CHAPTER 1 – LIFE WITHOUT CHRIST–HOPELESS SINNER – ESTRANGED
We are hell-bound sinners. Our inheritance is death, estranged from God. Without Christ:
- Penalty of sin on him/her
- Power of sin over him/her
- Presence of sin in him/her
CHAPTER 2 -WITH CHRIST–SINNER’S PAST COVERED – RECONCILED
When we accept the offer of salvation, we are born anew and heaven-bound. Our inheritance is eternal life. We live in a reconciled state as children of God. Because of Christ the blood covers our sins. Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
- Penalty of sin removed by Christ our Savior
- Pardon granted (forgiven)
- In right standing with God–justified
CHAPTER 3 – WITH CHRIST–ASSURANCE OF SALVATION–HUNGRY
Now we begin a new life, but our assurance of salvation turns into a hungering and thirsting for more. We are certain of our salvation but choose to live in a long distant relationship with Christ.
- Power of sin broken
- Enter a new relationship
- In right standing with God–justified
- Hungry and thirsty for more
CHAPTER 4 – WITH CHRIST–SPIRITUAL LIFE – SANCTIFIED
This time, something new and personal begins to emerge – an intimate knowledge of the Lord . We are Spirit Filled and live “a with God” life. Now our life is hidden in Christ, yielded and secure.
- Spirit filled/led
- Life of obedience in daily fellowship
- Life in intimate communion and prayer
- Life in learning–Holy Scriptures–taught by the Holy Spirit
- Dead to sin & self–alive to God alone
- Holy–set aside for His good purposes
FINAL CHAPTER WITH CHRIST– RESURRECTION – TRANSFIGURED
Christ returns and we are with Him where He is in eternity. This is the final chapter, we are physically, spiritually, and emotionally “with God” in perfect fellowship in Paradise:
- In the full presence of the King
- In full knowledge of the Holy
- Face the Judgment Seat
- Perfected in His likeness
- Perfectly conformed and blameless: spirit, soul, and body
