The Identity of the Church

I. Redeemed A. Gen. 1:27 - Created in Image of God -Gen 5:3-Adam has a son in his likeness and his image. Image of God marred in humanity. B. Rom. 6:6,16 - Humanity enslaved to sin. C. Rom. 6:6 - Old self was crucified with Christ - Cruciformity D. Titus 2:14- Jesus redeemed us E. Galatians 3:13- F. Ephesians 1:7 II. Adoption A. Eph. 1:3-6; verses 3-14 has 14 plural pronouns emphasizing corporate redemption- community- not individual predestination but a people unto himself. The plan of redemption, the doctrine of adoption, and the righteousness of the saints through Christ was preordained. B. Adoption brings us into the realm of the seat of his authority and invites us to partake of his suffering and eternal glory. III. Justification A. Rom. 3:24 - justification is free gift B. Rom. 3:38; 5:1 - justification is accessed by faith and saves us from wrath (5:9). C. Titus 3:7 - Justification is an expression of the grace of God. IV. Transformation A. Rom. 8:29 - preordained that the redeemed would be conformed to his likeness. B. Gal. 2:20 - Crucified with Christ - Cruciformity C. Rom. 12:2 - Do not conform to this world, but be transformed D. 2 Cor. 5:17 - We are a new creation in Christ E. 2 Cor. 4:16 - Transformation is ongoing. F. 2 Cor. 3:18 - Transformation is accumulative and ongoing. V. Sealed A. Eph. 1:13- We are sealed by the Spirit B. Metaphor of a King's seal - i. authority ii. completed transaction iii. protection iv. permission v. authenticated something as genuine vi. prevision vii. ownership VI. Filled us with his Spirit - Acts. 2