God’s Plan of Salvation

I’ve heard from some that if you don’t know the theological answers to these questions, to simply tell your story. Tell them how Jesus has impacted your life and why you are different because of what He’s done. While I love this concept and think it is a start, it is just that. A start. A good start. But I believe we must be able to get into Scripture to tell others about Jesus.

 

We read in Scripture, “But make sure in your hearts that Christ is Lord. Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you about the hope you have. Be ready to give the reason for it. But do it gently and with respect.” (1 Peter 3:15- NIRV) So here’s my version of the salvation plan.

 

We must believe

There is a lot that we simply must have faith in. We must believe that God’s Word is living and active and that God breathed life into each verse (Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16).

 

We must believe that Jesus is God’s Son, sent to be the Messiah, the Savior of mankind (John 3:15-16; 1 John 5:1; 5:5; Romans 3:22).

 

We must believe that Jesus was crucified for the forgiveness of our sins and rose to life to prove victory over death (Luke 24:46-7; 1 Thessalonians 4:14).

 

We must repent

Repentance means to turn completely around. To go the opposite direction of our original path. So for a believer, we must put to death the sinful nature in order for the spiritual nature to be visible (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19).

 

We must confess

You’ve heard it before, Peter’s great confession of our Lord. “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16 – NIV) Yes, we must proclaim it as well (Matthew 16:16; 2 Timothy 2:19).

 

We must be baptized

Jesus teaches that baptism is part of the salvation plan and was himself baptized. Peter preached it on the day of Pentecost. Paul also was baptized and preached baptism (Matthew 3:13; 28:19-20; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 9:18; Galatians 3:27).

 

We must live

Live lives that bring honor, glory and praise to God who has freely lavished grace upon us. There are plenty of passages that lead us in this direction, but I’m listing two here (Galatians 5:16-26; Ephesians 2:10).

 

We must tell

If in fact we have the greatest news mankind has ever heard, why do we keep silent? Why isn’t His message on the tip of our tongues constantly? I don’t know the answer to that question, but I know that Scriptures tells me to share the Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 24:47).

 

This is just a start…but at least you’ll be able to begin with what is here. But here’s the thing. You must make it your own. I do like the story part. Write your story. Practice telling it. Add Scripture to it and then you’ll be set and ready for the next person that asks you that hard question. You can do it. I know you can with God’s Spirit within you.

 

Believe it. Confess it. Live it. Tell it.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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