B- The Doctrine of Salvation

B- The Doctrine of Salvation2017-03-30T17:07:04-04:00
Study Explanation
Key Scripture
Discussion Guides
Growing Exercises
Recommended Reading

Explanation

This is how well you understand your relationship with God and its implications for your life.  What is the purpose of mankind?  Why were you created?  What does God desire for us?  How does sin factor in to our relationship with God?  Do you view your salvation as one of grace through faith?  Do you view your salvation as involving works or religious activities?  Do you understand the various aspects of forgiveness: past, present and future?  How does one become a Christian?  What are you saved from?  What are you saved for?  What is your identity before God as a Christian?  These are the things people understand when they have a grasp of the doctrine of salvation.

KEY SCRIPTURES

Key Scriptures

Key Scriptures are designed to give a biblical overview of the topic in question.  They are extremely valuable for gaining an immediate general understanding of what the Bible teaches on a given subject.  Key Scriptures are the first place you should explore when starting a new subject.  They can be discussed individually, in part, or in whole.  Generic inductive Bible study questions are provided to assist you in your discussion.  Key Scriptures are also good for memorizing and reference.

Salvation is from the Lord

Psalm 27:1 – The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear?  The LORD is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid? NIV

Acts 4:12 – Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” NIV

See also Isaiah 2:2, & Zephaniah 3:17

Salvation requires response

John 1:12 – Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. NIV

Romans 10:13 – “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” NIV

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. NIV

1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. NIV

John 5:24 – “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. NIV

See also Isaiah 55:6-7

God desires all to be saved

2 Peter 3:9 – The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. NIV

Romans 5:8 – But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. NIV

Hebrews 2:9 – We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. NIV

See also Ephesians 2:4-5

Salvation is good and life giving

John 10:10 – I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. NIV

1 John 3:2 – Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. NIV

1 Peter 2:24 – He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. NIV

See also Philippians 2: 13-14

Inductive Bible Study Questions

to be used with individual Key Scriptures

  • What is the primary point of this passage?
  • How does this passage challenge us?
  • How does this passage comfort or encourage us?
  • What does this passage teach us about God?
  • What spiritual insights are found in this passage?
  • What are the personal & spiritual implications of this text?
  • What does this passage ask or require of us?

Key Scriptures Bible Study

to be used when studying all Key Scriptures together

  • Did any of the scriptures given surprise you? Explain
  • Did any of the scriptures given confuse you? Explain
  • Did any of the scriptures given comfort or excite you?
  • How would you sum up these scriptures to another?
  • What implications do these scriptures have for our lives?
  • Which of these scriptures would you find it valuable to memorize?

DISCUSSION GUIDES

Sin and Separation

B1 – No Condemnation – Romans 8:1-4

Key Words: Salvation, Sin, Forgiveness, Spiritual Death, Law

  1. Do you ever sense disapproval or condemnation from God?
  2. Define condemnation.
  3. Where might people get the idea that we are condemned by God?
  4. Who according to the text is not condemned? Why are they not condemned?
  5. What is the law?
  6. Why is the law weak and ineffective in leading us towards righteousness?
  7. If death is separation from God and his life, what is the law of sin and death?
  8. How is the law of sin and death overcome?
  9. How do we gain freedom from sin and law, as well as true righteousness?
  • Approach all scripture prayerfully open

B2 – Alienation and Reconciliation – Colossians 1:21-22

Key Words: Salvation, Brokenness, Reconciliation

  1. How does it make you feel when there is alienation or brokenness in your relationship with someone you deeply love?
  2. How hard do you work to restore the relationship?
  3. How do you feel when the relationship is restored?
  4. What words are used in this passage to indicate separation or a broken relationship with God?
  5. How does one become alienated from others?
  6. According to the text, what happened to create alienation between us and God?
  7. Why might we be considered enemies of God while in our natural state?
  8. Explain the concept of reconciliation?
  9. What is the result of this alienation?
  10. How are we reconciled to God?
  11. How should we feel about being reconciled to God?
  • Approach God’s Word with humility, honesty and teachability

