A Study of Salvation: The Way of Salvation Through the Scriptures

Part

Introduction: Salvation as Taught in the New Testament

Its Foundations in the Old Testament

Central truth

Salvation is God’s work of rescuing humanity from sin and restoring people to fellowship with Himself. The Old Testament establishes the promises, patterns, covenants, sacrifices, and prophecies of salvation. The New Testament reveals their fulfillment through Jesus Christ and teaches how individuals receive and continue in salvation.

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

— Acts 4:12 (NKJV)

Part 1

Part One: Humanity’s Need for Salvation

1. Humanity Was Created for Fellowship With God

God created humanity in His image and placed Adam and Eve in a world without sin, shame, suffering, or death.

Read: Genesis 1:26–31; 2:7–25

Human beings were created:

• In the image of God.
• To know and worship God.
• To live in fellowship with God.
• To exercise stewardship over creation.
• To obey God’s Word.

2. Sin Separated Humanity From God

Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command. Their sin brought guilt, spiritual separation, suffering, and death into human experience.

Read: Genesis 2:16–17; 3:1–24

The consequences of sin included:

• Shame and fear.
• Broken fellowship with God.
• Conflict in human relationships.
• Pain and suffering.
• Physical death.
• Spiritual death.
• Expulsion from Eden.

The New Testament explains that Adam’s sin affected the entire human family.

“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men.”

— Romans 5:12 (NKJV)

Every individual has also personally participated in sin.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

— Romans 3:23 (NKJV)

The penalty of sin is death.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

— Romans 6:23 (NKJV)

Humanity cannot remove its own guilt or restore its relationship with God. We need a Savior.

3. The First Promise of Redemption

Immediately after humanity’s fall, God announced that the serpent would ultimately be defeated.

Read: Genesis 3:15

The “Seed” of the woman would suffer injury, but He would crush the serpent’s head. This is the Bible’s first announcement of the coming Redeemer.

It anticipates:

• The coming of Jesus Christ.
• Christ’s suffering.
• Satan’s defeat.
• Humanity’s deliverance.
• Christ’s victory over sin and death.

Jesus came as the promised descendant who would destroy the works of the devil.

Read: Galatians 4:4–5; Hebrews 2:14–15; 1 John 3:8

Part 2

Part Two: Old Testament Foundations of Salvation

4. Covering, Blood, and Sacrifice

After Adam and Eve sinned, they attempted to cover themselves with fig leaves. Their covering was inadequate, so God provided clothing made from animal skins.

Read: Genesis 3:7, 21

This introduces an important principle: sinful humanity cannot provide its own adequate covering. God must provide it.

Cain and Abel

Abel brought an acceptable sacrifice from the firstborn of his flock. Cain approached God according to his own choosing.

Read: Genesis 4:1–7; Hebrews 11:4

The lesson is not that humanity earns salvation by offering sacrifices. Rather, people must approach God through faith and according to God’s revealed plan.

The importance of blood

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls.”

— Leviticus 17:11 (NKJV)

Animal blood could not permanently remove sin. It temporarily covered sin and pointed forward to Christ’s perfect sacrifice.

Read: Hebrews 9:22; 10:1–4

5. Noah: Salvation Through Judgment

Human wickedness became so great that God announced judgment through the Flood. Nevertheless, Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Read: Genesis 6:5–22

Noah’s deliverance involved:

• God’s grace.
• God’s warning.
• Noah’s faith.
• Noah’s obedience.
• Entering the ark provided by God.

Noah did not design his own means of escape. He trusted God enough to obey God’s instructions.

The New Testament connects the Flood with baptism.

Read: 1 Peter 3:18–22

Peter does not teach that water possesses magical power. Baptism saves through the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the believer’s obedient appeal toward God.

6. Abraham: Salvation by Faith

God called Abraham to leave his homeland and follow Him. God promised that through Abraham’s descendant all nations would be blessed.

Read: Genesis 12:1–3; 15:1–6; 22:15–18

“And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.”

— Genesis 15:6 (NKJV)

Abraham’s faith was more than mental agreement. His faith caused him to:

• Leave his homeland.
• Follow God’s direction.
• Trust God’s promise.
• Offer Isaac when tested.
• Continue looking for the fulfillment of God’s Word.

Read: Romans 4:1–25; Galatians 3:6–9; Hebrews 11:8–19; James 2:20–24

Biblical faith trusts God and responds obediently to His Word. Obedience does not replace faith; it demonstrates that faith is alive.

7. Covenant and Circumcision

God gave Abraham circumcision as the sign of His covenant.

Read: Genesis 17:1–14

Physical circumcision anticipated the deeper spiritual work God desired within the human heart.

Read: Deuteronomy 10:16; 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4

The New Testament connects spiritual circumcision with Christ, repentance, baptism, and the removal of the sinful nature’s control.

Read: Romans 2:28–29; Colossians 2:11–13

God has always desired more than outward religious identification. He seeks a transformed heart.

8. The Passover: Redemption by Blood

Israel was enslaved in Egypt and unable to free itself. God sent Moses to deliver His people.

During the final plague, each Israelite household was commanded to sacrifice a lamb and apply its blood to the doorway.

Read: Exodus 12:1–32

The Passover teaches several salvation truths:

• Humanity is in bondage and needs a deliverer.
• Judgment is coming.
• God provides a substitute.
• A lamb must die.
• The blood must be personally applied.
• God’s people must leave their former bondage.

The New Testament identifies Jesus as our Passover Lamb.

“For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.”

— 1 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)

John the Baptist introduced Jesus as:

“The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

— John 1:29 (NKJV)

Jesus was without sin, just as the Passover lamb was required to be without blemish.

Read: 1 Peter 1:18–19

9. The Exodus and the Red Sea

After the Passover, Israel left Egypt. Pharaoh’s army pursued them, but God brought Israel through the Red Sea and destroyed the power that attempted to return them to bondage.

Read: Exodus 14:1–31

Paul described this event as a form of baptism.

“All were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.”

— 1 Corinthians 10:2 (NKJV)

The Exodus provides a helpful picture of salvation:

Old Testament pattern → New Testament fulfillment

• Bondage in Egypt → Bondage to sin
• Pharaoh → Dominion of sin and Satan
• Moses the deliverer → Jesus Christ, our Deliverer
• Passover lamb → Jesus, the Lamb of God
• Blood applied → Christ’s blood applied by faith
• Leaving Egypt → Repentance and separation from sin
• Passing through the sea → Water baptism
• Cloud and divine presence → The Holy Spirit
• Journey toward Canaan → The believer’s life of faith
• Promised inheritance → Eternal life with Christ

These parallels illustrate salvation, but New Testament teaching determines how the pattern is applied.

10. The Tabernacle and the Approach to God

The tabernacle showed Israel how a holy God could dwell among sinful people.

