Your Salvation (1) | Biblestudy4Starters Chapters

1. How to be Sure of Your Salvation

What is the shortest Gospel message?

John 3:16. Also read John 3:17-21; 1 Corinthians 15:1-10; 1 John 5:9-13.

In God’s amazing love He gave us the greatest Gift that is our Lord Jesus. If you have Jesus in faith, you have real Divine life! Unbelief, on the other hand, is a great sin of the world.

What is sin?

Psalm 139:23-24; Proverbs 6:16-35; 8:13; 16:17-18; 28:13-14; Matthew 15:18-20; Romans 1:18-32; 2:1-2; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 John 3:4-10.

It is disobedience to God’s commandments, falling short of what God would have us to be and do; including, not doing what we should do. One can sin intentional or unintentional in our thoughts, in our words, in our actions and omissions.

What is repentance?

Ezekiel 18:20-24,30; Psalm 32:5; 51:1-17; Isaiah 55:6-7; Luke 15:18-24; 18:9-14; 19:7-10; Romans 12:1-2.

Your act of the will to come in agreement with God with what He thinks and says about sin by confessing your sins and in obedience forsaking them. In other words, you return home to your heavenly Father, which is a 180-degree turnaround, complete reversal of direction and change of mind.

Once going your own way and doing your own will, but now you have decided to follow Jesus and obey His commandments.

In some cases, you will have to take corrective steps, like Zacchaeus. Repentance entails a daily walk of obedience and definite renouncing of sin.

What are the results of your repentance?

Psalm 32:1-7; 103:1-12; Matthew 18:3-4; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:32-41; 17:30-31.

You receive forgiveness of sins through the holy blood of Jesus offered at the Cross, as well as the Gift of the Holy Spirit.

What does salvation mean, in other words that you are now saved?

That you escaped eternal damnation (hell), everlasting separation from God, as you now entered a personal relationship with God through the Lord Jesus. In other words, you have become a son or daughter of your heavenly Father, while in a progressive process of obedience, holiness and sanctification in your life until we enter and inherit the Kingdom of God.

Once you are saved:

1. You have an intimate relationship with God as your heavenly Father through Jesus Christ:

John 1:12-13; 10:27-30; 16:26-28.

2. You have received deliverance from sin and the consequences of sin, from condemnation and spiritual death:

Romans 5:8-9; 6:22; 8:1-2; 1 Timothy 1:15.

3. You are set free from Satan, infirmity and sickness:

Luke 13:11-16; 18:41-42; 1 Peter 2:21-24; Colossians 1:13-14; Hebrews 2:14-15.

4. You have eternal life:

John 5:24; Romans 5:21; 1 John 5:11-13.

5. You are a new creation in Christ Jesus:

2 Corinthians 5:17.

6. You walk in obedience having the fear of God and you have escaped hell:

Proverbs 8:13; 9:10; Luke 16:19-31; Hebrews 9:27-28.

7. By grace you have received saving faith:

Acts 16:30-34; Ephesians 2:8-9.

8. You have peace with God:

Luke 7:41-50; Romans 5:1.

What must you do to be saved?

Matthew 12:37; Luke 18:13-14; John 1:12-13; 10:27-30; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:8-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 2:12-16; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; 1 John 1:7-9.

Repent and renounce all sin, and confess verbally that you are a sinner and that you trust only in the Lord Jesus for your salvation. Saving faith will surely have you thank Jesus for taking your place at the Cross of Calvary.

What an amazing unmerited favor that Jesus paid the full price in your place by shedding His holy blood and is now seated at the right hand of the Father.

However, this is a consistent and obedient daily walk with Christ Jesus and certainly not a one time, once and for all repetition of a sinner’s prayer. You will have to daily decide to stay in your heavenly Father’s Hands.

What is the difference between believing and faith?

Romans 4:17-21; 10:8-17; Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 11:1-10; James 2:14-26.

Secular belief is based on human reason, everyone believes in something; this is mental belief. James states “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the devils believe - and shudder!” in fear of Almighty God. He further asks don’t you know that “faith without works is dead?”

