Born Again, Part 2

Spiritual rebirth involves two key aspects: justification and sanctification. Justification, a legal declaration of innocence achieved through faith in Christ’s sacrifice, clears our sins, while sanctification is the ongoing process of developing holy attributes beyond merely being free of negative charges.

Through the merits of Jesus, Christians are not only justified but also immediately sanctified, meaning His righteousness is imputed to believers, making them righteous and holy before God, and allowing them to glory solely in the Lord. Unlike Mormonism, which relies on individual works for righteousness, Christianity emphasizes that believers are saved by grace through faith, making them immediately justified and sanctified, and granting them peace and assurance before God.

In his teaching, Shawn critiques the Mormon emphasis on works and ordinances, arguing that it diverges from the biblical principle of salvation by grace through faith alone in Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that true Christian sanctification occurs through a transformative, internal process led by the Holy Spirit, contrasting it with the Mormon belief system that ties salvation to adherence to specific commandments and ordinances.

Spiritual rebirth, marked by being born-again, initiates a process known as "living sanctification," where the Holy Spirit continually transforms and guides believers, freeing them from sin and prompting them to live holy lives, not based on personal worthiness but through divine grace. This sanctification is a progressive work that does not attain perfection in life, and believers are called to cling to their faith rather than rely on their own efforts, which differs from the belief that a combination of grace and works contributes to salvation—a notion countered by biblical passages such as Romans 11:6.

Shawn critiques conditional salvation taught by LDS gospel standards, advocating for a personal Christian revolution that challenges traditional religious authority, emphasizing freedom from religious constraints and the potential of heaven as a goal. He humorously promotes Green Tea HP as a life-changing product, and engages with various email responses, highlighting diverse Christian perspectives on theological issues such as predestination, apostolic authority, and the debate over Christian perfectionism.

Shawn's teaching emphasizes the journey of individuals transitioning from Mormonism to finding a personal relationship with God, highlighting the challenges and emotional turmoil involved in such faith transitions. It underscores the importance of community support, exploration, and personal faith development outside of institutional religious practices.