First things first here. This picture has absolutely nothing to do with the subject on hand, which is why I have selected it. If you type "calvary hill Jerusalem" into a Google image search you will find this image on the sixth page of options. Sure, there weren't many good pictures of Calvary. But this picture of a bear mounted cavalry charge makes it all worthwhile.
Soteriology
I feel that, in writing this I am trying to cram a storm into a teacup, and I suppose that it is true. According to the scriptures we see that the Son has always possessed the intention of leading us to glory through his incarnation. Skilled theologians of good conscience disagree as to whether said intention included man's fall into sin, or if it was a response to the fall. There certainly is a lot to be said about both sides of the argument, but it is clear in Eph 1 that, regardless of the fall, the Christian is "predestined for adoption in Christ". It also clear in the Gospels that the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus was efficacious for the salvation of those who believe in, and call on his name. We ought to be sober and mindful at this point that though the Gospel is a universal proclamation, it does not imply a universal salvation. Here's what Calvin had to say: "Forasmuch as no man is excluded from calling upon God, the gate of salvation is set open unto all men. Then there is nothing that keeps us back from entering in except our own unbelief." (from Calvin's commentary on Acts).
Bearing our predestination in Christ in mind we ought to turn then to the Gospels and examine his death and resurrection. If we, the elect, are predestined in Christ, then we died with him at Calvary, were raised with him from that death, and as Christ ascended bodily. So too can we depend on the restoration of our flesh at glory.
That ascension being a promise made to us through scripture calls each of us to a life of faith, and hope. But Christianity is not some sort cosmic escape plan by any means. The life we will live in Glory has it's beginning in our daily lives now, as it has already begun to be applied and sealed in us by the Holy Spirit. Our discussion surrounding the work, and merit of Jesus Christ on our behalf deals primarily with our
justification (which is to say our forensic standing before God). Our interaction with the Holy Spirit is referred to as
sanctification (the process in which the heart/or merit of Christ is both applied to, and realized by the believer). Like I said before, this salvation in Christ has a daily ramifications. Paul speaks of the Holy Spirit as a seal, or a deposit guaranteeing our salvation in Eph 1:11-13. While sanctification in and of itself does not lead to glory, it is an indication of our necessary justification through faith in Christ. Notice the language Paul uses in Eph 1:11-13:
[11] In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, [12] so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. [13] In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, [14] who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
(Ephesians 1:11-14 ESV)
Here's the kicker, all of the terms Paul uses in this passage are past-tense. Which indicates a passive relationship on the part of the church. He doesn't admonish the Ephesians to seal themselves in the Holy Spirit, or endeavor to gain their inheritance, he encourages them by saying they are sealed. That seal, as it works out in a day to day, real-time sense looks like obedience to the Father, contrition over sin, and repentance. This concludes my work on the Covenant of Redemption, sorry for collapsing two postings into one here, but I had to do it this way so I could focus on my teaching for RCF.
Thanks for reading!
