1. WHAT DO CHRISTIANS BELIEVE?

2. REVIEW

3. What is the most basic summary (i.e. theology) of the biblical message?

4. REVIEW What is the most basic summary (i.e. theology) of the biblical message? The “inbreaking of the kingdom (community) of God.”

5. REVIEW What is the most basic summary (i.e. theology) of the biblical message? The “inbreaking of the kingdom (community) of God.” The logical order to explain the who, what, when, where, why and how of this coming Kingdom of God is as follows:

6. REVIEW What is the most basic summary (i.e. theology) of the biblical message? The “inbreaking of the kingdom (community) of God.” The logical order to explain the who, what, when, where, why and how of this coming Kingdom of God is as follows: 1.Theology Proper – Who is God? 2.Anthropology – Who are we? 3.Christology – Who is Jesus and what did He do? 4.Pneumatology – Who is the Spirit and what does He do? 5.Ecclesiology – What is the Church and what is its mission? 6.Eschatology – Where is it all going? What is the “end goal”?

7. REVIEW What is the most basic summary (i.e. theology) of the biblical message? The “inbreaking of the kingdom (community) of God.” The logical order to explain the who, what, when, where, why and how of this coming Kingdom of God is as follows: 1.Theology Proper – Who is God? 2.Anthropology – Who are we? 3.Christology – Who is Jesus and what did He do? 4.Pneumatology – Who is the Spirit and what does He do? 5.Ecclesiology – What is the Church and what is its mission? 6.Eschatology – Where is it all going? What is the “end goal”? Last time we looked at Christology and the question, “Who is Jesus and what did He do?”

8. REVIEW Christology is essentially the answer to two basic questions:

9. REVIEW Christology is essentially the answer to two basic questions: 1.Who is Jesus?

10. REVIEW Christology is essentially the answer to two basic questions: 1.Who is Jesus? 2.What does Jesus Accomplish?

11. REVIEW Christology is essentially the answer to two basic questions: 1.Who is Jesus? 2.What does Jesus Accomplish? The answer to the question “Who is Jesus?” can be divided into three sub-headings.

12. REVIEW Christology is essentially the answer to two basic questions: 1.Who is Jesus? 2.What does Jesus Accomplish? The answer to the question “Who is Jesus?” can be divided into three sub-headings. 1.Jesus is divine, God in human form.

13. REVIEW Christology is essentially the answer to two basic questions: 1.Who is Jesus? 2.What does Jesus Accomplish? The answer to the question “Who is Jesus?” can be divided into three sub-headings. 1.Jesus is divine, God in human form. 2.Jesus is human, one with us.

14. REVIEW Christology is essentially the answer to two basic questions: 1.Who is Jesus? 2.What does Jesus Accomplish? The answer to the question “Who is Jesus?” can be divided into three sub-headings. 1.Jesus is divine, God in human form. 2.Jesus is human, one with us. 3.Jesus is both divine and human in one undivided person.

15. REVIEW Christology is essentially the answer to two basic questions: 1.Who is Jesus? 2.What does Jesus Accomplish? The answer to the question “Who is Jesus?” can be divided into three sub-headings. 1.Jesus is divine, God in human form. 2.Jesus is human, one with us. 3.Jesus is both divine and human in one undivided person. The answer to this question “What does Jesus Accomplish?” can also be divided into three sub-headings:

16. REVIEW Christology is essentially the answer to two basic questions: 1.Who is Jesus? 2.What does Jesus Accomplish? The answer to the question “Who is Jesus?” can be divided into three sub-headings. 1.Jesus is divine, God in human form. 2.Jesus is human, one with us. 3.Jesus is both divine and human in one undivided person. The answer to this question “What does Jesus Accomplish?” can also be divided into three sub-headings: 1.The three offices (i.e. roles or ‘hats’) of Christ (Prophet, Priest & King)

17. REVIEW Christology is essentially the answer to two basic questions: 1.Who is Jesus? 2.What does Jesus Accomplish? The answer to the question “Who is Jesus?” can be divided into three sub-headings. 1.Jesus is divine, God in human form. 2.Jesus is human, one with us. 3.Jesus is both divine and human in one undivided person. The answer to this question “What does Jesus Accomplish?” can also be divided into three sub-headings: 1.The three offices (i.e. roles or ‘hats’) of Christ (Prophet, Priest & King) 2.The atonement (i.e. what happen in and as a result of Christ’s death – the models and their significance)

18. REVIEW Christology is essentially the answer to two basic questions: 1.Who is Jesus? 2.What does Jesus Accomplish? The answer to the question “Who is Jesus?” can be divided into three sub-headings. 1.Jesus is divine, God in human form. 2.Jesus is human, one with us. 3.Jesus is both divine and human in one undivided person. The answer to this question “What does Jesus Accomplish?” can also be divided into three sub-headings: 1.The three offices (i.e. roles or ‘hats’) of Christ (Prophet, Priest & King) 2.The atonement (i.e. what happen in and as a result of Christ’s death – the models and their significance) 3.The ongoing work of Christ (Christ’s intercession in heaven and sending of His Spirit).

19. PNEUMATOLOGY

20. As in Christology, Pneumatology can be divided into two basic questions:

21. PNEUMATOLOGY As in Christology, Pneumatology can be divided into two basic questions: 1.Who is the Holy Spirit?

22. PNEUMATOLOGY As in Christology, Pneumatology can be divided into two basic questions: 1.Who is the Holy Spirit? 2.What does the Holy Spirit Do?

