Finally, after working through the meat of the ordis salutis, I arrive at the heart of soteriology: sanctification, a union with Christ, and a covenantal partnership with God to be kingdom-bringers. Although sin nature still affects us as Calvin notes, the election and mercy of God, the imputation of Christ, and the impartation by the Holy Spirit lead me to a point in which I no longer am defined by my sin nature. Literally, my sin nature died when Christ died. When Jesus died as our Christus Victor, he defeated death. As Paul says, I become a new person, the old one is dead, and my new birth has been complete. I am a new person, because the Holy Spirit imparts God’s holiness into my life and transforms me to be more like …show more content…
Just as Paul says that we are justified and glorified in Romans 8, our Reformed soteriology understands that salvation is not the end goal. Rather, being in the presence of God and residing within God’s kingdom is our telos. Although I believe that God’s kingdom is both here, but also to come, I know that God’s final kingdom will finally reunite heaven with earth. I know that when this event occurs, our sanctification will convert into glorification as we witness and celebrate what God has accomplished. We will witness God’s ultimate glory untethered and unashamed. And because God works through us to bring about the renewal of God’s creation, I believe we witness a fulfilled partnership. It will be a moment where God tells God’s people ‘well done good and faithful servant’. It is at this moment, within our glorification, that we will celebrate with God, our master. Jesus Christ will be king, the world will be put back to right, justice will reign supreme, and we will understand why we were called by God. As I await this glorious day, I understand the amount of work God’s Spirit has left to compete in me. I know that I am expected to be a kingdom-bringer as I await God’s eschatological deliverance and my