Sanctification Fred Zaspel | January 1, 2025

The Doctrine of Sanctification

Definition While the language of sanctification in theological terminology has focused on the progressive aspect of growing holiness in the Christian life, the Bible uses the term sanctification to point towards the status as consecrated and holy that we have in Christ through our union with him. Summary In theological language, the term sanctification has […]

Election Fred Zaspel | January 1, 2025

Election

Download PDF Definition The doctrine of election states that God chose whom he would save, that God’s choice precedes any consideration of our faith. Summary Here the doctrine of election is first briefly explained in its theological context and then examined more specifically in connection with key biblical passages. Special attention is given to the […]

Election Fred Zaspel | January 1, 2025

Election and Foreknowledge

Definition Foreknowledge, with reference to God, connotes foreordination. The doctrine of election affirms that God chose those whom he would save. Summary The question at issue here concerns the meaning of foreknowledge with respect to election, particularly in Romans 8:29 – specifically, whether “whom he foreknew he predestined” indicates that God chose whom he would […]

Christology Fred Zaspel | January 1, 2025

For Whom Did Christ Die?

Definition The question at issue here is whether Christ died with the intention of saving his elect only or if he had a wider intention in view. Summary After defining the question and the related terminology I will argue for “particular redemption” by surveying direct biblical statements and then the Bible’s related theological reasoning. Finally, […]

Misc Fred Zaspel | January 1, 2025

The Free Offer of the Gospel

Definition The gospel is freely offered to all people, regardless of whether or not they are elect, able to respond in their sin nature, included in the doctrine of the particular atonement, etc.; the free offer of election to man is not at odds with the sovereign election and omniscience of God. Summary The good […]

Christology Fred Zaspel | January 1, 2025

Jesus’ Resurrection, Our Justification

Definition The resurrection of Christ is the divine announcement of Christ’s vindication as well as all those who are in Christ. Summary This essay will recap the doctrine of justification, primarily from Romans 3-4, and then examine the relation of justification to Christ’s resurrection according to Romans 4:25 and 1 Timothy 3:16. Romans 3-8 is […]

Misc Fred Zaspel | January 1, 2025

Salvation: An Overview

Definition “Salvation,” as the term implies, is “rescue” – rescue from hell but also from sin itself, its power and ultimately its very presence. Summary Salvation is a widely-encompassing theme in Scripture presented from a variety of perspectives and entailing a variety of benefits. What follows is a rather “birds-eye view” of the biblical presentation, […]

Misc Fred Zaspel | August 19, 2019

Sin and Grace

This article first appeared on credomag.com Augustine once reminisced on an earlier act of theft he had committed. While walking home one day he sneaked into a neighbor’s yard and stole a pear. Now looking back on the event he began to wonder why he did it. Why would he steal his neighbor’s pear? It […]

Misc Fred Zaspel | August 5, 2019

Eternal Life, Now and Then

This article first appeared on credomag.com As important as the word “salvation” is in Scripture and dominant as it is in our own vocabulary in describing the benefits we enjoy in Christ, it is surprising to us when we discover how little our Lord used this word himself. We do not find it at all […]

Misc Fred Zaspel | October 4, 2013

Repentance and Original Sin

This article first appeared on credomag.com In an 1899 article for Union Seminary Magazine, Warfield takes up the question, must we repent of original sin? He notes that the question is often asked triumphantly by those who oppose the doctrine, assuming that the question itself demonstrates the absurdity of the doctrine—the only sin we are […]