OUR SALVATION
“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourself with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Gal. 3:26-28
In order to understand what salvation is, we need to understand first of all our need for salvation.
In order to understand what salvation is, we need to understand first of all our need for salvation.
I. WHY DO I NEED TO BE SAVED?
It makes no sense to share salvation with someone without first recognizing one’s need for salvation. In order to understand what salvation is all about, we need to start at the beginning.
A. The Good News: God created a perfect world.
Gen. 1:31 God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.
God created a perfect world – no sin, no death, no disease, no crime. He created Adam and Eve to be perfect worshippers. Think about this. We were created to worship and glorify Almighty God. But in order for people to perfectly worship God, they had to do it freely. So God gave Adam and Eve a choice to obey or disobey.
It makes no sense to share salvation with someone without first recognizing one’s need for salvation. In order to understand what salvation is all about, we need to start at the beginning.
A. The Good News: God created a perfect world.
Gen. 1:31 God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.
God created a perfect world – no sin, no death, no disease, no crime. He created Adam and Eve to be perfect worshippers. Think about this. We were created to worship and glorify Almighty God. But in order for people to perfectly worship God, they had to do it freely. So God gave Adam and Eve a choice to obey or disobey.
B. The Bad News: Adam chose to disobey.
Gen. 3:6-7 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. 7Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
The result of independence FROM God is always disobedience TOWARD God. As a result of their disobedience, they were kicked out of Eden because nothing imperfect can be part of something perfect. It’s like pouring mud into a glass of milk – it can never be pure milk again. That’s what sin does – it contaminates us. And that brings huge implications for us, as we’ll see later.
Gen. 3:6-7 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. 7Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
The result of independence FROM God is always disobedience TOWARD God. As a result of their disobedience, they were kicked out of Eden because nothing imperfect can be part of something perfect. It’s like pouring mud into a glass of milk – it can never be pure milk again. That’s what sin does – it contaminates us. And that brings huge implications for us, as we’ll see later.
C. More Bad News: Adam’s sin brought sin to the entire world.
One common gene that we all inherit from Adam is the SIN gene.
Rom. 5:12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.
Rom. 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Every one of us falls short. We all “miss the mark”. No matter how good we are, we are still “stained” and contaminated. And that leads us to even worse news.
D. More Bad News: My sin separates me from God.
Adam and Eve were kicked out of Paradise because of their sin. Today, we are prevented access to God’s presence because of our sin. We can never enter Paradise again because we’re contaminated. It’s not about being good because we can never be good enough!
The Old Testament Law was designed to prove to the Israelites that they could never be perfect. Not only does our sin prevent us from seeing God’s glory and being with Him in Paradise, there’s another price to pay.
One common gene that we all inherit from Adam is the SIN gene.
Rom. 5:12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.
Rom. 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Every one of us falls short. We all “miss the mark”. No matter how good we are, we are still “stained” and contaminated. And that leads us to even worse news.
D. More Bad News: My sin separates me from God.
Adam and Eve were kicked out of Paradise because of their sin. Today, we are prevented access to God’s presence because of our sin. We can never enter Paradise again because we’re contaminated. It’s not about being good because we can never be good enough!
The Old Testament Law was designed to prove to the Israelites that they could never be perfect. Not only does our sin prevent us from seeing God’s glory and being with Him in Paradise, there’s another price to pay.
E. More Bad News: My penalty for sin is death.
Gen. 2:17 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.
Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death...
Death means separation. When we die physically, our soul is separated from our body. When we die spiritually, we are separated from God. It’s not because God is a mean God and loves sending people to hell. It’s because He is so perfect, He cannot allow sin in His presence.
Because of sin, everyone born on earth is spiritually dead. Because of sin, we begin to die physically the moment we’re born. Because of our sin, we are helpless to save ourselves from sin. Because of our sin, we are helpless to be reconciled to God. That’s why we need to be saved. Salvation isn’t just about “trusting Jesus”. It’s about a desperate need for man to be saved from the inevitable penalty for sin.
