Redemption: a change of Master – God Himself. (Matthew 23:10)

“For as ye know that ye were not REDEEMED with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation (i.e. whole way of life, daily practice) received by tradition from your fathers (i.e. rituals, etc.) but with the precious Blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot…”.  (1 Peter 1:18-19)

Definition of the term:

Redemption:  To be redeemed is to be delivered from some great penalty by the paying of a fee.

Thus, prisoners of war are sometimes released on payment by their Government of a price which is called the ransom price (i.e. the price paid to obtain release of a prisoner; kidnap victim; captured goods; etc.; to release from captivity to a cruel taskmaster; price paid to set slaves and captives FREE).  (John 8:32) (Isaiah 61:1-2) (Luke 4:18) (Revelation 5:9)

For example: pawned possessions are REDEEMED by their owners when the financial loan is repaid at a pawnshop!

Question:  What then does mankind need to be set free from, Spiritually speaking?  (Romans 7:14-24)

Answer: Sin!  We are born sinners, and sin naturally from our birth.

Mankind are born as:

(a) Slaves under sin: (Psalm 51:5)

Adam was CREATED perfect, in God’s own image.  (Genesis 1:26)  He then fell from grace (i.e. sinned!) when he and Eve disobeyed God.

Adam thus became a slave to Satan through his sin, and then BEGAT mankind in his own sinful image. (Genesis 5:3)

Therefore, all Creation including mankind, became prisoners of God’s Curse; and NATURAL SINNERS by birth. (Genesis 3:17-19) (Job 14:4)

God Redeemed (i.e. bought back) Adam and Eve by the shedding of the innocent blood of animals, to clothe; or cover the sins of, the pair.  In this manner, God made a blood sacrifice for their sins; their sins were ‘…covered…’ by the blood sacrifice.  (Genesis 3:20-21) (Psalm 32:1-2)

Of course, this sacrifice revealed God’s chosen way of Atonement ( i.e. at-one-ment!), sinful man to a thrice Holy God of wrath against sin; and looked forward in faith to the ‘…once for all time…’ Atonement (or Redemption) Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, at the Cross of Calvary.  (John 1:29)

This Cross-work of Christ is called EXPIATION: the suffering undergone by an innocent substitute to expiate (i.e. make amends for; pay the penalty of) the sins of the guilty parties.  (Hebrews 10:10)

It follows, therefore, that, “…without shedding of blood is no remission of sins…”. (Hebrews 9:22-28)  Christ’s Blood was shed for our Redemption.

Redemption:  Redemption was made by the shedding of Christ’s SINLESS BLOOD.  Thus, the reason for preaching the Blood of Christ boldly – it is the only way of true Salvation!  He was our Substitute on that cruel Cross.  There is no Redemption without the precious Blood of Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:21) (1 Peter 1:18-19)  Thank you, Lord Jesus!

(b)Prisoners of the Pit:  (Zechariah 9:9-17)

We are all born as prisoners on our way to the pit of Hell.  We are Hell-bound sinners; guilty of Adam’s original sin, as well as the sins we naturally commit ourselves – due to our inherited ADAMIC NATURE.          (Genesis 6:5-7)

Redemption:  Redemption came by Christ, as promised, when He came to Redeem His people from the pit of Hell and from our sins.                (Genesis 3:15) (Matthew 1:21)

He came to free us from going to our rightful destination – a fiery Hell, where we would have gone to spend Eternity but for His grace.             (Isaiah 61:1) (Isaiah 42:1-10;22)

Redemption:  Redemption was declared to the Jewish nation as Christ’s purpose for coming the first time as the Lamb of God. (Luke 4:18)  But, they rejected their Messiah/Saviour.  (Matthew 27:22-26)

The wages of our sins was death (i.e. Spiritual and natural death!), but Christ, by His gracious act of Redemption, declares us (i.e. all those born again of His Spirit, Spiritually regenerated) His purchased possessions. (Revelation 20:5-15)

We are through faith in Christ’s Sacrifice, granted freedom, like Barabbas was granted his freedom.  We are secured by the highest Price possible to pay – the precious Blood of Christ Jesus Himself.  Hallelujah!  Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (1 Peter 1:1:18-19) (Romans 6:23)

Christ, the sinless Lamb of God, went to the Cross, while we latter-day Barabbas-like, guilty, sinners go free!  What grace!  (Isaiah 53:4-11)

Mankind are ‘Born Again’ as:

(a) Sons/daughters of God: (John 1:12) (Romans 8:10-18) ( Isaiah 56:4-8)
(b)  Slaves of Love:  (2 Corinthians 5:14-21) (Exodus 6:2-8)
(c)  Prisoners of Hope:  (Zechariah 9:12) (Psalm 69:29-33)

What a Saviour!  What a Redeemer!  What a Lord of Love and Truth!

