Tag: justification

Forgiveness and Eternal life

We must never think of the possession of eternal life unless we have first of all considered the forgiveness of sins. While Christian salvation does not end at forgiveness, it does start there; there is no short cut to eternal life except via grace, repentance, justification, and acceptance in the sight of God. Eternal life…… Continue reading Forgiveness and Eternal life

God’s act of salvation: Justification

A new Covenant Jeremiah 31:31-37 is the chapter in the Old Testament that speaks of a New Covenant; verses 31-34 is one of the largest portions of the Old Testament to be directly quoted in the New Testament. Let’s look at a few themes in this chapter: everlasting love: Jeremiah 31:3 and 20 tells of…… Continue reading God’s act of salvation: Justification

Walking in step with the righteousness of Christ (3)

Bible Readings Titus 3:1-11 Philippians 3:12-4:1 Introduction I grew up in a house where about all of us loved pets.  We had a cat, a budgie, and at one stage even a crow.  What we did not have, was a dog. We were driving along one day and we saw a very scruffy looking dog…… Continue reading Walking in step with the righteousness of Christ (3)

Theosis versus Sanctification

Introduction A friend rang me up not so long ago.  He attended a worship service where the minister argued that the church should strive to attain theosis. This concept was new to both of us.  He asked me to not indulge in too deep and elaborated theological discussion.  He just wanted to know what theosis…… Continue reading Theosis versus Sanctification

Reformation – what is the fuss about?

Five Key Concepts in the Reformation Understanding of Justification On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses concerning clerical abuses and indulgences on the church door at Wittenberg. This famous event is often considered that launching point for the Protestant Reformation. The chief concern for Luther and the other reformers was the doctrine…… Continue reading Reformation – what is the fuss about?

Justification and Sanctification

John Piper and Tim Keller sat down to discuss the biblical vision of sanctification. In this 14-minute video they touch on how justification and sanctification relate, along with the psychological dynamics of faith. Do we owe to God anything – in the light of grace?  No!  And yet, we do.  I find the words of…… Continue reading Justification and Sanctification