Church of the Unified New Testament
  The Dynamics Of Salvation Under The Blood Of Jesus Christ
 

 
Introduction
 
  • One of the greatest questions that a person can ask is "What must I do to be saved."  Out of all the subjects found in the Bible, the subject of salvation is by far the most important.  If you are searching for the answers to salvation, I pray that this study will lead you to the saving power of Jesus Christ.  The lesson below has inspired many people to become Christians and I hope and pray that it will do the same for you.  It is rather lengthy, so I would suggest reading it over the course of several days.  If you would like to study further, please e-mail me Keith Smith and I will be happy to help you.  God bless you and have a wonderful day.
  • I believe for us to truly appreciate and understand the concept of salvation, we must grasp three important principles
  I.  Man sinned and got himself into an awful mess.
 
 II.  God did great things to help man overcome his sin problem.
 
III.  How can we have our sins forgiven and receive salvation?
 
  • Let's begin by looking at the first principle.
I.  First, man sinned and got himself into an awful mess.
 
1.  The Sin Of Adam And Eve
 
  • After God created man, He put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.  While in the garden, God told Adam that he was free to eat from any tree, except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
�The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.  And the Lord God commanded the man, �You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die� (Genesis 2:15-17).
2.  Adam and Eve disobeyed God�s instruction.
 
�When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.  She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it� (Genesis 3:5-6).
  • This is one of the saddest verses in the entire Bible.   Adam and Eve committed the first sin on earth.
3.  What is sin?
 
  • The Greek root word for "sin" hamartia {ham-ar-tee�-ah} (appears 173 times in the Greek NT) means "to miss the mark or the divine standard that God sets for man." Sin is disobeying God's instructions. When God through His Word tells us not to do something, but we do it anyway, we commit sin. Or if God tells us to do something, but we do not do it, we commit sin.
  • Some people take sin very lightly. They think that sin is harmless. However, the Bible teaches that sin is a grave offense against God, which leads to serious consequences.
4.  What are the consequences of sin?  How can sin affect our lives?
 
  • Sin results in many things but specifically; it results in alienation from God, personal calamities, and eternal damnation.
  • I must tell you that I do not enjoy speaking or writing on the subject of sin, but I must because it is a biblical subject.  The information that I am about to deliver does not paint a pretty picture.  It is heartbreaking..  But, I am hoping that from this information, we will see the seriousness of sin, so that we will not engage in it and I am hoping that we will better appreciative what God has done for us.
  • Before I talk about the consequences of sin, it is important for us to understand that we are all sinners.  For the Bible teaches this in (Romans 3:23; 1 John 5:19).  If we are Christians and living faithful godly lives, then the blood of Jesus is covering our sins (1 Jn. 1:7).  On the other hand, if we are not Christians, and are not living godly lives, our sins are creating serious problems.  Here are the consequences of sin.
a.  Sin results in alienation from God.
 
�So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken� (Genesis 3:23).
  • In the beginning, Adam enjoyed wonderful fellowship with God.  But once he committed sin, he lost that privilege because God cannot fellowship with sin.  Since God is a holy and sinless God, He cannot fellowship with sin.  He has no choice.
�But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear� (Isaiah 59:2).
  • Sin is so serious that it separates us from God.
  • If you have lived your life without God, then over the years you have probably accumulated a lot of sin.  This sin separates you from God (1 Peter 3:12).
  • When God is alienated from our lives, we suffer immensely
    Without God, we have:
    No salvation (Psalm 119:155)
    No peace (Isaiah 48:22)
    No comfort (Job 15:20)
    No hope (Ephesians 2:12)
  • Sin results in alienation from God.
b.  Sin results in personal calamities.
 
