Doctrine: Salvation (Isaiah 40-48)

Bridge to Doctrine: Isaiah prophesied God’s declaration of salvation for His exiled people. Key Points and Insertion of Doctrine into Passage: Isaiah 40:1-2; 45:1-25 The central message of the Bible concerns the salvation of lost humanity. We learn how God acted in grace to save His wayward image-bearers. Salvation in the Old Testament is often depicted by God’s deliverance of His people from physical distress, danger, or bondage. This ultimately points to the deliverance from sin we receive by grace through faith in Christ. The word group translated “salvation” in the Bible means: “save,” “deliver,” “rescue,” or “help.” Salvation incorporates the united work of the triune God:

1) God the Father initiates the work of salvation.

2) God the Son accomplishes the work of salvation.

3) God the Holy Spirit applies or makes effective the work of salvation.

Salvation involves an authentic response from an individual person. Salvation – whether in the Old or New Testament – is always by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. When I do not believe I must seek Christ for salvation, I strive anxiously and tirelessly to save myself through things such as good works, accomplishments, status, or reputation. When I believe I am saved only through Jesus’ sacrifice, I rest in God my Savior. I know I can never do enough to save myself.

Possible Applications for Leaders: The following concepts can be developed into applications specific to your leaders: Salvation is a gift of God made possible by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. o In what way are you tempted to trust your own strengths, performance, or abilities to save you? Why? o How will you show gratitude to God for saving you by grace through faith in His Son? Salvation brings freedom from the penalty, power, and presence of sin. o Do past sins or feelings of guilt and condemnation haunt you? Will you remind yourself of the atoning work of Jesus Christ? You are fully freed from sin’s penalty. You are forgiven, accepted, and loved by God. o From what present habit of sin or wrong thinking do you need freedom? o How will you depend on God daily to battle sin as you await sin’s future and certain eradication? Salvation includes the gift of eternal life. o How are you preparing today for eternity with God tomorrow? o Who in your life needs to hear Jesus’ invitation of eternal life? o In what way is God calling you to share His good and perfect gift of salvation?