418 - Ordo salutis - Unión con Cristo

Introduction to Ordo Salutis and Adoption

Overview of the Study

• The speaker introduces the study of "ordo salutis," focusing on adoption as a key concept in relation to one's position with Christ.

• The Apostle Paul teaches that God predestined believers for adoption, emphasizing that adoption is a legal term similar to justification.

Legal Status of Believers

• Believers are legally adopted and justified, yet they still struggle with sin until glorification, where their true nature will be fully revealed.

• Adoption and justification are granted through faith in Christ; believers do not acquire divine nature but remain human, united by the Holy Spirit.

Role of the Holy Spirit in Adoption

Evidence of Adoption

• The Holy Spirit resides in believers' hearts, influencing their decisions and motivations rather than merely evoking emotions.

• A fundamental characteristic of adopted individuals is being led by the Holy Spirit, which manifests as a desire to live for Christ rather than oneself.

Assurance of Salvation

Connection Between Salvation and Living

• The presence of the Holy Spirit guarantees salvation; Christians cannot live like the world because they have transitioned from darkness to light.

• This transformation signifies an irreversible change; believers are new creations with no turning back.

Review of Ordo Salutis Steps

Stages in Ordo Salutis

• A review outlines stages: election, predestination, internal calling, regeneration (with faith following), conversion, justification, adoption, sanctification, perseverance, and glorification.

• While some steps occur simultaneously (regeneration through adoption), others follow chronologically.

Understanding Sanctification

Distinction Between Types of Holiness

• Sanctification is divided into positional holiness (immediate upon regeneration) and progressive holiness (lifelong growth).

Union with Christ

Importance of Union with Christ

• Before discussing sanctification further, it’s essential to understand union with Christ as foundational for receiving gifts like regeneration and justification.

Biblical Perspectives on Union with Christ

Four Aspects Describing Our Relationship

• The Bible describes our relationship with Christ through four perspectives: being in Christ, having Christ with us, being like Him, and His presence within us.

Church as Body

Unity Within the Church

• The church is described as one body under Christ's headship; understanding this unity helps clarify how gifts are received from God.

Gifts from God

Nature of Divine Gifts

• Regeneration and other gifts are freely given by God without any merit or payment required from believers.

Marriage Analogy for Understanding Union

Societal Views on Marriage

The speaker discusses societal views on marriage while asserting that biblical marriage reflects the relationship between Christ and the Church.

Prayer Before Study

Seeking Understanding Through Prayer

• A prayer is offered asking for guidance in understanding God's word through the Holy Spirit's assistance.

What Does It Mean to Be United With Christ?

Exploring Jesus’ Teachings

• Jesus emphasizes unity among Himself and His followers before His death using John 14:19–20 as a reference point.

Great Commission Context

Authority Given to Disciples

• After resurrection , Jesus commissions disciples to spread his teachings while assuring them he will always be present.

Questioning Jesus' Presence

Clarifying Where Jesus Is Now

• A question posed about Jesus' current location leads into discussions about his dual natures—humanity at God's right hand versus omnipresence.

Hypostatic Union Explained

Nature of Jesus

• Explanation provided regarding hypostatic union—two distinct natures existing without confusion or separation within one person.

Omnipresence Clarified

Understanding Divine Presence

• Discussion clarifies that omnipresence means God exists everywhere simultaneously—not confined by space or time limitations.

Fulfillment of Promises

Addressing Concerns About Promises

• Some may question if promises made by Jesus were fulfilled despite his ascension; clarification provided regarding spiritual presence via the Holy Spirit.

Distinction Between Persons in Trinity

Roles Within Trinity

Clarifies roles within Trinity—Father , Son ,and Holy Spirit maintain distinct functions while working together harmoniously .

Connection Through Holy Spirit

Uniting Believers With Christ

Holy Spirit serves as connector between believers &Christ ; analogy used comparing branches drawing life from vine .

Body Analogy Reiterated

Interconnectedness Among Believers

Believers form one body under leadership & direction provided byChrist ; each member plays unique role contributing towards overall function .

Baptism Into One Body

Unity Through Baptism

All baptized into one body regardless background ; emphasizes inclusivity among all who believe .

Interchangeable Language Used

Indwelling Presence Explained

-speaks interchangeably about indwelling presenceof bothJesus &HolySpirit indicating connection establishedthrough faith .

Understanding Economic Trinity

Roles Defined

Economy refers not just finances but rules governing relationships withinTrinity highlighting distinct roles playedby each person .

