DO YOU BELIEVE….. THAT MAN HAS A PART TO PLAY IN SALVATION? (Ephesians 2:1-10)
A. SOTERIA = “denotes deliverance, preservation, salvation” (W.E. Vine, Pg. 998)
1. Delivered from Sin (Matthew 1:21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. (Acts 5:30-31) The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. (Acts 4:10-12) Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
A. Sin is transgression of God’s law (1John 3:4) Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
B. Sin SEPARATES man from God (Isaiah 59:1-2) Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. God’s wrath (Romans 1:18; Colossians 3:6)
C. ALL have sinned (Romans 3:23)
1. Sin is NOT inherited (Ezekial 18:20)
2. Little children are NOT sinners (Matthew 18:1-4) At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
A. LOVED us (John 3:16)
B. Died for us (Romans 5:6-10)
1. Jesus is DEITY (John 1:1,14) ~ “I AM” (John 8:24, 58) (1) (2)
C. PAID for the Sins we could NEVER pay Paid for us with His OWN blood (Hebrews 9:11-18) (1Peter 1:18-19) 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:
D. Made His GRACE available to ALL men (mankind) (Titus 2:11-14) For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
E. Has CALLED us TO salvation BY the GOSPEL (2Thessalonians 2:13-15) 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: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
A. God wants ALL to be saved (2 Peter 3:9)
B. God’s GRACE is made AVAILABLE to all man (Titus 2:11)
C. HOWEVER, all will NOT be saved (Matthew 7:13-14) Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
1. THEREFORE, man has a PART to play in salvation..but WHAT?
A. OBEY Jesus (Matthew 7:21-27) (Hebrews 5:8-9)
1. Take up my cross (Matthew 10:38)
B. HOW?
1. HEAR the gospel (good news) of salvation IN Christ (John 6:44-45) No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
a. The word of God (Romans 10:17)
2. BELIEVE the gospel (believe Jesus is deity, the only begotten son of God) (John 8:24, 58) I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
3. REPENT of sin (change of mind) (Luke 13:3) (Acts 17:30)
4. CONFESS JESUS (Matthew 10:32-33) (Acts 8:35-38)
5. BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST (Galatians 3:26-27)
a. New creature IN Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)
b. ALL spiritual blessings IN Christ (Ephesians 1:3)
A. Salvation means to be forgiven by God and to be IN Christ
B. God has laid down the purchase price to buy us back (redeem us) from sin
C. We STILL must respond to this offer in Faithful Obedience
1. GOD’S GRACE + MAN’S (OBEDIENT) FAITH = SALVATION