“Theologically, salvation is a blanket term for all that takes place spiritually in people when they trust in the Lord Jesus as their Saviour from sin. A theological description of salvation is this: Salvation is the gracious work of God whereby He delivers gospel believing sinners from the guilt, penalty, and ruin of their sins and from bondage to their spiritual enemies and their works; brings them into a right, vital relationship with Himself; and bestows upon them the abundant benefits of His grace.” - Floyd H. Barackman, Practical Christian Theology, pg 329. Kregel Publications.
This lesson continues our look at Salvation. We have considered God’s plan and provision for all to be saved. Now we look at the response that is required of any who would receive “so great salvation.”
Article III: DECLARATION OF FAITH
Section E. Salvation:
3. Repentance. We believe that genuine repentance, a godly sorrow for sin and a turning from sin, is an essential aspect of the sinner’s salvation (Acts 2:37, 38).
1. Who in the following scriptures preached repentance?
· Acts 2:37, 38; 3:12, 19
· Luke 13:3, 5
· Matthew 3:1, 2
· Acts 20:21; 26:20
2. Repentance involves change. What do you think changes when someone repents and comes to God for salvation?
4. Faith. We believe that personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (that is, faith in His atoning work for the removal of our sins) is the only condition of salvation (John 1:12; 5:24; Acts 16:31; Rom. 4:5).
3. Repentance does not bring salvation, but it does indicate that a person acknowledges the need. What does God’s require of a person who desires salvation from sin and its penalty?
· John 1:12
· John 5:24
· Acts 16:30, 31
· Romans 4:5
4. Read Romans 10:9. From where does the faith or belief that saves come from? How is this different from the belief that is mentioned in James 2:19?
5. Justification. We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is justification. This included the removal of all sin and the gift of eternal life, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done (Titus 3:5), but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood. The believer is judicially “declared righteous” in the Lord Jesus Christ (Gal. 2:16; 5:1; Rom. 3:20 – 25; II Cor. 5:20; I Cor. 1:30).
5. What part does man’s good works or own righteousness play in our justification? See Titus 3:5 – 7 and Galatians 2:16.
6. Upon what basis does God declare us righteous? See 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Romans 3:20 – 26.
7. When we are justified we have right standing before a Holy God. Whose righteousness gives us this right standing? (1 Corinthians 1:30)
6. The Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers. We believe that once a person is saved, he is kept by God’s power and remains secure in Christ forever (John 6:37 – 40; 10:27 – 30; Rom. 8:1, 38 – 39; 1 Cor. 1:4 – 8; 1 Pet. 1:4 – 5). We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God’s Word; which, however, clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh (Rom. 13:13 – 14; Gal. 5:13; Titus 2:11 – 15).
8. Who is doing the saving and keeping of the believer according to Jesus? See John 6:37 – 40; 10:27 – 30.
9. What assurance did Paul give to the believer in Romans 8:1, 38 – 39?
10. What is awaiting the believer in heaven and how can we be assured we will not lose it? See 1 Peter 1:4 – 5.
11. How should the believer live in light of his salvation that is eternally secured? Does this truth provide believers with a reason to then live carnally? How do the following verses apply to these questions?
· Romans 13:13 -14
· Galatians 5:13
· Titus 2:11 – 15
Conclusion: How are you living in light of God’s provision of eternal salvation?
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