23. PNEUMATOLOGY As in Christology, Pneumatology can be divided into two basic questions: 1.Who is the Holy Spirit? 2.What does the Holy Spirit Do? However, whereas in Christology most of our conversation centered around the “Who is?” question, in Pneumatology our conversation will center around the “What does he do?” question.

24. WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?

25. In the simplest sense we can say that the Holy Spirit is God. He is both fully divine and fully personal as affirmed in the early Christian creeds.

26. WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT? In the simplest sense we can say that the Holy Spirit is God. He is both fully divine and fully personal as affirmed in the early Christian creeds. However, this was a conclusion that was reached progressively over time. Following this progression will lead us to a more clear understanding of who the Spirit is.

27. THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

28. The Hebrew word ru’ach (spirit) refers to “the divine power which creates and sustains life.” – Grenz, 361

29. THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE OLD TESTAMENT The Hebrew word ru’ach (spirit) refers to “the divine power which creates and sustains life.” – Grenz, 361 Several other characteristics are attributed to the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament:

30. THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE OLD TESTAMENT The Hebrew word ru’ach (spirit) refers to “the divine power which creates and sustains life.” – Grenz, 361 Several other characteristics are attributed to the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament: The Spirit “mediates the universal presence of God to his creatures. (Ps. 139:7)” – Grenz, 362.

31. THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE OLD TESTAMENT The Hebrew word ru’ach (spirit) refers to “the divine power which creates and sustains life.” – Grenz, 361 Several other characteristics are attributed to the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament: The Spirit “mediates the universal presence of God to his creatures. (Ps. 139:7)” – Grenz, 362. The Spirit is “holy” in contrast to human sinfulness.

32. THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE OLD TESTAMENT The Hebrew word ru’ach (spirit) refers to “the divine power which creates and sustains life.” – Grenz, 361 Several other characteristics are attributed to the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament: The Spirit “mediates the universal presence of God to his creatures. (Ps. 139:7)” – Grenz, 362. The Spirit is “holy” in contrast to human sinfulness. The Spirit is also active in special ways in people’s lives (e.g. Samson’s strength or a prophet’s ability to speak on behalf of God).

33. THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE OLD TESTAMENT The Hebrew word ru’ach (spirit) refers to “the divine power which creates and sustains life.” – Grenz, 361 Several other characteristics are attributed to the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament: The Spirit “mediates the universal presence of God to his creatures. (Ps. 139:7)” – Grenz, 362. The Spirit is “holy” in contrast to human sinfulness. The Spirit is also active in special ways in people’s lives (e.g. Samson’s strength or a prophet’s ability to speak on behalf of God). But the Spirit’s presence in and with people was always transient in the Old Testament times.

34. THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE OLD TESTAMENT The Hebrew word ru’ach (spirit) refers to “the divine power which creates and sustains life.” – Grenz, 361 Several other characteristics are attributed to the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament: The Spirit “mediates the universal presence of God to his creatures. (Ps. 139:7)” – Grenz, 362. The Spirit is “holy” in contrast to human sinfulness. The Spirit is also active in special ways in people’s lives (e.g. Samson’s strength or a prophet’s ability to speak on behalf of God). But the Spirit’s presence in and with people was always transient in the Old Testament times. Yet the people longed for and were even promised a greater presence of the Spirit amongst them (Num. 11:29; Jer. 31:31-34)

35. THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE OLD TESTAMENT The Hebrew word ru’ach (spirit) refers to “the divine power which creates and sustains life.” – Grenz, 361 Several other characteristics are attributed to the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament: The Spirit “mediates the universal presence of God to his creatures. (Ps. 139:7)” – Grenz, 362. The Spirit is “holy” in contrast to human sinfulness. The Spirit is also active in special ways in people’s lives (e.g. Samson’s strength or a prophet’s ability to speak on behalf of God). But the Spirit’s presence in and with people was always transient in the Old Testament times. Yet the people longed for and were even promised a greater presence of the Spirit amongst them (Num. 11:29; Jer. 31:31-34) “This partial, unsatisfactory experience of his presence led God’s people to direct their attention to the future. They eagerly hoped for a new, grand day, when the present foretaste would give way to the full reality – God dwelling permanently among them through His Spirit.” – Grenz, 364-5

36. THE SPIRIT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

37. The New Testament insists that Jesus, as the Messiah (Anointed One), was the unique “bearer of the Spirit” who promised to send the outpouring of the Spirit after his ascension.

38. THE SPIRIT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT The New Testament insists that Jesus, as the Messiah (Anointed One), was the unique “bearer of the Spirit” who promised to send the outpouring of the Spirit after his ascension. On Pentecost, the Spirit was poured out on all of Jesus’ disciples marking the beginning/birth of the Church.

39. THE SPIRIT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT The New Testament insists that Jesus, as the Messiah (Anointed One), was the unique “bearer of the Spirit” who promised to send the outpouring of the Spirit after his ascension. On Pentecost, the Spirit was poured out on all of Jesus’ disciples marking the beginning/birth of the Church. Since Pentecost and the birth of the Church, the Spirit has taken on a new role as the mediator of the presence of Christ to believers.

