Human beings are separated from God, the Source of life. The result is death. Unaided by the grace Of GOD all are helpless prisoners. We are condemned to eternal death—death because of sin.
The death of Jesus paid the penalty of sin for every person. However, this gift must be accepted individually. It becomes effective when a person chooses to acknowledge Jesus as Saviour. When, in true sorrow, sin is confessed and surrendered to Jesus—when the life is committed to Christ- not only is there pardon, there is power.
The plan of salvation is two-fold. There is pardon from the penalty of sin. And there is release from the power of sin. All made possible through the Holy Spirit, working the miracle of transformation in a surrendered life.
1. What promise do the Scriptures give to those who surrender their lives to Christ? 1 Corinthians 5:17.
MY BIBLE SAYS: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
2, Can a human being. accomplish this change himself? Job 14.'4;Jeremiah 13:23.
MY BIBLE SAYS: Who can bring a clean thing out of an undean? No one! "Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Then may you on also do good who are accustomed to do evil.”
3. How did Jesus describe this change to a respectable God—fearing Nicodemus? John 3:1- 3”
MY BIBLE SAYS: “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus,...Jesus ...Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God... Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. "
4_ How does this miraculous change take Place ? Galations2:20.
MY BlBLE SAYS: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. "
When a human being surrenders totally to God, the Holy Spirit takes possession of the life. The result is a mysterious union with God whereby a person becomes a new individual. He is now under the control of a completely new nature (Romans 6:6-11). By receiving Christ, He receives power for victorious living (John 1:12) and day by day, as he abides in Christ, the Holy Spirit writes the principles of the law upon his heart (John 15:4; Hebrews 8:'l0).
5. Are men then saved by grace or by works? Ephesians 2:8, 9.
MY BIBLE SAYS: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:...Not of works, lest any man should boast.
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Salvation is totally of grace, never of works. Even when the born-again christian obeys God, it is Christ that empowers for the working. Man only cooperates with Christ and lets Christ work in him. Man's responsability is to be willing to do anything Christ asks him. To do it because he loves Christ so much. And Christ will never ask us to do anything that He will not provide us the power to do it.
6. How can I have this power to overcome in my life? John 1:12
MY BIBLE SAYS. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the power to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name..."
To receive Christ is to receive His power. As He enters the life. He is the power for victory. Man, in his natural state, is incapable of doing good. When He wants to do that which is right, another power seems to take possession of him. Through Jesus, he has the power to overcome. He no longer need fail again and again., fixed in the rut of perpetual discouragement. Now he can be victorious.
7. When Jesus enters my heart, what three things happen?
MY BIBLE SAYS: (Galatians 5:22) "...the fruit of the Spirit...." will be produced.
(Romans 8:14-17) "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God...you received the Spirit of adoption...we are children of God, and if children, then heirs ---heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ..." Adoption.
(Ephesians 3:15) "Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, " Membership in the family of heaven.
What a thrilling privilege it is to know that you are an adopted Son or daughter of God through Christ: You are a part of God's royal family, with all of the rights and privileges of a family member. You never need feel lonely, insecure, or uncertain again. Jesus is your Elder Brother. God is your wonderful, loving heavenly Father. The Holy Spirit is your Counselor and Guide. The angels are, our protectors.
8. When will this miraculous new birth take place? Revelation 3:20
MY BIBLE SAYS:.,‘‘Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
Jesus can take a person lost in sin, wretched, defiled, condemned and completely transform the nature. Christ delights in Saving people. He loves to lift them from the "guttermost' to the uttermost. From the depths of despair to the delights of discipleship. Praise His Holy name.
MY DECISION: Choose to allow Jesus Christ to enter my life. and completely change my nature. Just now. I repent of sin and choose to surrender it and my life fully to Jesus.