Redemption:  Redemption therefore, is God’s free gift of grace to His chosen people.  (Ephesians 2:8-10)  Yet, although freely given, we must always remember the terrible Price God paid to purchase us, and free us from the power of Satan, self; and the penalty of sin. (John 3:16-17)

In remembering this great RANSOM PRICE of Christ’s infinite suffering, we too shall endure all suffering victoriously, and commit ourselves to our Sovereign Redeemer’s safe keeping.  
(1 Corinthians 11:23-34) (Philippians 1:29) (2 Timothy 3:12)  Amen.

This, therefore, is the Scriptural doctrine of Redemption – go forward in its liberating truth.

Sanctification: a change of service – to God (John 13:1-17) (Joshua 24:14-15)

Definition of the term:  Sanctification is a two-fold doctrine and can be understood better in this manner:

(a)  Immediate Sanctification – consecrated, set apart for sacred use or service.  (John 10:36)

(b) Progressive Sanctification – purify afresh; make Holy. (1 Corinthians 6:11) (John 17:17)

John 13:10 – “Jesus saith to him, “He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.”

There are two different Greek words used in this verse for the word we have in the King James Version Bible as “…washed…” and “…wash…”.  The first word simply means, ‘The big bath’; the second word could be understood as, ‘The tidy-up wash’.

(a) Washed:  This denotes being bathed completely spotless; sanctified; set apart for sacred service to God – and it’s a ‘…once for all time…’ wash. (Hebrews 10:10)

We are cleansed from all sin by the precious Blood of Christ Jesus.   (Titus 3:3-6) (1 Peter 1:18-19)

We are PASSIVE in this act of God’s sanctification; it is done according to His free grace.  (Ezekiel 36:22-23) (Hebrews 10:3-25)  Praise God!

Sanctification:  Sanctification in this ABSOLUTE sense is performed by God in His gracious act of Salvation – we are ‘born again’. (John 3:3-8) (Jonah 2:9)

Christ’s righteousness is imputed unto us by God-given faith. (John 6:37) (Acts 4:12)

This act of Sanctification has primarily to do with the believer’s STANDING before God, in Christ Jesus.  (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The believer is thus deemed PERFECT, sinless; not guilty; Holy; righteous; etc.; a son or a daughter of God; joint-heirs with Christ; beloved of the Father; with immediate access to God in prayer and acceptance before God’s Holy throne of grace – a new creature in Christ indeed!  Hallelujah!  What a Saviour!  Praise His gracious Name! Amen.  (Hebrews 7:25)

(b) Wash:  This word denotes being washed (or purified afresh) DAILY, as we walk as pilgrims through this barren land.  We are personally and individually ACTIVE in this progressive sanctification process.             (John 15:3) (Galatians 6:5)

Therefore, this sense of PROGRESSIVE SANCTIFICATION implies the sense of having a daily tidying up; a constant cleansing exercise which must continually follow the main bath to keep the believer Spiritually clean in his/her actual STATE.  It is therefore, the believer himself who is held responsible for this sense of his/her SANCTIFICATION. The Lord commands us as believers: “Be ye Holy for I am Holy.”  (1 Peter 1:16)
(1 Peter 3:10-16)

Practical Reality of Sanctification:  In our State we are, and shall always remain, “…unprofitable servants…”. (Romans 3:10;22-23)               (Romans 7:14-24)  (Luke 17:10)

Sin separates us from God’s Holy fellowship – but NOTHING can ever separate us from His Family!  (Isaiah 59:1-2) (Romans 8:28-39)

We, as born again, Spiritually regenerate believers have a STANDING in Christ.  However, if there is unconfessed sin, or consistent impurity of habits, in the believer’s life – the believer shall seldom receive real Spiritual power to serve the risen Lord Jesus.  (Hebrews 12:14) (Acts 1:8)   (Ephesians 5:18)

Holy Spiritual power to serve the Lord Almighty will only be imparted to those who are sincerely seeking to sanctify themselves to receive it!  Therefore, be Holy, “…be filled with the Spirit.”  (Ephesians 5:18)

We must strive to be:
                 (a) ‘…vessels of honour…’. (2 Timothy 2:15-21)                
                 (b) ‘…conformed to Christ – not the world.’. (Romans 12:1-2)

Question: How do born again believers PREPARE to be filled with the Spirit?
Answer:  By PROGRESSIVELY SANCTIFYING the vessel (i.e. our hearts) desiring to be filled with the Holy Spirit of God.