Read: Exodus 25–30; Hebrews 8–10

The approach to God included:

• The altar of sacrifice: Blood was shed.
• The laver of water: The priests were washed.
• The Holy Place: The priests served in God’s presence.
• The Most Holy Place: God’s glory rested above the mercy seat.

These elements point toward Christ and the believer’s response:

• The altar points to Christ’s death and our death to sin through repentance.
• The laver points to cleansing and baptism.
• The Holy Place points to life and service empowered by the Spirit.
• The Most Holy Place points to restored access to God.

When Jesus died, the temple veil was torn, showing that access to God had been opened through Christ.

Read: Matthew 27:50–51; Hebrews 10:19–22

11. The Day of Atonement

On the Day of Atonement, the high priest entered the Most Holy Place with sacrificial blood.

Read: Leviticus 16

Two goats were involved:

• One was sacrificed.
• The other symbolically carried Israel’s sins away.

This anticipated Christ, who both died for our sins and carried them away.

Unlike Israel’s high priest, Jesus offered one perfect sacrifice.

Read: Isaiah 53:4–6; Hebrews 9:11–14, 24–28; 10:11–14

The repeated sacrifices showed that the Old Testament system was incomplete. Jesus’ sacrifice was sufficient and final.

12. Cleansing Through Water

Ceremonial washings were a regular part of Israel’s worship.

Read: Exodus 30:17–21; Leviticus 14–15; Numbers 19

Water could not cleanse the conscience, but these washings anticipated the spiritual cleansing provided in the New Covenant.

The prophets used water as an image of God’s coming work:

“Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean.”

— Ezekiel 36:25 (NKJV)

The promise continued:

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.”

— Ezekiel 36:26 (NKJV)

Water and Spirit appear together in this promise, preparing us to understand Jesus’ teaching about being born of water and the Spirit.

Read: John 3:3–5; Titus 3:5

13. The New Covenant Promised

Israel repeatedly broke its covenant with God. The prophets announced that God would establish a New Covenant.

Read: Jeremiah 31:31–34

The New Covenant would include:

• God’s law written upon the heart.
• A personal knowledge of God.
• Complete forgiveness.
• Inner transformation.

God also promised to place His Spirit within His people.

“I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes.”

— Ezekiel 36:27 (NKJV)

Joel prophesied that God would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh.

Read: Joel 2:28–32

Peter declared that this promise began to be fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost.

Read: Acts 2:14–21

Part 3

Part Three: Salvation Fulfilled in Jesus Christ

14. Jesus Is the Savior

The angel told Joseph:

“You shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

— Matthew 1:21 (NKJV)

The name Jesus means “Yahweh saves” or “the LORD is salvation.” Salvation is not merely a doctrine, system, or religious ceremony. Salvation is found in Jesus Christ.

15. God Came to Save Us

The New Testament presents Jesus as God manifested in flesh for the purpose of redemption.

Read: John 1:1–14; 10:30; 14:7–11; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16

“God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself.”

— 2 Corinthians 5:19 (NKJV)

In Jesus Christ:

• God entered human history.
• The invisible God was revealed.
• Humanity’s sin was carried.
• Death was defeated.
• Reconciliation became possible.

16. The Gospel of Jesus Christ

Paul summarized the gospel as the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:1–4

Christ died for our sins

Jesus was sinless, yet He willingly took our place.

Read: Isaiah 53:5–6; Romans 5:6–11; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24

Christ was buried

His burial confirmed the reality of His death. He fully entered the human condition of death.

Christ rose again

The resurrection demonstrated:

• Jesus’ victory over death.
• The truth of His claims.
• The acceptance of His sacrifice.
• The believer’s hope of resurrection.
• The availability of new spiritual life.

Read: Romans 1:4; 4:25; 6:4–5; 1 Peter 1:3

17. Grace, Faith, and Obedience

Salvation originates entirely in God’s grace.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith…not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

— Ephesians 2:8–9 (NKJV)

Grace means that salvation is God’s undeserved gift. No person can earn salvation through morality, religious rituals, charitable actions, or human achievement.

However, saving faith responds to God.

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

— John 14:15 (NKJV)

The New Testament speaks of “obedience to the faith” and warns about those who do not obey the gospel.

Read: Romans 1:5; 6:17; 10:16; 16:25–26; 2 Thessalonians 1:7–10; Hebrews 5:8–9

We are not saved by the merit of our obedience. We obey because we trust the Savior and receive His grace according to His Word.

Faith is not:

• Merely believing that God exists.
• Intellectual agreement without surrender.
• Repeating words while refusing repentance.
• Trusting in our own goodness.

Saving faith includes:

• Hearing God’s Word.
• Believing the gospel.
• Trusting Jesus Christ.
• Turning away from sin.
• Obeying the gospel.
• Continuing faithfully with Christ.

Part 4

Part Four: The New Birth

18. Jesus’ Teaching About the New Birth

Nicodemus was religious, moral, educated, and respected. Nevertheless, Jesus told him:

“Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

— John 3:3 (NKJV)

Jesus then explained:

“Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

— John 3:5 (NKJV)

The new birth is necessary because salvation requires more than improving the old life. God gives us new spiritual life.

Jesus’ words reflect the Old Testament promise of cleansing water, a new heart, and God’s Spirit.

Compare Ezekiel 36:25–27 with John 3:5

The New Testament shows the new birth being experienced through:

• Repentance.
• Water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ.
• Receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.

19. The Keys of the Kingdom

Jesus promised Peter:

“And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.”

— Matthew 16:19 (NKJV)

After Jesus’ resurrection, He instructed the apostles concerning the message they were to preach:

• Repentance and remission of sins would be proclaimed in His name.
• The apostles were witnesses of His death and resurrection.
• They were to wait for the promised power of the Holy Spirit.

Read: Luke 24:45–49; Acts 1:4–8

Peter used the promised keys on the Day of Pentecost when the New Testament church began.

20. The Birth of the New Testament Church

On the Day of Pentecost, approximately 120 believers were filled with the Holy Spirit.

Read: Acts 2:1–4

They spoke with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Peter explained that this was the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy.

Peter then preached:

• Jesus’ ministry.
• Jesus’ crucifixion.
• Jesus’ resurrection.
• Jesus’ exaltation.
• Jesus as both Lord and Christ.

The listeners believed Peter’s message and were convicted.

“Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart.”

— Acts 2:37 (NKJV)

They asked:

“Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

Peter answered:

“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

— Acts 2:38 (NKJV)

This response contains three connected elements:

• Repentance.
• Baptism in Jesus’ name.
• Receiving the Holy Spirit.

Peter declared that this promise remains available:

“For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off.”

— Acts 2:39 (NKJV)

Part 5

Part Five: Obeying the Gospel

21. Repentance: Dying to the Old Life

Repentance is a Spirit-enabled change of heart and direction. It involves turning from sin and turning toward God.

