This Great Salvation/The Fruits of Justification (II) - Revision history

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JoyaTeemer at 20:40, 24 September 2008

2008-09-24T20:40:55Z

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	<references />		<references />
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Bhkauflin at 18:00, 18 July 2008

2008-07-18T18:00:54Z

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	In the last chapter we touched briefly on the special relationship we now enjoy. I’m speaking of the fact that God has become our Father. Remember our friend looking sadly out of his unlocked jail cell? If he would only turn around he would see more than just an open door. He’d see a Father waiting to receive him.		In the last chapter we touched briefly on the special relationship we now enjoy. I’m speaking of the fact that God has become our Father. Remember our friend looking sadly out of his unlocked jail cell? If he would only turn around he would see more than just an open door. He’d see a Father waiting to receive him.
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	Now we conclude with a look at two final aspects of our inheritance in Christ: adoption and the hope of future glory.		Now we conclude with a look at two final aspects of our inheritance in Christ: adoption and the hope of future glory.

-	=== Revealing the Father ===	+	=== Revealing the Father ===

	Biblical theology teaches us to expect an unfolding, progressive revelation in Scripture.<ref>Edmund P. Clowney, ''Preaching and Biblical Theology'' (Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, 1961), p. 15.</ref> For example, the mysterious message in Genesis 3 about a woman’s seed bruising a serpent’s head becomes open and apparent in the New Testament declaration of Jesus’ crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. Similarly, the Old Testament gives us only the broadest outlines of what is a central revelation in the New Testament: the fatherhood of God. To be sure, there are passages that speak of Israel as the firstborn son of God as well as other snippets of this truth. But even then the idea is usually meant in a nationalistic sense. He’s the Father of Israel, not of individuals. For the most part, the Old Testament portrays God not as our Father, but as an awesome and holy King.		Biblical theology teaches us to expect an unfolding, progressive revelation in Scripture.<ref>Edmund P. Clowney, ''Preaching and Biblical Theology'' (Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, 1961), p. 15.</ref> For example, the mysterious message in Genesis 3 about a woman’s seed bruising a serpent’s head becomes open and apparent in the New Testament declaration of Jesus’ crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. Similarly, the Old Testament gives us only the broadest outlines of what is a central revelation in the New Testament: the fatherhood of God. To be sure, there are passages that speak of Israel as the firstborn son of God as well as other snippets of this truth. But even then the idea is usually meant in a nationalistic sense. He’s the Father of Israel, not of individuals. For the most part, the Old Testament portrays God not as our Father, but as an awesome and holy King.
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	*__________________		*__________________
	*__________________		*__________________
-	*__________________}} Each time Jesus referred to God as his Father, he was making what at that time was a revolutionary claim. Not everybody appreciated it. The Pharisees in particular resented Jesus because by speaking of God as his Father he implied he was equal to God. But the verse above makes it clear that Jesus had the right to “exegete” the Father. Indeed, it would have been impossible for him not to have done so. Because he was of the same essence as the Father and the Spirit, Jesus shed light on God’s identity as he revealed himself.	+	*__________________}}Each time Jesus referred to God as his Father, he was making what at that time was a revolutionary claim. Not everybody appreciated it. The Pharisees in particular resented Jesus because by speaking of God as his Father he implied he was equal to God. But the verse above makes it clear that Jesus had the right to “exegete” the Father. Indeed, it would have been impossible for him not to have done so. Because he was of the same essence as the Father and the Spirit, Jesus shed light on God’s identity as he revealed himself.

	This last point warrants a brief tangent. What is the relationship between God the Father and God the Son? Augustine, the most influential theologian of the early Church, classifies Scripture’s teaching on the nature of this relationship into three groups:		This last point warrants a brief tangent. What is the relationship between God the Father and God the Son? Augustine, the most influential theologian of the early Church, classifies Scripture’s teaching on the nature of this relationship into three groups:
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	Jesus redefined our relationship with God. In a private moment with his disciples shortly before his death, Jesus said, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (Jn 15:15). Through the teaching of the Law the Jewish people learned to revere a stern and distant Master. Through the life and death of Jesus we have been reconciled to a loving and intimate Father.		Jesus redefined our relationship with God. In a private moment with his disciples shortly before his death, Jesus said, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (Jn 15:15). Through the teaching of the Law the Jewish people learned to revere a stern and distant Master. Through the life and death of Jesus we have been reconciled to a loving and intimate Father.