Conclusion:

Sanctification: Sanctification is, therefore, a two-way doctrine.  God sanctifies us once for all time in our STANDING before Him and in His Holy sight – by clothing us in Christ Jesus.  (Hebrews 12:14)      (Habakukk 1:13)

Our duty thereafter then, as Christians, is to progressively, “…grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  – as to our actual STATE daily. (2 Peter 3:18) (2 Corinthians 5:17)

When the almost inevitable sins do come into our lives, and cause a hindrance to our fellowship, service, and worship – they must be:

(a) confessed: (1 John 1:7-9) (Psalm 51:5)

(b) forsaken:   (Philippians 3:1-10)

(c) and the vessel ‘washed’: (Ephesians 5:26) (John 15:3)

Prayer and the Word:

Prayer to God and the Word of God are the Christian’s passport to a CLOSE SANCTIFIED walk with the Lord God.  We must keep short accounts with God concerning personal sins; and be SANCTIFIED daily by Bible study and quiet times in God’s Holy Presence.  (Psalm 16:11)

In the above manner, we shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost, as promised, to win souls for the Master – Jesus Christ. (Proverbs 11:30)

Our lives shall then be victorious lives of personal sanctification.  We shall have continual victory over Satan, and self, and sin.  (Exodus 17:8-16)

Go to then, Blood-bought Christian warrior, live in this Scriptural state of Sanctification.  Amen, and amen.  Praise God, amen.

Adoption: a change of family – in God    (Galatians 4:1-7)

“…And I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My SONS and DAUGHTERS, saith the Lord Almighty.”
(2 Corinthians 6:17-18) (John 1:12)

Definition of the term:  Adoption is an act of God’s free grace whereby believers (i.e. those born again of the Spirit of God) are received into the number of (i.e. or family of) God; and have a right LAWFULLY to all the privileges of the sons and daughters of God.  (Romans 8:14-17)

We thus cease to be sin-enslaved children of Devilish disobedience to God; and are ADOPTED into God’s family – through God’s grace, and Christ’s Victory Atonement for us at the Cross of Calvary. (John 8:44) (Ephesians 2:1-3) (Romans 8:4-18) (Ephesians 2:13-22) (Galatians 4:5-6)
(Hebrews 4:14-16)

Adoption:  Adoption ensures us that we believers are thereafter PITIED; PROTECTED, AND PROVIDED FOR – by our Heavenly Father.   (Psalm 103:13-14) (Proverbs 14:26) (Matthew 6:30-34) (1 Peter 5:7)

Of course, it also means we are often CHASTENED when we stray, as a loving Father would chasten His own beloved children. What grace!  What Fatherly love!  (Hebrews 12:5-14) (Revelation 3:19) (1 John 1:8-10)

Adoption:  Adoption means that we are NEVER cast off from the family of God! (John 6:37) (Lamentations 3:31-33)

We are rather SEALED, by the Sovereign Spirit unto the day of full redemption of the body as well as the soul and the spirit.
(Romans 8:18-25) (1 Corinthians 15:51) (1 John 3:2) (Ephesians 4:30) (Ephesians 2:10-14) (Daniel 6:16-17)

We are sealed; safe; and forever secure – in Christ Jesus.  Hallelujah!  What Eternal security we have in our Saviour!

Adoption:  Adoption means assurance of EVERLASTING SALVATION! (1 Peter 1:2-5) Even the angels of God are sent to minister to unto we who are God-chosen heirs of Salvation.  Hell’s legions cannot prevail against us!  Praise God it is so!  (Hebrews 1:14) (Matthew 16:18)

Adoption:  Adoption means all true believers become LEGAL inheritors of God’s promises – in Christ Jesus. (2 Corinthians 1:20)
(Hebrews 6:12-20)
We become, in fact, “…joint-heirs…” of all God’s treasures and Kingdom – with Christ Jesus, the Son of God Himself!  Riches indeed!  Oh, the infinite goodness of God!  (Romans 8:15-17)

Adoption:  Adoption is an act of God – not a PROCESS!  God is God, and He does what He wants to do, He is not hindered by our infirmities at all.  (Psalm 115:3) (Ephesians 1:11)

Adoption:  Adoption is completed at once, and is conferred by the Lord upon all true believers equally when God saves us. (Galatians 3:24-29)

God’s grace alone provokes this act of God towards we who deserve only Hell and its torments forever.  Now, this is something for believers to get excited about! (Ephesians 2:8-10) (Ephesians 1:4-5) (1 John 3:1)

This adoption is carried out on the merits of Christ’s redemptive Atonement on the Cross, and His righteousness alone!  (Isaiah 61:10)      (1 Peter 1:18-19) (Romans 3:10) (Romans 3:22b-23)

We have no righteousness of our own, in our natural state we are Spiritually bankrupt.  (Isaiah 64:6) (Romans 3:10)

Conclusion:  We give much respect and praise to a mere mortal who, in his/her human compassion, sees fit to adopt an orphan child – to give the child a home, and make it the legal inheritor of the family possessions.

