Kaleo San Diego Church

session five:
salvation

What is salvation?

Salvation is defined as being delivered by God from God and His wrath (Romans 5:9-10). God is holy and righteous and our sins against Him cause His wrath to burn against us that can continue forever (Exodus 34:6-8; Deuteronomy 29:24-29, 32:21-22; Psalm 11:4-7; John 3:36; Romans 1:18-32, 5:5-8; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Ephesians 5:6; Colossians 1:21-22, 3:6; Revelation 14:9-11, 14:18-20, 19:11-15).

Salvation is made possible through Jesus Christ alone and there is no possibility of salvation apart from Him (John 1:29, 3:17-18, 4:42, 5:19-23; Acts 4:12; Titus 1:15; I John 2:2; Revelation 5:9). This is because Jesus our Priest laid down His life as the substitute sacrifice for the sins of His people (Isaiah 53:6-12; John 11:50, 15:13; Romans 5:17-19; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 5:21; Galatians 3:13; Hebrews 10:10, 10:12; I Peter 3:18). Jesus death and resurrection were a propitiation (appeasing God’s wrath, cleansing us from sin, and granting us mercy from God) for His people (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 2:14; I John 2:2, 4:10).

Scripture also uses the concept of redemption in explaining salvation that means we were enslaved to sin (John 8:34; Romans 6:6) and consequently Satan (Colossians 2:15) and death. But then we are redeemed, or purchased, by Jesus death and resurrection to belong to God, righteousness, and life (Exodus 6:6; Deuteronomy 7:8, 15:15; 2 Samuel 7:23; 1 Chronicles 17:21).

As a result of Jesus, God’s people are now reconciled to God and each other (Romans 5:10-11; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Ephesians 2:16; Colossians 1:20-21). God’s people are also given Jesus triumph over the world, sin, death, and Satan/demons (Psalm 110:1; 1 Corinthians 15:21-28; Ephesians 1:20-23, 2:16; Colossians 1:20-21, 2:13-15).

Process of Salvation

Salvation is God’s process in a believer’s life, as Romans 8:28-30 explains:

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called (kletos) according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew (proginosko), He also predestined (proorizo) to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined (proorizo), He also called (kaleo); and these whom He called (kaleo), He also justified (dikaioo); and these whom He justified (dikaioo), He also glorified (doxazo).”

This verse is often thought of as the glorious golden chain of salvation. God initiates, marks out, and secures our salvation, and it cannot be broken. What He begins, He is sure to end (see Philippians 1:6).

The underlined words from Romans 8:28-30 are explained further:

• Foreknowledge is God’s intimate knowledge of events and His people (Acts 2:23; Romans 11:2; I Peter 1:2, 1:20).

• Predestination is having a destination set beforehand. It means to ordain, to set a limit in advance, to determine before (Acts 4:28; 1 Corinthians 2:7; Ephesians 1:5,11).

• Called has to do with conversion or a bringing of one to faith (Matthew 22:14; Romans 1:6, 9:24; I Corinthians 1:24, 1:26, 7:18, 7:21; Galatians 1:15; Ephesians 4:1, 4:4).

• Justified means to be legally acquitted from wrong-doing -salvation done in past time (Romans 1:17, 3:21-5:21; Galatians 3:11, Ephesians 2:8-9).

• Sanctification (Salvation in present time), is the process of maturity as God conforms us to His Son’s image (Romans 8:13,29; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:11,19,20; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 1:28; Heb. 13:20-21). Sanctification fuses man’s responsibility, God’s work, and the church’s equipping in the process of a believer’s growth in Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 2:12-13).

• Glorification is the final completion of God’s purpose in salvation, which includes our death and resurrection (Romans 8:17, 8:29; I Corinthians 15; Colossians 1:27, 3:4).

This wondrous saving grace of God is given solely because of God’s good pleasure which remains for us a mystery to be adored (Isaiah 53:10; Ephesians 1:3-14; Hebrews 12:2).

Will everyone be saved?

