T1L8 God's Plan of Salvation [Discipleship Class]

THE HOUSE OF FAITH CHURCH | REPLUM DISCIPLESHIP COURSE

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8 – God’s Plan of Salvation

Scripture Focus

Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 53:4–6; John 1:14; John 3:16; Romans 3:21–26; Romans 5:6–11; Romans 6:3–4, 23; Romans 10:9–10, 14–17; 1 Corinthians 15:1–4, 20; Ephesians 1:7, 13; Ephesians 2:8–10; Titus 3:4–7; Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 9:22; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 1:9; Galatians 3:27

Opening Question

In one or two sentences, how would you explain to a friend why God had to send His Son to save sinners?

Background

From the first sin in Eden, God revealed a saving purpose. He promised that the Woman’s Seed would crush the serpent (Genesis 3:15). Across the ages, the Law exposed our guilt, the sacrifices displayed our need for atonement, and the prophets foretold a suffering Substitute (Isaiah 53:4–6). In the fullness of time, the Word became flesh, lived without sin, died in the place of sinners, and rose again in triumph (John 1:14; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Corinthians 15:1–4). Salvation is therefore the gracious work of God, received by faith, with a transformed life as its fruit (Ephesians 2:8–10).

Key Points and Leader Notes

1) God’s Love Initiates Salvation

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

• “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

  
  

  God’s saving plan rises from His own loving character. He moved toward enemies, not toward the righteous, since none are righteous on their own (Romans 3:10–12).

2) God’s Justice Demands Satisfaction

• “For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

• “…without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Hebrews 9:22. Divine love does not cancel divine justice. Sin earns death. The question is not whether sin will be paid for, but who will make the payment.

3) Jesus Christ, God’s Provision

Incarnation. “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us…” John 1:14. The Son became truly man while remaining truly God, able to represent us and to save us perfectly.

Perfect Life. “…tempted in all things like we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15; “Who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth.” 1 Peter 2:22.

Substitutionary Death. “But He was pierced through for our transgressions… and Yahweh has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.” Isaiah 53:5–6; “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21.

Resurrection. “…and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:4; “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Corinthians 15:20.

The cross and the empty tomb stand together. Justification is anchored in both His death and His resurrection (Romans 4:25).

4) How God Saves Sinners

Hear. “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17.

Believe. “…if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9.

Confess. “For with the heart a person believes, leading to righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, leading to salvation.” Romans 10:10; compare Matthew 10:32.

Repent. “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…” Acts 2:38; see also Acts 17:30.Baptism. “Or do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead… so we too might walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:3–4; see Galatians 3:27.

Salvation is by grace through faith, and that repentance, confession, and baptism are God-appointed responses of that faith, not human meriting of grace.

5) What Salvation Gives

Forgiveness. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our transgressions…” Ephesians 1:7; see 1 John 1:9.

Justification and Peace. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1.

Adoption. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God…” John 1:12; see Romans 8:15.

The Spirit. “…you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.” Ephesians 1:13.

Eternal Life. John 3:16; Romans 6:23.

6) Grace Alone, Through Faith Alone, Unto Good Works

• “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8–9.

• “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10; see James 2:17.

Works do not purchase grace. Works display grace.

Group Discussion

1.   Where do you see both the love and the justice of God meeting at the cross of Christ (Romans 3:21–26)?

2.   Which part of Christ’s saving work most strengthens your assurance today, and why (1 Corinthians 15:20; Romans 5:6–11)

3.   Read Romans 10:9–10, 14–17. What elements of a biblical gospel appeal should we include when we witness to others?

4.  How would you explain the relationship of faith, repentance, confession, and baptism to a new believer using Acts 2:38 and Romans 6:3–4?

5.   According to Ephesians 2:8–10, how do good works fit into the Christian life without becoming the ground of our salvation?

6.  What practical changes flow from adoption and indwelling, as described in John 1:12 and Ephesians 1:13?

Application

1.   Examine your heart this week. By Scripture’s measure, have you believed in Christ, repented of your sins, confessed Him openly, and obeyed Him in baptism (Romans 10:9–10; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–4)?

2.   Share the good news. Identify one person to pray for daily and to invite into a gospel conversation.

3.   Walk as God’s child. Choose one good work that displays gratitude for grace, and plan it deliberately (Ephesians 2:10).

4.  Study further. Read Romans 3–5 this week, noting every phrase that explains how God justifies the ungodly.

Memory Verse

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

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