Engaging Faith: Christology, Assurance, and Repentance

 

Summary

In this discussion, we explored the profound theological insights and reflections on various aspects of Christian doctrine, particularly focusing on the nature of Christ, the role of Scripture, and the assurance of salvation. The conversation began with an exploration of the concept of being a "battlefield theologian," emphasizing the need for theologians to engage actively with the world and contend for the faith. This approach is rooted in the historical context of the Reformation, where reformers like Luther and Calvin communicated their theological insights to the people, not just within academic circles.

The discussion then shifted to the Christology statement, highlighting its importance in affirming both the deity and humanity of Christ. This is crucial in countering modern heresies and ensuring a balanced understanding of Jesus' nature. The conversation also touched on the necessity of reading the Bible to truly know Jesus, as cultural depictions often distort His true nature. While it is possible to know Jesus savingly without the Bible, a sanctified understanding requires engagement with Scripture.

The panel addressed the complex issue of whether Jesus' atonement was for all or only for the elect, emphasizing the unity and purpose within the Trinity in the work of salvation. The assurance of salvation was another key topic, with practical advice given on how to discern genuine faith and love for Christ. The discussion concluded with reflections on repentance, emphasizing the need for confession and contrition before God.

Key Takeaways:

1. Engaging as Battlefield Theologians: The call to be a "battlefield theologian" is about actively engaging with the world to defend and contend for the faith. This involves taking theological insights beyond academic circles and communicating them effectively to the people, much like the reformers did during the Reformation. This approach ensures that theology remains relevant and impactful in the lives of believers. [01:09]

2. Balanced Christology: Understanding the full nature of Christ is essential to avoid heresies like Apollinarianism. The Christology statement helps affirm both the deity and humanity of Christ, ensuring that believers have a balanced view that does not compromise either aspect. This is crucial for maintaining orthodoxy and deepening our relationship with Jesus. [06:12]

3. Scripture as the Foundation for Knowing Jesus: To truly know the Jesus of the Bible, one must engage with Scripture. While cultural depictions of Jesus abound, they often distort His true nature. The Bible provides the full complexity of Jesus' character and mission, which is essential for a sanctified understanding and relationship with Him. [08:41]

4. Assurance of Salvation: Assurance comes from understanding the true nature of salvation and examining one's faith and love for Christ. Genuine affection for Jesus, even if imperfect, indicates regeneration and true faith. This assurance is vital for stability in the Christian life and resisting the enemy's temptations. [39:26]

5. Repentance and Confession: True repentance involves confession and contrition before God. While not every sin needs to be confessed to others, genuine remorse and a broken heart are essential. This process of repentance is a continual journey, as the Holy Spirit gradually reveals the depths of our sinfulness, leading us to deeper reliance on God's grace. [43:47]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:27] - The Call to Be a Battlefield Theologian
- [01:51] - Contending for the Faith
- [02:32] - The Importance of Christology
- [04:03] - Understanding Jesus' Humanity
- [06:12] - Addressing Modern Heresies
- [07:58] - Knowing Jesus Through Scripture
- [09:19] - Salvation Without the Bible?
- [12:25] - The Trinity and the Cross
- [13:56] - Jesus and Temptation
- [18:08] - The Scope of Atonement
- [22:39] - God's Eternal Plan of Salvation
- [27:03] - Sin, Mistakes, and Grace
- [30:14] - Becoming Sinless in Heaven
- [35:23] - Assurance of Salvation
- [42:52] - Repentance and Confession

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 1 Peter 3:15 - "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
2. John 1:14 - "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
3. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does it mean to be a "battlefield theologian," and how does this concept relate to the historical context of the Reformation? [01:09]

2. How does the Christology statement help in affirming both the deity and humanity of Christ, and why is this important for maintaining orthodoxy? [06:12]

3. According to the sermon, why is engaging with Scripture essential for a sanctified understanding of Jesus? [08:41]

4. What practical advice was given in the sermon for discerning genuine faith and love for Christ? [39:26]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of being a "battlefield theologian" challenge modern Christians to engage with the world and defend their faith actively? [01:51]

2. In what ways does a balanced understanding of Christ's deity and humanity protect against modern heresies, and how can this deepen one's relationship with Jesus? [06:12]

3. Why might cultural depictions of Jesus lead to misunderstandings, and how can Scripture correct these distortions? [08:41]

4. How does the assurance of salvation provide stability in the Christian life, and what role does genuine affection for Jesus play in this assurance? [39:26]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you feel called to be a "battlefield theologian"? How can you actively engage with the world to defend your faith this week? [01:09]

