Salvation

Salvation

What is salvation and what are its benefits? Sometimes words are tossed around with the assumption that everyone fully understands them. However, this is not always the case. Salvation, bears defining for the sake of a deeper understanding of this doctrine and its incredible benefits.

Greek translations indicate that it is a noun, based from the word soteria meaning the physical or moral rescue of someone. It concerns the health and safety of the individual. It is combined with a basis from the term sozo, a verb, indicating healing, saving, preservation or to be made whole. The meanings are both literal and figurative. With these definitions in mind, consider the following scripture: Psalms 68:19, "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation." Now apply the literal words from the definitions of soteria and sozo, while remembering what we are told God does for us in Psalms 68:10. We are rescued from sinfulness. We are redeemed. We are healed from disease. We are delivered from captivity and saved from destruction. We are preserved from danger. We are made whole.

How do we receive this salvation for ourselves? Our salvation begins with faith. The object and rewarder of our faith is Jesus Christ. John 3:36 asserts that, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life." Romans 10:9, calls for action on the part of the believer and God. IF THE BELIEVER confesses, and IF THE BELIEVER believes (actions by believer); THEN THE BELIEVER WILL BE saved (action by God). This grace from God is a free gift. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is a gift from God" (Ephesians 2:8).

While our salvation begins with faith, it offers us an intimate relationship with God, and ends with the promise of eternal life. "He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself. And this is the record, that God has given to us eternal life, and His life is in the Son" (I John 5:10-11). I John 3:24 explains, "And thereby we know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He has given us." Jesus, Himself, says, in John 10:28, "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." Notice the strong words of Christ again – "neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." In simple terms, once we are saved through Jesus Christ, He will never let us go. This truth should give every believer peace.

Jesus came to save the lost and He calls us to partner with Him in His plan of salvation. One of the directives that Jesus gives to mankind is the responsibility to share the good news of the gospel. Matthew 28:19 reads, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

Faith needed for salvation, comes by hearing the word of God (see Romans 10:17). Therefore, we are instructed to know the word of God and to teach His word; making it plain. Join in and be a part of God’s plan. The nations need to hear the word of God. We are the ones commissioned to tell them!

Study Questions:

1. Give a complete definition of salvation.
2. How is salvation received?
3. Discuss the meaning of this scripture - “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is a gift from God” (Ephesians 2:8).
4. Once a person is truly saved can he or she lose their salvation? Please give scriptures to support your answer. Be aware that there are two theological views that are often debated on this subject. Argue for your view.

Faith

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

1. A man’s life will be governed by what he believes.

1. A Christian's life is governed by in whom he believes.

1. Faith is the only avenue or approach to God - Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

1. Salvation through faith
   1. Ephesians 2:8 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
   2. Mark 16:16 - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
   3. Acts 16:31 - And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
   4. -- Revised Standard - John 1:12 - But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God;
   5. Romans 5:1 - Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
   6. John 5:24 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation;
   7. Romans 10:9 - 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.

1. The fullness of the Spirit through faith
   1. Galatians 3:14 … that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
   2. John 7:39 - But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive:

1. Sanctification through faith
   1. Acts 15:9 - And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
   2. Acts 26:18 …that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

1. Security by faith
   1. 1 Peter 1:5 - Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
   2. Romans 11:20 - Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith.
   3. Hebrews 10:23 - Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
   4. Hebrews 10:12 - But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

1. Peace through faith
   1. Isaiah 26:3- Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
   2. Hebrews 4:3 - For we which have believed do enter into rest

1. Healing through faith
   1. James 5:15 - And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
   2. Acts 14:9 - The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

1. Overcoming the world and it’s ways
   1. 1 John 5:4 - For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

1. Overcoming the flesh
   1. Romans 6:11 - Likewise reckon (have faith) ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

1. Overcoming the devil
   1. Ephesians 6:16 - Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
   2. Luke 22:31-32.- And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not:

1. Our entire Christian life is lived through faith
   1. "The just shall live by faith." (Hk. 2:4; Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11; Heb 10:38.)
   2. Galatians 2:20 - I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Study Questions:

1. Why is it impossible to come to God but by faith?
2. Why is it important to be saved by grace and not by our own works?
3. Define sanctification and how we can get it.
4. Explain healing by faith.