40. THE SPIRIT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT The New Testament insists that Jesus, as the Messiah (Anointed One), was the unique “bearer of the Spirit” who promised to send the outpouring of the Spirit after his ascension. On Pentecost, the Spirit was poured out on all of Jesus’ disciples marking the beginning/birth of the Church. Since Pentecost and the birth of the Church, the Spirit has taken on a new role as the mediator of the presence of Christ to believers. The Spirit is also a “down payment” on the promise of future resurrection life (the “new creation”).

41. THE SPIRIT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT The New Testament insists that Jesus, as the Messiah (Anointed One), was the unique “bearer of the Spirit” who promised to send the outpouring of the Spirit after his ascension. On Pentecost, the Spirit was poured out on all of Jesus’ disciples marking the beginning/birth of the Church. Since Pentecost and the birth of the Church, the Spirit has taken on a new role as the mediator of the presence of Christ to believers. The Spirit is also a “down payment” on the promise of future resurrection life (the “new creation”). “Succinctly stated, … the Spirit is the power of God at work in the world bringing to completion the divine program.” – Grenz, 375

42. THE SPIRIT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT The New Testament insists that Jesus, as the Messiah (Anointed One), was the unique “bearer of the Spirit” who promised to send the outpouring of the Spirit after his ascension. On Pentecost, the Spirit was poured out on all of Jesus’ disciples marking the beginning/birth of the Church. Since Pentecost and the birth of the Church, the Spirit has taken on a new role as the mediator of the presence of Christ to believers. The Spirit is also a “down payment” on the promise of future resurrection life (the “new creation”). “Succinctly stated, … the Spirit is the power of God at work in the world bringing to completion the divine program.” – Grenz, 375 Therefore the Holy Spirit is the “Eschatalogical Creator Spirit.” He effects the new creation – salvation in its fullness.

43. WHAT DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT DO?

44. Essentially, the Holy Spirit does two things:

45. WHAT DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT DO? Essentially, the Holy Spirit does two things: 1.He inspired Scripture and illumines seekers.

46. WHAT DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT DO? Essentially, the Holy Spirit does two things: 1.He inspired Scripture and illumines seekers. 2.He applies the saving work of Jesus Christ to believers.

47. WHAT DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT DO? Essentially, the Holy Spirit does two things: 1.He inspired Scripture and illumines seekers. 2.He applies the saving work of Jesus Christ to believers. The first heading (inspiriation and illumination) was covered in a previous Munch session on “How to Read the Bible so that it makes sense.”

48. WHAT DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT DO? Essentially, the Holy Spirit does two things: 1.He inspired Scripture and illumines seekers. 2.He applies the saving work of Jesus Christ to believers. The first heading (inspiriation and illumination) was covered in a previous Munch session on “How to Read the Bible so that it makes sense.” Essentially inspiration means that the Holy Spirit ensured that what the human biblical authors wrote was sufficient and without error for all matters of faith and practice.

49. WHAT DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT DO? Essentially, the Holy Spirit does two things: 1.He inspired Scripture and illumines seekers. 2.He applies the saving work of Jesus Christ to believers. The first heading (inspiriation and illumination) was covered in a previous Munch session on “How to Read the Bible so that it makes sense.” Essentially inspiration means that the Holy Spirit ensured that what the human biblical authors wrote was sufficient and without error for all matters of faith and practice. Essentially illumination means that the Holy Spirit casts “light” on the human mind (which has been “darkened” by sin) enabling us to understand what is written in the Scriptures.

50. HOW DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT APPLY THE WORK OF CHRIST TO BELIEVERS?

51. “The old evangelical response to the question, “Are you saved?” correctly reflects our experience: I have been saved; I am being saved; I will be saved.” – Grenz, 433

52. HOW DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT APPLY THE WORK OF CHRIST TO BELIEVERS? “The old evangelical response to the question, “Are you saved?” correctly reflects our experience: I have been saved; I am being saved; I will be saved.” – Grenz, 433 This experience refers to the fact that the Holy Spirit applies the work of Christ to us in three stages:

53. HOW DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT APPLY THE WORK OF CHRIST TO BELIEVERS? “The old evangelical response to the question, “Are you saved?” correctly reflects our experience: I have been saved; I am being saved; I will be saved.” – Grenz, 433 This experience refers to the fact that the Holy Spirit applies the work of Christ to us in three stages: 1.Conversion

54. HOW DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT APPLY THE WORK OF CHRIST TO BELIEVERS? “The old evangelical response to the question, “Are you saved?” correctly reflects our experience: I have been saved; I am being saved; I will be saved.” – Grenz, 433 This experience refers to the fact that the Holy Spirit applies the work of Christ to us in three stages: 1.Conversion 2.Sanctification

55. HOW DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT APPLY THE WORK OF CHRIST TO BELIEVERS? “The old evangelical response to the question, “Are you saved?” correctly reflects our experience: I have been saved; I am being saved; I will be saved.” – Grenz, 433 This experience refers to the fact that the Holy Spirit applies the work of Christ to us in three stages: 1.Conversion 2.Sanctification 3.Glorification

56. HOW DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT APPLY THE WORK OF CHRIST TO BELIEVERS? “The old evangelical response to the question, “Are you saved?” correctly reflects our experience: I have been saved; I am being saved; I will be saved.” – Grenz, 433 This experience refers to the fact that the Holy Spirit applies the work of Christ to us in three stages: 1.Conversion 2.Sanctification 3.Glorification Technically, conversion is the starting point of sanctification, so they aren’t separate things. But it is helpful to look at them separately to keep things clear.

