The definition we have given of justification, under the pre- ceding chapter, agrees precisely with that of Turrettin, only we have not made the same application of the word adoption, be- cause this word, as used in the Scriptures, does not appear to convey the idea of a mere forensic act of God, changing the rela- tions of his adopted children, hut rather a most excellent com- plex view of the believer as at once the subject of regeneration and justification together. That is, of the new creature in his new relations.
The instant a sinner is united to Christ in the exercise of faith, there is accomplished in him simultaneously and insepara- bly, 1st, a total change of relation to God, and to the law as a covenant ; and, 2d, a change of inward condition or nature. The change of relation is represented by justification ; the change of nature is represented by the term regeneration. Regenebation is an act of God originating by a new creation a new spiritual life in the heart of the subject. The first and instant act of that new creature, consequent upon his regeneration, is faith, or a believing, trusting embrace of the person and work of Christ. Upon the exercise of faith by the regenerated subject, justification is the instant act of God, on the ground of that perfect righteousness which the sinner's faith has apprehended, declaring him to be free from all condemnation, and to have a legal right to the relations and benefits secured by the covenant which Christ has fulfilled in his behalf. Sanctification is the progressive growth toward the perfected maturity of that new life which was implanted in re- generation. Adoption presents the new creature in his new rela- tion ; his new relations entered upon with a congenial heart, and his new life developing in a congenial home, and surrounded with those relations which foster its growth, and crown it with bless-
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400 ADOPTION.
eclness. Justification is wholly forensic, and concerns only rela- tions, immunities, and rights. Kegeneration and sanctification are wholly spiritual and moral, and concern only inherent qualities and states. Adoption comprehends the complex condition of the believer as at once the subject of both.
3. What is represented in Scripture as involved in being a child of God by this adoption ?
1st. Derivation of nature from God, John i., 13 ; James i., 18 ; 1 John v., 18.
2d. Being born again in the image of God, bearing his like- ness, Kom. viii., 29 ; 2 Cor. iii., 18 ; Col. iii., 10 ; 2 Pet. i., 4.
3d. Bearing his name, 1 John iii., 1 ; Kev. ii. 17 ; iii., 12.
4th. Being the objects of his peculiar love, John xvii., 23 ; Kom. v., 5-8 ; Titus iii., 4 ; 1 John iv., 7-11.
5th. The indwelling of the Spirit of his Son, (Gal. iv., 5, 6,) who forms in us a filial spirit, or a spirit becoming the children of Grod, obedient, 1 Pet. i., 14 ; 2 John 6 ; free from sense of guilt, legal bondage, fear of death, Pom. viii., 15, 21 ; 2 Cor. iii., 17 ; G-al. v., 1 ; Heb. ii., 15 ; 1 John v., 14 ; and elevated with a holy boldness and royal dignity, Heb. x., 19, 22 ; . 1 Pet. ii., 9 ; iv., 14.
6th. Present protection, consolations, and abundant provisions, Ps. cxxv., 2 ; Isa. Ixvi., 13 ; Lukcxii., 27-32 ; John xiv., 18 ; 1 Cor. iii., 21, 23; 2 Cor. i., 4.
7th. Present fatherly chastisements for our good, including both spiritual and temporal afflictions, Ps. Ii., 11, 12 ; Heb. xii., 5-11.
8th. The certain inheritance of the riches of our Father's glory, as heirs with God and joint heirs with Christ, (Eom. viii., 17 ; James ii., 5 ; 1 Pet. i., 4 : iii., 7 ; including the exalta- tion of our bodies to fellowship with him, Kom. viii., 23 ; Phil, iii., 21.
4. What relation do the three Persons of the Trinity sustain to this adoption, and into what relation does it introduce us to each of them severally ?
This adoption proceeds according to the eternal pursose of the
APPLICATION OF REDEMPTION. 401
Father, upon the merits of the Son, and by the efficient agency of the Holy Ghost, John i., 12, 13 ; Gal. iv., 5, 6 ; Titus iii., 5, 6. By it God the Father is made our Father. The incarnate God-man is made our elder brother, and we are made, (1.) like him ; (2.) intimately associated with him in community of life standing relations and privileges ; (3.) joint heirs with him of his glory, Kom. viii., 17, 29 ; Heb. ii., 17 ; iv., 15. The Holy Ghost is our indweller, teacher, guide, advocate, comforter, and sanctifier. All believers, being subjects of the same adoption, are brethren, Eph. iii., 6 ; 1 John iii., 14 ; v., 1.
26
CHAPTER XXXII.
SANCTIFICATION.
1. What sense do the words dytog, holy, and dyid&iv, to sane- tify, bear in the Scriptures ?
The verb ayia&iv is used in two distinct senses in the New Testament :