Lecture Notes: Understanding True Salvation and Sin

Introduction

• The session is about understanding true salvation as explained in the Bible.
• Main topics include the gospel, how to guarantee entry to heaven, and the concept of "once saved, always saved."
• Exploration of the definition of sin as per biblical teachings.

Definition of Sin

• Common misconception: Sin is merely missing the mark or doing wrong.
• John 16:9: Sin is defined as not believing in God, not trusting His word.
• Sin involves prioritizing personal thoughts over God's word.

Inherited Sin

• Romans 5:12: Sin entered the world through Adam and is passed onto all humanity.
• We are born sinners due to this inherited sin, not because of individual actions.

Struggle with Sin

• Romans 7:15: The struggle of doing what one hates is a sign of sin's influence.
• Sin causes us to do things we do not want to do, leading to internal conflict.
• Romans 7:17: It is the sin within us that drives these actions.

Nature of Sinful Thoughts and Hearts

• Genesis 6:5: Human thoughts are inherently evil from God's perspective.
• Jeremiah 17:9: The heart is deceitful and wicked.
• Recognition of one's inherent sinful nature is crucial.

God's Will and Salvation

• Hebrews 10:9: God's will involves taking away the first covenant to establish the second.
• James 2:10: Breaking one law is akin to breaking all, highlighting human inability to fulfill God's law.
• Romans 3:20: The law reveals sin, not a means to attain righteousness.

The Will of God and Righteousness

• Hebrews 10:10: Sanctification through Jesus Christ's sacrifice.
• Hebrews 10:14: By one offering, believers are made perfect forever.
• Salvation is a gift, not earned by works.

Eternal Salvation

• Romans 6:23: Wages of sin is death; the gift of God is eternal life.
• John 1:29: Jesus takes away the sin of the world.
• Romans 3:23-24: All have sinned, but all are justified freely by grace.

New Covenant

• Hebrews 10:16-17: God’s laws written in hearts and minds, sins remembered no more.
• Emphasis on belief in God's promise of righteousness over personal thoughts.

Practical Implications

• Believers are called to trust in their righteousness through Christ, not their actions or thoughts.
• John 9:31: God hears those who are righteous, not sinners.
• Importance of professing righteousness in personal faith declarations.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to embrace the identity of being righteous in Christ.
• A call to reject the identity of sinner and live by faith in God's word.
• Final encouragement to daily affirm one's righteousness as a believer.