Read: Luke 13:3; 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30; 20:21; 26:20

Repentance includes:

• Recognition of sin.
• Godly sorrow.
• Confession.
• Renunciation of sin.
• Surrender to Jesus as Lord.
• Willingness to live differently.

Repentance is more than regret. Judas felt remorse, but genuine repentance produces a changed direction.

Read: Matthew 27:3–5; 2 Corinthians 7:9–11

Repentance and the gospel

Repentance identifies us with Christ’s death. We die to the rule of sin so that we can live for God.

Read: Romans 6:1–2, 6–7; Galatians 2:20

Repentance does not mean that we make ourselves perfect before coming to God. We turn to God so that He can forgive, cleanse, and transform us.

22. Water Baptism: Buried With Christ

Jesus commanded His disciples to preach the gospel and baptize believers.

Read: Matthew 28:18–20; Mark 16:15–16

The apostles consistently baptized converts in the name of Jesus Christ.

Baptism in Acts

• Jews at Pentecost: Acts 2:38–41.
• Samaritans: Acts 8:12–16.
• The Ethiopian official: Acts 8:35–39.
• Saul of Tarsus: Acts 9:17–18; 22:16.
• Cornelius’ household: Acts 10:44–48.
• Lydia and her household: Acts 16:14–15.
• The Philippian jailer: Acts 16:25–34.
• The Corinthians: Acts 18:8.
• The Ephesian disciples: Acts 19:1–6.

The meaning of baptism

Baptism is:

• An act of faith.
• An appeal to God from the conscience.
• Identification with Christ.
• Burial with Christ.
• Associated with forgiveness and cleansing.
• Entrance into a new covenant identity.

Read: Romans 6:3–5; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:21

Ananias told Saul:

“Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

— Acts 22:16 (NKJV)

Why the name of Jesus?

Jesus is the saving name revealed in the New Covenant.

Read: Matthew 1:21; Luke 24:47; Acts 4:12; 10:43; Colossians 3:17

The apostles understood Jesus to be the revealed saving name and baptized converts in His name.

23. The Gift of the Holy Spirit

God promised to place His Spirit within His people.

Read: Ezekiel 36:26–27; Joel 2:28–29

John the Baptist announced that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit.

Read: Matthew 3:11; John 1:32–33

Jesus promised that the Spirit would dwell within believers.

Read: John 7:37–39; 14:16–18, 26; 16:7–15

The Holy Spirit in Acts

• Acts 2:1–4: People: Jewish believers; What happened: They spoke with other tongues
• Acts 8:14–19: People: Samaritans; What happened: They visibly received the Spirit
• Acts 9:17–18; 1 Corinthians 14:18: People: Saul / Paul; What happened: He was filled with the Spirit and spoke in tongues
• Acts 10:44–48: People: Gentiles; What happened: They spoke with tongues and magnified God
• Acts 19:1–6: People: Ephesian disciples; What happened: They spoke with tongues and prophesied

In Acts 10, Jewish believers knew that the Gentiles had received the Spirit:

“For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.”

— Acts 10:46 (NKJV)

Speaking with other tongues is presented in Acts as the initial outward sign accompanying the reception of the Holy Spirit. The continuing evidence of a Spirit-filled life includes spiritual fruit, holiness, power, love, worship, and faithful service.

Read: Acts 1:8; Romans 8:1–14; Galatians 5:22–25

The principle Paul taught

Paul, whom God used to carry the gospel across the world, testified that he spoke in tongues more than anyone in the church at Corinth.

“I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all.”

— 1 Corinthians 14:18 (NKJV)

Paul often prayed in a language he did not understand with his own mind. As he yielded his voice to the Spirit, God worked through him to accomplish more than Paul himself could grasp, reaching farther than his own understanding could reach.

Scripture teaches that this is how the Spirit helps us. We do not always know what we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes through us.

Read: Romans 8:26–27; 1 Corinthians 14:2, 14–15

God does not fill us only for our own benefit. He desires to flow through us to help the world around us, to strengthen the weak, to carry burdens in prayer, and to accomplish His work through yielded believers.

24. The Gospel Experienced Personally

The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus are not merely historical facts to admire. They become the pattern of our salvation.

The gospel accomplished by Jesus → Our response to the gospel

• Jesus died → We die to sin through repentance
• Jesus was buried → We are buried with Him in baptism
• Jesus rose again → We receive new life through the Holy Spirit

Read: Romans 6:1–11; Colossians 2:12–13

We do not repeat Christ’s saving work. His sacrifice is complete. Through faith, however, we participate in the benefits of His death, burial, and resurrection.

Part 6

Part Six: Salvation in the Book of Acts

25. The Jews at Pentecost

Read: Acts 2:1–41

The people:

• Heard the gospel preached.
• Believed Peter’s message.
• Were convicted of sin.
• Asked what they should do.
• Were instructed to repent.
• Were baptized in Jesus Christ’s name.
• Received the promise of the Holy Spirit.

Approximately three thousand people received the Word and were baptized.

26. The Samaritans

Read: Acts 8:5–17

The Samaritans:

• Heard Philip preach Christ.
• Believed the gospel.
• Were baptized in Jesus’ name.
• Received the Holy Spirit through the apostles’ ministry.

This account shows that believing and baptism did not make the gift of the Spirit unnecessary. The apostles expected converts to receive the Spirit.

27. The Ethiopian Official

Read: Acts 8:26–39

Philip began with Isaiah 53 and preached Jesus. The man responded by requesting baptism.

Important lessons include:

• Scripture points to Jesus.
• Faith responds to revealed truth.
• Baptism was part of preaching Jesus.
• Baptism was administered without unnecessary delay.

28. The Conversion of Saul

Read: Acts 9:1–18; 22:6–16; 26:12–20

Saul encountered the risen Jesus and called Him Lord. He prayed and fasted for three days. Nevertheless, God sent Ananias to him.

Ananias instructed Saul to:

• Receive his sight.
• Be filled with the Holy Spirit.
• Be baptized.
• Call upon the Lord’s name.

A sincere encounter, prayer, and acknowledgment of Jesus did not eliminate Saul’s need to obey the complete message.

29. Cornelius and the Gentiles

Read: Acts 10:1–48; 11:1–18

Cornelius was:

• Devout.
• Prayerful.
• Generous.
• God-fearing.
• Respected.

Yet God instructed him to send for Peter, who would tell him what he needed to hear.

While Peter preached, the Holy Spirit fell upon the Gentiles. The Jewish believers recognized this because they heard them speak with tongues.

Peter then commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.

This account demonstrates:

• Good works cannot replace the gospel.
• God responds to sincere seekers.
• Gentiles receive the same Holy Spirit as Jewish believers.
• Receiving the Spirit does not eliminate the command to be baptized.
• Water and Spirit belong together in the new-birth experience.

