SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES 16-12-2018

RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY From our last study, entitled “Intercession for Believers’ Spiritual Growth”, we learnt that intercession for the Church was central to Apostle Paul’s ministry. The prayer put spiritual needs before the physical. Like Paul, we should pray for one another’s spiritual welfare and growth. The resurrected Christ is above all powers and is Head of His Church. Believers should fear no other power. We should maintain our confidence in Him who has all things put under His feet.

TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 723: SALVATION BY GRACE MEMORY VERSE: …… “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). TEXT: Ephesians 2:1-22

INTRODUCTION From our text, Paul emphasized that God’s salvation is by grace. Salvation, in a spiritual sense means deliverance or freedom from sin, its pollution, guilt and consequences (present and eternal). No one can be enriched with spiritual blessings without the experience of salvation. On the other hand, grace means the infinite love, mercy, favor and goodwill God has shown to humanity by giving Jesus Christ His Son to die for our salvation. QUESTION 1: Explain the meaning of salvation and grace – John 8:10,11; Acts 15:11

THE PITIABLE PLIGHT OF SINNERS IN THE WORLD Ephesians 2:1-3,11,12 Sinners are spiritually dead because they are separated from God. They are slaves to sin. They are controlled by the lifestyle of the world dictated by Satan. They lust after the flesh and live in fleshly pleasures. They have no feeling for God or His righteousness. Worse still, they live without any hope of a happy eternity. QUESTION 2: How can believers identify people who are spiritually dead? – John 8:34; Ephesians 2:2

SALVATION THROUGH GOD’S GRACE Ephesians 2:4-10, 13 All have sinned but God has shown all His love through Christ’s death and resurrection. Hereby all can receive God’s righteousness. No one can save himself; and no other sacrifice can atone for man’s sins. Saved believers sit in exalted heavenly places with Christ QUESTION 3: Why is salvation by the grace of God? – Ephesians 2:8; Isaiah 45:22 QUESTION 4: Explain the benefits of being saved by grace – Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 3:1-2

THE PURPOSE OF TRANSFORMATION BY GRACE Ephesians 2:10 God has a purpose for freeing people from the bondage of sin and Satan. Everyone whom God saves by grace, He also empowers to do good works. Good works include feeding the hungry, giving drinks to the thirsty physically and spiritually, providing shelter for strangers and the homeless and ministering to others. QUESTION 5: What is God’s purpose for saving us by grace? – Ephesians 2:10; 2 Timothy 3:17

CHRIST’S SACRIFICE AND BELIEVER’S SPIRITUAL PROGRESS Ephesians 2:13-22 The grace and salvation of God are free for any tribe, race or gender. Everyone can be saved by faith in Christ. All redeemed believers have access to the Father by the same Spirit of Christ. Saved believers have the privilege to grow in holiness and fulfil God’s purpose on earth. QUESTION 5: Explain the meaning and implication of the “middle wall of partition” which Christ has broken down – Ephesians 2:14

CONCLUSION All have sinned and are worthy of God’s judgment. But God’s love has opened the way of salvation to all, regardless of race, age or place in society. Saved believers are no longer dead in sin. They are raised to sit together with Christ. They live a righteous life and show good works. God saves us to grow in holiness and be built up as a spiritual temple of God.