Big Idea: What you believe about salvation is essential to your faith. 

            John 3:16

What is Salvation?

1. Forgiveness: saved from a broken relationship with God.
   Acts 2:38
2. Justification: saved from the guilt of sin.
   Romans 4:25
3. Expiation: saved from the shame of sin.
   1 John 1:9
4. Atonement: saved from the wrath of God.
   Hebrews 2:17
5. Redemption: saved from slavery to sin.
   Titus 2:14
6. Regeneration: saved from death.
   Ephesians 2:4-6
7. Adoption: saved from isolation.
   John 1:12-13

Why does this matter?

Jesus is the only hope for the whole world.

            Matthew 28:19-20a

            Romans 10:9

Message Questions

This week we are discussing the doctrine of salvation. Our essential doctrine statement says: 

We believe that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus alone. No one is capable of earning God’s favor on their own, and there is no other way to the Father but through Jesus. Salvation is declared and symbolized in the act of baptism, as instructed by Jesus himself. 

This Sunday, the big idea is: What you believe about salvation is essential to your faith. Passages include Matthew 28:19-20a; John 1:12-13; John 3:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 4:25, 10:9; Ephesians 2:4-6, 8-9; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 2:17; 1 John 1:9. 

Use these questions to discuss the message from Sunday, focusing on how you can grow as an everyday follower of Jesus and how you can go accomplish what Jesus calls you to do. 

1. Have someone in the group read John 3:16. Take a few minutes and reflect on what this verse reveals to us about God and humanity.
2. Pastor Wyatt shared that salvation entails forgiveness, justification, expiation, atonement, redemption, regeneration, and adoption. While all of these are true for each of us, which of these connected most with you and your life story? 
3. Have somebody read Ephesians 2:8–9. Discuss what this means and share times in your life where you might have tried to save yourself from your sin through your own work and merits. 
4. How can we grow in our love, knowledge and obedience to Jesus in light of the salvation he has bestowed on us?
5. What does it look like for you to go and share this news with others in your world right now? Who in your life needs to hear it?