Appendix 2.4: Clarification on Salvation, Election, and the Role of Grace
A. We believe in the everlasting love of God and in His desire for all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. From before the foundation of the world, God purposed a plan of redemption through Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for all. Salvation is offered freely to all who repent of their sin and place their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. (John 3:16; 1 Tim. 2:3–6; 2 Peter 3:9; Eph. 1:4–5)
B. We believe that the righteousness of Christ is applied to the believer through faith, and that this righteousness is the only ground for justification before God. (Phil. 3:9; 1 Cor. 1:30; Rom. 5:19; Rom. 4:24–25; Rom. 10:4)
C. We believe that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and regenerates those who respond in faith to the gospel. The Spirit sanctifies and strengthens believers, enabling them to walk in newness of life and remain faithful to Christ. (John 16:8–11; Titus 3:5; 2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 8:9–11)
i. Regeneration: Regeneration, or the new birth, is a spiritual transformation that occurs when a person responds in faith to the gospel. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the heart is renewed, the mind is enlightened to understand the Word of God, and the believer is enabled to love and pursue righteousness. This transformation is a result of God’s grace and the response of faith.
ii. Sanctification: Sanctification begins at regeneration and continues throughout the believer’s life. It is the process by which the Holy Spirit sets the believer apart for God’s purposes and leads them toward spiritual maturity and holiness. (Rom. 8:28–30, 38–39; Phil. 1:6; John 10:28–29; Eph. 1:13–14; 1 Peter 1:2–5)
This section reflects a deliberate theological distinction from Calvinistic terminology such as “particular election” or “effectual call.” While upholding God's sovereignty and the necessity of grace, it affirms the biblical invitation to all. Scripture says God “will have all men to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4), and Jesus “gave himself a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:6). John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world... that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
The emphasis here is that the righteousness of Christ is applied solely through faith — “not having mine own righteousness... but that which is through the faith of Christ” (Philippians 3:9). This guards against any implication that justification can occur apart from personal belief.
Regarding regeneration, the section maintains that it is a work of the Spirit initiated by grace and met by faith. Titus 3:5 states we are saved “by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost,” yet this work accompanies belief in the gospel (John 1:12–13; Romans 10:17). It does not precede it in a manner that negates personal response.
Sanctification is also framed biblically, beginning with regeneration and progressing over a believer’s life through the Spirit’s work — not as a prerequisite to salvation, but as its natural outflow.
This approach affirms the “whosoever will” nature of salvation (Revelation 22:17), guarding the gospel invitation against restrictive theological frameworks, and aligning with the church’s commitment to clear, biblical soteriology.
B. We believe that the righteousness of Christ is applied to the believer through faith, and that this righteousness is the only ground for justification before God. (Phil. 3:9; 1 Cor. 1:30; Rom. 5:19; Rom. 4:24–25; Rom. 10:4)
C. We believe that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and regenerates those who respond in faith to the gospel. The Spirit sanctifies and strengthens believers, enabling them to walk in newness of life and remain faithful to Christ. (John 16:8–11; Titus 3:5; 2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 8:9–11)
i. Regeneration: Regeneration, or the new birth, is a spiritual transformation that occurs when a person responds in faith to the gospel. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the heart is renewed, the mind is enlightened to understand the Word of God, and the believer is enabled to love and pursue righteousness. This transformation is a result of God’s grace and the response of faith.
ii. Sanctification: Sanctification begins at regeneration and continues throughout the believer’s life. It is the process by which the Holy Spirit sets the believer apart for God’s purposes and leads them toward spiritual maturity and holiness. (Rom. 8:28–30, 38–39; Phil. 1:6; John 10:28–29; Eph. 1:13–14; 1 Peter 1:2–5)
This section reflects a deliberate theological distinction from Calvinistic terminology such as “particular election” or “effectual call.” While upholding God's sovereignty and the necessity of grace, it affirms the biblical invitation to all. Scripture says God “will have all men to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4), and Jesus “gave himself a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:6). John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world... that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
The emphasis here is that the righteousness of Christ is applied solely through faith — “not having mine own righteousness... but that which is through the faith of Christ” (Philippians 3:9). This guards against any implication that justification can occur apart from personal belief.
Regarding regeneration, the section maintains that it is a work of the Spirit initiated by grace and met by faith. Titus 3:5 states we are saved “by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost,” yet this work accompanies belief in the gospel (John 1:12–13; Romans 10:17). It does not precede it in a manner that negates personal response.
Sanctification is also framed biblically, beginning with regeneration and progressing over a believer’s life through the Spirit’s work — not as a prerequisite to salvation, but as its natural outflow.
This approach affirms the “whosoever will” nature of salvation (Revelation 22:17), guarding the gospel invitation against restrictive theological frameworks, and aligning with the church’s commitment to clear, biblical soteriology.