罪。 他们是“申报”正义的，因为基督的公义，以他们的归集。

罪人跟随基督吗？

（他们不能也不愿。）

以下的一所教堂的教义的理由吗？

没有，除非教会教导的福音。 （一仅在基督的信心是有道理的。 ）

2。 在与朋友的谈话中，你会发现，他声称自己是一个基督徒，但不相信永恒的安全。 事实上，他说，他得救了，失去了他的救恩，然后被再次保存。 你应该怎么对他说？

基督徒不能失去他的救恩，因为神是这样说的，在他的话语（约翰6:39，10:28-29，腓立比书1:6） 。 此外，声称可以失去他的救恩是调用神的骗子（他没有做什么，他的承诺。），或暗示，他也不是万能的（他是无法做到，他已经答应做 。） 。 此外，我想任何可能失去救恩的有效性提出质疑。 The friend has not truly understood the person and work of Christ or the positional changes that occur at salvation, and may not really be saved.

What are those who believe one can lose his salvation really trusting in? Their own power/good works/ability. If so, are they really trusting Christ? No. Of course, they could just be mistaken because they were taught wrong. That is, they really are saved, but have not been taught correctly on this matter.

Lesson 18: The Divine Conditions for Union with Christ

We learned in Lesson Seventeen that there are two human conditions for union with Christ, repentance and faith. This lesson will show that every aspect of man's union with Christ is the outworking of God's sovereign plan . Because unsaved man is totally depraved, he is unable and unwilling to pursue a relationship with God. His sinful nature will not allow him to do so. God must initiate salvation by giving man the ability to repent and trust Christ. This lesson will focus on the following divine conditions for union with Christ:

1. Election

2. Regeneration

I. Election

[Election is one of those doctrines that many don't really understand. Some are almost afraid of it--they don't even want to discuss it. Election is often associated with Calvinism because it is one of the outstanding aspects of Calvinism. Election is a clearly-taught doctrine of Scripture. One should not misunderstand or fear it.]

Election refers to the fact that God chooses those who will be saved.

A. The biblical description of election

1。 Election is unconditional .

“Unconditional election” means that God did not choose us based upon anything we have done or will do.

A. Election is not based upon works .

。 。 。 in order that God's purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls . 。 。 。 Romans 9:11 12

B. Election is not based upon future events .

Some people teach that God looks into the future and chooses those who will some day choose Him. However, this idea contradicts several biblical teachings:

1) The fact of God's sovereignty (See Lessons Two and Three.)

[If God were in control of events/history, he would not have to look into the future to see what was going to happen. He would know the future because he planned it all out. Election is based on the fact that God has planned future events, not that He merely knows them.]

2. The fact of man's complete sinfulness (See Lesson Twelve.)

[Man is totally depraved and would not choose God if given the chance. God must choose man.]

2. The fact that faith and repentance are gifts from God (See Lesson Seventeen.)

[Man does not "work up" the ability to repent and trust Christ. God must give him this ability. God initiates the process and carries it through.]

4) The meaning of the word “ elect ”

The Greek words translated “elect” or “choose” refer to one's free choice of a course of action apart from any outside influence. If God chooses us because He knows that we will someday choose Him, then He has not chosen freely . In fact, He has not chosen at all. He has only agreed with our choice of Him . This is contrary to the meaning of the words “elect” and “choose.”

2。 Election is God's free choice of individuals .

The object of God's election is not a plan or a group; rather, it is individuals.

From the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13

For he chose us in him. – Ephesians 1:4

3。 Election is the result of God's purpose and pleasure .

For [God] says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. Romans 9:15 16

In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:5

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. Ephesians 1:11

4。 Election defined

Based upon the Bible's teaching on election, we can define it this way: Election is the work of God before time in which He freely chose those who will receive the gift of eternal life. This choice is based solely upon God's purpose and pleasure and is completely independent of man's will.

Note: Election is an aspect of predestination . Whereas predestination refers to God's planning of all events, election refers to God's choosing of those whom He will save.

B. Objections to election

Following are various objections which are sometimes raised against the idea of unconditional election:

[The following are reasons why people react so strongly against the idea of God freely choosing some to be saved. See if students can come up with these reasons before stating them. ]

1。 Unconditional election is unfair .

If God chooses to save some and not others, is He not being unfair and partial? This question is based upon the mistaken idea that we somehow deserve to be saved. Partiality and unfairness come into play only when one does not receive what he deserves. God would be unfair if everyone deserved eternal life and He granted it to only a few. Since no one deserves or seeks it, and since God “owns” eternal life, He may freely give it to whomever He wishes. Some may ask, “Why hasn't God chosen to save everyone ?” Instead, we should ask, “Why has the perfect, holy, and pure God chosen to love and forgive any of our wicked, evil, and rebellious race?”

[It's a good thing God isn't fair with us, otherwise, we'd all be going to hell. The fact that God chooses to save some is pure grace. He can do whatever he wants. Eg, if I decide to give some of you $10.00 and not others, that's my prerogative. I don't have to give anyone anything. The fact that I do is purely my decision. Same with salvation. ]

2。 Unconditional election contradicts man's free will .

People sometimes reject unconditional election because they believe that man's will is absolutely free. However, the Bible teaches that man's will is not completely free. It is controlled by sin . Man's “free” will is not free to choose God or salvation but only those things which are contrary to God and His salvation.

[Because of depravity, man will choose evil every time. Also, to say that man does not have an absolutely free will is not to say that man is merely a robot following some divinely written program. We do make real, spontaneous choices, but our choices are also part of God's plan. From our perspective, our choices seem to be free, but in reality it is certain that we will make the choices we do. God renders our free choices certain. ]

3。 Unconditional election contradicts passages concerning God's will .

[God] wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:4

[God] is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

Some assume from these two verses that it is God's will that everyone be saved. However, if God willed that every man be saved, then that is what would happen. We know from other Scripture, however, that this [that everyone is saved] is not the case. Therefore, we would have to conclude that God planned the salvation of all mankind, but His plan is consistently thwarted. However, this [that God's plan is thwarted] clearly contradicts the doctrine of God's sovereignty.

How then should we interpret these verses? They are a description of God's general desire rather than His specific will . God desires all men to be saved and gives them the opportunity to be so. However, because no man chooses to be saved on his own, God graciously gives some the ability to receive eternal life.

