11/3/2019 A.M. Sermon

Are You Saved or Not Saved?

What was wrong with indulgences?

General:

According to Rome, the temporal punishment due to sin may be alleviated or removed by the merits of Christ and the saints dispensed by the church.

Cairns, A. (2002). In Dictionary of Theological Terms (p. 231). Belfast; Greenville, SC: Ambassador Emerald International.

Specifically: indulgences. A practice of the medieval Roman Catholic Church that suggested that financial contributions to the church could ensure that a person who had died could be released from purgatory (the place of torment) into heavenly bliss. Indulgences, among other practices, prompted Martin Luther to question the scriptural basis for many teachings of the medieval Roman Catholic Church. This in turn led to the Protestant Reformation and Luther’s emphasis on a person being declared righteous on the basis of faith in Christ alone without reference to meritorious human works of any kind.

Grenz, S., Guretzki, D., & Nordling, C. F. (1999). In Pocket dictionary of theological terms (p. 66). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

Indulgences were based on the need to suffer for ones sins.

indulgences. A major controversy of the Reformation era involved the sale of indulgences that, it was believed, could shorten the time a Christian would have to spend in *purgatory. In the sixteenth century an indulgence could be granted under the auspices (support) of the pope, usually in exchange for a gift of money or land, to reduce the penalty of the “temporal consequences of sin,” i.e., unfulfilled penances. Martin *Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses focused mainly on the theological problems attendant to the sale of indulgences.

Feldmeth, N. P. (2008). In Pocket Dictionary of Church History: Over 300 Terms Clearly and Concisely Defined (p. 79). Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic.

Indulgences

There is no divine authority for preaching that the soul flies out of purgatory immediately after the money clinks in the bottom of the chest. All those who believe themselves certain of their own salvation by means of letters of indulgence will be eternally damned, together with their teachers. Any Christian whatsoever, who is truly repentant, enjoys remission from penalty and guilt, and this is given him without letters of indulgence.

Martin Luther

Water, M. (2000). The new encyclopedia of Christian quotations (p. 530). Alresford, Hampshire: John Hunt Publishers Ltd.

Two Views on Eternal Security

The Arminian says that man has received his salvation as an act of his will and he may forfeit his salvation as an act of the will—or through specific sins.

The Calvinist says that the true believer will persevere in his faith. This doctrine is sometimes called “perseverance of the saints,” which is not a proper title since it places the emphasis on man’s ability to persevere rather than on God’s ability to keep the believer. A better title might be “perseverance of the Lord.”

Enns, P. P. (1989). The Moody handbook of theology (p. 340). Chicago, IL: Moody Press.

The Moody Handbook of Theology Eternal Security

The basis for the security of salvation does not rest with man, but with God. The security of the believer is based on the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

This doctrine does not suggest that the believer will never backslide or sin. It means, however, that when a person has genuinely believed in Christ as His Savior from sin he is forever secured by God by His keeping power.

Enns, P. P. (1989). The Moody handbook of theology (p. 340). Chicago, IL: Moody Press.

Secure in the Father

Ephesians 1:4 NIV

4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love

Believers are secure because the Father has chosen them to salvation from eternity past (Eph. 1:4). The Father predestined believers to come to the status of sonship in Christ (Eph. 1:5). The Father has the power to keep believers secure in their salvation (Rom. 8:28–30). The ones the Father foreknew, predestined, called, and justified are the same ones He brings to glorification in the future. None are lost in the process. The Father’s love for believers also guarantees their security (Rom. 5:7–10).

Enns, P. P. (1989). The Moody handbook of theology (pp. 340–341). Chicago, IL: Moody Press.

Ephesians 1:5 NIV

5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—

Believers are secure because the Father has chosen them to salvation from eternity past (Eph. 1:4). The Father predestined believers to come to the status of sonship in Christ (Eph. 1:5). The Father has the power to keep believers secure in their salvation (Rom. 8:28–30). The ones the Father foreknew, predestined, called, and justified are the same ones He brings to glorification in the future. None are lost in the process. The Father’s love for believers also guarantees their security (Rom. 5:7–10).