  • Have you ever experienced any turmoil in your life?  Do you know that it is possible that some of the turmoil you have experienced came from God?  God may have punished you for your sins.
  • Because Adam and Eve committed sin, they were banished from the Garden of Eden; Eve experienced pain in childbirth; Adam had to work harder to produce his food; and death entered into the world (Genesis 3:16-19).
  • Because a woman named Jezebel in the church of Thyatira (Revelation 2:20-23) was leading people into sexual immorality, she suffered divine discipline.
"Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching, she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.  I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.  So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways" (Rev. 2:20-22).  "I am He who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds" (Rev. 2:23b).
  • Our sins can produce consequences.  I am not saying that every problem we face is from God.  I am saying that at times we may experience turmoil because God is punishing us or disciplining us because our sins.
  • Why would God punish us?
  • Because He loves us!
"And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: �My son, do not make light of the Lord�s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son.�  Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?  If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.  Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!  Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness.  No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:5-11).
  • God disciplines us hoping that we will become better not bitter people.  God hopes that we will respond to His discipline by turning away from our sins and start living more righteous lives.  Sin results not only in alienation from God, but it produces personal calamities.
c.  Sin results in eternal damnation.
 
"For the wages of sin is death�" (Romans 6:23).
Read (Matthew 25:31-46).
  • If we die physically without having our sins taken care of or atoned for, the Bible teaches that we will die spiritually as well.  This means that we will spend eternity in a place called hell.  Hell is a place where unsaved sinners will live out their eternal existence.
  • Again, I do not enjoy speaking on the subject of hell; however, I must because it is an important subject that everyone needs to hear--including myself.
  • How does the Bible describe hell?
(1)  Hell is described as a place of fire.
 
�Then He will say to those on His left, �Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41).  (See also Matthew 3:12; 18:8; 13:41-42)
ILLUSTRATION:
 
For over 20 years a fire has been burning deep within the earth of Centralia, a small community of 1,200 residents in the heart of Pennsylvania's coal fields.  Fifteen different federal, state, and local agencies have spent more than $3.5 million to extinguish the fire without success. Persons can touch the earth and feel the heat.  Deep holes and crevices vent hot, smoky air and noxious gases.  One citizen said:  "Standing by a hole, you can hear the fires roaring.  It's an eerie sound, like the beating of a thousand wings."
Government officials have indicated that they are no longer willing to attempt to put out the fire; it is a futile task.  As flames continue to burn without restraint, townspeople plead for someone to save their community.
 
  • In Matthew 25:41, the Bible warns us of an even greater fire that burns forever for those who reject Christ -- "Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire�"
  • If we do not have our spiritual lives in order, then we are headed for a place of unquenchable fire.
(2)  Hell is described as a place of torment.
 
"And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever" (Revelation 20:10).
"In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  So he called to him, �Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire" (Luke 16:23, 24).
ILLUSTRATION:
 
One day, in the early 1970's, a real estate agent while viewing some land was badly burned in a freak gas explosion.  A TV documentary showed the horrible agony the man went through while receiving treatment at The Parkland Hospital Burn Center.  
The badly burned man was in such agony and pain, that he wanted to die.  Day and night, he would cry out to his nurses, "I want to die, please let me die.  I am in agony."
 
  • The sad truth is that hell will be ten times more painful than the agony that this man endured.  And the pain will never end!
(3)  Hell is described as a place of darkness and weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 8:10-12; 25:28-30).
 
When Jesus heard this, He was astonished and said to those following Him, �I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.  I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.  But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 8:10-12).
ILLUSTRATION:
 
Some years ago, a family visited a cave in the state of Kentucky. The guide led them through many beautiful and winding subterranean passageways.  Suddenly the guide turned off all the lights and said, "I'm the only one who knows how to get back to the entrance.  If I left you here, you'd probably never find your way out.  Anyone lost in this cave would no doubt become insane within a week from the oppressive loneliness.  Be quiet for a moment and feel the darkness!"   After about 30 seconds, someone in the party could endure it no longer and cried out, "Turn on the lights! I'm going crazy now!"
 