Simply, no. Hell does exist and a sin against an eternal God is an eternal offense requiring an eternal payment to be made by God’s enemies (Daniel 12:1-2; Isaiah 66:22-24; Matthew 5:22-30; 10:28; 25:46; John 3:36; Romans 1:18-32; 2 Peter 2:4-22). When the Bible says that God wills that all would be saved (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9) and that Jesus Christ died for all (1 Timothy 2:6; Hebrews 2:9; 1 John 2:2) and that all are invited to salvation (Matthew 28:18-20; John 3:16; Acts 16:31) it cannot mean that all will be saved because the Scriptures are clear regarding the eternal state of punishment for unbelievers. Most often the word “all” does not mean “every living human being from the beginning of time until the end of time.”

The Scriptures also teach that Jesus’ death is efficient for only particular persons and not everyone in general as indicated by such statements as He died for man and not all (Matthew 20:28, 26:28; Romans 5:17-19). The particulars include:

• His people (Matthew 1:21; Hebrews 13:12)

• Friends (John 15:13)

• Sheep (John 10:15)

• Those the Father appointed (John 17:1-11)

• The church (Ephesians 5:23-26; Acts 20:28)

• Us (Titus 2:14)

• Me (Galatians 2:20)

• The Many (Isa. 53:11-12; Matt. 20:28; 26:28; John 17:2; Rom. 5:15, 19)

• The children of God (John 11:52)

• Those "given Him" by the Father (John 6:37-39; 17:2, 6, 9, 19, 24).

• Many sons (Heb. 2:10)

• His brethren (Heb. 2:11-12, 17)

• The children (Heb. 2:13-14)

• The seed of Abraham (Heb 2:16)

• The people of God (Heb 2:17)

Also, Jesus’ death and resurrection actually does redeem (Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Hebrews 9:12), reconcile (Romans 5:10-11; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Colossians 1:22); and propitiate (Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2). Therefore, if Jesus truly died for everyone, then everyone would be saved. Therefore Jesus’ work was particular or definite for the elect (John 6:38-39, 11:52; Romans 8:32-33).

Some, however, will argue that God should save all people. But God has the right to give grace as He determines (Matthew 20:12-15; Romans 9:20-21), and has done so throughout history (John 15:16; Acts 9:9, 9:15; Romans 3:1-2)). Some will accuse God of being unfair, but if God were completely fair and just rather than merciful then all would go to hell and none would go to heaven. Also, God has the right to create people for His purposes (Romans 9:22-25).

Therefore, the Scriptures are clear that only some are chosen for salvation (Acts 13:48; Ephesians 1:3-11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13), and salvation is solely a work of God (John 1:13, 6:44, 10:26; I Corinthians 1:30, 10:30; James 1:18).

Is salvation possible after death?

No! Hebrews 9:27 clearly states, “It is appointed for a man to die once, and then comes the judgment.” According to Jesus, those that reject Him go into eternal punishment (Matthew 25:46). There is simply no second chance for salvation, or reincarnation in the Scriptures.

Aberrant Views of the Afterlife

Many eastern religions and new age teachings try to infuse reincarnation interpretations into verses relating to John the Baptist and the coming of Elijah (Matthew 17:10-12; Mark 9:11-13), yet Luke 1:17 reminds us that John came, “In the spirit” of Elijah. He came with the same prophetic office as Elijah, but He is not in any way Elijah. This would be contrary to Christ’s statement about eternal life and judgment, and Hebrews 9:27. The Bible does not teach reincarnation, but reminds us that we have great confidence in knowing that we have access to God (Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 10:19-23). Reincarnation is a degrading and hopeless circle of man working toward god/nirvana, etc. on his own merit/karma. This is the antithesis of God’s grace that saves us by faith (Ephesians 2:8-10) through Christ’s sacrifice once and for all (Hebrews 4: 14-16; Hebrews 8+9; 1 Peter 3:18).

The Mormons also utilize verses such as 1 Peter 3:19-20 coupled with 1 Corinthians 15:29 to formulate their doctrine of posthumous salvation through the proxy baptism of the dead. Neither practice is biblical and are based on very spurious proof text. The 1 Corinthian text is highly suspect, and used in context to prove a point, not dictate a doctrine. The practice was never used in the early church, and is contrary to the rest of the NT teaching re: baptism, and those that are dead. The 1 Peter reference is also questionable, but most likely refers to Christ preaching through Noah prior to the flood (1 Peter 3:20-22; 2 Peter 2:5), or possibly Christ making proclamation of facts, but there is no indication context or otherwise that this refers to a second chance after death.

