(What Does it Mean to be Saved - Part 1 | Part 2)
In the first part of this study we examined what the Bible means when it speaks of salvation or of being saved. In this section we'll continue that study, as well as look at how we are saved and how to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
One of my favorite scriptures is this one from Colossians, which beautifully describes what God has done for all who turn to His Son.
The Scripture: Colossians 1:13-14
"[God] has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in Whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
1. What are we rescued from?
2. Where has God brought us?
The Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10
"Your faith in God has become known everywhere....how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead--Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath."
3. What is known about the Thessalonians?
4. What has God done?
5. What has Jesus done for them?
6. But how do we become saved?
God has provided an answer for that. Unfortunately, many believe that accepting Jesus is only one way of being saved. However, the Bible repeatedly tells us that Jesus is the only way to God, and the only way to salvation.
The Scripture: Matthew 10:32
"Jesus [said], 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
7. What did Jesus say He was?
8. What astounding statement did He make?
The apostle Peter echoes His words.
The Scripture: Acts 4:12
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under the heaven given to men by which they must be saved."
9. What is the only name through which we must be saved?
Note - This subject is very important, but too lengthy to be fully discussed here. For a more complete understanding, read the Aglow Bible Study, "Why Jesus Is the Only Way."
How to be saved
Perhaps after completing this Bible study, you have decided you want to be saved, or perhaps you aren't sure if you have already received salvation. Here are some easy steps you can follow.
First read the Apostle John's promise: "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him."
10. How do we receive eternal life?
11. Why did Jesus come into the world?
When we accept Jesus we are no longer at the mercy of our sinful nature as well as from our personal sins.
The Scripture: 1 John 1:7
"The blood of Jesus, His (God's) Son purifies us from all sin.”
12. What does Jesus' blood (His death) do for us?
The Scripture: Matthew 11:28
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest."
13. Who is this scripture for?
14. What does Jesus give us?
Does this scripture describe you? Are you tired, exhausted of being responsible for yourself? Would you like to rest yourself in your Savior's arms?
Perhaps you don't think this scripture is for you, or that you're not ready to make a decision yet. Perhaps you still aren't sure that this is the right time for you to come to Jesus. Scripture tells us otherwise.
The Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:2
"Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation."
15. When is the right time to receive salvation?
The Scripture: Acts 3:19
"Repent then and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out."
16. What happens when you repent and turn to God?
Confess and repent of any sins that are on your conscience or any that God brings to mind. Now ask God to come into your heart as Savior and Lord. Salvation rescues us from the kingdom of darkness, gives us eternal life, and the joy of fellowshipping with Jesus in this life.
The Scripture: Acts 2:38
"Be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins."
17. What is your next step?
The Scripture: Romans 10:9
"If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him (Jesus) from the dead, you will be saved."
18. What two things should you do?
Finally, tell someone what you have done. Now thank God for His wonderful gift of salvation.
How to Receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
God has a second gift for you, the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Some people have made receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit a complicated procedure or think it is only for a special few, but Jesus has provided this blessing for all Christians. If you have ever been part of another religion or have delved into spiritism or the occult, renounce it and ask Jesus to forgive you. Now ask Jesus to baptize you in His Holy Spirit. Receive the enabling power of His Spirit.
The Scripture: Acts 2:38
"Repent and be baptized...in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call."
19. What must you do next?
20. What will happen?
21. Who is this promise for?
If you have not spontaneously received a prayer language, ask Jesus for it. Begin to speak aloud words or sounds which are different from any language you know. Many times we don't know what to pray for. In these times, we can use our spiritual language confidently, knowing that God hears us. And we should do so frequently.
We were designed for relationship with our heavenly Father. When we are saved, and blessed with the baptism in the Holy Spirit, we are restored to that relationship with the One who made us for Himself.
God bless you as you begin your new walk with the Lord and the Holy Spirit.
The Answers
- The dominion of darkness
- Into the kingdom of the Son He loves
- How they turned to God from idols to serve God and to wait for His Son from heaven
- Raised His Son Jesus
- Rescued them from the coming wrath
- By believing in Jesus
- The way, the truth and the life
- That no one comes to the Father except through Him
- Jesus
- Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which they must be saved.
- To save it
- It cleanses us
- All who are weary and burdened
- Rest
- Now
- Your sins are wiped out.
- To be baptized
- Confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead
- If you have not been baptized, be baptized in the name of Jesus.
- You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit
- For the person asking, your children and those of future generations.
All scripture quotations in this publication are from the Holy Bible, New International version
(unless otherwise indicated)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, New International Bible Society
© 2006 by JoAnne Sekowsky