  • Hell will be a place where the guide turns out all the lights and then says find your own way back home.  However, the tragedy is you will be at home.
(4)  Hell is a place where evil people will be (Matthew 7:21-23; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:1-21; Ephesians 5:5)
 
�Not everyone who says to me, �Lord, Lord,� will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  Many will say to me on that day, �Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?�  Then I will tell them plainly, �I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!� (Matthew 7:21-23)
  • Hell is a separation from the righteous (Matthew 13:47-50), and God (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).
"He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.  They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of His power" (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).
  • Some people believe that a loving God would never send someone to hell.
  • God doesn't send people to hell; they send themselves to hell.  God doesn't enjoy punishing anyone (Ezekiel 18:30-32).  However, since God is a just and righteous God, He has no choice but to punish sin.  Just like a judge must punish a lawbreaker, God must punish a sinner.  In reality, God doesn't send anyone to hell, people send themselves to hell by making the choice not to follow God's will.
What Have We Learned From Point # 1
 
  • Because of Sin, man got himself into an awful mess.
  • Sin results in:
  • Alienation from God.
  • Personal calamities
  • Eternal damnation.
  • Thus, we have seen that we have a sin problem. If we do not get our sins taken care of, then we will suffer immensely. However, there is some good news.  Next, we will observe that God sent His Son to rescue us from our sins.

 
 

 
 
II.  Second, God did great things to help man overcome his sin problem.
 
1.  God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to rescue us from our sins.
 
ILLUSTRATION:
 
One day a wealthy English family invited some friends over to spend some time at their beautiful estate.  However, the happy gathering almost turned into a terrible tragedy on the first day.  You see when the children went swimming; one of them got into deep water and was drowning. 
But fortunately, the gardener heard the others screaming and plunged into the pool to rescue the helpless victim.  That youngster was Winston Churchill. His parents, deeply grateful to the gardener, asked what they could do to reward him.  He hesitated, and then said, "I wish my son could go to college someday and become a doctor."  "We'll pay his way," replied Churchill's parents.
Years later when Sir Winston was Prime Minister of England, he was stricken with pneumonia.  Greatly concerned, the king summoned the best physician who could be found to the bedside of the ailing leader. That doctor was Sir Alexander Fleming, the developer of penicillin. He was also the son of that gardener who had saved Winston from drowning as a boy!
 
  • My friends, at one time, we ourselves were drowning in our sins.  We were dying of a serious illness called sin.  But on one glories day, Jesus rescued us from our sins.  He not only snatched us from the watery grave of destruction but He also cured us of a dangerous virus.
  • Even though at one time we were dead in our sins and alienated from God, God still loved us enough to send His Son to deliver us from our sins.
�For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
"This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins" (1 John 4:10).
"But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions�" (Ephesians 2:4).
ILLUSTRATION:
 
On Saturday, September 18, 1982, the U.S. government released the results of a sad investigation.  The government determined that an army soldier stationed in Korea had been a defector to the Communists.  According to the investigation, on August 28, 1982, this twenty-year-old private willingly crossed the Korean Demilitarized Zone into North Korea "for motives that are known."  His fellow American soldiers pleaded with him to turn back, but he did not respond.
The day after the findings were released, the parents of the young man held a press conference on the lawn of there St. Louis home.  Wiping tears from his eyes, the father said that they had accepted the fact that their son was indeed a defector.  "He has lost his credibility in this country, even with me," said the man.  But then he showed the heart of a father.  He said, "I still love my son and I want him back."  
 
  • God is like this father.  Even though we had turned away from Him, and defected from His kingdom, He still wants us back.
  • Although we were sinners, God still loved us enough to send His son to deliver us from our sins.
2..  Why did Jesus have to give his life in order to free us from our sin problem?
 