4。 Unconditional election contradicts passages concerning God's foreknowledge .

。 。 。 chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father. 1 Peter 1:2

On the surface, this verse seems to teach that God does elect some because He knows beforehand that they will trust Him. However, the true meaning of “foreknowledge” teaches otherwise.

Foreknowledge does not just mean to know something ahead of time. As mentioned in Lesson Two, God's knowledge is active , not passive. He does not gain knowledge by watching events occur. Rather, He knows events because He is the author of them.

[Read Acts 2:23—foreknowledge here is obviously more than knowing ahead of time; it's choosing ahead of time. We've seen previously that "to foreknow" is equal to "to choose." God's knowing-ahead-of-time is active. He knows because he planned the events--He determined that they would happen. Is it possible for God to look into the future to see that something would happen? No. That would mean that God learns things. He does not.

Also, foreknowledge is a relational term. God foreknows people, not events or things.]

5。 Unconditional election makes God responsible for man's condemnation .

There are some who believe that God elects some to be saved and the rest to be eternally condemned. This view is known as “ double predestination .” According to the Bible, however, man is responsible for his own damnation. The Bible nowhere blames man's condemnation on God. God does not elect men to hell. He does, however, leave them to their own choice. Thus, men condemn themselves .

[God chooses some and leaves the rest. Also cf John 3:18 -- unsaved man is "condemned already" because of unbelief, not because God has elected him to damnation.]

6。 Unconditional election makes evangelism meaningless.

Some suggest that unconditional election makes such practices as witnessing and evangelistic preaching unnecessary because God saves men without our help. While it is true that God will accomplish His plan to save the elect, such a position misunderstands two important points: 1) God commands us to evangelize and holds us responsible to obey; 2) God has chosen to use men to communicate His message. Our labor is the tool which God uses to bring men to Christ and accomplish His purposes. God has chosen both the results and the means of His plan.

[One can be a 5 point Calvinist and still be zealously evangelistic. Spurgeon, for example, was a Calvinist. The belief in predestination and election in no way weakens one's desire to win the lost. Read JI Packer's Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God . ]

二。 再生

Regeneration refers to the fact that God gives spiritual life to those who will be saved.

A. The meaning of regeneration

Regeneration is the work of God in which He makes the spiritually dead sinner spiritually alive . It is the impartation of spiritual life to the spiritually dead. God grants spiritual life which enables men to repent and trust Christ.

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions. Ephesians 2:4-5

[There is some disagreement as to whether regeneration logically precedes repentance and faith, or is the result of it. The above paragraph indicates that regeneration is necessary prior to conversion--it gives one the ability to repent and believe. In reality, salvation is one immediate/instantaneous act. There is a logical order, but not a chronological one.]

B. The Agent of regeneration

The Holy Spirit is the One who makes the dead sinner spiritually alive.

He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. – Titus 3:5

C. The means of regeneration

The Holy Spirit uses the Word of God as the only means of producing spiritual life.

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 1 Peter 1:23

[So the order is election (before time), regeneration, conversion. ]

重温与回顾

在这一课中，我们了解到：

1. Election is a divine condition for union with Christ. Election is the work of God before time in which He freely chooses those who will receive the gift of eternal life.

2. Regeneration is a divine condition for union with Christ. Regeneration is the work of God in which He makes the spiritually dead sinner spiritually alive.

Learning to Live It

The statements below represent two unbiblical positions regarding the doctrine of election.

1。 “Because God controls everything and chooses those whom He will save, I do not need to witness. God will save His elect in His own time. He certainly does not need me to help Him.” What is wrong with this statement?

God commands us to witness. Furthermore, our witness is the means God has chosen to reach the lost. God saves the elect through the witnessing activities of other Christians. He has chosen to use people to lead other people to Christ.

How might this position affect a church's ministry?

It might kill any evangelistic outreach or missionary work.

2。 “Yes, I believe in election, but God chooses those whom He knows will choose Him. He looks down the tunnel of time and sees that I am going to believe in Him. Because He foreknows this, He elects me to be saved.” What is wrong with this statement?

It reflects an incorrect understanding of foreknowledge. Foreknowledge is active. God chooses unconditionally, ie not based on what we will or won't do. Furthermore, the above idea results in us doing the choosing rather than God doing it. God is not sovereign in this scenario. Finally, it makes God dependent on us rather than vice versa. It makes man, not God, in charge.

Lesson 17: The Human Conditions for Union with Christ

As stated in the Introduction to this section, the only way one can receive the benefits of Christ's death is by being united with Christ. “Union with Christ” is one way of describing the relationship that exists between Christ and the believer begun at the moment of salvation. Union with Christ does not just happen. Certain things must take place before one is united with Christ. The conditions for union with Christ, which we will study in this lesson and the next, can be divided into two types:

1。 The human conditions for union with Christ

[That is, what is required that I must to do be saved.]

2。 The divine conditions for union with Christ

[That is, what is required from God for me to be saved.]

The human conditions for union with Christ are those aspects of salvation in which man participates with God. While the Bible teaches that these aspects are initiated and empowered by God, man plays an active and necessary role. This lesson will focus on the following human conditions for union with Christ:

1. Repentance

2. Faith

[It is very important that both of these be emphasized. Without both of these there is no true salvation. Many people who make professions of faith never really got saved at all because they did not couple faith with repentance. Both are necessary.]

I. Repentance

A. The meaning of repentance

1。 Wrong views of repentance

A. Repentance is not simply sorrow for sin.

When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse. Matthew 27:3

[Judas was sorry about what he had done, and he even admitted his guilt, yet there was no true repentance. Sorrow for sin is part of it, but not all of it.]

B. Repentance is not penance .

Penance is a Roman Catholic idea involving: 1) confession to a priest; 2) the priest's pronouncement of absolution [restoration to good standing] ; and 3) an assignment of works to do or prayers to say. Penance assumes that Christ's work was not sufficient and teaches that salvation involves the sinner's good works . Penance is completely unbiblical.

[You may have heard of Catholics doing all sorts of things, like crawling on their knees up long flights of stairs, whipping themselves, repeating long prayers over and over--these are all examples of penance. A priest tells the person that he has to do this stuff in order to pay for his sin.]

2。 The biblical view of repentance

The biblical word translated “repentance” literally means to “ change one's mind .” Repentance is a change of mind regarding God and sin . It is the change of mind away from sin and to God. This change of mind involves more than one's opinion. It involves a rejection of sin and a commitment to God.