B3 – Peace with God – Ephesians 2: 14 – 22

Key Words: Salvation, Peace with God, Reconciliation, God’s Children, The Cross

  1. What words does this text use to describe our relationship with God prior to knowing Christ?
  2. What words does this text use to describe our relationship with God after knowing Christ?
  3. What does verse 14 indicate when it says he is our peace?
  4. What status are we given in God’s kingdom?
  5. Contrast the ideas of peace and hostility with God.
  6. What does it mean to be a member of God’s household?
  7. Do you feel like a true son or daughter of God?
  8. What is a temple?
  9. Why are we considered temples?
  10. What implications does our new identity have in our Christian lives?
  • These questions are only suggestions, allow the Holy Spirit to be your guide

Salvation as a Free Gift

B4 – The Free Gift of Grace – Ephesians 2:8-10

Key Words: Salvation, Grace, faith, Works

  1. What theology is implied by the phrase, “you better be good if you want to go to heaven?”
  2. How does Paul indicate we are not saved?
  3. What words does he use to indicate how we are saved?
  4. What is the source or means of our salvation?
  5. Break down the word ‘grace.’
  6. Break down the word ‘faith.’
  7. What is the nature and direction of saving faith?
  8. Does faith activate grace or does grace activate faith?
  9. What does Paul mean by works?
  10. What would you say to the person who says, “God will let me into heaven because I am a good person?”
  11. What is the purpose of our salvation according to this passage?
  12. Are works important for Christians… explain?
  • These questions are simply a foundation for you to build upon

B5 – The Gift of New Life – Romans 6:23

Key Words: Salvation, Gift of Salvation, Sin, Spiritual Death

  1. How do most people believe one gets into heaven?
  2. According to this passage, is it possible to earn eternal life because of our goodness?
  3. What is the difference between a gift and a wage?
  4. What have we earned and how did we earn it?
  5. What have we been given and by whom?
  6. Do we earn gifts?
  7. What does this indicate about our role in Salvation?
  8. What is God’s role?
  9. Contrast the words death and life.
  10. How are the two concepts the same? How are the two concepts different?
  11. How should the fact that salvation is a free gift impact our posture before God?
  • Create your own study by adding and subtracting questions as needed

Jesus as the Way to God

B6 – The Way, the Truth and the Life – John 14:6

Key Words: Salvation, Jesus Only Way, Spiritual Life, Truth

  1. What do most people today feel about knowing God and going to heaven?
  2. Does society in general affirm the worldview of various religions… explain?
  3. How can a person be “the way… and what does this imply?”
  4. How can a person be “the truth?”
  5. How can a person be “the life?”
  6. What enables Jesus to embody these qualities?
  7. Why do many people view this verse as intolerant?
  8. How do you view the religious implications this verse?
  9. What is it about Jesus that substantiates him as the only way to God?
  10. Why can’t other religions or religious figures accomplish this?
  • Your questions are probably better than mine

B7 – Proof of Eternal Life – 1 John 5: 6-13

Key Words: Salvation, Messiah, Jesus Only Way, Holy Spirit, Savior, Assurance

  1. Jesus once asked, “Who do you say that I am?”… Who do you say that he is?
  2. What evidence does Jesus offer in the text to validate his identity as both God and Savior?
  3. How did Jesus come by water?
  4. How did Jesus come by blood?
  5. When or how does the Holy Spirit testify about Jesus?
  6. In what ways do these three validate Jesus as the Messiah?
  7. What is the nature of belief in verse 10?
  8. Does this speak merely of intellectual belief?
  9. Does this passage leave room for other ways to God?
  10. Why is Jesus the only way to salvation?
  11. Is it possible to have assurance of salvation? How can we know that we are saved?
  • Interrogatives are keys that unlock wonderful secrets 

The Nature of Salvation

B8 – Life through Death – John 12: 23-26

Key Words: Salvation, Cross, Life through Death, Spiritual Life, Following Jesus

  1. How do we know this verse is talking about salvation?
  2. How will Jesus be glorified? Does his glorification include the cross… explain?
  3. What does this indicate about Christ’s love for us?
  4. Is verse 24 speaking of Jesus, his people, or both?
  5. Explain the paradox in verse 25. What does Jesus mean by the words ‘love’ and ‘hate?’
  6. Verse 26 speaks of serving and following Christ… are these conditional for salvation?
  7. Who does the work of salvation: us or Christ?
  8. How do we differentiate faith and the fruits of faith?
  • Be like a detective who interrogates scripture 

