Evangelism And Sanctification By works?

I came across an article about the call for Christians to evangelize and to disciple others. Here are a few of many I took exception to.

• Progressive sanctification over the life of a true believer is about being fisher of men
  
• These two things provide the foundation for spiritual growth, serving others and
  Evangelizing the lost by supernatural power of the Holy Spirit in us. I cannot think of anything else that would fall outside the realm of being a fisher of men and disciple making that would sanctify us.
  
• No, you cannot be a fisher of men and disciple maker just at home, but is a good place to start! Many parents think at home is enough. It is not! Sorry to burst your bubble.
  

Now I believe strongly in the importance of Christian’s evangelizing and discipleing. But not at the expense of understanding the doctrine of sanctification.

These statements can surely, if believed and practiced, strap someone to the performance treadmill version of Christianity. This can cause unnecessary guilt and condemnation of the believer who buys into these statements. It shows a poor understanding of the centrality of the gospel, and the importance of realizing that the gospel is not only for the lost but is for believers as well. This is why we need to preach the gospel to ourselves everyday. At the center of our Christian life is not what we "do" it is what He "did". Our obedience and actions should flow naturally from the gospel. It is all of GRACE.

Salvation includes both regeneration and sanctification, and are 'GRACES' that are the inevitable result of being in "union with Christ" Therefore they are rooted in the gospel.
John 17:17-19, Titus 2:13-14, 1 Corinthians 1:30-31, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 13:20-21, Ephesians 5:26-27,2 Thessalonians 2:13, 1 Corinthians 6:11

When a person puts his faith and trust in the person and work of Christ, that person is justified and now is in "union with Christ" by faith. He/she receives a righteousness that is external and not their own. It is apprehended by faith. A Christian is in "union with Christ" by believing in the object of Christ, (His person and work) and we continue to believe the promises of God. We believe the gospel and keep believing the gospel because of God's Grace. He/she is born again.

When a person is born again he not only is justified but also experiences what theologians call "definitive sanctification".

Justification and sanctification do not exist apart from one another. Both are the effects of "union with Christ".

Definitive sanctification refers to the Holy Spirit empowered break from the bondage and slavery to sin, in the believer’s life that happens at the inception of the Christian life. Romans 6:1-7:6

SinClair Ferguson writes….
This, then, is the foundation of sanctification in Reformed theology. It is rooted, not in humanity and their achievement of holiness or sanctification, but in what God has done in Christ, and for us in union with him. Rather than view Christians first and foremost in the microcosmic context of their own progress, the Reformed doctrine first of all sets them in the macrocosm of God's activity in redemptive history. It is seeing oneself in this context that enables the individual Christian to grow in true holiness.

Progressive sanctification is the believer becoming more holy and being conformed into the image of Christ. The Christian is made more and more aware of the ongoing presence of sin that remains, and is enabled to mortify those sins, (although not perfectly), empowered by the GRACE of God. This continues through out the course of a Christian’s life.

Scripture emphasizes that the person and work of Christ is the source or foundation of a believer’s sanctification. Not evangelism and discipleship.

To say that someone should evangelize or disciple to be more sanctified is confusing the results of GRACE as the means of GRACE. This is teaching sanctification by works. This is not progressive sanctification. Yes, we are called as Christians to pursue holiness and be obedient to Gods word. A Christian being obedient to Gods commands is the result of GRACE and not the cause or means of it.

Progressive sanctification, as defined by Wayne Grudem, is "a progressive work of God and man that makes us more and more free from sin and like
Christ in our actual lives."


The idea of doing the work and then getting the GRACE is akin to the Roman Catholic view of "means of grace" or "ex opera operato" (by the work done).

The Reformers rejected this idea. The reformers emphasized the Word and sacraments and necessity of faith. Some Reformed theologians would also include prayer and the fellowship of believers as a means of grace. The means of grace are God's Word (I Peter 1:23-2:22; I Col 1:20-21), the sacraments (I Cor. 11:23-33; Col. 2:11-12), and prayer (Matthew 6:5-13; Phil. 1:9-11).The Word of God given prominence. This is the way God ordinarily grows and strengthens Christians spiritually.

I hear it said over and over again, we need to live the Gospel. No, we believe the Gospel. There was only one person who could live the Gospel. We can't live the gospel. We live in response to the gospel, by the GRACE of God. Always keeping the cross of Christ at the center of our Christian life.

Christ! Christ! and Christ!!

All I can say about what you are about to watch is.....A-M-E-N!!

