Luciano Subirá - A SANTIFICAÇÃO | FD#35

Name: Luciano Subirá - A SANTIFICAÇÃO | FD#35
Uploaded: 2023-09-13T21:00:10.000Z
Duration: 58 min 52 s

Salvation and Sanctification

Introduction to Salvation Aspects

The lesson focuses on the aspect of sanctification, following previous discussions on regeneration and adoption. This is part of a broader exploration of salvation, which includes redemption, justification, reconciliation, and glorification.

Understanding Sanctification

The speaker emphasizes that sanctification cannot be discussed without referencing a prior lesson titled "The Times of Salvation," which outlines the processes involved in salvation.

Three Times of Salvation

In Philippians 1:6, Paul states that God will complete the good work He began in believers. This introduces the concept of three times in salvation: past (what has happened), present (what is happening), and future (what will happen). These aspects are complementary rather than conflicting.

The Journey Through Salvation

The metaphor of a narrow door and path leading to eternal life illustrates the initial experience (conversion) as well as ongoing growth and behavioral change throughout one's Christian journey. Future expectations also play a role in understanding sanctification's timeline.

Misconceptions About Sanctification

Many people mistakenly view conversion as separate from sanctification; however, they are interconnected. There is an initial sanctification at conversion, progressive sanctification during the Christian walk, and final sanctification at Christ's return. This highlights that all three aspects occur simultaneously within salvation's framework.

Paul’s Teachings on Sanctification

Initial vs Progressive Sanctification

Romans 6:22 indicates that believers are liberated from sin and transformed into God's servants, producing fruit for sanctification while anticipating eternal life—showing both completed actions in the past and ongoing processes in the present.

Distinction Between Achieved and Ongoing Holiness

In 1 Corinthians 1:2, Paul distinguishes between being "sanctified" (past tense) and "called to be holy" (ongoing process). This duality reflects both what has been achieved through regeneration and what remains to be accomplished through continued growth in holiness.

Pursuing Holiness

Santificação: Aspectos e Definições

Introdução à Santificação

A santificação é um processo que, embora tenha um aspecto inicial, não é completo; continua em uma fase chamada "santificação progressiva".

Um terceiro aspecto, denominado "santificação final", será abordado em uma aula futura sobre glorificação.

Foco na Santificação Progressiva

O objetivo da aula atual é concentrar-se na santificação progressiva, ao invés de discutir a conversão ou a santificação inicial.

A definição de santificação como parte da salvação será explorada sob a perspectiva do que deve ocorrer após a conversão.

Referência Bíblica: Isaías 1:18

O versículo de Isaías 1:18 destaca o convite de Deus para discutir questões relacionadas ao pecado e à purificação. Ele menciona que os pecados podem se tornar brancos como a neve.

A comparação entre escarlate/carmesim e neve/lã ilustra o poder de limpeza divina, onde a sujeira representa o pecado.

Comparação entre Neve e Lã

A lã não é tão branca quanto a neve, simbolizando um processo gradual na santificação progressiva em contraste com a santidade imputada na justificação inicial.

A neve representa uma justiça recebida do alto (justificativa), enquanto a lã simboliza algo que brota de dentro (natureza transformada).

Natureza da Regeneração

A regeneração resulta em uma nova natureza, mas não elimina completamente a velha; isso é crucial para entender o novo nascimento mencionado por Jesus em João 3.

Davi expressa no Salmo 51:5 que nasceu em iniquidade, indicando que o problema começa no nascimento físico e não pode ser resolvido apenas repetindo esse nascimento.

Morte Espiritual

Understanding Spiritual Death and Rebirth

The Concept of Death in the Bible

When God told man, "On the day you eat from it, you will surely die," physical death did not occur immediately; Adam lived for over 900 years. This indicates that death refers to separation from God rather than an end of existence.

Reconciliation and Regeneration

For reconnection with God, reconciliation is necessary, which is only possible through regeneration. Justification is part of this process where a person receives a new nature in their spirit upon being born again.

Nature of Sin and the Old Self

Many people misunderstand that receiving a new nature means the old one disappears. The old nature remains in our flesh, necessitating glorification as discussed later. Paul mentions a "captivity to corruption" in Romans 8, highlighting this struggle.

New Nature vs. Old Nature

The new divine nature received at rebirth coexists with the old sinful nature present in our flesh. 1 John 3:9 states that God's seed resides within us, while 2 Peter 1:4 emphasizes participation in divine nature, indicating a duality within believers.

