Begin with What God Has Done
The message begins with God, not human effort. Humanity is affected by sin and death, but God promised restoration and sent His promised Redeemer. The Redeemer lived faithfully, died, and was raised from the dead. Chapters 1–5 of The Salvation of God trace this movement from creation and the fall to the Redeemer and resurrection. Read John 3:16–17, Romans 5:8, and 1 Corinthians 15:1–4. Salvation rests on God’s initiative and saving work.
Repent and Believe
The promised Redeemer’s public message called people to repent and believe the good news (Mark 1:15). Repentance means turning from sin toward God. Faith means trusting God’s promise and the Redeemer he sent. They are not magic words or a payment; they describe a sincere response to grace.
Confess the Redeemer as Lord
Romans 10:9–13 connects belief in the resurrection with confessing the Redeemer as Lord and calling on his name. Confession is not an empty formula. It is an open acknowledgment of who he is and a willingness to belong to him.
Be Baptized and Learn to Follow Him
The New Testament joins repentance, faith, baptism, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and discipleship. Baptism publicly identifies a believer with the death and resurrection of the promised Redeemer (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–4). It is not a reason to boast, but an obedient response to God’s saving work.
Depend on the Holy Spirit
Chapter 7 of The Salvation of God explains that the Holy Spirit brings conviction, guidance, power, and transformation. A new believer is not expected to overcome sin by willpower alone. God forms a new life through his Spirit, his Word, prayer, obedience, and fellowship with other believers.
Continue in Faith
Grace does not make sin unimportant. Chapter 8 warns about sin’s deceitfulness, while Chapter 9 places life before the coming judgment of God. Following the Redeemer includes learning, repenting when wrong, forgiving, serving, resisting deception, and persevering in hope. These things do not purchase salvation; they express the life God’s grace creates.
A Simple Next Step
Read John 3, Romans 3–8, Ephesians 2, and 1 Corinthians 15 in context. Pray honestly, asking God for mercy, truth, and a changed heart. Then speak with a faithful Christian congregation and continue through the free Bible study.