B9 – Calling on God – Romans 10:9-12

Key Words: Salvation, Justified, Confessing Christ, Faith

  1. What two conditions does verse 9 give for salvation?
  2. How are the two conditions related?
  3. What does a public confession of Christ look like?
  4. In what context does Paul use the word ‘saved?’
  5. What are we saved from and what are we saved for?
  6. Explain what Paul meant by ‘justify.’ What does it mean to be justified before God?
  7. List the verbs in this passage. Which verbs appears multiple times?
  8. How does calling on the Lord relate to the other verbs?
  9. Does the physical act of calling on the Lord save us or the faith and trust in our hearts that prompts us to call?
  10. How does believing in the Lord relate to the other verbs?
  11. What exactly do we believe in order to be saved?
  • The insight is found in scripture; questions are simply tools to mine the ore

New Life in Christ

B10 – New Life in Christ – Galatians 2:20

Key Words: New Person, Transformation, Dying to Self, Following Jesus, Spiritual Growth

  1. What does Paul mean when he says that he is crucified with Christ?
  2. What does it mean to die to self?
  3. In what ways does faith necessitate dying to self?
  4. If self is the old way, what is the new that Paul refers to?
  5. In what ways are you different since committing your life to Christ?
  6. Are you comfortable with your level of spirituality or do you think you should be further along?
  7. What is the secret to being made new or progressing in the Christian life?
  8. What are the implications of our new life in Christ in our values… worldview… lifestyle… possessions… relationships… and time?
  9. How does living for Christ bring goodness to our lives?
  • Follow the lines of curiosity 

B11 – Never Will I Leave You – Hebrews 13:5

Key Words: Salvation, Abundance, God’s Presence, Relationship with God, Promise

  1. Is Christianity intended to be more of a religion or a relationship… explain?
  2. What promise does this passage give us?
  3. What is the significance of this promise that is unique to Christianity?
  4. What does this promise imply about the nature of God and the relationship he desires to have with us?
  5. Does it comfort you to know that God is with you always… explain?
  6. Do you ever feel this reality is not true in your life?
  7. Is there a pattern regarding the times you feel far away from God?
  8. In what way is this promise a preview of eternity?
  9. How is the constant presence of God part of the abundant life Jesus promises his followers?
  • Group leaders may wish to consult a commentary for background information 

Following Jesus

B12 – Taking up our Crosses – Mark 8:34-38

Key Words: Salvation, Following Jesus, Dying to Self, Life through Death, Spiritual Life

  1. What does it mean to most people to follow Jesus?
  2. Identify the three commands in verse 34 Jesus gives to those who desire to “come after him.”
  3. What does self-denial have to do with following Jesus?
  4. Jesus had not yet been crucified when he gave this command, what then did he mean by taking up our cross?
  5. What does it mean to follow someone or be a disciple of someone?
  6. What does it mean to follow Jesus?
  7. How does the paradox of verse 35 work?
  8. In what context does Jesus use the term ‘world’ in verse 36?
  9. What does verse 36 have to do with priorities regarding temporal and spiritual matters?
  10. Is the life offered by Jesus worth it… explain?
  • Seek to connect the dots with other scriptures and Bible content 

B13 – The Fruit of Following Jesus – Galatians 5:16-24

Key Words: Salvation, Following Jesus, Spiritual Life, Spiritual Fruit, Lordship

  1. Which do people more associate with the idea of Lordship: sacrifice or goodness?
  2. Why do people have a tendency to often focus more on what they are giving up to follow Christ rather than on what they gain?
  3. How would your life change if you suddenly and richly experienced all the fruit of the Spirit?
  4. How much do you desire to experience this kind of fruit?
  5. Which of these qualities comes easiest to you?
  6. Which gives you the most trouble?
  7. What does the text say about how to bear this kind of fruit?
  8. What does it mean to keep in step with the Spirit?
  9. How does genuinely following Jesus naturally produce such fruit?
  10. How do we sabotage the Spirit producing fruit in our lives?
  • There are no greater tools for effective Bible study than humility, honesty, and diligence

