Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer, Systematic Theology,[1]

The Basic Facts: (Expanded at the end of this document, "Opening Remarks")

A.      These promises are NOT EXPERIENCED (not emotional). 
B.      These promises are NOT PROGRESSIVE (once for all). 
C.      These promises are NOT RELATED TO HUMAN MERIT. 
D.      These promises are ETERNAL IN CHARACTER. 
E.      These promises are MADE KNOWN ONLY BY REVELATION. 
F.      These promises are WROUGHT BY GOD ALONE. 
G.      These promises are NOT WROUGHT BY MAN.

"He who is on earth can devise nothing for himself in heaven.  He who is only a creature cannot conform himself to the likeness of his Creator.  He who is of time cannot design and execute for eternity.  Salvation is more than the continued existence of a good man; it provides the most radical transformations, the acquiring of infinite possessions, and the entering into positions which are in the sphere of heaven and of God. 'And Ye are complete in Him' (Colossians 2:10)."

I.       In the Eternal Plan of God:

1.      Foreknown

Romans 8:29-30 "For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified."

 

1 Peter 1:1-2 "1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure."

 

2.    Foreordained

Acts 2:23, "this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death."

 

1 Peter 1:20-21, "For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world (foreordained), but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you 21 who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God."

 

3.      An Elect of God

1 Thessalonians 1:4, "knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice (election) of you;"

 

1 Peter 1b-2a, "who are chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit,"

 

Romans 8:33, "Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies;"

 

Colossians 3:12, "12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;"

 

Titus 1:1, "1 Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen (elect) of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,"

 

3.      Predestined

Romans 8:29-30, "For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified."

 

Ephesians 1:5-11, "In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him 10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,"

 

4.      Chosen

Matthew 22:14, "For many are called, but few are chosen.”

 

1 Peter 2:4, "And (you) coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God,"

 

Ephesians 1:4, "just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him in love."

 

2 Thessalonians 2:13, "But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth."

 

1 Peter 2:9, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."

 

5.      Called

Hebrews 9:15, "For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance."

 

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, "23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass."

 

Romans 8:28-30, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified."

 

II.     Reconciled:

1.      Reconciled by God

2 Corinthians 5:18-19, "Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation."

Colossians 1:19-20, "For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven."

 

2.      Reconciled to God

Romans 5:10, "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."

 

2 Corinthians 5:17-21, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."

III.   Redeemed:

1.      Redeemed by God

Colossians 1:13-14, "For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

 

1 Peter 1:17-19, "If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ."

 

Romans 3:21-24, "But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;

 

2.      Redeemed out of all condemnation

Romans 8;1, "Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

 

John 5:24, " “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life."

 

1 Corinthians 11:32, "But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world."

 

John 3:18, "He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God"

 

IV.    Related to God Through a Propitiation:

 

        1 John 2:2, "and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world."

Romans 3:25-26, "Christ Jesus; 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; 26 for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus."

 

V.      All Sins Covered By Atoning Blood:

1 Peter 2:24, "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."

 

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

 

VI.    Vitally Conjoined to Christ for Judgment of the "Old Man" Unto a New Walk:

1.      "Crucified with Christ,"

Romans 6:6-7, "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; 7 for he who has died is freed from sin."

2.      "Dead with Christ,"

Romans 6:8-11, "Now since we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus."

 

3.      "Buried with him,"

Romans 6:3-4a, "Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death," (not symbolic water baptism)

 

Colossians 2:12a, "having been buried with Him in baptism," (not symbolic water baptism)

 

4.      "Raised with Christ,"

Romans 6:4-5, "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. 5 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,"

 

Colossians 3:1, "Therefore since you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."

 

VII.  Made free from the Law:

1.      "Dead,"

Romans 7:4, "Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God."

 

2.      "Delivered,"

Romans 7:6, "But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter."

 

Galatians 3:23-25, "But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. 24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor."

 

Romans 6:14, "For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace."

 

Romans 8:2, "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death"

 

VII.  Children of God:

1.      "Born from above, born again,"

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

 

John 1:12, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God."

