#1. Bible Study on Salvation – God’s Gift of Grace

 

1. Lesson Objective

To clearly explain, from the Bible, that salvation is a work of God’s grace received through faith in Christ, freely offered to all, but experienced only by those who believe. To equip missionaries to share this message faithfully and avoid both legalism and false security.

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2. Opening Prayer

"Father in heaven, thank You for sending Your Son to save us. Open our eyes to the truth of Your Word, and let Your Spirit guide our understanding. Help us to trust You fully and share Your message with others in love. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

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3. Question & Answer Bible Study with Exegetical Commentary

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Q1: What is salvation according to the Bible?

A: Salvation is God’s act of delivering sinners from sin and its consequences, restoring them into fellowship with Him through Jesus Christ.

Verse: Ephesians 2:8–9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Commentary:

The Bible teaches that salvation is a gift of grace (charis—undeserved kindness). It is received through faith, not earned by works, religious laws, or personal merit. Grace is God’s initiative; faith is our response.

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Q2: Who is salvation for?

A: God offers salvation to everyone, but only those who believe in Christ will receive it.

Verse: John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Commentary:

God’s love is universal, and His invitation is open. The word “whoever” means no one is excluded on the basis of race, background, or past sin. But the promise is conditional—eternal life is for “whoever believes.”

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Q3: Why can’t we be saved by keeping the law?

A: The law shows us our sin but cannot save us.

Verse: Romans 3:20 – “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.”

Commentary:

The Bible teaches that the law is like a mirror—it shows dirt but cannot wash it away. Salvation must come from God’s forgiveness through Christ, not from our moral performance.

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Q4: What is my role in receiving salvation?

A: Repent from sin and believe in Jesus Christ.

Verse: Acts 3:19 – “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out…”

Commentary:

Repentance (metanoia) is a change of heart and mind that turns away from sin toward God. Faith (pistis) is personal trust in Christ—believing His promises, relying on His death and resurrection, and surrendering to His Lordship.

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Q5: Can I lose my salvation?

A: The Bible teaches that believers must remain in Christ through faith, and God will keep those who continue to trust Him.

Verse: John 15:6 – “If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers…”

Commentary:

Salvation is secure in Christ, but this security is enjoyed by those who abide in Him. Genuine faith continues; abandoning Christ brings spiritual danger. God’s power is able to keep us, but we must continue in the faith (Colossians 1:23).

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4. Reflection & Call to Action

• Reflection: Have I been trusting my own goodness or fully trusting Christ?

• Call to Action:

  1. Turn from sin and place your full trust in Jesus today.

  2. Rely daily on God’s grace to live in obedience.

  3. Share this invitation of salvation with others, knowing it is for “whoever believes.”

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5. Closing Prayer

"Lord Jesus, I turn from trusting in myself and place my trust in You alone for salvation. Keep me close to You, and use me to bring this good news to others who are still relying on their own works. Amen."

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Lesson 1 Worksheet: Salvation by Grace Through Faith 

Name: ____________________________________________________________ 

Address: __________________________________________________________ 

Age: _____________________ 

Mobile #: ____________________________ 

This worksheet is designed to help you reflect on today’s lesson and evaluate your understanding before moving to the next. Please write your answers prayerfully and honestly. 

Q1. In your own words, explain what salvation means according to Ephesians 2:8-9.

 _______________________________________________________________________________  _______________________________________________________________________________  

Q2. From John 3:16, what does the phrase “whoever believes” teach us about the scope of God’s offer of salvation? Who is included? Who is excluded?

_______________________________________________________________________________  _______________________________________________________________________________  _______________________________________________________________________________ 

 Q3. Romans 3:20 says the law cannot make us righteous. How has the law worked in your own life to show you your need for Christ?

_______________________________________________________________________________  _______________________________________________________________________________  _______________________________________________________________________________ 

Q4. What does true repentance (Acts 3:19) look like in real life? Write down one sin or habit you need to turn away from and surrender to God.

_______________________________________________________________________________  _______________________________________________________________________________  _______________________________________________________________________________ 

Q5. How would you explain the difference between “trusting in Christ” and “trusting in your own works” to someone confused about salvation?

_______________________________________________________________________________  _______________________________________________________________________________  _______________________________________________________________________________ 


Q6. John 15:6 warns about those who do not remain in Christ. In practical terms, what does it mean to “remain/abide” in Him daily?

_______________________________________________________________________________  _______________________________________________________________________________  _______________________________________________________________________________ 

Q7. Some people say, “Once saved, always saved, no matter what.” Based on Colossians 1:23 and John 15:6, how would you respond to this claim?

 _______________________________________________________________________________  _______________________________________________________________________________  _______________________________________________________________________________ 

Q8. Imagine you are sharing the gospel with a friend who believes they are “good enough” for heaven. What verse from this lesson would you use, and how would you explain it?

_______________________________________________________________________________  _______________________________________________________________________________  _______________________________________________________________________________ 

Q9. Reflect personally: Am I relying on Christ alone for salvation, or am I still partly trusting in my religious works, background, or efforts? Explain honestly.

_______________________________________________________________________________  _______________________________________________________________________________  _______________________________________________________________________________  

Q10. Write a short prayer asking God to strengthen your faith, help you remain in Christ, and use you to share the gospel with one specific person this week.

_______________________________________________________________________________  _______________________________________________________________________________  _______________________________________________________________________________ 

Submission Instructions: Kindly email your answers to formeradventist.ph@gmail.com. Please include the lesson number in your message. When listing your responses, simply write: Q1 – [your answer] Q2 – [your answer] ...and so on up to Q10.

No need to copy the full questions—just number your answers accordingly.

Former Adventists Philippines

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