Christianity for Beginners
Salvation
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is to examine salvation as a gracious gift from God. Teachers should review the relevant materials and have students review the materials before class.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand salvation as taught in the Bible.
- Feel: Value the teachings of Jesus regarding salvation.
- Do: Demonstrate knowledge of salvation as taught in the Bible by stating the elements and one associated biblical reference.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
1. Why do we feel salvation is necessary?
Answers will vary but look for answers like those in the student text such as: the flawed condition of man, the subordinate relationship between man and God, an need in man to look forward to something beyond this life.
2. What do major religions of the world teach regarding salvation?
All major religion of the world have teachings regarding some form of salvation. The general teaching is that man performs some sort of activity or ongoing activities recognized by the deity and are awarded salvation accordingly.
3. What is meant by the concept that humans are flawed?
God did not create us as sinful, but we are created with the gift of choice. Unfortunately, we do not always make good choices. Some of our choices are intentional disobedience to our knowledge of God's will. As a result of those sins and the condemnation they incur we are in need of salvation which we cannot provide for ourselves.
4. Read Romans 5:6-11. Summarize in your own words what this passage says as to the solution to human's sinful condition?
Look for responses that include the sacrifice of Jesus as a perfect sacrifice. This sacrifice allows us to be reconciled to God.
5. What is meant by "reconciled to God"?
To be reconciled to God means that our relationship with God is brought back into balance.
6. How does God offer salvation to humans?
We are offered salvation by the grace of God through faith (Ephesians 2:6-8). It cannot be achieved through our human efforts but only through the vicarious atoning sacrifice of Jesus. God did not have to offer us salvation. That is the nature of grace. It is now upon humans to believe (faith) and act upon that belief by obeying God's will as outlined in scripture.
7. Scripture outlines mankind's response of faith to God's offer of salvation. What are these and list at least one scripture associated with the individual elements?
- Hear
- Believe
- Confess
- Repent
- Be baptized
- Life according to the teachings of Jesus
Answers will vary but look for references from the New Testament. New Christians or those seeking to learn about salvation may have difficulty finding these so be ready to offer assistance.
8. Why is it not necessary to become extensively knowledgeable about the Bible before a person can become a Christian?
Although knowledge of the Bible is important and we should seek to understand all we can about it, our salvation is not based on having deep knowledge of God and the Bible. The most important step in salvation is to obey God's will as outlined in scripture. Once we know and obey that, God adds us to His Kingdom. We then begin a life-long process of growing spiritually. We have different capacities to learn so it is important to be saved and then begin the process of growth. God's grace allows us to grow as He has enabled us to do.
9. How can you as a student use this to grow spiritually and help others come into a relationship with Jesus?
Look for responses that indicate an acceptance the concepts presented in this lesson and other sources. Other indicators may include responses such as the scope and depth of the information provide clarity of the inspiration and validity of the Bible.