How much more should we believers now, in the Scriptural light and knowledge of God’s doctrine of Spiritual Adoption, give sincere and heartfelt reverence, and willing worship, and praise – plus thankful service – to the great Father of all who, in faith, possess Jesus as their Saviour and Lord?  (James 1:17)  Glory to God on High!  (Romans 16:27)

This therefore is the Scriptural doctrine of Adoption.  Let us rejoice in its knowledge and its Biblically proven truth.  Amen.

Conversion: a change of life – for God, in Christ Jesus.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right (or constant) spirit within me…then will I teach transgressors THY WAYS; and sinners shall be CONVERTED unto Thee.”  (Psalm 51:10-13)

“…old things (i.e. habits, way of life, etc.) are passed (i.e. continually passing) away), behold, all things are become (i.e. or are continually becoming) new.”  (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The above Scripture is the basic principle sense of the doctrine of Conversion – born again souls continually becoming more like, or conformed to be like, Christ Jesus, our Redeemer Lord. (Romans 12:1-2)

Definition of the term:   Conversion is the act which takes place when a truly repentant sinner is Regenerated (i.e. born again, born from Above); and thus renounces his/her former self-dominated way of life, and turns in faith to follow after Godliness – as manifested by the lord Jesus Christ Himself.

This is what being ‘Christian’ is all about – Christlikeness in one’s NEW LIFE, as opposed to living a consistently carnal life of selfishness and sin.  (Galatians 5:22-23)

This NEWNESS OF LIFE is thus a manifestation of what God has miraculously done inside the sinner’s heart.  The Life of Christ is emulated, to the best of one’s ability, and the old carnal nature is denied and dominated by the outward expressions of the new nature of God
(1 Corinthians 6:9-12)

Conversion:  This Conversion transformation is continually sought after,  longed for, by the born again nature within – which seeks to glorify Christ as both Saviour and Lord!  Obedience is henceforth yearned for by the believer.  (Psalm 42:1-2) (John 14:15)

Constant Conversion, in the eyes of the world, glorifies God, and leads other sinners to Christ for Salvation.  (Proverbs 11:30)

Conversion:  Conversion reflects the change of mind concerning God and sin which was first brought about by true Repentance – the gift of God.
The NEW NATURE, given by God’s free grace, seeks only to follow after Holiness.

The OLD NATURE, inherited from Adam, seeks only to satisfy self; and is incurably disobedient to God and Godliness! (Hebrews 12:14) (Romans 8:7)

Therefore, because of the above facts of our situation as true Christians, we have continual conflict within us, and always shall until (in death) we put off these bodies of sin – or Christ returns to change us into glorified bodies which shall never sin again.  Hallelujah!  Even so, come Lord Jesus.  Amen.  (Romans 7:14-24) (1 Corinthians 15:51-58) (1 John 3:2)

Conversion:  Conversion is therefore the exercise of the new nature, subsequent to the gift of Regeneration.  It is accomplished by faith and continual Repentance from sin and error.  (James 5:16-20)

As born again believers, we have immediate access into God’s Presence by prayer. (Ephesians 2:18) (Hebrews 4:15-16)

When we are aware of having sinned (i.e. transgressed known laws of Christian obedience), we can thus come to our Father, through Christ’s Atonement Sacrifice at the Cross; in the power of God the Holy Spirit.
(1 John 1:8-10) (Romans 8:26)

We humbly confess our sins, and once more resolve to forsake them; and to try to walk a fresh path of Godliness.  (Galatians 5:16-26)

Conversion in Relation to Regeneration:   The distinction between conversion and regeneration needs to be kept in mind.

Regeneration is the CAUSE of Conversion – we are given a desire to follow after God and Godliness ONLY after we are Regenerated into Christ’s Body, the Church!  (John 3:3-8)(1 Corinthians 2:14-16)

Therefore, we consciously attempt to repent from, and forsake, those ungodly things which are behind (i.e. in the past life of sin), and press on in faith towards Christlikeness – God’s Righteous Standard of behaviour and attitudes. (Philippians 3:12-14) (James 1:22) (James 2:14-26)

Being ADOPTED into God’s Family, we thus strive to act like born again children of a Holy Lord God and Father.  In this manner, we daily manifest the wonder of Christian Conversion.
Practical Point of Conversion:  We who are merely mortal, born again Christians, shall always continue to sin, that’s a Scriptural fact!
(1 John 1:8) (Romans 7:18-18-24)

However, by God’s free grace, we can also be granted God’s forgiveness.  (Psalm 130:1-4)

The ‘sheep’ (i.e. saved soul) when it falls into the mire, will never be happy until it is lifted back out and washed clean again. (Psalm 51:7)             (Psalm 40:1-3)