30. The Philippian Jailer

Read: Acts 16:25–34

The jailer asked:

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

— Acts 16:30 (NKJV)

Paul and Silas told him to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. They then preached the Word of the Lord to him and his household.

The complete account shows:

• He was told to believe.
• He heard the Word of the Lord.
• He responded with a changed attitude.
• He washed the apostles’ wounds.
• He and his household were baptized immediately.
• He rejoiced in his faith.

Biblical belief included receiving the preached Word and responding to it.

31. The Ephesian Disciples

Read: Acts 19:1–6

Paul asked certain disciples:

“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”

— Acts 19:2 (NKJV)

They had received John’s baptism but had not yet heard the complete gospel. After Paul explained Jesus to them:

• They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
• Paul laid hands on them.
• The Holy Spirit came upon them.
• They spoke with tongues and prophesied.

Their sincerity did not make further truth unnecessary. When they received fuller revelation, they responded obediently.

32. A Comparison of Conversion Accounts

• Jews at Pentecost: Believed: Yes; Repented: Yes; Baptized: In Jesus’ name; Received the Spirit: Promised and received
• Samaritans: Believed: Yes; Repented: Implied; Baptized: In Jesus’ name; Received the Spirit: Yes
• Ethiopian official: Believed: Yes; Repented: Implied; Baptized: Yes; Received the Spirit: Spirit’s work evident
• Saul: Believed: Yes; Repented: Demonstrated; Baptized: Yes, calling on the Lord’s name; Received the Spirit: Filled with the Spirit
• Cornelius’ household: Believed: Yes; Repented: Implied; Baptized: Commanded in the Lord’s name; Received the Spirit: Yes, with tongues
• Philippian jailer: Believed: Yes; Repented: Demonstrated; Baptized: Immediately; Received the Spirit: New life evident
• Ephesian disciples: Believed: Yes; Repented: Accepted fuller truth; Baptized: In Jesus’ name; Received the Spirit: Yes, with tongues

No single account is intended to contradict the others. Together they reveal the apostolic pattern of faith, repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and receiving the Holy Spirit.

Part 7

Part Seven: Living in Salvation

33. Justification

Justification is God’s gracious act of declaring the believing sinner righteous through Jesus Christ.

Read: Romans 3:21–28; 4:1–8; 5:1–2

Justification is based upon:

• God’s grace.
• Christ’s blood.
• Faith in Jesus.
• Christ’s completed work.

We cannot earn justification. It is received through faith.

34. Regeneration

Regeneration is the impartation of new spiritual life.

Read: John 3:3–8; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:23

The Holy Spirit does not merely help us improve our old nature. He makes us spiritually alive and begins transforming us into the likeness of Christ.

35. Adoption

Through Christ, believers become members of God’s family.

Read: Romans 8:14–17; Galatians 4:4–7; Ephesians 1:5

Adoption gives believers:

• A new relationship with God.
• A new identity.
• Access to the Father.
• Membership in God’s family.
• Hope of an eternal inheritance.

36. Sanctification and Holiness

Sanctification means being set apart for God and progressively transformed into Christ’s likeness.

Read: Romans 6:19–22; 12:1–2; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–8; Hebrews 12:14

Holiness is not an attempt to earn salvation. It is the result of belonging to God and being transformed by His Spirit.

Grace teaches believers to reject ungodliness.

Read: Titus 2:11–14

A holy life affects:

• Thoughts.
• Speech.
• Conduct.
• Relationships.
• Sexual morality.
• Use of the body.
• Entertainment.
• Money.
• Priorities.
• Appearance.
• Worship.
• Treatment of other people.

True holiness includes both outward conduct and inward character.

37. Life in the Spirit

Believers must continue to walk in the Spirit.

“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

— Galatians 5:16 (NKJV)

The Spirit produces:

• Love.
• Joy.
• Peace.
• Longsuffering.
• Kindness.
• Goodness.
• Faithfulness.
• Gentleness.
• Self-control.

Read: Galatians 5:16–25

Speaking in tongues at the initial reception of the Spirit is not a substitute for spiritual maturity. The believer must allow the Spirit to transform attitudes, relationships, decisions, and behavior.

38. The Church and the Life of Discipleship

Those who obeyed the gospel on Pentecost continued in:

• The apostles’ doctrine.
• Fellowship.
• Breaking of bread.
• Prayer.

Read: Acts 2:41–47

Salvation brings us into the body of Christ. Christian life was never intended to be lived in isolation.

The church provides:

• Biblical teaching.
• Fellowship.
• Corporate worship.
• Communion.
• Prayer.
• Spiritual leadership.
• Opportunities to serve.
• Accountability.
• Encouragement.

Read: 1 Corinthians 12:12–27; Ephesians 4:11–16; Hebrews 10:24–25

39. Good Works and Christian Service

Good works cannot purchase salvation, but those who have been saved are created for good works.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.”

— Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)

Saving faith becomes visible through:

• Love.
• Mercy.
• Generosity.
• Justice.
• Forgiveness.
• Service.
• Evangelism.
• Care for those in need.
• Faithfulness to God’s calling.

Read: Matthew 5:13–16; James 2:14–26; Titus 3:8

40. Continuing in Faith

The New Testament calls believers to remain faithful.

Read: Matthew 24:13; John 15:1–10; Romans 11:20–22; Colossians 1:21–23; Hebrews 3:12–14; Revelation 2:10

Believers are instructed to:

• Abide in Christ.
• Continue in faith.
• Resist temptation.
• Put on the armor of God.
• Keep themselves in God’s love.
• Grow in grace.
• Remain faithful until death.

Read: Ephesians 6:10–18; Jude 20–24; 2 Peter 3:17–18

Our confidence is not in our own strength. God provides grace, power, correction, and help. Nevertheless, believers must continue trusting and following Him.

41. Salvation in Three Dimensions

The New Testament describes salvation as past, present, and future.

We have been saved

God has forgiven us and brought us into new life.

Read: Ephesians 2:8; Titus 3:5

We are being saved

God continues transforming and preserving us as we walk with Him.

Read: 1 Corinthians 1:18; Philippians 2:12–13

We shall be saved

Salvation will be completed when Christ returns and believers receive glorified bodies.

Read: Romans 5:9–10; 8:23–25; 13:11; 1 Peter 1:5

42. The Resurrection and Final Hope

Jesus will return for His people.

Read: John 14:1–3; Acts 1:9–11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18

At His coming:

• The dead in Christ will rise.
• Living believers will be transformed.
• Mortality will put on immortality.
• Believers will be gathered to Christ.
• God’s people will dwell with Him forever.

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:50–57; Philippians 3:20–21

The ultimate hope of salvation is not merely escaping punishment. It is knowing God, being transformed into Christ’s likeness, and living eternally in His presence.