When was our salvation determined?

The salvation of the elect was chosen by God in eternity past before the foundations of the world (Matthew 25:34; Romans 8:29; Ephesians 1:5-8; 1 Timothy 1:9; Hebrews 4:3; Revelation 13:8; 17:8).

What is Election?

Election means to select or choose. The biblical doctrine of election (especially coupled with the doctrine of predestination, see above) means that before God even created, in His foreknowledge He unconditionally selected out those that He determined would be His people and live with Him for eternal life (Rom. 8:28-39; Eph. 1:3-14; 2 Thess. 2:13-14; 2 Tim. 1:9-10). Thus election is an expression of God’s free and sovereign will, which is done for His good pleasure and to His glory (Ephesians 1:5,6,9,11,12,14).

This is based on His foreknowledge of the fall of man, and their subsequent rejection of Him. The Bible says that there are none that seek after Him (Romans 3:10-12), and man is completely dead in their sins (Ephesians 2:1-7). Man, on his own, is completely incapable of knowing God (1 Corinthians 1:18-25), which is eternal life (John 17:3). God, in His mercy, by grace reached down and spared those that He “foreknew” of His judgment, and allowed the rest to enter into the judgment because of their rebellion and unbelief. This judgment is fair and deserved. As Romans 9:15,16 reminds us God’s spares those unconditionally based on His gracious love, and righteously allows the rest of humankind to continue in their rejection of Him, resulting in judgment (John 3:36). Either way God is glorified in the perfect exercise of the fullness of His attributes (Holy, just, righteous, loving, merciful, compassionate, etc.). Subsequently God opens the ears of understanding of those that are appointed to salvation (Acts 13:48; 16:14).

Two of the clearest teachings on this matter in the Bible are by Paul and Jesus. Paul writes in Romans 9:15-16 “For God says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’ It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.” And in John 15:16 Jesus teaches, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last…”

God’s electing radar encompasses people from all nations, as He is drawing men from all tongues, tribes, and nations unto Himself (Genesis 12:1-3; 22:18; Ezekiel 36:22-36; John 3:16; Matthew 28:19,20; Acts 1:8; 1 John 2:2; Revelation 5:9,10). This gives us comfort in knowing that God’s Spirit is going into the world before us (John 14-16), and drawing men unto Himself (John 6:44), and formulating a people unto Himself (Ezekiel 36:28; 1 Peter 2:4-10). Because of God’s work in the world, those who don’t have much information about Jesus come to Him through His miraculous work in their lives. The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8) gives us insight into how God works in this manner. Literally Joel 2 and Acts 2 is seen in many Muslims around the world coming to Christ because of dreams, and Hindus coming to Christ because of the miracles God is doing before them.

For further study on this matter you are encouraged to read the following Scriptures, which are not exhaustive:

Exodus 9:16 Exodus 33:19 Exodus 34:24 Deuteronomy 10:15 Joshua 11:20 1 Kings 12:15 Job 1:21-22 Job 23:10-16 Job 9:1-35 Psalm 25:12 Psalm 31:15 Psalm 32:5-11 Psalm 33:8-22 Psalm 110:1-7 Psalm 115:3 Proverbs 16:4-9 Isaiah 10 Isaiah 40:20-23 Isaiah 61:10-62:2 Matthew 10:22-30 Matthew 11:25 John 6 John 8:31-47 John 10:26-29 John 17:6 Acts 4:28 Acts 13:48 Acts 16:14 Acts 17:24-28 Romans 4:11 Romans 8:19-33 Romans 9:10-26 Romans 10:12-18 Romans 11:7-8 Romans 11:25-12:2 1 Corinthians 1:2 1 Corinthians 26-29 1 Corinthians 4:7 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 2 Corinthians 13:9 Galatians 1;1 Ephesians 1:4-10 Ephesians 2:10 Philippians 2:12-13 2 Thessalonians 2:7-15 2 Thessalonians 3:3 Titus 1:1-3 Titus 2 Titus 11-14 Hebrews 3:4 Hebrews 6:17-19 Hebrews 10:14 Hebrews 10:35 Hebrews 13:21 1 Peter 1:4-5

What is Calling?