  • According to the Bible, blood is the only thing that can cover up or atone for sin (Heb. 9:22; Lev. 17:11).
  • In His death, Jesus Christ made atonement for our sins through His blood.
"He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world" (1 John 2:2).
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God�s grace" (Ephesians 1:7).
"Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself.  Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him" (Hebrews 9:26-28).
ILLUSTRATION:
 
In his book "Written in Blood," Robert Coleman tells the story of a little boy whose sister needed a blood transfusion.  The doctor had explained that she had the same disease the boy had recovered from two years earlier.  Her only chance for recovery was a transfusion from someone who had previously conquered the disease.  Since the two children had the same rare blood type, the boy was the ideal donor.
The doctor asked the little boy �Would you give your blood to your sister Mary?�
Johnny hesitated.  His lower lip started to tremble.  Then he smiled, �Sure, for my sister.�
Soon the two children were wheeled into the hospital room--Mary, pale and thin; Johnny, robust and healthy.  Neither spoke, but when their eyes met, Johnny grinned.
As the nurse inserted the needle into his arm, Johnny�s smile faded.  He watched the blood flow through the tube.  With the ordeal almost over, his voice, slightly shaky, broke the silence.  �Doctor, when do I die?�
Only then did the doctor realize why Johnny had hesitated, why his lip had trembled when he�d agreed to donate his blood.  He�d thought giving his blood to his sister meant giving up his life.  In that brief moment, he�d made his great decision.
 
  • Johnny, fortunately, didn�t have to die to save his sister.  Each of us, however, has a condition more serious than Mary's condition, and it required Jesus to give not just his blood, but his life.
  • Because of our sins, we deserve spiritual death; however, Jesus voluntarily gave His life for us so that we may have our sins forgiven (1 Pet. 2:24; 2 Cor. 5:21) and have a new relationship with God (Col. 1:22; 2 Cor. 5:18, 19; Rom. 5:6-11).
"He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed" (1 Peter 2:24).
3.  Through Jesus' death, we can receive a new relationship with God.
 
"Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.  But now He has reconciled you by Christ�s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation" (Colossians 1:22). (See also 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Romans 5:6-11).
  • As we learned earlier, sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2).  However, Jesus, through His death and resurrection, made it possible for us to be reconciled back to God.  We can once again have a new relationship with God.
ILLUSTRATION:
 
In October of 1978, on the 33rd anniversary of the completion of the Bridge of the River Kwai, Dennis Roland of New York and his former guard, Ryuji, walked together arm in arm, over the black, steel-girded span.  Said Roland: "I bear no bitterness (toward the Japanese), but I have many memories."
 
  • Although it was not part of his plan, at Calvary rebellious man constructed a bridge.  In crucifying the Son of God, man had a part in building the "new and living way" to God.  Now all of us, whether we are Greek or Jew, circumcision or uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond or free, can walk together across that bridge.  "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility�"  (Ephesians 2:14).
What Have We Learned From Point # 2
 
  • God did great things to help man overcome his sin problem.
  • God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take care of our sin problem.
  • Through His blood, we can have our sins forgiven and receive a new relationship with God.
  • So far, in our study on salvation, we have seen that we have a sin problem. However, God did great things to help us overcome this dilemma. Next, we are going to find our how we can have our sins forgiven and receive salvation.

 

 
 
III.  Third, how can we have our sins forgiven and receive salvation?
 
  • In order to receive salvation, the Bible teaches that we must obey five principles.  Jesus did His part on the cross, now we must do our part by obeying God's plan of salvation..
1.  First, to receive salvation, we must believe in God.
 
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).
  • "I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins" (John 8:24).
"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.  For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: �The righteous will live by faith" (Romans 1:16-17).
a.  How do we learn about God?
 
"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17).
  • Our faith in God comes from reading the Bible..  The Bible teaches us everything we need to know about God and His will for our lives.
  • To obtain salvation, we must believe with all of our hearts that there is a God and that He is the God of the Bible.  We must believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
b.  How can we know that there is a God?
 
