Devotional: James 2:21-26

Reflection

  • Romans 8:29-30
    • (Rom 8:29 ESV) For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
    • (Rom 8:30 ESV) And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
    • (1Co 1:26 ESV) For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.
    • (1Co 1:27 ESV) But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;
    • (1Co 1:28 ESV) God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,
    • (1Co 1:29 ESV) so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.
    • (1Co 1:30 ESV) And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,
    • (1Co 1:31 ESV) so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Discussion

Theologians talk of the golden chain of our salvation.  There are three links in this process: sanctification, justification, and glorification.  Sanctification is our being set part, sanctified, for God.  Justification is our being made right in the eyes of God, justified before God.  Glorification is our being made in the image of Christ in eternity.

Connection

Is it possible for us to have complete salvation with one of these parts and not the others?

 

Why or why not?

 

Which of these pieces is most important or are they equally important?

 

Expansion

Mankind

God created mankind in His own image with two genders: male and female designed to compliment each in a monogamous marriage unit.  At creation the first man and woman were sinless and tasked with tending God’s creation.  While Adam and Eve were created to glorify God, they disobeyed launching themselves and all of mankind after them into sinfulness and separation from God.  Because of our fallen nature, all of mankind is damned to hell and unable to justify themselves before God without the grace of God providing redemption of their souls through faith in Christ alone.

Genesis 1:27-28, Genesis 2:7, Colossians 1:16, Deuteronomy 6:5, Isaiah 43:6-7, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Matthew 5:16, Genesis 3:1-8, Psalm 51:5, Isaiah 6:5, Romans 3:9-23, Romans 5:12, Ephesians 2:1-3, Romans 5:18, 1 Corinthians 15:22