Deliverance - Saved from the Penalty of Sin

The “much more” of our so great salvation goes far beyond an eternal destiny of heaven or hell. Salvation begins from a point in time with a faith response to the gospel, but the ramifications of that one decision radiate from the past, through the present, into the completion of redemption in a glorious and eternal future. The hope or sure conviction of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling that which He has promised is a sure anchor of the soul. All our hope and trust rest in Him, His work and His grace towards us.

The Mechanics of Salvation

In the post “So Great Salvation,” we presented over 50 things that all believers receive in grace as a result of salvation. This grace operation is the work of God in delivering us from the kingdom of death, and transferring us into the kingdom of His light and eternal life. This post will present the mechanics of our salvation and show scripturally how God has defeated sin, death, and Satan through the cross of Jesus Christ.

There are three types of sin that separate man from the life of God; imputed sin (Adam’s original sin), inherited sin (sin nature), and individual sin (personal sins we commit). The mechanics of salvation address sin in all three areas. The work of the Father, in His electing grace, is accomplished by the ministry of the Holy Spirit and the truth of the gospel (Rom 1:16; 1 Cor 15:3-4; Eph 2:8-9; Acts 16:31); the power of God to save. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ solve the sin and death problem (physical and spiritual) of man resulting from the curse of the fall (Gen 2:16-17). The mechanics of how God accomplishes this will be addressed in the following three areas:

Ministry of the Holy Spirit in election
Power of the gospel
Work of the cross to solve the sin problem

Additionally, the doctrines of salvation are associated with the sacrament of the Eucharist, also known as the Lord’s Supper or Communion. In taking communion, believers should understand, reflect, and pray upon these doctrines as we take the bread (His body) and the cup (His blood which cleanses from personal sin). The feasts of Passover, Unleavened bread, First fruits, and Pentecost were all prophetic regarding the work of Jesus in His first advent. We will look at each one of these feasts in turn, as they explain the steps of the Father’s plan in giving up His Son as the humble Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Time of Salvation

In the past, believers were saved from the penalty of sin (Rom 8:24, Eph 2:5, 2 Tim 1:9, Titus 3:5).

For by grace you have been saved (past tense) through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God …… Eph 2:8

He saved us (past tense) not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5.

In the present, believers are being saved from the power of sin.

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Phil 2:12.

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace. Rom 6:12-14

In the future, we will be saved from the presence of sin (Rom 5:10, 13:11, 1 Thess 5:9, 2 Tim 4:18, Heb 1:14, 9:28, 1 Pet 1:5).

… we shall be saved by His life. Rom 5:10.

The Ministry of the Holy Spirit

Ministry of the Holy Spirit to the World

The ministry of the Holy Spirit to the world, and to the life of unbelievers, is conviction regarding sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11). Convict means to convince, rebuke, or refute.

And He (Holy Spirit), when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. John 16:8-11

Unbelief in the Person and work of Jesus Christ (the gospel message of 1 Cor 15:3-5) leads to the same judgment as Satan, eternal separation from God in a place of wrath prepared for Satan and his fallen angels called Gehenna (the lake of fire) or hell (Matt 25:41, 46; 2 Thess 1:9; 2 Pet 2:17; Jude 13; Rev 19:20) .
Only the Holy Spirit can penetrate the darkness that all unbelievers are enslaved in, to then convict them of the need and benefit of faith in the gospel, which is the power of God to save.
The world, in its crucifixion of Jesus and unbelief in His Person and work, has declared Him to be a liar, a criminal, a blasphemer, and an unrighteous man.
The resurrection proves Jesus Christ to be God and perfectly righteous, in that all He said and prophesied about, He accomplished ( Rom 1:4).

Ministry of Holy Spirit to the Believer

The outcome or intended design of ministry of the Holy Spirit to the believer:

Conformation to the image of Christ (Rom 8:28-29)
Bring glory to God (Eph 1:6; 2:7)
Service and works of fruit (John 15:16; Eph 2:10)

But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ ( by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. .. Eph 2:4-7

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Eph 2:8-10

The Gospel Message

Rom 1:16; Acts 16:31; Eph 2:8-9; 1 Cor 15:3-4

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. Rom 1:16

There are two facts that must be believed in regarding the gospel of 1 Cor 15:3-4: first, Jesus Christ died on the cross for all sin; second, the resurrection from the dead of Jesus. It is the second fact that leads to several conclusions that must also be understood as a part of the gospel message that one is to believe to be saved.

