CHRISTIANITYCONCEPT OF SALVATION SALVATION Salvation is a spiritual term that describes a way to restore your relationship to God through the forgiveness of sin. It can be described as the deliverance, freedom and liberation from all the consequences of sin. (Gal. 4:1-7, 5:1, Rom. 8:19-23) The Bible’s teachings on sin is harsh but that salvation is easily available to all. Christians do not believe that once they have salvation they will never sin again, instead, they believe that they have been forgiven, that they can continue to say sorry to God and continue to live a life pleasing to God. God in Salvation Christians believe that the message of the New Testament is all about Salvation. It tells the life story of Jesus, who was God in human form, come to earth to pay the price for all sin and restore humankind's relationship with God. Jesus was put to death on a cross but came back to life three days later, showing that God is more powerful than death. The Bible teaches that Jesus was God’s special gift to the world (John 3:16) and through Jesus, God shows His love for humankind (John 15:12-17). Christ’s love for humankind Jesus gave the commandment to love one another as Christ love us. Jesus first showed his love when he sacrificed himself on the cross for us. Salvation and Faith The Bible teaches that salvation is available for all people, regardless of race, age or gender. The only requirement is that a person believes that Jesus was the Son of God who died and was resurrected (Acts 4:1-12, John 3:6, Gal. 3: 10-14, Eph. 2). Acts 4: 1-12 Paul and Silas preached while they were in prison and people who had faith received salvation. Eph. 2 Without Christ, we are sinful but when flesh becomes one with Christ, all things become new. In the past we engage in sinful activities, after salvation, we start anew. God working through Jesus John 1: 2-4 John spoke of the word of God becoming flesh and about the light that shines in the darkness darkness of this world. The word is referring to Jesus. Therefore to gain salvation, we must go through him. Romans 5: 11 We can rejoice in the knowledge of knowing that we have been reunited with God because of is son Jesus Christ. John 5:14-24 The word of God became flesh in the form of Jesus Christ who was full of grace and through him we shall inherit eternal life. Essential Factors in the Process of Salvation 1. Repentance 2. Justification by faith 3. Reconciliation or atonement 4. Regeneration or new birth 5. Sanctification Repentance in order to be forgiven for sin, a person must be sorry for what they have done. (Luke 7:35-50, Luke 5: 11-14, Luke 19: 1-10, Acts 2: 37-39) Luke 7: 35-50 This is about Mary who was a prostitute who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and perfumes and dried them with her hair. She was showing Jesus how sorry she was then he pardoned her for her sins. Luke 5: 11-14 Jesus cleanses a leper. When the leper saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him to make him clean. Immediately, the disease left him. Luke 19: 1-10 Zaccheus was a tax collector and a thief. He repented and gave to the people form whom he had stolen, four times the amount he had taken. Jesus later went to his house and dined with him. Jesus said to Zaccheus, “Today, salvation has come to your house.” Acts 2:37-39 Peter and the rest of the apostles were preaching to a crowd who wanted to know what to do in order to be saved. Peter replied, “repent and be baptized in order for your sins to be forgiven.” Justification by Faith In order to be saved, you must have faith in Jesus. Having knowledge that if people are truly sorry and acknowledge what Jesus did for them by dying on the cross they will be forgiven. (Acts 16:30-32, Rom. 3:21-26, Rom. 10: 11-17, James 2: 14-17, Rom. 5:1-21) Acts 16:30-32 If you believe in the lord Jesus, you can be saved. Romans 10:11-17 Everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame. Faith comes by hearing the word of God and the word is heard through Christ. James 2: 14-17 Faith without works is dead. We are expected to act upon our faith combined with work. Having faith alone is of no use. Reconciliation or Atonement This is about renewing a person’s relationship with God, knowing that they are loved and forgiven.(Luke 15:11-24, Luke 19: 1-10, Eph. 2:11-12) Luke 15:11-24 After the Prodigal son repented of his sins and believed he would have been forgiven, he decided to go back to his father and ask for forgiveness. When his father saw him, he welcomed him with open arms and accepted him back into the family. Luke 19:1-10 Zacchaeus was forgiven of his sins and he was reconciled to God. Ephesians 2:11-22 Gentiles are welcomed in the family of God through Jesus Christ once they repent and accept the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Regeneration or New Birth Christians believe that to be able to live life in the way God intends, a person must start anew. This is sometimes referred to as being born again. (Colossians 3:12-17, Ephesians 4:23-24) Colossians 3:12-17 Once we are born again we are to act in virtuous ways, loving each other in the same way Jesus Christ did. Everything we do, think and say should now bring glory and honor to God. Ephesians 4: 23-24 The transformation from our former sinful life to a life of holiness is only possible through Christ. We must live by the spirit by focusing our minds on the things that are holy. When this is done, we put off our old self and are renewed through Christ. Sanctification This is the daily growing in godliness as a consequence of striving to live according to God’s guidelines. (Ephesians 2: 1-10) Ephesians 2: 1-10 After the fall of man, man was hopeless and through sin, death was the expected penalty. However, God’s grace and mercy was extended and provision was made for man to receive salvation through Christ. Jesus’s blood cleanses us from our sin and we are sanctified through grace to do His good works.