57. HOW DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT APPLY THE WORK OF CHRIST TO BELIEVERS? “The old evangelical response to the question, “Are you saved?” correctly reflects our experience: I have been saved; I am being saved; I will be saved.” – Grenz, 433 This experience refers to the fact that the Holy Spirit applies the work of Christ to us in three stages: 1.Conversion 2.Sanctification 3.Glorification Technically, conversion is the starting point of sanctification, so they aren’t separate things. But it is helpful to look at them separately to keep things clear. Also, because sanctification is an extension of what starts in conversion, our discussion of conversion will be lengthy, but our look at sanctification and glorification will be brief.

58. CONVERSION

59. Conversion is “our initiation into the life of faith.” – Grenz, 405

60. CONVERSION Conversion is “our initiation into the life of faith.” – Grenz, 405 There are three aspects to conversion:

61. CONVERSION Conversion is “our initiation into the life of faith.” – Grenz, 405 There are three aspects to conversion: 1.Personal response to the gospel.

62. CONVERSION Conversion is “our initiation into the life of faith.” – Grenz, 405 There are three aspects to conversion: 1.Personal response to the gospel. 2.The Holy Spirit’s work which underlies that response.

63. CONVERSION Conversion is “our initiation into the life of faith.” – Grenz, 405 There are three aspects to conversion: 1.Personal response to the gospel. 2.The Holy Spirit’s work which underlies that response. 3.The role of the faith community (local church) in this event.

64. PERSONAL RESPONSE

65. There are only two parts to our personal response to the gospel which are required for us to receive the salvation of Jesus through the Holy Spirit: repentance & faith (Mark 1:14-15)

66. PERSONAL RESPONSE There are only two parts to our personal response to the gospel which are required for us to receive the salvation of Jesus through the Holy Spirit: repentance & faith (Mark 1:14-15) 1.Repentance

67. PERSONAL RESPONSE There are only two parts to our personal response to the gospel which are required for us to receive the salvation of Jesus through the Holy Spirit: repentance & faith (Mark 1:14-15) 1.Repentance  This is a radical turning away from the direction we’ve been heading, toward God and his direction.

68. PERSONAL RESPONSE There are only two parts to our personal response to the gospel which are required for us to receive the salvation of Jesus through the Holy Spirit: repentance & faith (Mark 1:14-15) 1.Repentance  This is a radical turning away from the direction we’ve been heading, toward God and his direction.  It includes a mental change (admission of guilt), emotional change (sorrow & regret over past sin), and a volitional change (a desire to do things differently in the future).

69. PERSONAL RESPONSE There are only two parts to our personal response to the gospel which are required for us to receive the salvation of Jesus through the Holy Spirit: repentance & faith (Mark 1:14-15) 1.Repentance  This is a radical turning away from the direction we’ve been heading, toward God and his direction.  It includes a mental change (admission of guilt), emotional change (sorrow & regret over past sin), and a volitional change (a desire to do things differently in the future).  However, a desire to turn to God is not enough, for we do not have the power on our own to do this. So to repentance must be added faith in Jesus Christ the Saviour.

70. PERSONAL RESPONSE There are only two parts to our personal response to the gospel which are required for us to receive the salvation of Jesus through the Holy Spirit: repentance & faith (Mark 1:14-15) 1.Repentance 2.Faith

71. PERSONAL RESPONSE There are only two parts to our personal response to the gospel which are required for us to receive the salvation of Jesus through the Holy Spirit: repentance & faith (Mark 1:14-15) 1.Repentance 2.Faith – has three parts that need to be present for salvation:

72. PERSONAL RESPONSE There are only two parts to our personal response to the gospel which are required for us to receive the salvation of Jesus through the Holy Spirit: repentance & faith (Mark 1:14-15) 1.Repentance 2.Faith – has three parts that need to be present for salvation: i.Knowledge – becoming aware of God’s promises in the gospel including the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

73. PERSONAL RESPONSE There are only two parts to our personal response to the gospel which are required for us to receive the salvation of Jesus through the Holy Spirit: repentance & faith (Mark 1:14-15) 1.Repentance 2.Faith – has three parts that need to be present for salvation: i.Knowledge – becoming aware of God’s promises in the gospel including the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. ii.Assent – Intellectual acknowledgement that the gospel is true.

74. PERSONAL RESPONSE There are only two parts to our personal response to the gospel which are required for us to receive the salvation of Jesus through the Holy Spirit: repentance & faith (Mark 1:14-15) 1.Repentance 2.Faith – has three parts that need to be present for salvation: i.Knowledge – becoming aware of God’s promises in the gospel including the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. ii.Assent – Intellectual acknowledgement that the gospel is true. iii.Trust – an act of one’s will that is grounded in the knowledge and assent acquired, forming the completion of faith and making one a believer.