2. Consider your understanding of Christ's nature. Are there aspects of His deity or humanity that you struggle to comprehend or accept? How can you seek a more balanced understanding through study or prayer? [06:12]

3. Think about the cultural depictions of Jesus you have encountered. How have they influenced your perception of Him? What steps can you take to ensure your understanding of Jesus is rooted in Scripture? [08:41]

4. Examine your assurance of salvation. Do you have genuine affection for Jesus? If not, what might be hindering this affection, and how can you address it? [39:26]

5. Reflect on your practice of repentance and confession. Is there a sin you need to confess to God or others? How can you cultivate a heart of genuine contrition and reliance on God's grace? [43:47]

6. Identify a specific way you can deepen your engagement with Scripture this month. What practical steps will you take to make this a reality?

7. Consider someone in your life who may not know Jesus. How can you share the true nature of Christ with them in a way that is both respectful and impactful?

Devotional

Day 1: Engaging Faith in the World
The call to be a "battlefield theologian" is about actively engaging with the world to defend and contend for the faith. This involves taking theological insights beyond academic circles and communicating them effectively to the people, much like the reformers did during the Reformation. This approach ensures that theology remains relevant and impactful in the lives of believers. [01:09]

"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds." (2 Corinthians 10:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively engage with your community to share and defend your faith today? Consider one specific action you can take this week to be a "battlefield theologian."


Day 2: Embracing the Fullness of Christ
Understanding the full nature of Christ is essential to avoid heresies like Apollinarianism. The Christology statement helps affirm both the deity and humanity of Christ, ensuring that believers have a balanced view that does not compromise either aspect. This is crucial for maintaining orthodoxy and deepening our relationship with Jesus. [06:12]

"For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority." (Colossians 2:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: How does your understanding of Jesus' dual nature as fully God and fully man impact your relationship with Him? Reflect on any misconceptions you might have and how you can seek a more balanced understanding.


Day 3: Scripture as the Lens to Know Jesus
To truly know the Jesus of the Bible, one must engage with Scripture. While cultural depictions of Jesus abound, they often distort His true nature. The Bible provides the full complexity of Jesus' character and mission, which is essential for a sanctified understanding and relationship with Him. [08:41]

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: What cultural depictions of Jesus have influenced your understanding of Him? How can you commit to engaging more deeply with Scripture to know the true Jesus?


Day 4: Finding Assurance in Faith
Assurance comes from understanding the true nature of salvation and examining one's faith and love for Christ. Genuine affection for Jesus, even if imperfect, indicates regeneration and true faith. This assurance is vital for stability in the Christian life and resisting the enemy's temptations. [39:26]

"Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall." (2 Peter 1:10, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your current relationship with Jesus. What evidence of genuine affection and faith can you identify in your life? How can you cultivate a deeper assurance of your salvation?


Day 5: The Journey of Repentance
True repentance involves confession and contrition before God. While not every sin needs to be confessed to others, genuine remorse and a broken heart are essential. This process of repentance is a continual journey, as the Holy Spirit gradually reveals the depths of our sinfulness, leading us to deeper reliance on God's grace. [43:47]

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a specific sin or area of your life where you need to seek God's forgiveness and grace? How can you practice genuine repentance and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you in this journey?

Quotes

R.C. SPROUL: I think mainly the influence of my studies in seminary as a young man and looking at what happened and what God did in the Reformation of the 16th century. You see that the magisterial Reformers were world-class academicians, people like Luther and Calvin and so on. But they understood that if you're going to have reformation you have to take your case to the people, and that's what I meant by being a battlefield theologian rather than an ivory tower theologian. That you've got to make your case before the people and communicate to the people. [00:51:55]

R.C. SPROUL: John Piper said it somewhat like this, that not only must we be able to confess our faith and not only must we be able to defend our faith, but we must be willing and able to contend for the faith once for all delivered in sacred Scripture. And so there is always a polemical element involved in the confrontation between the world, the flesh, and the Devil and the truth of the Christian gospel. And so, we have to be willing to be the church militant before we'll ever expect to be the church triumphant. [00:99:05]

DEREK THOMAS: You and I have spoken recently of how in the 20th century in response to liberalism and an understandable response to liberalism, evangelicals have been defensive of the deity of Christ but have often done so in a way that has compromised the humanity of Christ. And if you were to ask a congregation or a fellow Christian just a very basic simple question, "If you went up to Jesus, He is walking in Galilee, He's moved away from the disciples, you see a moment to sort of sidle in and have a quick Q&A session with the Savior and you ask Him a simple question." [00:228:17]