Part 8

Part Eight: A Deeper Study of Salvation

43. Salvation Begins With God

Humanity did not develop the plan of salvation. Salvation originated in the heart and purpose of God.

After Adam and Eve sinned:

• God came looking for them.
• God confronted their sin.
• God announced judgment.
• God promised a Redeemer.
• God provided a covering.

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

— Luke 19:10 (NKJV)

God’s saving initiative does not remove the necessity of human response. God provides salvation, reveals the gospel, gives grace, draws people, and commands them to respond.

Read: John 6:44; 12:32; Romans 2:4; Titus 2:11–12

44. The Meaning of Grace

Grace is God’s undeserved favor and active saving power.

Grace does more than overlook sin. Grace:

• Brings salvation.
• Leads people to repentance.
• Makes forgiveness available.
• Empowers spiritual transformation.
• Teaches believers to reject ungodliness.
• Gives strength to endure.
• Produces good works.

Read: Romans 3:23–24; 5:20–21; Titus 2:11–14; Hebrews 4:16

Grace does not give permission to continue in sin

Paul anticipated the question:

“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not!”

— Romans 6:1–2 (NKJV)

Grace forgives us and then teaches us to live differently.

Grace and obedience are not enemies

Noah found grace, but he still built the ark. Israel was delivered by God’s power, but they still had to apply the blood and leave Egypt. Naaman was healed by grace, but he still had to wash in the Jordan.

Obedience does not purchase grace. Obedience is the response of faith to grace.

45. The Meaning of Faith

Biblical faith includes belief, trust, commitment, and faithfulness.

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

— Romans 10:17 (NKJV)

Faith begins when a person hears God’s Word and accepts it as true. Saving faith then moves the person to respond.

Examples of obedient faith

Abel: offered the sacrifice God accepted.

Noah: built the ark.

Abraham: left his homeland and offered Isaac.

Moses: kept the Passover and led Israel out of Egypt.

Israel: passed through the Red Sea.

Rahab: received and protected the spies.

The believers at Pentecost: repented and were baptized.

Read: Hebrews 11

Hebrews 11 repeatedly joins faith with action:

• “By faith Abel offered.”
• “By faith Noah prepared.”
• “By faith Abraham obeyed.”
• “By faith they passed through the Red Sea.”

Faith that refuses to respond is incomplete.

“Faith without works is dead.”

— James 2:20 (NKJV)

James was not teaching that human accomplishments purchase salvation. He taught that genuine faith becomes visible through obedient action.

Part 9

Part Nine: Salvation Revealed Through Old Testament Events

46. Abraham and Isaac: God Provides the Sacrifice

God tested Abraham by instructing him to offer Isaac.

Read: Genesis 22:1–19

Isaac asked:

“Where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”

— Genesis 22:7 (NKJV)

Abraham replied:

“My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb.”

— Genesis 22:8 (NKJV)

God stopped Abraham and provided a ram as a substitute.

This event points toward Christ:

• Isaac was a beloved son.
• He carried the wood connected with his sacrifice.
• He submitted to his father.
• A substitute was provided.
• The location was associated with the future temple area.
• God eventually gave His own Son for the world.

Abraham declared that the Lord would provide. The ultimate provision was Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

Read: John 1:29; 3:16; Romans 8:32

47. Jacob’s Ladder: Access to Heaven

Jacob dreamed of a ladder reaching from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending upon it.

Read: Genesis 28:10–22

Jesus applied this imagery to Himself.

Read: John 1:47–51

Jesus is the meeting place between God and humanity. He is not merely one possible way to God.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

— John 14:6 (NKJV)

Humanity does not climb to heaven through achievement. God came down to us in Christ and opened the way into His presence.

48. Joseph: The Rejected Deliverer

Joseph provides a striking pattern that anticipates Jesus:

Joseph → Jesus

• Beloved by his father → The beloved Son
• Rejected by his brothers → Rejected by His own people
• Sold for silver → Betrayed for silver
• Falsely accused → Falsely accused
• Suffered unjustly → Suffered without sin
• Exalted after suffering → Exalted after the resurrection
• Provided bread during famine → Gives the bread of life
• Forgave those who harmed him → Offers forgiveness to sinners
• Saved his family from death → Saves those who come to Him

Read: Genesis 37–50; John 1:11–12; 6:35; Philippians 2:5–11

Joseph’s suffering became the means by which many lives were preserved. Christ’s suffering became the means of salvation for the world.

49. The Bronze Serpent: Looking to God’s Provision

Israel sinned in the wilderness, and poisonous serpents entered the camp. God instructed Moses to lift up a bronze serpent. Those who looked upon it lived.

Read: Numbers 21:4–9

Jesus applied this event to His crucifixion.

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up.”

— John 3:14 (NKJV)

The Israelites were not healed by their own power. They had to trust God’s promise and look toward the provision He supplied.

Likewise, sinners cannot save themselves. They must look in faith to Jesus Christ.

50. The Cities of Refuge

Under the law, a person who caused an accidental death could flee to a city of refuge.

Read: Numbers 35:9–34; Joshua 20

The cities of refuge illustrate several salvation principles:

• Judgment was approaching.
• A place of refuge had been provided.
• The person had to flee to that refuge.
• Safety was found by remaining within the place God appointed.
• The death of the high priest affected the person’s release.

Jesus is our refuge from condemnation.

Read: Hebrews 6:17–20

We must not merely know that refuge exists. We must flee to Christ and remain in Him.

51. Rahab and the Scarlet Cord

Rahab believed that Israel’s God was the true God. She protected the spies and obeyed their instructions.

Read: Joshua 2; 6:22–25

A scarlet cord marked the house where she and her family would be protected.

Rahab’s story demonstrates:

• Salvation is available regardless of one’s past.
• Faith responds through action.
• God’s judgment is real.
• God provides a place of safety.
• Those under the appointed sign were spared.
• A Gentile woman was brought into God’s covenant people.
• Rahab became part of the ancestry of Jesus.

Read: Matthew 1:5; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25

52. Naaman: Grace Received Through Obedience

Naaman was a respected military leader, but he suffered from leprosy.

Read: 2 Kings 5:1–19

Elisha instructed him to wash seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman initially resisted because the command offended his pride and did not match his expectations.

When he obeyed, he was healed.

Naaman did not earn his healing by washing. God performed the miracle. Nevertheless, he would not have received the miracle while refusing God’s instruction.

This illustrates an important principle:

Obedience does not earn the promise; obedience receives what God has graciously promised.

Likewise, repentance and baptism do not purchase salvation. They are responses of faith to the saving work of Jesus Christ.

53. Jonah: Death, Burial, and Deliverance

Jonah was in the great fish for three days and three nights.

