SALVATION
I. Introduction
Acts 16:29-31
(29) Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell
down before Paul and Silas,
(30) And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
(31) And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
2 Peter 1:10
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
Some of you in this class are recent converts, and some have been saved for some time. The new converts may well think that they have already been saved and why is salvation being discussed, again. The older saints may say that they have heard this a hundred times, so why again?
When a person is saved, they usually have only heard a nugget of the Gospel, which is enough to get them saved from Hell, but are in need of deeper understanding. I have many testimonials of folks that were truly saved years after they thought they had been saved. I know of pastors and pastor's wives who were saved after many years in the ministry. In one Bible College, several men who had grown up in Christian homes and attended Christian Schools from 4K through High School were saved in their fifth year of theology training at that school. Our desire is for the new member to have an unshakeable confidence in their salvation. If there is any doubt, this first lesson provides an immediate opportunity to remove that doubt about your eternal security.
II. Defining salvation
Micah 7:7
Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.
3468 yesha` (yeh'-shah); or yesha` (yay'-shah); from 3467; liberty, deliverance, prosperity: KJV-- safety, salvation, saving.
Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
4991 soteria (so-tay-ree'-ah); feminine of a derivative of 4990 as (properly, abstract) noun; rescue or safety (physically or morally):
KJV-- deliver, health, salvation, save, saving.
As we can see, in both Old and New Testaments, the word salvation means safety or rescue from either physical or spiritual danger. Micah was looking for deliverance or salvation from his enemies. In Acts, Peter was speaking to how we are delivered / saved from the judgment of God.
We all understand escaping from enemies. We have had a few in our lives. They may not have sought our life, but they may have sought to discredit us or cause us to lose our livelihood or even beat us up as kids. But the word escape conveys the idea that some human action was taken to avoid an unpleasant or dangerous situation. When we consider God’s judgment we must think of deliverance and not escape. Only God, through His grace and love, can deliver us from His Judgment. Often this is a new or unclear concept.
Romans 5:12
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
As part of your homework, please read Genesis 1-3. Most people are familiar with this account of Creation, Adam, Eve, and the fruit (probably not an apple), but it will enrich your spirit to sit quietly and let God speak to you through His Word about the beginning of our world and human life. The book of Revelation will be much clearer if you understand the beginning.
This reading in Genesis will provide the details of what the above verse from Romans is describing. Death is a separation of soul from the body. (James 2:26) Spiritually, man was cut off from experiencing God on a daily basis, losing his home in Eden. (Genesis 3:23,24)
Spiritual death is having your spirit separated from God. We are all born spiritually dead. (Ephesians 2:1-5) We will all die a physical death, unless we are alive at the time of the Rapture, which may be discussed at greater length in a future class.
III. What salvation is not.
{A} Salvation is not religion.
Religion is man seeking to please God in order to achieve a place in Heaven.
{B} Baptism does not save.
Acts 10:44-48
(44) While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. (45) And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. (46) For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, (47) Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? (48) And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Romans 8:9
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Note that they received the Holy Spirit before baptism. They believed the Word they were hearing; thus accepting / receiving Christ as their Savior. They were saved and sealed. (Please read Ephesians 1:13,14; 4:30)
{C} Church membership does not save.
Matt 13:27-30
(27) So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? (28) He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? (29) But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. (30) Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
All the Jews who left with Moses were of the congregation, but not all were believers. (Please read Hebrews 3:16-4:3)
{D} Good works do not save.
Romans 4:3-8
(3) For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. (4) Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. (5) But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (6) Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, (7) Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. (8) Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
IV. What is salvation?
{A} It is a personal relationship with God.
Ephesians 1:5-6
(5) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (6) To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Romans 8:14-17
(14) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (15) For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (16) The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (17) And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
{B} It is a spiritual rebirth.
John 3:3
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
I Peter 1:23
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
{C} It is God providing the purpose, the plan, and the method of our reconciliation.
1. God’s purpose is to restore His relationship with man.
II Corinthians 5:18-19
(18) And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (19) To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
2. The plan is the substitutionary death of His Son.
Colossians 1:19-22
(19) For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; (20) And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (21) And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (22) In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
3. The method is accepting in faith God's plan and His Son.
I John 5:11-13
(11) And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (12) He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (13) These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
V. from what does salvation deliver us?
{A} The penalty of sin.