  • The existence of God is:
  • Supported by direct affirmation (Ex. 3:14-15; Isa. 43:10)
  • Supported by His work (Gen. 1:1; 1 Kings 18:24-39; Ps. 100:3)
  • Supported by Human Intuition (Rom. 2:14-15; 1:19-20; Ecc. 3:11)
  • Supported by Nature (Acts 14:15-17; Ps. 19:1-6; Job 12:7)
  • Supported by His people (Isa. 40:9-11; 1 Jn. 4:7-8)
c.  Do you believe in God?
 
  • Is believing in Jesus or accepting the only necessary step in being saved?
  • We must do more than just mentally believe in God, for we must obey His commandments and teachings as well.
�Not everyone who says to me, �Lord, Lord,� will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21).
"We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands.  The man who says, �I know Him,� but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  But if anyone obeys His word, God�s love is truly made complete in Him. This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did" (1 John. 2:3-6).  (See also 1 John 5:3; John 14:23).
"Although He was a son, He learned obedience from what He suffered and, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him�" (Hebrews 5:8, 9).
"This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome" (1 Jn. 5:3).
Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him" (Jn. 14:23).
  • When Jesus appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus, Saul believed in the Lord (Acts 9:3-6). At that point, was he saved just because he believed? No, because Jesus sent Ananias to teach Saul what he needed to do in order to be saved (Acts 22:12-16). "Be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on His name" (v. 16). Saul was saved, not just because he believed, but because he obeyed the Lord's will and was baptized for the remission of his sins.
  • The Demons believe in Jesus, however, they will not be saved (Mk. 1:24; Jam. 2:19).
"What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are�the Holy One of God" (Mk. 1:24).
"You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that�and shudder" (Jam. 2:19).
  • Faith without works is dead (Mt. 25:31f).
"In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (Jam. 2:17).
"As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead" (Jam. 2:26).
  • Belief in the Lord is essential to salvation. However, it is just the beginning of the salvation process. We must be willing to obey and be faithful to the Lord as well.
2.  Second, to receive salvation, we must repent of our sins.
 
"I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish" (Luke 13:3).
"In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30).
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord" (Acts 3:19).
�But if a wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die.  None of the offenses he has committed will be remembered against him. Because of the righteous things he has done, he will live.  Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?" (Ezekiel 18:21-23).
 
a.  What does "repentance" mean?
 
  • The Greek root word for "repentance" metanoeo {met-an-o-eh�-o} (appears 34 times in the Greek NT) means "to change one's mind or purpose." It is a change of mind that results in a change of life. It is forsaking evil and following righteousness.
b.  Here is the biblical process of repentance:
 
True Repentance Involves:
 
(1) Admitting that we have sinned against God.
 
"I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you" (Luke 15:18).
"Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD" (2 Samuel 12:13).
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9)..
  • The first step to repentance is admitting that we have sinned against God. We must admit that we are sinners and are in need of God's forgiveness.
(2) Feeling remorse for what we have done.
 
"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death" (2 Corinthians 7:10).
"Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up" (James 4:8-10).
  • After admitting that we have sinned against God, we should feel remorse. Our mourning should move us to turn away from our sins and start living better Christ-centered lives. 
(3) Turning away from sin and striving to live righteous lives.
 
"No one who lives in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen Him or known Him" (1 Jn. 3:6).
"If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God" (Hebrews 10:26-27).
  • We cannot truly repent, if all we do is admit our sins, and feel sorry about them. We must forsake our sins as well. We must turn away from them! We should love the Lord so much that we should want to turn away from our sins.
(4) Making restitution to people we have wronged only when it is possible (Numbers 5:5-7).
 
