Expert: Marvin Howard - 2/25/2007

Question
Are salvation, justification, regeneration, rebirth, sanctification, redemption, and election words describing the same event/process from different perspectives or are they completely independent concepts, one following the other in sequence?  Please explain.

Answer
Hi!

Ernie, thank you for the chance to answer your question. Rather than just give you a pat answer, lets explore just what each of these are, by definition from the original language and English. Then we can see just how and if they fit together. I am giving you all of my notes that you may study completely on your own.

1. Salvation

Genesis 49:18 uses the following, Hebrew term: ישׁוּעה. It is pronounced, "yesh-oo'-aw." This is the same as Joshua and Jesus. Strong's gives it the following Definition:

Feminine passive participle of H3467; something saved, that is, (abstractly) deliverance; hence aid, victory, prosperity: - deliverance, health, help (-ing), salvation, save, saving (health), welfare.

1st Samuel 11:13 uses the following, Hebrew term: תּשׁוּעה. It is pronounced, "tesh-oo-aw'." Strong's gives it the following definition:

From H7768 in the sense of H3467; rescue (literally or figuratively, personal, national or spiritual): - deliverance, help, safety, salvation, victory.

2nd Samuel 22:3 uses the following, Hebrew term: ישׁע. Pronounced "yay'-shah," Strong's gives it the following definition:

From H3467; liberty, deliverance, prosperity: - safety, salvation, saving.

Psalm 68:20 uses the following, Hebrew term: מושׁעה. Pronounced "mo-shaw-aw'," Strong's gives it the following definition:

From H3467; deliverance: - salvation.

All of these come from H3467; the same word. This is ישׁע. Pronounced, "yaw-shah'," Strong's gives it the following definition:

A primitive root; properly to be open, wide or free, that is, (by implication) to be safe; causatively to free or succor: -  X at all, avenging, defend, deliver (-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save (-iour), get victory.

There are other occurrences of the word in Hebrew, but they all use the same terms. Now, let's turn to the New Testament, and the Greek. Luke 1:69 uses the following, Greek term: σωτηρία. Pronounced "so-tay-ree'-ah," Strong's gives it the following definition:

Feminine of a derivative of G4990 as (properly abstract) noun; rescue or safety (physically or morally): - deliver, health, salvation, save, saving.

Every time the word is used in the New Testament, it is either this, feminine form, or the neuter form (G4990) of the same word.

So we see that we are saved from something. Remember, the first example we showed is the Hebrew name for Joshua and Jesus. Therefore, let’s turn to get a definition from Scripture.

Matthew 1:21, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

There have been many things from which people have needed saving over the course of time. They needed salvation from national oppression and captivity, besides perilous and personal circumstances and afflictions. However, the one thing that has remained a constant since Eden is that man needs salvation from himself (c.f., Proverbs 16:25), and the death penalty we bring upon ourselves. Matthew says Jesus saves people from sin. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). So, Jesus provides salvation from the death which we bring upon ourselves by our sin. Here is what Webster has to say on the subject:

Salvation
SALVA'TION, n. [L. salvo, to save.]

1. The act of saving; preservation from destruction, danger or great calamity.

2. Appropriately in theology, the redemption of man from the bondage of sin and liability to eternal death, and the conferring on him everlasting happiness. This is the great salvation.

Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation. 2 Cor 7.

3. Deliverance from enemies; victory. Exo 14.

4. Remission of sins, or saving graces. Luke 19.

5. The author of man's salvation. Psa 27.

6. A term of praise or benediction. Rev 19.

Before I start tying these together, I want to be as thorough with the other terms you query.

2. Justification

Romans 4:25 uses the following, Greek term: δικαίωσις. Pronounced “dik-ah'-yo-sis,” Strong’s defines it thusly:

From G1344; acquittal (for Christ’s sake): - justification.

Romans 5:16 uses the following, Greek term: δικαίωμα. Pronounced “dik-ah'-yo-mah,” Strong’s defines it thusly:

From G1344; an equitable deed; by implication a statute or decision: - judgment, justification, ordinance, righteousness.

