Page 213 - Bible Writers Theology Original

•
However, man's condition seems to be a lost case without divine inter vention. The law made nothing perfect (Hebrews 7:19). By deeds ofthe law no flesh is justified (Romans 3:20). The law of the Spirit of life is desperately needed (Romans 8:1^). All this development is designed
by the omnipotent God (Ephesians 1:4-11; Romans 8:29-30).
Now God takes the initiative in the fullness of time and offers salva tion. Paul best explained it: "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly..., while we were yet sinners^ Christ died for us" (Romans 5:6,8). He adds, "death reigned from
Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the simil itude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come" (Romans 5:14). "But not as the offense, so also is the free gift: For if through the offense of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many." (Romans 5:15) God had ordained it, being understood that God is not the author of sin. The
word of God declares, "For whom he did foreknow, he also did pre destinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predesti nate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified" (Romans 8:29-30).
After all, that is what salvation is all about.
The second man, who is the Lord from heaven, has come (I Corinthians 15:47). "As we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly." (I Corinthians 15:49) "For this cormplible must put on incomiption, and this mortal must put on immortality...then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written. Death is swallowed up in victory" (I Corinthians 15: 53-54). (See I Peter 1:23-25; James 1:18; Isaiah
25:7-8.)
In the meantime, man is given the opportunity to taste by faith, the pow ers of the world to come while on earth (Hebrews 6:5). By faith, he has put on Christ being "circumcised with the circunicision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ" (Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:11). Fellowship is restored with His creator (II Corinthians 6:16-18; Ephesians 2:17-19). He has a treasiue now in earthen
vessels (II Corinthians 4:7). Paul speaks of a completeness, that is now enjoyed (Colossians 2:10). Tbe new man in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17), is on his way to the full likeness of his creator (Genesis 2:26-27; Ephesians 1:10; I Corinthians 15:54-57). The Bible declares: "For om* conversation is in heav en; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself" (Philippians 3:20-21). (Read also I John 3:1-3). Paul adds, "That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in
Soteriology - Salvation ♦ 197