Our Theological Story
The path of the faith has the following touch points…
Original Sin – human beings apart from God’s saving grace
Actual sin both outward and inward
Man is captive to the guilt and power of sin (Romans 3:23, 3:10)
Continued in pride and ‘evil’(redefining God’s good)
Prevenient Grace – the “dawning of salvation” – when we first realized God’s pursuit of us.
Illumines reason
Awakens affections
Empowers will
Repentance – the “gate of salvation” – a process made possible by grace and enacted by a decision to turn towards a holy God
Self-knowledge = mind
Conviction of sin = heart
Desire for change = will
Justification – “present salvation” in standing right before and in relationship to the love of Jesus
By faith alone – instantaneous – “saving grace”
Pardon/forgiveness – cancels guilt of sin (past)
Entrance into the Kingdom
Done through the work of Christ (atonement)
Regeneration (New Birth) – “present salvation” simultaneously with Justification and first steps with Jesus
By faith alone – instantaneous – “saving grace”
Transformation/renewal – breaks the power of sin (present)
Through submission, there is an internal change “in us”
Done through the work of the Holy Spirit
Sacrament is Baptism
Sanctification – “continuing salvation” in discipleship after Jesus within community
Process of growth; gradual development – “sanctifying grace”
God’s action; our reaction and pursuit of holiness
One who is born of God does not willfully commit sin – outward sin is overcome
Repentance of believers – inward sin remains, but does not reign
Sacrament is Lord’s Supper
Entire Sanctification/Christian Perfection – “full salvation”
By faith alone; instantaneous – “perfecting grace”
Freedom from sin, both outward and inward
Presence of love of God and of the neighbor
Fully aligning ‘my’ will with God’s will (Lord’s Prayer)
Holiness of heart and life
Our story has its grounding in a bigger story
God’s Story: The Holy Bible
Prologue – Trinity and Love in relationship
Creation – Heaven & Earth together, original perfection: created in the image of God (Genesis 1 & 2)
Fall – choosing of evil and loss of the image of God (Genesis 3-11)
Call of Israel and Abraham – God’s revelation of his covenant faithfulness (OT or Gen 12–Malachi 4)
Incarnation, Life, Death, Resurrection and Atonement – the work of Christ (Christmas & Easter and the Four Gospels)
The Spread of the Church – the continued work of Christ through the HS and his people (Acts-today)
Epilogue: Resurrection & Last Judgment – Heaven & Earth reunite, Glorification or “final salvation” (Rev 21-22)
Our story has an invitational future…check out this video