Understanding Righteousness, Salvation, and the Gospel's Power
Summary
In this engaging session, we explored a wide range of theological questions and insights with Dr. R.C. Sproul. The discussion began with a clarification on the nature of righteousness and salvation, emphasizing that while our works are rewarded, they are not the basis of our salvation. This distinction is crucial in understanding the grace of God and the role of faith in our lives. We also delved into the omnipresence of God, even in hell, highlighting that God's presence in judgment is a profound reality that challenges common misconceptions about hell being the absence of God.
The conversation touched on the significance of the Reformation, particularly the recovery of the gospel during the 16th century, which remains a pivotal moment in church history. This recovery is celebrated as a return to the light of the gospel after a period of darkness. The importance of creeds and confessions was also discussed, underscoring their role in safeguarding the church against heresies and providing a summary of biblical doctrine.
Dr. Sproul addressed questions about evangelism, emphasizing that the task remains unchanged despite cultural shifts towards relativism. The power of the gospel and the Word of God transcends cultural trends, offering hope and truth in every era. The session also included practical advice for young people pursuing missions, encouraging them to prioritize the Great Commission and the lordship of Christ in their endeavors.
The discussion concluded with reflections on the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Old Testament saints, the assurance of salvation, and the importance of studying church history to avoid repeating past errors. Dr. Sproul's insights provided clarity and encouragement, reminding us of the enduring power and relevance of the gospel in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Righteousness and Salvation: Our works are rewarded by God, but they are not the basis of our salvation. Salvation is a gift of grace, and our righteousness is imputed through faith in Christ. This understanding helps us appreciate the depth of God's grace and the role of faith in our lives. [01:58]
- God's Omnipresence: God's presence is not limited, even in hell. The reality of God's presence in judgment challenges the misconception that hell is the absence of God. This understanding calls us to a deeper reverence for God's holiness and justice. [03:44]
- The Reformation's Significance: The 16th-century Reformation was a pivotal moment in church history, marking the recovery of the gospel. This recovery is celebrated as a return to the light of the gospel after a period of darkness, reminding us of the importance of holding fast to biblical truth. [10:33]
- Evangelism in a Relativistic Culture: Despite cultural shifts towards relativism, the task of evangelism remains unchanged. The power of the gospel and the Word of God transcends cultural trends, offering hope and truth in every era. [36:44]
- Assurance of Salvation: While feelings can be misleading, the assurance of salvation is grounded in the objective truths of Scripture. Trusting in the promises of God provides a firm foundation for our faith, beyond our subjective experiences. [52:56]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:18] - Introduction and Audience Engagement
- [01:42] - Lightning Round Begins
- [01:58] - Righteousness and Salvation
- [02:31] - The Problem with "God Said It, I Believe It"
- [03:19] - Faith vs. Belief
- [03:44] - God's Presence in Hell
- [04:12] - The Gospel in One Sentence
- [05:17] - Imputed Righteousness of Christ
- [06:42] - Dr. Sproul's Health Update
- [08:13] - The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation
- [10:33] - The Importance of the Reformation
- [11:28] - Responding to Claims of Non-Election
- [12:50] - Addressing Antipathy Towards Scripture
- [14:37] - The Power of God's Word
- [17:11] - Encouragement for Young Missionaries
- [18:15] - Regeneration vs. Conversion
- [22:46] - The Holy Spirit and Old Testament Saints
- [27:48] - Assurance of Salvation
- [29:39] - Ligonier Ministries' Mission
- [35:22] - Theological Challenges Facing the Church
- [36:44] - Evangelism in a Postmodern Society
- [41:20] - The Reality of Hell
- [43:53] - The Role of the Civil Magistrate
- [45:37] - Discussing Catholic Doctrines
- [46:38] - Infant Baptism and Regeneration
- [48:54] - Responding to the Hyper-Grace Movement
- [50:48] - The Importance of Church History
- [52:56] - Assurance Beyond Feelings
- [54:26] - Closing Remarks and Gratitude
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 18:20-24
2. Genesis 15:6
3. Romans 13:1-7
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Observation Questions:
1. In Psalm 18:20-24, how does David describe the way God dealt with him? What does this reveal about David's understanding of righteousness? [01:42]
2. According to Genesis 15:6, what was counted to Abraham as righteousness, and how does this relate to the concept of imputed righteousness discussed in the sermon? [05:34]
3. How does Romans 13:1-7 describe the role of the civil magistrate, and what implications does this have for Christians living under governmental authority? [43:53]
4. What was the significance of the Reformation in recovering the gospel, and how is this celebrated in the sermon? [10:33]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of imputed righteousness challenge the idea of salvation by works, and why is this distinction important for understanding God's grace? [05:34]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's omnipresence, even in hell, challenges common misconceptions about God's nature and judgment? [03:44]