-	=== Adoption: Our Antidote to Angst ===	+	=== Adoption: Our Antidote to Angst ===

	This unique relationship between God and all who have been justified is explained in the doctrine of adoption, also referred to as “sonship.” It points out our status as children of God and refers to the means by which we become his children. Adoption into God’s family takes place not by birth, but by rebirth. It occurs not by maturation, but by regeneration. It’s not natural, but supernatural.<ref>Ibid.</ref> Adoption is a gift of grace which becomes ours through receiving Jesus Christ. “To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (Jn 1:12). Note the condition here. God is not the universal father of all humanity. That’s a presumptuous and humanistic notion. God is creator of all, but he is the Father only of those who have received Christ.		This unique relationship between God and all who have been justified is explained in the doctrine of adoption, also referred to as “sonship.” It points out our status as children of God and refers to the means by which we become his children. Adoption into God’s family takes place not by birth, but by rebirth. It occurs not by maturation, but by regeneration. It’s not natural, but supernatural.<ref>Ibid.</ref> Adoption is a gift of grace which becomes ours through receiving Jesus Christ. “To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (Jn 1:12). Note the condition here. God is not the universal father of all humanity. That’s a presumptuous and humanistic notion. God is creator of all, but he is the Father only of those who have received Christ.
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	My favorite part of the day occurs when I arrive at home after work to the delight of my four children, who repeatedly shout “Daddy! Daddy!” as they shower me with hugs and kisses. As uncomplicated and informal as this greeting is to them, it is wonderful and fulfilling to me. I don’t doubt that our cries affect our heavenly Father in a similar way.		My favorite part of the day occurs when I arrive at home after work to the delight of my four children, who repeatedly shout “Daddy! Daddy!” as they shower me with hugs and kisses. As uncomplicated and informal as this greeting is to them, it is wonderful and fulfilling to me. I don’t doubt that our cries affect our heavenly Father in a similar way.

-	=== Feeling the Father’s Care ===	+	=== Feeling the Father’s Care ===

	At more than one point in this book we have seen that justification is an objective reality unaffected by the shifting state of our emotions. Feelings make a poor foundation for our fellowship with God, and emotionalism is often counter-productive. But to argue against feelings and define the faith solely in terms of act and fact is to cut the heart out of God’s love. If emotions are so easily recognized and appreciated in human relationships, why would we eliminate them from our relationship with God?		At more than one point in this book we have seen that justification is an objective reality unaffected by the shifting state of our emotions. Feelings make a poor foundation for our fellowship with God, and emotionalism is often counter-productive. But to argue against feelings and define the faith solely in terms of act and fact is to cut the heart out of God’s love. If emotions are so easily recognized and appreciated in human relationships, why would we eliminate them from our relationship with God?
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	There is a limitless amount of spiritual ore to be mined in the revelation of God as Father. And however much our earthly fathers may suggest divine qualities, they fall far, far short of our Father in heaven.		There is a limitless amount of spiritual ore to be mined in the revelation of God as Father. And however much our earthly fathers may suggest divine qualities, they fall far, far short of our Father in heaven.

-	=== Looking Ahead to the Future ===	+	=== Looking Ahead to the Future ===

	{{LeftInsert\|”Those born once only, die twice. They die a temporal, and they die an eternal death. But those who are born twice, die only once; for over them the second death has no power. <ref>William S. Plumer, ''The Grace of Christ'' (Philadelphia, PA: Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1853), p. 266.</ref>” — William S. Plumer}}What prompted God to give us the incomparable privilege of membership in his family? Paul reaches back into eternity past to supply us with an answer: “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” (Eph 1:4-5). It was God’s love that brought about this great salvation. Rest assured that your own individual merit (or lack thereof) was never a factor. God, in the wonder of his love, decided to adopt you before the creation of the world.		{{LeftInsert\|”Those born once only, die twice. They die a temporal, and they die an eternal death. But those who are born twice, die only once; for over them the second death has no power. <ref>William S. Plumer, ''The Grace of Christ'' (Philadelphia, PA: Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1853), p. 266.</ref>” — William S. Plumer}}What prompted God to give us the incomparable privilege of membership in his family? Paul reaches back into eternity past to supply us with an answer: “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” (Eph 1:4-5). It was God’s love that brought about this great salvation. Rest assured that your own individual merit (or lack thereof) was never a factor. God, in the wonder of his love, decided to adopt you before the creation of the world.
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	* Abandoned homes, cars, and tennis shoes		* Abandoned homes, cars, and tennis shoes
	* A reunion in the clouds		* A reunion in the clouds
-	* The 77th Edition (Revised and Updated) of Why The Rapture Will Take Place In…}} Despite our current status as God’s sons and daughters, our adoption won’t be fully consummated until the day God redeems, or resurrects, our bodies. Few subjects have triggered as much speculation and excitement in the Church as this one. We all have a desire to understand what awaits us at the end of the age. Though to the natural mind these things are shrouded in mystery, Scripture provides us with the broad outlines of what we can expect to see take place.	+	* The 77th Edition (Revised and Updated) of Why The Rapture Will Take Place In…}}Despite our current status as God’s sons and daughters, our adoption won’t be fully consummated until the day God redeems, or resurrects, our bodies. Few subjects have triggered as much speculation and excitement in the Church as this one. We all have a desire to understand what awaits us at the end of the age. Though to the natural mind these things are shrouded in mystery, Scripture provides us with the broad outlines of what we can expect to see take place.

