{

The Experience of Salvation

Fundamental Belief #10

In infinite love and mercy God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might be made the righteousness of God. Led by the Holy Spirit, we sense our need, acknowledge our sinfulness, repent of our transgressions, and exercise faith in Jesus as Lord and Christ, as Substitute, and Example. This faith which receives salvation comes through the divine power of the Word and is the gift of God’s grace. Through Christ we are justified, adopted as God’s sons and daughters, and delivered from the lordship of sin. Through the Spirit we are born again and sanctified; the Spirit renews our minds, writes God’s law of love in our hearts, and we become partakers of the divine nature and have the assurance of salvation now and in the judgment.

1. Why do we need salvation?2. What illustration has God given us

regarding the ‘nuts and bolts’ of salvation?

3. If Christ became sin for us, how do you explain the ‘scapegoat’ doctrine?

4. What is the difference between justification and sanctification ?

5. Is salvation a combination of faith and works?

6. What has the process of salvation taught you about the character of God?

Questions to ponder

Is. 53:5 Matt. 1:21 Romans 5:9 – 12, 18

To be free from the penalty of sin. To experience reconciliation with

God.

1. Why do we need salvation?

{

“Thus in the ministration of the tabernacle, and of the temple that afterward took its place, the people were taught each day the great truths relative to Christ's death and ministration, and once each year their minds were carried forward to the closing events of the great controversy between Christ and Satan, the final purification of the universe from sin and sinners.” {PP, 358}

• Heb. 9:242. The ‘nuts & bolts’ of salvation illustrated

Repentance Forgiveness Justification Sanctification

The work of the Holy Spirit

(John 16:7-14)

The experience of salvation

{ John 1:29 &

2Cor. 5:21

Lev. 16:5-10, 15, 20-22 & Rev. 20:1-3, 10

3. If Christ became sin for us, how do you explain the ‘scapegoat’ doctrine?

Justification – Christ’s imputed righteousness

Sanctification – Christ’s imparted righteousness

Justification – what God does for us Sanctification – what God does in us

Justification – our title to heaven Sanctification – our fitness for heaven

4. What is the difference between justification and sanctification ?

Justification – a free gift from God made possible through the life & death of Christ Romans 3:24-26 Titus 3:5

Sanctification – a free gift from God accomplished through the work of the Holy Spirit John 17:17 2Cor. 3:18 Parable of the 10 virgins & Ezekiel’s vision Eph. 4:11-15 & Heb. 6:1

Consider: Joshua the high priest & Isaiah

Justification & Sanctification

Eph. 2:8-10 Romans 3:20-28 James 2:14-26

Let the subject be made distinct and plain that it is not possible to effect anything in our standing before God or in the gift of God to us through creature merit. Should faith and works purchase the gift of salvation for anyone, then the Creator is under obligation to the creature. Here is an opportunity for falsehood to be accepted as truth. If any man can merit salvation by anything he may do, then he is in the same position as the Catholic to do penance for his sins. Salvation, then, is partly of debt, that may be earned as wages. If man cannot, by any of his good works, merit salvation, then it must be wholly of grace, received by man as a sinner because he receives and believes in Jesus. It is wholly a free gift. Justification by faith is placed beyond controversy. And all this controversy is ended, as soon as the matter is settled that the merits of fallen man in his good works can never procure eternal life for him. {FW, 20}5. Is salvation a combination of faith and works?

6. What has the process of salvation taught you about the character of God?