Week One Teacher Edition

Teacher Edition Week One — Discussion Questions

1. Why is repentance necessary for salvation?

Teacher Answer

Repentance is necessary because sin separates man from God. The gospel call is not merely to believe certain facts but to turn from sin and turn to God. Repentance does not earn salvation; rather, it is the God-ordained response to His gracious call. Genuine faith and genuine repentance are inseparable aspects of conversion.

Supporting Scriptures

Mark 1:15 — "Repent and believe in the gospel."

Luke 13:3 — "Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish."

Acts 2:38 — Peter commands repentance.

Acts 17:30 — God commands all people everywhere to repent.

2 Corinthians 7:10 — Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation.

1 Thessalonians 1:9 — Believers "turned to God from idols."

Teaching Note

Repentance is not perfection. It is a change of mind and direction resulting in a changed life.

2. How is repentance different from regret or guilt?

Teacher Answer

Many people feel regret over consequences without truly turning to God. Biblical repentance involves conviction of sin against God and a genuine turning from sin. Regret focuses on consequences; repentance focuses on offense against God.

Supporting Scriptures

Matthew 27:3–5 — Judas experienced remorse but not saving repentance.

Psalm 51:1–4 — David's repentance was directed toward God.

2 Corinthians 7:10–11 — Godly sorrow versus worldly sorrow.

Luke 15:17–24 — The prodigal son demonstrates genuine repentance.

Teaching Note

Ask the class: "What is the difference between being sorry you got caught and being sorry you sinned against God?"

3. Why must faith be placed in Christ alone?

Teacher Answer

Only Christ is qualified to save. He alone lived a sinless life, died as a substitute for sinners, and rose again. Salvation is found in no one else.

Supporting Scriptures

John 14:6 — Christ is the only way.

Acts 4:12 — No other name under heaven by which we must be saved.

1 Timothy 2:5 — One mediator between God and men.

Hebrews 7:25 — Christ saves completely.

John 3:16–18 — Eternal life comes through belief in the Son.

Teaching Note

Emphasize that faith is only as good as its object. Saving faith rests in Christ, not merely faith itself.

4. Why can no amount of good works save a person?

Teacher Answer

God's standard is perfect righteousness. Since all people are sinners, no amount of good works can erase guilt or satisfy God's justice. Salvation must come through Christ's righteousness, not our own.

Supporting Scriptures

Isaiah 64:6 — Our righteousness is insufficient.

Romans 3:10–12 — None are righteous.

Romans 3:20 — No flesh justified by works.

Galatians 2:16 — Justification not by works of the Law.

Ephesians 2:8–9 — Salvation is by grace through faith.

Titus 3:5 — Not by righteous deeds which we have done.

Teaching Note

Illustration: A criminal cannot erase one crime by performing many good deeds afterward. Likewise, good works cannot remove guilt before a holy God.

5. Why is the deity of Christ essential to the gospel?

Teacher Answer

If Jesus were merely a man, He could not bear the infinite wrath of God or provide an infinite sacrifice for sin. The gospel requires that Jesus be fully God and fully man.

Supporting Scriptures

John 1:1,14 — The Word was God and became flesh.

John 8:58 — Jesus identifies Himself with the divine name.

Colossians 2:9 — The fullness of deity dwells in Christ.

Titus 2:13 — Jesus is called "our great God and Savior."

Hebrews 1:8 — The Father addresses the Son as God.

Philippians 2:6–11 — Christ's divine nature.

Teaching Note

A false Christ cannot save. The biblical gospel requires the biblical Christ.

6. What evidence would you expect to see in the life of a genuine believer?

Teacher Answer

Salvation is by grace alone, but saving faith produces visible fruit. While believers still struggle with sin, they demonstrate a growing pattern of repentance, obedience, love for Christ, and perseverance.

Supporting Scriptures

Matthew 7:16–20 — Known by their fruits.

John 13:35 — Love for one another.

John 14:15 — Love expressed through obedience.

2 Corinthians 5:17 — New creation.

Galatians 5:22–23 — Fruit of the Spirit.

1 John 2:3–6 — Evidence of knowing Christ.

Philippians 1:6 — God continues His work.

Teaching Note

Fruit does not produce salvation; salvation produces fruit.

7. How would you explain the gospel to a friend?

Teacher Answer

A simple biblical presentation:

God

God is holy and created us to know Him.

Genesis 1:26–27

Isaiah 6:3

Man

All people have sinned and are separated from God.

Romans 3:23

Romans 6:23

Christ

Jesus, God the Son, died for sinners and rose again.

Romans 5:8

1 Corinthians 15:3–4

Response

God commands repentance and faith.

Mark 1:15

Acts 20:21

Promise

Those who trust Christ receive forgiveness and eternal life.

John 3:16

Romans 10:9–13

Teaching Note

Encourage class members to memorize this four-part gospel outline:

God

Man

Christ

Response

Additional Cross References for Key Doctrinal Truths

Doctrine

Supporting Scriptures

Man's Need Romans 3:10–23; Ephesians 2:1–3; Isaiah 53:6

God's Provision John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 3:18

Man's Response Mark 1:15; Acts 16:31; Acts 20:21

God's Grace Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:5–7; Romans 11:6

Christ's Identity John 1:1–14; Colossians 1:15–20; Hebrews 1:1–4

Suggested Closing Challenge

Ask the class:

"If someone examined your life, would they see evidence that you have repented and believed the gospel?"

Then direct attention to:

2 Corinthians 13:5

1 John 5:11–13

Philippians 2:12–13

The goal is not to create doubt in genuine believers but to encourage biblical assurance rooted in Christ and evidenced by a transformed life.