Righteousness & Justification

1. Imputation of Christ’s righteousness
   
   
   1. We must be pardoned for sins and be imputed with righteousness to have fellowship with God.

1. Romans 4:6 - Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
   1. Justification is the non-imputation of sin and the imputation of righteousness.
   2. Our blessing comes by our righteousness through faith.
   3. To "impute" means to put to the account of

1. Romans 3: 21-22 - But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
   1. The imputation of righteousness is available to anyone who believes.
   2. There is not other qualification other than faith.

1. 2 Corinthians 5:21 - For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
   1. There is a double imputation - our sins are imputed to Christ and His righteousness is imputed to us
   2. Man cannot have any righteousness of his own that is worthy of fellowship with an almighty God, so God imparts the believer with the righteousness of Christ.

1. A pardoned criminal is never thought of as a good and righteous man.

1. God sees the sinner who chooses to believe through the perfect righteousness of His Son.

1. Methods of Justification
   
   
   1. Not by good works
      1. Rom. 4:2-3 - For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
      2. Romans 11:6 - And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

1. Not by keeping the law
   1. Galatians 2:16 - Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
   2. Romans 3:20 - Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
   3. Romans 3:28 - Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

1. By the gift of God’s grace
   1. It is only received through God’s grace - Romans 3:24 - Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
   2. Titus 3:7 - That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
   3. Grace is God’s blessing despite all of man’s non-merit.
   4. Grace is favor shown where there is positive dis-merit.
   5. In Grace what God’s righteousness demands he supplies.

1. Through the sacrifice of Jesus
   1. God’s pardon and impartation of righteousness is based on the strict terms of justice
   2. Romans 5:19 - For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
   3. 1 Peter 2:24 - Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

1. Through faith alone
   1. Romans 3:26 - To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
   2. Romans 4:5 - But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
   3. Romans 5:1 - Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
   4. We are not saved for our faith but through our faith (Thiessen)

1. The resurrection assures our justification
   1. Romans 4:25 - Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
   2. God raised Jesus from the dead because He approved and was satisfied that the work had been done. It was truly finished. It is God’s seal of approval.
   3. Your justification remains the same whether you have been saved 1 year or 50 years.

Study Questions:

1. Why is righteousness described as a blessing in scripture?
2. Why must righteousness be imputed?
3. Explain three methods of justification.
4. Why does the resurrection assure our justification?

Repentance

Repentance

1. What must I do to be saved?. Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
2. Many believe that because repentance was not mentioned in this verse that believing is all that is involved in salvation
3. Repentance is turning from sin
4. Repentance means "a change of mind or purpose"
5. It is a sincere and thorough changing of the mind and disposition in regard to sin
   1. It is a change of view
   2. It is a change of feeling
   3. It is a change of purpose
6. The three elements of repentance
   1. The Intellectual Element
      1. Sin is not a mistake or a weakness it is personal guilt
      2. Psalms 51:3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
      3. Psalms 51:4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight:
      4. It is seen not only as guilt before God but a defiling and polluting agent of self
      5. We need to be cleansed Psalms 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
   2. The Emotional Element
      1. Follows the intellectual element
      2. Repentance is a Godly sorrow
      3. 2 Cor. 7:9-10. Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
      4. There is a vast difference between feeling shame and sorrow for being exposed and Godly sorrow because of the sin itself
   3. The Voluntary Element
      1. There must be an act of the will - Luke 15:18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and in verse 20 - and he arose, and came to his father
      2. When repentance touches the will the following results can be expected.
         1. Confession - Psalms 38:18 - For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.
         2. Forsaking Proverbs 28:13 - He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
         3. Turning to God - When we turn from sin we must at the same time turn toward God - Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
      3. Repentance is not a "work" that earns salvation; it is a necessary act that coincides with faith in Christ. God’s grace still saves us, but his grace should produce a sorrow over sin

1. The importance of repentance
   1. Jesus emphasized it - Matthew 4:17 - From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
   2. Matthew 9:13 - But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
   3. The disciples preached it - Mark 6:12 - And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
   4. The Great Commission - Luke 24:47 - And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
   5. Peter preached it - Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
   6. Paul preached it - Acts 20:21 - Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

1. Repentance is a gift
   1. Acts 11:18 - When they heard these things, they held their peace,and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
   2. When God urges us or the Holy Spirit convicts us it is time to repent
   3. Repentance comes to us by divine means such as believing God’s word - Jonah 3:5.-6 - So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. It also comes through preaching, brotherly reproof, and God’s goodness (Rom. 2:4; 2 Pt. 3:9)

Study Questions:

1. Define repentance.
2. What are the three elements of repentance? Explain.
3. Why is sin not simply a mistake?
4. Why is repentance important?