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Eternal Security (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAll people will be judged according to the quality of their works after they make the covenant with God. Works are required and rewarded.
Eternal Security (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSome of the harshest criticism we receive is for our position opposing the doctrine of eternal security and stating that works are required for salvation.
God's Workmanship (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWorks are not the cause of salvation, but instead are the effect of God's creative efforts at bringing us into His image—a new creation.
God's Workmanship (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod assumes the burden for our salvation, but we are obligated to yield to His workmanship—made manifest by good works, the effect of salvation.
The Christian Paradox (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSalvation is not merely self-identifying oneself as a saint, but it involves rigorously working with God in an arduous process of transformation.
All in All (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)While we are not yet 'all in all' with God's purpose for us, we will, if we yield to our calling and sanctification, become at one with God.
Philippians (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul both appealed for unity among the Philippians and offered encouragement, reminding them that their relationship with one another was through Christ.
Our Awesome Destiny (1993)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMan's destiny is to have dominion over the entire universe. Preparation for this awesome responsibility requires faithful stewardship over God's gifts.
The Christian Paradox (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSalvation is an ongoing process, beginning with justification (the lifetime process of sanctification) and ultimately glorification following the resurrection. The insidious Protestant doctrine of 'eternal security' or 'once saved, always saved' distorts and oversimplifies the biblical teaching on salvation, leading to complacency in spiritual growth. Salvation has a past, present, and future component. The doctrine of eternal security suggests that salvation is complete at baptism when, in reality, it is only the beginning. God views believers as holy and righteous based on their future potential rather than their current state. We have two conflicting natures—a downward-pulling carnal nature versus a divine nature imparted by God's Holy Spirit, continually at odds. The apostle Paul discusses this conflict in Romans 7, where he laments that a law (or reality) of sin often scuttles his desire to do right. God's people must actively work on salvation by following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. True salvation will not be fully realized until Christ's return or death, when believers will be glorified and perfectly conformed to the image of Christ. Salvation is a continuing dynamic process, requiring active engagement of believers overcoming the continual inherent conflict between their human and divine natures.
Philippians (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ, through His voluntary humility, has given us a model of the mindset that we need to have in order to attain membership in the family of God.
What Do You Mean . . . the Unpardonable Sin?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletCan a Christian commit a sin, and still be a Christian? Or would this be 'the unpardonable sin'? Or would it prove he never was a Christian?
Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Grace implies empowerment for growth. It is the single most important aspect of our salvation, and His giving of it is completely unmerited on our part.