Read: Jonah 1–2

Jesus used Jonah’s experience as a sign of His own death, burial, and resurrection.

Read: Matthew 12:38–41

Jonah’s deliverance also led to a message of repentance being preached to Gentiles. Nineveh responded by turning from wickedness.

The story anticipates:

• Death and burial.
• Deliverance on the third day.
• The preaching of repentance.
• God’s mercy toward the nations.

Part 10

Part Ten: Salvation in the Psalms and Prophets

54. David’s Understanding of Forgiveness

After David’s sin involving Bathsheba and Uriah, he prayed for mercy and restoration.

Read: Psalm 32; Psalm 51

David understood that God wanted more than an outward sacrifice.

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart.”

— Psalm 51:17 (NKJV)

His prayer included:

• Confession.
• Acknowledgment of guilt.
• A plea for mercy.
• A desire for inward cleansing.
• A request for a clean heart.
• A longing for restored fellowship.
• A desire for renewed spiritual joy.

David’s prayer provides an important Old Testament picture of repentance.

55. The Suffering Servant

Isaiah 53 presents the Messiah as the Servant who would suffer for the sins of others.

Read: Isaiah 52:13–53:12

The Servant would be:

• Despised and rejected.
• Wounded for our transgressions.
• Bruised for our iniquities.
• Silent before His accusers.
• Counted among transgressors.
• Buried with the rich.
• Victorious after His suffering.
• The One who justifies many.

The New Testament repeatedly applies Isaiah 53 to Jesus.

Read: Matthew 8:16–17; Luke 22:37; Acts 8:26–35; 1 Peter 2:21–25

Jesus was not the unwilling victim of circumstances. He willingly gave Himself as the sacrifice for sin.

56. The Pierced Messiah

Zechariah prophesied:

“They will look on Me whom they pierced.”

— Zechariah 12:10 (NKJV)

This prophecy is applied to Jesus’ crucifixion.

Read: John 19:34–37; Revelation 1:7

Remarkably, the Lord speaks of Himself as the One who would be pierced. In Jesus Christ, God personally entered human suffering to accomplish our redemption.

57. The Fountain for Cleansing

Zechariah also prophesied:

“In that day a fountain shall be opened…for sin and for uncleanness.”

— Zechariah 13:1 (NKJV)

The New Testament reveals that cleansing is available through the blood and name of Jesus Christ.

Read: Acts 22:16; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 John 1:7–9

Part 11

Part Eleven: The Ministry of John the Baptist

58. Preparing the Way

John the Baptist was sent to prepare people for the coming Messiah.

Read: Isaiah 40:3–5; Malachi 3:1; Matthew 3:1–12

John preached:

• Repentance.
• The kingdom of heaven.
• Baptism.
• Confession of sins.
• The coming Messiah.
• The coming baptism of the Holy Spirit.
• Coming judgment.

John declared that religious heritage was insufficient. People needed personal repentance and fruit demonstrating a changed life.

“Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance.”

— Matthew 3:8 (NKJV)

John’s baptism was temporary

John’s baptism prepared Israel to receive the Messiah. After Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, people were baptized in Jesus’ name.

This distinction appears clearly in Acts 19:1–6. Those who had received only John’s baptism were instructed concerning Jesus, baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Part 12

Part Twelve: Jesus’ Teaching About Salvation

59. “You Must Be Born Again”

Read: John 3:1–21

Nicodemus had:

• Religious knowledge.
• Moral discipline.
• Jewish ancestry.
• Membership in the Pharisees.
• A position of leadership.

Yet Jesus said that he needed to be born again.

Religious background cannot replace spiritual rebirth.

The new birth is:

• From above.
• Accomplished by God.
• Associated with water and Spirit.
• Necessary to enter God’s kingdom.
• Received through faith in Christ.

60. The Narrow Way

Jesus taught:

“Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

— Matthew 7:14 (NKJV)

Jesus warned that verbal profession alone is insufficient.

Read: Matthew 7:21–27

The wise builder both heard and obeyed Jesus’ words. The foolish builder heard but did not obey.

Salvation is not based upon religious claims, emotional experiences, or spiritual activity separated from submission to Christ.

61. The Rich Young Ruler

Read: Matthew 19:16–26; Mark 10:17–27; Luke 18:18–27

The rich young ruler was moral and religious, but his possessions controlled his heart.

Jesus exposed the one area he was unwilling to surrender.

This encounter teaches:

• Morality alone cannot save.
• Eternal life cannot be earned.
• Idolatry can exist within the heart.
• Following Jesus requires surrender.
• Salvation is impossible through human power.
• What is impossible with humanity is possible with God.

Repentance often reaches the area we most want to keep under our own control.

62. Zacchaeus: Repentance Produces Change

Read: Luke 19:1–10

Zacchaeus received Jesus joyfully and demonstrated repentance by changing his relationship with money and making restitution.

Jesus announced:

“Today salvation has come to this house.”

— Luke 19:9 (NKJV)

Repentance did not remain an internal feeling. It became visible through changed conduct.

63. The Thief on the Cross

Read: Luke 23:32–43

The repentant thief:

• Recognized his own guilt.
• Acknowledged Jesus’ innocence.
• Confessed Jesus as King.
• Appealed to Jesus for mercy.
• Received a direct promise from Christ.

This event occurred before Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and the inauguration of the New Covenant. Jesus possessed authority on earth to forgive sins directly.

Read: Mark 2:5–12

The thief’s experience does not cancel the instructions Jesus gave for the gospel age or the message preached after Pentecost. After the resurrection, Christ commissioned the apostles to preach repentance and remission of sins in His name and commanded them to wait for the Holy Spirit.

Read: Luke 24:45–49; Acts 1:4–8; 2:38

64. The Great Commission

The Great Commission appears in several complementary forms.

Passage → Emphasis

• Matthew 28:18–20 → Make disciples, baptize, and teach
• Mark 16:15–18 → Preach the gospel; belief, baptism, and signs
• Luke 24:45–49 → Repentance and remission of sins in His name
• John 20:21–23 → Sent with authority concerning forgiveness
• Acts 1:4–8 → Receive the Spirit and become witnesses

These accounts do not contradict one another. Together they show that the apostles were commissioned to:

• Preach the gospel to all nations.
• Call people to faith and repentance.
• Baptize converts.
• Proclaim remission of sins in Jesus’ name.
• Lead people into the promise of the Holy Spirit.
• Teach believers to follow everything Jesus commanded.
• Witness through the Spirit’s power.

Acts records how the apostles understood and carried out this commission.

Part 13

Part Thirteen: Understanding Key Salvation Passages

65. John 3:16

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

This verse teaches:

• God is the source of salvation.
• Love motivated God’s saving action.
• Jesus was given for the world.
• Salvation is available to whoever believes.
• Eternal life is found through Christ.

