1. What the word salvation mean? Salvation means to be brought from a state or condition not favorable to our welfare or happiness into a condition which is. Christian salvation brings us from a state of separation from God back into harmony with Him.
2. How is salvation both instantaneous and progressive? Salvation is instantaneous and progressive because: (1) the Christian has been saved from the guilt of sin, (2) the Christian is being saved from a life of sin, and (3) the Christian will be saved at the Lord's return, from all the bodily infirmities that result from sin and a sinful world.
3. What is grace and how does it relate to salvation? Grace expresses how the believer is saved, not by a particular behavior, but by the sovereign grace of God. It is unmerited favor shown towards those who believe and receive Jesus Christ as Savior.
4. What are the five points of Calvinism?
5. How can a person be a "Calvinist" and not ascribe to the five points of Calvinism? A person can, in theory, try to be a two-point, three or four-point Calvinist, though in reality Calvinism is a unity and not really separable into individual points. A person can be a Generic Calvinist by only professing to believe in the sovereignty of God, salvation by grace, and eternal security.
6. What are the weaknesses of the five points of Calvinism? First, Calvinists turn total depravity into total inability. Second, election is used too broadly in the Bible and cannot easily be shown to apply just to individuals. Third, the doctrines of substitution, redemption, propitiation, judging of the law, and reconciliation prove that Christ's Atonement is not limited Fourth, Irresistable Grace would mean that God could save someone against his or her will. A loving God will not force Himself on anyone. Fifth, God will preserve His saints, but this is not perseverence of the saints. In addition, Ananias and Sapphira did not persevere.
7. List the points of weakness in Arminianism and explain why they are weak. Arminianism denies original sin by denying that man is a sinner before he sins. It has a limited definition of sin which tends to narrow sin to only voluntary actions. It questions whether or not Christ's work on the cross is really finished. They believe that one retains salvation by good works. They confuse salvation and sanctification, and they have a shallow view of regeneration. They believe that man can pray through and get a second work of grace.
8. List the three points of lapsarianism and explain the strengths and weaknesses of each.
People have not maintained the standard definitions for these groupings. They have arbitrarily claimed that their adversaries belong to one of the different groups. Some say supralapsarianism is Calvinistic, while others say that it is infralapsarianism.
1. List the four steps in the plan of salvation. What verses prove these points? First, we need to acknowledge ourself a sinner (Romans 3:23). Second, we need to know that there is a penalty or wage associated with our sins (Romans 6:23). Third, we need to see Jesus as God's provision for our sins (Romans 5:8). Fourth, we must respond to Christ, confess Him Lord, and see Him as our risen Savior (Romans 10:9).
2. Define conversion. What are the outward expressions of conversion? Conversion is the experience part of our salvation.
3. Define repentance. What is its role in salvation? Repentance means to change one's mind about their sins. It involves turning from those sins. Repentance is part of salvation because the four steps of the Plan of Salvation cause us to see our sinful, undone condition. Repentance does not save, but repentance is necessary for salvation.
4. Define faith. When does a person express saving faith? Through faith, people believe into the Gospel and accept Jesus Christ. Without this sort of saving faith, a person cannot be saved. Faith is a jump into the light of God's Word.
5. Define justification. What happens to the person who has been justified by God? Justification is a judicial act by God whereby He declares the sinner free from condemnation and restores him to divine favor. Justification makes a person perfect in the sight of God.
6. Define regeneration. Who is the agent of regeneration and the instrument of regeneration, and what are the functions of each? Regeneration is the non-experiential part of salvation. The agent of regeneration is the Holy Spirit and the instrument is the Word of God. The Holy Spirit grants eternal life. He convicts of sin and draws people to Christ. The instrument of regeneration, the Word of God, convicts of sin, gives a new nature, and becomes the basis of spiritual power to overcome sin.
7. Define adoption. Is this experiential or non-experiential? Why? Adoption places us into the family of God. It is non-experiential because it represents a change in position. The person is adopted as a son of God.
8. What is the believer's union with Christ? We have a Savior Who dwells within us. We were crucified together, died together, buried together, quickened together, raised together, suffered together, and will be glorified together.
9. How does a believer act on his union with Christ? He needs to know that he is identified with Christ. He needs to reckon, or rely on, known spiritual truth and act accordingly. He must yield or surrender his life to Christ. He needs to be obedient to the Lord.
10. Give the reasons why the Bible teaches the security of the believer. First, the attitude of the Father is that He will not let us go. Second, Jesus died as our sin sacrifice. Third, the Holy Spirit seals us. Fourth, the unconditional new covenant made in His blood. Fifth, Christ is our intercessor and advocate. Sixth, Salvation is eternal. Seventh, the believer has already attained heavenly perfection.
11. Explain the three-fold aspect of sanctification of the believer. First, positional sanctification is our position with God when we get saved. Second, progressive sanctification occurs in this present life as a result of God's work in our life. Third, prospective sanctification is that which will be completed when we get to heaven.
Tom of Spotswood "He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
Index to Selected Essays And Book Reviews
Lessons 16 & 17 - Harmartiology
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