SALVATION
SOTERILOGY-the study of the grace of God in salvation, including election, regeneration, justification, sanctification, security, and the need for holy living until our glorification.
SALVATION
I believe salvation from the wrath of God is only possible by the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is dependent upon the worthiness of Jesus Christ’s shed blood, and not on any merit man may posses (John 1:12; Ephesians 1:4-7; I Peter 1:18-19).
Election
Before the foundation of the world, God chose in Christ those whom he would regenerate, justify, and sanctify (Rom. 8:28-30; Eph. 1:4-11; 2 Thess. 2:13; 2 Tim. 2:10; I Peter 1:1-2).
Man still has responsibility to repent and trust the saving work of Jesus Christ (Ezek. 18:23, 32; 33:11; John 3:18-19, 36; 5:40; 2 Thess. 2:10-12; Rev. 22:17).
God’s gracious, sovereign election has nothing to do with man’s past, present or future worthiness (Eph. 1:4-7; Titus 3:4-7; I Peter 1:2).
Sanctification
Positional sanctification occurs when a believer is justified (Acts 20:32; 1 Cor. 1:2, 30; 6:11; 2 Thess. 2:13; Heb. 2:11; 10:10, 14; 13:12; I Peter 1:2).
Progressive sanctification results for a believer’s obedience to Scripture through the power of the Holy Spirit, becoming more Christ like (John 17:17, 19; Rom. 6:1-22; 2 Cor. 3:18; I Thess. 4:3-4; 5:23).
The elimination of sin is not possible, but a believer can have victory over sin (Gal. 5:16-25; Phil. 3:12; Col 3:9-10; I Peter 1:14-16; I John 3:5-9).
Regeneration
Regeneration is instantaneous and happens by the power of the Holy Spirit (John 3:3-8; Titus 3:5).
Authentic regeneration is evidenced by good works (I Cor. 6:19, 20; Eph. 5:17-21; Col. 3":12-17; 2 Peter 1:4-11).
Continued obedience brings about transformation into Christ likeness and imagine (2 Cor. 3:18) and ultimate glorification (Rom. 8:16-17; 2 Peter 1:4; I John 3:2-3).
security
Once saved always saved since God’s power holds real believers secure in Christ (John 5:24; 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Rom 5:9-10; 8:1, 31-39; I Cor. 1:4-9; Eph. 4:30; Heb. 7:25; 13:5; I Pet. 1:4-5; Jude 24).
Even thought secure, an authentic believer will not take license to sin (Rom. 6:15-22; 13:13-14; Gal. 5:13, 16-17, 25-26; Titus 2:11-14).
Justification
Justification is an act of God when he declares all who repent through faith in Christ as righteous (Lk. 13:3; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; Rom 2:4; 2 Cor. 7:10; Isa. 55:6-7).
The imputed righteousness of Christ is not related to man’s virtue or good works (Rom. 3:20; 4:6).
At justification we take on Christ’s righteousness (I Cor. 1:2, 30; 6:11; 2 Cor. 5:21).
By justification all believers are declared holy.
Holy living-separation
Separation from sin is expected of believers, as sin and apostasy will increase in last days (2 Cor. 6:14-7:1’ 2 Tim. 3:1-5).
God commands a holy lifestyle separated from worldliness, false teachers, and evil practices (Rom. 12:1-2; I Cor. 5:9-13; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; I John 2:15-17; 2 John 9-11).
Believers are to continually pursue holy living (Matt. 5:2-12; Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 7:1; Heb. 12:14; Titus 2:11-14; I John 3:1-10).