3. How does the sermon address the challenge of evangelism in a relativistic culture, and what does it suggest about the enduring power of the gospel? [36:44]
4. What role do creeds and confessions play in safeguarding the church against heresies, according to the sermon? [15:00]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your understanding of righteousness and salvation. How does the concept of imputed righteousness through faith in Christ impact your daily walk with God? [01:58]
2. Consider the idea of God's omnipresence, even in places of judgment. How does this understanding affect your view of God's holiness and justice? [03:44]
3. In light of the Reformation's significance, how can you actively hold fast to biblical truth in your personal faith journey? [10:33]
4. How can you engage in evangelism effectively in today's culture, where truth is often seen as relative? What practical steps can you take to share the gospel with those around you? [36:44]
5. Think about the assurance of salvation. How can you ground your faith in the objective truths of Scripture rather than relying on subjective feelings? [52:56]
6. Reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you be more aware of and responsive to the Spirit's guidance and empowerment? [24:25]
7. How can studying church history help you avoid repeating past errors and deepen your understanding of the Christian faith? What specific aspect of church history would you like to explore further? [50:48]
Devotional
Day 1: The Gift of Grace and Faith
Our works are rewarded by God, but they are not the basis of our salvation. Salvation is a gift of grace, and our righteousness is imputed through faith in Christ. This understanding helps us appreciate the depth of God's grace and the role of faith in our lives. The distinction between works and grace is crucial, as it underscores that salvation is not something we earn but something we receive. This perspective invites believers to rest in the assurance that their standing before God is secure, not because of their deeds, but because of Christ's righteousness credited to them. [01:58]
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you been relying on your own efforts to earn God's favor? How can you shift your focus to fully embrace the gift of grace today?
Day 2: God's Presence in Judgment
God's presence is not limited, even in hell. The reality of God's presence in judgment challenges the misconception that hell is the absence of God. This understanding calls us to a deeper reverence for God's holiness and justice. Recognizing that God is present in all places, including in judgment, should lead us to a greater awareness of His sovereignty and the seriousness of sin. It also serves as a reminder of the profound nature of God's justice, which is an integral part of His character. [03:44]
"Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!" (Psalm 139:7-8, ESV)
Reflection: How does the understanding of God's omnipresence, even in judgment, change your perspective on His holiness and justice?
Day 3: The Reformation's Light
The 16th-century Reformation was a pivotal moment in church history, marking the recovery of the gospel. This recovery is celebrated as a return to the light of the gospel after a period of darkness, reminding us of the importance of holding fast to biblical truth. The Reformation emphasized the authority of Scripture and the necessity of faith, which continue to be foundational for the church today. This historical event encourages believers to remain vigilant in their commitment to the truth of the gospel and to be aware of the ever-present need for reform and renewal within the church. [10:33]
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure that you are holding fast to biblical truth in your daily life?
Day 4: Unchanging Evangelism in a Changing Culture
Despite cultural shifts towards relativism, the task of evangelism remains unchanged. The power of the gospel and the Word of God transcends cultural trends, offering hope and truth in every era. In a world where truth is often seen as subjective, the gospel stands as an unchanging beacon of hope and salvation. Believers are called to share this message with confidence, knowing that its power is not diminished by cultural changes. This calls for a steadfast commitment to the Great Commission, regardless of societal pressures. [36:44]
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively share the gospel in your current cultural context, and what challenges might you need to overcome?
Day 5: Assurance Beyond Feelings
While feelings can be misleading, the assurance of salvation is grounded in the objective truths of Scripture. Trusting in the promises of God provides a firm foundation for our faith, beyond our subjective experiences. This assurance is not based on how we feel at any given moment but on the unchanging nature of God's word and His promises. Believers are encouraged to find their confidence in the truth of Scripture, which offers a reliable anchor for their faith amidst the uncertainties of life. [52:56]
"And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." (1 John 5:11-12, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself of the objective truths of Scripture when your feelings lead you to doubt your salvation?
