BIG WORDS

Our pastor is so powerful when he preaches! By "powerful," I mean that he is filled with the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts. 1:8). I have known him for about eighteen years, and for many of those, we spent about two hours together five days a week. We carpooled to the Christian School where we both taught. I miss those hours of conversation about the things of God. One reason is that we could use theological jargon and didn't need to explain our terms. It is amazing how knowing the "language" helps facilitate communication. I thought that today, I might try to offer simple explanations of some of the words preachers use from the Word of God.


Salvation: Those who accept Jesus as Lord are saved from the power of Satan and from the bondage of sin (Acts 26:15-18). We are saved when we place the faith given to us in Christ (Eph. 2:8-9).

Redemption: God purchased our freedom from Satan and sin with the blood of Jesus (Rom. 3:24; 5:9; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; Rev. 5:9).

Justification: God, as Judge, has declared those who believe in the finished work of Christ to be just or righteous. Justification is by grace, through faith in the shed blood of Jesus (Rom. 3:24; 5:1, 9; 8:30).

Sanctification: Because of our faith in Christ, we have been "set apart" for God's use and glory, by the Holy Spirit Who also seals us (Acts. 26:18; Rom. 15:16; Eph. 1:13; 2 Thes. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:2; Jude 1:1).

Glorification: God is worthy of praise and honor (Acts 11:18). Jesus is worthy of praise and honor (Acts 3:13). The Word of God is worthy of praise and honor (Acts 13:48). Because of the work of the Spirit Who gives us faith, and keeps us by sealing us unto God; because of the finished work of Jesus Who shed His blood as payment for our sins; and because of the love of the Father, He counts us worthy of praise and honor. One day, He will make us like His dear Son, and in so doing, He will make us worthy of praise and honor (1 Jn. 3:2).


Our redemption, salvation, justification, sanctification, and glorification are all the result of the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is obvious why the more we know about His work on our behalf, the more our character is marked by humility!