Soteriology Doctrine of Salvation Message 4

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Man is now dead to sin and free from the power of sin.

a. REDEMPTION - To pay a ransom price to buy and remove the believer from the slave market of sin, effecting a full release.

The price that was paid was the blood of Christ. - I Cor 6:19-20; Eph 1:7; Col 1:14; Heb 9:12; I Pet 1:18-19

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 KJV 1900
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Ephesians 1:7 KJV 1900
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Colossians 1:14 KJV 1900
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Hebrews 9:12 KJV 1900
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
1 Peter 1:18–19 KJV 1900
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
1 Peter 1:18–19b KJV 1900
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

b. DEAD TO SIN - The Christian, because of his standing “in Christ,” is united with Christ in His crucifixion.

We were “crucified with Christ” (Gal 2:20) and therefore we are dead to sin.

Galatians 2:20 KJV 1900
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

We must now “reckon” ourselves to be dead to sin in our daily lives. - I Pet 2:24; Rom 6:1-2, 11-12; Col 3:1-3

1 Peter 2:24 KJV 1900
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Romans 6:1–2 KJV 1900
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Romans 6:11–12 KJV 1900
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Colossians 3:1–3 KJV 1900
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:1–3c KJV 1900
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

c. FREE FROM THE POWER OF SIN - Since the Christian is dead to sin, he has been freed from the power of sin.

Before salvation we had no choice - we were enslaved to sin.

Following salvation we are free not to sin. - Rom 6:6-7; I Cor 10:13 Soteriology -

Romans 6:6–7 KJV 1900
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.
1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV 1900
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

B. With Respect To Satan

* Review summary of man’s condition with respect to Satan: Man is a child of Satan.

He is a prisoner to Satan’s desires.

1. Man’s condition as a child of the Devil is dealt with through regeneration (the new birth) and the adoption as a son of God -

2. Man was delivered from Satan’s captivity and power by redemption, and has been made part of Christ’s kingdom.

a. Redemption - .

b. DELIVERANCE TO CHRIST’S KINGDOM - Christians have been delivered from Satan’s power and kingdom and have instead been made a part of Christ’s kingdom.

Satan is no longer our master; Christ is! - Lk 4:18; Acts 26:18; Col 1:13

Luke 4:18 KJV 1900
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
Acts 26:18 KJV 1900
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Colossians 1:13 KJV 1900
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

C. With Respect To God

* Review summary of man’s condition with respect to God: Man without Christ defiantly seeks his own way as an enemy of God.

He stands guilty and condemned before God and is under God’s wrath.

1. Man’s independence is dealt with through the provision of a Shepherd. - I Pet 2:25; Php 2:13

1 Peter 2:25 KJV 1900
For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
Philippians 2:13 KJV 1900
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

2. Man’s guilt is dealt with through justification.

* JUSTIFICATION - A judicial act declaring the believing sinner “not guilty” of sin on the basis of Christ’s death.

He is further declared to be righteous based on the imputation of Christ’s righteousness to his account. - Rom 3:24; Rom 4:1-5; Rom 5:1, 9; Titus 3:7

Romans 3:24 KJV 1900
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Romans 4:1–5 KJV 1900
What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Romans 5:1 KJV 1900
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Romans 5:9 KJV 1900
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Titus 3:7 KJV 1900
That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

3. Man’s condemnation is gone due to Christ’s substitution.

a. SUBSTITUTION - Christ died in my place! He paid the penalty for my sin so I would not have to. - Jn 10:11; II Cor 5:21; I Pet 3:18

John 10:11 KJV 1900
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV 1900
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
1 Peter 3:18 KJV 1900
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
1 Peter 3:18b KJV 1900
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

b. NO CONDEMNATION IN CHRIST - Since the believer is now “in Christ,” there is no longer any possibility that he could come into condemnation in any form. - Jn 3:18; Jn 5:24; Rom 8:1, 33-34

John 3:18 KJV 1900
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 5:24 KJV 1900
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
Romans 8:1 KJV 1900
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Romans 8:33–34 KJV 1900
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

4. God’s wrath is satisfied through Christ’s propitiation.

* PROPITIATION - This term means “to appease; to satisfy.”

Jesus Christ completely and eternally satisfied God’s holy wrath because of sin.