Enns, P. P. (1989). The Moody handbook of theology (pp. 340–341). Chicago, IL: Moody Press.

Romans 8:28–30 NIV

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Believers are secure because the Father has chosen them to salvation from eternity past (Eph. 1:4). The Father predestined believers to come to the status of sonship in Christ (Eph. 1:5). The Father has the power to keep believers secure in their salvation (Rom. 8:28–30). The ones the Father foreknew, predestined, called, and justified are the same ones He brings to glorification in the future. None are lost in the process. The Father’s love for believers also guarantees their security (Rom. 5:7–10).

Enns, P. P. (1989). The Moody handbook of theology (pp. 340–341). Chicago, IL: Moody Press.

Romans 5:7–10 NIV

7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

Believers are secure because the Father has chosen them to salvation from eternity past (Eph. 1:4). The Father predestined believers to come to the status of sonship in Christ (Eph. 1:5). The Father has the power to keep believers secure in their salvation (Rom. 8:28–30). The ones the Father foreknew, predestined, called, and justified are the same ones He brings to glorification in the future. None are lost in the process. The Father’s love for believers also guarantees their security (Rom. 5:7–10).

Enns, P. P. (1989). The Moody handbook of theology (pp. 340–341). Chicago, IL: Moody Press.

Secure In Christ

Ephesians 1:7 NIV

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

The Son has redeemed the believer (Eph. 1:7), removed the wrath of God from the believer (Rom. 3:25), justified the believer (Rom. 5:1), provided forgiveness (Col. 2:13), and sanctified the believer (1 Cor. 1:2). Moreover, Christ prays for believers to be with Him (John 17:24); He continues to be their Advocate at God’s bar of justice (1 John 2:1); and He continues to make intercession as the believer’s High Priest (Heb. 7:25). If a believer could be lost it would imply Christ is ineffective in His work as the believer’s Mediator.

Enns, P. P. (1989). The Moody handbook of theology (p. 341). Chicago, IL: Moody Press.

Romans 3:25 NIV

25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—

The Son has redeemed the believer (Eph. 1:7), removed the wrath of God from the believer (Rom. 3:25), justified the believer (Rom. 5:1), provided forgiveness (Col. 2:13), and sanctified the believer (1 Cor. 1:2). Moreover, Christ prays for believers to be with Him (John 17:24); He continues to be their Advocate at God’s bar of justice (1 John 2:1); and He continues to make intercession as the believer’s High Priest (Heb. 7:25). If a believer could be lost it would imply Christ is ineffective in His work as the believer’s Mediator.

Enns, P. P. (1989). The Moody handbook of theology (p. 341). Chicago, IL: Moody Press.

Romans 5:1 NIV

1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

The Son has redeemed the believer (Eph. 1:7), removed the wrath of God from the believer (Rom. 3:25), justified the believer (Rom. 5:1), provided forgiveness (Col. 2:13), and sanctified the believer (1 Cor. 1:2). Moreover, Christ prays for believers to be with Him (John 17:24); He continues to be their Advocate at God’s bar of justice (1 John 2:1); and He continues to make intercession as the believer’s High Priest (Heb. 7:25). If a believer could be lost it would imply Christ is ineffective in His work as the believer’s Mediator.

Enns, P. P. (1989). The Moody handbook of theology (p. 341). Chicago, IL: Moody Press.

Colossians 2:13 NIV

13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,

The Son has redeemed the believer (Eph. 1:7), removed the wrath of God from the believer (Rom. 3:25), justified the believer (Rom. 5:1), provided forgiveness (Col. 2:13), and sanctified the believer (1 Cor. 1:2). Moreover, Christ prays for believers to be with Him (John 17:24); He continues to be their Advocate at God’s bar of justice (1 John 2:1); and He continues to make intercession as the believer’s High Priest (Heb. 7:25). If a believer could be lost it would imply Christ is ineffective in His work as the believer’s Mediator.

