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LESSON SIX:  SALVATION and BAPTISM

In these last days, times are hard.  As humans, we are faced with situations throughout our life time that cause problems, some dangerous even life threatening.  In fact, some people could face temptations on a daily basis.  Job 14:1 states “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.”  But, isn’t it great to know that when Jesus Christ died for our sins, He provided a way that man would not suffer eternally.  Salvation is the saving of man’s soul from an eternity in hell to an everlasting life with GOD Almighty.  And, salvation is granted by GOD through HIS grace and believers faith in Jesus (His death, burial and resurrection as GOD’s only begotten son).  Salvation is not based on the merits of man’s good deeds/works, birth rights, creed, or nationality, etc.  Man cannot purchase, borrow, or transfer salvation. However, good deeds/works are evidence of man’s conformity to the will of GOD and man’s faith in the promise of salvation.

After accepting Christ as Lord and Savior, baptism is another way man shows his faith in the promise of salvation.  Baptism is an appeal [by man] to GOD to take away the guilt of past sins.  This outward showing represents an inward cleansing.  And, through this cleansing, man becomes a new person. His old nature dies and he walks in a newness of life in Christ.  Following baptism, man identifies himself as a part of the body of Christ and shows his continued gratefulness/gratitude by living a Christian life.

1. GOD’s will (I Timothy 2:1-4; 2 Peter 3:9; John 3:16)
2. Must be born again (I Peter 1:19-23 John 3:1-7)
3. Baptized into one body  (I Corinthians 12:13-14)
4. Redemption for sin (Acts 2:19-21; Roman 10:10; Colossians 2:11-13)
5. Grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus (2 Peter 3:18)
6. Method of deliverance from sin (Romans 6:1-14; Ephesians 2:8-10)
7. Water baptism (Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3)
8. Spirit baptism (Mark 1:7,8; Luke 3:16; John 1:32-34; 7:37-39)

Find the Truth in Scriptures:  Is there a difference between being saved from sins when we become Christians and being saved when Jesus returns?  When do we actually become saved?   Note scripture you find to support your answer.

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Something to Review

 “Why be baptized?”

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 6:1-6 What shall we say then?  Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?  God forbid.  How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

 Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ.

 1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God.) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.