TH 513 Systematic TH 513 Systematic Theology IITheology II

Dr. Mark E. HardgroveDr. Mark E. Hardgrove

Systematic Systematic Theology IITheology II

Geisler, Norman, Vol. Geisler, Norman, Vol. 33

Chapter FiveChapter Five

““The Effects of The Effects of Sin”Sin”

pp. 122-151pp. 122-151

God created the first humans in a state of perfection. One of the perfections was the power of free choice. Adam and Eve exercised this freedom to disobey God. What followed was a state of human sinfulness that we cannot reverse.

The disobedience of the original humans brought death into the world. There are three kinds of death: spiritual, physical and eternal.Adam and Eve died spiritually the moment they sinned. They began to die physically that very day. Had Adam and Eve not accepted God’s provision of salvation, they would have died eternally, which would have meant everlasting separation from God.

Spiritual DeathDeath is separation from God, and spiritual death is spiritual separation from God. Isaiah said, “Your iniquities have separated you from your God: your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear” (Isa. 59:2)

Every descendant of Adam is spiritually dead as well.The apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 2:1, 5.

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins . . . [We who are saved have been] made . . . alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”

Physical DeathPhysical DeathPhysical death was the inevitable result of Adam’s

sin (Gen. 2:16-17), not only for himself but for all of his natural descendants (except Christ). (See Romans 5:12, 14)

Eternal DeathEternal DeathAlso called “the second death,” it is eternal

separation from God. “The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone’s name [is] not found written in the book of life, he [will be] thrown into the lake of fire” (Rev. 20:14-15), “where they are and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Rev. 20:10).

The Judicial (Legal) Effects of Adam’s SinThe Judicial (Legal) Effects of Adam’s SinAdam had power of attorney for the whole

human race. His sins were directly “imputed” to all of his posterity—which is all of us (Rom. 5:18-19).

Transmissional Effects of Adam’s SinTransmissional Effects of Adam’s SinNot only imputed, but also transmitted to us

indirectly and immediately. We are sinner both because we sin, and because we are born sinners (Eph. 2:1, 3)

The Relational Effects of Adam’s SinThe Relational Effects of Adam’s Sin

Spiritual Separation (Eph. 2:1)Spiritual Separation (Eph. 2:1)

Guilt and Shame (Rom. 5)Guilt and Shame (Rom. 5)

Loss of Fellowship (1 John 1:6-7)Loss of Fellowship (1 John 1:6-7)

With other Human Beings (Gen. 3:12; With other Human Beings (Gen. 3:12; 4:1-8)4:1-8)

With the Environment (Rom. 8:20-21)With the Environment (Rom. 8:20-21)

The Effects of Adam’s Sin on Free Will The Effects of Adam’s Sin on Free Will (Volition)(Volition)

Before the Fall the fact of free will is Before the Fall the fact of free will is implicit in the demand of God not to implicit in the demand of God not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.good and evil.

After the fall, free will remains, but is After the fall, free will remains, but is inclined toward evil (Rom. 1:18-19). inclined toward evil (Rom. 1:18-19). This is the current state of This is the current state of unredeemed humanity.unredeemed humanity.

The General Effects of Sin and Common GraceThe General Effects of Sin and Common Grace

The effects of sin on humanity is so great that The effects of sin on humanity is so great that without God’s common grace (nonsaving without God’s common grace (nonsaving grace that is available to all persons), grace that is available to all persons), society would be unlivable and society would be unlivable and unattainable. unattainable.

God common grace is provided through:God common grace is provided through:Natural revelation (Rom. 1:19-20); moral law Natural revelation (Rom. 1:19-20); moral law

(Rom. 2:12-15); His image (Gen. 9:6, Ja. (Rom. 2:12-15); His image (Gen. 9:6, Ja. 3:9); marriage (Heb. 13:4); the family 3:9); marriage (Heb. 13:4); the family structure (Eph.6:1-4); government (Rom. structure (Eph.6:1-4); government (Rom. 13:1-7); and many other nonredemptive 13:1-7); and many other nonredemptive means.means.

PelagianismPelagianism

The view of the British monk Pelagius, this view The view of the British monk Pelagius, this view maintains that only our own sins are imputed to maintains that only our own sins are imputed to us and not Adam’s. We are born innocent and us and not Adam’s. We are born innocent and salvation can be attained by our unaided free salvation can be attained by our unaided free choice.choice.