  • Repentance is an important part of becoming a Christian. It lets God know that we are serious about living Christian lives. If we really love God and want to spend eternity with Him in heaven, then we will turn away from sin and follow His commands.
  • It is important to understand that we do not have to be perfect in order to give our lives to the Lord. We only have to be willing to make the necessary changes and strive to live godly lives.
  • We need God working in our lives first to help us make the changes necessary to live the Christian life. We cannot do it on our own power; we need God's assistance.
ILLUSTRATION:
 
When I became a Christian, I had many changes to make. In fact, I had to change my entire life style. Before I was a Christian, my lifestyle consisted of drinking, cussing, and the rest is none of your business. The point is my entire purpose in life was to have a good time and fulfill my own desires.
If I had waited to be perfect, I still would not be a Christian today. But once I became a Christian, changing my lifestyle was easy because I had the help of God and the desire to follow His ways. For example, I haven't had a drink of alcohol in almost ten years. I no longer have the desire to live the lifestyle I use to live. Being a Christian has been the best and happiest time of my life.
I could not have changed my life without having God in my life; and you need God to help you as well.
 
3.  Third, to receive salvation, we must confess faith in Jesus Christ.
 
"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven" (Matthew 10:32, 33).
  • Confessing faith in Jesus means that we acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God. We believe He is who He claimed to be. Then, we will always look for opportunities to share Jesus with others.
4.  Fourth, to receive salvation, we must be baptized for the forgiveness of our sins.
 
"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:16).
"Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).
"�and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also�not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 3:21).
"And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on His name" (Acts 22:16).
a.  What are we to be baptized?
 
(1) To receive forgiveness of our sins.
 
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.   And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).
"And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on His name" (Acts 22:16).
  • When we are baptized, we come into contact with the blood of Jesus which cleanses us from our sins.
"Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?  We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" (Rom. 6:3, 4).
  • After we are baptized, every sin that we have ever committed will be wiped away and remembered no more. No matter what we have done in our past, God will forgive us. We become a new creation.
"as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:12).
ILLUSTRATION:
 
In a forgiving God in an Unforgiving World, Ron Lee Davis retells the true story of a minister in the Philippines, a much-loved man of God who carried the burden of a secret sin he had committed many years before. He had repented but still had no peace, no sense of God's forgiveness
In his congregation was a woman who deeply loved God and who claimed to have visions in which she spoke with God and He with her. The minister, however, was skeptical. To test her he said, "The next time you speak with God, I want you to ask him what sin your minister committed while he was in seminary." The woman agreed.
A few days later the minister asked, "Well, did God visit you in your dreams?" "Yes, he did," she replied. "And did you ask him what sin I committed in seminary?" "Yes." "Well, what did he say?" "He said, I don't remember."
 
  • When God forgives, He forgets. Through the blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1:7), we can have all of our sins washed away and remembered no more.
b.  Is baptism necessary for salvation?
 
(1) The Bible teaches it is (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21)
 
c.  In the New Testament, there was no such thing as an unbaptized Christian.
 
Examples of Baptisms:
 
Jesus was baptized (Matthew 3:16).
The people at Pentecost were baptized (Acts 2:38, 41).
Simon in Samaria was baptized (Acts 8:12, 13).
Ethiopian Eunuch was baptized (Acts 8:38).
Paul was baptized (Acts 9:18; 22:16).
Cornelius and his household were baptized (Acts 10:48).
Lydia and her household were baptized (Acts 16:15).
The Jailer and his family believed (Acts 16:31) and were baptized (Acts 16:33).
 
d.  How are we baptized?  Are we sprinkled or immersed in water?
 
(1) Being immersed in water is the only biblical baptism.
 
Examples of water baptisms:
 
As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water (Matthew 3:16).
Philip and the Eunuch "went down into the water and Philip baptized him" (Acts 8:38).
Water is linked to baptism in (1 Peter 3:21).
  • Baptism is a burial (Romans 6:4).
  • In fact, according to the "Greek English Lexicon" by Arndt & Gingrich, the Greek word for baptism (baptizo) means immerse, dip, dip oneself, wash. It does not mean to sprinkle.
(2)  Even the founders of denominations agree that baptism should be by immersion.
 
Martin Luther�"I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies."
 
John Calvin�"The word 'baptize' signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church."
 