Romans 8:1-2
(1) There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
{B} The power of sin.
Romans 6:6-9
(6) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (7) For he that is dead is freed from sin. (8) Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: (9) Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
{C} One day from the presence of sin.
Revelation 22:14-15
(14) Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city (15) For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
VI. What is sin?
{A} Sin is anything that:
*Disregards God
*Disregards His commands
*Disregards His design or is not of faith.
I John 5:17
All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
James 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Romans 14:23
And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
VII. What is righteousness?
{A} Righteousness is cooperating with God and/or God’s created reality
God created the universe and all within it before He created man. Hence God created what we call reality with all its natural laws and design. God then placed man in this reality and began to teach him how to live in it. In the Garden, it was very simple. All Adam and Eve had to do was tend to the garden, walk with God, enjoy each other and everything else and not eat of one tree. There were many positives and only one negative. Everything was in balance and there was no death so joy reigned in His creation.
Then man sinned and it became complicated as sin affected everything in creation. Balance and harmony were gone and death and sorrow entered. Then God had to teach man how to live in a fallen world and how to overcome or at least mitigate some of the sorrows in this new reality. It became complicated as innocence was now gone. Man’s conscience was also corrupted so God had to bring in the Law. Man would forget, ignore or seek to change God’s Law and so He sent in the prophets. Then He became silent for four hundred years causing then people to have faith in His Word alone without miracles and prophets. After that training came Jesus Christ, the Apostles and the New Testament. We again rely upon His Word both Christ, the Living Word and the Bible, His written Word until we see the Rapture, Tribulation, The Redemption of Israel and the Millennium. After that, all will be restored as it was in Paradise.
All the laws of the universe are God’s creation, whether they are spiritual or physical laws. There are consequences when we do not cooperate or transgress against one of these laws. Jumping off a cliff transgresses the law of gravity: serious injury or death will result. Transgressing God’s spiritual laws is defined as sin and leads to spiritual injury and a second death, which is eternal separation from God in a place called Hell. Thus after a life of ignoring Him and His reality suffering the sorrows of this life we spend an eternity in suffering. Praise Him, that we can have a life of victory and an eternity of rejoicing through His Son!!
VIII. How do I know that I am a sinner?
{A} All humans sin.
Romans 3:10
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
{B} Sinning breaks all the commandments of God
James 2:10
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
One might say or think, “I don't think I have ever sinned.” Read Exodus 20:1-17 Do you love God with ALL your heart, and ALL your mind, and ALL your soul? I don't think so; therefore you have broken the first commandment and are guilty of all. (Mark 22:37) Ever told a "white" lie? Guilty! Ever stolen anything at all, even a penny, or a pen? Guilty! Ever been envious of anyone? Guilty! You are already a condemned person just waiting for the sentence to be carried out. Your are literally on death row not knowing when you will walk the last mile!
IX. what are The consequences of sin?
{A} The penalty for sin is death.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
X. How can we be delivered from this death penalty?
{A} Believe the Gospel: Gospel means Good News.
I Corinthians 15:1-9
(1) Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; (2) By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. (3) For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; (4) And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: (5) And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: (6) After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. (7) After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. (8) And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. (9) For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
{B} Admit that you are a sinner.
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Admitting to being a sinner is to acknowledge our disregard of God, His will and His law. It is an admission that we have been in rebellion against God.
{C} Believe Christ died for our sins.
Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Corinthians 15:4-8 -- See above under {A}
Jesus was crucified, buried, and arose on the third day. His resurrection is proof that He was God in the Flesh and that God, the Father, accepted His death as payment for our sin. In I Corinthians 15:5-9, Paul writes of others seeing our risen Savior.
{D} Accept God’s Gift.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Ephesians 2:8,9
(8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Nothing man does, thinks or says outside of God can save him. Salvation is only through the grace of God.
