Theology F (Chappell/Meek) Flashcards
What is the ordo salutis? Support your answer from Scripture.
The ordo salutis is the order of salvation. It includes the acts of God and the responses of the individual in salvation (Rom. 8:29–30; Eph. 1:3–14; 2 Thess. 2:13–15).
- Election (Eph. 1:4)
- Effectual Calling (John 6:37)
- Regeneration (John 3:3)
- Conversion (Mark 1:15)
~ Repentance
~ Faith - Justification (2 Cor. 5:21)
- Adoption (1 John 3:1)
- Sanctification (Rom. 6:4, 6, 12–14)
- Glorification (1 John 3:2–3)
How would you explain the plan of salvation to an unbeliever?
God chose a people for himself from all eternity. In those people, he works salvation in such a way that he makes them aware of their need for him (effectual calling), two which they respond by repenting of their sins and trusting in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. This act of faith is the instrument by which believers take hold of Christ, are made righteous in God’s sight, become his children, receive the Holy Spirit, and begin to walk in new obedience to him. While believers will not attain perfection in this life, they strive for it out of thankfulness and covenantal obligation to God until the day when God unites all things to himself and ushers in a new heavens and new earth of holiness, righteousness, and glory which believers enjoy forever.
Define and defend (include Scripture proofs) the doctrine of “effectual calling.”
Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit, whereby convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel (Matt. 11:28–30; John 6:37).
On what is God’s decision to call a person based?
God’s decision to call a person is not based on anything in the person but only on God’s sovereign choice?
How can infants be ‘called’?
God is free to call whomever he chooses, including infants. God’s calling of some infants fits with the pattern of extending covenant promises to the children of believers.
Can anyone not called by the Spirit be saved? Explain and defend (include Scripture proofs).
No one is saved apart from the Spirit’s call (Rom. 8:9; John 3:3)
Is Jesus really the only way of salvation? Explain and defend (include Scripture proofs).
~ What about those who never had the chance to hear about Jesus?
~ What about the sincere Buddhist (or Muslim, or Unitarian)?
Jesus is the only way of salvation. He is the only redeemer of God’s elect (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).
Those who never had the chance to hear about Jesus are condemned on the basis of the revelation which they have received (general revelation).
The sincere Buddhist (or Muslim, or Unitarian) has rejected the only way of salvation in Christ and cannot be saved. Even the sincerest, most religious, and most devout people find themselves unreconciled to God and without any way of meriting salvation apart from Christ.
Define and defend (include Scripture proofs) the doctrine of “justification.”
Justification is an act of God’s free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone (Rom. 3:23–24; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 2:16).
What is the basis of justification?
The basis of justification is God’s free grace through the work of Christ.
Explain this statement: “Faith alone saves, but saving faith is never alone.”
True, saving faith bears fruit in keeping with repentance (i.e. good works). Saving faith is obedient faith (James 2; 1 John 3).
When is a Christian justified?
A Christian is justified at the moment of conversion (as soon as he places his faith in Christ).
What happens when a Christian sins after being justified?
God continues to forgive that Christian’s sins. He may fall under God’s Fatherly displeasure until he repents, but he cannot lose his justified status.
How were believers justified under the old covenant?
Believers under the old covenant were justified by faith in God’s promises.
Define and defend (include Scripture proofs) the doctrine of “adoption.”
Adoption is an act of God’s free grace, whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges of the sons of God (Rom. 8:16–17; 1 John 3:1).
Define and defend (include Scripture proofs) the doctrine of “sanctification.”
Santification is the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin and live unto righteousness (Rom. 6:4, 6, 12–14; Phil. 1:9–11).