But, the ‘pig’ (i.e unsaved soul) is completely at home in filth, and thus happy to wallow continuously in it!  (2 Peter 2:22) (John 10:27-30)

True Christians are chastened when they sin and stray. (Hebrews 12:5-11) (Revelation 3:19)

Mere professors, unsaved, ‘good-living’ persons never receive the Father’s corrections.  Why?  Because they belong not to God!  The Heavenly Father only corrects His own children, and the unsaved person in not in the Family of God.  (John 8:44)

Conclusion:  This, therefore, is the Scriptural doctrine of Christian Conversion – let us thus, “…work out our Salvation with fear (reverence) and trembling…”; and seek to be Converted to Christlikeness DAILY.  Amen?  Yes indeed, amen – and thanks be to God, amen.
(Philippians 2:8-12) (1 John 1:7-9)

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Repentance: a change of mind – about God and sin. (Matthew 3:2)

The Psalmist said, “Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I MIGHT not sin against Thee.”  You see, he (Ezra in this case) was a Godly realist, not some self-righteous, self-deceived, hypocrite.  He knew he would sin, but desired deeply that he might fight against sinning by the help of God the Spirit and the Word of God.  Praise the Lord!  (Psalm 119:11)
(1 John 1:8) (Jeremiah 17:9) (Psalm 130:3-8)

Yet, repentance from our sin is continually required on a daily basis – even AFTER our original Repentance unto Salvation in Christ Jesus and in Him Alone.  (1 John 1:8-9)

Definition of the term:  To repent means to completely change one’s mind concerning our attitude to God and sin; to make an about-turn from sin to follow God; to cease from following hard after selfish sin; and to turn to follow hard after true Godliness; to cease from being a WILLING slave to sin, and begin to try to be a WILLING servant of Christ Jesus. (Hebrews 12:14) (Psalm 51:1-13)

As the Scriptures teach: “Turn Thou me, and I shall be turned, for Thou art the Lord my God…”. (Jeremiah 31:18)  We are ‘turned’ thus, and then, once turned, we continue to turn to God daily, and away from the world, the flesh, and the Devil.  (Romans 8:1-14)

Repentance:  Repentance unto life Eternal is a saving grace wrought in the sinner’s heart by God the Holy Spirit – through the means of God’s Word (i.e. the Gospel of Christ’s Cross). (John 16:8) (Romans 10:17)

It is an awakening of the DEAD sinner to a sense of peril to his/her soul of the Eternal Torment of Hell, and to his/her guilt before God’s Holy eyes.  (Psalm 9:17) (Habakkuk 1:13)

Repentance awakens the sinner to a deep concern towards his/her sins, and the odiousness of such sins when compared to the absolute sinlessness of God’s dear Son, Jesus Christ. (Job 42:4-6) (Hebrews 4:15) (1 John 1:5)

Repentance: Repentance is not mere remorse (self-pity!), but a clear realization of God’s wrath against sin, and of God’s grace and mercy towards sinners who are called of God to repentance and receiving of Christ Jesus as both Saviour and Lord. (Luke 1:46-50) (Isaiah 6:1-7)
Consequently, the repentant sinner so grieves for, and hates, his/her sins, that he/she turns away from them, and turns instead in obedience to God – proposing and endeavouring, to the very best of his/her ability, to walk in fellowship with God; in the way of God; as manifested in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.  (Zechariah 4:6b) (1 John 1:1-7)

This is to ‘…walk not after the flesh…’ in daily practice, ‘…but after the Spirit…’. (Galatians 5:16-26) (Romans 8:1-10)

Repentance:  Repentance is absolutely necessary for the sinner to be saved!  It does not MERIT pardon; but, pardon is not be had without it! (Luke 13:3) (Ephesians 2:8-10)

Repentance is therefore, clearly proven to be of God’s free grace – it is freely given as an unmerited gift to whomsoever God, in His Sovereignty, elects to grant it.  (2 Timothy 2:25-26)

Repentance:  Repentance involves seeing and feeling sin to be not only deadly to the soul, but a filthy and hateful thing in God’s pure sight! (Ezekiel 18:27-32)

All who seek to serve God, must therefore, seek to put away sin DAILY – by humble confession to Him Alone; and by being continually washed from daily sins by a daily, ‘…washing of the water of the Word…’.       (i.e. daily Bible readings and confession of sin to God)  It is what the old Puritan believers called, ‘Keeping short accounts of sin with God.’.    (John 15:3) (Philippians 3:12-14) (1 John 1:8-10) (Ephesians 5:26)

Progressive Sanctification:  In the above manner we are progressively sanctified from daily sin in our lives as Christian believers – in relation to our actual naturally sinful STATE.  Just as we have been Absolutely sanctified in our, ‘…once for all time…’ STANDING, in Christ Jesus, by the precious Blood of His Cross.   (Hebrews 10:10) (1 Peter 1:18-19)