[Think of repentance as making a 180 degree turn. You were going one way, but after repentance you're going the exact opposite way. It's a change of mind and will. ]

A. Repentance involves a change of mind regarding sin .

1) It requires a knowledge of one's sin.

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. – Psalm 51:3

2) It requires a genuine sorrow for one's sin.

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation. 2 Corinthians 7:10

3) It requires the rejection of one's sin.

。 。 。 repentance from acts that lead to death. Hebrews 6:1

[The emphasis is on the word “from.” Repentance is turning from sin to God. ]

4) It requires a desire to seek God’s pardon for one's sin.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Psalm 51:1-2

Some people [ie Hodges, Ryrie, Dallas Sem.] teach that repentance is simply a change of mind regarding Christ . However, any definition of repentance which leaves out the idea of a conscious and active rejection of sin is inadequate.

B. Repentance involves a change of mind regarding God .

I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance. Acts 20:21

Prior to salvation, man embraces sin and rejects God. Repentance is that act which reverses man's allegiance. In repentance, one decides to reject sin and embrace God.

[Add this: c. Repentance results in changed behavior.

Acts 26:20 “but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance .]

B. The origin of repentance

1。 Repentance does not originate in man .

Unsaved men are completely rebellious and have no desire for God. They are unable and unwilling to change their minds regarding sin and God.

The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Romans 8:7

2。 Repentance originates with God .

Repentance is a gift of God. Because the totally depraved sinner is incapable of repenting, God must give him the ability to do so.

God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. Acts 5:31

“So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.” Acts 11:18

。 。 。 in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 2:25

二。 Faith

The Bible describes several different kinds of faith. The faith necessary for salvation is commonly referred to as “saving faith.”

A. The meaning of saving faith

1。 Saving faith requires knowledge . [intellectual content]

Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17

What must one believe in order to be saved?

The gospel message includes the fact of man's condition (sin), God's remedy for that condition (the person and work of Christ), and the response God requires in order for that remedy to be applied to the sinner (faith and repentance). In order for a man to be saved, he must understand that he is a sinner who has fallen short of the standard of perfection demanded by a holy God and is, therefore, deserving of sin's penalty, namely, death; that the God-man, Jesus Christ, has met the standard by means of His sinless life and has paid the penalty by means of His sacrificial death; and that by responding in faith and repentance he can be justified in God's sight as a result of Christ's work (both His sinless life and sacrificial death) being imputed to him.

2。 Saving faith requires assent .

But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. – Matthew 13:23

One must not only know certain facts in order to be saved, but he must also realize that they apply to him. In the parable of the sower, the only one of the four who exercised saving faith was the one who not only comprehended the facts (“hears the word”) but also perceived their significance (“understands it”). It is not enough for one to acknowledge that he needs a Savior, nor is it enough for one to acknowledge that Christ was the Savior. Saving faith involves the acknowledgement that Christ must become my Savior.

[This is what we mean by "assent:" One must apply the facts to his own life.]

3。 Saving faith requires commitment . [an exercise of the will]

That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. – Romans 10:9

Saving faith involves a commitment to follow Christ in obedience. It is a commitment to Christ as both Sin bearer ( Savior ) and Master

( Lord ).

[The aspect of trust or reliance would come under this. When you trust Christ as your savior, you are committing yourself to him, putting your full faith and confidence in Jesus as your savior. Concepts such as loyalty and commitment to Christ are consistent with saving faith.

These are three aspects of faith, but they are not three separate steps. When one hears, understands, and responds by putting his confidence/trust in Christ, he has exercised faith. ]

B. The object of saving faith

In order to be saved, one must have faith in both the person and work of Jesus Christ .

Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved. Acts 16:31

This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. Romans 3:22

[If a person says "I believe in Jesus," is he necessarily saved? No. Cf Matt 7:21-23. There are certain things one must believe about Jesus. So faith involves believing in Jesus and believing certain things about Jesus.]

C. The origin of saving faith

1。 Saving faith does not originate in man .

Man cannot produce saving faith. He neither seeks it nor initiates it.

A. Saving faith does not come from knowing historical facts .

The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. Acts 26:26

In this passage, Paul acknowledges that King Agrippa knows much about the gospel message. Because Christ's death was a well known fact, and His message was being openly proclaimed, the king could not claim ignorance. However, King Agrippa did not trust Christ. While faith must be based upon factual information, the knowledge of such information alone does not produce saving faith.

[This is why we don't emphasize all the evidences of the Christian faith. People do not ultimately get saved because the are persuaded that the facts of the Bible are true. Neither do people reject Christianity because they are skeptical about the Bible's truthfulness. Saving faith originates in God, not man. ]

B. Saving faith does not come from human logic .

For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 1 Corinthians 1:21

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power. 1 Corinthians 2:4 5

While faith is logical, human logic alone cannot produce faith.

[Some men have come up with detailed, complex methods of "proving" the existence of God, the truth of the Bible, etc. We don't use them because, while our faith is reasonable, it does not rest upon logic alone.]

2。 Saving faith originates with God .

Saving faith involves a knowledge of the facts of the gospel and the use of logic to understand such facts. However, neither historical facts nor human logic produce saving faith. Like repentance, saving faith is a gift of God. God graciously gives the rebellious sinner the faith to believe.

On arriving there, [Paul and Barnabas] gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. Acts 14:27

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8

The structure of the Greek sentence in Ephesians 2:8 indicates that the word translated “gift” refers to the whole process of salvation. Faith is certainly one of the elements in that process. From these texts it is clear that faith is something God must give.

Note: Repentance and faith are simultaneous, that is, they happen at the same time. You cannot have one without the other. They are inseparable.

I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. Acts 20:21

Repentance and faith are the two aspects of the one act commonly referred to as conversion .

[In the study of repentance and faith, two things God requires of us to be saved, we see that God is responsible for both of them. Man cannot/will not repent or believe on his own. Both are gifts from God.

Some say that salvation is purely belief in Christ without any mention of repentance. This definition of salvation comes short. Repentance is part of the equation. One must turn from sin to God. ]

学习生活

1。 While on vacation, your family attends a church where the pastor preaches a salvation message. In his sermon he says, “You must trust Christ and repent.” He then defines repentance by saying, “Repentance is a change of mind regarding Jesus Christ. You must stop rejecting Him. Turn to Him today and reject Him no longer.” What is missing from this pastor's definition of repentance?

any mention of sorrow for one's sin or a desire to turn away from it. What that pastor is really doing is redefining repentance.