Union Established Through Faith

Connecting To Benefits

Emphasizes necessityof union before accessing benefits receivedfromGod likenedto marriage covenant .

Marriage Analogy Explored

Spiritual Implications

Explains how marital union mirrors relationshipbetweenChrist&Church illustrating deeper spiritual truthsabout commitmentand connection .

Benefits Realized Upon Commitment

Accessing Riches

Highlights importanceof commitmentin experiencingfullnessof blessingsavailablethroughrelationshipwithChrist .

Understanding the Marriage Covenant

The Nature of Marriage

• The marriage covenant is a pact made before God, emphasizing commitment until death, regardless of circumstances or personal grievances.

• Responsibilities in marriage are upheld despite challenges; one cannot abandon their duties based on the partner's actions.

• Jesus acknowledged that not everyone is meant to marry, indicating that marriage is a divine gift rather than a necessity.

Sacrifice and Commitment

• True commitment in marriage involves living for one's spouse and children, prioritizing their needs over personal desires.

• This selflessness mirrors God's relationship with humanity, where He sacrifices for our benefit without expecting anything in return.

Union with Christ: A Parallel to Marriage

Spiritual Implications of Union

• Our union with Christ reflects the marital bond; we belong to Him as spouses do to each other, highlighting mutual commitment.

• All spiritual gifts stem from this union; believers receive grace through their connection with Christ.

Eternal Nature of the Union

• Unlike earthly marriages that end at death, our union with Christ is eternal and unbreakable even through physical death.

• The biblical view of marriage serves as an imperfect representation of our ultimate glorification in Christ.

Societal Views on Marriage

Challenges Facing Modern Marriages

• Contemporary society often promotes self-interest over sacrifice, making true marital commitment challenging.

• Many claim "marriage doesn't work," but misunderstandings about its biblical foundation lead to failures.

Importance of Sacrifice

• Genuine love requires sacrifice; just as God loves us despite our flaws, so should spouses love each other unconditionally.

Divine Acceptance Despite Sin

God's Perspective on Believers

• God accepts believers not based on their merits but because they are united with Christ, who embodies perfection.

• This union allows believers to have communion with God despite their sinful nature due to Christ’s righteousness covering them.

Four Aspects of Our Union with Christ

Being in Christ

• Scripture emphasizes that believers are "in Christ," signifying a deep spiritual connection established by God's grace before time began.

Regeneration and Awareness

• While this union was established eternally, it becomes evident during regeneration when individuals become aware of their relationship with Him.

Understanding Time and Eternity

Conceptualizing Eternity

• The idea of being chosen "before the foundation of the world" illustrates God's timeless nature beyond human comprehension.

Living Out Our Union With Christ

Practical Implications

• Believers must live as if they have already died and resurrected with Christ; this shapes moral behavior and lifestyle choices.

Responsibility Within Our Union

Accountability for Actions

• Being united with Christ entails responsibility; believers cannot continue sinning without consequences due to their new identity in Him.

Imitating Christ's Example

Call to Live Like Jesus

• Believers are called to imitate Jesus' life through obedience and sacrificial love towards others as evidence of genuine faith.

Understanding Communion with God

The Nature of Communion

• The Bible asserts that communion with God is distinct from merely having God within us; it involves a personal relationship where God knows and speaks to us through His Word.

• Many people, including the speaker in the past, mistakenly believe that communion requires supernatural experiences, like visions or direct messages from Jesus, which is not necessary for true communion.

Relating to God

• True communion with God is about developing a close relationship through His Word rather than seeking extraordinary experiences; we have all the tools needed for this connection.

• Acknowledging that many do not engage in conversation with God highlights a lack of understanding about what it means to have communion; everything necessary for salvation is found in Scripture.

Engaging with Scripture

• While not every part of Scripture may seem relevant at all times, there are always applicable teachings for our current situations and struggles.

• When facing anxiety or uncertainty about the future, one should turn to the Bible for guidance and communicate these concerns to God through prayer.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

• Understanding Scripture requires the Holy Spirit's assistance; He helps us comprehend God's Word and respond appropriately through prayer.

• Prayer serves as our response to God's instructions revealed in Scripture, allowing us to express fears and seek help in trusting Him.

Living Out Our Faith

• As believers, we must deny ourselves and live for Christ by recalling God's promises during difficult times; this process involves actively reminding ourselves of His faithfulness.