It is important to note that God is the One Who is propitiated. - Rom 3:25; I Jn 2:2; I Jn 4:10; Rom 5:9

Romans 3:25 KJV 1900
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
1 John 2:2 KJV 1900
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 4:10 KJV 1900
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Romans 5:9 KJV 1900
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

5. Man’s enmity with God is changed to friendship through reconciliation.

Peace is established.

a. RECONCILIATION - The root meaning of the word is “to change.” In relation to salvation, it has the meaning of changing man’s relationship to God. Man is changed from being God’s enemy to a position where he can be God’s friend.

It is important to note that man is the one who is reconciled. - Rom 5:10; II Cor 5:18-20; Eph 2:14-16; Col 1:20-22

Romans 5:10 KJV 1900
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
2 Corinthians 5:18–20 KJV 1900
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Ephesians 2:14–16 KJV 1900
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Colossians 1:20–22 KJV 1900
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
Colossians 1:20–22b KJV 1900
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

b. PEACE - Because God has been propitiated and man has been reconciled, the Christian now enjoys peace with God through Christ. - Rom 5:1; Eph 2:14-16; Col 1:20-22

Romans 5:1 KJV 1900
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Ephesians 2:14–16 KJV 1900
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Colossians 1:20–22 KJV 1900
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

D. With Respect To Spiritual Capacities

* Review summary of man’s condition with respect to spiritual capacities: Man is spiritually dead, blinded by Satanic darkness so he cannot understand spiritual truths.

He is inwardly wicked and cannot trust his defiled conscience for guidance.

1. Man’s condition of spiritual death is overcome through regeneration (the new birth).

2. Man’s spiritual blindness is overcome through God’s spiritual light.

a. Jesus came to provide supernatural spiritual light that would result in salvation for those who believe - Lk 4:18; Jn 1:4-5; 8:12

Luke 4:18 KJV 1900
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
John 1:4–5 KJV 1900
In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
John 8:12 KJV 1900
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 8:12b KJV 1900
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

b. The Holy Spirit opens the spiritual eyes of unbelievers so they can see the light - Compare II Cor 4:3-4 with II Cor 4:6

2 Corinthians 4:3–4 KJV 1900
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
2 Corinthians 4:6 KJV 1900
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

3. Man’s incapability of receiving spiritual truth is dealt with through the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit.

* CONVICTING MINISTRY - The Holy Spirit convinces the sinner of his sin and lostness and need of a Savior. - Jn 16:8-11

John 16:8–11 KJV 1900
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

4. Man’s inner condition of a deceitful heart, inward defilement, and a defiled conscience are dealt with through man becoming a new creation, holy and complete in Christ.

a. NEW CREATION - Through regeneration man has received a new spiritual life.

He is a new creation with a new heart, a new spirit, new desires, and new joys. This new life is the life of Christ within him.

It is lived through the power of the Holy Spirit - II Cor 5:17; Gal 2:20; Gal 5:16

2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV 1900
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Galatians 2:20 KJV 1900
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Galatians 5:16 KJV 1900
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16b KJV 1900
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

b. HOLY - The Christian has been positionally set apart and separated unto God. - Col 1:21-22; I Pet 2:5, 9

Colossians 1:21–22 KJV 1900
And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
1 Peter 2:5 KJV 1900
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:9 KJV 1900
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
1 Peter 2:9c KJV 1900
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

c. COMPLETE IN CHRIST - At salvation the Holy Spirit baptizes the believer into the body of Christ.

1 Peter 2:9c (KJV 1900)
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

The Christian is now “in Christ,” or united with Him.

This position in Christ provides every spiritual blessing as well as all that the Christian needs to live a life pleasing to God on earth and to enjoy all the blessings of God’s presence in eternity.

E. With Respect To Salvation

* Review summary of man’s condition with respect to salvation: Man is lost, with no hope of ever pleasing God.

Any good works he may try to do are utterly worthless in God’s eyes.

He refuses to seek God, even though God has made spiritual light available to him.

This makes him without excuse before God’s judgment.

1. Man’s lostness is dealt with through the saving and keeping power of Christ.

a. SAVING - Jesus Christ came to earth with the primary purpose of providing salvation - deliverance from the penalty and power of sin. - Mt 18:11; Lk 19:10

Matthew 18:11 (KJV 1900)
For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

b. KEEPING - The literal meaning of this word is “to guard; to keep watch.” Jesus Christ keeps, or protects, those He saves.