{E} Ask Jesus Christ to come into your life as your personal Lord and Savior
Romans 10:9-13
(9) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (11) For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (12) For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
You ask Jesus into your life by praying. Praying in talking to or asking of God. In your own words, pray to Jesus asking him to save you, to become your Lord and Savior. Tell him you are a sinner and need Him to cleanse you of your sins and make you His child. Ask Him to guide you in His ways and strengthen you. Then thank Him for your salvation. There are no magic words. God looks on the heart. Call to Him in faith and He will receive you into His Kingdom and Family. The glory is that He goes even further and adopts you as a child, making you a prince / princess and a priest. (Please read Romans 8:14,15; Galatians 4:5;Ephesians 2:19)
SAMPLE PRAYER:
Dear God,
I know that I am a sinner and that Your Son, Jesus Christ, died and rose again to pay for my sins. I want Him to be my King and Savior. Please forgive me for my sins. I want to turn from my sin and, with your help, to obey You. Save me now, for Jesus’ sake. Thank You for saving me.
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!
Homework
Do not just answer. Put the Scripture reference with your answer.
1. According to Ephesians 2:8,9, by what are we saved?
2. What place do works have in our salvation based on this passage?
3. According to Titus 3:5,6 by what are we saved?
4. What place do our works have in our salvation based on this passage?
5. Who sheds mercy abundantly on us?
6. According to Titus 3:7 by what are we justified and what do we become?
7. Our hope is in what kind of life?
8. If could lose our salvation would that be consistent with the hope promised here?
9. According to 1 Peter 1:5, by whose power are we kept in our salvation?
10. According to Ephesians 1:13,14 are we sealed until we sin or sealed unto when?
11. In the tract on the next two pages, how many ways are there to God?
12. What is that one way?
13. What proof do we have by prophecy of the above answer being the only way?
14. Why do some people not see the Way?
15. If they do not take the one Way, what will happen to people according to John 3:17,18?
16. According to 2 Peter 3:9, does God want people to miss the Way?
Appendix A
WHICH IS THE WAY TO GOD?
Hare Krishna "Living Right" Confucious New Age
Rev Ike Rev Moon Shintoism The Occult
Hinduism Mormonism Taoism Psychology
Zen Yoga Tai Chi Modernism Russellism
Baptists Bahaism Judaism Catholicism
Adventism Modernism Silva Davidianism
Christianity Science UFOs NAR
Drugs Moral Majority Rev Hinn The Ten Commandments
Discussion: What are some of the other ways people might try to find their way to God?
JESUS SAID:
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.
HOW CAN I KNOW THAT CHRIST IS THE RIGHT WAY?
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
II Timothy 3:1,2 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, BLASPHEMERS, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy," (Emphasis mine)
Paul accurately describes today's society. All the mentioned characteristics fulfill prophecy and give validity to the claim that the Bible is God's Word and the Bible says that Jesus is THE Son of God.
The predication of men being blasphemers is very significant. The definition of blasphemy is the act of insulting God or showing contempt for or lack of reverence for God; also, claiming the attributes of deity or having irreverence toward something considered sacred or inviolable.
Who do people curse and swear by? GOD and JESUS CHRIST! Who do many cultists claim to be? JESUS CHRIST! What name is sacred to many, and yet, most people show little reverence to it? JESUS CHRIST!
I have been in other countries and have not found people using the name of Buddha or Allah in vain, or claiming to be them. One would be executed! Even in those countries, the most popular curse is JESUS CHRIST!
(Appendix A Continued)
By the blasphemy from their own lips, they confirm the deity of Christ. No one else is blasphemed as Christ is today. They mock Him now, as they did on the Cross nearly two thousand years ago. There is no doubt that JESUS is THE Christ, THE SON OF GOD. If after reading this, you will reject Christ, you fulfill other verses in the Bible.
II Corinthians 4:3,4 But if our Gospel be HID, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of CHRIST, who is THE image of GOD, should shine unto them (Emphasis mine.) (KJV)
Why not accept THE Way and The Truth and be saved from sin and Hell? If you would like to be saved, use the following prayer as an example to tell God and His Son, Jesus, you want salvation! The words are not magical. God looks on the heart and, not the lips. Call out to Him, in your own way! You may call longer or louder than someone else. That is fine! Just call before it is too late!
SAMPLE PRAYER
Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and that Your Son, Jesus Christ, died and rose again to pay for my sins. I want Him to be my King and Savior. Please forgive me for my sins. I want to turn from my sin and with your help to obey You. Save me now, for Jesus' sake. Thank You for saving me.