John Wesley�"Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church."
 
e.  Is infant baptism a valid baptism?  No
 
  • The Bible does not record a single occurrence of an infant being baptized. On the contrary, every mention of baptism involves people old enough to hear and receive the baptism.
  • Jesus (Matthew 3:16).
 
  • Crispus (Acts 18:8).
 
  • The Philippian Jailer (Acts 16:30-33).
  • Baptism is for the forgiveness of sins. A child is not born a sinner. In fact, God says in (Genesis 8:21) that sin begins sometime in childhood.
"The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in His heart: "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done" (Genesis 8:21).
  • We do not inherit the sins our fathers.
"The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him" (Ezekiel 18:20).
f.  If I did not receive a biblical baptism, should I get re-baptized?
 
  • In (Acts 19:1-7), twelve men who had previously been baptized by John the Baptist were re-baptized after finding out about Jesus' baptism.
  • If you feel that your first baptism was not biblical, then you should be re-baptized for the right reasons. We do have a biblical example of re-baptism.
g.  When should I get baptized?
 
  • Once you believe in the Lord, and are willing to repent of your sins, and confess faith in Jesus, then you should be baptized right away (Acts 2:41; 8:35-38). There is no reason to delay. As soon as you realize that you want to give your life to the Lord, you should be baptized. If you wait until you are "perfect", you'll never feel "good enough"!
5.  Fifth, to receive salvation, we must live faithful godly lives to the end.
 
"Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10).
"All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:22).
  • The Greek word for "faithful" pistos {pis-tos�} (appears 67 times in the Greek NT) means "faithful, reliable, trustworthy, dependable."
Christians exhibit faithfulness by:
 
  • Worshipping God (Jn. 4:23-24)
  • Obeying the Scriptures (Jn. 14:23)
  • Serving (1 Cor. 15:58)
  • Sharing Christ with others (Mt. 10:32; 28:19-20)
  • Attending church services regularly (Heb. 10:25)
  • Staying away from sin (1 Jn. 3:6)
  • Loving one another (1 Jn. 4:7; 3:11; Jn. 15:12)
  • If we want to go to heaven, we must remain faithful to the very end.
  • Once we obey the gospel, by believing, repenting, confessing, and being baptized for the forgiveness of sins, we must remain faithful to the Lord. We should be so in love with the Lord that we want to serve and follow Him on a daily basis. We should study the Bible daily, pray, do good to all people, and attend church faithfully. Being a Christian is a lifetime commitment.
  • When turbulent times come, we must remain faithful. When stress at work has us down, we must remain faithful. When illnesses creep into our lives, we must remain faithful. God never promised that life would be without problems, however, He did promise that if we remain faithful to Him, we will spend eternity with Him in heaven.
ILLUSTRATION:
 
In June of 1955, Winston Churchhill, who was then near the end of his life, was asked to give a commencement address at a British university. At the time of the commencement, he was so physically infirm that he had to be helped to the podium. Then he held on to the podium for what seemed a great amount of time.
He stood with his head down, but then finally raised his voice and said, "Never give up. Never give up. Never give up." With that, Churchill turned and went back to his seat.
 
  • Regardless of what happens to us in our lives, we must never give up. We must stand firm in our faith to the end.
 
Why should we give our lives to Jesus by believing, repenting, confessing, and being baptized for the forgiveness of our sins, and living faithfully to the end?
 
Jesus promises us salvation (eternal life)
 
"The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in His hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God�s wrath remains on him" (John 3:35-36).
  • If we are obedient to the will of God, we can spend eternity in heaven.
Here are the benefits of heaven:
 
  • We will be with God and Christ (Rev. 21:3; Jn. 14:3; Isa. 60:19-20).
  • We will be separated from evildoers (Rev. 22:14-15).
  • There will be no more sorrow (Rev. 21:4).
  • There will be no more hunger or thirst (Rev. 7:16-17).
  • There will be no more pain or death (Rev. 21:4).
ILLUSTRATION:
 
Years ago, Andre Kole, the talented illusionist who traveled all over the world as a representative of a Christian youth organization, wrote about the death of his wife Aljeana. She had an incurable brain tumor, and for two years, she endured incredible suffering. She gradually lost the use of her arms and legs and couldn't move her head or body. She became totally blind. Day after day she could do nothing but lie helplessly in bed. Kole wrote, "While Aljeana was still able to do some speaking, she always shared a poem that ended with these lines: 'We should not long for heaven, if earth held only joy.'"
Heaven is a place, designed by the greatest architect, and it is promised that there we will receive our glorious inheritance.
 
