1.4 GOD BRINGS SALVATION
The gospel is a beautiful story, but for the story to matter, we have to do
something about it! Obedience to the gospel positions us for salvation.
As Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose again, we can experience the new birth. We must die to our sin through repentance. As we learned a couple of weeks ago, repentance is not just asking forgiveness; it is actually making a change. We must be buried in baptism in the name
of Jesus Christ for the remission (or cancellation) of our sins. This is not just a ceremony; it is a commitment we make to live for God. Because we are making that commitment, He washes our sins away. We must come alive by receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. This is the miracle of Jesus’ Spirit coming and dwelling within us. Like all miracles, it has a sign of confirmation; we speak in a language we’ve never learned (speaking in tongues). If Noah and his family wanted to experience salvation,
they couldn’t just believe in the boat; they had to actually obey God by building it and getting in it! If we want to be saved, we have to do more than just believe in Jesus. We have to commit to obeying God’s Word to enjoy the salvation He brings.
something about it! Obedience to the gospel positions us for salvation.
As Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose again, we can experience the new birth. We must die to our sin through repentance. As we learned a couple of weeks ago, repentance is not just asking forgiveness; it is actually making a change. We must be buried in baptism in the name
of Jesus Christ for the remission (or cancellation) of our sins. This is not just a ceremony; it is a commitment we make to live for God. Because we are making that commitment, He washes our sins away. We must come alive by receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. This is the miracle of Jesus’ Spirit coming and dwelling within us. Like all miracles, it has a sign of confirmation; we speak in a language we’ve never learned (speaking in tongues). If Noah and his family wanted to experience salvation,
they couldn’t just believe in the boat; they had to actually obey God by building it and getting in it! If we want to be saved, we have to do more than just believe in Jesus. We have to commit to obeying God’s Word to enjoy the salvation He brings.