Salvation Of God Series

Thinking, Acting, Being like Jesus

Salvation of God

Ephesians 2:8-9

Introduction-

Last week we began a series called Thinking, Acting, Being like Jesus.

What I desire and I ask you again is to be honest where you are at and allow God to change the things that need to be changed so you can become all that God wants of you.

To be like Jesus is our virtues, that they line up with Jesus.

To think like Jesus is our beliefs, believing is not enough, you must make it a way of life.

To Act like Jesus is Bible studies, worship, praying, sharing our faith, and engaging our community of believers.

Statement of truth #1-

I believe the God of the Bible is the only true God, God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.

Last week- Knowing God- you have to have a relationship with God to know God.

Today, we look at Salvation.

To be like Jesus, we need to know who we are in Jesus.

The Second truth of God is

I believe a person comes into a right relationship with God by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:8-9

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourself, it is the gift of God-not of works so that no one can boast.”

There are some things we can learn

We are saved by grace- meaning we cannot save ourselves.

It is the mercy and grace of God, God’s goodness towards us, not our goodness that leads us to salvation.

We receive it by faith-

Faith in what Christ has done for us, not what we do.

We cannot earn it, it is based upon what Christ has done so that we cannot brag how good we are or how much or how little was needed by God to reach us.

That is salvation! God doing something we cannot do for ourselves. We by faith except His gift. Like we said many times, it is a God thing!

It was God’s plan to redeem mankind because mankind cannot save itself.

It was God’s plan to take the punishment for those that accept His redemption.

When you see this simple yet complex plan of salvation, some people ask themselves it that enough?

We ask that question because we want to earn our salvation rather than trust God’s plan of completion.

Marks Gospel records Jesus encounter with a rich man.

“As Jesus started on His way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. Good teacher, he asked, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

That is the question many ask but never look into for the answer, or they get the answer and they don’t like it so they do their own thing.

Most center on the rich man walking away, but I want you to see Jesus response. “Jesus looked at him and loved him. One thing you lack, he said, go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, then come, follow me.”

Back to the original question- What must I do to inherit eternal life”-

Answer-Be willing to give up all and follow Jesus.

John records his encounter with Nicodemus.

Nicodemus comes to Jesus and asks about salvation. Jesus says no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.

Nicodemus is concerned and his question about what Jesus meant about the born again experience that is required for salvation.

Back to the original question- What must I do to inherit eternal life?

Answer-He must allow God to change him.

Rebirth of who you were to what God wants you to be.

Salvation is free to us, but it is not free. It cost Jesus everything!

The day of Pentecost

120 disciples were gathering waiting for the promise of God, the Holy Spirit to come and fill them.

The church was birthed and Jesus again gave them direction for our salvation.

“And everyone that calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

The Bible tells us that God got a hold of their hearts and over 3000 believers responded to God’s call of what should we do to receive eternal life?

Peter replies, “Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”

They turned from walking away from God and now walking toward God.

A repentant heart turns 180 degrees.

Peter tells us that we must respond and call on the name of the Lord.

“If you declare with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”