The Elements of Salvation

 
 

Justification

As a sinner I stood before God guilty and condemned and fully deserving of eternal damnation, but He declares me righteous (Rom. 8:33) in Christ Jesus. It is His declaration that determines my righteousness on the basis of Jesus Christ and not because of anything I have done or will or will not do. 
 

Redemption

As a sinner I stood before God as a slave, but He has granted my freedom
(Rom. 6:18-22).He did it because He chose to do it and delighted to do it — not because of any merit of my own or any potential He saw in me.		 
 

Forgiveness

As a sinner I stood before God as a debtor, but the debt is paid by Him (I owe it no more) and it is forgotten (Eph. 1:7). He did it because He chose to do it and delighted to do it — not because of any merit of my own or any potential He saw in me. 
 

Reconciliation

As a sinner I stood before God as an enemy, but He made me His friend
(2 Cor. 5:18-20) He did it because He chose to do it and delighted to do it — not because of any merit of my own or any potential He saw in me.		 
 

Adoption

 

As a sinner I stood before God as a stranger, but He made me His son
(Eph. 1:5) He did it because He chose to do it and delighted to do it — not because of any merit of my own or any potential He saw in me.