Arminianism (Wesleyanism)Arminianism (Wesleyanism)Named after Joseph Arminus a Reformed theologian Named after Joseph Arminus a Reformed theologian

from Holland, later adapted and popularized by from Holland, later adapted and popularized by John Wesley. Maintains that all people are born John Wesley. Maintains that all people are born with inherited original sin and cannot on their with inherited original sin and cannot on their own power obey God. God’s grace does not own power obey God. God’s grace does not work irresistibly, but sufficiently, awaiting their work irresistibly, but sufficiently, awaiting their free cooperation before it becomes salvifically free cooperation before it becomes salvifically effective. This cooperation continues after effective. This cooperation continues after salvation or one can forfeit salvation.salvation or one can forfeit salvation.

Moderate CalvinismModerate CalvinismHolds that we inherit a judicial guilt from Adam’s sin Holds that we inherit a judicial guilt from Adam’s sin

and we are legally connected to him. God’s grace is and we are legally connected to him. God’s grace is not merely sufficient for all; it is efficient for the not merely sufficient for all; it is efficient for the elect. In order for God’s grace to be effective, there elect. In order for God’s grace to be effective, there must be cooperation by the recipient on whom God must be cooperation by the recipient on whom God has moved. God’s grace is irresistible on the willing. has moved. God’s grace is irresistible on the willing. One being saved, one’s salvation is no longer an One being saved, one’s salvation is no longer an issue of cooperation, but is irresistible.issue of cooperation, but is irresistible.

Strong CalvinismStrong CalvinismAffirms that we are not only born depraved but that we Affirms that we are not only born depraved but that we

are also totally depraved. The image of God has are also totally depraved. The image of God has been destroyed. God must by irresistible grace been destroyed. God must by irresistible grace regenerate the sinner (no free will involved) and regenerate the sinner (no free will involved) and God’s irresistible grace also maintains salvation. God’s irresistible grace also maintains salvation. The sinner has no ability to respond to God’s The sinner has no ability to respond to God’s invitation to salvation. God takes the initiative and invitation to salvation. God takes the initiative and God elects those who will be saved.God elects those who will be saved.

The Image of God is Effaced but Not ErasedThe Image of God is Effaced but Not Erased

The image though marred continues (Gen. The image though marred continues (Gen. 9:6; James 3:9-10)9:6; James 3:9-10)

Total Depravity is Extensive, Not IntensiveTotal Depravity is Extensive, Not Intensive

This means that every part of the human This means that every part of the human being has been stained/effected by sin, being has been stained/effected by sin, but not that every human is as evil as is but not that every human is as evil as is possible. Even relatively “good” people possible. Even relatively “good” people are permeated by total depravity. are permeated by total depravity.

The Noetic Effects of Human SinThe Noetic Effects of Human Sin

The mind of humanity was darkened by The mind of humanity was darkened by sin (Rom. 1:28; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 5:8)sin (Rom. 1:28; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 5:8)

The Volitional Effects of Human SinThe Volitional Effects of Human Sin

Sin affects not only the mind, but the Sin affects not only the mind, but the will. After sin humanity is inclined will. After sin humanity is inclined toward sin, and will not, without toward sin, and will not, without God’s initiative, seek salvation God’s initiative, seek salvation (Rom. 3:11; John 1:13;)(Rom. 3:11; John 1:13;)

Having a fallen nature Having a fallen nature meansmeans. . .. . .1. we are born this way (Ps. 51:5)2. that it is natural for us to sin.3. one will inevitably sin.4. we are incapable of saving ourselves.Having a fallen nature Having a fallen nature does not mean . . .does not mean . . .1. that we are as sinful as we could be.2. that sin is excusable.3. we‘re unable to avoid sin.4. that any particular sin is inescapable.5. we have not choice in our salvation.

Geisler’s theological perspective what he Geisler’s theological perspective what he calls, “Moderate Calvinist.” Most calls, “Moderate Calvinist.” Most “Mainline Pentecostals” would not “Mainline Pentecostals” would not consider themselves Calvinist in any consider themselves Calvinist in any form. There are some Charismatic form. There are some Charismatic groups in Calvinist denominations, but groups in Calvinist denominations, but the vast majority of Pentecostal groups the vast majority of Pentecostal groups would be Armenian. In the following would be Armenian. In the following slides I offer an overview of slides I offer an overview of Wesleyan/Armenian perspectives.Wesleyan/Armenian perspectives.