Can a person truly be saved if his repentance does not include admitting and rejecting his sin?

No, he has not really repented

2。 You and a Christian friend begin to witness to a fellow teenager. In the course of the conversation, your friend launches into a logical defense of the Bible in an attempt to convince this unsaved teen to believe in Christ. Will this kind of logic cause him to believe? 为什么或为什么不呢？

no; Belief is not dependent upon a logical understanding of the facts or being convinced that they are true. One is not saved by being convinced of the facts.

He is not in a state of neutrality; rather, he is predisposed against God. He is unable and unwilling to positively respond (1 Cor 2:14). He will always misinterpret such facts.

What is the more biblical approach to take when witnessing?

Use the Bible, the only means whereby one can be saved (Rom 10:17). Present the gospel clearly, accurately and biblically. Let God do the work necessary to bring a person to faith.

Lesson 16: The Work of Christ and the Christian Life

We have learned that Jesus Christ is the unique God man and that His work is sufficient for man's salvation. Having discussed the work of Christ both before and within time, we will now study the practical results of His work for the believer.

I. Christ's Work Before Time and the Christian Life

In the previous lesson, we learned that Christ's work began before the creation of time. Christ was active in planning the events of history, including the salvation of believers, in eternity past.

A. Because of Christ's work before time, we are saved .

1。 The requirements for salvation were planned for before time.

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed . 。 。 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 1 Peter 1:18 20 (See also Revelation 13:8.)

This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. Acts 2:23

Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Acts 4:27 28

These passages indicate that the work of Christ within time was the result of His work before time. The ultimate cause for the events which brought about our salvation is the plan of God.

2。 The recipients of salvation were chosen before time.

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. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Romans 8:29 30

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:3 5

[Note that our choice of Christ within time is the result of God's choice of us before time. ]

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. Ephesians 1:11

Note that God chose people, not facts. That is, these verses refer to who God foreknew, not what He foreknew. They refer to a relationship prior to time.

[It is important to understand the idea of God's "foreknowledge" at this point. 这是什么？ Is it just knowing something before it takes place? That's what some people think it is--advanced knowledge. 但它的还不止这些。 Read Acts 2:23, Romans 11:2. These verses show that foreknowledge is a choice before hand that a certain thing will happen. Thus in Romans 8:29, "foreknew" carries the idea of selection/choice before hand, not just advanced knowledge. God did not choose us based on what He saw we would do on our own (an Arminian idea).]

B. Because of Christ's work before time, we can approach the future with confidence .

The triune God determined future events before the beginning of time. We can thus be confident that whatever happens is part of God's wise design.

[God has from eternity past planned what is going to happen, so history is not mere chance, random happenings. There is a definite goal toward which history is progressing. God, who is loving, kind, and wise, is directing history to His desired ends. Thus we may look forward with confidence, knowing that God is in control and that all things will end up as they should be.

The problem comes for us when we see bad/evil things happen, like crime or natural disasters--how could God allow/do such a thing? While it's impossible to know why God does certain things, we can be sure it's all part of God's program/plan and that God is still in control.]

Note: The events of human history, including the events of our individual lives, are the fulfillment within time of that which God determined in eternity past. The believer's assurance of life in eternity future is possible only because of God's work in eternity past . One is eternally secure because the process of salvation began before time and extends eternally. Thus, the doctrine of eternal security is based upon the doctrine of election .

二。 Christ's Work Within Time and the Christian Life

A. Because of Christ's work within time, we understand more fully the character of God .

At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “. 。 。 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Mark 15:33 34

The death of Christ on the cross displayed the character of God. The cross helped solve the tension between the justice of God and the love of God. His justice required a perfect sacrifice for sin. His love moved Him to become that sacrifice on our behalf. In addition to the attributes of justice and love, the cross also displayed the holiness of God. On that fateful day when the innocent, spotless Lamb of God took our sin upon Himself, the Father was unable to look upon His Son. His holiness prevented Him from looking upon sin.

Your eyes are too pure to look on evil. – Habakkuk 1:13

B. Because of Christ's work within time, we understand more fully the true meaning of love .

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 约翰福音3:16

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. 1 John 3:16

At the cross, God revealed the true meaning of love by giving Himself for our salvation.

[We've got to get rid of this romantic, emotional, worldly idea of love. Love is a choice to do what is best for the other person, to sacrifice your self, your desires, your possessions, etc., for the good of another. This means: 1. You don't have to wait until you feel something to love someone; 2. You can love someone you don't even like very much; 3. Much of what passes for love really is not true love.]

C. Because of Christ's work within time, we have a right relationship with God.

1。 Our slavery to sin is finished, and we are now slaves to righteousness . We call the act of being purchased out of the slave market of sin redemption .

Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. Romans 6:16 18

[The above verse has only two options: slave to sin or slave to righteousness. No one is truly free. Everyone is a slave. ]

2。 Our separation from God is finished, and we are now reconciled to God. We call the act of being restored to a friendly relationship with God reconciliation .

For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Romans 5:10 11

The work of Christ removed the separation between God and man caused by sin. Christ has restored for us that which sin had destroyed: fellowship between God and man. We are no longer God's enemies.

3。 Our liability to God's wrath is finished, and we are now able to please God. We call the act of appeasing God's wrath propitiation .

God presented [Christ] as the one who would turn aside his wrath, taking away sin through faith in his blood. Romans 3:25 [NIV footnote]

Jesus appeased God's wrath toward sin by His death on the cross. Although previously unable to do anything pleasing to God (Isaiah 64:6), Christians are now able to do things which are acceptable to Him.

[Liability to wrath or punishment is called guilt. We are truly guilty for our sin. At salvation, God removes our guilt, and thus we are no longer liable/blameworthy to suffer the penalty of sin or be exposed to God's wrath.]

4。 Our condemnation by God is finished, and we are now declared righteous . We call the act of being declared righteous justification .

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1

God has declared all unbelievers guilty and, therefore, under condemnation. However, He has declared believers righteous.

[Justification is a positional thing – it describes our relationship with God. We are declared to be righteous, just like a judge declares someone not guilty. This does not mean that we will live perfectly righteous lives, but that our standing with God is righteous.