Enns, P. P. (1989). The Moody handbook of theology (p. 341). Chicago, IL: Moody Press.

1 Corinthians 1:2 NIV

2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:

The Son has redeemed the believer (Eph. 1:7), removed the wrath of God from the believer (Rom. 3:25), justified the believer (Rom. 5:1), provided forgiveness (Col. 2:13), and sanctified the believer (1 Cor. 1:2). Moreover, Christ prays for believers to be with Him (John 17:24); He continues to be their Advocate at God’s bar of justice (1 John 2:1); and He continues to make intercession as the believer’s High Priest (Heb. 7:25). If a believer could be lost it would imply Christ is ineffective in His work as the believer’s Mediator.

Enns, P. P. (1989). The Moody handbook of theology (p. 341). Chicago, IL: Moody Press.

John 17:24 NIV

24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

The Son has redeemed the believer (Eph. 1:7), removed the wrath of God from the believer (Rom. 3:25), justified the believer (Rom. 5:1), provided forgiveness (Col. 2:13), and sanctified the believer (1 Cor. 1:2). Moreover, Christ prays for believers to be with Him (John 17:24); He continues to be their Advocate at God’s bar of justice (1 John 2:1); and He continues to make intercession as the believer’s High Priest (Heb. 7:25). If a believer could be lost it would imply Christ is ineffective in His work as the believer’s Mediator.

Enns, P. P. (1989). The Moody handbook of theology (p. 341). Chicago, IL: Moody Press.

1 John 2:1 NIV

1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

The Son has redeemed the believer (Eph. 1:7), removed the wrath of God from the believer (Rom. 3:25), justified the believer (Rom. 5:1), provided forgiveness (Col. 2:13), and sanctified the believer (1 Cor. 1:2). Moreover, Christ prays for believers to be with Him (John 17:24); He continues to be their Advocate at God’s bar of justice (1 John 2:1); and He continues to make intercession as the believer’s High Priest (Heb. 7:25). If a believer could be lost it would imply Christ is ineffective in His work as the believer’s Mediator.

Enns, P. P. (1989). The Moody handbook of theology (p. 341). Chicago, IL: Moody Press.

Hebrews 7:25 NIV

25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

The Son has redeemed the believer (Eph. 1:7), removed the wrath of God from the believer (Rom. 3:25), justified the believer (Rom. 5:1), provided forgiveness (Col. 2:13), and sanctified the believer (1 Cor. 1:2). Moreover, Christ prays for believers to be with Him (John 17:24); He continues to be their Advocate at God’s bar of justice (1 John 2:1); and He continues to make intercession as the believer’s High Priest (Heb. 7:25). If a believer could be lost it would imply Christ is ineffective in His work as the believer’s Mediator.

Enns, P. P. (1989). The Moody handbook of theology (p. 341). Chicago, IL: Moody Press.

Secure in the Holy Spirit

2 Corinthians 1:21–22 NIV

21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Titus 3:5 NIV

5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

The Holy Spirit has regenerated the believer, giving him life (Tit. 3:5); the Holy Spirit indwells the believer forever (John 14:17); He has sealed the believer for the day of redemption (Eph. 4:30), the sealing being a down payment, guaranteeing our future inheritance; the believer is baptized into union with Christ and into the body of believers (1 Cor. 12:13).

For a believer to lose his salvation would demand a reversal and an undoing of all the preceding works of the Father, Son, and Spirit. The key issue in the discussion of the believer’s security concerns the issue of who does the saving. If man is responsible for securing his salvation, then he can be lost; if God secures the person’s salvation, then the person is forever secure.

The eternal security of the believer by the grace of God is the completion and crowning glory of God’s plan of salvation.

Enns, P. P. (1989). The Moody handbook of theology (p. 341). Chicago, IL: Moody Press.