Fact #1. Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins (and was buried – further defining that he died). The price for sin has been paid by the substitution of His death for ours.

Fact #2. And He arose from the dead on the third day.

The resurrection proves that Jesus is God (Rom 1:4), He is righteous, and not a liar or a blasphemer. This is the area of conviction of the Holy Spirit to the unbeliever regarding righteousness (John 16:8-11).
Belief in the gospel opens the path to God (Rom1:16). There is no need for man to work to receive or maintain salvation or to become acceptable to God (Titus 3:5). It is a grace work of God that comes to us through faith (Eph 2:8-9). The Father has declared all believers to have the same righteousness as His Son positionally. In our justification, the Father imputes to our account the righteousness of Jesus. We stand on His work and His righteousness, not our own.
The resurrection signifies the acceptance by the Father of the sacrifice of the Son on behalf of all men.
By understanding the meaning of the resurrection of 1 Cor 15:3-4 and tying it to the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit regarding the righteousness of Jesus, the object of our faith, the gospel, becomes complete. Salvation is in His Name. This includes faith in the Person and work of Jesus Christ. The Person of Christ includes His righteousness and Diety. Jesus Christ is God incarnate; both fully God and fully man.

The Resurrection of Christ Essential to the Christian Faith

The significance of the resurrection to the Christian faith can be seen in the following scriptures. [1]

The resurrection demonstrated that Jesus is who He claimed to be: God.

… who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ, our Lord … Rom 1:4

The resurrection proved that the Father was satisfied with the sacrifice of the Son.

He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification. Rom 4:25

Jesus Christ is alive, as a result of the resurrection, to be our High Priest and Intercessor (Heb 7:25). If Christ did not rise from His death on the cross, then His life and ministry ended at the crucifixion. There would be no living person to indwell and empower our life.

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Gal 2:20

We share His life as believers and His life will never end.

… because I live, you will live also. John 14:19

… knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. For the death He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Rom 6:9-10

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 1 John 4:9

Resurrection is the basis for believer’s bodies being raised (John 14:19; 1 Cor 15:20).

But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 1 Cor 15:20-22

Saving Faith

Saving faith must be a decision that includes the total heart of man regarding the gospel (Mind, Emotions, Will). [2] The issue for unbelievers is not that they do not understand the facts of the gospel. The problem is that they do not value what Jesus has done for them or appreciate the gift He offers. It is foolishness (1 Cor 1:18; 2:14). One who responds in saving faith to the gospel, entrusts with their will the destiny of their souls to the Person and work of Jesus Christ. Intellectual (James 2:19) or emotional faith (Matt 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19) will not bring one into salvation.

Content – The facts of exactly what must be believed to change one’s eternal destiny. MIND
Confidence– The trust we have in the Person and work of Jesus Christ to accomplish for us all that He promises in the gospel. Understanding the value and cost of the gift that the facts of the gospel present. EMOTIONS
Commitment – The choice of will that we present into the safekeeping of Jesus Christ the eternal destiny of our souls. WILL

The Solution of the Cross to Three Types of Sin

The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ provides the solution to the sin and physical and spiritual death problem of man. As previously stated, there are three types of sin that separate all men as unbelievers from the life of God:

Imputed Sin (Original Sin or Adam’s sin),
Inherited Sin (sin nature, old man), and
Individual (or personal) Sins.

The Transmission of Original Sin and the Sin Nature

Personal sins are those sins we commit. It is not complicated to see our responsibility/accountability for these sins. Imputed sin, that which is charged to us from Adam, and inherited sin, called the sin nature, which we receive from our parents, can be more difficult to understand. Adam’s sin is charged to each human directly from Adam. The transmission of the sin nature is mediated, however, from one generation to another through procreation.

Two concepts will help us to understand, scripturally, how this came about. Transducianism may best explain how we inherit sin from parents. The Augustinian view ocomplements transducianism in that it explains how we may be imputed or charged with Adam’s sin.

