Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

228 | Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

c. The Church exists as strangers and aliens who are “in” but not “of” this world system. 2. Called out from sin: a. Those in the Church are being sanctified, set apart for holy action, so that they may live out their calling as saints of God (1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Peter 1:15). b. The Church must be available for God’s purpose and use (Romans 8:28-29; Ephesians 1:11; Romans 6:13). c. The Church must bring glory to God alone (Isaiah 42:8; John 13:31-32; 17:1; Romans 15:6; 1 Peter 2:12). d. The Church must now be characterized by obedience to God (2 Thessalonians 1:8; Hebrews 5:8-9; 1 John 2:3). a. Forgiveness and cleansing from sin (Ephesians 1:7; 5:26; 1 John 1:9). b. Justification (Romans 3:24; 8:30; Titus 3:7) in which God pronounces us guiltless as to the penalty of his divine law. c. Regeneration (John 3:5-8; Colossians 3:9-10) by which a “new self” is birthed in us through the Spirit. d. Sanctification (John 17:19; 1 Corinthians 1:2) in which we are “set apart” by God for holiness of life. e. Glorification and Life Eternal (Romans 8:30; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:14) in which we are changed to be like Christ and prepared to live forever in the presence of God (Romans 8:23; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 John 3:2). 2. Participation in a new community of God’s chosen people (1 Peter 2:9-10) a. Members of Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 12:27). b. Sheep of God’s flock under one Shepherd (John 10; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 5:2-4). c. Members of God’s family and household (Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 3:15).

C. The Church is called to: 1. Salvation and new life