Homosexuality and the saving grace of Christ

Homosexuality is not a punchline...so don't make jokes about it. Homosexuality is not a casual alternate lifestyle...so don't leave it uncaringly unaddressed. Homosexuality is sin like any other...so don't think your sin is above it. Like every other enslaving sickening sin, it is only through the GOSPEL that we are free from sin and bond to Christ. Hear this brother's testimony and have a heart for the lost.

The Church is One and False Prophets will Pay

The Discomfort of the Justified Life

So in the midst of our struggle with indwelling sin, we must continually keep our focus on the gospel. We must always go back to the truth that even in the face of the fact that so often "I do not do the good that I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing" (Rom. 7:19), there is no condemnation. God no longer counts our sin against us (Rom. 4:8). Or, to say it another way, God wants us to find our primary joy in our objectively declared justification, not in our subjectively perceived sanctification. Regardless of how much progress we make in our pursuit of holiness, it will never come close to the absolute perfect righteousness of Christ that is ours through our union with him in his life and death.

So we should learn to live with the discomfort of the justified life. We should accept the fact that as a still-growing Christian, we will always be dissatisfied with our sanctification. But at the same time, we should remember that in Christ we are justified. We are righteous in him. There is the familiar play on the word "justification," which means "just as if I'd never sinned." But there is another way of saying that which is even better: justification means "just as if I'd always obeyed." That's the way we stand before God-clothed in the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ. And that's the way we can live with the discomfort of the justified life.


Jerry Bridges
Modern Reformation Magazine-Issue: "The Peace that Starts the War" July/August Vol. 15 No. 4 2006 Pages 13-15

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What I am Learning as a Parent

It may be just me but the longer I strive to teach my kids to walk in the way of the Lord the more I see how often I fail to do that myself. The lesson my kids learn most from me would have to be “this is what we are supposed to do but this what sin leads us to do instead”. Raising children continually shows me my need for a Savior. I am pointed back to the Cross several times a day. Not only in pointing them to the Cross for forgiveness and grace but to find forgiveness and grace for myself.

In teaching them what it looks like to be a follower of Christ I see where I am lacking. The Lord uses EVERY conversation that we have about their sin as an opportunity to show me mine. I show them scripture and teach them the truth of the Word of God knowing that only He can produce the miracle of salvation and sanctification. Sometimes I think He only told me to teach them so He could teach me through them. If their hope is in my ability to teach and model well then they are doomed. If I am striving to be upright in front of them so that they can learn from me then I am doomed. I can only walk in the power of His grace with the thought of His love for me motivating me. When I am walking to the Cross and my children are following me there, then we are safe. There we will find hope and promise.


The Lord has blessed me by giving me two completely different children to teach at home. They are completely different in personality and temperament. Different enough to ensure a complete meltdown at the slightest provocation. One is the match and the other is the gasoline. In doing this He has made me completely aware that He is in charge of their hearts. I teach them both and I teach them together, there is nothing one gets that the other does not when it comes to teaching. I would have to say that most of the time there is a different reaction in each heart to the same teaching or talk. My delivery is the same, my words are the same but the difference is what God is doing in their heart with what I am delivering. I am to be faithful to do as He has said in raising my kids. He will be faithful to save them when they call out to Him in faith. Out of the four we have, some of them need to be lost in the world and some need to be raised in home where Jesus is loved and magnified. Some of my children need to dwell in obvious, open sin and some in quiet self-righteousness. The first two needed to be raised by lost people and the last two by believers. The first two got us when we were young and wild; the last two get the more mature version. Are the last two better off than the first? Not in terms of salvation. So the first two may have a lot of wrong thoughts on parenting (ok, on MANY things) but I know that God will use that in some way in their life. He did it for Nolan and me and if He captures them with His love and mercy and grace then He will do the same for them
Why the differences? For His glory for sure and for their salvation I pray.

What is “The Spirit of Christmas”?

The following is a para-phrased excerpt from a John MacAurthur sermon:

What is the Christmas Spirit? To Scrooge the Christmas Spirit was a ghost. To some it is the “truce” that a family experiences during the season, where there is no arguing. 5 billion Christmas cards will be sent this season. Billions of dollars of worth in commerce will happen as you bump pass someone in line in the store buying gifts. And that’s alright. I’m no scrooge. I don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade. But what I am truly wondering is: what is the true “Spirit of Christmas?”

Well, as always the best answer to this question is in the Bible. Let’s go to Luke chapter 1 and 2 and see what the Spirit of Christmas really is by looking at the reaction to Jesus from different people and angels:

From Elizabeth (Luke 1:41-43)
41When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42And she cried out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
43"And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me?

From Zacharias (Luke 1:67-69)
67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:
68"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,
69And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of David His servant--

From angels (Luke 2:13-14)
13And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."

