Secure in Christ: Belonging to God and Made New [Part 1]

 

Thank you for joining us as we continue our exciting series exploring the timeline of our great salvation, from its beginning to the end of time. Every part of salvation is accomplished by God through His grace. We encourage you to read the previous articles in this series for additional context on God’s wonderful plan of redemption.

In this article, we will begin discussing the believer’s remarkable positions in Christ. At the moment of salvation, through faith in Christ’s substitutionary death on the cross, believers receive four primary spiritual positions before God. We will examine the first two in this article and explore the remaining two next time.

Position 1: We are God’s Possession

As New Testament believers, God has redeemed us (purchasing us at the cross) and has enabled us to become His peculiar possession (1 Peter 2:9). 

 

How does God accomplish making us His possession?

• The Holy Spirit’s sealing – We are marked as God’s possession at salvation by the Holy Spirit who is given to us (Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9). This is a great promise and a result of our belief in salvation by faith alone in Christ’s substitutionary work on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9).

• His workmanship – Upon belief, we are also remade into God’s image (Ephesians 2:10) as a new work. Please see just below under Baptism for further detail. 

Position 2: Spiritual Baptism

This biblical truth is vital in understanding who we are as Christians.

• First, let’s consider the word itself. In the Epistles, when baptism is mentioned, it refers almost always to spiritual baptism. Water baptism might be considered as an external ritual to signify the internal event. The word βαπτιζω (baptizoo) in Greek (the original language of the New Testament) was an old term borrowed from the dye trade. It meant that a piece of cloth immersed in a dye became ‘identified’ with the new color.

• Second, how is being ‘identified’ with Christ associated with being a Christian? Fortunately, a lot! When we believe in salvation, we are identified with Christ’s gracious death and resurrection. At this time, our old self died and was buried with Christ. We are raised now to new life with Him, and God views us as sitting with Him at His right hand (Romans 6:2-12; Ephesians 2:4-7; Colossians 2:12-13).

Similar concepts in scripture that also appear to speak to spiritual baptism are: regeneration (Titus 3:5), born again (John 3:5), and new man (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10).

 

Why is this concept so important?

• Believer’s sin – Although every believer sins, we possess the power to say ‘no’ to sin because our new person in Christ is now able to live a victorious life.

• The reason for the resurrection – Baptism teaches us the importance of the resurrection because Christians are raised with Christ to new life, without which they would still be dead in sins (1 Corinthians 15:17).

• Eternal security – Baptism helps each believer know they cannot lose salvation because Scripture does not indicate that committing a sin will kill the new person and bring the old dead self back to life!

• Prayer – Believers who are now holy can approach God at any time, directly in prayer, in confidence. Old Testament believers did not have this advantage, being limited to the Day of Atonement when only the high priest could approach the most holy God (Heb 10:19-22).  

Secure in Our New Life

Through salvation, we have been permanently transformed and raised with Christ into a new life. We are free to serve Him, obey Him, and approach Him confidently in prayer.

The failures and sins associated with our old self cannot undo what God has accomplished. Our position in Christ is based on His completed work, not on our ability to maintain our salvation.

What great comfort and assurance we receive from the truth of Scripture!

In summary, believers receive four wonderful positional promises because of Christ’s redemptive work on the cross. These promises involve permanent changes in both our legal standing before God and our spiritual nature.

In this article, we examined the first two positions: we are God’s possession, and we have received spiritual baptism. For a broader overview, please read Positions in Christ - Teleios, Inc. (teleiosresearch.com).

Please join us next time as we discuss our legal justification and our adoption into God’s family. What wonderful promises God has given to assure us of our great salvation!

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

Email - info@teleiosresearch.com

Website - http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

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Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.

 

 

 

 

Our Wonderful Salvation: How Did It All Begin?

 

Welcome back to my blog. Over the next few weeks, we are going to explore the beautiful, multi-layered description of our great salvation found in the Scriptures.

Many Christians view their salvation as a simple, isolated event—almost like crossing a street to reach the other side, with nothing else changing. Some even believe a person can easily cross back over and lose their status as a child of God. My friends, nothing could be further from the truth!

Our salvation is not a temporary decision; it is an eternal plan that began before the world was formed and will culminate when Christ returns. It is reinforced with divine safeguards that make it absolutely impossible for a true, born-again believer to ever be lost.

Let us open the Word together and examine the beginning of this amazing journey, tracing God’s plan from before time began up to the cross.

 

The Process of Salvation

 

The Plan of Salvation

• God’s first step was to create a plan to save man and remove the problem of sin that would be created by Adam and Eve in the garden (Genesis 3:15).
• Because of the sin of Adam and Eve, man fell and became depraved; he was unable to choose God or do good, fleeing from Him (Romans 3:10-12). Therefore, God graciously had to choose, before all time began, some to come to salvation (Ephesians 1:4,5,11; Romans 8:29-30).
• If God had not chosen, then nobody would have come to saving grace. God has always had to choose throughout the Bible to accomplish his work in the world (Romans 9:7ff).

Bringing Us to Salvation 

• Because man would not choose God and did not understand God, the Holy Spirit had to intervene In in those God chose and convict them of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment (John 16:8).
• Further, God had to drag future Christians to Himself to believe (John 6:44). Interestingly, the word used in the Greek (the original language of the New Testament) for ‘drag’ is ελκω (helko), which describes when fishermen cast a net and literally bring fish into their boat. As the fish do not come voluntarily, neither do we!  God had to literally force us to saving faith!

God Causes Us to Believe

• Our faith then made Christ’s sacrificial death and His resurrection efficacious for us to our salvation. The content of the gospel can be found here https://teleiosresearch.com/consider-the-gospel/. 

