THE MEANING OF SALVATION

INTRODUCTION
Are you saved? That was the question a certain pastor asked a lady he was visiting. She said, YES! God saved me! A long time ago, when I was driving, a car pulled out in front of me, and I swerved and missed getting into an accident by inches! Im so glad God saved me on that day. Some may think thats a funny story, but it does remind me of a time when I did not have a clue as to what salvation meant. When this lesson is over, my prayer is that you will know exactly what the pastor meant when he said, Are you saved?

1. WHAT IS SALVATION?
a. Salvation is a word found in the Bible I. behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2) II. Salvation is when God rescues you from the weight of sin, the guilt of sin and the future of Hell, and gives you everlasting happiness, everlasting peace and eternity in Heaven. This is the great salvation. III. Today there are many different cool names for salvation. 1. Are you forgiven? Are you a believer? Are you 4 Him? Are you a Christian? 2. But it doesnt really matter what you call it, as long as you are saved! IV. The word SALVATION is closely related to the word SALVAGE. 1. When I was younger, I enjoyed fixing up an old clunker car that was on its way to the junk yard to be destroyed. And thats exactly what God did for us. 2. He saved us from being destroyed and restored us. We are no longer clunkers, but showroom beauties with that new car smell. b. Salvation is a gift from God i. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8) ii. We are saved because its Gods gift to us. 1. Because of our evil lives, we dont deserve to go to Heaven, but by Gods grace we are going to Heaven - when we are saved.

Harvest Free Will Baptist Church www.harvestbakersfield.com Pastor Kurt Lindgren

2. WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS FOR SALVATION?

a. The Word of God i. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth(James 1:18) ii. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. (1 Peter 1:23) iii. One reason that so few people are saved today through modern preaching is that there isnt enough of the Word of God in modern sermon. 1. Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? (Galatians 3:2) iv. It is faith created by hearing to the Word of God that saves the soul. 1. For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased
God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. (1 Corinthians 1:21)

b. The Spirit of God - (John 3:6-8)

3. HOW DOES SALVATION WORK?

a. Gods side i. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:13) ii. Salvation is the creative act of God not us making ourselves better! b. Our side i. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12) ii. Our job is to believe and receive Jesus Christ as our Lord. iii. for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. (1 Corinthians 4:15) iv. The Gospel is the power of God to change our lives. (Romans 1:16)

4. HOW DOES SALVATION CHANGE SOMEONE?

a. When salvation is received, sin is now hated, and Jesus is loved. b. When salvation is received, new holy desires spring up like over flowing waters. (John 4:14)

Harvest Free Will Baptist Church www.harvestbakersfield.com Pastor Kurt Lindgren