The opposite of each one of the above things is true of the unbeliever. The unsaved are enslaved to sin, separated from God, under God's wrath and condemned. Each one of those relationships changes when one gets saved.]

Note: The new life that we experience upon salvation is the outworking of the new position we enjoy in Christ. This is similar to the fact that, in the mind of God, the work of Christ was completed before time began, even though its outworking occurred within time. So too, what is considered as being completed in God's mind is worked out in our daily experience .

Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30

Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:12 13

[Positionally, our salvation is a completed thing. We are saved. Experientially, we continue to “work out” our salvation on a daily basis. ]

D. Because of Christ's work within time, we eagerly expect His return.

While we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. – Titus 2:13

The hope of Christ's future return to receive His own is based upon His Resurrection and Ascension . Because Christianity is based upon belief in a living Savior, Christians worldwide wait for the “blessed hope” of the Lord's return.

Recap & Review

在这一课中，我们了解到：

1. Because of Christ's work before time, we are saved and can approach the future with confidence.

2. Because of Christ's work within time, we understand more fully the character of God and the true meaning of love, have a right relationship with God, and eagerly expect His return.

学习生活

1。 Your cousin, who enjoys discussing biblical issues, gets into a discussion with you at a family gathering. In the midst of the conversation, you realize that he does not believe in eternal security based upon his belief that eternal life begins at death. At what point in time does eternal life begin for the believer?

at the moment of salvation

What are some Scripture passages which support your conclusion?

John 3:36 and 5:24–”has eternal life” is in the present tense, ie, it's happening now.

Is a believer's salvation within time the true beginning of the process?

no

If not, when did the process of our salvation begin?

with God's choice in eternity past

Therefore, on what doctrine is eternal security based?

election

2。 A best-selling song declared: “Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.” Is this lyric true?

no, in fact, the whole self-love/esteem thing is unbiblical. We love ourselves too much.

What are some Scripture passages which define the true nature of love?

John 3:16, Romans 5:8, 1 John 3:16 and 4:9-10

Lesson 15: The Work of Christ

As stated in Lesson Fourteen, what we do is a reflection of who we are. Having learned who Christ is (His person), we can now proceed to study what He has done (His work). This lesson will discuss:

1。 The work of Christ before time

2。 The work of Christ within time

[When did time start? With creation. Before that was eternity past. Time will end with the creation of the new heaven and earth after the Millennium (2 Pet 3:10-13; Rev 21:1). Before creation and in the eternal state there was/will be no time as we know it. ]

I. The Work of Christ Before Time

In Lesson Thirteen, we learned that many people mistakenly believe that Christ came into existence at the birth of Jesus. As a result, they believe that His work is limited to the time following His birth. However, the Bible teaches that the triune God was active prior to Creation. Because Christ is God, He was active prior to the beginning of time.

A. Christ was active in planning the events of history .

“Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it. In days of old I planned it; now I have brought it to pass.” – Isaiah 37:26

All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. – Psalm 139:16

[Everything that happens is part of God's plan for the universe. Things happen because God determined that they would. If this is true, what are some consequences? Nothing happens by pure chance. There is a purpose for everything. God is in control of everything. There is not such thing as random or chance occurances.]

B. Christ was active in planning the salvation of believers .

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:4-5

[The words “in him” or “in Christ” describe salvation. Holy Spirit baptism places us “in him” at the moment of salvation. ]

In [Christ] we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. Ephesians 1:11

It is interesting to note that God's plan for history included Christ's sacrifice of Himself. Therefore, Christ was involved in planning His own death.

。 。 。 the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world. Revelation 13:8

[Is the salvation of an individual purely his own decision? No. Why not? God planned it. One is saved as a result of the out-working of the plan of God. God saves who he has chosen to save.]

Note: Although the above verses specify God the Father as the One doing the planning, both God the Son and God the Holy Spirit played an active role in these events as well.

二。 The Work of Christ Within Time

Not only was Christ active prior to the creation of time, but He has also been active since then.

A. Christ's work in the past

1。 Christ created the universe.

Through [Christ] all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. John 1:3

For by [Christ] all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. Colossians 1:16

2。 Christ revealed God. ["Reveal" means "to make known."]

No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known. John 1:18

Jesus answered: ” . 。 。 Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” John 14:9

Note: As the God man, Jesus Christ made God known as no other prophet could (such as Moses, Elijah, and others in the Old Testament). He perfectly fulfilled the Old Testament office of prophet .

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son. Hebrews 1:1 2

3。 Christ made salvation possible.

A. Jesus Christ satisfied the required penalties of God's Law.

1) Jesus Christ died as our perfect substitute .

The Bible states that “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23) and that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Because all men are sinners, they all deserve death. Jesus Christ died in our place.

[This is what we call the vicarious or substitutionary atonement. Our relationship with God is made right through the sacrificial death of Christ on our behalf. The death of Christ satisfied God's wrath against sin. Christ paid the penalty in our place.]

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. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:4 6

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2

2) Jesus Christ's perfect sacrifice removes the guilt of the believer.

Because of his sin, every person stands guilty before God. The substitutionary death of Christ is the means by which God removes the guilt of every believer.

[Christ's death is the basis of our forgiveness. God did not just wipe away our debt. He didn't just cancel the punishment due the crime. Had he done so, he would not have been just/fair. Someone had to pay the price/penalty for sin. Jesus did. Because Jesus died for us, we don't have to. Jesus paid the debt, he suffered the consequences for us.]

But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. – Hebrews 9:26

B. Jesus Christ satisfied the positive demands of God's Law.

1) Jesus Christ lived a life of perfect obedience .

Some assume that Christ's perfect life means only that He did not do anything wrong. However, Christ was perfect not only because He did not do anything wrong, but also because He did everything right, thereby fulfilling all the righteous requirements of God's Law. We say that Jesus died for us, but often forget that He lived for us too!

Although [Christ] was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. Hebrews 5:8 9

[Cf also Matt 5.17]

2) Jesus Christ's perfect life is imputed to the believer.

[What does "impute" mean? To charge to one's account. Thus, the perfect law-keeping of Christ is charged to us. So by the sacrificial death of Christ we are forgiven, and by the perfect life of Christ we are given a righteous/meritorious standing. It's not enough just to be forgiven; you have to have a righteous/holy standing. ]

When one becomes a Christian, God imputes to him the righteous life of Jesus Christ. Christ's righteousness is credited to his account.

