SESSION 5A What Can We Do About Sin? Doctrine 7

We believe that repentance towards God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit, are necessary to salvation. Our Seventh Doctrine

Conditions Necessary to Salvation There are conditions which are necessary to salvation and they are REPENTANCE, FAITH & REGENERATION Repentance toward God is necessary to salvation. Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Regeneration by the Holy Spirit.

QUESTIONS If a person is caught “shoplifting,” what will he or she have to do in order to show true repentance? Why do you think God requires repentance for salvation? What would you say to a person who emphasizes that to be saved you need “only believe?” Explain your experience of being “born again.” Read the seventh doctrine again and see if you can find the evidence of the Trinity.

Session 5B Saved, Certain and Faithful Doctrines 8 and 9

Our Eighth Doctrine We believe that we are justified by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and that he that believeth hath the witness in himself.

Great Blessings of Salvation Being ‘justified’ means that “we are forgiven.” There’s nothing we can do to merit His forgiveness. God’s forgiveness is different from man’s. Grace is the undeserved favor of God. Romans 5:8 “He that believeth hath the witness in himself”

QUESTIONS God loves all people very much. Then why could He not forgive people their sins without His Son having to die on the cross? Was Christ’s death really necessary? How do people try to “bribe” God, or try to earn their way into heaven? What does the Bible have to say to such people? How does the Cross make a difference in your life?

Our Ninth Doctrine We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.

We have been given the basic condition of victorious living, together with a grave warning: We believe that the Scriptures teach that not only does continuance in the favor of God depend upon continued faith in, and obedience to, Christ, but that it is possible for those who have been truly converted to fall away and be eternally lost.

Keep Your Commitment Promises are made to those who remain faithful [Revelation 2:10] Many grave warnings are pronounced against those who provide unfaithful [Hebrews 10:26,27] Assurance is given that we need not backslide [2Timothy 1:12] We have our own responsibilities… ‘to watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation [Matthew 26:41]

QUESTIONS We are reminded that victorious living depends on continued faith in Christ. What are some of the things which some saved people-including Salvationists-put their trust in, and fail? Do you know someone who used to be a good Christian, with a victorious life and a warm witness, but who is now away from God? Stop right now and pray for that person.