Calling has to do with conversion or a bringing of one to faith. It is often referred to as the “Effectual calling” as opposed to a common calling of all men (Matthew 22:14). Calling may go out to all men, but salvation comes to those God chooses. Some people see this as an insincere offer of salvation, but this is simply not the case. The common call will always produce only salvation for the elect because man, in his unregenerate condition is dead to God (Ephesians 2:1), and incapable of answering His call apart from God regenerating them. Even if an unregenerate person could know the truth, they naturally suppress and distort it into a lie (Romans 1:18-32).

It is the privilege and duty of Christians to go into the world and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone and anyone calling them to repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Romans 1:6, 9:24, 10:13-17; I Corinthians 1:24, 1:26, 7:18, 7:21; Galatians 1:15; Ephesians 4:1, 4:4, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14). And, through our witness and proclamation of the truth of the gospel God works out his drawing of the elect to Himself (Romans 10:14-15). In this way God’s sovereignty over salvation extends to not merely the ends (the saving of the elect) but also the means (God’s saving and appointing you as His messenger).

What is Repentance?

Repentance comes as a result of the conviction from the Holy Spirit and results in a deep desire to change one’s heart and ensuing life by God’s grace. This includes repenting of sin and turning to Jesus Christ for forgiveness and salvation (Acts 3:19, 11:21, 14:15, 20:21, 26:18, 26:20; I Thessalonians 1:9; James 5:20).

What is Faith?

“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for the conviction of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1

Hebrews 11:6 states that “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” Faith is used 232 times in the Bible, and is the primary way that man enters into a relationship with God. God is not found through human reason (1 Corinthians 1:21), and subsequently faith is the medium by which God is known. This is primarily because man’s reason is flawed and incapable of knowing God in this way. So God, rich in, mercy, and according to His grace, saved us through faith, a faith that He gave us (Acts 3:16, 14:27; Ephesians 2:8).

It’s not a matter of the quantity of faith, but the object of faith, which is always God (Ephesians 2:8-10). Proverbs 3:5, therefore, admonishes us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding”

Faith takes us beyond our reason, and empirical abilities, and allows us to see the spiritual world that God has revealed. He gives us this faith, in order for us to experience the world as He sees it and trust Him (Romans 10:9-10). Though this knowledge is not exhaustive (Deuteronomy 29:29; Isaiah 55:8-9; I Corinthians 13:12), it is adequate to know God intimately (John 17:3), and it gives us a fuller understanding of reality as it really is, and as it has been revealed by God.

All ultimate knowledge begins in faith. For any system to be coherent, it must presuppose the authority of their system of thought in order to process information consistently. This is circular, however all systems of knowing are ultimately circular, because they claim authority. There is ultimately no source more authoritative that itself. Subsequently it can’t be “Proven” through empirical or rational methods itself.

So faith is a wider rationality that sees reality the way that God has revealed, and intended men to know. Faith also is not esoteric. It is faith in the person, and work of Jesus Christ, who is God’s “Exact representation” here on earth (Hebrews 1:3).

What is Grace?

Grace or “Charis” in the Greek means, a gift from God (Acts 15:11; Romans 4:5, 11:5-6; Galatians 2-3, Galatians 5:1, 5:13; Ephesians 2:1-10; Philippians 1:6) and reminds us that we were saved by God’s gift to us, and that it had nothing to do with human works, religious or otherwise (John 1:13; Romans 9:16; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:5-6). God’s grace is His continuing gift to His people. It’s an act of mercy that He bestows on His people, and it is completely undeserved.

We are not only saved by grace, but we are established, and empowered by God’s grace in our lives (Acts 4:33; 6:8; 13:43; Romans 3:24; 5:15; 12:16; 15:15; 1 Corinthians 15:10; 2 Corinthians 9:8; 12:9). In addition, we are given life and cleansing from sin by God’s grace (Romans 6:1, 6:14-17; 2 Corinthians 6:1; Ephesians 1:7, 2:5-8). And, God’s grace also comes to His people by means of spiritual gifts that are unique abilities that enable Christians to serve God fruitfully (Romans 12:6; I Peter 4:10). Therefore, a Christian knows that whatever good comes from their works is ultimately the fruit of God’s grace working in and through them (I Corinthians 15:10).