75. PERSONAL RESPONSE There are only two parts to our personal response to the gospel which are required for us to receive the salvation of Jesus through the Holy Spirit: repentance & faith (Mark 1:14-15) 1.Repentance 2.Faith – has three parts that need to be present for salvation: i.Knowledge – becoming aware of God’s promises in the gospel including the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. ii.Assent – Intellectual acknowledgement that the gospel is true. iii.Trust – an act of one’s will that is grounded in the knowledge and assent acquired, forming the completion of faith and making one a believer. Repentance and faith are not a sequence, but are intertwined with each other and progress together.

76. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S ACTIVITY IN CONVERSION

77. “Repentance and faith, while being our own willed response to the gospel, is at the same time the product of God’s ministering to us.” – Grenz, 411

78. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S ACTIVITY IN CONVERSION “Repentance and faith, while being our own willed response to the gospel, is at the same time the product of God’s ministering to us.” – Grenz, 411 “Because all human effort is ultimately insufficient (total depravity), if we are to be saved the initiative must come from God and by his grace.” – Grenz, 412

79. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S ACTIVITY IN CONVERSION “Repentance and faith, while being our own willed response to the gospel, is at the same time the product of God’s ministering to us.” – Grenz, 411 “Because all human effort is ultimately insufficient (total depravity), if we are to be saved the initiative must come from God and by his grace.” – Grenz, 412 In conversion the Holy Spirit acts in four ways:

80. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S ACTIVITY IN CONVERSION “Repentance and faith, while being our own willed response to the gospel, is at the same time the product of God’s ministering to us.” – Grenz, 411 “Because all human effort is ultimately insufficient (total depravity), if we are to be saved the initiative must come from God and by his grace.” – Grenz, 412 In conversion the Holy Spirit acts in four ways: 1.Conviction – the Spirit makes us aware of our own personal sin and our part in sinful society in order to make us aware of our need to be saved.

81. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S ACTIVITY IN CONVERSION “Repentance and faith, while being our own willed response to the gospel, is at the same time the product of God’s ministering to us.” – Grenz, 411 “Because all human effort is ultimately insufficient (total depravity), if we are to be saved the initiative must come from God and by his grace.” – Grenz, 412 In conversion the Holy Spirit acts in four ways: 1.Conviction – the Spirit makes us aware of our own personal sin and our part in sinful society in order to make us aware of our need to be saved. 2.Call – “The Spirit’s call comes through the proclamation of the gospel” whether preaching, personal witness or the reading of Scripture. – Grenz, 413

82. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S ACTIVITY IN CONVERSION “Repentance and faith, while being our own willed response to the gospel, is at the same time the product of God’s ministering to us.” – Grenz, 411 “Because all human effort is ultimately insufficient (total depravity), if we are to be saved the initiative must come from God and by his grace.” – Grenz, 412 In conversion the Holy Spirit acts in four ways: 1.Conviction – the Spirit makes us aware of our own personal sin and our part in sinful society in order to make us aware of our need to be saved. 2.Call – “The Spirit’s call comes through the proclamation of the gospel” whether preaching, personal witness or the reading of Scripture. – Grenz, 413 3.Illumination – The Spirit opens our minds so we can see the truth of the gospel that our sin formerly blinded us to.

83. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S ACTIVITY IN CONVERSION “Repentance and faith, while being our own willed response to the gospel, is at the same time the product of God’s ministering to us.” – Grenz, 411 “Because all human effort is ultimately insufficient (total depravity), if we are to be saved the initiative must come from God and by his grace.” – Grenz, 412 In conversion the Holy Spirit acts in four ways: 1.Conviction – the Spirit makes us aware of our own personal sin and our part in sinful society in order to make us aware of our need to be saved. 2.Call – “The Spirit’s call comes through the proclamation of the gospel” whether preaching, personal witness or the reading of Scripture. – Grenz, 413 3.Illumination – The Spirit opens our minds so we can see the truth of the gospel that our sin formerly blinded us to. 4.Enablement – The Spirit also provides the power we need to make a personal response in repentance and faith.

84. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S ACTIVITY IN CONVERSION “Repentance and faith, while being our own willed response to the gospel, is at the same time the product of God’s ministering to us.” – Grenz, 411 “Because all human effort is ultimately insufficient (total depravity), if we are to be saved the initiative must come from God and by his grace.” – Grenz, 412 In conversion the Holy Spirit acts in four ways: 1.Conviction – the Spirit makes us aware of our own personal sin and our part in sinful society in order to make us aware of our need to be saved. 2.Call – “The Spirit’s call comes through the proclamation of the gospel” whether preaching, personal witness or the reading of Scripture. – Grenz, 413 3.Illumination – The Spirit opens our minds so we can see the truth of the gospel that our sin formerly blinded us to. 4.Enablement – The Spirit also provides the power we need to make a personal response in repentance and faith.  Illumination’s focus is the mind.

85. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S ACTIVITY IN CONVERSION “Repentance and faith, while being our own willed response to the gospel, is at the same time the product of God’s ministering to us.” – Grenz, 411 “Because all human effort is ultimately insufficient (total depravity), if we are to be saved the initiative must come from God and by his grace.” – Grenz, 412 In conversion the Holy Spirit acts in four ways: 1.Conviction – the Spirit makes us aware of our own personal sin and our part in sinful society in order to make us aware of our need to be saved. 2.Call – “The Spirit’s call comes through the proclamation of the gospel” whether preaching, personal witness or the reading of Scripture. – Grenz, 413 3.Illumination – The Spirit opens our minds so we can see the truth of the gospel that our sin formerly blinded us to. 4.Enablement – The Spirit also provides the power we need to make a personal response in repentance and faith.  Illumination’s focus is the mind.  Enablement’s focus is the will, helping us both desire and have the power to respond to God’s call.

