FAP Indoctrination Series #1: What is True Salvation?

Lesson Objective:

To present the biblical understanding of salvation as a gift through faith in Jesus Christ alone, independent of denominational affiliation or works, and to introduce the Five Solas as a foundation for Christian belief.

Opening Prayer (5 minutes)

The leader or volunteer leads the prayer.

I. The Question of Salvation (10 min)

• Many sincere Adventists live in uncertainty about whether they’re truly saved.
• Ask, “If you were to die tonight, are you sure you would go to heaven? On what basis? ”
• Discuss typical SDA answers: keeping the Sabbath, being good, following health reforms, joining the remnant church, or hoping for final vindication in the Investigative Judgment.

Illustration: Imagine a man in a sinking boat. Some tell him to paddle harder, others say to fix the boat, but one person throws him a life ring from a rescue ship. Only grabbing the life ring saves him, not his efforts.

Lesson: Salvation is not what you do, but what Christ has done.

II. What the Bible Says About Salvation (15 min)

Key Verses:

“For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (CSB)

“For we conclude that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.” Romans 3:28 (CSB)

“Truly I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.” John 5:24 (CSB)

Emphasis:

• Salvation is a free, unearned gift.

• It is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone—not by church membership, Sabbath observance, or good deeds.

Illustration:

A judge pardons a guilty man because someone else paid his penalty. The man is set free, not because of his plea, but because the price was paid on his behalf.

"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but you have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." 1 Peter 2:24-25 (CSB)

Lesson: Jesus took our punishment. We are forgiven by faith in Him, not by works.

III. The Five Solas (10 min)

(1) SOLA SCRIPTURA—SCRIPTURE ALONE

Biblical Position: The Bible alone is the highest authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (CSB)

SDA Position: SDAs claim the Bible’s authority but uphold Ellen G. White’s writings as inspired and doctrinally binding.

Commentary: Sola Scriptura rejects all additional inspired authorities. Only Scripture is the final rule of faith and practice.

(2) SOLUS CHRISTUS—CHRIST ALONE

Biblical Position: Salvation is through Christ’s finished work alone (1 Timothy 2:5).

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5 (CSB)

SDA Position: SDAs teach that Jesus is the Savior, but also emphasize the Investigative Judgment, where one’s law-keeping affects final salvation.

Commentary: Solus Christus affirms that Christ’s atoning work is sufficient without church judgment or legalistic requirements.

(3) SOLA GRATIA—GRACE ALONE

Biblical Position: Salvation is a free, unearned gift of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).

“For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—ot from works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (CSB)

SDA Position: While professing grace, SDA doctrine conditions salvation on law-keeping and reforms, treating grace as enablement to keep the law.

Commentary: Sola Gratia means God saves by grace alone, not through merit, works, or human achievement.

(4) SOLA FIDE—FAITH ALONE

Biblical Position: Justification is by faith alone, apart from works (Romans 3:28; Galatians 2:16).

“For we conclude that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.” Romans 3:28 (CSB)

“And yet because we know that a person is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we ourselves have believed in Christ Jesus. This was so that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no human being will be justified.” Galatians 2:16 (CSB)

SDA Position: SDAs teach justification by faith but link final salvation to one’s record in the Investigative Judgment and law-keeping.

Commentary: Sola Fide proclaims that faith alone saves, and works are evidence of salvation, not a condition for maintaining it.

(5) SOLI DEO GLORIA – GLORY TO GOD ALONE

Biblical Position: All glory for salvation belongs to God alone (Romans 11:36).

“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:36 (CSB)

SDA Position: Though claiming to glorify God, SDA teachings shift focus to human obedience and denominational identity.

Commentary: Soli Deo Gloria ensures salvation is entirely God’s work, leaving no place for boasting in works or church affiliations.

Illustration: Picture a house with five strong pillars—if one is missing, the house will fall. The Five Solas hold up the Christian faith; without them, beliefs collapse into error.

IV. Decision Time: Accepting the Free Gift (5 min)

Ask participants:

“Have you truly trusted in Jesus alone for your salvation, or are you still relying on your works and church affiliation? ”

Encourage them to pray silently or aloud to receive Christ’s finished work and rest in His grace.

Closing Prayer (5 min)

Thank God for the free gift of salvation, for delivering us from legalism, and for the assurance we have in Christ alone.

For more inquiries, contact us:

• Email: formeradventist.ph@gmail.com
• Website: formeradventistph.blogspot.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/formeradventistph
• Phone: 09695143944