STEVEN NICHOLS: I would say, if you wanted to know the Jesus of the Bible, you should read the Bible. And the reason why I say that is because Jesus is quite a cultural figure, and there's a great deal of material out there on Jesus as a cultural icon. He shows up in all sorts of places throughout history, throughout culture. Those very quickly become distortions of who Jesus is. And so, what we constantly need to do and even evangelicals in many ways can harbor these distortions, if we want to know the Jesus of the Bible, we need to read the Bible and not only just the parts of the Gospels that we like about Jesus; we need to see the whole complex of Jesus as He comes to us in the Gospels. [00:474:22]

R.C. SPROUL: I think that the Ethiopian eunuch got to know Jesus savingly without the Bible when he heard the proclamation from Philip. And we have seen all kinds of cases where people have orally proclaimed the Word of God without the Bible, so it's not a necessary condition to have the Bible in order to have a saving knowledge of Christ. But certainly, if you want a sanctified understanding of Christ, you need the Bible. [00:575:34]

MICHAEL REEVES: I think we have to say, absolutely not. We do not see a breakdown of the relationship between the Father and the Son in the sense that the Trinity is somehow breaking apart. That is not what is going on. The language of separation that is used, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" is the language used of being under the wrath of God, being separated from the presence of His graciousness. But there is nowhere for anyone who is under the wrath of God to escape from the presence of God ultimately. [00:737:52]

DEREK THOMAS: Everything that we read about Jesus suggests that the entirety of His fulfillment of His role as the servant was done through effort, that the temptations were not imaginary, they were real temptations. I think in John chapter 4, the "woman at the well" story, is in some measure a sexual temptation. Here's a woman who's had five husbands. She is working on her sixth, and number seven, which is a significant number for John, is Jesus. I think the setting is at a well. The language of drawing from a well is full of double entendre. [00:847:63]

STEVEN NICHOLS: I'll hop in here. This is helpful for me to think about, because in many ways the context and maybe this is true for some of you, came initially to Christianity, not necessarily within Reformed context, and it strikes me that, like what sort of sealed this in my thinking is Christ's -- is the pronouncement, "It is finished." And that is, I think, the thing we have to reckon with here. Either Christ accomplished redemption on the cross and secured it, or if He simply provided it and made it available, then that requires us to add something to what Christ did on the cross for salvation to be effective. [00:1113:97]

IAN HAMILTON: Undergirding the work of Christ is the holy concurrence of the Triune God in the work of Christ. What the Father has purposed, the Son has accomplished, and the Spirit applies. And if you posit anything else, then you're looking to posit some kind of disjunction in the Holy Trinity. You're saying that the Father sent the Son to save everyone, the Son died in order to save everyone, but the Holy Spirit chooses not save everyone. At the very heart of the work of Christ is this glorious, holy concert between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in perfecting the work of Christ, perfecting it in terms of the eternal counsel to save, perfecting it in the accomplished work of Christ on the cross, and perfecting it in the application by the Holy Spirit to all of those given by the Father to the Son, and that's the glory and beauty and symmetry of the gospel of Jesus Christ. [00:1245:82]

R.C. SPROUL: But God did more than just make it possible for salvation; He made it certain. He had a plan, eternal plan to save and if for no other reason than for the glory of His Son. The only explanation I can give for being included in the kingdom of God is that we are the gifts that the Father gives to the Son that He may see the travail of His soul and be satisfied. But I think the big problem that we're dealing with all of this is that we wrestle every single day with a concept of human strength and freedom that is utterly unbiblical. It has been inculcated from kindergarten on in the Western world through humanism that really denies a fatal fall into sin. [00:1416:86]

R.C. SPROUL: And then you can say, "Well, do I really believe in the Lord Jesus Christ?" How can I sin the way I sin when I know that's not consistent with true faith in Christ? Good news to know that we don't have to be perfect in order to be saved, but we do have to understand who it is that saves us and how it is that we are saved. Very practical ways, I've talked to people who struggle with this question. I ask them, "Do you love Jesus, the biblical Jesus? Do you love the biblical Jesus perfectly?" I've only heard two people in my life who have answered that question in the affirmative to me, who would say yes, they love Him perfectly. [00:2207:76]

R.C. SPROUL: But yes we have to confess, and with that confession comes a real godly sorrow, not just a fear of punishment, what we call "attrition," but a broken and contrite heart, God doesn't despise, but He desires it as the reality of our repentance. [00:2694:91]

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Transcript
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