WSC Q. 29- How can we share in this redemption that Christ purchased for us?
A. The Holy Spirit makes real to us the redemption purchased by Christ.
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:1-5)
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. (John 6:63)
Thoughts: Christ purchased us on the cross. His sacrifice covered our sins. It is a great gift that enriches us for eternity, yet if we do not claim the gift- and in effect remain asleep (or dead) to it, then it does us no good.
This week Maryland's Mega-million Lottery numbers were drawn. For a long time, no one came forward to claim it. What a shame- some thought to have a prize, but not claim it. Truth is, we all- each one of us- has a prize worth far more than anything money can buy- eternal life. Our way has been purchased for us by Christ, but many of us do not claim what He has offered to us.
The passages above say we are dead to God, and the Spirit makes us alive to Him. It is like the Spirit gives us the claim number- and encourages us to come forward.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, open my heart and life to what Christ has done.
WSC Q. 29- How can we share in this redemption that Christ purchased for us?
A. The Holy Spirit makes real to us the redemption purchased by Christ.
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—(John 1:12)
And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. (Romans 8:30)
Thoughts: Salvation is a process. In the next few weeks we will look at different aspects of our salvation.
REDEMPTION ACCOMPLISHED
1) Predestination- In some ways God saves us when he foreknew and planned our salvation before the history of the world (Eph. 1)
2) Incarnation- In some ways God saves us when Christ came down for us. If He hadn't come the love of God would not be so clear. Jn. 3:16
3) Crucifixion- We are saved in a sense by what Christ has done on the cross. Jn. 3:16
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REDEMPTION APPLIED
4) Effectual Calling/Regeneration- when we hear the gospel and the Spirit enables us to hear and respond. (John 1:12; Titus 3:5)
5) Conversion- Turning away from sin and turning toward Christ.(John 3:3)
6) Justification- When we are accepted as righteous (Rom. 3:24)
7) Adoption- When we are accepted into God's family- at the same time as justification and conversion. (Rom. 8:15,23)
8) Sanctification- The Holy Spirit enables us to grow in our faith and fight sin in our lives. (1 Thess. 5:23)
9) Unification- Union with Christ. We are in Christ- part of His body, and become more and more like Him and more and more united to Him (similar to sanctification). Union with Christ is made complete in heaven. (1 Cor. 1:9; Col. 1:26)
10) Glorification- When we are made perfect in heaven- body and soul at the end of our history or the end of earth's history. (1 Cor. 15:51,52)
The Westminster Shorter Catechism emphasizes our Justification, Adoption, and Sanctification. When someone asks, "When were you saved?" We could have multiple answers (as above), though they are probably referring to our conversion in which our regeneration, justification, adoption and the beginning of our sanctification and unification. Salvation is simple- simply say you are sorry for your sins (and mean it), and accept Christ as your Lord and Savior. But we are also, in a sense being saved.
It's kind of like going down a path away from destruction- to start down the path is the first step (perhaps the most important)- but each step is a part of the way of salvation (like the Pilgrim's Progress).
Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to accept your love, your salvation, and grow in your love and my faith.