 

1 Peter 1:23, "for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God."

 

2.      "Quickened,"

Ephesians 2:1-5, "And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 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. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),"

 

Colossians 2:13, "When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions,"

 

3.      "Sons of God,"

1 John 3:1-2, "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is."

 

2 Corinthians 6:18, "'And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,' Says the Lord Almighty."

 

Galatians 3:26, "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus."

 

4.      "A new creation,"

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

 

Galatians 6:25, "For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation."

 

Ephesians 2:10, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."

 

5.      "Regeneration,"

Titus 3:5, "He saved us, 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, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,"

 

1 Corinthians 6:10-11, "... nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God."

 

IX.     Adopted (placed as adult sons):

1.    A Current Adoption

Romans 8:14-17, "For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

 

2.    A Future Adoption

Romans 8:22-23, "For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 23 And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as adult sons, the redemption of our body"

 

X.      Acceptable to God by Jesus Christ:

1.      "Made the righteousness of God in him,"

Romans 3:21-24, "21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;
 

1 Corinthians 1:30, "But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,"

 

2 Corinthians 5:21, "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."

 

Philippians 3:7-9, "But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,"

 

2.      As to position, Sanctified.

1 Corinthians 1:30, "But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,"

 

1 Corinthians 6:11, "Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God."

 

This is in no way to be confused with experimental sanctification as mentioned in John 17:17, "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth."

or the final perfection of the believer in Eph. 5:27, "that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless."

and 1 John 3:3, "And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."

 

3.      "Perfected forever,"

Hebrews 10:14, "For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified."

 

4.      "Made accepted in the Beloved"

Ephesians 1:1-6, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved"

 

1 Peter 2:5, "you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

 

5.      "Made Meet (Fit),"

Colossians 1:9-12, "9 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light."

 

XI.    Justified:

          "Therefore being justified by faith"

Romans 5:1, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,"

 

Romans 3:24, "being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;"

 

Romans 8:29-30, "For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified."

 

1 Corinthians 6:11. "Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God."

 

Titus 3:7, "so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

 

XII.  Forgiven All Trespasses:

1.    "Complete and abiding judicial forgiveness"

Colossians 1:14, "For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

 

Colossians 2:13, "When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions,"

 

Colossians 3:13, "bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you."

 

Ephesians 1:7, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us in all wisdom and insight."

 

Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."

 

2.    "The often repeated forgiveness within the family of God"

1 John 1:9-10, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us."

 

XIII. Made Nigh (Near):

1.    What Christ has done

Ephesians 2:13, "But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ."

 

2.    The Human Experience

James 4:8, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."

 

Hebrews 10:22, "let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

 

XIV.  Delivered from the Powers of Darkness:

Colossians 1:13, "For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,"

 

Colossians 2:13-15, "When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, 14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him."

 

XV.    Translated into the Kingdom:

Colossians 1:13, "For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,"

 

XVI.  On the Rock Christ Jesus

1 Corinthians 3:11, "For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."

 

Ephesians 2:19-20, "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone,"

 

2 Corinthians 1:21, "Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God."

 

XVII.          A Gift from God to Christ:

John 17:6-20,“I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7 Now they have come to know that everything You have given Me is from You; 8 for the words which You gave Me I have given to them; and they received them and truly understood that I came forth from You, and they believed that You sent Me. 9 I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those whom You have given Me; for they are Yours; 10 and all things that are Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine; and I have been glorified in them. 11 I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. 12 While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me; and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled. 13 But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. 14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. 20 “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me."

 

John 10:29, "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand."

 

XVIII. Circumcised in Christ:

Colossians 2:11, "and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ"

 

Philippians 3:3, "for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,"

 

Romans 2:29, "But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God."

 

XIX.  Partakers of the Holy and Royal Priesthood:

1.      "Holy priesthood,"

"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood" (1 Pet. 2:5).

1 Peter 2:4-5, "And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

 

2.      "Royal priesthood,"

1 Peter 2:9-10, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

 

Revelation 1:6, "and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father — to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen."

