InstaStudy

Saved by Grace

A study exploring the profound truth of salvation as a gift from God, received through faith and obedience to His word.

1. Understanding Grace

1.1 Grace Defined

Verses: Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:23-24
  • Grace is God's unmerited favor towards humanity.
  • It is God's divine enablement, not earned by human effort.
  • Salvation by grace means it is a gift, not a reward for works.

1.2 The Necessity of Grace

Verses: Romans 5:12; Isaiah 64:6
  • Humanity's fallen state makes us incapable of saving ourselves.
  • Our own righteousness is insufficient before a holy God.
  • Grace is God's initiative to bridge the gap created by sin.

1.3 Grace in the Old Testament

Verses: Genesis 6:8; Exodus 33:12-17
  • God's favor was shown to individuals even before the New Covenant.
  • Old Testament examples foreshadowed the ultimate grace revealed in Christ.
  • God's grace established and maintained covenant relationships with His people.

2. The Plan of Salvation

2.1 Repentance

Verses: Acts 2:38; Luke 13:3
  • Repentance involves a change of mind and heart, turning from sin.
  • It is an essential first step in responding to God's grace.
  • God calls all people everywhere to repent.

2.2 Water Baptism

Verses: Acts 2:38; Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:3-4
  • Water baptism is for the remission of sins.
  • It is an immersion in water, symbolizing burial with Christ.
  • It is to be administered in the name of Jesus Christ.

2.3 The Gift of the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:38-39; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 19:1-6
  • The Holy Spirit is God's promise to all who obey Him.
  • It is an infilling with divine power for holy living.
  • The initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit is speaking in other tongues.

2.4 The Name of Jesus

Verses: Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 3:17
  • Salvation is found in no other name than Jesus.
  • The name of Jesus carries all authority in heaven and on earth.
  • All things are to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus.

3. The Role of Faith

3.1 Faith as Trust

Verses: Hebrews 11:1; Romans 10:17
  • Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
  • It comes by hearing the word of God.
  • True faith involves complete trust and reliance on God.

3.2 Faith and Works

Verses: James 2:17-20; Ephesians 2:8-10
  • While salvation is by grace through faith, true faith produces works.
  • Works are the evidence of a living faith, not a means to earn salvation.
  • We are saved unto good works, which God prepared beforehand.

3.3 The Object of Our Faith

Verses: John 3:16; Acts 16:31
  • Our faith must be placed in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice.
  • Believing in Him brings eternal life.
  • He is the author and finisher of our faith.

4. Living in Grace

4.1 Growing in Grace

Verses: 2 Peter 3:18; Philippians 1:6
  • Salvation is a journey of continuous growth in God's grace.
  • God is faithful to complete the good work He began in us.
  • We are called to mature in our understanding and application of grace.

4.2 Overcoming Sin by Grace

Verses: Romans 6:14; Titus 2:11-12
  • Grace empowers us to live free from the dominion of sin.
  • God's grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts.
  • We are enabled to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age.

4.3 Grace for Service

Verses: 1 Peter 4:10; Romans 12:6
  • God gives spiritual gifts by His grace for the edification of the church.
  • We are stewards of God's manifold grace, called to serve one another.
  • Our service should be done with the strength that God supplies.

5. The God of Grace

5.1 God is One

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 44:6; Isaiah 45:5
  • There is one Lord, and there is no God beside Him.
  • He is the first and the last, and beside Him there is no God.
  • This singular God is the source of all grace and salvation.

5.2 Jesus is God Manifest

Verses: John 1:1; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9
  • The Word, who was God, became flesh and dwelt among us.
  • God was manifest in the flesh, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles.
  • In Jesus Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

5.3 The Spirit of God

Verses: John 4:24; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Romans 8:9-11
  • God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.
  • The Lord is that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
  • The Spirit of God dwelling in us is the Spirit of Christ, giving life.