Biblical belief is an action fully trusting in God and submitting to Him, obeying His instructions and trusting in His promises.

Now the trigger causing this biblical belief is faith, which is the “substance”, the confirmation, the assurance that it is already realized (the title deed and proof as it were knowing that God cannot lie and that His Word is truth!).

Hence, faith is God’s gift of inwardly knowing -that you know-that you know- that you know- that it is done, that God has done what He has said He would do!

In what name should we come to God, our Father, and why?

John 14:6; 16:23-24; Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9-11; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 10:10-23.

As the Most High God is a sinless and most holy God, a sinner can only approach God through the holy Blood of and in the Name of Jesus. Sin has no place with God, but because of Jesus the sinner can be justified by Christ’s righteousness.

As a righteous and sanctified child of God, you may, at all times, enter into your Father’s Presence in Jesus’ Name based on the sacrificial offering of the body of Jesus Christ. Of course, as His child you do not need to keep repeating 'in Jesus’ Name', as a formula or buzzword. You can simply talk to your heavenly Father with due respect.

Important Vitamins to Memorize:

Absorb the following vitamins into your heart; these are powerful and effective vitamins to add to your spiritual diet. Take time to repeatedly read, write and memorize these Bible verses.

Declare them regularly with a loud voice applying it to yourself. It is highly recommended to memorize these Bible verses before continuing. You will be laying down your strong foundation!

Vitamin B1: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever BELIEVES in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

[John 3:16]

Vitamin B2: “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the BLOOD of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

[1 John 1:7,9]

It is good to declare, 'God so loved me, even if I was the only human on earth, He would still give Jesus to die in my place at the Cross and because I believe in Him, the risen King, I have eternal life!'

Thank You, Lord Jesus, I have confessed my sins and You have forgiven me, and Your holy blood covers and washes me continuously from all sin! Hallelujah!'

What is grace?

1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Ephesians 1:6-7; Ephesians 2:1-9; 1 John 1:1-3.

A God-given ability and unearned, undeserved favor on your behalf by and in Christ Jesus. By grace we are saved and now have come into fellowship with our heavenly Father and Christ Jesus.

What does it mean to be born-again?

John 1:12-13; 3:3-8; Romans 8:15-16; Titus 3:4-8; 1 Peter 1:22-25; 1 John 1:3; Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Corinthians 12:3b.

Being born again is the precious work of the Holy Spirit who transforms you from being spiritually dead to becoming spiritually alive in Christ, in a personal relationship with Jesus as your Savior and King.

It is the Holy Spirit’s answer when you repent and act by faith calling upon Jesus, as He brings you into a new living relationship with your heavenly Father. God’s Spirit makes your spirit alive through His Word and you know that you have become a child of God.

As a new born-again Christian you need, first of all, to be sure that you are saved! Where can you find this assurance of eternal life?

Numbers 23:19; Jeremiah 1:12; Titus 1:2; Matthew 4:4,7,10; 12:37; 24:35; Acts 2:38-39; Romans 10:8-10; John 1:12-13, 3:16; 1 John 1:6-9; 3:1-10; 5:11-13.

Once you have received the Lord Jesus in your life and heart as your Savior and King, that is you have decided to follow Christ Jesus, know that God Almighty cannot lie. His Word is the Truth, and His promises are yes and amen! Your faith in God is demonstrated by your gratitude and thankfulness [1] for His promises in His Word. Your assurance is developed and strengthened through His Word.

[1] Thankfulness is a simple, but important act of faith, which can develop in a wonderful attitude of gratefulness. As a child of your heavenly Father, we don’t keep begging, asking and pleading for forgiveness, but we act in faith and thank God for His forgiveness and faithfulness.

For the born-again Christian it is crucial to understand that it is only by Jesus’ holy blood and complete sacrifice at the Cross of Calvary that we have been pardoned. Thank Him for His grace and mercy yes, His forgiveness! Declare that you are a son or daughter of the living God, you are a new creation, you are bought and paid by the blood of Jesus, your heavenly Father loves you.