If the story were to end there, we would be absolutely hopeless. But it doesn’t end there. Now if everyone understood the bad news, they would be crying out, “How then can we be saved?”
Acts 2:37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
F. The Good News: The payment for sin has been paid!
God knew we were helpless to save ourselves, but He loved us so much that He came to save us. That’s why Jesus came to earth – to save His people from their sins.
Mt. 1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.
How did Jesus save us from sin? By paying the price for sin – by dying. God allows no exceptions, even though it cost Him His own Son!
Rom. 5:6-8 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
He died a horrible death because that’s how bad sin is in God’s eyes. Does that mean that everybody is automatically restored to God and promised Paradise? No.
Gen. 2:17 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.
Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death...
Death means separation. When we die physically, our soul is separated from our body. When we die spiritually, we are separated from God. It’s not because God is a mean God and loves sending people to hell. It’s because He is so perfect, He cannot allow sin in His presence.
Because of sin, everyone born on earth is spiritually dead. Because of sin, we begin to die physically the moment we’re born. Because of our sin, we are helpless to save ourselves from sin. Because of our sin, we are helpless to be reconciled to God. That’s why we need to be saved. Salvation isn’t just about “trusting Jesus”. It’s about a desperate need for man to be saved from the inevitable penalty for sin.
If the story were to end there, we would be absolutely hopeless. But it doesn’t end there. Now if everyone understood the bad news, they would be crying out, “How then can we be saved?”
Acts 2:37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
F. The Good News: The payment for sin has been paid!
God knew we were helpless to save ourselves, but He loved us so much that He came to save us. That’s why Jesus came to earth – to save His people from their sins.
Mt. 1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.
How did Jesus save us from sin? By paying the price for sin – by dying. God allows no exceptions, even though it cost Him His own Son!
Rom. 5:6-8 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
He died a horrible death because that’s how bad sin is in God’s eyes. Does that mean that everybody is automatically restored to God and promised Paradise? No.
II. HOW CAN I BE SAVED?
A. I need to personally accept His payment.
Jn. 1:12 Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. Jesus offers us a cure for sin, but we need to accept the cure. When you get a birthday gift, it’s not yours until you accept it and make it your own.
B. I accept His payment by faith.
Jn. 3:16-18 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. 17For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. 18Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
Acts 16:30-31 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” There is absolutely nothing we can do to earn His salvation. To attempt to earn it is an offense to God and makes Jesus’ death on the cross meaningless. All we can do is humbly and gratefully accept His payment through faith.
Does that mean all we have to do is say, “I believe”? Not exactly.
Jn. 6:63-66 The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. 64Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray Him. 65He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless the Father has enabled him.” 66From this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him.
Jesus had many people who went through the motions and said they believed, but they weren’t true believers. They may have believed the facts about Him, but their “head” belief didn’t translate into “heart” belief, the personal realization that Jesus Christ is our only hope.
C. I demonstrate faith through repentance.
Mt. 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.
To repent means to turn 180 degrees. Turn from sin to the Savior. In other words, turn from following our sinful ways and begin following the ways of the Lord. You might say it’s as easy as ABC.
1. Admit you’re a sinner.
Tell God what He already knows. Don’t sugarcoat it. Tell Him like it is.
Lk. 5:31-32 Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
If you don’t think you’re a sinner, then Jesus can’t help you!
2. Believe that Jesus died for your sin.
Jn. 20:31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.
Believe the facts about Him in His Word, but more than that, believe with all your heart that He is your only hope; like believing in a parachute as you’re falling from the sky.
3. Call on Jesus to save you and restore you.
Lk. 18:13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
Rom. 10:9-13 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.” 12For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, 13for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
There is no special prayer or altar call that can save you. It’s a heartfelt response – trusting completely in Christ alone to save you from sin.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION: If a friend asked you how to become a Christian, what would you tell them? How would you answer the person who says there are many paths to God? Take turns role playing sharing the Gospel with each other. It could be the most important time you spend in this Class!
