Understanding Salvation: Grace, Prayer, and Sanctification

 

Summary

In our time together, we explored a range of profound theological questions that touch on the core of Christian faith and practice. We began by distinguishing between godliness and holiness, emphasizing that both are most clearly seen in Jesus Christ. This understanding personalizes these concepts, moving them from abstract ideas to the development of a Christ-like character. We then delved into the order of salvation, affirming that regeneration precedes faith, as Jesus explained to Nicodemus in John 3. This highlights the necessity of a new heart given by God to truly come to faith.

We also addressed the assurance of election, emphasizing that it is through faith in Christ that we come to know our election. This assurance is not found by bypassing Christ but by embracing Him, which in turn brings confidence and the witness of the Spirit in our lives. When discussing the preaching of the doctrines of grace, we noted the importance of pastoral sensitivity and the need to emphasize grace over doctrine, helping believers see these truths through the lens of Jesus' own teachings.

The question of prayer in light of God's sovereignty was another key topic. We pray because God commands it, and our prayers are part of His sovereign plan. This reflects a relational dynamic where God, like a loving father, involves us in His purposes. We also touched on the essential qualities of a Christian, highlighting faith, hope, and love as foundational, with love for Christ leading to love for others.

Finally, we explored the relationship between the Holy Spirit's work and our effort in sanctification, noting that while we are called to work out our salvation, it is ultimately God who works in us. This interplay ensures that our efforts are always in response to His grace and empowerment.

Key Takeaways:

- Godliness and Holiness in Christ: Godliness and holiness are best understood through the person of Jesus Christ. They are not abstract concepts but are embodied in the life and character of Christ, calling us to develop a Christ-like character in our own lives. [01:23]

- Order of Salvation: Regeneration precedes faith, as seen in Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus. This underscores the necessity of God's initiative in giving us a new heart, enabling us to come to faith and enter the kingdom of God. [02:11]

- Assurance of Election: Assurance of election is found through faith in Christ. By focusing on Christ, believers gain confidence in their election, as the Spirit bears witness with our spirit, especially in times of crisis, affirming our adoption as God's children. [03:22]

- Prayer and Sovereignty: Prayer is a command from God and a means by which He fulfills His purposes. It is a relational act where God involves us in His sovereign plan, much like a father involving his children in his work, highlighting the importance of obedience and trust. [11:25]

- Sanctification and the Spirit: Our sanctification involves both our effort and the Spirit's work. As we work out our salvation, it is God who works in us, ensuring that our growth in holiness is a cooperative process rooted in His grace and empowerment. [49:02]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:17] - Introduction to Ask Ligonier
- [00:36] - Guest Introduction: Dr. Sinclair Ferguson
- [00:50] - Lightning Round Begins
- [01:01] - Godliness vs. Holiness
- [02:11] - Faith and Regeneration
- [03:22] - Assurance of Election
- [04:53] - Preaching the Doctrines of Grace
- [09:39] - Importance of Prayer
- [11:25] - Why Pray if God is Sovereign?
- [13:27] - Essential Qualities of a Christian
- [15:27] - Obeying the Moral Law
- [19:22] - Meaning of Propitiation
- [21:34] - Reformed Theology Resources
- [49:02] - Sanctification and the Spirit

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 3:1-8
2. Ephesians 1:3-6
3. Philippians 2:12-13

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Observation Questions:

1. In John 3, what does Jesus tell Nicodemus about the necessity of being "born from above" to see the kingdom of God? How does this relate to the concept of regeneration preceding faith? [02:11]

2. According to Ephesians 1, how does Paul describe the concept of being chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world? What does this imply about the assurance of election? [03:22]

3. In Philippians 2, what does Paul mean when he instructs believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling"? How does this relate to the role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification? [49:02]

4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between prayer and God's sovereignty? Why is prayer still important even if God has planned all things? [11:25]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of regeneration preceding faith challenge or affirm your understanding of how one comes to faith in Christ? What implications does this have for evangelism? [02:11]

2. In what ways does focusing on Christ provide assurance of election, especially during times of crisis? How does this focus help believers understand their identity in Christ? [03:22]

3. How does the interplay between the Holy Spirit's work and our effort in sanctification shape a believer's daily walk with God? What does it mean to rely on God's grace while actively pursuing holiness? [49:02]

4. How does understanding prayer as part of God's sovereign plan change the way believers approach their prayer life? What does this reveal about the relational aspect of prayer with God? [11:25]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your understanding of godliness and holiness. How can you actively pursue a Christ-like character in your daily life? What specific actions can you take this week to embody these traits? [01:23]

2. Consider your current prayer habits. How can you incorporate the understanding that prayer is part of God's sovereign plan into your prayer life? What specific prayers can you offer that align with His purposes? [11:25]

3. Think about a time when you struggled with assurance of your faith. How can focusing on Christ help you find confidence in your election? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him? [03:22]

4. Identify an area in your life where you feel you need to "work out your salvation." How can you rely on the Holy Spirit's empowerment to make progress in this area? What practical steps can you take this week? [49:02]

5. Reflect on the essential qualities of a Christian: faith, hope, and love. Which of these do you feel needs more attention in your life? What specific actions can you take to cultivate this quality? [13:27]

6. How do you currently view the relationship between your efforts and God's work in your sanctification? What changes can you make to ensure that your efforts are a response to His grace? [49:02]

7. Consider a person in your life who may not understand the doctrines of grace. How can you approach conversations with them in a way that emphasizes grace over doctrine? What specific examples from Jesus' teachings can you share? [05:24]

Devotional

Day 1: Christ as the Embodiment of Godliness and Holiness
Godliness and holiness are not mere abstract concepts but are fully embodied in the person of Jesus Christ. By observing His life, we see the perfect example of these virtues. Jesus' actions, words, and attitudes provide a model for us to emulate. As we strive to develop a Christ-like character, we are called to reflect His holiness and godliness in our daily lives. This transformation is not about adhering to a set of rules but about allowing Christ's character to be formed within us, leading us to live in a way that honors God. [01:23]

"For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps." (1 Peter 2:21, ESV)

Reflection: In what specific ways can you model your actions and attitudes after Jesus today, especially in situations where it is challenging to do so?