86. THE ROLE OF THE FAITH COMMUNITY

87. The wider faith community (church) plays two roles in fostering and nurturing conversion:

88. THE ROLE OF THE FAITH COMMUNITY The wider faith community (church) plays two roles in fostering and nurturing conversion: 1.The Proclamation of the Gospel.

89. THE ROLE OF THE FAITH COMMUNITY The wider faith community (church) plays two roles in fostering and nurturing conversion: 1.The Proclamation of the Gospel.  A believing community “recounts in word, ritual, and practice the story of Jesus and its significance for all humankind.” – Grenz, 423

90. THE ROLE OF THE FAITH COMMUNITY The wider faith community (church) plays two roles in fostering and nurturing conversion: 1.The Proclamation of the Gospel.  A believing community “recounts in word, ritual, and practice the story of Jesus and its significance for all humankind.” – Grenz, 423 2.Incorporation into a New Community.

91. THE ROLE OF THE FAITH COMMUNITY The wider faith community (church) plays two roles in fostering and nurturing conversion: 1.The Proclamation of the Gospel.  A believing community “recounts in word, ritual, and practice the story of Jesus and its significance for all humankind.” – Grenz, 423 2.Incorporation into a New Community.  “Our response to the gospel entails not only turning from sin to God, but also turning from an old to a new community.” – Grenz, 425

92. THE ROLE OF THE FAITH COMMUNITY The wider faith community (church) plays two roles in fostering and nurturing conversion: 1.The Proclamation of the Gospel.  A believing community “recounts in word, ritual, and practice the story of Jesus and its significance for all humankind.” – Grenz, 423 2.Incorporation into a New Community.  “Our response to the gospel entails not only turning from sin to God, but also turning from an old to a new community.” – Grenz, 425  This change includes the community’s work in reorienting individuals to new kingdom values and principles for living.

93. CONVERSION AND BAPTISM

94. Baptism is the outward sign of conversion.

95. CONVERSION AND BAPTISM Baptism is the outward sign of conversion. Conversion, not baptism, is the point where one receives the saving work of Christ and therefore becomes a Christian.

96. CONVERSION AND BAPTISM Baptism is the outward sign of conversion. Conversion, not baptism, is the point where one receives the saving work of Christ and therefore becomes a Christian. However, the two should not be far apart. If someone has experienced conversion, then baptism is the appropriate (and even commanded) response.

97. CONVERSION AND BAPTISM Baptism is the outward sign of conversion. Conversion, not baptism, is the point where one receives the saving work of Christ and therefore becomes a Christian. However, the two should not be far apart. If someone has experienced conversion, then baptism is the appropriate (and even commanded) response. Baptism outwardly expresses the inner response of repentance and faith empowered by the Holy Spirit.

98. THE EFFECTS OF CONVERSION

99. There are four things that the Holy Spirit “effects” or causes to happen in us as a result of conversion:

100. THE EFFECTS OF CONVERSION There are four things that the Holy Spirit “effects” or causes to happen in us as a result of conversion: 1.The Spirit effects regeneration

101. THE EFFECTS OF CONVERSION There are four things that the Holy Spirit “effects” or causes to happen in us as a result of conversion: 1.The Spirit effects regeneration  Regeneration refers to the “new birth” or the fact that we are “born again” at conversion.

102. THE EFFECTS OF CONVERSION There are four things that the Holy Spirit “effects” or causes to happen in us as a result of conversion: 1.The Spirit effects regeneration  Regeneration refers to the “new birth” or the fact that we are “born again” at conversion.  We move from being God’s enemies to being members of his family (in a deeper sense than all humankind in general).

103. THE EFFECTS OF CONVERSION There are four things that the Holy Spirit “effects” or causes to happen in us as a result of conversion: 1.The Spirit effects regeneration  Regeneration refers to the “new birth” or the fact that we are “born again” at conversion.  We move from being God’s enemies to being members of his family (in a deeper sense than all humankind in general).  Regeneration is the Spirit’s application of Christ’s work of reconciliation to the believer and is the ultimate answer to the alienation that resulted from the fall.

104. THE EFFECTS OF CONVERSION There are four things that the Holy Spirit “effects” or causes to happen in us as a result of conversion: 1.The Spirit effects regeneration 2.The Spirit effects justification

105. THE EFFECTS OF CONVERSION There are four things that the Holy Spirit “effects” or causes to happen in us as a result of conversion: 1.The Spirit effects regeneration 2.The Spirit effects justification  “In justification, God does not create right conduct in us. Rather he imparts righteousness to us as a new standing before him. The divine Judge views us as righteous. God can justify the ungodly who believe because of his justifying action in the death and resurrection of Christ. Justification, then, is a forensic term, referring to a change in our legal standing before God.” – Grenz, 436

106. THE EFFECTS OF CONVERSION There are four things that the Holy Spirit “effects” or causes to happen in us as a result of conversion: 1.The Spirit effects regeneration 2.The Spirit effects justification  “In justification, God does not create right conduct in us. Rather he imparts righteousness to us as a new standing before him. The divine Judge views us as righteous. God can justify the ungodly who believe because of his justifying action in the death and resurrection of Christ. Justification, then, is a forensic term, referring to a change in our legal standing before God.” – Grenz, 436  Justification is the Spirit’s application of Christ’s work of propitiation and expiation to the believer and is the ultimate answer to the condemnation that resulted from the fall.

