RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL: SUNDAY, 24TH SEPTEMBER 2017 (STUDENT’S MANUAL LESSON: FOUR)

TOPIC: SALVATION EXPERIENCE [SUNDAY, 17TH SEPTEMBER 2017]

MEMORY VERSE: "For the grace of God bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” – Titus 2:11

BIBLE PASSAGE: John 3:3-8

INTRODUCTION:

The Hebrew and Greek words translated ‘Salvation’ are ‘yashuwah’ and ‘soteria’ respectively. This word is used for the deliverance of the Israelites from the Egyptians (Exodus 14:13), and for deliverance generally from evil or danger. In the New Testament, it is specially used with reference to the great deliverance from the guilt and the pollution of sin wrought out by Jesus Christ, “the great salvation” (Hebrews 2:3).

LESSON OUTLINES

1. Description of salvation

2. Instant and ultimate salvation

DESCRIPTION OF SALVATION

Simply put, it is to be born again, which in turn means going back to our origin. It is to have everything changed with an incorruptible seed planted in us (1Peter 1:23). It is that which changes the son of man to a son of God (John 1:11-12; Romans 8:15), thus becoming the partaker of the divine nature (2Peter 1:3-4). This implies that we are expected to experience: divine health because the same blood flowing in the vine flows also in the branches, divine vitality since Jesus is alive, we shall live too (John 14:19; John 10:10), the same power for the same works and even greater ones too (John 14:12).

It also means becoming a new creature which automatically follows that all things must become new (2Corinthians 5:17). All sins are gone (1John 1:7). Yokes are destroyed and now replaced with a peculiar nature (1Peter 2:9). Such are now members of God’s family (1John 3:9), that will not sin but with a new culture of love, unity, prayer, joy, faith, power and greatness (John 13:35; Ephesians 2:8).

INSTANT AND ULTIMATE SALVATION

After hearing the salvation message (Romans 10:17), the individual becomes saved through the conviction of the Holy Spirit. He confesses his sins, ask for mercy/forgiveness and accepts Jesus Christ as his Saviour and Lord (Romans 10:10; Acts 4:12; 16:31). This is absolutely the work of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). This is the instant salvation. However, it is only those who endure to the end that will be saved (Matthew 10:22, 2Peter 1:10-11). This is the ultimate salvation. In between the instant and the ultimate salvation, there is a race to run and battles to fight: storms, mockery, false accusation, temptations, persecution, trials of faith, etc (1Corinthains 9:24-27; Hebrews 12:1-4; 2Timothy 2:3-5; John 16:33).

Therefore, there is the need to constantly work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). We must put on the whole armour of God to be able to stand to the end (Ephesians 6:12-18). As much as the instant salvation is grace, the ultimate involves some work. Those seeking for ultimate salvation must, therefore, be watchful (1Peter 5:8), prayerful (Matthew 26:41), patient (Hebrews 12:1) and run lawfully (2Timothy 2:5), confessing victory all the way.

CONCLUSION:

Today’s lesson must have unveiled some foundational truths about salvation to us. It is only wise to give allowance to the Holy Spirit to help relay this aspect of spiritual foundation to glory. Why not pray and decide for Jesus Christ today.

QUESTIONS

1. Define salvation.

2. What types of salvation exist?