 

XX.    A Chosen Generation and a Peculiar People:

1 Peter 2:9, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;"

 

Titus 2:14, "who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds."

 

XXI.  Having Access to God:

Ephesians 2:18, "for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father."

 

Romans 5:2, "through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God."

 

Hebrews 4:14-16, "Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

 

Hebrews 10:19-20, "Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh,"

 

XXII. Within the "Much More" Care of God (Rom. 5:9, 10):

1.      Objects of His love

Ephesians 2:4-5, "But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),"

 

Ephesians 5:1-2, "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma."

 

2.      Objects of His grace,

a.     For salvation
Ephesians 2:8, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."

 

b.     For keeping

Romans 5:2, "through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God."

 

c.      For service

Ephesians 2:7-8, "so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;"

 

d.     For instruction

Titus 2:12-13, "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,"

3.      Objects of His power

Ephesians 1:19, "and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might"

 

Philippians 2:13, "for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure."

 

4.      Objects of His faithfulness

Hebrews 13:5, "Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,"

 

Philippians 1:6, "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."

 

5.      Objects of His peace

Colossians 3:15, "15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful."

 

6.      Objects of His consolation

2 Thessalonians 2:15-16, "Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, 17 comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word."

 

7.      Objects of His intercession

Hebrews 7:25, "Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

 

Romans 8:34, "who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us."

 

Hebrews 9:24, "For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;"

 

XXIII. His Inheritance:

        Ephesians 1:18, "That ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints."

 

 

XXIV. Our Inheritance:

1 Peter 1:3-5, "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, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

 

Ephesians 1:13-14, "In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation — having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory."

 

Hebrews 9:15, "For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance."

 

XXV. A Heavenly Association (Eph. 2:6):

1.      Partners with Christ in life

Colossians 3:4, "When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

 

1 John 5:10-14, "The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. 11 And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us."

 

2.      Partners with Christ in position

Ephesians 2:4-6, "But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,"

 

3.      Partners with Christ in service

1 Corinthians 1:9 (Partnership), "God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."

 

1 Corinthians 3:9 (Workers together with God), "For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building."

 

2 Corinthians 6:1 (Workers together with Him), "And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain"

 

2 Corinthians 5:20 (Ambassadors), "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."

 

2 Corinthians 6:4 (Ministers of God), "but in everything commending ourselves as servants (ministers) of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses,"

 

2 Corinthians 3:6 (Ministers of the New Covenant), "who also made us adequate as servants (ministers) of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."

 

2 Corinthians 3:3 (Epistles), "being manifested that you are a letter (an epistle) of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."

 

 

4.      Partners with Christ in suffering

2 Tim 2:12, "If we endure, we will also reign with Him;"

 

Philippians 1:29, "or to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake"

 

1 Peter 2:20, "For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God."

 

1 Peter 4:12-13, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation."

 

1 Thessalonians 3:3, "so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this."

 

Romans 8:18, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us."

 

Colossians 1:24, "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions"

 

 

5.      Partners with Christ in betrothal

2 Corinthians 11:2, "For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin"

 

Ephesians 5:25-27, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,"

 

 

XXVI. Heavenly Citizens:

Philippians 3:20, "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;"

 

Ephesians 2:19, "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household,"

 

Hebrews 12:22, "But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel."

 

Luke 10:20, "Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven."

 

XXVII. Of the, Family and Household of God:

 

Ephesians 2:19, "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household,"

 

Ephesians 3:14-15, "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name,"

 

Galatians 6:10, "So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith."

 

 

XXVIII. Light in the Lord:

Ephesians 5:8, "for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light"

 

1 Thessalonians 5:4, "But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief;"

 

 

XXIX. Vitally United to the Father, Son, and Spirit:

1.      "In God"

1 Thessalonians 1:1, "Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace."

 

2.      "In Christ"

John 14:20, "In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you."

a.      A member in His body

1 Corinthians 12:13, "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."

 

b.      A branch in the Vine

John 15:5, "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing."

 

c.    A Stone in the building

Ephesians 2:19-22, "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit"

 

d.    A sheep in His flock

John 10:27-29, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one."

