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

A Theology of the Church (continued)

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 Cor. 1.2; 2 Tim. 1.9, 1 Pet. 1.15). b. The Church must be available for God’s purpose and use (Rom. 8.28-29; Eph. 1.11; Rom. 6.13). c. The Church must bring glory to God alone (Isa. 42.8; John 13.31-32; 17.1; Rom. 15.6; 1 Pet. 2.12). d. The Church must now be characterized by obedience to God (2 Thess. 1.8; Heb. 5.8-9; 1 John 2.3).

C. The Church is called to :

1. Salvation and new life

a. Forgiveness and cleansing from sin (Eph. 1.7; 5.26; 1 John 1.9).

b. Justification (Rom. 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; Col. 3.9-10) by which a “new self” is birthed in us through the Spirit. d. Sanctification (John 17.19; 1 Cor. 1.2) in which we are “set apart” by God for holiness of life. e. Glorification and Life Eternal (Rom. 8.30, 1 Tim. 6.12; 2 Thess. 2.14) in which we are changed to be like Christ and prepared to live forever in the presence of God (Rom. 8.23; 1 Cor. 15.51-53; 1 John 3.2).