John’s Gospel does not define belief as passive mental agreement. Those who truly believe come to the light, receive Christ, follow Him, and obey Him.

Read: John 1:11–13; 3:19–21, 36; 8:30–32; 14:15

66. Romans 10:9–10

Paul wrote about confessing the Lord Jesus and believing in the heart that God raised Him from the dead.

Read: Romans 10:8–13

This passage emphasizes genuine faith in the risen Lord and open identification with Him. It should be read within the full message of Romans.

Earlier, Paul had already explained that believers:

• Died to sin.
• Were baptized into Jesus Christ.
• Were buried with Him through baptism.
• Rose to walk in newness of life.
• Obeyed from the heart the doctrine delivered to them.

Read: Romans 6:1–18

Romans 10 was not written to cancel Romans 6 or the apostolic examples in Acts. Paul was explaining that salvation is available to both Jews and Gentiles through faith in Jesus Christ.

67. Ephesians 2:8–10

We are saved by grace through faith, not by works.

This passage rejects the idea that people can boast in human achievement, law-keeping, ethnicity, or religious merit.

However, the passage continues:

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.”

— Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)

Paul did not oppose obedient faith. He opposed attempts to earn salvation.

The same letter teaches:

• Repentance from the former life.
• Putting on the new person.
• Holiness.
• Walking in love.
• Walking as children of light.
• Being filled with the Spirit.

Read: Ephesians 4:17–32; 5:1–21

68. Acts 16:31

Paul and Silas told the jailer:

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

They did not stop with this initial statement.

The complete account shows that:

• The jailer asked what he must do.
• Paul and Silas told him to believe.
• They preached the Word of the Lord to his household.
• He responded with repentance, demonstrated by washing their wounds.
• He and his household were baptized immediately.
• He rejoiced, having believed in God.

Read: Acts 16:25–34

Biblical belief included receiving the preached Word and responding to it.

69. First Peter 3:21

Peter wrote:

“There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism.”

Peter immediately explained that baptism is not merely the removal of physical dirt. Its saving significance rests in an appeal toward God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Baptism is not magical water or a meritorious human work. It is a faith-response connected to:

• Christ’s resurrection.
• A cleansed conscience.
• Identification with Christ.
• God’s saving promise.

70. Titus 3:5

“He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”

This verse rejects salvation by righteous works that we have performed. Salvation rests upon God’s mercy.

It also describes two dimensions of salvation:

• Washing associated with regeneration.
• Renewal accomplished by the Holy Spirit.

This language agrees with Jesus’ teaching about being born of water and the Spirit.

Compare John 3:5; Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 6:11

Part 14

Part Fourteen: Common Questions

71. Is Salvation Earned by Repentance or Baptism?

No. Jesus purchased salvation through His blood. No human action can add merit to His sacrifice.

Repentance and baptism are not alternative saviors. They are God-commanded responses to the one Savior.

Consider the difference:

Earning: “God owes me salvation because of my work.”

Obedient faith: “I trust God’s promise and therefore respond to His Word.”

Israel did not earn deliverance by applying the Passover blood, but the blood still had to be applied. Naaman did not earn healing by washing, but he received healing when he obeyed God’s instruction.

72. Is Baptism Only an Outward Symbol?

Baptism certainly symbolizes death, burial, cleansing, and new life. However, the New Testament connects baptism with more than public symbolism.

Baptism is associated with:

• Remission of sins—Acts 2:38.
• Washing away sins—Acts 22:16.
• Burial with Christ—Romans 6:3–4.
• Putting on Christ—Galatians 3:27.
• Spiritual circumcision—Colossians 2:11–12.
• Salvation through Christ’s resurrection—1 Peter 3:21.

The power is not in the water itself. The power belongs to Jesus Christ, whose name, blood, death, and resurrection give baptism its meaning.

73. Why Must Baptism Be in Jesus’ Name?

The authority for salvation rests in Jesus.

“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

— Colossians 3:17 (NKJV)

In Acts, converts were baptized:

• In the name of Jesus Christ—Acts 2:38.
• In the name of the Lord Jesus—Acts 8:16.
• In the name of the Lord—Acts 10:48.
• In the name of the Lord Jesus—Acts 19:5.

Jesus is not one person among three competing divine persons. He is the revealed saving name in whom the fullness of deity dwells bodily.

Read: Matthew 1:21; John 5:43; 14:9–10; Colossians 2:9–12

74. Is the Holy Spirit Only for Certain Believers?

The gift of the Holy Spirit is promised to all who respond to the gospel.

Read: Acts 2:38–39

God promised to pour out His Spirit upon all flesh. The book of Acts records the Spirit being given to:

• Jews.
• Samaritans.
• Gentiles.
• Former disciples of John.
• Men and women.
• People from different nations and backgrounds.

The Spirit is not a reward for spiritual experts. The Spirit is God’s promised gift.

75. Is Speaking in Tongues the Same as the Gift of Tongues?

The New Testament presents tongues in more than one setting.

Tongues as the initial sign

In Acts, people spoke in tongues when they received the Holy Spirit.

Read: Acts 2:1–4; 10:44–48; 19:1–6

The spiritual gift of diverse kinds of tongues

In congregational worship, tongues may function as a spiritual gift requiring interpretation when addressed publicly to the church.

Read: 1 Corinthians 12:7–11, 28–30; 14:5, 12–13, 27–28

Not every believer exercises the public gift of tongues and interpretation. This does not contradict the initial sign recorded when people received the Spirit. The initial experience and the ongoing congregational gift have different purposes.

76. What About People Who Have Never Heard?

God is perfectly just, merciful, and righteous.

Read: Genesis 18:25; Romans 2:11–16

Scripture does not give believers permission to ignore those who have not heard. Instead, it emphasizes the urgency of preaching.

“And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?”

— Romans 10:14 (NKJV)

Our responsibility is to:

• Pray.
• Go.
• Preach.
• Teach.
• Support missions.
• Trust God’s justice regarding every person.

77. Can a Person Lose Salvation?

The New Testament offers both strong assurance and serious warnings.

Our assurance

• Nothing external can separate us from God’s love.
• Jesus is able to keep us.
• God completes the work He begins.
• We may approach the throne of grace.
• God provides a way of escape from temptation.

Read: Romans 8:31–39; Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 4:14–16; Jude 24

The warnings

Believers are warned against:

• Unbelief.
• Willful sin.
• Returning to the world.
• Failing to abide in Christ.
• Falling from steadfastness.
• Departing from the faith.

Read: John 15:1–6; Romans 11:20–22; Hebrews 3:12–14; 10:26–29; 2 Peter 2:20–22

Our confidence rests in Christ, not in fear or self-reliance. But assurance must not be turned into permission for unbelief and rebellion.