 

e.    A part of His bride

Ephesians 5:25-27, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless."

 

f.    A priest of the Kingdom of Priests

1 Peter 2:5-9, "you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For this is contained in Scripture: Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, And he who believes in Him will not be disappointed." 7 This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve, "The stone which the builders rejected, This became the very corner stone," 8 and, "A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense;" for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

 

g.    A saint of the "new generation"

1 Peter 2:9, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;"

3.      "In the Spirit"

Romans 8:9, "However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him."

 

 

XXX. Blessed with the "First Fruits" and the "Earnest" of the Spirit:

1.      "Born of the Spirit"

John 3:6, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."

 

2.      "Baptized with the Spirit"

1 Corinthians 12:13, "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 Corinthians 10:17, "Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread."

 

3.      Indwelt by the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:19, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?"

 

1 Corinthians 2:12, "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God,"

 

John 7:39, "But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified"

 

Romans 5:5, "and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

 

Romans 8:9, "However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him."

 

2 Corinthians 1:21, "Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God,"

 

Galatians 4:6-7, "Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God."

 

1 John 3:24, "The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us."

 

 

4.      "Sealed by the Spirit"

Ephesians 4:30, "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."

 

2 Corinthians 1:22, "who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge."

 

 

XXXI. Glorified:

        Romans 8:30, "and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified."

 

 

 

XXXII. Complete in Him:

        Colossians 2:10, "and in Him you have been made [i]complete, and He is the head [j]over all rule and authority;"

 

 

 

XXXIII. Possessing Every Spiritual Blessing

        Ephesians 1:3, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,"

 

 

 

Such is the work which is now fully accomplished in and for the lowliest sinner who has believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. It is all superhuman and God alone could do it. These marvels of grace constitute that "good work" which He has but begun in those who trust Him. To this much more is yet to be added according to Phil. 1:6. "He that hath begun a good work in you, will perform it, until the day of Jesus Christ." The "riches of grace" are the beginning; the final presentation in glory in the likeness of Christ will be the completion.

"Oh to grace how great a debtor 
Daily I'm constrained to be! 
Let thy goodness, like a fetter, 
Bind my wandering heart to Thee."
(Robert Robinson, "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing," Public Domain)

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Opening Remarks:

The Riches of Grace in Christ Jesus

by Lewis Sperry Chafer D.D., Litt.D., Th.D.[1]

IN CONSIDERING the Bible doctrine of salvation it is important to distinguish between those things which have already been done for all, and those things which are done for the individual at the instant he believes. The sum total of that which has been done for both classes constitutes "the riches of grace in Christ Jesus." But the things divinely accomplished at the instant of believing alone form that aspect of salvation which is already accomplished in and for the one who believes. This is salvation in its past tense aspect, i. e., salvation from the guilt, penalty and condemnation of sin. This portion of the doctrine of salvation, like the other tense aspects, includes only what God is said to do for man, and nothing whatsoever that man is said to do for God, or for himself. There is an important distinction to be made, as well, between the drawing, convincing work of the Spirit for the unsaved when He convinces of sin, righteousness and judgment, and "the things that accompany salvation." The former is the work of God in bringing the unsaved who are blinded by Satan (2 Cor 4:3, 4) to an intelligent decision for Christ; the latter is the outworking of that salvation after they believe. So, also, there is a difference to be noted between the work of God in the past tense aspect of salvation and the growth and development of the one who is thus saved. He is to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." He is to be "changed from glory to glory." These, too, are divine undertakings for the individual, and are in no way a part of that which is wrought of God the moment one believes.

Most of the great doctrinal epistles of the New Testament may be divided into a general two-fold division: namely, first, that which represents the work of God already accomplished for the believer, and, second, that which represents the life and work of the believer for God. The first eight chapters of Romans contain the whole doctrine of salvation in its past and present tense aspects: the last section, beginning with chapter twelve (chapters nine to eleven being parenthetical in the present purpose of God for Israel) is an appeal to the saved one to live as it becomes one thus saved. This section opens with the words, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Such a manner of life is naturally to be expected from the one who has been divinely changed. It is a "reasonable service." So the entire closing section of Romans is an exhortation to that manner of life befitting one who is saved.