Both come from the following, Greek term: δικαιόω. Pronounced “dik-ah-yo'-o,” Strong’s defines it thusly:

From G1342; to render (that is, show or regard as) just or innocent: - free, justify (-ier), be righteous.

There are other instances of this word, but all use the same, original terms. Justification is the acquittal of our guilt by following a rule of law, proven by equitable deeds, and is the process by which we are made free, or innocent. It is a legal term. Those who denounce legalism declare they do not want justification from their sins, whether they realize it or not. Likely, it is done out of ignorance (c.f., Acts 17:30).

Here is what Webster has to say on the subject:

Justification
JUSTIFICA'TION, n.

1. The act of justifying; a showing to be just or conformable to law, rectitude or propriety; vindication; defense. The court listened to the evidence and arguments in justification of the prisoner's conduct. Our disobedience to God's commands admits no justification.

2. Absolution.

I hope, for my brother's justification, he wrote this but as an essay of my virtue.

3. In law, the showing of a sufficient reason in court why a defendant did what he is called to answer. Pleas in justification must set forth some special matter.

4. In theology, remission of sin and absolution from guilt and punishment; or an act of free (sic) grace by which God pardons the sinner and accepts him as righteous, on account of the atonement of Christ.

Please note, grace is unmerited. Contrary to man’s doctrine, unmerited does not equate with being free, or without cost. Even the great scholars (like Webster and Strong) can get it wrong. They are fallible. So am I. You must look and study for yourself. They may be a great help, but they cannot be authority. There is a definite cost. It is a cost which must be paid. Either Jesus must pay it, or we must. Even if Jesus pays the blood price for us, there remains a cost which we must pay (Luke 14:28).

James 2:24-26 plainly states that this is done by works, and NOT by faith only. Let us continue defining your terms. We will see this more deeply in a few minutes.

3. Regeneration

Matthew 19:28 uses the following, Greek term: παλιγγενεσία. As a compound word, pronounced “pal-ing-ghen-es-ee'-ah,” Strong’s defines it thusly:

From G3825 and G1078; (spiritual) rebirth (the state or the act), that is, (figuratively) spiritual renovation; specifically Messianic restoration: - regeneration.

There are other instances of this word, but all use the same, original terms. Regeneration is the rebirth or the new birth (being born again of water and spirit according to John 3:5), that is having “newness of life,” the final act of the process by which we attain this is clearly shown in Romans 6:4.

Here is Webster’s take on the matter:

Regeneration
REGENERA'TION, n.

1. Reproduction; the act of producing anew.

2. In theology, new birth by the grace of God; that change by which the will and natural enmity of man to God and his law are subdued, and a principle of supreme love to God and his law, or holy affections, are implanted in the heart.

He saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. Titus 3.

Now, let’s continue with your terms.

4. Rebirth

As proven in the definition of your third term, rebirth and regeneration are identical; one being the definition of the other. The actual word is not used in translation, only the thought, and that thought is regeneration.

5. Sanctification

1st Corinthians 1:30 uses the following, Greek term: αγιασμός. Pronounced “hag-ee-as-mos',” Strong’s defines it thusly:

From G37; properly purification, that is, (the state) purity; concretely (by Hebraism) a purifier: - holiness, sanctification.

There are other instances of this word, but all use the same, original term. The root carries the further meanings of consecration and veneration. Basically, the term means something that is set apart for a specific and holy purpose.

Here is Webster’s definition:

Sanctification
SANCTIFICA'TION, n. [See Sanctify.]

1. The act of making holy. In an evangelical sense, the act of God's grace by which the affections of men are purified or alienated from sin and the world, and exalted to a supreme love to God.

God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. 2 Th 2. 1 Pet 1.

2. The act of consecrating or of setting apart for a sacred purpose; consecration.

Now, let’s get back to your terms.

6. Redemption

Leviticus 25:24 uses the following, Hebrew term: גּאלּה. Pronounced “gheh-ool-law',” Strong’s defines it thusly:

Feminine passive participle of H1350; redemption (including the right and the object); by implication relationship: - kindred, redeem, redemption, right.

