Chapter 40
THE EFFECT OF REDEMPTION
"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also the Greek."
Romans 1:16
What would you say to a person who came to you and asked desperately how they could become a Christian? For some maturer believers, this might set them off on issues that are really unrelated to the question. There is a possible danger each person who has been a Christian for a long time may face: the simplicity of the Gospel loses its simplicity.
1. What is the Gospel that brings salvation? (Give contents of the Gospel)
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2. Is the Gospel subject to culture?
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We must not confuse the Gospel with the presentation of that Gospel. For example, in different cultures we might use different methods and ways of explaining things (using relevant terminologies). Because some have become locked into one form of presentation, they assume that way is the only way God can move in saving someone, therefore that method actually becomes a vital part of their Gospel.
3. In response to Peter's preaching, the hearers asked what they should do. What instructions did Peter give them? (Acts 2:38-39)
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4. In Acts 8:36-37, what did Philip say was necessary for salvation in order to be water baptised?
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5. What instructions for salvation did Paul give the Philippian jailer? (Acts 16:30-32)
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FALSE CONCEPTS ABOUT RECEIVING SALVATION
The book of Romans would form the clearest explanation of what salvation is and how it is received. Most false doctrines about salvation are refuted in it.
UNIVERSAL SALVATION -
This is the belief that all people are saved anyway. The catch-cry of those who hold to this view is that a loving God would never send anyone to Hell to be punished.
6. How do the following passages disagree with this view?
a) Rom 6:23 ________________________________________________________
b) Rom 1:32 ________________________________________________________
c) Rom 9:22 ________________________________________________________
SAVED BY BELIEVING -
Some hold to a view that all a person has to do is simply believe God exists and that will thrill God so much that He will more than welcome such a person into Heaven. This is like the belief in Santa Claus. If we can just believe he exists, he'll leave a present for us under the Christmas tree. Usually this type of person doesn't have any outward change of lifestyle to match such beliefs, insisting instead that belief in God is really the big issue rather than changing conduct.
7. What does Romans 6:1 imply about the person who receives salvation?
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8. Does the application of this doctrine in Romans 12:1-3 offer any challenge to the person who thinks we are saved simply by believing in the existence of God?
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SAVED BY WORKS -
This view makes God out to be like an accountant. Every time a person sins they receive a mark on one side of the page, while every time they do something noble and good, God ticks the other side of the page. Hopefully, in the end the books will balance or show an abundance of ticks rather than marks.
9. How does Romans 5:8-10 reject this view?
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RECEIVING SALVATION
There is a consistent presentation of the plan of salvation throughout Scripture. This plan of salvation is centred around the finished work of Christ on the cross. The Scripture gives four equal ingredients for man receiving salvation:
1. Believe - Rom. 10:8; Heb. 11:6; Eph. 2:8-9
2. Repent - Mtt. 3:2, 4:7; Lk. 13:3; Jn. 3:3; Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:4
3. Receive - Rom. 10:9-10; Eph. 23:8-9, Gal. 2:10
4. Obey - Rom. 6:16-17; Jn. 8-11; Rom. 10:16
10. Write down Philippians 2:12 -
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[a] BELIEVE
When the Bible says that we must believe God, it goes beyond the belief in the existence of God to mean a trusting in, relying on, and placing one's unreserved confidence in. To believe God is both a matter of choice and an act of God's grace. The Scripture implores us to choose who we will serve, but also says that no-one can come to God (believe in Him) unless God Himself draws that person (Joshua 24:15; Jn 6:44)
[b] REPENT
Vines says that this means to change one's mind, purpose and actions after perceiving something. It always resulted in a change for the better. Another form of the Greek word translated as repent brings out the meaning of regret and sorrow.
[c] RECEIVE
This is an act of faith which moves on from the platform of belief and repentance, to understanding the real significance of Christ's work on the cross. It involves confession of wrong doing and attitudes that are offensive to God; leading to an acceptance of God's forgiveness. Some people have all the head knowledge about the theology of God's forgiveness, yet have never received it in their heart. The acceptance of God's salvation is accompanied by assurance of that salvation (1Jn. 2:27; 5:13).
[d] OBEY
Salvation implies we are saved from something. Not only are we saved from something, we are saved for something. Some say that we are saved to serve. This has an element of truth to it, but doesn't embrace all the aspects we're saved for.
11. What do these passages say about our purpose once we are saved?-
a) 1Cor. 10:31 - _____________________________________________________
b) Eph. 1:6 - _______________________________________________________
c) Eph. 1:12 - ______________________________________________________
d) Heb. 5:9 - _______________________________________________________
RESULTS OF SALVATION
The results of salvation are both immediate and future. Even if there were no benefits now to receiving salvation, just the knowledge that we would be guarantee eternity with God would be enough to make life worthwhile. Not only does salvation have present benefits, it carries with it the assurance that we shall end up eternally happy and completely fulfilled.
Salvation restores man to an original state. Our individual salvation will be complete once we receive our glorified bodies. Note the following chart:
|
ORIGINAL
STATE
|
FALLEN STATE
|
REDEEMED
STATE - PRESENT
|
FUTURE
|
|
Power
not to sin but able to sin.
|
Power
only to sin.
|
Power
not to sin, able to sin.
|
Not
able to sin.
|
|
Freedom
of the will
|
Bondage
of the will
|
Freedom
of the will
|
Freedom
of the will
|
|
ADAM
AND EVE
|
THOSE
IN THE FIRST ADAM
|
THOSE
IN THE LAST ADAM
|
THOSE
IN THE LAST ADAM
|
Salvation brings immediate regeneration, justification and redemption. It is the seal of guarantee for a new, glorious body like Christ's.
12. What do these verses tell us? Tit. 1:2; 1Jn. 2:15; Eph. 1:13; Heb. 11:13, 39; Jas 2:5; 2Pt. 1:4
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The role of the Holy Spirit in every aspect of salvation must not be overlooked. He shares equal responsibility with the other members of the Godhead. The Scriptures are full of treasures regarding our priceless salvation which should drive us to a deeper appreciation of what God has done for us.
Amen.