Anchor Verses:
Luke 23:40–43, Titus 2:11–12,2 Corinthians 7:10
Focus Statement:
Salvation is not merely an escape from sin, but a transformation of our entire being—through the blood of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit—into the people God designed us to be: surrendered, sanctified, and sent with purpose.
Introduction: God’s Design
- Salvation = rescue from sin + renewed relationship with God.
- Salvation is past (justified), present (sanctified), and future (glorified).
- God’s ways cannot be forced into our limited understanding.
Radically Corrupt:
- Sin deeply affects every part of us—mind, will, body, spirit.
- We are not utterly evil but entirely impacted by sin.
- Without Christ’s blood: eternal separation.
- Without the Holy Spirit: a life driven by the flesh.
What Is Necessary?:
- The thief on the cross displays:
- Reverence: fear of God.
- Repentance: acknowledgment of sin.
- Recognition: Jesus as innocent King.
- We are not just saved from something but for something.
- Salvation is not just a pardon—it’s a purpose.
- Renewed mind → God’s character replaces ours → submission to God → life in the Spirit.
Salvation = Justification + Sanctification:
- Intellectual belief isn’t enough (James 2:19).
- True salvation includes turning from sin (Titus 2:11–12).
- Jesus calls us to daily surrender and willingness to endure (Luke 9:23 AMP).
- True transformation = Jesus as Lord, not just God.
- Works alone aren’t enough; they must flow from a Spirit-led heart (Revelation 3:1–3).
Walking it Out:
- Godly sorrow leads to repentance and life (2 Corinthians 7:10).
- We must move beyond the basics and grow in maturity (Hebrews 6:1–3).
- Without Jesus: unforgiven.
- Without the Spirit: unchanged.
- Salvation = pardon and power.