Part 15

Part Fifteen: Covenant Development

78. Salvation and the Biblical Covenants

• Adamic: Salvation principle: Promise of the woman’s Seed; Fulfillment in Christ: Jesus defeats the serpent
• Noahic: Salvation principle: Grace and deliverance through judgment; Fulfillment in Christ: Christ is our refuge
• Abrahamic: Salvation principle: Righteousness through faith; blessing for all nations; Fulfillment in Christ: The gospel extends to Jews and Gentiles
• Mosaic: Salvation principle: Blood, sacrifice, priesthood, cleansing, holiness; Fulfillment in Christ: Jesus fulfills the law and sacrificial system
• Davidic: Salvation principle: Promise of an eternal King; Fulfillment in Christ: Jesus reigns as the Son of David
• New Covenant: Salvation principle: Forgiveness, new heart, God’s Spirit; Fulfillment in Christ: Fulfilled through Jesus and experienced in the church

Every covenant contributes to the unfolding revelation of salvation, but the New Covenant provides the final and complete saving work of Christ.

79. The Old Covenant and the New Covenant

Old Covenant → New Covenant

• Written on stone → Written on the heart
• Repeated animal sacrifices → Christ’s one perfect sacrifice
• Levitical priesthood → Jesus, the eternal High Priest
• Earthly tabernacle → True access to God through Christ
• Ceremonial washings → Spiritual cleansing
• Circumcision in the flesh → Circumcision of the heart
• Spirit upon selected individuals → Spirit poured out upon all flesh
• Temporary covering of sin → Complete remission through Christ
• Primarily centered upon Israel → Extended to every nation

Read: Jeremiah 31:31–34; Hebrews 8–10

The New Covenant does not teach a lower standard of life. God moves His law from external stone into the human heart and gives His Spirit to empower obedience.

Part 16

Part Sixteen: A Personal Response

80. Examining Our Response to the Gospel

Every student should prayerfully consider these questions:

Faith

• Do I believe that Jesus is the Lord and Savior?
• Am I trusting His work rather than my goodness?
• Has my faith moved me to obey His Word?

Repentance

• Have I genuinely turned away from sin?
• Is there any area I am refusing to surrender?
• Have I made restitution where appropriate?
• Is my life producing fruit consistent with repentance?

Baptism

• Have I been baptized by immersion?
• Was I baptized as a personal response of faith?
• Was I baptized in the name of Jesus Christ?

The Holy Spirit

• Have I received the gift of the Holy Spirit?
• Did I experience the biblical sign of speaking in other tongues?
• Am I continuing to walk in the Spirit?
• Is the fruit of the Spirit developing in my life?

Discipleship

• Am I continuing in apostolic doctrine?
• Am I actively involved in the church?
• Do I pray and study Scripture?
• Am I living a holy life?
• Am I forgiving others?
• Am I sharing the gospel?
• Am I remaining faithful through trials?

Part 17

Part Seventeen: Salvation Study Assignments

Assignment One: Trace the Promise

Read the following passages:

• Genesis 3:15
• Genesis 12:1–3
• Genesis 22:15–18
• Isaiah 7:14
• Isaiah 9:6–7
• Isaiah 53
• Micah 5:2
• Zechariah 12:10
• Matthew 1:18–25
• Galatians 3:16
• Galatians 4:4–5

Write a paragraph explaining how the promise of salvation developed from Genesis to Jesus Christ.

Assignment Two: Trace Blood Sacrifice

Read:

• Genesis 3:21
• Genesis 4:1–7
• Genesis 22:1–14
• Exodus 12:1–32
• Leviticus 16
• Isaiah 53
• John 1:29
• Hebrews 9:11–28
• First Peter 1:18–21

Explain why blood was required and why Jesus’ sacrifice is superior to animal sacrifices.

Assignment Three: Study Conversion Accounts

Read:

• Acts 2:1–41
• Acts 8:4–17
• Acts 8:26–39
• Acts 9:1–18
• Acts 10:1–48
• Acts 16:25–34
• Acts 19:1–6
• Acts 22:6–16

Create a chart identifying:

• What each person or group heard.
• What they believed.
• Whether they repented.
• Whether they were baptized.
• The name used in baptism.
• Whether they received the Holy Spirit.
• What evidence accompanied receiving the Spirit.

Assignment Four: The New Life

Read:

• Romans 6
• Romans 8
• Romans 12
• Galatians 5
• Ephesians 4–5
• Colossians 3
• First Peter 1
• Second Peter 1

List ten characteristics that should become visible in the life of a person who has obeyed the gospel.

Part 18

Part Eighteen: Glossary of Salvation Terms

• Atonement: God’s provision for dealing with sin and restoring relationship
• Baptism: Immersion in water in response to the gospel
• Conversion: Turning from sin and toward God
• Covenant: A binding relationship established by God
• Faith: Trusting God and responding to His Word
• Forgiveness: God’s release of a repentant sinner from guilt
• Gospel: The good news of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection
• Grace: God’s undeserved favor and saving power
• Holiness: Separation from sin and dedication to God
• Justification: God declaring the believer righteous through Christ
• Mercy: God withholding the judgment we deserve
• New birth: Spiritual birth through water and the Spirit
• Propitiation: Christ’s sacrifice satisfying the demands of divine justice
• Reconciliation: Restoration of fellowship between God and humanity
• Redemption: Deliverance secured by paying a price
• Regeneration: The impartation of new spiritual life
• Remission: Forgiveness and release from sin
• Repentance: Turning away from sin and toward God
• Resurrection: Being raised from death; ultimately receiving an immortal body
• Salvation: Deliverance from sin and restoration to God
• Sanctification: Being set apart and progressively transformed for God
• Substitution: Christ taking the place of sinners in judgment

Part

Final Review

The Old Testament provides the foundation:

• Humanity fell into sin.
• God promised a Redeemer.
• Blood sacrifice demonstrated the seriousness of sin.
• The Passover pictured deliverance.
• The Exodus pictured freedom from bondage.
• Water crossings and washings pictured cleansing.
• Circumcision pictured an inward work.
• The tabernacle pictured access to God.
• The prophets promised a New Covenant.
• God promised a new heart and His Spirit.

The New Testament reveals the fulfillment:

• God came in Christ.
• Jesus died for our sins.
• Jesus was buried.
• Jesus rose from the dead.
• The apostles preached the gospel.
• Hearers were called to believe and repent.
• Converts were baptized in Jesus’ name.
• Believers received the Holy Spirit.
• The church continued in doctrine, fellowship, worship, and prayer.
• Christians were called to holiness and faithful discipleship.
• The church waits for Christ’s return and the resurrection.

The apostolic answer

“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

— Acts 2:38 (NKJV)

This promise is rooted in the Old Testament, accomplished through Jesus Christ, proclaimed by the apostles, experienced in the New Testament church, and available to every person today.