Theology of the Church, Mentor's Guide, MG03

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T H E O L O G Y O F T H E C H U R C H

Salvation as Joining the People of God (continued)

II. The Metaphors of Salvation: Joined to a People.

In human society, belonging to a “people” (family, clan, nation) happens through either:

birth,

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adoption, or

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marrying into a family group

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Thus, the New Testament language of salvation draws from these three primary metaphors to describe what happens at salvation.

A. Birth

1. John 1.12-13 (ESV) - Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God - children born not of natural descent , nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God . 2. John 3.3 (ESV) - In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again .” 3. 1 Pet. 1.23 (ESV) - For you have been born again , not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 4. 1 Pet. 1.3 (ESV) - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1. Rom. 8.23 (ESV) - Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons , the redemption of our bodies. 2. Eph. 1.4-6 (ESV) - For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ , in accordance with his pleasure and will - to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

B. Adoption