LEARNING TO PLEASE GOD
LESSON SIX – SALVATION FROM SINS
Are you lost spiritually? Are you dealing with guilt and discouragement because of past sins? There is only one answer to man's lost spiritual state. Jesus is that answer. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6) The gospel is the good news that Christ suffered sin's penalty in man's place. "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5:21) Jesus is our only hope. If we reject Him we will be lost eternally.
Sin is a matter of choice. Infants do not inherit sin from their parents; neither do they inherit sins from Adam. "The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him." (Ezekiel 18:20) Satan makes sin so enticing that all have been overcome by its power. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) Sin brings pleasure. But, the pleasure of sin lasts only for a short time. (Hebrews 11:25)
Sin breaks fellowship with God. "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." (Isaiah 59:2.) Sin is often taken too lightly by the world, and also by the church. Sin causes God to turn His face from us. The Bible reveals the seriousness of sin by showing its consequences. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) Sin makes it impossible to see the Lord in eternity. "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14.) Because the problem of sin is universal, and because man cannot save himself, man should be interested in God's solution to the problem of sin.
Jesus lived a perfect life and gave Himself for the sins of the world. He took my place and by dying on the cross satisfied God's wrath. "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:6-8) God punished Jesus in our place. "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (1 Peter 2:24.) Jesus suffered for sins once, the just for the unjust so that He might bring us to God. (1 Peter 3:18) If it were not for the death of Jesus, God would have no choice but to punish man for his own sins.
How do we get rid of our sins? All who are saved from sin must hear the gospel of Christ. Hearing and learning is necessary in order for salvation to be brought about. (John 6:44-45) Those who are saved must come to believe in Jesus as the Son of God. None can have salvation without hearing and believing the salvation message. (Mark 16:15-16) Repentance or a change of heart that leads to a change in life is a necessity if we are to be saved. "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3) A simple confession of faith in Jesus is a necessary step in conversion. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10) Finally, at baptism one stops being out of Christ. Baptism will wash away the sins of a believer who has repented and confessed. "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16) Salvation is a wonderful gift from God. Treasure it! Always walk hand in hand with Jesus so nothing will stand between you and heaven.
True or False:
1. _________ You can know God without hearing His word. (John 6:44-45)
2. _________ Believers who are baptized will be saved. (Mark 16:15-16)
3. _________ You will perish if you fail to repent. (Luke 13:3)
4. __________ We must confess that we are sinners. (Romans 10:9-10)
5. __________ Baptism does not wash away a person’s sins. (Acts 22:16)