Restoration Theology

The Overcoming Life examines the mechanics of salvation as a three-stage journey — justification, sanctification, and glorification — arguing that sanctification begins with immediate power at the baptismal rebirth of a person rather than the gradual death of the old self. It maps temptation through four stages, locating both sin's origin and victory's location at Stage 3, the heart's moment of consent, and distinguishes known/willful sin (which believers rule over completely, following Christ's own pattern at Gethsemane) from unrevealed sin (not yet imputed as guilt until God brings it to light). The chapter concludes that believers inherit mortality and temptable flesh from Adam but not guilt or an indwelling sin of existence, and that Satan's accusations are rendered powerless because the guilty old man who died in baptism no longer exists to be prosecuted.