B14 – Sheep of the Good Shepherd – John 10:1-18

Key Words: Salvation, God’s Care, Following Jesus, Blessing

  1. If someone were to refer to you as a sheep would that be a compliment or a criticism?
  2. How might this image of shepherd and sheep fail to communicate to modern people?
  3. In what ways is being a sheep a good thing… what are the benefits of being a sheep?
  4. Whose sheep is this passage talking about?
  5. How does this passage describe the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep?
  6. What do you think Jesus means by the sheep pen?
  7. What is the significance of the gate to the pen?
  8. Who is the gate?
  9. How does this text say the sheep come to belong to the shepherd?
  10. What are the benefits of being a sheep of the Good Shepherd?
  11. What parallels does this text have with Psalm 23?
  12. What does this text add to Psalm 23?
  • You are responsible for your level of engagement

The Wonders of Grace

B15 – A Right Relationship with God – Romans 3:21-25

Key Words: Salvation, Righteousness, Redemption, Atonement, Sin, Justification, Brokenness, Law

  1. How important are relationships to you?
  2. How important is your relationship with God?
  3. Righteousness literally means right relationship; in what context is righteousness being used in this passage?
  4. What does the text indicate is the source of our brokenness with God?
  5. What is the problem in trying to be righteous by keeping the law?
  6. How did the law bring righteousness… or did it?
  7. What is the law?
  8. How then does God deal with our sin?
  9. What does justify mean? What does redeem mean?  What does atone mean?
  10. Contrast our efforts to save ourselves verses Jesus’ efforts to save us?
  11. What then do we need to do to be right with God?
  • Go beyond the obvious by avoiding “Yes” or “No” answers

B16 – Created for God – Genesis 1 – 2

Key Words: Salvation, Creator, Creation, Humanity, God’s People

  1. In what way is mankind different from the rest of creation?
  2. If God is Spirit, then how can we be created in his image?
  3. What responsibilities does mankind have as people created in the image of God?
  4. Is there any sense of covenant or agreement regarding how Adam and Eve, or even all mankind is to relate to God?
  5. How do the following concepts relate to the story: providence, provision, dependence, stewardship, service, faith, and relationship?
  6. How accurately does the biblical mantra ‘I will be your God and you will be my people.’ describe the relationship between God and the people he created?
  • Sit and think before answering

B17 – The Disaster in the Garden – Genesis 3

Key Words: Salvation, Sin, Spiritual Death, Humanity, God’s People

  1. Why was eating the fruit a sin?
  2. Is eating the fruit more than a simple disobedience: they disobeyed God’s command?
  3. How did Adam and Eve’s decision to eat the fruit impact the following dynamics in their relationship with God: providence, provision, dependence, stewardship, service, faith, and relationship?
  4. How did Adam and Eve violate the ‘I will be your God and you will be my people’ understanding between them and God?
  5. What decision did Adam and Eve make regarding ultimate authority in their lives?
  6. In what ways is our decision to follow Christ a reversal of the decision Adam and Eve made in the garden?
  • Thoughtful silence is the soil of epiphany

B18 – Friendship with God – Genesis 17: 1-8

Key Words: Salvation, Covenant, God’s People, Relationship with God

  1. Abram/Abraham was once called God’s friend, how do you respond to the idea of friendship with God?
  2. What is a covenant?
  3. How would you sum up the covenant between God and Abram?
  4. According to verse 7, what is the purpose of the covenant between God and Abram?
  5. How does the purpose of this covenant reflect the purpose or relationship God desired for mankind in the garden, ‘I will be your God and you will be my people’?
  6. Why did God create us, what does he desire from us?
  7. Are there similarities between God’s desire for Israel and God’s desire for the church?
  8. What can we learn as Christians from this covenant?
  9. What does it mean for you to be God’s friend?
  •  Seek Nuance

B19 – God and His People – Revelation 21

Key Words: Salvation, Heaven, Lamb’s Book of Life, Spiritual Life, God’s People, Relationship with God