A. I need to personally accept His payment.
Jn. 1:12 Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. Jesus offers us a cure for sin, but we need to accept the cure. When you get a birthday gift, it’s not yours until you accept it and make it your own.
B. I accept His payment by faith.
Jn. 3:16-18 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. 17For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. 18Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
Acts 16:30-31 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” There is absolutely nothing we can do to earn His salvation. To attempt to earn it is an offense to God and makes Jesus’ death on the cross meaningless. All we can do is humbly and gratefully accept His payment through faith.
Does that mean all we have to do is say, “I believe”? Not exactly.
Jn. 6:63-66 The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. 64Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray Him. 65He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless the Father has enabled him.” 66From this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him.
Jesus had many people who went through the motions and said they believed, but they weren’t true believers. They may have believed the facts about Him, but their “head” belief didn’t translate into “heart” belief, the personal realization that Jesus Christ is our only hope.
C. I demonstrate faith through repentance.
Mt. 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.
To repent means to turn 180 degrees. Turn from sin to the Savior. In other words, turn from following our sinful ways and begin following the ways of the Lord. You might say it’s as easy as ABC.
1. Admit you’re a sinner.
Tell God what He already knows. Don’t sugarcoat it. Tell Him like it is.
Lk. 5:31-32 Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
If you don’t think you’re a sinner, then Jesus can’t help you!
2. Believe that Jesus died for your sin.
Jn. 20:31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.
Believe the facts about Him in His Word, but more than that, believe with all your heart that He is your only hope; like believing in a parachute as you’re falling from the sky.
3. Call on Jesus to save you and restore you.
Lk. 18:13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
Rom. 10:9-13 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.” 12For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, 13for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
There is no special prayer or altar call that can save you. It’s a heartfelt response – trusting completely in Christ alone to save you from sin.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION: If a friend asked you how to become a Christian, what would you tell them? How would you answer the person who says there are many paths to God? Take turns role playing sharing the Gospel with each other. It could be the most important time you spend in this Class!
III. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I AM SAVED?
A. I become part of the family of God.
Gal. 3:26-28 (LB) For now we are all children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, and we who have been baptized into union with Christ are enveloped by Him. We are no longer Jews or Gentiles, or slaves or free men, or even merely men or women, but are all the same - we are Christians; we are one in Jesus Christ!
Gal. 4:5-7 (NLT) God sent Jesus to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children. And because you Gentiles have become His children, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, and now you can call God your dear Father. Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are His child, everything He has belongs to you.
I Jn. 3:2 See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God and such we are!
When we trust in Jesus for salvation, He adopts us as His very own children!
We are a church family because we share a common blood and a common bond: Jesus has saved us by His blood and united us in Him.
B. I am forgiven.
Mt. 26:27 This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Col. 2:13-14 He has forgiven us all our transgressions, having cancelled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
“My sin, O the bliss of this glorious thought, my sin not in part but the whole is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more, praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul.” Of course, this also implies that we can and must forgive others as well! In fact, Jesus says if we don’t forgive others, our Heavenly Father won’t forgive us! (Mt. 6:15)
C. I am empowered.
As believers, we now have the ability to overcome sin (we are saved from the power of sin). What’s more, we have God’s own Spirit living in us.
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 2:38-39 (NLT) Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you and your children, and even to the Gentiles – all who have been called by the Lord our God.
A. I become part of the family of God.
Gal. 3:26-28 (LB) For now we are all children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, and we who have been baptized into union with Christ are enveloped by Him. We are no longer Jews or Gentiles, or slaves or free men, or even merely men or women, but are all the same - we are Christians; we are one in Jesus Christ!
Gal. 4:5-7 (NLT) God sent Jesus to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children. And because you Gentiles have become His children, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, and now you can call God your dear Father. Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are His child, everything He has belongs to you.
I Jn. 3:2 See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God and such we are!
When we trust in Jesus for salvation, He adopts us as His very own children!
We are a church family because we share a common blood and a common bond: Jesus has saved us by His blood and united us in Him.
