Salvation is not an idea or a sentiment in the Christian faith…it is the experiential reality of having been delivered and liberated from the effects of sin, sickness and death through the works of Jesus Christ. The Church is in desperate need of a reformation of our view on salvation. For many, this word simply denotes someone who has prayed a prayer to go to heaven yet is still being dominated by sinful thoughts and behavior. It is for FREEDOM that Christ has set us free and the purpose of this lesson is to build your faith and to provide an indisputable biblical framework for a true, God-sized salvation!

1 Cor. 15:1-2

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received (past), in which you stand (present), 2 and by which you are being saved (present future), if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

John 3:17

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Acts 4:12

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Acts 15:11

But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

Romans 5:10

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

THESE THREE QUESTIONS PRODUCE STRONG FAITH***

• sótéria – deliverance, salvation, health, welfare, prosperity, preservation, safety….God’s rescue which delivers believers out of destruction and into His safety

• This looks like sin, sickness and death being broken off of our lives through the life and works of Jesus Christ.
• Egypt was destroyed completely and everything that held Israel in bondage was in a moment wiped away.

• He saves us by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8). It was God’s design to save us by grace. Grace is the power of God and the Spirit of God that actually allows us to experience salvation. Grace must defeat, discourage, disempower and defang the enemy in our lives otherwise it is not true salvation. He breaks the power of darkness by His grace and spirit. He removes the penalty, power and presence of sin in our lives.

• He saves us from sin, sickness and death SO THAT he can confer upon us, once again his nature and likeness. It is a preparatory work so that we can receive the gift of righteousness.
• Deut 8: He brought Israel OUT of bondage, through Wandering INTO the Promised Land. This is a prophetic picture for the believer. OUT of bondage to SIN…through the wilderness and INTO RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE & JOY in the Holy Spirit.
• He wants to be one with us. But in order for union to exist, He must remove the stain of sin and cleanse us so that we can become recipients and temples of the Holy Spirit.

Think about this -

1. How has your idea of salvation been too small and how has it affected your walk with God?
2. Do you find yourself discouraged that you are not experiencing this great salvation? Do you feel condemned believing that the reason you are not experiencing this salvation because you believe something is wrong with you? If this great salvation is by grace (and grace alone) through faith, then what does that tell you about your relationship with God?
3. Focus on the works of Jesus. Understand how and why he saved you. As you do, you will position yourself to experience the grace of God in ways you never have!