  1. How does this text describe the fruits of salvation?
  2. What is the most attractive quality of the Kingdom of God to you?
  3. How does verse 3 reflect God’s purpose or desire for mankind?
  4. What are we created for?
  5. What does God want from us?
  6. How does the text contrast those who are in the kingdom verses those who are not?
  7. How does our name make it into the Lamb’s book of life?
  8. What significance is it that there is no temple but God?
  9. Is the light mentioned in verse 23 literal or figurative?
  10. What would it be like to dwell in a place where nothing impure ever enters?
  11. Describe the nature of our eternal relationship with God.
  • Be sure to explore all the resources for each doctrine, virtue, and practice

B20 – A People for God’s Very Own – Titus 2: 11-14

Key Words: Salvation, God’s People, Redemption, Church

  1. To whom has salvation appeared?
  2. To whom is salvation given?
  3. What are the qualities of those who have experienced salvation verses those who have not?
  4. How are we redeemed?
  5. What are we redeemed from?
  6. What are we redeemed for?
  7. How do the ideas in this passage reinforce the ideas in Revelation 21?
  8. How does this text reinforce ideas found in 1 Peter 2: 9-10?
  9. What kind of people is God looking for?
  10. In what ways is the church synonymous with a people for his very own?
  11. How does the church fit in with the biblical mantra ‘I will be your God and you will be my people?’
  • Remember there are additional studies in the Key Scriptures section

B21 – A People Belonging to God – 1 Peter 2: 9-12

Key Words: Salvation, Mercy, God’s People, Sin, Priesthood of Believers

  1. What are the four different ways God describes his people in verse 9?
  2. What is the nature and significance of each: a chosen people… a royal priesthood… a holy nation… a people belonging to God?
  3. Why are we saved… what does God know we can become?
  4. In what way do we receive mercy? …
  5. Look at 1 Peter 2:24. Is verse 24 a reference to Isaiah 53?
  6. What light does Isaiah 53 shed on the nature of the people Peter is describing in this passage?
  7. How does this passage in first people further instruct us regarding the biblical mantra ‘I will be your God and you will be my people?’
  • Remember there are other learning and scripture studies in the Growing Exercises section

B22 – Destined for Glory – Romans 8:29-30

Key Words: Salvation, Transformation, Christlikeness, Predestination, Foreknowledge, Free Will

  1. Do you believe this verse supports the idea that God has a plan for our lives… explain?
  2. If so, what is that plan?
  3. What does it mean to be conformed to the likeness of his Son?
  4. How does this verse answer the question of God’s will for our lives?
  5. What words or concepts does Paul use to describe the various dynamics of our coming to Christ?
  6. Is there a sequence or logical progression to the words and concepts?
  7. The text mentions foreknowledge, how does foreknowledge factor into the equation?
  8. How does free will factor into the equation?
  9. Although it is a controversial topic, how do you understand free will and predestination working together?
  10. What insights does this passage give us regarding our salvation and relationship with God?

GROWING EXERCISES

  1. Write out the essentials of how to be a Christian. Discuss your understanding with your coach.
  1. Explain to a non-believer that you have an assignment from your church. Explain to them that you are trying to have a better understanding of what it means to be a Christian.  Ask if you can share with them what the Bibles teaches about becoming a Christian.  Explain that they will have to give feedback regarding the clarity of your presentation.  If they agree, explain the gospel.  Ask them for feedback regarding clarity of presentation and understanding of the message.  Discuss with your coach.
  1. Compare and contrast three different salvation tracts such as ‘Four Spiritual Laws,’ ‘Steps to Peace with God,’ or ‘Good News for You.” There are many others.  How are they the same?  How are they different?  Which is the easiest to understand?
  1. Research the Calvinist vs Armenian controversy. Interview at least one thoughtful person from each position regarding their views.  Discuss with your coach.
  1. Research what Mormons or Jehovah Witnesses believe regarding salvation. How do their views differ from orthodox Christianity?  How would you explain the differences to someone who is considering becoming involved in one of these cults?  What key Bible doctrines should all Christians understand to keep themselves from being influenced by dangerous teaching regarding salvation?

RECOMMENDED READING

  1. What’s So Amazing About Grace? by Phillip Yancy
  2. The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennen Manning
  3. Chosen but Free by Norman Geisler
  4. The Explicit Gospel by Matt Chandler
  5. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
  6. The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
  7. Toxic Faith by Stephen Arterburn and Jack Felton
  8. Brand Jesus by Tyler Wigg Stevenson
  9. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
Go to Top