Luke 19:10b (KJV 1900)
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

2. Man’s inability to please God is changed in salvation.

The Christian is now accepted in the beloved. - Eph 1:6; I Pet 2:5

Ephesians 1:6 (KJV 1900)
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
1 Peter 2:5 (KJV 1900)
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

3. Man’s hopelessness is replaced by the blessed hope in Christ.

* BLESSED HOPE - In Christ we have the confident assurance of Christ’s return to take us to live with Him eternally in heaven. - Rom 15:4, 13; Col 1:5; I Tim 1:1; Titus 2:13; Heb 6:18-19

Romans 15:4 (KJV 1900)
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Romans 15:13 (KJV 1900)
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Colossians 1:5 (KJV 1900)
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
1 Timothy 1:1 (KJV 1900)
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
Titus 2:13 (KJV 1900)
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Hebrews 6:18–19 (KJV 1900)
That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

4. The worthless nature of man’s good works is dealt with through God’s grace and mercy.

a. GRACE - The unmerited favor of God, giving man blessings that he does not deserve. - Eph 2:8-10; Rom 4:4-5; II Tim 1:9

Ephesians 2:8–10 (KJV 1900)
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.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Romans 4:4–5 (KJV 1900)
Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

b. MERCY - The sympathy of God whereby He does not give man the judgment that he does deserve - Titus 3:5

2 Timothy 1:9b (KJV 1900)
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Titus 3:5 (KJV 1900)
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

5. The fact that natural man does not seek God is overcome through God’s election and call.

a. ELECTION - The New Testament is clear that those who are saved have been chosen by God before the creation of the world.

The theological debate concerning this doctrine involves the basis of election - was it unconditional (based solely on God’s sovereign choice), or was it based on God’s foreknowledge of how an individual would respond to the gospel? - Jn 15:16, 19; Eph 1:4; II Thess 2:13; I Pet 1:2

John 15:16 (KJV 1900)
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
John 15:19 (KJV 1900)
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
Ephesians 1:4 (KJV 1900)
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
2 Thessalonians 2:13 (KJV 1900)
But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

b. CALL - God’s call is God’s invitation to salvation. There are two aspects of this call:

1 Peter 1:2b (KJV 1900)
Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Allow me to suggest 2 aspects

* There is a general, or universal, call (invitation) to salvation that goes out to all men. - Mt 11:28-30; Jn 7:37-38; Jn 6:37; Rev 22:17; Mt 22:14

Matthew 11:28–30 (KJV 1900)
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
John 7:37–38 (KJV 1900)
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
John 6:37 (KJV 1900)
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Revelation 22:17 (KJV 1900)
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Matthew 22:14 (KJV 1900)
For many are called, but few are chosen.

* There is a special, or efficacious, call to salvation that results in the salvation of the elect. - Rom 8:30; I Cor 1:9; I Thess 2:12; I Thess 5:24; II Tim 1:9

Romans 8:30 (KJV 1900)
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
1 Corinthians 1:9 (KJV 1900)
God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Thessalonians 2:12 (KJV 1900)
That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 (KJV 1900)
Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
2 Timothy 1:9 (KJV 1900)
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

6. Man’s condition of being without excuse is not changed.

In salvation no excuse is needed; without salvation no excuse is accepted.

IV. THE CONDITION FOR SALVATION: SAVING FAITH

* We have seen that, apart from Christ, man is hopelessly lost, with no ability or desire to save himself.

He is condemned to an eternity in Hell, apart from God. We have also seen that God has provided a solution to every aspect of man’s lost condition through the blood of Christ. God’s provision is offered to every man.

It becomes an individual’s possession by the means of faith.

A. Saving Faith Must Have The Proper Object

1. False objects:

a. My Sincerity - “It doesn’t matter what you believe, as long as you’re sincere.” - Acts 4:12

b. My Works - “Do enough good to outweigh the bad.” - Eph 2:8-9; Gal 2:16

Acts 4:12b (KJV 1900)
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV 1900)
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.

c. My Church - I Tim 2:5-6

Galatians 2:16c (KJV 1900)
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

d. Religious Activity (Church membership, baptism, communion, confession, etc.) - Jn 14:6

1 Timothy 2:5–6d (KJV 1900)
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

e. Jesus Christ Plus . . . Anything! - Gal 1:6-9

John 14:6e (KJV 1900)
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

f. A “Plan” Of Salvation * Salvation is not based on faith in a plan, but faith in a Person.

Galatians 1:6–9f (KJV 1900)
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

It is not based on faith in a truth about Christ, but faith in Christ Himself!

2. The only true object of saving faith is Jesus Christ.

* NOTE: It is important to be sure that the object of faith is the true Christ.

