Doctrine 7 & 8

Question 1

What does Doctrine 7 say?

Answer 1

We believe that repentance towards God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit, are necessary to salvation.

Question 2

What is the definition of Repentance?

Answer 2

Repentance is the sincere determination to forsake sin and obey God.

Question 3

What is so important about the cross?

Answer 3

Death and resurrection of Jesus take up disproportionate amount of space.

Everything is arranged to lead to the climax of the cross.

The sermons in Acts major on death and resurrection.

Everywhere in the N.T., it is emphasized that the cross is at the heart of the faith.

Question 4

What did Repentance mean in the OT?

Answer 4

It meant to turn and return, like rebellious servants returning to their rightful owner.

Question 5

What did Repentance relate to in the NT?

Answer 5

Repentance related to man’s part in receiving salvation

Question 6

What is Conversion?

Answer 6

Trinitarian act involving human participation.

An Initial Experience.

Question 7

What happens in an Initial Experience Conversion?

Answer 7

God’s grace determines possibility of salvation.
Jesus’ death provides atonement.
The Holy Spirit convicts of the need.
The believer repents toward God.
The believer accepts in faith the atoning act of Christ.

Question 8

What is Spiritual Growth?

Answer 8

Daily obedient faith of the believer.
The guidance and strength of the Holy Spirit.
A Continuing Experience.

Question 9

What is Sanctification? What two things is Sanctification considered?

Answer 9

Work of the Holy Spirit by the will of God and the sacrifice of Christ.
Crisis – surrender of complete self.
Process – growth in the likeness of Christ.

Question 10

What are the two conditions of Salvation?

Answer 10

Repentance is toward God.

Faith is in Jesus Christ.

Question 11

What are the Stages of Repentance?

Answer 11

Conviction of sin.
Hatred of sin.
Sorrow for sin.
Renunciation of sin.
Confession of sin.
Desire for forgiveness.
Submission to God.
Willingness to make restitution.

Question 12

Conviction of sin…

Answer 12

Recognition of guilt.

Recognition that sin deserves punishment.

Question 13

Hatred of sin…

Answer 13

Rejection of sin.

Rejection of sin’s rule.

Question 14

Sorrow for sin…

Answer 14

Regrets sin – not just its consequences.

Question 15

Renunciation of sin…

Answer 15

Intention to give up sin.

Act of the will, but power given by the Holy Spirit.

Question 16

Confession of sin…

Answer 16

Acknowledgement & proclamation.

Question 17

Desire for forgiveness…

Answer 17

Longing for pardon.

Question 18

Submission to God…

Answer 18

Recognizes powerlessness and yields to God’s power & pardon.

Willingness to obey.

Question 19

Willingness to make restitution…

Answer 19

Intention to right wrongs.

Question 20

What is the definition of Faith?

Answer 20

Saving Faith is not just an assent to the truth of Scripture, but involves a trusting acceptance of God’s grace in Christ and confidence in a pardoning God.

Question 21

Saving Faith…

Answer 21

Is accompanied by repentance:
Recognizes failure of sin.
Desires God – seeks Him.
Trusts God’s power & willingness to forgive.

Results in commitment:
Intentional, determined faith – ‘I will trust Thee.’

Question 22

Personal Faith…

Answer 22

Focused on God alone for salvation:
No other Savior.
Not by my efforts or works.

Responds to the Gospel message.

Question 23

Acting Faith…

Answer 23

Passivity – resting on God’s promises:
Be ‘quiet’ – God is in control.
Be confident.

Activity – living to do God’s will:
In obedience.
In fruitfulness.
In faithfulness.

Question 24

What is the Four-Fold picture of Christ saving work?

Answer 24

Sacrifice - the answer to guilt.
Propitiation - the answer to God’s wrath.
Reconciliation - the answer to God’s alienation from us.
Redemption - the answer to our bondage to sin and satan.

Question 25

History of Mankind

Answer 25

Generation. Degeneration. Regeneration.

Question 26

Regeneration...

Answer 26

Definition: "Rebirth" ; "New Life". The change effected by the Holy Spirit in the heart of the penitent at the time of forgiveness. The ‘re-creation’ into the ‘image of God’ – the restoration of covenant relationship, God’s original intention for humanity.

Question 27

What does Doctrine 8 say?

Answer 27

We believe that we are justified by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and that he that believeth hath the witness in himself.

Question 28

Legal definition of Justification.

Answer 28

Declared 'Not Guilty'.

Question 29

Spiritualy definition of Justification.

Answer 29

The act of God for us which changes the relationship between ourselves and him. (Romans 5:1)

Question 30

Legal term of Justification...

Answer 30

Claim of desert - innocent. | Claim of merit – earned.

Question 31

Christian term of Justification...

Answer 31

Declared free, although guilty. Admit guilt, accept pardon. Claim of faith in the atoning Savior .

Question 32

OT Justification.

Answer 32

“Legal justification” embodied in the Law. You were justified by keeping the Law. Legal justification for the innocent person.

Question 33

NT Justification.

Answer 33

For the guilty – not the innocent. | Accused admits their guild, but is justified not be works, but by faith alone.

Question 34

The Problem: Why do we need justification to be declared right by God?

Answer 34

There is no one righteous. No one can be right by doing his own works. There is no way that we can be accepted by God on our terms.

Question 35

The Process: Recognize ourselves as sinners before God; Restored to fellowship with God.

Answer 35

Sinners before God - Repentance toward God. Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Fellowship with God - Act of mercy – compassion. Act of grace – undeserved.

Question 36

The Price: Roman 3:24

Answer 36

God could only justify us – declare us to be righteous by receiving the death of someone else. Jesus dies to satisfy the requirements of the Law . Through the substitutionary death of his son. God’s love wants to forgive sins, but his holiness says that he must punish sin and uphold the Law.

Question 37

What are the two types of Justification?

Answer 37

Imputed Righteousness. | Imparted Righteousness.

Question 38

Imputed Righteousness.

Answer 38

God now considers us ‘righteous’. Instant – verdict rendered. Sees us through the ‘lens’ of Jesus.

Question 39

Imparted Righteousness.

Answer 39

God now makes us righteous. Continuing transformation - process. Possible through His indwelling Holy Spirit.

Question 40

The Result: Restored Relationship.

Answer 40

Free from condemnation. Peace with God & Access. Proper perspective of relationship- Humility; Gratitude. Hope of holiness.

Question 41

God's part of Justification...

Answer 41

Grace

Question 42

Our part of Justification...

Answer 42

Faith

Question 43

Definition of Grace.

Answer 43

Unmerited, undeserved.

Question 44

Justified by Grace...

Answer 44

Dependant upon the character of God. | Demonstrated in the saving work of Jesus.

Question 45

Definition of Prevenient Grace.

Answer 45

A ‘stimulus to spiritual awakening’; the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts before conversion.

Question 46

Three ways Prevenient Grace convicts us,,,

Answer 46

Convicts of sin and guilt. Convicts of God’s holiness & His original intention for us – holiness & relationship. Convicts of judgment – the penalty for sin.

Question 47

Justified by Faith

Answer 47

Trusting acceptance of the Good News: Heart believes – receives justification. Mouth confesses – seals salvation. Trust brings blessing – no shame. Commitment of ourselves to God: Obedient response to His goodness- I know Him; I am convinced He is able. Desire to become a disciple- Know His voice.; Follow Him.