Simple Studies in Christian Essentials

 

                              Lesson 1

 

Salvation, or, What it means to be saved.

 

   Introduction: Bible salvation is not a "hope" nor

a "guess," but a "fact." It is based not upon feeling

but upon the Work of God, - 2 Cor 5:7; Eph 2:8.

 

I. The Bible teaches that every member of the human

   race is a sinner and therefore, lost - Rom 3:23.

 

    A. Through the sin of Adam the whole race became

       sinners, - Rom 5:14-18.

 

    B. At natural birth we receive only the sinful

       Adamic nature, called the "flesh," - Jn 3:6;

       Gal 5:19-21; Isa 64:6-7.

       1. This nature is unalterably opposed to

          God, - Rom 8:7-8.

 

    C. This Adamic nature is doomed to eternal loss,

       - Ps 9:17; Jn 3:36; Rom 8:7-14.

 

    D. We receive a new nature by birth, - Jn 3:3,5;

       1 Pet 1:23.

       1. This new nature by the Holy Spirit's aid

          enables us to have victory over the old

          nature, - Rom 6:6-13; Rom 8:9-14.

 

II. Christ is God's provided saviour for lost man.

 

     A. Man is unable to save himself:

        1. He is without strength, - Rom 5:6.

        2. He is dead, - Eph 2:1.

 

     B. Man can be no one else's saviour, - Ps 49:6-9.

 

     C. God has provided the needed Saviour in Christ,

        - Matt 1:21; Rom 3:24-25; Rom 4:24-25.

 

III. We are saved from our sin when we accept Christ

     as our personal saviour, - Acts 16:30-31.

 

    A. Acceptance of Christ is evidenced by repentance,

       - Acts 3:19; Acts 17:30.

 

    B. It is preceded by ceasing from our works,

       - Eph 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7.

 

    C. It is believing all the Bible says about

       Christ, - Jn 8:24; Lk 24:44-48.

 

    D. It includes confessing Him before men,

       - Matt 10:32-33; Rom 10:9-10.

 

    E. It is made effective when we ask God

       to save us on the grounds of Calvary,

       - Lk 18:13-14; Rom 10:13.

 

IV. When we have met these conditions God saves

    us which means:

 

    A. Our sins are forgiven, - Eph 1:7.

 

    B. We are born again and become children

       of God, - Jn 1:11-13; 1 Jn 3:1-3.

 

    C. We become possessors of the Divine

       nature, - 2 Pet 1:4.

 

    D. We receive eternal life, - Jn 5:24;

       Jn 10:27-30.

 

                              Questions

 

1. Upon what is the assurance of salvation based?

 

2. What part of the human race is composed of

   sinners?

 

3. Learn Romans 3:23.

 

4. Why cannot man save himself?

 

5. What kind of a nature do we receive at natural

   birth?

 

6. Name the five things that are included in accepting

   Christ.

 

7. When are our sins forgiven?

 

8. What relation do we bear to God after being

   saved?

 

9. What kind of life do we receive at salvation?