Segment One, Part One
The way of Salvation is not complicated, nor is it burdened with complex statements. As we cover the following “Fact” statements, give them some thought as you study them. Remember that what follows is God’s Plan, not man’s plan. God laid out these foundation facts so that someone without “Bible” knowledge can read them and understand what God is saying.
Since we are looking at God’s plan, why must this be so important? In Acts 4:12, we find this verse: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Simple fact, Jesus is the only name acceptable to a Holy God for any person to obtain salvation.
Let’s also look at seven other facts:
- It is a fact that God loves you. (John 3:16)
- It is a fact that you are a sinner. (Romans 3:23)
- It is a fact that you are dead in sin. (Romans 6:23)
- It is a fact that Christ died for you. (Romans 5:6-8)
- It is a fact that you can be saved by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 16:30, 31.)
- It is a fact that you can be saved and know it. (1 John 5:10-13.)
- It is a fact that you are now a child of God and you are to obey him. (Acts 5:29.)
Based upon these seven facts, you can be saved (with a simple prayer) and become a child of God. As we progress, we will review each remark and see how it is supported by other scriptures. For those who might be skeptical, we will look at why the fact is valid. Study this list for you can use it to witness to any unbeliever. These seven facts were originally put together by Evangelist Porter Barrington who used them quite effectively.
Segment One, Part Two
Fact one: It is a fact that God loves you. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16NKJV) God loves you with an everlasting love that human beings cannot begin to fathom. This love is so boundless, that it can only be known by faith. God gave His son Jesus to be sin for you that you might become the righteousness that God requires.
God’s son was made that which God hates—sin that you might become what God loves: righteousness. Because of this love, you can exchange your sins for God’s righteousness. How much greater evidence could you ask God for that proves His love for you? Jesus’ death on the cross is proof that God loves you and longs to save you.
To not see God’s love for you is the darkest and most hideous act that a human being can make. Just admit to yourself that God loves you and wants you to be saved. (Look for the simple prayer of faith in part 9)
Segment One, Part Three
Fact two: It is a fact that you are a sinner. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23) What then is Sin? The following list contains actions that scripture calls sin: Lawlessness (1 John 3:4); unbelief because it calls God a liar (1 John 5:10); acts of rebellion against God, including passive acts (Isaiah 1:2); unrighteousness is sin (1 John 5:17). God who cannot lie has said that “All have sinned.”
Sin can be acts of commission or omission. Commission means a knowing act against God’s Word. Omission means an unknowing act against God’s Word because of a lack of what is in God’s Word by ignorance. In God’s eyes, you are a sinner.
At some time or place everyone has committed sin consciously or unconsciously. As in our legal system, failure to know the law does not justify breaking the law. Therefore, breaking God’s Word in any way is sin and sinners need God’s grace and salvation. [For review go to https://www.sqbooks.com/?page_id=1776 under tab 2 and review [Segment Two, Part One Sin: What are the signs?]
Segment One, Part Four
Fact three: It is a fact that you are dead in sin. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) You have already confessed and admitted that ou are a sinner. Now God would have you know that “the wages of sin is death.” (Rom. 6:23 above) You are dead in sin until you accept Christ as personal Savor. The apostle Paul said “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” (See Ephesians 2:1) To be saved is to be made spiritually alive in Christ.
What is death? Let’s review three concepts to see.
- Death is spiritual separation. Your sins have separated you from God. You are dead in your sins.
- Death is physical separation. It separates the spirit and soul from the body.
- Death is eternal separation. If you remain lost in your sins, you will stand before God at the great white throne judgment. At this point, your sins will separate you from the mercy of God forever. Next is Hades. (Read Revelation 20:11-15)
You know that God loves you, and that you are a sinner—dead in sins. Admit to yourself that “I am dead in sins.” (For a simple prayer, go to the prayer of faith in part 9)
Segment One, Part Five
Fact four: It is a fact that Christ died for you. (Romans 5:6-8) “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” He died for those who are unlike God: this includes you. (Above verse 8)
Christ suffered for you. “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” (1 Peter 3:18) Again, “…that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;”(1 Corinthians 15:3) What more shall we say?