Cults, etc. claim to believe in Christ, but the “Christ” they worship is not the Christ of the Bible!

a. Jesus Christ is God - Jn 1:1; Jn 10:30; Col 2:9

John 1:1 (KJV 1900)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 10:30 (KJV 1900)
I and my Father are one.

b. Jesus Christ became a man and lived a sinless life - Jn 1:14; Php 2:6-8; I Tim 3:16; Heb 4:15

Colossians 2:9b (KJV 1900)
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
John 1:14 (KJV 1900)
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Philippians 2:6–8 (KJV 1900)
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
1 Timothy 3:16 (KJV 1900)
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

c. Jesus Christ died as my substitute - II Cor 5:21; I Pet 3:18

Hebrews 4:15c (KJV 1900)
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV 1900)
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
1 Peter 3:18 (KJV 1900)
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

B. Saving Faith Involves Biblical Repentance

1. Definition * Repentance is a change of mind. * Repentance is included in saving faith. It is not a separate condition to salvation.

2. The objects of repentance - About what must man change his mind?

a. A wrong concept of God - Acts 20:21

b. A wrong concept of Christ - Acts 2:38

Acts 20:21b (KJV 1900)
Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

c. A wrong concept of works - Heb 6:1; Eph 2:8-9

Acts 2:38c (KJV 1900)
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Hebrews 6:1 (KJV 1900)
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

d. A wrong concept of sin - Lk 5:32; Rev 9:21; Rom 3:9-18

Ephesians 2:8–9d (KJV 1900)
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Luke 5:32 (KJV 1900)
I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Revelation 9:21 (KJV 1900)
Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.
Romans 3:9–18 (KJV 1900)
What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
Their feet are swift to shed blood:
Destruction and misery are in their ways:
And the way of peace have they not known:
There is no fear of God before their eyes.

C. Saving Faith Is More Than Mental Assent

1. There must be knowledge of the truths of Christ and the gospel - Rom 10:14

Romans 10:14 (KJV 1900)
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

* There are certain truths that a person must know and believe to be true before he can be saved.

2. There must be mental assent that accepts these concepts as true.

* Mental assent to the truths of the gospel is necessary, but not sufficient. - Jas 2:19

James 2:19 (KJV 1900)
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

3. There must be trust in and commitment to Jesus Christ for salvation - Jn 20:30-31; Jn 3:36; Acts 16:31

John 20:30–31 (KJV 1900)
And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
John 3:36 (KJV 1900)
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Acts 16:31 (KJV 1900)
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

* Saving faith involves a reliance on a Person (Christ). An individual must commit his life to Christ.

He must trust Christ, and Christ alone, for his eternal destiny.

* Charles C. Ryrie - “Faith means confidence, trust, to hold something as true. . . to have faith in Christ unto salvation means to have confidence that He can remove the guilt of sin and grant eternal life.” (Basic Theology, Victor Books, 1986, pg. 326)

D. Saving Faith Is A Gift From God

1. Saving faith is not a work for which man can take credit - Eph 2:8-9; Mt 16:17; Jn 1:12-13; Acts 14:27; Acts 16:14

Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV 1900)
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.
Matthew 16:17 (KJV 1900)
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
John 1:12–13 (KJV 1900)
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Acts 14:27 (KJV 1900)
And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
Acts 16:14 (KJV 1900)
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

2. Saving faith is given as a result of hearing the Word of God - Rom 10:17

Romans 10:17 (KJV 1900)
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

E. Saving Faith Will Result In A Change Of Life

1. When a person gets saved, he becomes a new person - II Cor 5:17

2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV 1900)
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

* This involves an inward change in his heart and motives.

2. The result of salvation will be a life patterning good works - Eph 2:10; Jas 2:14-26

Ephesians 2:10 (KJV 1900)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
James 2:14–26 (KJV 1900)
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

* This involves an outward change in his life and actions.

F. Saving Faith Will Persevere - Lk 22:31-32; I Jn 2:18-19

Luke 22:31–32 (KJV 1900)
And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
1 John 2:18–19 (KJV 1900)
Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

* Saving faith will not fail.

V. THE PERMANENCE OF SALVATION: ETERNAL SECURITY

A. Answers That Are Given To The Question, “Can A „Saved‟ Person Ever Be Lost?”

1. YES - Because of some sin or apostasy - Heb 6:4-6

Hebrews 6:4–6 (KJV 1900)
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

* This answer is wrong. The remainder of this section will provide the Scriptural support.