From the shepherds (Luke 2:20)
20The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

From Simeon (Luke 2:25-32)
25And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law,
28then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29"Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace,
According to Your word;
30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
31Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES,
And the glory of Your people Israel."

From Anna (Luke 2:36-38)
36And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,
37and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers.
38At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

What do all these people and angels have in common? What one trait is found in each verse of this scripture? It is this, upon hearing the news of Christ’s arrival or coming they all feel moved to engage in….WORSHIP.

Worship is an attitude of the heart that is so filled with wonder and gratitude at what God has done that there is not a thought of personal needs or personal blessings only total abandonment of God is praise.

To give form to worship I am drawn to another person, a person who is closer to Jesus’ birth than any other person: His mother Mary, who gives the most magnificent psalm of worship in the whole New Testament. (Luke 1:46-55)

46And Mary said:
"My soul exalts the Lord,
47And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
48"For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.
49"For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.
50"AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION
TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.
51"He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
52"He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.
53"HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.
54"He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,
55 As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever."

Let me say again, the above is a para-phrased excerpt from a John MacArthur sermon. They are not the words of me and I take no credit for them. The sermon did touch me and I wanted to share it with you. It help to solidify with scripture that the spirit of Christmas is purely, simply, yet profoundly worship. Merry Christmas everyone and let us not just remember the “reason for the season” but fall on our knees and faces in humble adoration and praise for the our Savior who came lived, died, and lives again so that we can be brothers and sister in Christ, eternally bond in worship to the Father. Hosanna in the highest and glory be to Our God forever! Amen.

The Importance Of Church Membership: Should A Professing Believer Attend A Visible Church?

Calvin warns, "it is always disastrous to leave the church" and criticizes those who in proud contempt of the means God has provided abandon the church:

"Many are led either by pride, dislike or rivalry to the conviction that they can profit enough from private reading and meditation; hence they despise public assemblies and deem preaching superfluous. But, since they do their utmost to sever or break the sacred bond of unity, no one escapes the just penalty of this unholy separation without bewitching himself with pestilent errors and foulest delusions".

The Scriptures assume that a person upon being converted will join the church, for the Bible does not speak to Christians except as members of the church. So it was in the very beginning of the New Testament era: "And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved" (Acts 2:47). White remarks, "it was to this organized, recognizable, identifiable body of believers that the Lord added daily those who were being saved." This needs emphasis. Some today disparage the church institute. Many evangelicals, and even Reformed believers, claim that membership in the institute is not necessary because they are part of the body of Christ and can worship God at home by reading their Bibles, listening to tapes or watching services on the internet. Nevertheless, being part of the church institute is necessary because the saints have need of one another. The church institute is the body of Christ (I Cor. 12:27) and the members of that body exist in co-dependence. One member (of the church institute) may not say to another "I have no need of thee" (I Cor. 12:21). Nor may members exist aloof outside of the body as if they have no need of any of the other members.

The church is important, not because all those who are not members of the institute are unavoidably on the way to hell. No Reformed theologian has ever maintained that position. Christ gives preachers to the church and the church sends them to preach (Eph. 4:11). The church supervises their preaching. All true preachers are accountable to an instituted church. Those who try to persuade individuals to leave the visible church are doing untold damage to the church for which one day he/she must give account to the Head of the church, Jesus Christ.

Without preaching there is ordinarily no salvation because "it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" (I Cor. 1:21). Young pastor Timothy is enjoined to preach because in so doing he shall save his hearers and himself (I Tim. 4:16). Preaching is vital for spiritual health. Without true preaching the believer becomes weak and is tossed about by every wind of doctrine because he is not under the protection of the pastors and teachers whom Christ has given to His church (Eph. 4:14) and who watch for his soul (Heb. 13:17).

The sacraments also may only be administered by men lawfully ordained by the church. Without church membership a man cannot be baptized and he cannot receive the Lord’s Supper which God has given to strengthen our faith. One who willfully refuses to become a member of a true church spurns the gifts which God has given to the church for his edification. Such a "disobedient sheep" is "outside the sheepfold and … obliged to join it."

John MacArthur: Slave

Here is a sermon preached by John MacArthur on being a "Slave of Christ". This sermon was preached at Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama. The sermon gives a taste or preview of his upcoming book entitled SLAVE. In this sermon he is dealing with the use or non use of the Greek word "doulos" or slave that appears to be missing or exchanged for another in many bible interpretations. He readily admits that the Holman Christian Standard bible has this word correct. It was interesting to here how he confronted those who were responsible for the ESV and the response they gave to the question of "what did you do with doulos"? Some "easy believism" advocates and self denying Sandemanians are abuzz about J Mac's upcoming book. So, take a listen and see what all the hubbub is about. The dam is about to burst!!