	The Bible reveals that there are three stages of man’s existence. First is the natural state, which spans the time from our conception to physical death. Body and soul are joined together. This is life as we know it in the present world. In spite of the fact that this state involves a great deal of cares and suffering, few of us are in a hurry to enter stage two—the intermediate state. This period stretches from the time of our death until the return of Jesus Christ and is characterized by a separation of the body from the soul or spirit (I’m using the terms interchangeably). The physical part of us reverts to dust while the immaterial part “returns to God who gave it” (Ecc 12:7). The spirits of all those who have died in Christ are currently with Christ. You won’t find better accommodations than this. Paul, knowing he faced the very real prospect of death, made it clear that he found the intermediate state superior to the natural: “I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far” (Php 1:23).		The Bible reveals that there are three stages of man’s existence. First is the natural state, which spans the time from our conception to physical death. Body and soul are joined together. This is life as we know it in the present world. In spite of the fact that this state involves a great deal of cares and suffering, few of us are in a hurry to enter stage two—the intermediate state. This period stretches from the time of our death until the return of Jesus Christ and is characterized by a separation of the body from the soul or spirit (I’m using the terms interchangeably). The physical part of us reverts to dust while the immaterial part “returns to God who gave it” (Ecc 12:7). The spirits of all those who have died in Christ are currently with Christ. You won’t find better accommodations than this. Paul, knowing he faced the very real prospect of death, made it clear that he found the intermediate state superior to the natural: “I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far” (Php 1:23).
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	* Confusion about God’s will}}* What will these glorified, resurrection bodies be like? Paul says they will bear some similarity to our present bodies but will also differ in significant ways. The relationship between an acorn and an oak tree may serve as a fitting metaphor to describe the difference. We can also gain insight from studying the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. Our new bodies will be imperishable, powerful, glorious, and primarily spiritual in nature (vv.35-44).		* Confusion about God’s will}}* What will these glorified, resurrection bodies be like? Paul says they will bear some similarity to our present bodies but will also differ in significant ways. The relationship between an acorn and an oak tree may serve as a fitting metaphor to describe the difference. We can also gain insight from studying the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. Our new bodies will be imperishable, powerful, glorious, and primarily spiritual in nature (vv.35-44).

-	=== Be Done with Dross and Dung ===	+	=== Be Done with Dross and Dung ===

	Attempting to bring this final chapter to a close gives me a new sympathy for Paul, whose lengthy tributes to the grace and mercy of God made an art form of the run-on sentence. Where does one end? The doctrine of justification is unparalleled in scope and beauty. It’s no coincidence that the four living creatures continually proclaim the Lord’s holiness, and that with each declaration the twenty-four elders prostrate themselves in continuous worship before the glorified Lamb of God (Rev 4:8-11).		Attempting to bring this final chapter to a close gives me a new sympathy for Paul, whose lengthy tributes to the grace and mercy of God made an art form of the run-on sentence. Where does one end? The doctrine of justification is unparalleled in scope and beauty. It’s no coincidence that the four living creatures continually proclaim the Lord’s holiness, and that with each declaration the twenty-four elders prostrate themselves in continuous worship before the glorified Lamb of God (Rev 4:8-11).
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	<br>		<br>

-	== Group Discussion ==	+	== Group Discussion ==

	#What is the best memory you have of your father?		#What is the best memory you have of your father?
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	<br>		<br>

-	== Recommended Reading ==	+	== Recommended Reading ==

	''Immortality'' by Loraine Boettner (Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, 1984)		''Immortality'' by Loraine Boettner (Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, 1984)
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	<br>		<br>

-	== Notes ==	+	== Notes ==

	<references />		<references />

Bhkauflin at 17:53, 18 July 2008

2008-07-18T17:53:32Z

Show changes

Bhkauflin: This Great Salvation/Chapter 7 moved to This Great Salvation/The Fruits of Justification (II)