John 14:17 NIV

17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

The Holy Spirit has regenerated the believer, giving him life (Tit. 3:5); the Holy Spirit indwells the believer forever (John 14:17); He has sealed the believer for the day of redemption (Eph. 4:30), the sealing being a down payment, guaranteeing our future inheritance; the believer is baptized into union with Christ and into the body of believers (1 Cor. 12:13).

For a believer to lose his salvation would demand a reversal and an undoing of all the preceding works of the Father, Son, and Spirit. The key issue in the discussion of the believer’s security concerns the issue of who does the saving. If man is responsible for securing his salvation, then he can be lost; if God secures the person’s salvation, then the person is forever secure.

The eternal security of the believer by the grace of God is the completion and crowning glory of God’s plan of salvation.

Enns, P. P. (1989). The Moody handbook of theology (p. 341). Chicago, IL: Moody Press.

Ephesians 4:30 NIV

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

The Holy Spirit has regenerated the believer, giving him life (Tit. 3:5); the Holy Spirit indwells the believer forever (John 14:17); He has sealed the believer for the day of redemption (Eph. 4:30), the sealing being a down payment, guaranteeing our future inheritance; the believer is baptized into union with Christ and into the body of believers (1 Cor. 12:13).

For a believer to lose his salvation would demand a reversal and an undoing of all the preceding works of the Father, Son, and Spirit. The key issue in the discussion of the believer’s security concerns the issue of who does the saving. If man is responsible for securing his salvation, then he can be lost; if God secures the person’s salvation, then the person is forever secure.

The eternal security of the believer by the grace of God is the completion and crowning glory of God’s plan of salvation.

Enns, P. P. (1989). The Moody handbook of theology (p. 341). Chicago, IL: Moody Press.

1 Corinthians 12:13 NIV

13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

The Holy Spirit has regenerated the believer, giving him life (Tit. 3:5); the Holy Spirit indwells the believer forever (John 14:17); He has sealed the believer for the day of redemption (Eph. 4:30), the sealing being a down payment, guaranteeing our future inheritance; the believer is baptized into union with Christ and into the body of believers (1 Cor. 12:13).

For a believer to lose his salvation would demand a reversal and an undoing of all the preceding works of the Father, Son, and Spirit. The key issue in the discussion of the believer’s security concerns the issue of who does the saving. If man is responsible for securing his salvation, then he can be lost; if God secures the person’s salvation, then the person is forever secure.

The eternal security of the believer by the grace of God is the completion and crowning glory of God’s plan of salvation.

Enns, P. P. (1989). The Moody handbook of theology (p. 341). Chicago, IL: Moody Press.

The Moody Handbook of Theology Securing Work of the Holy Spirit

For a believer to lose his salvation would demand a reversal and an undoing of all the preceding works of the Father, Son, and Spirit. The key issue in the discussion of the believer’s security concerns the issue of who does the saving. If man is responsible for securing his salvation, then he can be lost; if God secures the person’s salvation, then the person is forever secure.

Eternal Security is a Community Project

James 5:16 NIV

16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Eternal Security Is a Community Project (01:19–04:22)

• God uses human beings to bring back human beings from their wandering. (James 5:20)

• Human beings save souls from death and cover a multitude of sins. (James 5:20)

• This means Christian community is unbelievably important.

• God uses people to save people the way a lumberjack uses an axe to cut down trees.

Piper, J. (2014–2015). Look at the Book Labs (Jas 5:19–20). Minneapolis, MN: Desiring God.

James 5:20 NIV

20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Eternal Security Is a Community Project (01:19–04:22)

• God uses human beings to bring back human beings from their wandering. (James 5:20)

• Human beings save souls from death and cover a multitude of sins. (James 5:20)

• This means Christian community is unbelievably important.

• God uses people to save people the way a lumberjack uses an axe to cut down trees.

Piper, J. (2014–2015). Look at the Book Labs (Jas 5:19–20). Minneapolis, MN: Desiring God.