Lesson 29

Salvation comes through our faith in Jesus. That faith comes as a gift from God.

Ephesians 2:8 GOD’S WORD Translation
God saved you through faith as an act of kindness. You had nothing to do with it. Being saved is a gift from God.

Faith is the spark that initially spurs Christian’s into action and that faith stays with them for the rest of their lives. Once faith is responded to, God gives an inheritance of eternal life that will be fulfilled at the return of Jesus.

1 Peter 1:3-5 GOD’S WORD Translation
3 Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! God has given us a new birth because of his great mercy. We have been born into a new life that has a confidence which is alive because Jesus Christ has come back to life. 4 We have been born into a new life which has an inheritance that can’t be destroyed or corrupted and can’t fade away. That inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 since you are guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed at the end of time.

After baptism, God gives the Holy Spirit to seal us, guaranteeing that what he has promised to us will happen and our inheritance is sure.

2 Corinthians 1:22 GOD’S WORD Translation
In addition, he has put his seal ⌞of ownership⌟ on us and has given us the Spirit as his guarantee.

2 Corinthians 5:5 GOD’S WORD Translation
God has prepared us for this and has given us his Spirit to guarantee it.

Ephesians 1:13-14 GOD’S WORD Translation
13 You heard and believed the message of truth, the Good News that he has saved you. In him you were sealed with the Holy Spirit whom he promised. 14 This Holy Spirit is the guarantee that we will receive our inheritance. We have this guarantee until we are set free to belong to him. God receives praise and glory for this.

What ways do you see the Holy Spirit working in your life? How has your life changed since you have become a Christian? Why would God choose you?