InstaStudy

Saved by Grace: A Journey of Faith and Obedience

This study explores the profound truth of salvation as a gift from God, received through faith and demonstrated through obedience to His divine plan. We will examine the nature of God, the role of Jesus Christ, and the essential steps for experiencing the new birth and living a life empowered by the Holy Spirit.

1. The Nature of God and His Grace

1.1 The One True God

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Isaiah 44:6
  • There is only one God, the Creator of all.
  • He is a singular being, not a plurality of persons.
  • He alone is our Savior and Lord.

1.2 God's Initiative in Grace

Verses: Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; Romans 3:23-24
  • Salvation is a gift, not earned by works.
  • God's love initiated the plan for our redemption.
  • Grace is His unmerited favor towards humanity.

1.3 The Holiness and Justice of God

Verses: Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Romans 6:23
  • God is holy and requires holiness from His people.
  • Sin separates us from a holy God.
  • His justice demands a penalty for sin, but His grace provides the remedy.

2. Jesus Christ: The Manifestation of God's Grace

2.1 God Revealed in Flesh

Verses: John 1:1, 14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9
  • Jesus is the visible manifestation of the invisible God.
  • In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
  • He is God Himself, come in human form.

2.2 The Atoning Sacrifice

Verses: Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24; Romans 5:8
  • Jesus' death on the cross paid the penalty for our sins.
  • He bore our sicknesses and sorrows.
  • His sacrifice demonstrates God's ultimate love and grace.

2.3 Resurrection and Lordship

Verses: Romans 10:9; Acts 2:36; Philippians 2:9-11
  • God raised Jesus from the dead, conquering sin and death.
  • He is exalted as Lord over all.
  • Confessing Jesus as Lord is central to salvation.

3. The New Birth: God's Plan for Salvation

3.1 Repentance Towards God

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Luke 13:3
  • Repentance is a change of mind and heart, turning from sin to God.
  • It is a prerequisite for receiving God's grace.
  • Godly sorrow leads to repentance that brings salvation.

3.2 Water Baptism in Jesus' Name

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5; Colossians 2:12
  • Baptism is for the remission of sins and identifies us with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
  • It is to be administered by immersion.
  • It is to be done in the name of Jesus Christ, as commanded by the apostles.

3.3 Receiving the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6; John 3:5
  • The Holy Spirit is the promise of the Father, essential for the new birth.
  • The initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit is speaking in other tongues.
  • The Spirit empowers believers to live a holy and victorious life.

4. Living by Grace: A Transformed Life

4.1 Walking in Obedience

Verses: John 14:15; 1 John 2:3-6; Romans 6:1-2
  • True faith is demonstrated through obedience to God's commands.
  • Grace does not give us license to sin, but empowers us to live righteously.
  • Obedience is a natural outflow of a heart transformed by grace.

4.2 Growing in Holiness

Verses: Hebrews 12:14; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Peter 1:15-16
  • Sanctification is a continuous process of being set apart for God.
  • We are called to pursue holiness in all aspects of our lives.
  • The Holy Spirit enables us to overcome sin and live righteously.

4.3 The Power of the Spirit-Filled Life

Verses: Acts 1:8; Galatians 5:22-23; Romans 8:13-14
  • The Holy Spirit provides power for witness and service.
  • He produces the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.
  • Living by the Spirit leads to victory over the flesh and guidance in God's will.