B. I am forgiven.
Mt. 26:27 This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Col. 2:13-14 He has forgiven us all our transgressions, having cancelled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
“My sin, O the bliss of this glorious thought, my sin not in part but the whole is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more, praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul.” Of course, this also implies that we can and must forgive others as well! In fact, Jesus says if we don’t forgive others, our Heavenly Father won’t forgive us! (Mt. 6:15)
C. I am empowered.
As believers, we now have the ability to overcome sin (we are saved from the power of sin). What’s more, we have God’s own Spirit living in us.
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 2:38-39 (NLT) Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you and your children, and even to the Gentiles – all who have been called by the Lord our God.
The Holy Spirit inside us gives us a new power for living.
The church is a family of forgiven people with a force to live in a new way.
That also means that we now have a new purpose in life.
2 Cor. 5:4-5 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
God saved us for a great purpose – that we might have a right relationship with Him and worship Him forever in Heaven.
Eph. 1:11-12 In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory.
As believers, we have a new purpose, a new reason for living! We now have great hope!
QUESTION FOR DISCUSSION: If you already are saved, what are some personal blessings and benefits you have received as a result of your salvation?
What does God want me to do with my life?
The answer is that He wants you to join Him in what He is currently doing on this earth. Do you know what He is doing? He is building the church. And He wants you to be involved with Him. We are going to learn what that involves in the next sessions. But we need to first deal with the personal issue of whether or not you have truly become a part of God’s family by believing completely in the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember, it’s not a matter of saying the right words. It’s a heartfelt cry to the Lord to save you. Here’s a suggested prayer you can make, as long as you believe in your heart every word.
Suggested Prayer: “Dear Father, I realize that I am a hopeless sinner and that my sin has separated me from You. I believe that You sent Your Son Jesus to die for my sins so I could be forgiven. I believe that He is my only hope for salvation. I am so sorry for my sins and for the way I have lived my life to this point. I want to live the rest of my life for You, according to Your plan. I trust You as my Savior and commit to obey You as my Lord. Please give me Your Spirit to help me live for You. Thank You for making me a part of Your forever family. In Jesus name, Amen.”
Rom. 10:13 WHOEVER CALLS UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.
If you have just made that decision for the first time, you have just begun an exciting adventure of being part of the family and fellowship of God! And you know what? Your life is under new management. There is now something that the Lord of your life wants you to do. This decision is not meant to be private. In fact, all of heaven is rejoicing over you (Lk. 15:7)! God wants us to make our decision public as well, which is what the second part of this session is about.
The church is a family of forgiven people with a force to live in a new way.
That also means that we now have a new purpose in life.
2 Cor. 5:4-5 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
God saved us for a great purpose – that we might have a right relationship with Him and worship Him forever in Heaven.
Eph. 1:11-12 In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory.
As believers, we have a new purpose, a new reason for living! We now have great hope!
QUESTION FOR DISCUSSION: If you already are saved, what are some personal blessings and benefits you have received as a result of your salvation?
What does God want me to do with my life?
The answer is that He wants you to join Him in what He is currently doing on this earth. Do you know what He is doing? He is building the church. And He wants you to be involved with Him. We are going to learn what that involves in the next sessions. But we need to first deal with the personal issue of whether or not you have truly become a part of God’s family by believing completely in the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember, it’s not a matter of saying the right words. It’s a heartfelt cry to the Lord to save you. Here’s a suggested prayer you can make, as long as you believe in your heart every word.
Suggested Prayer: “Dear Father, I realize that I am a hopeless sinner and that my sin has separated me from You. I believe that You sent Your Son Jesus to die for my sins so I could be forgiven. I believe that He is my only hope for salvation. I am so sorry for my sins and for the way I have lived my life to this point. I want to live the rest of my life for You, according to Your plan. I trust You as my Savior and commit to obey You as my Lord. Please give me Your Spirit to help me live for You. Thank You for making me a part of Your forever family. In Jesus name, Amen.”