ArminianismArminianism The founder of the Methodist revival in England, and of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States, was John Wesley, a priest of the Church of England. John Wesley was a brilliant theologian and preacher, a professor at Oxford University and an open-field evangelist, who had a deep and abiding interest in applying theology to the everyday life. Early on in his ministry Wesley became an Arminan in his theology of salvation, modifying it some as he applied it to his own life and to the life and faith of his Methodist Societies. This theological understanding has generally become known in Systematic Theology as "Wesley's Order of Salvation" and can be outlined as follows:

© 2000, Gregory S. Neal

1. 1. Prevenient GracePrevenient Grace::

Human beings are totally incapable of responding to God without God first empowering them to have faith. This empowerment is known as "Prevenient Grace." Prevenient Grace doesn't save us but, rather, comes before anything that we do, drawing us to God, making us WANT to come to God, and enabling us to have faith in God. Prevenient Grace is Universal, in as much as all humans receive it, regardless of their having heard of Jesus. It is manifested in the deep-seated desire of most humans to know God.

© 2000, Gregory S. Neal

2. 2. Justifying Grace:Justifying Grace:

After we are drawn to God and enabled to respond, with faith, to the offered gift of Salvation, and -- most importantly -- when we actually say "yes" and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are given "Justifying Grace," which wipes away our sin and incorporates us into the Body of Christ. This is the point of "Full Regeneration," in which humans are returned to the state of Adam and Eve in the Garden. It is sometimes referenced as that point and time in one's life when they are "saved." In Justifying Grace we are judged to be "not guilty" of sins, even though we are VERY guilty and even though we STILL commit sins. Jesus nevertheless forgives us our sins and, through His Grace ,we are viewed by God as being as IF we were as righteous as Christ.

© 2000, Gregory S. Neal

3. 3. Sanctifying Grace:Sanctifying Grace:

Justification by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior doesn't end one's walk in Grace, however. One hasn't "arrived" when one is saved. Justification is the point at which God judges us "As IF we were Christ." The Perfection, the Righteousness, of Jesus is not yet PART of who we are, even though we are viewed by God as IF we were righteous. Sanctifying Grace comes to make the outward judgment of "Righteous" PART of who WE are. The Righteousness of Christ is, through our openness to God's Grace, made an increasing part of WHO we are. We become MORE and MORE like Jesus. In other words, the Love and Will of God in Jesus Christ is grafted into our lives and we become more and more like Jesus.

© 2000, Gregory S. Neal

4. 4. Perfection:Perfection:

While none of us can be perfect by our own ability or will, nevertheless we believe that through Sanctifying Grace we are transformed into a greater and greater likeness of Christ Jesus. As we grow in Sanctifying Grace, we approach the Will of God for us and, in Glory, we can trust that we will be in total conformity with God's Will for us. We also believe, however, that through Sanctifying Grace we are blessed by occasional moments, fleeting instances, of knowing and living in God's perfect Will. This is what Wesley means when he says that we are all to be "Moving on toward Perfection."

© 2000, Gregory S. Neal

Prerequisites of God’s PlanPrerequisites of God’s PlanGod knew how everything would turn out

from the beginning. God was never caught by surprise at man’s sin. Jesus is called “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Rev. 13:8 ), which means that before there was a problem of sin, God had the answer. God had a plan that not even Satan, sin, or human disobedience could thwart.

Alternatives to God’s Ultimate PlanAlternatives to God’s Ultimate Plan1.1. Not to have created .Not to have created .2.2. To Have Created a Non-Free WorldTo Have Created a Non-Free World3.3. Create a Free World Where No One Ever Create a Free World Where No One Ever

Chooses to SinChooses to Sin4.4. To Have Created a World Where No One To Have Created a World Where No One

is Allowed to Sinis Allowed to Sin5.5. To Have Created a World Where Sin To Have Created a World Where Sin

Occurs but Where All Are Eventually Occurs but Where All Are Eventually Saved.Saved.

