Subject: do we have any free will? |
Bible Note: charis; I have enjoyed your well thought out responses to my questions and notes, and i think we pretty much think the same on this issue even though our wording and understanding differs somewhat. I too believe salvation is personal to each individual. I believe that God, and not man inititates salvation, that He is the author, and also the finisher of salvation. As concerning the sanctification process which you briefly mentioned, I think that is a topic not dicussed in detail as often as it should be. When I mention salvation, I see salvation as an umbrella under which are justification, sanctification (both initial, and ongoing), and also glorification. I think that in order to properly understand salvation, which is a broad term, one must first have a good working knowledge of the terms I justy mentioned, and if I read you correctly, I believe that you do. Let me give you my basic definition of these 3 terms: Salvation is in 3 tenses Justification-we have been saved (past tense) from the penalty of sin. Sanctification- we are being saved (present tense) from the power of sin Glorification - we yet shall be saved (future tense) from the presence of sin sanctification is not merely activism in the sense that everything depends on me, neither is sanctification merely passivism, meaning just let God do it for me. But true Bibical sanctification is us co-operating with the Holy Spirit as He works with us and allowing Him to work through us. Sanctification becomes a quality of life through a two-way relationship: the believer in Christ, and Christ in the believer: The Holy Spirit working in us as we co-operate with Him (Sanctification is not passive) Justification is by faith, Sanctification is by faithfulness. Justification is for the repentant sinner. Sanctification is for the surrendered disciple. Glorification is for the victorious saint. Justification takes care of the past. Sanctification takes care of the present. Glorification takes care of the future. Yours in Christ zach |