For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. Romans 5:19 (See also 2 Corinthians 5:21.)

4。 Jesus Christ rose from the dead .

Christ's resurrection separates Him from all other religious leaders. The founders of all other religions are dead. Christ, however, rose from the dead on the third day, just as He said He would.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” Matthew 28:5 6

[How important is the resurrection? What would happen to Christianity without it? 1 Cor. 15 -- without the rez. the whole thing would be one big lie, worthless and meaningless.]

B. Christ's work in the present

1。 Jesus Christ preserves the universe.

[Christ] is before all things, and in him all things hold together. – Colossians 1:17

[God's power holds the universe together. ]

2。 Jesus Christ intercedes for believers.

Christ speaks to the Father in behalf of believers.

[An intercessor is a go-between, a mediator (1 Tim 2:5), one who speaks to someone for someone else. John 14:6--no one comes to God but through Christ.]

Christ Jesus, who died more than that, who was raised to life is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:34

Note: As the God man, Jesus Christ can intercede for us as no other human priest could (such as Aaron, Eli, and others in the Old Testament). Jesus Christ perfectly fulfills the Old Testament office of priest .

[The Bible uses the term "advocate" to describe Jesus as our intercessor. Like a lawyer, He pleads our case before God.]

C. Christ's work in the future

God is the king of His creation in spite of the attempts of Satan and mankind to dethrone Him. Jesus Christ will one day return to establish His kingdom and reign as the supreme king.

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads

the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:11 16

Note: As the God man, Jesus Christ will rule as no other human king could (such as Saul, David, and others in the Old Testament). Jesus Christ will perfectly fulfill the Old Testament office of king .

[When will this happen? 7 Years after the rapture, the millennium will begin--1000 years of the literal rule of Christ on the earth. Jesus will be here, in person, ruling the earth from a throne in Jerusalem.]

Recap & Review

在这一课中，我们了解到：

1. Christ was active before time. He planned the events of history and the salvation of believers.

2. Christ has been, is, and will be active within time. He created the universe, revealed God, made salvation possible, and rose from the dead. He preserves the universe and intercedes for believers. He will one day return to establish His kingdom.

学习生活

1。 While talking to you about Christ's death on the cross, a friend asks, “How old was Jesus when He died?” You tell him, “About thirty.” He then asks, “Why did He wait until He was thirty?” How should you respond?

There needed to be enough time for Christ to meet the positive demands of God's Law by living a life of perfect obedience.

2。 After you explain to an unsaved friend that salvation is a free gift that one cannot earn, he refuses to accept Christ on the grounds that it seems too easy. What misconception does your friend have?

1。 that salvation is cheap It was not. Jesus paid for it with His life. 2。 That salvation is not a major step in one's life. Salvation is a total change of life, a major decision.

What distinction would be helpful in clearing it up?

Free does not necessarily mean cheap. Salvation is free, but it cost God dearly. Also tell him about the changes salvation brings. It's costly to be a Christian.

Lesson 14: The Person of Christ & The Christian Life

Our previous lesson focused on the unique person we call the God man, Jesus Christ. We learned that Christ possesses two natures. He is fully God and fully man at the same time. One might wonder how such a complex doctrine has any practical value.

This lesson will point out the practical value of the doctrine of the God man. Because He is God, Christ is to be exalted above all others. As a man, He has experienced the cares and difficulties of everyday life. As both God and man, He is able to provide all that is needed for our salvation.

I. The Deity of Christ and the Christian Life

A. Because Christ is God, He demands and deserves our worship .

Our English word “worship” comes from the Old English word “ worthship .” We worship God by recognizing His worth or value. As God, Christ is of infinite value and is, therefore, worthy of our worship.

[A good synonym for "worship" is "to respect" or "to honor" or "to reverence." Why do we call the church service "worship"? Because during it we seek to honor/pay respect to/reverence God. Note that we give worship to God. Instead of going to church to get something out of the services, we ought to go to give worship to God.

What kind of atmosphere is best for worship? Slap-stick? Laid back? No. Reverential, serious, orderly, biblical.

We should honor/value Christ because He is God the Son. ]

1。 We are to worship Christ because of who He is .

For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father”? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”? And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God's angels worship him.” Hebrews 1:5 6

2。 We are to worship Christ because of what He has done .

You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things. – Revelation 4:11

B. Because Christ is God, He demands and deserves our obedience .

于是耶稣前来，对他们说：“在天上和地上的所有的权柄都赐给我了。 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:18 20

We have learned in previous lessons that God is sovereign (ie, He has all authority). Thus, He demands obedience from all men (including the unsaved). The believer's obedience, however, should flow from a heart that desires to please God by living a life which displays His worth (Colossians 1:10).

[Interesting that in John 3:36, believing the gospel is equated to obeying the gospel. Your lifestyle and behavior display how much God means to you. ]

C. Because Christ is God, He demands and deserves our devotion .

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. Romans 12:1

[What is devotion? It's our commitment to Him, or desire to put Him and His will first in our lives. Worship and devotion are very closely tied ideas--almost synonymous.]

二。 The Humanity of Jesus and the Christian Life

A. Because Jesus is a man, He empathizes with us.

[Empathy means "feeling with." We empathize with someone when we feel his/her pain or truly understand his/her trouble, etc.]

As stated above, Jesus was fully human. As a result, He understands our struggles as one who has known the pain of everyday life. He is able to empathize with us as one who has experienced life's trials first hand.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are yet was without sin. Hebrews 4:15

B. Because Jesus is a man, He dignifies the human body.

["To dignify" means "to give value to" something. ]

Throughout the centuries, many cults (and even some well-meaning Christians) have devalued the human body. Some have viewed the body as inherently evil and, therefore, of less value than man's spirit. However, the Bible places great importance upon man's body. This is especially seen in the fact that Christ took upon Himself a human body.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:14

[An old philosopher (Plato) popularized the idea that body is low/sinful while the spirit is high/good. This developed into the idea (Gnosticism) that all material objects are evil while the mind or spirit is good. Plato said, “The body is the prison house of the soul.” So the Gnostics exalted ideas and downplayed the material, including the human body. Today, it's just the opposite: we exalt the body or the image and downplay the inner man. The right philosophy is that both soul/spirit and body are valuable and sanctified. ]

三。 The Uniqueness of Jesus Christ and the Christian Life

What we do is a reflection of who we are . Accordingly, what Christ has done is based upon who He is.

