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Depravity and Regeneration (11): "In the way of a holy life of obedience"
The experience of fellowship with God, the joy and peace that accompanies such fellowship is rooted in the work of Christ, imparted through a justifying faith in Christ, and enjoyed as the believer walks in the way of, down the path of, a holy life of obedience. This Scriptural terminology is necessary for the reasons Rev. Griess points out in his article. (The reader would well equip himself to read that article as well as all of them in his series.) For that reason, we may not look at this phrase with suspicion as if it is “indistinctive language” or “the phrase needs careful explanation if it is used.” Of course, it needs to be defined. So do the terms grace or love. The phrase “in the way of a holy life of obedience” must be above suspicion. When a believer through the weakness of his faith gives in to his old man of sin and walks in the way of disobedience and sin, God by his grace withholds from him the joy and peace that he experiences when walking in the way of obedience. God does this in order to bring his child back to him in the way of repentance.
Depravity and Regeneration (10): The Exhortations to Good Works
What follows is the tenth entry of a series of articles written by Rev. Wilbur Bruinsma....
Depravity and Regeneration (8): "Created in Christ Jesus Unto Good Works"
Sanctified sinner: are you able to do works that are good, works with which God is pleased? Mind you, I am not asking whether these works justify you. I am not asking whether these works merit anything in God’s sight. I am simply asking you if you are able to do works that are good? The answer to this question is, according to Scripture: yes! 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.” Or again, Titus 2:14: “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” These good works the sanctified believer performs. God does not perform them for us. The Spirit of Christ that works in the hearts of his people does not perform them for us. That Spirit who has cleansed us in the blood of Christ and who restores to us the image of God has renewed our minds and wills in order that we are able to perform good works.
Depravity and Regeneration (7): Good Works
What follows is the seventh entry of a series of articles written by Rev. Wilbur Bruinsma....
Depravity and Regeneration (6): Sanctified
God’s Word clearly teaches that one cannot be justified without also being sanctified. All among us would agree that this is true. But would such agreement be expressed if we were to say that sanctification is as fundamental to our salvation as justification? Justification does not trump sanctification. Would agreement be expressed if we were to say that sanctification is the purpose of God in electing us? Ephesians 1:4: “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.” Would agreement be expressed if we were to say that our sanctification is the purpose of Christ in saving us? John 17:17-19: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” Sanctification is as much a necessary work of God’s grace as is our justification. Why is it that I have heard more than once when speaking of the obligation to walk in obedience to the commands of Scripture the puzzling response, “yes, but it is all of grace!” Of course it is all of grace! All of salvation is of grace. A life of sanctification is all of grace too. No one is denying that.
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