2. NO - Maybe he was never saved to begin with - I Jn 2:18-19

1 John 2:18–19 (KJV 1900)
Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

3. NO - Maybe he is simply out of fellowship with God - Heb 12:5-8; I Jn 5:16-17

Hebrews 12:5–8 (KJV 1900)
And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
1 John 5:16–17 (KJV 1900)
If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

* A true Christian still commits sin and struggles with doubt.

The results of sin and doubt are a loss of fellowship, not a loss of relationship.

B. The Core Issue Is The Nature Of Salvation

1. What part does God play?

* If salvation is all of God, then our security is all of God, too!

2. What part does man play?

* If salvation rests in part on man, then our security is dependent on what we do, too!

* The answer: Salvation is all of God! He fully provided it; He initiates it; He accomplishes it in the individual’s life.

Man’s part is limited to receiving the free gift of salvation by faith.

Once that gift is received, it cannot be rejected (see Scriptures below).

C. Key New Testament Scriptures Supporting The Eternal Security Of The Believer

1. Jn 5:24 - Three times, and in three tenses, Jesus states that our salvation is eternal

John 5:24 (KJV 1900)
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

a. Present - I have eternal life now. (If I could lose it, it’s not eternal!)

b. Future - I will never be condemned (judged).

c. Past - I am no longer in the sphere of the dead, but the sphere of the living.

* “Is passed” = “has passed” (perfect tense - a completed action with a continuing result)

2. Jn 6:37-40 * Vs. 39 - Christ will not (cannot) lose those the Father gives Him.

John 6:37–40 (KJV 1900)
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

God’s will (plan) is that Christ would lose nothing!

* Vs. 39, 40 - Christ will resurrect all those that the Father has given Him

* Vs. 40 - Christ promises everlasting life

3. Jn 10:27-30 - Three times Jesus states that our salvation is eternal:

John 10:27–30 (KJV 1900)
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
I and my Father are one.

a. Vs. 28 - Christ’s gift is eternal life now - Present tense

b. Vs. 28 - Christ guarantees that His sheep can never perish - Future tense

c. Vs. 28 - No one can remove Christ’s sheep from His protective care (not self; not man; not Satan!)

* Vs. 29 - God is greater than all, and gives the same guarantee.

Remember, God is the greatest power in the universe!

4. Jn 14:16-17

John 14:16–17 (KJV 1900)
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

* The Holy Spirit is with us forever.

If we lost our salvation, would the Holy Spirit go to Hell with us?

* “You” is plural throughout - “all of you!”

5. Jn 17:11, 15, 24 - These verses come from Christ’s High Priestly Prayer, when Jesus prayed for all of us.

John 17:11 (KJV 1900)
And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
John 17:15 (KJV 1900)
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
John 17:24 (KJV 1900)
Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

Remember, Christ’s prayers are always answered! *

Vs. 11, 15 - “Keep them” = Guard; Protect

* Vs. 24 - Christ prays that all believers will join Him in Heaven

6. Rom 5:6-10

Romans 5:6–10 (KJV 1900)
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

* Vs. 9 - Now that we have been justified, we will be saved from wrath through Him.

* Vs. 10 - Christ’s death reconciled us to God; His life keeps us (assures our ultimate salvation).

7. Rom 8:1 - There is no condemnation in Christ

Romans 8:1 (KJV 1900)
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

8. Rom 8:15-17 - We are adopted into God’s family. We have become heirs awaiting our inheritance.

Romans 8:15–17 (KJV 1900)
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

9. Rom 8:28-30 - Those who get saved are predestinated to be like Christ.

Romans 8:28–30 (KJV 1900)
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

They are seen as having already been glorified. Everything works together for their good.

10. Rom 8:31-39 - Nothing (no one) can condemn us to God or separate us from His love.

Romans 8:31–39 (KJV 1900)
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
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.

11. Eph 1:13-14 - The Holy spirit is our seal (guarantee of God’s ownership) and the earnest (down payment) of our eternal inheritance.

Ephesians 1:13–14 (KJV 1900)
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

12. Php 1:6 - This promise states that God, Who began our salvation, will bring it to completion.

Philippians 1:6 (KJV 1900)
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

13. I Thess 5:23-24 - The One Who called us will preserve us blameless until Christ returns! Notice: Christ will do it; we don’t have to!

1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 (KJV 1900)
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

14. Heb 6:16-20 * God gave an oath to His heirs that His promises (including the promise of salvation) would not change.

Hebrews 6:16–20 (KJV 1900)
For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.
Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

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