Obedience is the direct result of true repentance.  (James 1:22)

Repentance:  Repentance then, leads progressively to the great Scriptural doctrine of Conversion (i.e. ‘…old things passing away, all things becoming new, in Christ Jesus)  (2 Corinthians 5:17) (Revelation 21:4-5)

The Holy Bible becomes our daily looking glass, our personal mirror.  We read the Word, and the Word shows us where we go wrong, and how to keep ourselves clean for the Lord’s use. (Hebrews 12:14) (Psalm 119:105) (John 17:17)

A Practical Point of Repentance:  Repentance does not make a sinner incapable of committing sin!

Note King David’s experience.  (2 Samuel 11:1-17)  He committed the sins of adultery and murder AFTER he was appointed King; AFTER he was anointed of, and chosen by, God! (John 15:16)

Read the apostle Paul’s own words of detestation of the sin yet within his OLD NATURE after he was gloriously saved; AFTER he was chosen to be a minister for God!  (Romans 7:14-25) (Acts 9:1-20)

Yet, both REPENTED from their sins; and repented CONTINUALLY for their sins, no doubt, ever after until the day they died.  (Psalm 51:1-13)

Conclusion:  We who are born again of the Spirit of God, and redeemed by the precious Blood of Christ Jesus, first repent from sin and are saved; then we make repentance a daily practice in our lives for Christ.

We must keep ‘short accounts…’ with God concerning daily sins, and enjoy close fellowship with a thrice Holy Lord God; and with all believers of ‘…like precious faith…’.  (Psalm 16:11)

Sin separates us from close fellowship with God – repentance leads us nigh to Him and to other sincere believers.  (Isaiah 59:1-2) (James 4:6-10)

God blesses the repentant sinner’s soul.  Hallelujah!  What a Saviour!  What a Sovereign!  What a Lord God!  Amen. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

This therefore, is the Scripturally sound Reformation doctrine of true Repentance.  Believe it.  Rejoice in its truth.  Teach it to others – and the Lord God shall bless you Eternally in His truth.  Amen.

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Regeneration:  a change of nature – from God (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Definition of the term: To regenerate is to bring NEW LIFE to; to cause to be Spiritually reborn; to quicken (or give life to) that which is DEAD; to impart a new nature from God (i.e. which means believers have two natures when born again, the old nature and the new!). (Ephesians 2:1)

Regeneration:  This is a work of creation, performed by God alone in the breasts of His elected people.  (Ephesians 1:3-6)

We are passive in this act of God’s grace.  As fallen creatures, we have no power to originate this miracle of new life – “…Salvation is of the Lord!”   Praise God for His grace!  (Genesis 5:3) (Jonah 2:9) (John 6:37;44)   (John 15:16)

Mankind was CREATED in the image of God – a tripartite being i.e. three parts. We were created body-soul-spirit, just as God is Father-Son-Spirit.  (1 Thessalonians 5:23) (Genesis 1:26-28)

The body relates to the dust from whence it came.
(Genesis 2:7) (Genesis 3:19)

The soul relates to, or communicates with, other like human souls i.e. each other.

Created mankind’s spirit was the unique part of Adam/Eve which enabled them to communicate with God the Creator – BEFORE sin separated them from our Holy God.  (Genesis 3:1-24) (Isaiah 59:1-2)

Born Vs Created:   Every person born of woman (as opposed to being originally created by God), therefore, since that time in Eden’s Garden are born sinners; we fall short of God’s perfect standard of righteousness.  (Romans 3:10; 22-23)  (Psalm 51:5)

Why is this so?  Because God told our forefather, Adam, that if he ate of the forbidden tree (nothing to do with sexual relations!) on that very day, he/she would ‘…surely die…’. (Genesis 2:16-17)

Now, we know that it was not physical death God spoke of here! How do we know? Because Adam lived after the Fall until he was 930 years old!  (Genesis 5:5) Therefore, we realize that the Lord God spoke of SPIRITUAL DEATH.  Adam/Eve were smitten by spiritual death the moment they sinned in disobedience to God.(Ezekiel 18:4) (Romans 6:23)
Sin made them hide from God’s Holy Presence (Genesis 3:9-10)  The DEAD human spirit desires no fellowship with the Lord God.        
(1 Corinthians 2:11-16) (Isaiah 53:2)

He that was created SUPERNATURALLY became merely NATURAL due to committing sin against his Creator God. (Romans 7:14-24)

Thus it follows that, all BORN of Adam/Eve since then are begotten in Adam’s sinful image. (Genesis 5:3) (Job 14:4)  We are born spiritually dead – a body; a soul; and a dead spirit!  (Ephesians 2:1)