107. THE EFFECTS OF CONVERSION There are four things that the Holy Spirit “effects” or causes to happen in us as a result of conversion: 1.The Spirit effects regeneration 2.The Spirit effects justification 3.The Spirit effects liberation

108. THE EFFECTS OF CONVERSION There are four things that the Holy Spirit “effects” or causes to happen in us as a result of conversion: 1.The Spirit effects regeneration 2.The Spirit effects justification 3.The Spirit effects liberation  “Through conversion, the Spirit applies Christ’s victory to our lives.” – Grenz, 437

109. THE EFFECTS OF CONVERSION There are four things that the Holy Spirit “effects” or causes to happen in us as a result of conversion: 1.The Spirit effects regeneration 2.The Spirit effects justification 3.The Spirit effects liberation  “Through conversion, the Spirit applies Christ’s victory to our lives.” – Grenz, 437  This does not mean freedom to do whatever we want. I means freedom from the power of Satan and freedom to reject sin and choose God’s will.

110. THE EFFECTS OF CONVERSION There are four things that the Holy Spirit “effects” or causes to happen in us as a result of conversion: 1.The Spirit effects regeneration 2.The Spirit effects justification 3.The Spirit effects liberation  “Through conversion, the Spirit applies Christ’s victory to our lives.” – Grenz, 437  This does not mean freedom to do whatever we want. I means freedom from the power of Satan and freedom to reject sin and choose God’s will.  Liberation is the Spirit’s application of Christ’s redemptive victory over Satan and evil to the believer and is the ultimate answer to the enslavement that resulted from the fall.

111. THE EFFECTS OF CONVERSION There are four things that the Holy Spirit “effects” or causes to happen in us as a result of conversion: 1.The Spirit effects regeneration 2.The Spirit effects justification 3.The Spirit effects liberation 4.The Spirit effects empowerment

112. THE EFFECTS OF CONVERSION There are four things that the Holy Spirit “effects” or causes to happen in us as a result of conversion: 1.The Spirit effects regeneration 2.The Spirit effects justification 3.The Spirit effects liberation 4.The Spirit effects empowerment  “Sin leaves us powerless to serve God and others in the way God intends. Into this hopeless situation Jesus came as our substitute. He accomplished for us what we cannot do for ourselves.” – Grenz, 438

113. THE EFFECTS OF CONVERSION There are four things that the Holy Spirit “effects” or causes to happen in us as a result of conversion: 1.The Spirit effects regeneration 2.The Spirit effects justification 3.The Spirit effects liberation 4.The Spirit effects empowerment  “Sin leaves us powerless to serve God and others in the way God intends. Into this hopeless situation Jesus came as our substitute. He accomplished for us what we cannot do for ourselves.” – Grenz, 438  Empowerment is the Spirit’s application of Christ’s provision of divine power to the believer and is the ultimate answer to the depravity that resulted from sin.

114. THE EFFECTS OF CONVERSION There are four things that the Holy Spirit “effects” or causes to happen in us as a result of conversion: 1.The Spirit effects regeneration 2.The Spirit effects justification 3.The Spirit effects liberation 4.The Spirit effects empowerment

115. THE EFFECTS OF CONVERSION There are four things that the Holy Spirit “effects” or causes to happen in us as a result of conversion: 1.The Spirit effects regeneration 2.The Spirit effects justification 3.The Spirit effects liberation 4.The Spirit effects empowerment Note: Rescue from sin is not an end in itself. We are rescued for something: Community – with God, with each other, with creation.

116. THE EFFECTS OF CONVERSION There are four things that the Holy Spirit “effects” or causes to happen in us as a result of conversion: 1.The Spirit effects regeneration 2.The Spirit effects justification 3.The Spirit effects liberation 4.The Spirit effects empowerment Note: Rescue from sin is not an end in itself. We are rescued for something: Community – with God, with each other, with creation. “Individual salvation, therefore, is a community phenomenon.” – Grenz, 440

117. THE EFFECTS OF CONVERSION There are four things that the Holy Spirit “effects” or causes to happen in us as a result of conversion: 1.The Spirit effects regeneration 2.The Spirit effects justification 3.The Spirit effects liberation 4.The Spirit effects empowerment Note: Rescue from sin is not an end in itself. We are rescued for something: Community – with God, with each other, with creation. “Individual salvation, therefore, is a community phenomenon.” – Grenz, 440 It is this community connection that will lead naturally into next session’s topic of ecclesiology, the nature and mission of the church.