Waterhouse clearly states regarding transducianism:

“This position has the advantage of deriving sin from the parents and not from a special act of God. … Traducianism states that the parents (by an unknown process) generate both the material and immaterial elements in man…. Gen. 5:3 teaches that Adam produced a son after his own likeness. This seems to refer to more than physical characteristics. Adam produced a son after his own likeness in terms of a sinful condition. Many verses teach that people are conceived and born in sin (Psa. 51:5; 58:3; Job 14:1, 4; 15:14; Eph. 2:1). This sin is never said to be placed in the soul by God when He creates the soul. On the contrary, the reader is left with the impression that the unborn infant inherits sin from its parents. Heb. 7:9,10 show that God can view the souls of unborn children as somehow being within their parents. (God views Levi as paying tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham, Levi’s great grandfather.) This supports the idea that the souls of children are somehow produced by parents as opposed to a direct creation of God.” [3]

Waterhouse further elaborates upon the Augustinian /seminal view of transmission of original sin from Adam to us:

“If parents produce a child’s soul just as they do the body, then we were all in some mysterious way present in Adam when he sinned. Although the full details are a mystery, it was our presence with father Adam that somehow contributed the imputation of sin to us…. This view teaches that, because of the unity of the human race, all of us were present in a latent sense in Adam when he sinned. We actually participated in his sin. Therefore, we inherit a sin nature, guilt, and death, because of Adam’s sin.

… Whatever view is adopted to explain how Adam’s sin was or could be imputed to us, it is a Scriptural fact that Adam is the immediate ground and cause for inborn depravity, guilt, and physical/spiritual death of the human race…

…The Bible student who bears in mind that man’s inborn sin may not be the basis of eternal condemnation will go a long way toward solving any problems with God’s justice in imputing Adam’s sin to us.

Many would consider eternal punishment in hell to be one of the results of the sin of Adam and/or personal acts of sin. The author (Waterhouse) believes that the Biblical basis for eternal death is solely a rejection of Christ (either a direct rejection or an indirect rejection based upon God’s foreknowledge that the person never will believe and has no potential for faith). A person’s eternal destiny is self-determined and is not based upon what Adam did or did not do.” [4]

Clarity Regarding the Sin Nature

Every facet of man’s being is affected by the sin nature. This sin nature is not in our genes or physical body. The body itself is not bad, evil or the source of sin. The source or root of sin is the sin nature. The source of the sin nature, in rebellion against God through idolatry, is the heart of man. The human body is the instrument that the sin nature uses to gratify itself. In the operation of the sin nature, the self reigns supreme. This arrogance is exemplified by a common expression of the day: “It is my life and I can do with it what I want, as long as I do not hurt anybody.” Unfortunately, sin harms the person who commits it, as well as anyone with whom he/she has a relationship. Sin is never an isolated event; there are always casualties. When man becomes his own “god” through the idolatry of self, he becomes a slave to sin, and Satan is his master.

The effects of the sin nature upon the heart when controlled by rebellion against God include:

His intellect is blinded (2 Cor. 4:4). His mind is reprobate or disapproved (Rom. 1:28). His understanding is darkened, separated from the life of God (Eph. 4:18).
His emotions are degraded and defiled (Rom. 1:21, 24, 26; Titus 1:15).
His will is enslaved to sin and therefore stands in opposition to God (Rom. 6:20; 7:20). [5]

Three Basic Imputations in Salvation

Theologians have generally recognized three basic imputations.

The Imputation of Adam’s Sin to the Race (Rom. 5:12–21)
The Imputation of Man’s Sin to Christ (2 Cor. 5:19; 1 Pet. 2:24)
The Imputation of Christ’s Righteousness to Believers (2 Cor. 5:21) [6]

Solution of the Cross to Imputed Sin or Adam’s Sin

As a result of being born a human in Adam, Adam’s original sin (AOS) has been imputed to our account.

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned — Rom 5:12

Imputed sin is solved by the imputation of the righteousness of Christ to all believers. The declaration of our justification from the Father results in the imputation of the righteousness of Jesus to our account (Rom 5:9, 17-19; 2 Cor 5:21).

Additionally, we are born into a new family by Baptism/ Regeneration (John 3:3; 1 Pet 1:3; 2 Cor 5:17).

We are no longer “in Adam.” We are born again into a new family as a new creation with a new destiny and inheritance. We are “in Christ.”
Spiritual Baptism produces a union between the believer and Christ. The believer is now “in Christ”. This union creates identification such that His eternal life enters into the believer who becomes born again through regeneration.

For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 1 Cor 12:12-13

For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Gal 3:27

Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. Rom 6:3-4

Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1 Pet 1:3

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Cor 5:17

Solution of Cross to Inherited Sin – (Sin Nature)

We inherit a sin nature (also called the old man or the flesh) from our parents. The sin nature is the root or source of personal sins.