That is why Christ taught us, “Ye must be born again!”  We must be Spiritually regenerated!  (Titus 3:5)

This can only be done by God the Holy Spirit Himself. (1 Corinthians 12:12-13) We are thus regenerated into Christ’s Body – the true Spirit-born Church. (John 3:3-8) (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Regeneration is therefore seen plainly to be the free gift of God to Hell-deserving sinners. We cannot WORK our way to Heaven!  (Ephesians 2:8-10) (John 3:16)

God’s Means of Showing Grace:  (Acts 4:12) (John 14:6)

The means God has provided for us to be Regenerated (or saved) are two-fold – prayer and the Word of God. (2 Timothy 2:1-5) (Jeremiah 33:3)

Prayer:  No one can really PRAY unless the Holy Spirit enables (or inspires) us to pray. (Romans 8:26)  We can recite useless, ‘…vain repetitions…’, but we cannot actually pray by God the Holy Spirit and according to His will. (James 4:3)  God, therefore, makes His people’s prayers to be both inspired and to be heard.  (Psalm 19:14)

God, the Holy Spirit’s first ministry to us is to convince (or convict) the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of Judgment to come.  (John 16:8) Prayer is thus our true means of fellowship with God – we speak to God in prayer. (Psalm 91:15)  (Revelation 20:11-15)

The Word:  No one can be Regenerated, ‘born again’, without first reading, or hearing, God’s own inspired Word – the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.  (2 Timothy 3:16-17) (2 Peter 1:20-21)

This doctrine can be more clearly evidenced in the Old Testament illustration of Ezekiel’s valley of dried bones.  (Ezekiel 37:1-10)
The dry bones represent all who are DEAD in sin and trespasses; all who are unregenerate; all who are not ‘born again’ of the Spirit of God! (Ephesians 2:1)  Read how the Lord told Ezekiel to “…prophesy upon these bones…”. (Ezekiel 37:4)  Paul reveals unto us the fact that, “…faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17) (Hebrews 6:1;6)  Then, after the preaching of God’s Word, the dry bones are breathed into and come alive!  Hallelujah! (John 3:8)  This the miracle of Spiritual Regeneration.

We ‘hear’ God’s call due to God-given faith, and receive Eternal Life as the gift of God’s grace.  Conviction of sin, and our desperate need to be saved, are revealed only through the Word of God contained in our Bibles. God speaks to us by His Word.  (James 5:16) (Colossians 4:2)

We are encouraged to preach the Gospel also! (2 Timothy 4:1-5) (Matthew 28:19-20) (Mark 16:15-16)

Why are we inspired to preach the Gospel?  So that the Lord can use His means of Regeneration grace to the full; and reward our labours for Him in the Salvation of precious and immortal souls. (Daniel 12:3)
(Proverbs 11:30)

What a great and gracious Saviour!  Amen!  (Hebrews 7:25)  Hallelujah!  These Bible truths surely make us free!

Conclusion:  This, therefore, is the great Scriptural doctrine of Spiritual Regeneration.  We receive a new nature from God which remains obedient to His Commandments, and helps us daily to battle against the desires of our own carnal natures; fallen natures which shall always be at enmity against God. (John 14:15) (Romans 8:7)

The Spiritual battle is continuous! (Exodus 17:8-16)  But, the Victory has already been won for us at a place called Calvary; won by the all righteous Christ Jesus, the Son of the Living Lord God.  Amen.  And praise be always to His Almighty Name!  Glory to God in Christ Jesus!  In the risen Jesus we have Regeneration Life Eternal.  (Romans 7:14-25)

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Justification by Faith: a change of standing – before God.

Definition of the term:  To justify means to legally acquit, to declare righteous; it is the opposite to condemn.  (Deuteronomy 25:1)
(Proverbs 17:15)

Our God Almighty is a Holy and Righteous God. (Habukkuk 1:13)
(1 John 1:5b)

As born sinners (Psalm 51:5), mankind is therefore born guilty of sin in God’s Holy eyes, and to remain a Holy God, the Lord God Jehovah is duty bound, by His own pure Holiness, to punish sin and to condemn all sinners to an Eternal Hell! (Psalm 9:17)  No sin can enter Heaven!
(1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

Justifying is the Judge’s Act:  To receive Justification therefore, if one is being tried in the dock of a court, means that the accused (you and I!) receives the verdict of ‘not guilty’ from the judge. (Isaiah 43:9;25-26)

In Scripture, God is the Righteous “…Judge of the whole earth…” (Genesis 18:25), and His dealings with the sons of men are constantly described in forensic (legal) terms.  (Psalm 119:71-72)

