I. Salvation

(Continued...)

Propitiation: 1 John 2:2

That which is given or done to appease another for wrong done to him or her.

Reconciliation: 2 Corinthians 5:20 - "...be ye reconciled to God."

The bringing together again as friends, two or more people who were estranged or at enmity against each other.

Restitution: Luke 19:8 - "...taken any thing from any man...restore him fourfold."

We have taken selfishly what belongs to God and used it for our own purposes, against God. We need to restore God's property to its rightful owner. Making restitution to other people, whom we have wronged or taken from, is pleasing to God.

Mediator: 1 Timothy 2:5 - "There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."

A person who is a go-between two persons who are not friendly to each other or who for reasons are at enmity. A mediator is one who is friends or can speak for those on either side of the controversy.

Vicarious: "instead of another"

Christ suffered vicariously for us or instead of us. We refer to it as His vicarious death on the cross.

Grace: benefit given or extended. Also it refers to divine enablement.

Illustration: Grace period. Saved by His grace
(His free gift).
"Grace" to bear the problem cheerfully (divine enablement).

Adoption: The process whereby one is legally made a member of another family.

Galatians 4:5, 6 - "...that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." Continue reading this passage.

Salvation Must Be By A Savior, Even Christ

Man can never be his own savior.

Illustration: I spoke with a Jewish rabbinical student who indicated that man can be his own savior. He said he believes that since man has the ability to move, by his own volition, closer or farther apart in his relationships with other people, he has also the ability to do so with God. The problem is that while he may endeavor to draw dear to God, his sins have separated him from God (Isaiah 59:2). Sin must be judged and punished and can only be properly dealt with without destroying the sinner in a person, in the atonement by the vicarious suffering of Christ on the cross.

Furthermore, there is the need, also, for a remedy for man's depraved nature that is inclined toward sinful living, and that, too, is found only in Christ and in the work of the Holy Spirit.

Understanding the "How" of Salvation

1. It isn't necessary to understand all the terms and all that is involved in order to receive salvation. However, everyone should desire to learn, understand, and appreciate God's wonderful plan.
2. Certain things must be known and understood to enable a person to receive salvation. Therefore the GOSPEL must be preached and taught to all.
3. The lesson, "How To Be Born Again," will instruct in more detail.
4. Two conditions are necessary to receive salvation: repentance and faith.
5. The lesson on regeneration helps us understand what happens inside us at salvation.
6. The justification lesson helps us to understand what happens with our standing with God in salvation.