Make sure you build up your assurance on a solid foundation by memorizing and often declaring God’s Word. Satan tried to bring doubt in Jesus’ heart, but Jesus overcame him by declaring God’s Word. So must we.

For example, you could declare, 'By God’s grace and love I am born again! God’s Word is the Truth and nothing but the Truth! I believe in Jesus, the Son of the living God, who is The Truth! I am a new creation; I love my heavenly Father and Jesus loves me! It is written he/she who has the Son of God has life, hallelujah, I have Divine life!'

After you have received the Lord Jesus as your Savior and King and you would come to sin, are you lost or do you lose your relationship with God?

Psalm 19:12-14; 32:1-5; 51:1-19; 1 John 1:5-10; 2:1-6; 3:1-10; Romans 6:11-14; 8:31-39; Hebrews 8:8-12.

You may lose, for a while, your fellowship with God because of an unconfessed sin, but as soon as you repent and confess your sin(s) to God and ask for forgiveness, God forgives you because of the finished work of Jesus Christ. Thus, you do not lose your relationship as a son or daughter of God. However, you must confess your sins and seriously forsake them as you walk with God.

If you have done wrong to another person, you should correct it, that is fully restore whatever that person has lost and ask forgiveness. If that person is no longer with us, you can confess this to God.

In general, a sin that only God knows about, and does not have any consequence to another, needs only to be brought to your heavenly Father. When God alone knows about the wrong you did, for example you entertained a filthy thought in your mind, or you grumble in your room alone about yourself or about someone else and that person does not know it, you do not have to confess that sin to the other person, because it is something between you and God who hears and sees everything.

Or, in case you have watched pornography alone you can go to God and confess your sin and ask the Holy Spirit to set you free. It is important to stop it right away!

However, if the sin has become an addiction, it is good to ask your pastor or a mature and reliable born-again Christian to pray with you and for you.

But, from the moment you have hurt another person for example you treated him/her without respect and you said awful things, embarrassed that person in front of others, or spoke negatively about the other, you should not only ask God to forgive you, but also sincerely ask the other person to forgive you, whom was abused, shouted to or stolen from. If you stole something it must be returned.

Zacchaeus told Jesus that he would even add more to what he stole and give it back to those affected.

As a born-again Christian you need to live by 1 John 1:7,9, so do write Vitamin B2 in your heart! As soon as you realize that you have sinned in your thoughts and/or words and/or actions, you should confess it and decide not to do it anymore, and make sure you thank Him for He has readily forgiven you. You have received a new heart, once you are born-again, so walk in His love commandment.

In addition, the Word teaches that Jesus is your Advocate at the right hand of the Father and that Jesus’ holy blood continually washes you from all sins, known and unknown. If you walk in God’s light and truth with a clean conscience, and are obedient to your heavenly Father, He will see you under Jesus’ holy blood, which is all-sufficient.

Important Vitamins to Memorize:

Continue memorizing the following Scriptures, your foundation will certainly be solid!

Vitamin B3: “These things I have written to you who BELIEVE in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to BELIEVE in the name of the Son of God.”

[1 John 5:13]

Vitamin G1: “For by GRACE you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the GIFT of God.”

[Ephesians 2:8]

You may want to declare, 'By grace I am saved and forgiven not by my own works or good deeds, but by my faith in Christ Jesus! Thank You, Jesus, my spirit, soul [2] and body belong to You and I am in Your hands where I am safe! I believe in You, my Lord Jesus, You are my Savior! I will follow You, you are my Best Friend and the center of my life, thank You for eternal life!'

[2] The soul is the eternal part of a human being and has to do with your will and desires, emotions and intellect (decision-making, mind). The immortal soul is the real person living in a physical body, the latter could be compared as a temporary vehicle.

Why declare in faith? Read Matthew 12:37.

What is eternal life?