Numbers 3:49 uses the following, Hebrew term: פּדיום. Pronounced “pid-yome',” Strong’s defines it thusly:

From H6299; a ransom: - ransom, that were redeemed, redemption.

Psalm 111:9 uses the following, Hebrew term: פּדוּת. Pronounced “ped-ooth',” Strong’s defines it thusly:

From H6929; distinction; also deliverance: - division, redeem, redemption.

Luke 2:38 uses the following, Greek term: λύτρωσις. Pronounced “,” Strong’s defines it thusly:

From G3084; a ransoming (figuratively): - + redeemed, redemption.

Luke 21:28 uses the following, Greek term: απολύτρωσις. Pronounced “,” Strong’s defines it thusly:

From a compound of G575 and G3083; (the act) ransom in full, that is, (figuratively) riddance, or (specifically) Christian salvation: - deliverance, redemption.

There are other Scriptural instances of this word, but all use the two words, above. Redemption is a “buying back,” “paying the required ransom price,” or salvation.

Here is Webster’s definition:

Redemption
REDEMP'TION, n. [L. redemptio. See Redeem.]

1. Repurchase of captured goods or prisoners; the act of procuring the deliverance of persons or things from the possession and power of captors by the payment of an equivalent; ransom; release; as the redemption of prisoners taken in war; the redemption of a ship and cargo.

2. Deliverance from bondage, distress, or from liability to any evil or forfeiture, either by money, labor or other means.

3. Repurchase, as of lands alienated. Lev 25. Jer 32.

4. The liberation of an estate from a mortgage; or the purchase of the right to re-enter upon it by paying the principal sum for which it was mortgaged with interest and cost; also, the right of redeeming and re-entering.

5. Repurchase of notes, bills or other evidence of debt by paying their value in specie to their holders.

6. In theology, the purchase of God's favor by the death and sufferings of Christ; the ransom or deliverance of sinners from the bondage of sin and the penalties of God's violated law by the atonement of Christ.

In whom we have redemption through his blood. Eph 1. Col 1.

Now, let’s finish your list.

7. Election

Romans 9:11 uses the following, Greek term: εκλογή. Pronounced “ek-log-ay',” Strong’s defines it thusly:

From G1586; (divine) selection (abstractly or concretely): - chosen, election.

All instances of this word in Scripture come from this Greek word. It is akin to the Greek word for church; εκκλησία (G1577 pronounced “ek-klay-see'-ah”), as church comes from G1537 as does G1586; the root of election.

Whether we are selected, elected, chosen, or called out, the point is that we are set apart, by God, for a holy purpose. This is the same definition as we saw for sanctification.

Due to the length and variety of definitions, I am only going to use that with religious connotations, but Webster has this to say about Election:

Election
ELEC'TION, n. [L. electio.] The act of choosing; choice; the act of selecting one or more from others. Hence appropriately,

5. In theology, divine choice; predetermination (sic) of God, by which persons are distinguished as objects of mercy, become subjects of grace, are sanctified and prepared for heaven.

There is a remnant according to the election of grace. Rom 11.

8. Those who are elected.

The election hath obtained it. Rom 11.

Again, Webster counts Calvin as God. Knowing what we will do ahead of time does not mean that God chooses it for us. He knows our destination (pre-) beforehand, without determining it. I believe that any election can show forth the principles of our spiritual election. In fact, I did a sermon on this very topic soon after the 2004, Presidential Election. It is posted online. It may be viewed at the following URL:

http://www.geocities.com/braswellcoc1/archive25.html

We left a large trail of clues with these definitions. Let’s see if we can tie it all together in a neat, concise, yet understandable bundle.