Be aware of Geisler’s responses to these Be aware of Geisler’s responses to these unsatisfactory alternatives (pp. 155-158)unsatisfactory alternatives (pp. 155-158)

The very nature of God assures us that The very nature of God assures us that evil will eventually be defeated.evil will eventually be defeated.1.1.God is all-loving and wants to defeat God is all-loving and wants to defeat evil.evil.2.2.God is all-powerful and can defeat evil.God is all-powerful and can defeat evil.3.3.Evil is not yet defeated.Evil is not yet defeated.4.4.Hence, evil will yet be defeated (in the Hence, evil will yet be defeated (in the future.)future.)This present world is not the best of all This present world is not the best of all possible worlds, but it is a means to the possible worlds, but it is a means to the best possible world. best possible world.

Dispensation, “divine order of Dispensation, “divine order of affairs”affairs”

Some perspectives argue for seven Some perspectives argue for seven distinct “dispensations” during distinct “dispensations” during which God acted in specific way with which God acted in specific way with respect to a specific period of time respect to a specific period of time (dispensation). Most typologies (dispensation). Most typologies (such as Geisler’s) propose seven (such as Geisler’s) propose seven such dispensations.such dispensations.

Seven “dispensations”Seven “dispensations”

1.1. Probation (Innocence)Probation (Innocence)

2.2. Conscience (Moral Sense)Conscience (Moral Sense)

3.3. Human GovernmentHuman Government

4.4. PromisePromise

5.5. LawLaw

6.6. GraceGrace

7.7. KingdomKingdom

The word “dispensation” is used by The word “dispensation” is used by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 1:10the apostle Paul in Ephesians 1:10““. . . in that the dispensation of the . . . in that the dispensation of the fullness of time He might gather fullness of time He might gather together . . . all things in Christ, together . . . all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and both which are in heaven, and which are on earth in Him.”which are on earth in Him.”

Notice, however, the singular, Notice, however, the singular, dispensation, not dispensations.dispensation, not dispensations.

The problem with the The problem with the dispensationalist view is that it dispensationalist view is that it imposes an artificial interpretational imposes an artificial interpretational grid over scripture and tends to grid over scripture and tends to needlessly divide and disconnect the needlessly divide and disconnect the Word into philosophically contrived Word into philosophically contrived divisions. divisions. Instead of a dispensationalist view, Instead of a dispensationalist view, biblical theology sees more continuity biblical theology sees more continuity and a natural progression throughout and a natural progression throughout the unfurling of God’s plan for the unfurling of God’s plan for humanity. humanity.

Without embracing full-blown Without embracing full-blown dispensationalism, one can agree dispensationalism, one can agree with Geisler that the progression with Geisler that the progression of God’s plan was moving toward of God’s plan was moving toward the coming of the Messiah, the the coming of the Messiah, the Savior and that that plan is Savior and that that plan is continuing to move toward an continuing to move toward an ultimate fulfillment in the new ultimate fulfillment in the new heaven and new earth.heaven and new earth.

Incarnation of the SaviorIncarnation of the SaviorChrist is anticipated in the OT and realized in the NT (Gal. 4:4-5)

Christ’s substitutionary death (Mk. 10:45; John 10:10)

Christ’s physical resurrection (Matt. 12:39-40; Rom. 4:25)

Christ’s bodily ascension into heaven (John 20:17; Luke 24:49-51; Acts 1:9-11)

Christ’s Present Session (the Christ’s Present Session (the Church)Church)Christ remains indescribably important as the High Priest of the church and for individual believers (Heb. 4:14-15; 7:17, 22-26; 1 John 2:1-2; Rev. 12:10, cf. also 1 Cor. 10:13).

The Return and Reign of the SaviorThe Return and Reign of the SaviorChrist as King:Christ as King: one day He will be (actually, physically) the King over his people (Matt. 12:28; Rev. 20:4)

Final Judgment: Final Judgment: After the 1,000 year reign of Christ (Millennium) Satan will be released from prison for a season, those born and living during the Millennium will have to choose good or evil. After that the beast and false prophet are cast into the lake of fire to be tormented day and night forever and ever (Rev. 20:7-10).

This is followed by the Great White Throne judgment (Rev. 20:11-15). Anyone whose name is not found in the book of life is thrown into the lake of fire, this is the second death.