Jesus provides us with an abundant life here and now.
 
"I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly" (John 10:10).
  • Jesus not only promises us life after death, but He offers us an abundant, richer, and fuller life right now. There is joy in being a Christian.
Jesus provides us with peace
 
"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:16-17).
  • The world and the things in the world cannot provide us with authentic peace. Money, alcohol, fame and fortune cannot provide us with genuine peace. True peace can only come from God through Jesus Christ.
ILLUSTRATION:
 
A hurricane is a storm with cyclonic winds that exceed 74 m.p.h. Rain, thunder, and lightning usually accompany the winds. Hurricanes can be very fierce storms with relentless pounding winds that continue hour after hour. But a fascinating thing about a hurricane is its "eye" -- a place of perfect calm in its center. Though the winds blow and rage all around it, there are none in the eye.
 
  • With the Lord as our center, there is calm and peace, even in the darkest of life's storms. If you would like this type of peace in your life, then the only way to get it is through Jesus Christ. When you become a Christian and live your life for Jesus, He provides you with eternal life in heaven, an abundant life here and now, and peace.
What Have We Learned From Point # 3
 
  • To receive salvation, we must:
(1) Believe in God
 
(2) Repent of our sins
 
(3) Confess faith in Jesus
 
(4) Be baptized for the forgiveness of sins
 
(5) Remain faithful to the Lord
 
  • When we become Christians, the Lord provides us  with many blessings.
(1)  We receive salvation
 
(2)  We receive an abundant life here and now
 
(3)  We receive genuine peace
 
CONCLUSION:
 
  • Would you like to have your sins forgiven and receive salvation today?
  • If you believe in God, and are willing to turn away from your sins, and confess faith in Jesus, then you are ready to become a Christian. You are ready to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins.
"And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on His name" (Acts 22:16).
"Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day" (Acts 2:41).
  • There is only one way to enter into the Kingdom of heaven and that is through Jesus Christ. We cannot hope our way in, sneak our way in or buy our way in. Salvation does not come through a preacher, priest, or family members. It only comes through the Lord.
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).
ILLUSTRATION:
 
In January 1985, a large suitcase, unmarked and unclaimed, was discovered at the customs office at Los Angeles International Airport. When U.S. Customs agents opened the suitcase, they found the curled-up body of an unidentified young woman.
She had been dead for a few days, according to the county coroner. As the investigation continued, it was learned that the woman was the wife of a young Iranian living in the U.S. Unable to obtain a visa to enter the U.S. and join her husband, she took matters into her own hands and attempted to smuggle herself into America via an airplane's cargo bay. While her plan seemed to her simple though risky, officials were hard pressed to understand how such an attempt could ever succeed. Even if she survived the journey in the cargo bay, she would remain an illegal alien, having entered through improper channels.
 
  • Some people believe they'll enter the kingdom of God on their own since they've been reasonably good citizens. But entry plans of our own design prove not only foolish but also fatal.
  • Today, you have an important decision to make.  You can choose to reject the Lord and the salvation He offers or you can choose to accept the Lord and the salvation that He offers.
"But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24;15).
  • What will your decision be? Spiritual life in heaven or spiritual death in hell?  I pray that you choose spiritual life in heaven!
  • I hope and pray that this study on salvation has helped you in your decision to become a Christian.  If I can assist you with anything, please e-mail me DELTA_flt.1189@yahoo.com
        Thanks for taking the time to read this message.  God bless you.

 
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