Can Jesus lose a Christian?

Some people wonder if a Christian can lose their salvation. The Bible, however, states that salvation does not belong to Christians but instead belongs to God (Jonah 2:9). Therefore, the question is not whether or not a Christian can lose their salvation, but rather whether Jesus can lose a Christian.

According to Scripture, Jesus does not lose any people that God has given Him (John 6:39; 10:28; 17:12). The doctrine of the “Perseverance of the Saints” (sometimes known as “Once saved always saved”) is very misunderstood, and intricately tied into the doctrine of election. If we are choosing God, then it is certain that we can choose out too.

The traditional Arminian position on the matter is that a believer can “lose his/her salvation.” This is consistent with that understanding of salvation. However, if God chooses us before the foundation of the world (See question above re: when salvation was determined), then how is that we can lose it? Jesus does not lose those His Father gave Him, period! So what do we do with verses like Hebrews 6:4-6, or 10:29, which seem to indicate that you can lose your salvation? They must be interpreted in light of the nature of salvation, and the nature of God’s role in salvation. It is quite possible that these Hebrew verses reflect individuals that were with us, “But were not really of us” (See 1 John 2:19). Paul is clear that nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:35-39) and that even we are unfaithful to God we are secure because He remains faithful to us (2 Timothy 2:13).

Note: It is imperative to realize that this assurance doesn’t depend on you making a choice towards God in some sort of ritual (i.e. prayer, baptism, communion, etc.), but is secured by the work that God, through His Son Jesus, did on the cross. Assurance comes from knowing that God is at work in you (Philippians 1:6; 1 John). Too often we have assured people they are saved because they grew up in the church, or once said a prayer, but this is simply unbiblical. Assurance comes from trusting in Christ, and realizing that God is growing His love in our lives. It is His Sprit bearing witness with our spirit that we are His.

Can a Christian become perfect?

A lot of the confusion in this area comes from confusion in the areas of the nature of sin, and sanctification. Even Christians tend to take a human view of sin, which normally sees sin as systemic or external, and we fail to realize the scope and consequences of sin on the human condition. Man is depraved mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically. Sin has touched all areas of the human condition including our reason and will (Total depravity; see Session #3: Creation and Sin). Philippians 3:12-14 tells us that we (through God’s sanctifying grace) continue to strive towards the goal of perfection, but we will run short of the goal on earth because of the sin that is still present in our bodies (Romans 7:14-25). This is precisely why we need new (glorified) bodies to enter into the eternal presence of God (1 Corinthians 15). Therefore, anyone who in this life claims to be without sin is deceived and lying (I John 1:8).

As an example, the apostle Paul, through the course of his writings, seemed to view himself not as more nearly perfect, but instead more continually aware of his sin, as he grew to more fully know and love the one true and holy God. Early in his ministry, Paul tells us that he is the least of the apostles (I Corinthians 15:9). Later, he tells us that he is the least of all the saints (Ephesians 3:8). And yet later he tells us that he is the chief of sinners (I Timothy 1:15). Paul is abundantly clear that he did not even achieve anything nearing perfection near the completion of his ministry (Philippians 3:12-14). For anyone to suggest that they have become perfect would be an arrogance no less than claiming to be more holy

than the man through whom God wrote at least twelve books of the Bible (Hebrews may have also been penned by Paul).

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Recent Teaching

Women's Retreat 2007 - Ruth

by Susan Trout, 9 Nov 2007

During our four sessions together we will explore the book of Ruth. This book is written in story form and will be presented as though it were a four act play. It is our hope and prayer that each woman will see herself cast uniquely in the working out of the Gospel, and will have an opportunity to reflect on God's redemptive plan to change us through names, places and dramatic encounters. In Dan Allender's book "To be told", he says it simply " It is our responsibility to know our story so we can live it out more intentionally and boldly for the Great Story, the Gospel. God writes our story not just for our own enlightenment and insight, but to enlighten others and to reveal his own story through our story." In this play of life we learn about what God would have for us while at the feet of Jesus. It is there that we draw the strength to explore our losses, define our character and move towards others so they too can experience the redemptive process we have come to hold dearly.

Recent Gospel