For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death. Rom 7:5

Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. Eph 2:3

Inherited sin (sin nature) is defeated by our identification with Jesus in His crucifixion. According to Romans 6, our co-crucifixion with Him brings death to the old man such that we are no longer slaves to sin.*Though the old man has a death sentence, like a prisoner, he sits on death row awaiting the execution. We can choose to unlock the gate and allow the sin nature to run rampant through our lives- temporarily. In our transition to the eternal state, we will be freed from the presence of the root (sin nature) and fruit (personal sins) of sin forever.

For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin. Rom 6:5-7

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Gal 2:20

Solution of Cross to Individual Sins

Individual sins are the fruit of our heart and body that is produced when we yield our hearts to the sin nature.

For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God; being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Rom 3:23, 24

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. Eph 1:7

… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God … Rom 3:23

The price of death for individual sins we commit as the fruit of the sin nature has been paid by the death of Jesus on the cross. His substitution (especially – Redemption, Reconciliation, Propitiation) of dying for us paid our penalty and redeemed us from sin.

Some Implications of the Doctrine of Redemption

Redemption is the basis of our eternal inheritance ( Eph.1:13, 14).
Redemption is the basis of justification (Rom. 3:23, 24, above).
Redemption includes the total forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14).
Redemption results in adoption (Gal. 4:4-6)

Substitution Scriptures

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Rom 5:8-10

Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed. 1 Cor 5:7

The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” John 1:29

…but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Heb 9:26b

Summary of Salvation

Election of the Father

Reason – Satan has blinded the minds of unbelievers (2 Cor 4:4). The word of the cross and the things of God are foolishness to unbelievers (1 Cor 1:18, 2:14). The Father must call, choose, and elect so that the blindness caused by Satan can be penetrated by the power of the Holy Spirit with the gospel (Rom 1:16; 1 Pet 1:23; James 1:18).
Purpose – Glory of God (Eph 1:6); Service and good works (John 15:16; Eph 2:10; Eph 1:6)
Outcome – All believers are predestined to adoption (Gal 4:4-6), an eternal inheritance (1 Pet 1:3-5), and conformation to image of Jesus Christ (Rom 8:28-29).

Problem of Sin Gospel Faith Solution

Imputed Sin Rom 5:12 Imputed righteousness of Christ Rom 5:19 -21
Inherited Sin Rom 7:5; Eph 2:3 Crucifixion Death Rom 6:3-6
Individual Sin Rom 3:23 Substitution Rom 5:8-11

Three Imputations

Sin Adam imputed to Man Rom 5:12-21
Man’s sins imputed to Jesus Christ 2 Cor 5:19; 1 Pet 2:24
Righteousness of Christ imputed to Believers 2 Cor 5:21

The Sacrament of Communion – Passover

The below is adapted from www.doctrinalstudies.com [7]

The celebration of the Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper historically originated from the last supper of Jesus, which was the observance of the Jewish Passover. The Eucharist is an ordinance of the church in which the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is proclaimed until He returns. The following doctrines are associated with the bread (body) and the cup (blood).

His Body – The Bread

Virgin Birth (Luke 1:34-35; Matt.1:20-21) Born outside the slave market of Adam’s Original Sin
Impeccable (2 Cor.5:21; 1 John 3:5) Perfect sacrifice for sins of world; without sin
Hypostatic union (Phil.2:6-8) Undiminished Deity and true humanity
Celebrity (resurrection-ascension)

Head of Church – Eph.1:20-23; Col 1:18
Prince and Savior (Acts 5:31)
Mediator – 1 Tim.2:4-6
High Priest – Heb.8:1
Advocate – 1 John 2:1-2
Chief Shepherd – 1 Pet.5:4
Chief Cornerstone (Eph.2:20-21)

For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says, “ Sacrifice and offering You have not desired, but a body You have prepared for Me; in whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You have taken no pleasure. “ Then I said, ‘ Behold, I have come … to do Your will, O God. Heb 10:4-5

… and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. 1Pet 2:2

… and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 1 Cor 11:24

His Blood – 9 Factors of Communion of the Cup

The blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God, cleanses us from sin.