Day 2: Regeneration as the Foundation of Faith
The order of salvation highlights that regeneration precedes faith, as illustrated in Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus. This underscores the necessity of God's initiative in giving us a new heart, enabling us to come to faith and enter the kingdom of God. It is not through our own efforts that we believe, but through the transformative work of the Holy Spirit that we are made new. This new birth is a divine act that opens our eyes to the truth of the Gospel, allowing us to respond in faith and obedience. [02:11]

"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your own journey of faith. How can you acknowledge and celebrate the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing you to faith?


Day 3: Assurance of Election Through Faith in Christ
Assurance of election is found through faith in Christ. By focusing on Christ, believers gain confidence in their election, as the Spirit bears witness with our spirit, especially in times of crisis, affirming our adoption as God's children. This assurance is not about bypassing Christ but embracing Him fully, which brings confidence and peace. It is through our relationship with Christ that we experience the witness of the Spirit, confirming our place in God's family and providing comfort and strength in our spiritual journey. [03:22]

"The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him." (Romans 8:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: In moments of doubt or crisis, how can you remind yourself of your identity in Christ and the assurance of your election?


Day 4: The Role of Prayer in God's Sovereign Plan
Prayer is a command from God and a means by which He fulfills His purposes. It is a relational act where God involves us in His sovereign plan, much like a father involving his children in his work. This highlights the importance of obedience and trust, as we align our hearts with God's will through prayer. Even though God is sovereign, He invites us to participate in His work through our prayers, which He uses to accomplish His divine purposes. This relational dynamic deepens our trust in God and strengthens our relationship with Him. [11:25]

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." (Colossians 4:2, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate prayer into your daily routine in a way that reflects trust in God's sovereignty and a desire to align with His will?


Day 5: The Cooperative Process of Sanctification
Our sanctification involves both our effort and the Spirit's work. As we work out our salvation, it is God who works in us, ensuring that our growth in holiness is a cooperative process rooted in His grace and empowerment. This interplay between divine initiative and human responsibility means that while we strive to live holy lives, it is ultimately God's power that enables us to do so. Our efforts are a response to His grace, and as we yield to the Spirit's leading, we are transformed more into the likeness of Christ. [49:02]

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in your journey of sanctification, allowing His power to work through your efforts?

Quotes


I think the simple answer to it is that the way in which we come to know our election is through faith in Christ. We must never try to bypass Jesus Christ because for example, as Paul says in Ephesians 1, we are chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. [00:03:22]

When you come to Christ, there is a kind of confidence that you find in Christ that He has embraced you, and that you are his. Then I think another thing that's obviously true is that if you have really been born again, then new family characteristics begin to display themselves in your life. [00:03:53]

I think pastorally one must always recognize that in some of these areas people do not have the paradigms to be able immediately to take in what scripture teaches, and sometimes they have been taught in a way that's contrary to the doctrines of grace. [00:05:09]

We pray because among other things, our prayers are part of the instrumentation God has planned in order that He would fulfill His purposes. This is really, when you think about it, it's a really wonderfully gracious thing that God has the power to do things without us, without our prayers, without our intercession. [00:12:12]

The sign would be that the presence of faith and hope and love. Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, trusting in him. Hope, remember how Peter speaks in I Peter about the hope that is given to us in Jesus Christ. The third and most obvious one would be a love for Jesus Christ that produces first of all a love for his people, and then a love for those who don't know him. [00:14:04]

We fulfill all the responsibilities that God has given to us in his word as we trust in Jesus Christ and seek the help of the Holy Spirit to fulfill that. There's an integrated relationship, but we are never in a position where we can say, “Oh, that was the Holy Spirit,” and “Oh, that was me,” because what we do is always the fruit of the spirit of the working in us. [00:49:42]

I think that the best place to go for a one sentence answer to that is Philippians 2:12-13 where Paul urges the Christians to work out their salvation, which is not working up their salvation, but working out the salvation that God has already worked in. [00:49:06]

I think the answer to that has got to be, first of all, that we see a new generation of ministers who love and trust Christ, and who expound his word, who love his people. One of the things I think obviously we very much would like to see is God raising up more and more ministers who have evangelistic gifts in communicating the gospel in the present age. [00:38:23]

I think one of the things that has always burdened me is that in the life of the church it's the prayerlessness of the church that stands out most of all. Also, I think another challenge in the church is this, that in the Western world, especially in the Western world, life is becoming tremendously dysfunctional. Families are becoming tremendously dysfunctional. [00:40:55]

I think it's true that people, many people say just obedience to the law is legalistic because actually what they are irritated by is the notion that anybody would tell them what to do. But if you are Christian, Jesus tells you what to do. He says if you love me, keep my commandments. So faith in Christ produces love for Christ. [00:17:09]

I think the third thing, however, that I might say is the one thing that the doctrine of election does is underline that we are utterly helpless, and we need God to save us. I think it's true that people sing about that, and yet when you ask them about it they say, “No, I don't really believe that.” [00:31:12]

I think a very helpful thing to do is to show them what Jesus Himself believed. A good illustration of that in one of the more difficult doctrines, the doctrine of election, is I find to take people to Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus evangelistic invitation, come to me all you who are weary and heave laden. [00:06:14]

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Transcript
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