John 17:3; John 14:6; 1 John 5: 9-13,20; 2 Corinthians 13:14; John 10:9-11; 2 Peter 1:1-11.

a. Knowing and having a personal relationship with God, your heavenly Father, with the Holy Spirit, and with our Lord Jesus who made it possible!

b. Partaking of the Divine nature, a life full of love, life, grace, peace and righteousness of God!

What is water baptism? What is its meaning?

Matthew 3:13-17; 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38-42; 8:12,16,35-38; 9:18; 10:44-48; Romans 6:1-14.

Water baptism is being completely buried under water. It is part of fulfilling all righteousness, as Jesus did and instructed us to do the same. In essence, by our baptism, we are buried in Christ’s death, so we can be free from sin and walk in newness of life.

In other words, to be baptized is to openly -on the basis of your free will and decision- bury or cover, and leave behind your old, sinful life under water, professing your decision to follow and obey King Jesus, and arise from the water to a new life with God.

This act is a confirmation of what happened in your heart and life that you have been saved by our Lord Jesus, your Savior and Lord, and that you love Him and because of your love for Him -for what He did for you- you now in full surrender long to follow His instruction.

True love for Him will not be ashamed to demonstrate our love for -and faith in- Him. If you really love Jesus, it will be easy to follow in His footsteps and be baptized.

What condition is there to be baptized?

Matthew 19:13-15; Acts 8:12, 36-38.

There is only one condition: “if you believe with all your heart” in other words, your faith in Jesus! The Bible teaches “men and women” were baptized. Babies and young children are prayed for and blessed by our Lord Jesus, as babies cannot express their faith in Christ.

Adults out of love for Jesus are baptized in obedience. There is no exact age given in the Word, but one thing is clear that baptism is only for those that have reached an age at which they know what they are doing.

When should you be baptized?

Acts 2:41.

As soon as you willingly received God’s Word and want to obey Jesus.

Why baptize?

Galatians 3:24-29; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 16:15-16.

Even God’s Holy Son Jesus was baptized as our example fulfilling all righteousness, should not we also? Besides, Jesus commands it and He never changed His mind on the subject. Scripture states that it has to do with putting on Christ and it is our answer of a good conscience toward God.

In conclusion, water baptism is a required step if you want to be a real follower of Christ Jesus. But this is not the basis of your eternal salvation. We are saved out of God’s grace and mercy, by the precious Blood of Jesus shed in our place, when we earnestly repent of our sins and come to faith in our Lord Jesus! This is a daily walk in humility with our Lord Jesus.

Is there a promise of salvation for you and your family?

Matthew 18:19-20; Acts 16:30-31; 1 John 5:14-15.

Yes, but salvation for your family members must be claimed on the basis of God’s promise.

Does God respect your choice and your will?

Deuteronomy 30:19-20; Isaiah 48:17-18; Joshua 24:15c; Matthew 22:36-40; Ephesians 4:30.

God respects and has given each individual a free will. It is up to us whether we choose and decide to follow Jesus. The Holy Spirit will never compel or push you to obey or to have you make a hasty decision. Hence, it is your decision to reject sin and follow Christ.

Genesis 1:26-28; Matthew 16:24-25; Matthew 21:28-31; John 7:17.

Your free will makes you a superb and unique being, created in the image of God. God did not make you a puppet on a string to automatically say “Hallelujah” whenever He wants. The Father longs for you to voluntarily worship Him from your heart and live for Him out of gratitude.

What does Divine righteousness that is imparted to us entail?

Isaiah 64:6-8; Matthew 5:6; Mark 10:18; Romans 3:20-31; 4:1-11; 5:8,17-21; 2 Corinthians 5:21.

Can we in our own deeds be perfect and morally upright -that is righteous- according to God’s standards? Never! Only God is good all the time.

By God’s grace we are justified freely by Jesus, who never sinned and who fulfilled the whole law during His life on earth and ultimately at the Cross. Through faith in our resurrected Savior and His holy blood, we become free from guilt and sin, and God now sees us as if we never sinned, as He sees us in Christ Jesus, the Perfect, Righteous One. Thus, we are made right with our holy God.

