Understanding Salvation: Objective and Subjective Dimensions

Jun 24, 2024

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Understanding Salvation: Objective and Subjective Dimensions

Introduction

  • Speaker: Experienced 45 years in ministry
  • Regions Covered: East Africa, United States, Europe, among others
  • Problem Identified: Insecurity about salvation among believers
  • Key Question: If you die today, will you go to heaven?
  • Common Response: "I'm not sure, I hope so."
  • Purpose of Study: Understand the distinction between the gospel itself and its application

Two Main Reasons for Insecurity About Salvation

  1. Misunderstanding Sin: Universal Sin Problem
    • Biblical Definition of Sin: Dark and dismal picture of mankind
    • Purpose: Destroy confidence in self; rely entirely on Christ's righteousness
  2. Confusion Between Gospel and Its Experience
    • Goal: Distinguish between objective facts and subjective experience of salvation

Objective Facts of the Gospel

  • Definition: Birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ
  • Key Scriptures: John 3:16-17; John 17:4; John 19:30
  • Completion of Work: Salvation was fully accomplished on the cross
  • Objective Gospel: Facts without human contribution; represents the foundation of faith and assurance

Subjective Experience of Salvation

  • Definition: The personal acceptance of Christ by faith
  • Key Scriptures: John 3:16 (belief part); John 5:24
  • Experience: Having everlasting life by faith, passing from death to life
  • Importance: Separates gospel facts from personal spiritual growth

Distinction Between Objective and Subjective Dimensions

  1. Objective Gospel is Universal
    • Inclusivity: Covers entire human race; no exclusions (1 Timothy 2:5-6; Titus 2:11)
    • Not Automatic Salvation: Not all will go to heaven; free will and acceptance required
  2. Gospel as a Finished Work
    • Scriptures: Romans 10:3-4; Colossians 2:10
    • Believers Grow in Christ: Ongoing process of sanctification until Christ’s second coming
  3. Unconditional Good News
    • Saved by Grace Alone: Not by law-keeping or good works (Romans 3:28; Romans 4:5; Romans 5:6-8, 5:10)
  4. Gospel Merit
    • Qualifies Believers for Heaven: Valid in judgment (John 5:24, Romans 8:1-2, 1 John 4:9-10, 16-18)

Three Phases of Salvation Experience

  1. Justification by Faith
    • Scripture: Romans 5:1
    • Immediate Peace with God
  2. Sanctification
    • Ongoing Process: Learning to walk in the spirit (Galatians 5:16; Romans 13:14)
  3. Glorification
    • Ultimate Redemption: Endurance of faith until the second coming of Christ (Matthew 10:17-22; Hebrews 10:35-39)

Demonstration and Evidence of Christian Living

  • Example: Love one another as evidence of discipleship (John 13:34-35; Matthew 5:43-44; Ephesians 2:10; Titus 3:8)
  • Philosopher and Leaders’ Views: Nietzsche’s and Gandhi’s views on visible Christian living
  • Impact on Middle East Perception: Contradictions in claimed Christian countries

Relationship Between Objective Facts and Subjective Experience

  1. Foundation in Objective Facts
    • 1 Corinthians 3:11-13: Christ is the foundation; faith must rest on the Gospel facts
  2. Complete Knowledge of Gospel Facts
    • Correct and Complete Understanding: Directly affects the Christian experience
    • Misunderstanding: Leads to confusion and improper living

Conclusion

  • Critical Understanding: Two dimensions of salvation ensure that faith rests in Christ’s finished work, not in personal merit
  • Focus: Faith should rely on Jesus Christ’s objective achievements for a fruitful Christian living

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