In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. 1 Cor 11:25

Redemption – Redeemed with precious blood of unblemished and spotless lamb (1 Pet 1:18-19).
Reconciliation – Reconciled from enemies to peace with God through blood of His cross (Col 1:20).
Justification – Justified by His blood (Rom 5:9) and His righteousness imputed to us (2 Cor 5:21.)
Propitiation – Satisfied the justice of God and averted His wrath (Rom 3:24-25; 1 John 2:2).
Forgiveness – Redemption through His blood the forgiveness of our trespasses (Eph 1:7).
Cleansing – The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us such that the Father forgives us of all sins (1 John 1:7-9).
Peace with God – Formerly far off now brought near by the blood of Christ (Eph 2:13-15)
New Covenant – Cup is the new covenant in His blood (Luke 22:20; Heb 9:15)
Victory in Angelic conflict – Overcame Satan because of the blood of the Lamb (Rev 12:11)

Unleavened bread

Christ the Unleavened (3 days and 3 nights in burial) (1 Cor 5:6-8; Matt 12:40).

Jesus completed a four-fold mission during His three day burial.

Highly exalted Name above all other names. Phi 2:8-11
Kept appointment with the penitent thief on the cross. Luke 23:43
Proclamation to the fallen angels in Tartarus. Gen 6; 1 Pet 3:19; 2 Pet 2:4; Jude 24
Closed Abraham’s Bosom/Paradise of Hades (place of the dead) for Old Testament Saints and open the way to Paradise in the third heaven for church age believers. Luke 16:22-26; John 14:1-3; 2 Cor 12:1-4; Rev 1:18

First Fruits

Christ the First Fruits (40 days in post-resurrection) (1 Cor.15:20-23; Acts 26:23)

For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming … 1 Cor 15:22-23

He is also called the firstborn from the dead (Col.1:18; Rev.1:5).

He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. Col 1:18

It was the Holy Spirit that raised Him from the dead:

But if (1cc/ true) the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, (then/ true) He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Rom 8:11

Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. Rom 6:4

After His resurrection on First Fruits (Sunday), Jesus appeared over the next 40 of the 50 days to Pentecost. After 40 days, He ascended back to the third heaven for a 10 day ceremony pertaining to being seated at the right hand of God with ruling authority (Luke 15:6, 10; Acts 1:1-11; 2:25-36; 4:12, 18-22; 5:27-32, 41; Eph.1:18-23; 2:5-7).

This ceremony became His celebrityship. After His resurrection and ascension God highly exalted Him, putting all things under His feet, and giving Him a name above all other names.

Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Phil 2:8-11

Pentecost

Christ the Head of Church (Eph.1:20-23; Col.1:18)

The first act of Jesus in session from heaven was to fulfill the promise of baptizing with Holy Spirit (Matt.3:11; Acts 1:4-5; 2:33).

Jesus had taught on the church age ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room Discourse (John 14-17; John 14:1-6, 16-17, 26; 15:26-27; 16:5-16, 28-33).

But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. John 16:7

How do we know that Jesus Christ is alive in us? (Gal.5:16; Gal.5:22-23; 1 Cor.13:4-8)

The death-burial-resurrection of Jesus establishes the church age doctrine of positional truth based upon baptism by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5; Rom 6:3-4; 8:11; 1 Cor 12:13; Gal 3:27). In the church age, the Holy Spirit accomplishes these eight salvation works the moment a person believes the gospel (1Cor.15:3-4; Rom.1:16).

A believer is transferred from position of “in Adam” to the position of “in Christ” through baptism by means of the Holy Spirit at the moment of grace salvation. We are seated in the heavenlies having been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph 1:3, 2:6).

Spiritual Baptism into Christ – Gal 3:26-29
Regeneration (heir of God) – Titus 3:5-7
Adopted as children of God – Rom.8:14-17
Seals and earnest as pledge of God – Eph 1:13-14
Sanctification by Spirit and faith – 2 Thess.2:13-14
Indwells body as temple – 1 Cor.6:19-20
Spiritual gift ministry in the church – 1 Cor.12:11-12
Spiritual life in mortal body – Rom.8:10-11

Now that we are already rich and blessed beyond comparison, the focus becomes how do we walk worthy of the call He placed upon us? Our election is sure. We are predestined to adoption, inheritance, and conformation to our Lord and Savior. The penalty and eternal consequences of sin have been forever removed. Yet, the sin nature is still alive. The sentence of death to the old man has been declared, but, the execution of our permanent separation from the root of our sin awaits our transition to heaven. We must deny the self, pick up our cross and follow Him.

Notes:

[1] Steven Waterhouse, Not by Bread Alone, An Outlined Guide to Systematic Theology, Westcliff Press, 2007, 97

[2] Ibid, 134-135

[3] Ibid, 77-78

[4] Ibid, 79

[5] Ryrie, C. C. , Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth , Moody Press, Chicago, IL, 1999, 252

[6] Ibid, 256-257

[7] www.doctrinalstudies.com