God cannot behold sin (Habakkuk 1:13). As long as we have sin (are not made right or just) we cannot be in a saved state where we will be seen by Him “day in and day out,” if you will allow me that inaccurate, time dependant, earthly expression to describe a Heavenly condition. The only way we can be made right, BEFORE our salvation, is with works (James 2:24-26) and faith in unison. According to Ephesians 2:8-9, we are not saved by works. Is this a contradiction? No! Look more closely at the context in Ephesians. The works under discussion are those in which a man can boast. He would be able to boast of his intelligence if it was something he ciphered or invented. Therefore, there are obviously two, different types of works, one each considered by the two passages. One set is man’s works; condemned by Paul. The other set is works commanded and devised by God; approved and required by James. It only makes sense, if the works that justify us before we receive salvation are from God, that His Word will contain them. This occurs in our present time, yet there remains a part of this which is future. We will see that as we close.

While all of your terms are heavily related, there are some differences. Justification, regeneration, and rebirth are essentially the same concept. Each of these must occur before we can be either saved or elected. We cannot be righteous in our present state (Romans 3:10). Our only hope is that this state is eliminated, and we are allowed to inhabit a new state. This is the very essence of being born again. We inhabit a new body, with the old body of sin being left in the baptismal grave (Romans 6:4). This is finalized at our permanent, heavenly election.

Salvation and redemption are essentially the same concept. However, there is a little bit of difference between them. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). These wages must be paid. Either we must pay for them ourselves with an eternity in torment, or Jesus must pay the price (buy us back or pay ransom) for us. The redemption price was paid at the cross. The actual realization of Jesus taking us back occurs at eternity’s door. Likewise, salvation comes in two steps. We receive a promise (Ephesians 1:13-14 also calls it an “earnest”) of salvation at our baptism (the time of our justification and regeneration; the time when we enter the covenant and agree to Jesus paying the price in our stead according to Romans 6:4 and Romans 2:8-29). While Jesus paid the price at the cross, that price is not paid in our behalf specifically until we accept that price. God will never break the covenant (Hebrews 10:23). However, if we break the covenant, the earnest is forfeit (Hebrews 10:26). Think of a real estate transaction. Jesus is doing the buying, and offers our earnest promise. If the seller breaks the contract (covenant), the money goes back to the buyer, and is of no benefit to the seller. Therefore, salvation can be lost. This renders a necessity for a second step in salvation; that of receiving the crown (2nd Timothy 4:8 {not yet received, but waiting} and Revelation 2:10 {received}) at eternity’s door. The first part of this (the earnest of salvation) must be realized before we can be elected.

Election and sanctification are essentially the same concept. However, like salvation, this also comes in two parts. The sanctification happens immediately after our earnest of salvation (our being selected or added to the church according to Acts 2:47), while the election (denoting the permanence) does not happen until we receive the crown at judgment. This is proven in the “Election Day” sermon. Everything else is a precursor to this glorious event.

Please note, we are dealing within the constraints of time. Even though God created it, He is not bound by it, even though we are. Because of this, except for the parts that must wait until we reach eternity, all may occur practically simultaneously; all during the same event. This is in fact what happens. We are justified (made right or sinless) at our baptism. We receive our earnest of salvation when we participate in the new circumcision (baptism). Moreover, we are set apart as a peculiar people at our baptism.

Additionally, our election occurs at the same time as our permanent salvation (eternity's door), so salvation and election are tied together. All of the ties between them, and their occurrence at different times makes it hard to detangle these terms. It is no wonder that there are so many different teachings about them. Also, there is the legal pronouncement at judgment before we can receive our crown; in turn before we can be admitted into Heaven.

In summary, your seven terms actually describe three concepts. All three have a present realization and a future realization. They must occur in a specific order, yet all of the present tense portions of these occur during the same event; baptism. All of the future tense applications occur at, during, or at the close of judgment.

Ernie, I pray that I was able to unravel this for you. I hope the usage of the original languages holds up in this forum. There are times when it does not. Please forgive me for the length of this; it makes a full length sermon based on the size. I know it is hard to try explaining eternal and spiritual concepts with mortal words, for we cannot conceive of them without help. Nevertheless, this is exactly what God did when He inspired the Bible. It is my firm belief that when we follow this and this alone, we can gain at least the knowledge we need to prepare for the hereafter. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to ask.

In His Service,
Marvin Howard
http://www.geocities.com/preacherman_1962
http://360.yahoo.com/preacherman_1962