Darrell C wrote, "The only conclusion one can draw if we think the Atonement was applied to the Old Testament Saints is that they were saved by something other than Christ's Sacrifice in their stead."
You conclusion is erroneous.
Hebrews 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death,
for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
(emphasis mine)
If my conclusion is erroneous, lol, why do you post a verse that I gave to show Positional Sanctification, then go on to post verses that refer to Progressive Sanctification?
2) "Progressive Sanctification" is a rather loaded term. I am not opposed to the use of the term, if it is properly defined.
Progressive Sanctification doesn't need our approval to make it a valid Doctrinal Position. It's really very basic to Biblical Doctrine. You will find it in any good book on Theology, but more importantly—we find the doctrine in Scripture.
"Progressive sanctification" is not becoming more holy and more perfect. I cannot become more perfect than Christ has already made me.
Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering he hath
perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
(emphasis mine)
So if you can't be made more holy and more perfect in your daily conversation, why do acknowledge Progressive Sanctification?
You are trying to say two things again, Ken, and this because you do not want anything I say to be right. That's a really poor reason, and dangerous: we should be able to admit error in our lives—that part of progressive sanctification.
"Progressive sanctification" as performing the works that God has ordained for me to do and the He works in me according to His plan and purpose, now that is Biblical.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which
God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
(emphasis mine)
Philippians 2:13 For it is
God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
(emphasis mine)
No, not really, not in the context of this point. It is a poor attempt to cling to a hyper view that is so radical it cancels out sound doctrine.
There is implicit teaching throughout the New Testament for the Church as to how we are to strive to live holy. It isn't a matter of, "Well, I am of the Elect, therefore everything I do will be the will of God, because He has foreordained the works that I do."
It is true you have been created in Christ Jesus unto good works, but that doesn't mean 1) that all our works are good, and 2) that we do not put forth effort to be more holy in our lives.
Both of the verses above refer to a temporal context, not an eternal, as Hebrews 10:10-14.
I just don't see how Progressive Sanctification can be viewed as a "loaded term," lol.
God bless.
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