6) Salvation
God's plan to redeem mankind from sin
Everyone has sinned and is separated from God. But there is hope! God has provided a wonderful plan to save us. In this lesson, we will discover how salvation is possible.
The Need for Salvation
Why do we need salvation?
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Answer: Because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
Can we save ourselves by our own works?
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Answer: No, salvation is by grace through faith, not by works
Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
“Faith is the gift of God, but the power to exercise it is ours.” — Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, PP 431.2
The Plan of Salvation
When did God plan salvation?
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Answer: Christ was known before the foundation of the world
1 Peter 1:19-20: "But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,"
How did God demonstrate His love in salvation?
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Answer: Christ died for us while we were still sinners
Romans 5:8: "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
What did Jesus do for us on the cross?
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Answer: He was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities
Isaiah 53:5: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
How to Receive Salvation
What must we do to be saved?
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Answer: Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ
Acts 16:31: "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."
What does faith in Jesus lead us to do?
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Answer: Repent and turn so your sins may be blotted out
Acts 3:19: "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;"
What happens when we confess our sins?
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Answer: He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness
1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
“It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life.” — Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, DA 266.2
The Assurance of Salvation
Can we have assurance of salvation?
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Answer: Yes, that you may know that you have eternal life
1 John 5:13: "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God."
What can separate us from God's love?
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Answer: Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus
Romans 8:38-39: "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
And Now?
Salvation is the most precious gift:
- Everyone needs it: Sin separates us from God
- God has provided: Jesus paid the price on the cross
- It is by grace: We cannot earn it, only accept it
- It is by faith: We believe in Jesus and repent
- It is secure in Christ: We can trust the promise of eternal life while we remain in Him
My Decision
I recognize my need for salvation and accept the gift of God’s grace. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and rose again for my justification. I repent of my sins and accept Jesus as my personal Savior.