A. Because Jesus Christ is both God and man, we can know God.

[To “know God” is to be saved. The word “know” denotes a close personal relationship. See Matt 7:21-23]

1。 Because Jesus is a man, He could live a human life and die a human death.

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death–that is, the devil–and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death . 。 。 。 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, . 。 。 that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. – Hebrews 2:14-17

[If Jesus was not truly a man, his suffering a death would be meaningless. His humanity made his suffering and death possible. We should not downplay the importance of Jesus' humanity.

2。 Because Christ is God:

A. He was able to satisfy the positive demands of the Law by living a sinless life.

For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:3 4

B. He was able to satisfy the required penalties of the Law by dying a sacrificial death.

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. Galatians 3:13

[The fact that Christ was God made is suffering and death effective. The death of a regular human doesn't do anything for others. But the death of Jesus is beneficial for others. He was able to die for me. No one else could do that. Cf also 2 Cor 5:21.

We say that Christ was both actively and passively obedient. That is, he (actively) obeyed the OT law perfectly, thus fulfilling it and allowing the merit of a perfect life to be imputed to us. On the other hand, he (passively) took the punishment for sin--death--for us and thereby made it possible that we wouldn't have to do so. Both his obedience and his punishment are imputed to the believer's account. ]

B. Because Christ is both God and man, we can trust God.

At the conclusion of Section Three (the doctrine of man), we were left with a dilemma: the Scriptures reveal a God who is totally sovereign but who, as part of His plan, allowed evil to enter the universe. Many have questioned God's character in light of the existence of evil. If God is sovereign, He certainly could have prevented evil. However, He did not choose to do so; therefore, He must not be good. Jesus Christ was God's answer to this accusation. By entering the corridors of time in the person of Jesus Christ, God Himself suffered the consequences of evil to a far greater degree than any one of us ever have or ever will. Thus, even though evil exists, we can still trust God's goodness.

[In other words, God solved the problem of evil through the death of Christ. The atonement destroyed the power of evil and made salvation possible.

Can we know why God allowed/planned the entrance of evil in the first place? 号

Will evil ever be totally eradicated? Yes, in the eternal state there will be no evil. Eventually, God will right every wrong and reward every good work. Justice will be done. Rewards and punishments will be justly handed out.]

学习生活

1。 You have a friend who made a profession of faith last year at camp but has not shown any evidence of it. One day you ask him about his spiritual condition, and he responds, “I believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” Do you have reason to question the reality of his profession? 为什么或为什么不呢？

yes; because his conduct does not correspond with his profession. Remember that God demands our worship, devotion, and obedience. If none of this is evident, it is evident that the person is not really saved.

Is it possible for one to be saved and show absolutely no evidence of it? no

2。 A recent controversy has arisen among some well-known Christian leaders concerning the blood of Christ. According to some, Christ's blood was not human blood but special, divine blood. 这是准确的吗？

No; remember that we said above that Jesus was fully human. He had normal blood flowing in his veins.

If Christ's blood was not human blood, what does this imply about His humanity?

that He wasn't fully human. If he wasn't fully human, then he couldn't die for the sins of mankind. He also couldn't empathize with us.

我是谁？ I am an undeserving recipient of God's love.

Introduction to the Doctrine of Christ

The doctrine of Christ (or Christology) focuses on the person and work of Jesus Christ. An understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done is essential to a proper view of our identity as Christians.

As stated in the Introduction to this course, we are attempting to answer the questions, “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?” Were it not for who Jesus is and what He has accomplished, our task would be finished for we have already learned who we are apart from Christ–sinners who have offended their Creator. We would be left without an answer to our second question, for a life lost in sin is meaningless. In Christ, however, God Himself became a man in order to conquer sin and, thus, give meaning to life.

This section will draw on concepts already learned in previous lessons. As both God and man, the person of Christ will reflect that which we have learned concerning God and man. The work of Christ will draw upon much of what we have learned concerning God's character (for example, His justice requires that sin be punished) and man's plight (he is a sinner in need of a Savior). May the study of this doctrine give us a greater appreciation for who Christ is and for what He has done on our behalf.

Lesson 13: The Person of Christ

Jesus Christ is absolutely unique. The Bible teaches that He is at the same time both fully God and fully man. Although a complete understanding of the person of Christ is beyond our comprehension, the Bible clearly teaches the amazing truth of the God-man.

This lesson will examine the biblical evidence for the dual nature of Jesus Christ.

[By "dual nature" we mean that Christ possesses both a human and divine nature. That is, He is both human and God at the same time. He possesses characteristics of both because He is both. This lesson examines the person of Christ, ie, who he is.]

The Bible teaches that:

1。 Christ is God .

2。 Jesus is man .

3。 Jesus Christ is the God-man .

Note: You will notice throughout this lesson that the name “Christ” is used when emphasizing the deity of the God-man, while “Jesus” is used when referring to His humanity. When these two names (Jesus and Christ) are combined, they signify both His deity and humanity.

一，基督是上帝。

The statement, “Christ is God,” means that Christ possesses all the attributes (character qualities) that belong to God. In other words, all that is true of God applies equally to Christ. The word “ deity ” describes one who possesses the attributes of God. In Lesson One, we learned that there are three persons who possess the attributes of deity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. This lesson deals with the second person of the Triunity , God the Son.

A. The Bible teaches that Christ is God.

1。 Christ existed before the birth of Jesus.

Many mistakenly believe that Christ came into existence at the birth of Jesus. However, the Bible teaches that Christ is eternal. As God, there was never a time when He was not.

A. Christ existed prior to Creation .

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

[The context of this verse clearly indicates that the Word/God is referring to Jesus. Christ, as the second person of the Trinity, eternally existed.]

B. Christ was active in Creation .

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. John 1:3 (See also Colossians 1:16.)

Note: Since Christ was the Creator, He could not have been part of the creation.

C. Christ appeared in temporary human form throughout the Old Testament.

The angel of the LORD found Hagar near a spring in the desert. Genesis 16:7

Who Was the Angel of the Lord?

Several facts have led most scholars to identify “the angel of the Lord” with Christ:

1) The use of the definite article (“the” angel)–Appearances of other divine messengers normally do not include the article (Luke 2:9 and Acts 12:7).