Quotes
R.C.: Well, we look to the Scriptures, and we see when Paul explains the doctrine of justification, he goes back to the Old Testament to Genesis 15, where the Scriptures say of Abraham, "He believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness." And when Paul develops the doctrine of justification by faith alone, what he is saying there is that when God counts somebody righteous on the basis of faith, it's not because He looks at them and sees that they are inherently righteous, but rather they have been clothed by the imputation or the transfer of the righteousness of Christ to that person by faith. [00:05:34]
R.C.: Well, because of the critical importance of the recovery of the gospel that had fallen into darkness in the Middle Ages and the recovery of the gospel in the 16th century that provoked the motto of the Reformation, "Post Tenebras Lux," “after darkness, light.” And, we call ourselves evangelicals because of the recovery of evangel, of the gospel, in the 16th century Reformation. [00:10:36]
R.C.: I would say one of the most important things you can do as a pastor, as a minister of the gospel is when you preach, preach through books of the Bible so that you're not beating your own drum, but that you deal with the whole counsel of God as it is set forth on page after page after page. And so in one sense, you discipline then to address whatever the text teaches, and it isn't going to be very long when you're preaching through any book of the Bible, you're going to have to deal with those issues that touch on the whole counsel of God. [00:13:56]
R.C.: Well, when you ask how important creeds and confessions are, from the very earliest time in the history of the church, the church has not only proclaimed the truth of sacred Scripture, but have had…has had to deal with distortions and radical departures from biblical truth in the appearance and occurrence of multiple heresies that have threatened the church from the very beginning. And then one of the earliest creeds, in fact what is thought to be the very first Christian creed was the simple statement "Jesus is Lord." [00:15:10]
R.C.: Well, it's good to hear that there are young people out there that are pursuing missions because that's a pursuit that the Lord has placed upon us, on the church with the Great Commission that we all are responsible for the fulfillment of the Great Commission. Whether I'm actually going as a missionary or contributing to that endeavor, but all of us are responsible that the Great Commission be fulfilled because Christ is Lord. And because He's Lord, we have to do what He commands us to do. [00:17:18]
R.C.: Alright first of all, I've never talked to a Reformed theologian in my life who didn't affirm that Old Testament saints were indwelt by the Holy Ghost. First of all, we distinguish among various different works attributed to the third Person of the Trinity. For example, regeneration is so vitally important, and it's the Holy Spirit who is the One who changes the disposition of our hearts. And anyone who is a believer in the Old Testament had to be regenerate before they would be believe…a believer. [00:22:55]
R.C.: Well, when you talk about 100 percent sure, you ask me if I think something is the case, Adrian. And I could answer that question in a multitude of different ways. I can say to you, "No." I could say, "I don't think so." I could say, "Absolutely not." Or I could say, "Yes, maybe," "I hope so," or "I think so." Or, I can say, "Absolutely certainly." So those responses indicate various degrees of certainty that are associated with a particular question. [00:27:48]
R.C.: No, I don't think there's any more difficulty at all. People embrace relativism. That's the bad news. You notice the book that went to the top of the charts and nobody expected it to The Closing of the American Mind, several years ago, from a professor at Cornell, I believe it was, that he talked…to say that when a student entered college, 95 percent of students entering college had already embraced relativism. And by the time they graduated from college and had higher education, it was now up to 98 percent. [00:36:44]
R.C.: Now, I would say that that person could certainly be a truly regenerate person. All kinds of Christians have all kinds of theological weaknesses and errors. We always have to struggle about this. So I don't just make the automatic assumption that somebody's not a Christian if they neglect a particular doctrine. Although, to deny the reality of hell in any significant way certainly raises the question of whether or not a person is indeed in the faith because it is such a central core teaching of Scripture. [00:41:20]
R.C.: If we're talking about hyper-grace in terms of grace covering everything including there are those in that movement that are basically antinomian. That is, they believe that once we experience grace, we're no longer under the law in any sense, even in the instructive sense. And I'm going to say if a person is saved by grace, not by law, we understand that,. that nevertheless that doesn't mean, it's the old question that Paul writes, "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?" And his answer is, "God forbid!" [00:48:54]
R.C.: Boy, you know I wish I had a lot more time not only to answer that question, but to fulfill the study of church history. You know, it's the old maxim whether it's church history or other history is that those who refuse to study history are doomed to repeat it. And virtually every heresy that we face everyday today is a rehash of some heresy that the church had to deal with in the history of the church, and that God has preserved His church through all the centuries. [00:50:48]
R.C.: I think I understand it James. First of all, I haven't written a book like this, but I've often thought about writing a book called "The Sensuous Christian," who lives and dies by their feelings. It doesn't matter whether you feel, if you're forgiven by Christ, that's an objective state of affairs. If you've confessed your sins and God promised to forgive you your sins, if you confess your sins then your sins are forgiven, it doesn't matter how you feel. [00:52:56]
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