MIKE MAZZALONGO Salvation 5

Every religion contains the idea of “Salvation” Balance Nirvana Moksha Paradise

Basic premise of man’s condition Mankind is flawed God provides a way to salvation That salvation mediated by religious leaders Salvation requires human effort

Christianity & Salvation - The Problem For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. - Romans 3:23

Christianity & Salvation - The Problem For the wages of sin is death… - Romans 6:23 A

Christianity & Salvation - The Problem Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. - I John 3:4

Christianity & Salvation - The Problem It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore. - Isaiah 59:2

Christianity & Salvation Sin = Disobedience to God Everyone sins Sin separates us from God Separation leads to death

Other religions believe and teach that human effort can re-establish the connection with God. Christianity teaches that it is God who re- established the connection with us.

Christianity & Salvation - The Solution God pays the moral debt

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. - Romans 5:6-8

And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. - Romans 5:9-11

Christianity & Salvation - The Solution God pays the moral debt: Questions -Why take on a human form?

Christianity & Salvation - The Solution God pays the moral debt: Questions -Why take on a human form? -Why did Jesus have to die?

In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness. - Hebrews 9:22

Christianity & Salvation - The Solution God pays the moral debt: Questions -Why take on a human form? -Why did Jesus have to die? -How does Jesus’ sacrifice pay for the sins of everyone?

Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit. - I Peter 3:18

Christianity & Salvation - The Solution God pays the moral debt: Questions -Why take on a human form? -Why did Jesus have to die? -How does Jesus’ sacrifice pay for the sins of everyone? -What was the purpose of the Jewish People?

Christianity & Salvation - The Solution God pays the moral debt: Questions A.Why take on a human form? B.Why did Jesus have to die? C.How does Jesus’ sacrifice pay for the sins of everyone? D.What was the purpose of the Jewish People? E.What is the role of the Bible?

You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. - II Timothy 3:15

In Christianity, God rescues us from death, from separation, from condemnation – because we do not have the power to do so.

Christianity & Salvation - The Solution God pays the moral debt Salvation based on faith, not human effort

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. - Romans 5:1

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16

But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. - Romans 3:21-22

Questions: 1.What is faith? What should we believe?

Questions: 1.What is faith? What should we believe? 2.What about repentance & baptism?

Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. - Acts 2:38

Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.’ - Acts 22:16

Questions: 1.What is faith? What should we believe? 2.What about repentance & baptism? 3.Who can become a Christian and when can a person be baptized?

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.” - Mark 16:15-16

NEXT LESSON The Church