Lesson 1 : Salvation

Scripture Memorization

One of the most important habits to get into that will help you grow as a believer is memorizing Bible verses. In Psalm 119:11 the Bible says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”Memorizing Bible verses and doing what they say will help you to fight against temptation and instruct you to do what is right. We encourage you to memorize the verse below to give you a better understanding of the topic of salvation. John chapter 3, verse 16 —or, abbreviated, it would look like this:

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:3-7 —In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God… You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.”

Jesus commanded us saying, “You must be born again.”In this lesson you will learn:

1. Why we need salvation.
2. How God has provided for our salvation.
3. How we can receive that salvation personally.

1. Before you start, PRAY. Ask God’s Holy Spirit to open your heart to receive His Word and to show you how to apply it to your life. Do not copy the scriptures, but answer the questions briefly and in your own words.

Sin is the failure to obey any of God’s commandments or laws. In your own words, write down your answers to the following questions in a journal or notebook.

• How does the Bible describe sin? (Read 1 John 3:4)
• What is the result of sin? (Read Romans 6:23, James 1:15)

To better understand the effects of sin, think of death as SEPARATION.

1. Spiritual death –Your sins have separatedyou from God.
2. Physical death –It separates the spirit and soul from the body.
3. Eternal death –If you remain dead in your sins, they will separate you from the mercy of God forever.

To be RIGHTEOUS means “to do right: to be totally innocent before God in regards to obeying His commandments.”

• How many of us are righteous? (Romans 3:10)
• How many of us have sinned? (Romans 3:23)
• What word explains why God would send His only Son to die for us? (John 3:16)
• Does He love us as sinners or do we need to become good enough for God to love us? (Romans 5:8)
• Read each of the verses below and indicate if we are saved only by Jesus or if God allows another way for salvation. (1 Timothy 2:5, Acts 4:12, John 14:6)

God’s word says sin causes death; Jesus took that penalty upon Himself in our place.

• How did Jesus take the penalty of sin for us? (1 Corinthians 15:3)
• What must we do to have Him save us from the penalty of sin? (Romans 10:9, Acts 16:30-31)
• The Bible uses several words to show the contrast between “works” and “faith.” Next to each of the following scriptures write the words that describe how we are saved. Titus 3:5, Ephesians 2:8
• Why does the Bible say we are not saved by our works? (Ephesians 2:9)

JUSTICE is getting what we deserve. If God were only a just God, we would all perish.

MERCY is not getting what we deserve. It is by His mercy that He can forgive us.

GRACE is getting something we don’t deserve at all. By God’s grace (not our own merit) He sent his Son.

FAITH is accepting something which cannot be proved by the senses. Faith is trusting God.

• What should be the result of God’s goodness and kindness to us? (Romans 2:4)

REPENTANCE literally means “a change of one’s mind that results in change of action.” It is through this change that our hearts turn away from sin and turn towards God. It should include:A.A genuine sorrow for our sins.B.Cleansing from continually sinning.C.A desire to submit to God’s will.

• According to the Apostle Paul, what would be one outward sign of repentance? (Acts 26:20)
• When we repent, what happens in Heaven? (Luke 15:10)

Have the angels rejoiced over you? All you have to do is pray this simple prayer and mean itin your heart:

“Jesus I know I am a sinner. Forgive my sins and take control of my life. Amen.”

In your journal, write out the verse you memorized for lesson 1.