• This cycle of responding in faith leads to spiritual growth as we focus on God's kingdom first while navigating life's uncertainties.

The Promise of God's Presence

Assurance of Divine Presence

• Our union with Christ ensures His presence with us; this relationship does not negate His omnipresence but emphasizes personal interaction available at any moment.

• Paul describes our perception of divine truths as seeing "through a glass darkly," indicating that while our understanding may be limited now, clarity will come later.

Unique Relationship Compared to Other Religions

• Unlike other religions that require actions to reach their deities, Christianity teaches that nothing can be done by humans—God has already accomplished everything needed for relationship and understanding (Psalm 32:8).

Evidence of Genuine Faith

Authenticity in Christian Life

• Genuine faith should manifest evidence; if someone claims to be Christian yet lives contrary to biblical teachings, they are likely not truly saved.

• True believers prioritize what matters according to scripture rather than worldly values. Their speech and actions reflect their identity as followers of Christ.

Accountability Among Believers

• Christians must hold each other accountable within the body of Christ. If someone sins or strays away from biblical principles, they should seek reconciliation rather than simply moving on without addressing issues.

Importance of Repentance

Demonstrating Change

• Any claim of experiencing transformation must be verifiable through changed behavior. A true believer cannot continue living like those who do not know Christ without showing signs of repentance.

Community Dynamics

Unity Despite Differences

• While doctrinal disagreements exist among Christians (e.g., baptism practices), unity remains essential based on shared foundational beliefs. Disputes over non-essential doctrines shouldn't divide genuine fellowship among believers.

Addressing Sin Within Congregations

Responsibility Toward One Another

• Members who leave congregations due to unresolved sin must acknowledge their need for accountability within the same body instead of escaping consequences by starting anew elsewhere.

Embracing Our Identity in Christ

Recognizing Human Fallibility

• All believers are sinners despite being united with Christ. This reality calls for humility and acknowledgment that our union can be hindered by sin even though God's nature remains unchanged.

The Responsibility of Communication in Danger

Parental Guidance and Accountability

• The analogy of a watchman is used to illustrate the responsibility of parents to warn their children about potential dangers, emphasizing that failure to do so can lead to dire consequences.

• Once children reach an age where they can make their own decisions, parents are no longer fully responsible for their choices but must still provide guidance and warnings.

Ethical Dilemmas in Truth-Telling

• A classic ethical dilemma is presented regarding whether one should lie to protect individuals from harm, such as hiding Jews during the Nazi regime when questioned by authorities.

• The discussion highlights the conflict between telling the truth and being complicit in wrongdoing, raising questions about moral responsibility.

Defining Lies in Biblical Terms

Biblical Examples and Interpretations

• The speaker suggests re-evaluating what constitutes a lie based on biblical principles, using Samuel's actions as an example where he did not disclose his true intentions while following God's command.

• It is proposed that truth should be communicated only to those who deserve it; this definition does not explicitly appear in scripture but serves as a guiding principle.

Gossip vs. Reporting

• A distinction is made between gossip and legitimate reporting; Paul’s communication about church issues is framed as necessary information rather than gossip since it pertains to accountability within the church community.

• If information could lead to harm or wrongdoing, withholding it may be justified under this new understanding of truth-telling.

Moral Implications of Withholding Information

Justifying Non-disclosure

• The speaker argues that withholding information from those who would misuse it does not equate to lying; instead, it's seen as protecting others from potential harm.

• Historical examples are cited where individuals acted against unjust orders (e.g., midwives saving infants), reinforcing the idea that moral duty sometimes requires non-disclosure.

Diverse Christian Perspectives

• There are varying interpretations among Christians regarding truth-telling; some insist on absolute honesty without considering complicity in evil acts.

Understanding Titles: "Minicristos"

Discussion on Identity in Christ

• A question arises about referring to believers as "minicristos" or mini-Christians, exploring its implications for identity and representation of Christ.

Clarification on Misinterpretations

• The speaker clarifies misconceptions around being called "Jehová Junior," critiquing doctrines that elevate believers' status beyond scriptural support while acknowledging our role as representatives of Christ.

Concluding Thoughts on Doctrine

Importance of Contextual Understanding

• Emphasis is placed on understanding theological terms within context rather than focusing solely on terminology; clarity over intent is prioritized.

Closing Remarks

• The session concludes with gratitude towards participants and hints at future discussions regarding sanctification, indicating ongoing exploration of complex theological topics.