In light of the foregoing scriptures, will you now thank God for his great love in sending His son to bear your sins in His own body on the cross and admit to yourself that “Christ died on Calvary for me?” Let’s continue on with more facts.
Segment One, Part Six
Fact five: It is a fact that you can be saved by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 16:30, 31.) “… Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved, and thy house.” This is what the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas. They preached the gospel to the jailer and those in his house. They believed and were saved.
What is the gospel they preached? Essentially it is this: Christ died, was buried, and rose on the third day. (See 1 Corinthians 15:3,4) From this, and your confession with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart, that God raised him from the dead, then you will be saved. Paul says: “That if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10: 9, 10)
Accept Jesus now by faith and pray this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I know you love me, because you died on the cross bearing my sins. Thank you, Lord for revealing to me my lost, sinful condition. I confess that I am a sinner, dead in sin, and cannot save myself. I do now by faith, gladly accept you as my personal Savior, and thank you, Lord for eternal salvation. Amen.” We move on now to the next fact that you can be saved and know it
Segment One, Part Seven
Fact six: It is a fact that you can be saved and know it. (1 John 5:10-13.) Upon the authority of God’s Word, you can be saved and know it. Your faith in God’s infallible Word is your assurance of salvation. “He who believes in the Son has (present tense) everlasting life.” (John 3:36)
The Bible is a book of certainties. It strengthens convictions and establishes beliefs. God would have you be sure of:
1) That you are now a child of God. (1 John 3:2)
2) That you have been made the righteousness of God in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
3) That you are now a new creation in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
4) That you are now a son (or daughter) and heir of God. (Galatians 4:7)
What greater assurance can you have than what is said in God’s infallible Word? Further, Jesus says in Matthew 24:35 these words “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” What greater assurance of your salvation can you have?
Segment One, Part Eight
Fact seven: It is a fact that you are now a child of God and you are to obey him. (Acts 5:29.) In this verse, Peter and the other disciples state the obvious. As a child of God, as with Jesus’ disciples, we are to obey our Sovereign Lord. Jesus said: “No man can serve two masters:” (Matthew 6:24) because Jesus has become your sovereign Lord, you must now determine to serve him.
Part of serving your Lord is to do the following: find and unite with local New Testament church; follow next with believer’s baptism, find and join a Bible study to learn more about your new faith, and last be faithful to attend the services of your church. Part of what you need to learn is how to tithe and support your church.
One extremely important habit you will need to learn is to do daily devotions. Many new believers do not follow through with making time for daily scripture reading, study, and prayer. Their failure to do this makes them easy and ready targets for temptations that will grieve the Holy Spirit within you and make you a weak and ineffective believer. Daily devotions, even if it is only five or six minutes each day, will help you to stay strong in trials and keep your faith strong in temptations.
Segment One, Part Nine
As you see in the note above, the following prayer was covered in part 6. If however, you were not sure about the need to pray the prayer then, be sure that you know the reason for the prayer. You need to be sure that you have given your Lord Jesus control of your life. If you have not, then do it now. Understand that if you have not prayed this prayer or turned your life over to Jesus, you are still dead in sin. Do not spend eternity in hell. Pray the prayer and be sure that you are following Jesus as a believer. It is a simple step and can determine where and how you spend eternity.
It is a fact that by this simple prayer, you can attain God’s wonderful plan of Salvation. “Lord Jesus, I know you love me, because you died on the cross bearing my sins. Thank you, Lord for revealing to me my lost, sinful condition. I confess that I am a sinner, dead in sin, and cannot save myself. I do now by faith, gladly accept you as my personal Savior, and thank you, Lord for eternal salvation. Amen.” Now follow through with the suggestions listed in part 8. Be blessed and be a strong witness for Jesus!
Note: Segment One 7 Facts are found in The Christian Life New Testament with master outlines and study notes as compiled by Porter Barrington. Published by Thomas Nelson, ©1982