118. SANCTIFICATION

119. “The saving work of the Holy Spirit in an individual does not end at conversion. This event is only the beginning of a process of transformation into Christlikeness which extends throughout our days. We speak of this ongoing process as ‘sanctification.’ In the strict theological sense sanctification is the Holy Spirit accomplishing God’s purpose in us as Christian life proceeds. Or viewed from the human perspective, it is our cooperation with the Spirit in living out in daily life the regeneration, justification, freedom and power which is ours through conversion, so that we grow in Christlikeness and service to God.” – Grenz, 440

120. SANCTIFICATION “To sanctify” means “to make holy.”

121. SANCTIFICATION “To sanctify” means “to make holy.” Therefore, sanctification is a process in which the Holy Spirit makes us holy.

122. SANCTIFICATION “To sanctify” means “to make holy.” Therefore, sanctification is a process in which the Holy Spirit makes us holy. In short, “the task of the Holy Spirit is to effect in us what God commands.” – Grenz, 442

123. SANCTIFICATION “To sanctify” means “to make holy.” Therefore, sanctification is a process in which the Holy Spirit makes us holy. In short, “the task of the Holy Spirit is to effect in us what God commands.” – Grenz, 442 To accomplish this, the Spirit battles against our old sinful nature providing the necessary power to overcome temptation and sin.

124. SANCTIFICATION “To sanctify” means “to make holy.” Therefore, sanctification is a process in which the Holy Spirit makes us holy. In short, “the task of the Holy Spirit is to effect in us what God commands.” – Grenz, 442 To accomplish this, the Spirit battles against our old sinful nature providing the necessary power to overcome temptation and sin. Our part in the sanctification process is to diligently apply ourselves to cooperate with this work of the Spirit through using the spiritual weaponry (e.g. Eph 6) and love the Spirit gives us and by calling upon God in prayer.

125. SANCTIFICATION “To sanctify” means “to make holy.” Therefore, sanctification is a process in which the Holy Spirit makes us holy. In short, “the task of the Holy Spirit is to effect in us what God commands.” – Grenz, 442 To accomplish this, the Spirit battles against our old sinful nature providing the necessary power to overcome temptation and sin. Our part in the sanctification process is to diligently apply ourselves to cooperate with this work of the Spirit through using the spiritual weaponry (e.g. Eph 6) and love the Spirit gives us and by calling upon God in prayer. Though we should expect to see positive change in ourselves over time in this life, no one achieves perfection before our resurrection after Christ returns.

126. GLORIFICATION

127. “Simply stated, glorification refers to the Spirit’s eschatological completion of our salvation, when he brings us to reflect perfectly the goal of our conversion and sanctification.” – Grenz, 446

128. GLORIFICATION “Simply stated, glorification refers to the Spirit’s eschatological completion of our salvation, when he brings us to reflect perfectly the goal of our conversion and sanctification.” – Grenz, 446 The final resurrection from the dead is when glorification will occur.

129. GLORIFICATION “Simply stated, glorification refers to the Spirit’s eschatological completion of our salvation, when he brings us to reflect perfectly the goal of our conversion and sanctification.” – Grenz, 446 The final resurrection from the dead is when glorification will occur. Glorification will encompass all that we are, including our being made both morally and physically perfect.

130. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

131. The Holy Spirit is the fully divine and personal Creator Spirit who is at work in the world bringing God’s purpose for the world (new creation) to completion by the application of Christ’s saving work to believers.

132. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION The Holy Spirit is the fully divine and personal Creator Spirit who is at work in the world bringing God’s purpose for the world (new creation) to completion by the application of Christ’s saving work to believers. The Spirit’s work includes the inspiration of Scripture and illumination of seekers.

133. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION The Holy Spirit is the fully divine and personal Creator Spirit who is at work in the world bringing God’s purpose for the world (new creation) to completion by the application of Christ’s saving work to believers. The Spirit’s work includes the inspiration of Scripture and illumination of seekers. It also includes the application of Christ’s saving work to believers.

134. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION The Holy Spirit is the fully divine and personal Creator Spirit who is at work in the world bringing God’s purpose for the world (new creation) to completion by the application of Christ’s saving work to believers. The Spirit’s work includes the inspiration of Scripture and illumination of seekers. It also includes the application of Christ’s saving work to believers. This work consists in bringing about the conversion, sanctification and glorification of believers in order to create a community reconciled to God, each other and the created world.

135. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION The Holy Spirit is the fully divine and personal Creator Spirit who is at work in the world bringing God’s purpose for the world (new creation) to completion by the application of Christ’s saving work to believers. The Spirit’s work includes the inspiration of Scripture and illumination of seekers. It also includes the application of Christ’s saving work to believers. This work consists in bringing about the conversion, sanctification and glorification of believers in order to create a community reconciled to God, each other and the created world. Or to say it from the vantage point of someone who is a believer: on account of the Spirit’s work in my life, I have been saved (conversion); I am being saved (sanctification); I will be saved (glorification).

136. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION The Holy Spirit is the fully divine and personal Creator Spirit who is at work in the world bringing God’s purpose for the world (new creation) to completion by the application of Christ’s saving work to believers. The Spirit’s work includes the inspiration of Scripture and illumination of seekers. It also includes the application of Christ’s saving work to believers. This work consists in bringing about the conversion, sanctification and glorification of believers in order to create a community reconciled to God, each other and the created world. Or to say it from the vantage point of someone who is a believer: on account of the Spirit’s work in my life, I have been saved (conversion); I am being saved (sanctification); I will be saved (glorification). Next time, we will look at the nature and mission of the community God has brought into existence through His Spirit: the Church.