Righteousness:  True righteousness (full conformity to God’s Laws) is what God requires of men and women, and He shows His own Righteousness as Judge in taking vengeance on those who ‘sin’, or ‘fall short’ of His perfect standard.  (Psalm 7:11) (Isaiah 5:16) (Acts 17:30-31) (1 Peter 4:1-5) (Romans 14:11-12) (Exodus 20:3-17)

Therefore, since we know from Scriptures that there is ‘…none righteous…’ (Romans 3:10), since ‘…all have fallen short…’ of the Righteousness of God (Romans 3:22b-23), it follows that al born of woman since Adam are born under God’s Holy condemnation of sin!  All, of course, but the altogether Righteous Son of God – the Lord Jesus Christ.  Praise His Name!  (Hebrews 4:15) (2 Corinthians 5:21) (1 Peter 2:21-24) (1 John 3:4-5)

All mankind, therefore, except Christ Himself, are born guilty, Hell-deserving sinners! (Psalm 14:1-4)
There are no ‘big sins’ and ‘little sins’ in God’s Holy eyes.  SIN IS SIN! (James 2:10)
We are double guilty of sin.  We are doubly condemned by the Righteous Judge!  How?  Well, first we are guilty of inherent Adamic sin
(Genesis 5:3), and then again, of the actual sins we naturally commit! (Romans 7:14-24) (1 John 1:8)
There remains, therefore, no hope for any sinner if God’s Righteous verdict goes against us.  ‘…our God is a consuming fire…’.
(Hebrews 10:30-31) (Revelation 20:10-15)

Question 1:  If all are born sinners, all fall short of God’s Righteous standards (i.e. Christ’s perfection) (Matthew 6:33), then, ‘What must I do to be saved?’ (Acts 16:30-31)  How can the born sinner be JUSTIFIED? (i.e. just-as-if-I’d-never-sinned) (Job 14:1-4)

Answer 1:  “Ye must be born again!” (John 3:3-8) (1 Peter 1:18-25)  We must be given a new birth from God Above, we must be regenerated by God the Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 37:1-10) and enter into the Body of Christ (i.e. the true church) (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)  Christ must enter into us, and bring His Spiritual banquet of blessings with Him. (Revelation 3:20)  We thus, ‘…die daily…’ unto self, and live daily unto the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:31b) (Galatians 2:20)  Yea, more!  Jesus lives His resurrected life in us, through faith.  (John 14:6) (Leviticus 17:11) (Jon 10:10)  Hallelujah!  Amen!

We cannot work our way towards Justification – it is done through faith, the gift of our Sovereign Lord God. (Hebrews 11:1;6) (Ephesians 2:8-10) (Psalm 115:3)

Question 2:  How, therefore, can we receive faith to be justified before a Holy Lord God?

Answer 2:  One place only – “Faith cometh by hearing (or reading) and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17)  We cannot be saved (or justified) without first hearing the Word of God – the glorious Gospel of Christ’s Salvation Sacrifice at the Cross for sinners. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) (Acts 4:12)
Who will ever seek to saved, if first they are not made aware that they are indeed lost? (John 16:8) (Luke 19:10)

It is therefore, perhaps easier for an actual thief, and actual murderer; an obvious sinner, to hear and receive the Gospel Truth and be saved!
(Psalm 51:1-13)

Nice old ladies and gentlemen; church-going, ‘good-living’ persons, who have never seemed to do harm to anyone in their lives; these poor people are the hardest to reach with the Gospel!  Why?  Because they don’t really believe they are indeed vile sinners in God’s pure eyes!
(Revelation 3:14-19)

Thus, they die and open their eternal eyes in a Christ-rejecter’s Hell!  Why? Because they never really sought to be justified before God – in Christ Jesus!  They rely on their own assumed righteousness to get them into Heaven.  Thus, they reveal their disbelief of God’s Word – “…none righteous…”.  (Romans 3:10)

Conclusion:  All those sinners, who by simply taking God at His Word, and receiving Christ Jesus as both Saviour and Lord, are born again: declared not guilty; deemed sinless in their STANDING before God’s Righteous Throne (Exodus 12:13) (Isaiah 1:18); imputed (i.e. put to their account) the Righteousness of Christ Himself! (Psalm 32:1-2)  Hallelujah!

We thus manifest true trust in Christ’s Righteous ATONEMENT upon Calvary’s Cross; His suffering in our place; for we who are blessed with faith to believe and to keep on believing (i.e. the continuous verb ‘believeth’ and ‘cleanseth’).  (John 3:16) (John 1:7)  Praise God!

Therefore, when a born sinner REPENTS (i.e. turns away from sin and turns fully to follow God) and receives Christ by faith – he/she is born again of God and declared fully JUSTIFIED in God’s Holy sight.

This is the great Reformation/Protestant doctrine of JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH.  Learn it!  Teach it! Believe it!  Be blessed with the joy and liberty of its truth.  Amen.