New Heaven and New EarthNew Heaven and New Earth

Described by John (Rev. 21:1-4, 9-Described by John (Rev. 21:1-4, 9-12, 18-22).12, 18-22).

Also described by Peter (2 Peter Also described by Peter (2 Peter 3:10-13; cf. Isa. 65:17-25)3:10-13; cf. Isa. 65:17-25)

Official and Actual Victories over SinOfficial and Actual Victories over Sin

The The OfficialOfficial defeat of sin was at the Cross (Col. 2:14; defeat of sin was at the Cross (Col. 2:14; Heb. 2:14)Heb. 2:14)

Three stages to the overall battle to defeat sin in the Three stages to the overall battle to defeat sin in the lives of God’s children:lives of God’s children:1.1.JustificationJustification—deliverance from the —deliverance from the penalty penalty of sin, a of sin, a past action for all believers, accomplished at the past action for all believers, accomplished at the cross.cross.2.2.SanctificationSanctification—deliverance from the —deliverance from the power power of sin, is of sin, is a present and continuous process of believers a present and continuous process of believers become Christlike.become Christlike.3.3.GlorificationGlorification—deliverance from the —deliverance from the presence presence of sin, of sin, will take place at Christ’s return, the dawning of the will take place at Christ’s return, the dawning of the eternal kingdom.eternal kingdom.

The The actual actual defeat of sin will be at the Second defeat of sin will be at the Second Coming.Coming.

Eventual (Ultimate) Defeat of SinEventual (Ultimate) Defeat of Sin

We speak of We speak of defeatdefeat not not destructiondestruction of sin, of sin, because sin, in the sinner will continue because sin, in the sinner will continue forever in hell.forever in hell.Defeat Defeat does notdoes not mean that God will mean that God will annihilate sinner. Annihilated sinners annihilate sinner. Annihilated sinners would no longer feel pain. There are would no longer feel pain. There are degrees of punishment in hell (Rev. 20:12-degrees of punishment in hell (Rev. 20:12-13).13).There is everlasting torment for sin against There is everlasting torment for sin against the Eternal demands eternal consequences.the Eternal demands eternal consequences.Evil is defeated because the good is Evil is defeated because the good is actually victorious over it. Evil is proven to actually victorious over it. Evil is proven to be wrong in time and eternity.be wrong in time and eternity.

The Creation of the DevilThe Creation of the Devil

God did not create evil, rather He God did not create evil, rather He created spiritual beings, and some created spiritual beings, and some of them rebelled, becoming “the of them rebelled, becoming “the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41; devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41; cf. also Col. 1:16).cf. also Col. 1:16).

The Fall of the Devil The Fall of the Devil (Geisler offers (Geisler offers Ezek. 28:12-17; Isa. 14:12-15)Ezek. 28:12-17; Isa. 14:12-15)

The Fall of Demons The Fall of Demons (Rev. 12:3-4; 7-9)(Rev. 12:3-4; 7-9)

The Plan of the Devil and His DemonsThe Plan of the Devil and His DemonsHe opposes God, he opposes God’s plan He opposes God, he opposes God’s plan and God’s people (Rev. 12:10) His and God’s people (Rev. 12:10) His tactics are to cause doubt, denial, tactics are to cause doubt, denial, disobedience, and deception and the disobedience, and deception and the destruction of God’s people and plan. destruction of God’s people and plan. Paul said, “No wonder, for . . . Satan Paul said, “No wonder, for . . . Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14)Cor. 11:14)The Defeat of the Devil and His Demons The Defeat of the Devil and His Demons This defeat has been progressing from This defeat has been progressing from the day God cursed the serpent in the the day God cursed the serpent in the Garden of Eden. It continues in Garden of Eden. It continues in salvation (Col. 2:14-15)salvation (Col. 2:14-15)

The final stage of salvation is the The final stage of salvation is the final stage of the defeat of Satan.final stage of the defeat of Satan.

First, the wheat and the tares are First, the wheat and the tares are separated (Matt. 25:32-34, 41)separated (Matt. 25:32-34, 41)

Second, Satan will be quarantined Second, Satan will be quarantined from spreading evil (Rev. 20:10)from spreading evil (Rev. 20:10)