Transformation and Sanctification Process

Philippians 3:20-21 discusses the need for transformation because our current bodies carry the old nature. Understanding how to subjugate this old nature through our new spiritual identity is crucial for progressive sanctification—a practical application of faith amidst struggles against sin.

The Dilemma of Progressive Sanctification

Struggles with Sin

Believers often excuse their sins by attributing them to their old nature, referencing Paul's lamentation about his struggles with sin (Romans 7). However, they overlook his subsequent declaration of gratitude towards Jesus Christ for deliverance from sin's power.

Living Under New Authority

Romans 8 presents a continuous argument about living free from sin's dominion through Christ’s law of life—believers are not bound to live under the influence of their old sinful natures until Christ returns and transforms their bodies completely.

Practical Steps Towards Sanctification

Three Levels of Sanctification

The speaker outlines three levels: initial sanctification (at conversion), progressive sanctification (ongoing growth), and final sanctification (ultimate transformation). Emphasis is placed on understanding how to allow one's new nature to govern daily life effectively rather than relying on automatic processes or excuses related to the old self.

Biblical Guidance on Conduct

In Ephesians 4:22–24, Paul instructs believers to discard their former way of life associated with deceitful desires and embrace renewal in spirit while putting on the new self created according to God's righteousness and holiness—indicating active participation in personal transformation rather than passive acceptance.

Active Participation Required

Understanding Self-Control in the Process of Sanctification

The Role of Self-Control in Sanctification

The process of sanctification must be understood through the lens of "self-control," which is emphasized as crucial for a comprehensive understanding.

Apostle Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 9:27 about "beating my body and making it my slave" to avoid disqualification after preaching to others, raising questions about the literal interpretation of this statement.

Literal vs. Metaphorical Interpretations

The discussion highlights that if "to beat the body" is taken literally, then "to make it a slave" should also be interpreted similarly; however, both are metaphorical expressions.

In Romans 12, Paul instructs believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, presenting a paradox since sacrifice typically implies death. This suggests a non-literal approach to bodily sacrifice.

Understanding Old and New Natures

Colossians 3:5 emphasizes putting to death earthly nature behaviors linked with the old self (e.g., immorality and greed), indicating that sanctification involves eliminating these old behaviors due to having a new nature.

Paul further explains in Colossians that believers should discard anger and malice, reinforcing the need for transformation from old behaviors into new ones aligned with Christ's image.

Choosing Between Natures

Romans 8:5-6 discusses inclinations towards either flesh or spirit; those who focus on spiritual matters experience life and peace while those focused on flesh lead towards death, emphasizing conscious choice between natures.

The necessity for Christians to understand self-control is highlighted by referencing Genesis 4:7 where God tells Cain he must master sin before it controls him, illustrating an early understanding of resisting sinful desires.

Empowerment Through New Nature

Unlike the Old Covenant's limitations, believers can now overcome their old nature not through human effort but by utilizing resources from their new nature empowered by the Holy Spirit and grace.

Spiritual disciplines such as prayer, worship, meditation on Scripture, and fasting are essential practices that awaken spiritual consciousness and help mortify the flesh without relying solely on personal strength.

Importance of Spiritual Disciplines

Over centuries, spiritual disciplines have been vital for faithful individuals throughout biblical history; they serve not as merit-based acts but as means to enhance awareness of God's presence and power within believers' lives.

The Role of Spiritual Disciplines in Sanctification

Understanding Spiritual Strength through Disciplines

The use of spiritual resources is essential to overcome the old self; engaging with spiritual disciplines strengthens our awareness and consciousness.

As stated by Apostle Paul, renewing the mind is crucial for shedding the old man and embracing the new nature, facilitated by God's Word which transforms our thinking and beliefs.

Prayer empowers us to gain victory over fleshly inclinations; Jesus taught us to pray daily to avoid temptation, highlighting the importance of spiritual disciplines in awakening spiritual consciousness.

Progressive Sanctification Explained

Progressive sanctification involves a continuous process of mortifying the old nature while growing in awareness of the new nature, relying on God's grace and guidance from the Holy Spirit.

While initial sanctification is granted without merit through repentance and faith, progressive sanctification requires personal responsibility to access available spiritual resources.

Transformation Towards Christlikeness

The journey from initial conversion to ultimate glorification necessitates ongoing transformation into Christ's image, which is central to redemption's purpose.

This understanding aids believers in their growth; further insights are available in a comprehensive book titled "O Impacto da Santidade" and a four-hour conference on this topic.

Encouragement for Continued Growth