Means of Grace and Eschatology

What are the key aspects of salvation history?

The legal aspect (justification), medical aspect (new life), political aspect (victory), familial aspect (marriage/adoption), relational aspect (reconciliation), and ceremonial aspect (access to God).

What are the Three Offices of Christ?

Prophet (delivers gifts in the gospel), Priest (acts for humanity), and King (dominates over all).

What problems do sinners face according to the notes?

Guilt before God, need to behave better, victim of Satan's rebellion, brokenness, dysfunction, and being surrounded by evil.

What is original sin?

The concept that Adam's sin resulted in imputed guilt for all humanity, making everyone a sinner.

What is justification?

An instantaneous legal declaration by God that a believer is righteous due to Christ's merit, consisting of forgiveness and added righteousness.

What is the difference between objective and subjective grace?

Objective grace refers to God's constant character and promises, while subjective grace refers to individual experiences of grace.

What is the role of the Holy Spirit in conversion?

The Holy Spirit applies Christ's redemption to individuals through faith.

What is repentance?

Turning from sin and unbelief to Christ, characterized by contrition and belief in the gospel.

What defines a sacrament?

A sacrament is commanded by Christ, includes a physical element, and carries a promise of grace.

What are the chief means of grace?

The Gospel, which includes Holy Scripture and the sacraments (Baptism and the Lord's Supper).

How does baptism relate to salvation?

Baptism is connected to salvation through forgiveness of sins, becoming a disciple, and union with Christ.

What is the significance of the Lord's Supper?

It serves as a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, an act of repentance, a unifying action, and a means of nourishing believers' souls.

What does 'means' refer to in the context of grace?

It refers to the actions or systems by which God's gracious purposes are brought about.

What is the biblical basis for universal atonement?

Scriptural references include John 1:29, John 3:16, and Romans 5:18.

What is the difference between synergism and monergism in conversion?

Synergism suggests cooperation between God and human choice, while monergism asserts that God alone causes conversion.

What is the meaning of 'Extra Nos' in justification?

It means that justification is based on Christ's merit outside of ourselves, not our own works.

What does the term 'incarnate' mean?

To make flesh, referring to Christ's incarnation to fulfill prophecy.

What does the phrase 'the old nature and the new' refer to?

It refers to the conflict between the sinful nature (old) and the new life in Christ (new).

What is the significance of faith in relation to grace?

Faith is the empty hand that receives God's gifts and does not earn anything; it is created by God through His word.

How does God hide Himself according to the notes?

God hides Himself in the means of grace, such as the Word, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper.

What is the relationship between faith and works?

Faith does not require works to earn salvation; it is a gift from God.

What is the role of angels and demons in eschatology?

They are part of the study of last things, influencing spiritual warfare and the believer's experience.

What does 'the chief means of grace' refer to?

It refers to Holy Scripture as the primary way God communicates His grace.

What are the biblical references for the Lord's Supper?

Key references include Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, and 1 Corinthians 11:23-35.

What is the promise associated with the sacraments?

The promise of grace is attached to the physical elements used in the sacraments.

Lutheran understanding of election

God desires all to be saved. Christ died for all. And the Gospel is given as good news for all.

Divine neglect in election

In Isaiah 5 God asks what more He could have done for those who failed to trust Him.

Election is Gospel

That when taught correctly the doctrine of election will comfort the troubled conscience of the believer.

God's choice of the elect

Before the world was created.

Doctrine of the Means of Grace

Does NOT deal with what God could do in His omnipotence, but ONLY with what He has promised in His Word that He will do.

Bible passages about baptism

Approximately 30-40 passages in the New Testament are written primarily to teach us about the meaning of baptism for the Christian life.

Doctrine of the Means of Grace

The Doctrine of the Means of Grace does NOT apply to and teach us about what God could do in His omnipotence, but ONLY to what He has promised in His Word that He will do.

Salvation according to the Bible

According to the Bible, we are saved by Jesus, Grace, Faith, and Baptism.

Immediate grace

Immediate grace is grace directly from God's heart to our hearts.

Water baptism vs Spirit baptism

A distinction and separation between 'water baptism' and 'Spirit baptism' is not Biblical, because the Bible says there is 'one baptism.'

Baptism is Gospel

To say that 'baptism is Gospel' means that the instruction in Scripture—'be baptized'—is offering us a gift, not demanding from us obedience.

Infant baptism argument

A major argument for the acceptance of infant baptism is that the age of the recipients is never mentioned because it simply does not matter.

Definition of a sacrament

A sacrament is a holy ordinance made by God Himself [Jesus Christ], in which He gives and confirms His invisible grace through outward and visible means.

Reason for baptism despite belief

The fact that God gives us a gift is reason enough to receive it.