Figure 1. Timeline of Salvation

Please note the figure showing the chronological plan of Salvation throughout the Bible. Indeed, the Bible is the story of salvation through our precious Savior Christ. God, by His love and wisdom, created this plan, and realized it throughout history and will complete it in the future (Ephesians 1:4-8;10-11). 

 

Today, we have discussed the foundation of the plan and how God draws us to Himself. Next week, we'll discover what happens at the cross. 

 

What a great plan; what a great promise! To God be the glory who has done all the work of salvation, and nothing was left to us nor to chance. There is nothing we could have done past, present, or in the future to earn eternal life. God did it all; solo fide (only by faith).  

 

Thanks again for joining me,e and I look forward to seeing you again next time.  

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

Email - info@teleiosresearch.com

Website - http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

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Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bible Teaching Habits and Its Importance

 

Knowing God’s Word is fundamental to understanding our faith. When we help others understand Scripture, we build a solid church foundation that positively impacts society. 

 

But how active is the next generation in passing down these truths? To find out, Teleios Research surveyed 230 adolescents and millennials to uncover their perceptions and habits regarding teaching the Bible. Full results can be seen here - Young evangelicals and teaching the Bible.

 

Who Participated?

 

The majority of the 230 respondents fit the following demographics:

·       Age: 86% were under 35 years old.

·       Gender: 63% identified as female.

·       Location: 68% resided in the United States.

·       Affiliation: 73% identified as evangelical.

 

The Reality of Bible Teaching Habits

 

When asked directly about their habits, 27% of participants indicated they teach directly from the Bible at a pre-arranged time at least once a week. However, a striking 40% responded that they never instruct others in Scripture.

 

Interestingly, there is a notable perception gap. Only 11% of respondents initially stated they teach once a week or more when asked in a broader context. This leaves a 16% discrepancy—suggesting that some Christians may overestimate how frequently they actually teach the Bible when asked directly. When factoring in preferred methods, it is estimated that only about 4% of young evangelicals are directly teaching the Bible to others. More research is needed on this topic!   

 

For those who do teach regularly, the verse-by-verse method was the top choice (32%). The favorite settings for instruction were:

 

·       Small groups (in-person): 27%.

·       One-on-one (in-person): 19%

 

For the respondents who do not teach weekly, fear and a perceived lack of knowledge were the primary hurdles: 

·       Do not feel they know enough about the Scripture – 42% 

·       Do not know how to teach (but want to learn) – 37% 

·       Fear of making a mistake – 34% 

 

Many young adults view informal actions as valid ways to share Scripture, such as: 

·       living a godly lifestyle (71%)

·       writing encouraging notes (62%)

·       or verbally strengthening others with verses (62%). 

 

However, 70% of respondents agreed that formal, verse-by-verse teaching holds more value than these informal methods.

 

In general, respondents had good well-being (average 4.5/6.0, with 6.0 being the best). However, those who regularly trained others in the Bible (4.8/6.0) reported better well-being than those who taught infrequently (4.1/6.0) or did not (4.4/6.0) teach the Bible (P= 0.003).

 

The survey suggests that young evangelicals generally recognize the importance of verse-by-verse teaching to others and want to learn how to instruct others. Those who teach experience better well-being than those who do not. 

 

Nonetheless, young evangelicals are often reticent to teach fearing they are not capable or are not able to answer questions. Further, some may overestimate how frequently they teach the Bible.

 

So, what is the importance of teaching?

 

1.     Problem – Unfortunately, teaching others or sharing the gospel appears to rank right below ‘going to the dentist’ among desired activities. Teleios’ research has shown that people generally fear sharing the gospel, specifically report being afraid of social rejection, offending the other person, not knowing what to say, or how to answer others’ questions.

 

2.     What teaching is not – Teleios examined people’s habits in mentioning the gospel (a part of our outreach). In a well-taught Evangelical Church, attendees indicated they conveyed the gospel to others most commonly by:

·     Sharing their lives – 78%

·     Praying for others – 71%

·     Encouraging others – 70%

·     Loving others – 68%

·     Explicitly mentioning how to accept Jesus Christ as Savior – 30%

 

Although sharing our lives is important, it does not replace actually telling someone the gospel or directly teaching the Bible. People cannot guess what we are thinking! Scripture recognizes that we do not have visual support for our faith until Christ comes again (Hebrews 2:8,) so others need to hear what to believe, and someone must explicitly tell them (Romans 10:14-17).

 

Why should we reach out to others regarding our faith? 

There are at least several reasons:

1.     It is a command – We are told to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2,15,24-26; 1 Timothy 4:6,16; Hebrews 5:12), which involves instructing others in the Word of God. However, teaching also may include admonishing others to correct action or thinking (Colossians 3:17; Ephesians 5:19).

2.     Better well-being – Teleios has found that people who teach and share the Gospel enjoy better well-being than those who do not. What initially seems fearful is actually enriching after a person has shared the Gospel or taught God’s Word.

3.     Good judgment – The ability to teach appears to indicate maturity, which is associated with accurate and efficient judgment and avoiding nasty pitfalls in life (Hebrews 5:14).

4.     Maturity – Being able to teach is associated with maturity, especially the attributes of an elder/leader (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Hebrews 5:12).

5.     Uplifting the church – The benefit of teaching others scripture or the gospel is not just for the individual but to the church itself. Teaching the Bible and the gospel is the primary way that we can grow the church and influence our culture generally (Colossians 1:5-10). Without Christians passing down the precious words of our Father to the next generation, the church certainly can suffer from a lack of support as opposed to influencing and benefiting our society.

 

So, let’s get to work! The truth we possess in the Bible is good for our family, friends, and acquaintances as well as for our society!

 

Thank you for joining me today. I look forward to seeing you next time.

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

Email - info@teleiosresearch.com

Website - http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

 

Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.