2008-07-18T17:50:13Z

This Great Salvation/Chapter 7 moved to This Great Salvation/The Fruits of Justification (II)

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Mahra at 19:20, 21 September 2007

2007-09-21T19:20:49Z

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	\|author=C.J. Mahaney, Robin Boisvert		\|author=C.J. Mahaney, Robin Boisvert

Mahra: This Great Salvation/7 moved to This Great Salvation/Chapter 7

2007-09-21T16:29:33Z

This Great Salvation/7 moved to This Great Salvation/Chapter 7

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Revision as of 16:29, 21 September 2007

Mahra at 13:04, 12 September 2007

2007-09-12T13:04:14Z

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	deserved.		deserved.

-	{{LeftInsert\|”Thou hast created us for Thyself,	+	{{LeftInsert\|”Thou hast created us for Thyself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.” — Augustine}}Jesus told a story of another foolish son who, after selfishly and prematurely demanding his share of the family
-	O God, and our hearts are restless until	+
-	they find their rest in Thee.” — Augustine}}Jesus told a story of another foolish son who, after selfishly and prematurely demanding his share of the family	+
	inheritance, proceeded to squander it. When finally he ran		inheritance, proceeded to squander it. When finally he ran
	out of resources, the prodigal		out of resources, the prodigal
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	and holy King.		and holy King.

-	{{LeftInsert\|”How great is the love the Father has	+	{{LeftInsert\|”How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” — John the Apostle}}Of course, God has always
-	lavished on us, that we should be called	+
-	children of God! And that is what we are!	+
-	The reason the world does not know us is	+
-	that it did not know him. Dear friends, now	+
-	we are children of God, and what we will be	+
-	has not yet been made known. But we know	+
-	that when he appears, we shall be like him,	+
-	for we shall see him as he is.” — John the Apostle}}Of course, God has always	+
	been Father, and Jesus		been Father, and Jesus
	Christ has always been God		Christ has always been God
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	those who have received Christ.		those who have received Christ.

-	{{LeftInsert\|”What is a Christian? The question	+	{{LeftInsert\|”What is a Christian? The question can be answered in many ways, but the richest answer I know is that a Christian is one who has God for his Father.<ref>J.I. Packer, ''Knowing God'' (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1973), p. 181.</ref>” — J.I. Packer}}The term “adoption” is used in the Bible exclusively by
-	can be answered in many ways, but the	+
-	richest answer I know is that a Christian is	+
-	one who has God for his Father.<ref>J.I. Packer, ''Knowing God'' (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1973), p. 181.</ref>” — J.I. Packer}}The term “adoption” is used in the Bible exclusively by	+
	Paul. Growing up as he did in Tarsus, he would have been		Paul. Growing up as he did in Tarsus, he would have been
	familiar with the custom as it existed in the Roman		familiar with the custom as it existed in the Roman

Mahra: /* Adoption: Our Antidote to Angst */

2007-09-12T13:01:42Z

Adoption: Our Antidote to Angst

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	by one’s parents.		by one’s parents.

-	{{LeftInsert\|"[Adoption] bestows upon its recipients	+	{{LeftInsert\|"[Adoption] bestows upon its recipients not only a new name, a new legal standing, and a new family-relationship, but also a new image, the image of Christ (Ro 8:29). Earthly parents may love an adopted child ever so much. Nevertheless, they are, to a certain extent, unable to impart their spirit to that child; but when God adopts, he imparts to us the Spirit of his Son. <ref>Ibid.</ref>” — William Hendriksen}}Salvation through Jesus Christ is the only answer to
-	not only a new name, a new legal	+
-	standing, and a new family-relationship, but	+
-	also a new image, the image of Christ (Ro	+
-	8:29). Earthly parents may love an adopted	+
-	child ever so much. Nevertheless, they are,	+
-	to a certain extent, unable to impart their	+
-	spirit to that child; but when God adopts,	+
-	he imparts to us the Spirit of his	+
-	Son. <ref>Ibid.</ref>” — William Hendriksen}}Salvation through Jesus Christ is the only answer to	+
	this fear. “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you		this fear. “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you
	a slave again to fear,” wrote Paul, “but you received the		a slave again to fear,” wrote Paul, “but you received the

Mahra at 13:00, 12 September 2007

2007-09-12T13:00:28Z

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	''The Glory of Christ'' by Peter Lewis (Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1997)		''The Glory of Christ'' by Peter Lewis (Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1997)
		+

	==Notes==		==Notes==
	<references />		<references />