The first three chapters of Ephesians present the work of God for the individual in bringing him to his exalted heavenly position in Christ Jesus. Not one exhortation will be found in this section. The helpless sinner could do nothing to further such an undertaking. The last section, beginning with chapter 4, is altogether an appeal for a manner of life befitting one raised to such an exalted heavenly position. The first verse, as in the opening words of the hortatory section of Romans, is an epitome of all that follows: "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called."

The first two chapters of Colossians reveal the glory of the Son of God and the believer's present position as identified with Him in resurrection life. This is followed by the two closing chapters, which are an appeal that may again be briefly condensed into the first two verses of the section: "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above."

It is important to note the divine order in presenting these most vital issues. The positions to which the believer is instantly lifted by the power and grace of God are always mentioned first and without reference to any human merit or promises. Following this is the injunction for a consistent life in view of the divine blessing.

It is obvious that no attempt to imitate this manner of life could result in such exalted positions; but the positions, when wrought of God, create an entirely new demand in life and conduct (in the Word of God these demands are never laid upon unregenerate men). Such is always the order in grace. First, the unmerited divine blessing; then the life lived in the fullness of power which that blessing provides. Under the law varying blessings were given at the end according to the merit: under grace full measure of transformation is bestowed at the beginning and there follows an appeal for a consistent daily life. It is the divine purpose that a Christian's conduct should be inspired by the fact that he is already saved and blessed with all the riches of grace in Christ Jesus, rather than by the hope that an attempted imitation of the Christian standard of conduct will result in salvation.

In turning to the Scriptures to discover what it has pleased God to reveal of His saving work in the individual at the instant he believes, it will be found that there are at least thirty-three distinct positions into which such an one is instantly brought by the sufficient operation of the infinite God. All of these transformations are superhuman, and, taken together, form that part of salvation which is already the portion of every one who has believed. Of these thirty-three positions at least five important things may be said:

First, They are not experienced. They are facts of the newly created life out of which most precious experiences may grow. For example, justification is never experienced; yet it is a new eternal fact of divine life and relationship to God. A true Christian is more than a person who feels or acts on a certain high plane: he is one who, because of a whole inward transformation, normally feels and acts in all the limitless heavenly association with his Lord.

Second, The Christian positions are not progressive. They do not grow, or develop, from a small beginning. They are as perfect and complete the instant they are possessed as they ever will be in the ages to come. To illustrate, sonship does not grow into fuller sonship, even though a son may be growing. An old man is no more the son of his earthly father at the day of his death than he was at the day of his birth.

Third, These positions are in no way related to human merit. It was while we were, yet sinners that Christ died for the ungodly. There is a legitimate distinction to be made between good sons and bad sons; but both equally possess sonship if they are sons at all. God is said to chasten His own because they are sons, but certainly not that they may become sons. Human merit must be excluded. It cannot be related to these divine transformations of grace; nor could they abide eternally the same if depending by the slightest degree on the finite resources. They are made to stand on the unchanging Person and merit of the eternal Son of God. There are other and sufficient motives for Christian conduct than the effort to create such eternal facts of the divine life. The Christian is "accepted (now and forever) in the beloved."

Fourth, Every position is eternal by its very nature. The imparted life of God is as eternal in its character as its Fountain Head. Hence the Word of His grace: "I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish." The consciousness and personal realization of such relationship to God may vary with the daily walk of the believer; but the abiding facts of the new being are never subject to change in time or eternity.

Fifth, These positions are known only through a divine revelation. They defy human imagination, and since they cannot be experienced their reality can be entered into only by believing the Word of God. These eternal riches of grace are for the lowest sinner who will only believe.

That God may in some measure be glorified, some. if not all, of these position are here given. "That half has never been told." The reader is humbly invited to remember that these things are now true of each one who believes, and if there should be the slightest doubt as to whether he has believed that question can be forever settled even right now.

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2013-05-07
res_blessings.htm
2014-05-14