Rom. 10:13 WHOEVER CALLS UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.
If you have just made that decision for the first time, you have just begun an exciting adventure of being part of the family and fellowship of God! And you know what? Your life is under new management. There is now something that the Lord of your life wants you to do. This decision is not meant to be private. In fact, all of heaven is rejoicing over you (Lk. 15:7)! God wants us to make our decision public as well, which is what the second part of this session is about.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING BAPTIZED
Water baptism is the new believer’s celebration party. On the day of Pentecost when the Jews of Jerusalem heard Peter share the good news, they were convicted that their sin put Jesus on the cross. And they asked; “What shall we do?” Peter’s answer was, “Repent and be baptized.” First, commit your life to the Lord. Second, tell the world what you have done.
Nothing will deepen your faith more than telling others about it. The Lord has designed baptism for that purpose. Let’s consider now the importance of being baptized.
I. WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
1. To follow the example set by Christ.
Mk. 1:9 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
2. Because Christ commands it.
Mt. 28:19-20 Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
3. It demonstrates that I really am a believer.
Acts 18:18 And many ...hearing, believed, and were baptized.
II. WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?
1. It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection.
1 Cor. 15:3,4 Christ died for our sins.... He was buried... and He rose again.
2. It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.
Rom. 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Baptism does not make you a believer. It simply shows that you already believe.
BAPTISM DOES NOT SAVE YOU. Only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring. It’s the outward symbol of your faith in Christ. In other words, it’s an outward demonstration of an inward decision.
Eph. 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
III. WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION?
1. Because Jesus was baptized that way.
Mt. 3:16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.
2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
Acts 8:38-39 ...Then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water...
3. The word baptism means “to dip under water”.
4. It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection!
IV. WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED? AS SOON AS YOU HAVE BELIEVED!
Acts 2:41 Those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
Acts 8:35-38 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, ‘See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized? Then Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he answered and said, ‘ I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.
At Amazing Grace Community Church, we make sure our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. For adults, there is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are perfect, you will never feel “good enough”!
Because baptism is a visible sign of one’s commitment to Christ and the first step of obedience for the believer, it is required for all those wishing to officially join our fellowship. After all, we are looking for people who are serious about their relationship with Christ and obedient to His Word.
BAPTISM IS NOT...
• For salvation, but because of salvation.
• Delayed, but immediate.
• Optional, but commanded. (Acts 10:30-48)
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION: Why is it so important to be baptized? According to this study on baptism, is it okay to baptize infants? Why or why not? Have you been baptized? Why or why not?
Water baptism is the new believer’s celebration party. On the day of Pentecost when the Jews of Jerusalem heard Peter share the good news, they were convicted that their sin put Jesus on the cross. And they asked; “What shall we do?” Peter’s answer was, “Repent and be baptized.” First, commit your life to the Lord. Second, tell the world what you have done.
Nothing will deepen your faith more than telling others about it. The Lord has designed baptism for that purpose. Let’s consider now the importance of being baptized.
I. WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
1. To follow the example set by Christ.
Mk. 1:9 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
2. Because Christ commands it.
Mt. 28:19-20 Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
3. It demonstrates that I really am a believer.
Acts 18:18 And many ...hearing, believed, and were baptized.
II. WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?
1. It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection.
1 Cor. 15:3,4 Christ died for our sins.... He was buried... and He rose again.
2. It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.
Rom. 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Baptism does not make you a believer. It simply shows that you already believe.
BAPTISM DOES NOT SAVE YOU. Only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring. It’s the outward symbol of your faith in Christ. In other words, it’s an outward demonstration of an inward decision.
Eph. 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
III. WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION?
1. Because Jesus was baptized that way.
Mt. 3:16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.
2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
Acts 8:38-39 ...Then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water...
3. The word baptism means “to dip under water”.
4. It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection!
IV. WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED? AS SOON AS YOU HAVE BELIEVED!
Acts 2:41 Those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
Acts 8:35-38 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, ‘See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized? Then Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he answered and said, ‘ I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.
