THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS

 

Lesson 5

 

Goal: To show how a person comes into the saving blood of Jesus.

 

I. Romans 3:23

A.     No one can claim to be “good”. We are all guilty of sin!

 

II. Isaiah 59:2

A.     Our sin separates us from God.

B.     In order for us to have a relationship with God, the wall of sin must be broken down.

 

III. Ephesians 2:8-9

A.     “Grace” is the unmerited gift of God.

B.     We are saved by grace through obedient faith (James 2:14-26). Not by our own works!

C.       We cannot earn our way to heaven, because we have all sinned. Salvation is only by God’s amazing grace!

 

IV. Ephesians 1:7

A.     We have the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Christ.

B.     His blood redeems us! It breaks down the wall of sin and brings us to God!

C.     God’s grace makes this all possible!

 

V. How does one enter Christ and His redeeming blood?

A.     Romans 6:3-4

1.      A person enters Christ through baptism.

2.      A person enters His death (i.e., His blood) through baptism.

3.      A person is to be buried (not sprinkled or poured) with Him through baptism.

4.      A person rises up out of the water to walk in newness of life. See “The Gospel Re-enacted” Illustration.

 

B.     Colossians 2:11-12

1.      Christ circumcises (cuts away) our sins when we are buried with Him through baptism.

2.      Baptism requires faith. Therefore, one must believe before they are to be baptized.

3.      Baptism is a work (power, operation) of God, not ours!

4.      Compare to operation: Christ is the Surgeon. His blood is the scalpel that cuts away sin. Baptism is the operating table. We are the patients.

 

C.     Acts 2:38

1.      We must repent (change our minds) and forsake our evil ways and thoughts.

2.      Baptism is for the forgiveness of sins. As we saw earlier, Jesus circumcises us at baptism.

3.      God promises us the gift of the Holy Spirit. He is given to those who belong to God.

 

D.    Ephesians 1:13-14

1.      The Holy Spirit is given as a seal of ownership. Anyone who has the Holy Spirit belongs to God.

2.      The Holy Spirit is like a stamp on a letter. Once a letter is stamped, it can reach it’s destination. In the same manner, when a person is “stamped” with the Holy Spirit, he is on his way to heaven! Heaven is the promised inheritance!

 

E.     Acts 22:16

1.      Don’t delay!

 

Challenge: Are you ready to make Jesus Lord and Savior of your life today?