Saved by Grace
An exploration of salvation through grace, emphasizing repentance, water baptism in Jesus' name, receiving the Holy Spirit, and living a life of obedience.
1. Understanding Grace
1.1 The Definition of Grace
Verses: Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:24; Titus 2:11
- Grace is God's unmerited favor, love, and kindness toward humanity.
- It is not something we earn or deserve, but a free gift from God.
- Grace empowers us to live a life pleasing to Him.
1.2 Grace Through Faith
Verses: Romans 5:1-2; Hebrews 11:6; James 2:26
- We receive God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
- Faith is the active acceptance of God's gift of salvation.
- Faith without works is dead, showing that true faith produces obedience.
2. The Process of Salvation
2.1 Repentance: Turning Away from Sin
Verses: Acts 3:19; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Luke 13:3
- Repentance is a change of heart and mind, turning away from sin and toward God.
- It involves godly sorrow for our sins and a commitment to forsake them.
- Repentance is a necessary step in receiving God's grace and forgiveness.
2.2 Water Baptism in Jesus' Name
Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 10:48; Romans 6:3-4
- Water baptism is an act of obedience and identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
- It is to be administered by immersion in water, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
- It is an essential part of the initial salvation experience.
2.3 Receiving the Holy Spirit
Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 19:6; John 14:26
- The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, the same Spirit that dwelt in Jesus.
- The initial sign of receiving the Holy Spirit is speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.
- The Holy Spirit empowers believers for service and witness.
3. Living in Grace
3.1 Living a Life of Obedience
Verses: John 14:15; 1 John 2:3-6; Romans 6:1-2
- Grace empowers us to live a life of obedience to God's Word.
- Obedience is not a means of earning salvation, but a response to God's grace.
- We demonstrate our love for God by keeping His commandments.
3.2 Growing in Grace
Verses: 2 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 4:15; Colossians 1:10
- We are called to continually grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
- This involves studying God's Word, praying, and fellowshipping with other believers.
- As we grow in grace, we become more like Jesus in our thoughts, words, and actions.
4. Maintaining Grace
4.1 The Danger of Presuming on Grace
Verses: Romans 6:1-2; Hebrews 10:26-27; 1 Peter 1:15-16
- We must not presume on God's grace by continuing to live in sin.
- Grace is not a license to sin, but an empowerment to overcome sin.
- We must strive to live a holy life, pleasing to God.
4.2 The Importance of Perseverance
Verses: Matthew 24:13; Hebrews 10:36; Revelation 2:10
- Salvation is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey of faith and obedience.
- We must persevere to the end, remaining faithful to God in the face of trials and temptations.
- Those who endure to the end will be saved.