At Amazing Grace Community Church, we make sure our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. For adults, there is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are perfect, you will never feel “good enough”!
Because baptism is a visible sign of one’s commitment to Christ and the first step of obedience for the believer, it is required for all those wishing to officially join our fellowship. After all, we are looking for people who are serious about their relationship with Christ and obedient to His Word.
BAPTISM IS NOT...
• For salvation, but because of salvation.
• Delayed, but immediate.
• Optional, but commanded. (Acts 10:30-48)
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION: Why is it so important to be baptized? According to this study on baptism, is it okay to baptize infants? Why or why not? Have you been baptized? Why or why not?
THE LORD’S SUPPER
Jesus never asked His disciples to remember His birth. But He did instruct them to remember His death and resurrection. He gave the Church two visible symbols (called “ordinances”) as reminders of His death. These two ordinances are baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is an object lesson that represents a great spiritual truth for believers.
I. WHAT IS THE LORD’S SUPPER? (1 Cor. 11:23-26)
1. It is a simple act, not an elaborate ceremony.
The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread…” (v. 23)
2. It is reminder, a memory tool.
“…And when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is My body, which is for you; eat it in remembrance of Me.” (v. 24)
3. It is a symbol.
In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” (v. 25)
4. It is a Statement of Faith.
“For whenever you eat the bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the lord’s death until He comes.” (v. 26)
II. WHO SHOULD TAKE THE LORD’S SUPPER?
Only those who are already believers. (Mk. 14:22-26)
“For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment upon himself.” (v. 29)
Jesus never asked His disciples to remember His birth. But He did instruct them to remember His death and resurrection. He gave the Church two visible symbols (called “ordinances”) as reminders of His death. These two ordinances are baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is an object lesson that represents a great spiritual truth for believers.
I. WHAT IS THE LORD’S SUPPER? (1 Cor. 11:23-26)
1. It is a simple act, not an elaborate ceremony.
The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread…” (v. 23)
2. It is reminder, a memory tool.
“…And when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is My body, which is for you; eat it in remembrance of Me.” (v. 24)
3. It is a symbol.
In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” (v. 25)
4. It is a Statement of Faith.
“For whenever you eat the bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the lord’s death until He comes.” (v. 26)
II. WHO SHOULD TAKE THE LORD’S SUPPER?
Only those who are already believers. (Mk. 14:22-26)
“For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment upon himself.” (v. 29)
III. HOW DO I PREPARE MYSELF FOR THE LORD’S SUPPER?
“Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A person ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. (vv. 27-28)
1. By self-examination (1 Cor. 11:27)
2. By confessing my sins (1 Jn. 1:9)
3. By recommitment (Rom. 12:1)
4. By restoring relationships (Mt. 5:23-24)
IV. WHEN AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE OBSERVE THE LORD’S SUPPER?
Jesus never said when or how often believers should observe the Lord’s Supper. At Amazing Grace Community Church, we celebrate it regularly in accordance with a particular message and theme, rather than a rote frequency that can easily become routine. The Lord’s Supper must never become routine!
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION: Why did Jesus ask us to remember His death and not His birth? Why is the Lord’s Supper reserved for true believers only? What would be some reasons NOT to participate in the Lord’s Supper?
“Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A person ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. (vv. 27-28)
1. By self-examination (1 Cor. 11:27)
2. By confessing my sins (1 Jn. 1:9)
3. By recommitment (Rom. 12:1)
4. By restoring relationships (Mt. 5:23-24)
IV. WHEN AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE OBSERVE THE LORD’S SUPPER?
Jesus never said when or how often believers should observe the Lord’s Supper. At Amazing Grace Community Church, we celebrate it regularly in accordance with a particular message and theme, rather than a rote frequency that can easily become routine. The Lord’s Supper must never become routine!
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION: Why did Jesus ask us to remember His death and not His birth? Why is the Lord’s Supper reserved for true believers only? What would be some reasons NOT to participate in the Lord’s Supper?