2) The angel of the Lord is equated with God and worshiped as God (Exodus 3:1-5).

3) The angel of the Lord never appears after Jesus is born.

D. Christ claimed to have existed prior to Abraham .

Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” John 8:58

[When did Abraham live? Long before Christ, even before Moses. The statement implied more than the fact that Christ lived before Abraham. What is the implication of Jesus' words "I am?" He is equating Himself with the God of the OT. In other words, He is claiming the name of God for Himself. Look at the next few verses to see how the Jews responded to this – they understood that he was equating himself with God, and they wanted to stone him for it.]

2。 Christ is called the “ Son of God .”

In Scripture, “son of” often means “to possess the character qualities of” a person or object. For example, in Genesis 5:32 the original Hebrew literally says that Noah was the “son of 500 years.” Acts 4:36 says that the name “Barnabas” means “Son of Encouragement.” The title “Son of God” indicates that Christ possesses the attributes of God, a fact which even Christ's enemies acknowledged:

“We are not stoning you for any of these,” replied the Jews, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.” Jesus answered them, “. 。 。 Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, 'I am God's Son'?” John 10:33 36

3。 Christ is fully God.

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form. Colossians 2:9

The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being. Hebrews 1:3

[Some cults/religions teach that Christ is "a god" or somehow less than fully equal with God the Father. The Bible teaches that He is fully and equally God.]

B. Christ demonstrated that He was God.

1。 Christ demonstrated that He was omnipotent .

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. -Mark 4:39

2。 Christ demonstrated that He was omniscient .

Jesus knew their thoughts. – Matthew 12:25

3。 Christ demonstrated that He was sovereign .

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Matthew 28:18

4。 Christ demonstrated that He was holy .

Christ did not yield to Satan's temptations (Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13).

These are the same attributes we studied in Section One (the doctrine of God).

二。 Jesus is Man.

The statement, “Jesus is man,” means that He possesses all the attributes that belong to man. In other words, all that is inherently true of humanity applies equally to Jesus. This does not, however, include sinfulness. Adam and Eve were created truly human but were not created sinful. Therefore, sin is not essential to being human . Jesus, though fully human, was not sinful.

[You might say that Adam, Eve, and Jesus were the only truly human humans. Everyone else has suffered the damaging effects of sin and are thus less than what they were originally created to be.]

A. The Bible teaches that Jesus is a man.

1。 Jesus is called a man .

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 1 Corinthians 15:20 21

2。 Jesus has the components of humanity (See Lesson Ten.).

1. Jesus has a human body .

But the temple he had spoken of was his body. John 2:21

[Some have taught that Jesus was a phantom/ghost. The Bible clearly presents Jesus as a man like other men. Does he still have a body? Yes.]

B. Jesus has a human spirit .

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” Luke 23:46

3。 Jesus is called the “ Son of man .”

Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28

Note: See above for the significance of the phrase “son of.”

B. Jesus demonstrated that He was a man.

1。 Jesus experienced a human birth .

See Matthew 1 and Luke 2.

2。 Jesus experienced mental, physical, spiritual, and social growth .

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:52

3。 Jesus experienced human emotions .

Jesus wept. John 11:35

4。 Jesus experienced human limitations .

Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. John 4:6

[Any such statements that imply Jesus' changing, growing, being ignorant, etc., must be linked with/based upon the limitations of humanity. As God, Jesus could not have grown intellectually or been ignorant. But as man he could have. Thus any growth or development must be due to his humanity.]

Jesus is fully man. However, the Scriptures also teach that Christ is fully God. This gives us a complete view of the two natures of the God-man, both human and divine. One should not conclude from this, however, that Jesus Christ is two persons . The Bible is clear that He is a single person possessing two natures .

[The two natures of Christ (divine and human) are distinct from each other tho united in one person. The hypostatic union stayed intact in thru death. The two natures are united in one person, without confusion, conversion, division, or separation. We must neither divide the person nor confound the natures. His deity didn't “leak” into his humanity or vice versa.]

三。 Jesus Christ is the God Man.

In order to combine the divine and human natures into a single person, God did something unique.

A. The two natures were united at the incarnation.

The word “incarnation” means “to embody in flesh .” Theologians use this word to describe Christ's entrance into the human race. John 1:14 says: “The Word became flesh.” The Bible describes how the incarnation took place:

1。 The incarnation took place by means of the virgin conception and birth.

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High . 。 。 .” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:30 35

Note: The virgin conception was necessary in order to prevent a sin nature from being transmitted to Christ (See Lesson Ten on procreation as the means of transmitting the sin nature.).

2。 The incarnation took place by means of an emptying .

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing [literally, "emptied himself"], taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:5 7

In the incarnation, Christ gave up the independent use of His divine attributes. This is not to say that Christ gave up His deity, but rather the independent display of His deity. Jesus occasionally displayed His deity, but would not do so apart from the will of God the Father.

Christ continued to be equal in essence with the other persons of the Godhead. However, He demonstrated a subordinate role or function in the incarnation (1 Corinthians 11:3).

B. The union of the two natures is permanent.

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. – 1 Timothy 2:5

Notice that this verse refers to Christ as a man after His earthly ministry.

[It is important for us to neither confuse the natures of Christ nor divide the person of Christ. His humanity did not limit his deity, and his deity did not change his humanity. His personality (the "I") resided in his deity as the second person of the Trinity/the Word. He did not have two separate personalities.]

Recap & Review

在这一课中，我们了解到：

1. Christ is God. He possesses all the attributes of deity.

2. Jesus is man. He possesses all the attributes of humanity.

3. Jesus Christ is the God-man. He is both fully God and fully man at the same time. He is one person possessing two natures.

Learning to Live It

1。 During lunch at school, you are drawn into a discussion about various world religions. A friend says, “I think all religions are good and were founded by good men. None are better, none are worse.” How should you respond?

Jesus was more than a man–He was God. Furthermore, Jesus demanded exclusive worship (John 14:6), thus placing Christianity on a different level than all other religions. Either Jesus is who He said He was and is, thus, to be worshipped exclusively or He was a liar and is, thus, not good.

2。 A TV preacher [Kenneth Copeland] proclaimed to a national audience a few years ago: “Jesus said, 'I am,' and bless God I am too!” What was this preacher implying?

He was claiming to be divine by referring to himself by the divine name “I am.” Some charismatics teach that believers are little gods. But do we possess the attributes of deity? 号