Now it is our turn to daily walk and live in obedience in God’s presence and with a clean conscience.

Romans 5:1-2,17; 6:13,19,22-23; 10:9-10; 1 John 1:5-10; 2:1-5.

Once you have confessed the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that Jesus rose from the dead, you are a son or daughter of God, you are accepted by the Father. Jesus’ holy and victorious life has been accredited to you. You are washed by the blood of Jesus. Past, present and future sins are forgiven as you daily walk in the light of God and desire to please Him.

Of course, if you sin you must break and stop immediately with that sin to receive forgiveness.

Is this a new religion?

Isaiah 64:6-8; John 1:29; Galatians 3:10-14; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 1 Peter 1:18-23; John 10:11; Romans 3:24-27; Hebrews 9:22; 10:19; James 1:22-27.

The Bible defines pure religion as taking care of widows, orphans, walking in holiness, while having control over your tongue.

People having a religion often interpret this as doing their best -for example, in sacrificing, doing good deeds- to please God, hoping that God will accept them on that basis. However, our own righteousness is of no avail and can never attain God’s standard.

The Bible declares that Jesus, the Lamb of God, is the Only One who lived that perfect, sinless life and could therefore fully pay the penalty in our place by bringing a perfect and complete sacrifice of His precious Blood. Jesus’ Blood represents His holy life and finished work of redemption.

Matthew 28:20; John 15:14-17; 1 John 1:1-10; Hebrews 13:5c.

This is not a new religion, but you have entered a personal relationship with Christ Jesus as your Savior, King and Best Friend. Rest assured that the Lord Jesus is with you at all times and all the time, for He has promised “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Important Vitamins to Memorize:

Here are some more Bible verses to plant in your heart, as to increasingly grow your assurance of your salvation. Remember to declare them -if possible- with a loud voice, this will have God’s Word penetrate in the depths of your heart and subconscious mind.

Vitamin C1: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become CHILDREN of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

[John 1:12-13]

Vitamin C2: "If you CONFESS with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth CONFESSION is made unto salvation.”

[Romans 10:9-10]

Finally, you can declare, 'I am a son/daughter of God bought and paid by the precious and holy Blood of Jesus! Thank You Jesus that Your Blood washed me whiter than snow! Thank You for loving me, Jesus, I too love You, hallelujah! I know that by the words of my mouth I am saved and justified, yes, I have eternal life! Glory to King Jesus!'

QUESTIONS On Chapter 1: How to be Sure of Your Salvation?

If you don’t know the answer, don’t worry, simply return to the text of that specific question and reread/restudy the relevant Bible verses until you grasp it.

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

[Hebrews 12:2]

Answer these questions in your own words.

1. What is the shortest Gospel message?

2. What is sin?

3. What is repentance?

4. What are the results of your repentance?

5. What does salvation mean, in other words that you are now saved?

6. What must you do to be saved?

7. What is the difference between believing and faith?

8. In what name should we come to God, our Father, and why?

9. Vitamin B1: John 3:16:

10. Vitamin B2: 1 John 1:7,9:

11. What is grace?

12. What does it mean to be born-again?

13. As a new born-again Christian you need, first of all, to be sure that you are saved! Where can you find this assurance of eternal life?

14. After you have received the Lord Jesus as your Savior and King and you would come to sin, are you lost or do you lose your relationship with God?

15. What should we do in case we alone know that we sinned and in case we hurt someone else?

16. Vitamin B3: 1 John 5:13:

17. Vitamin G1: Ephesians 2:8:

18. What is eternal life?

19. What is water baptism? What is its meaning?

20. What condition is there to be baptized?

21. When should you be baptized?

22. Why baptize?

23. Is there a promise of salvation for you and your family?

24. Does God respect your choice and your will?

25. What does Divine righteousness that is imparted to us entail?

26. Is this a new religion?

27. Vitamin C1: John 1:12-13:

28. Vitamin C2: Romans 10:9-10:

by Dennis V. Dare

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