1.In Acts 2:37 a very important question is recorded. a.The location was Jerusalem, and the occasion was Pentecost. b.Some Jewish people who had gone to Jerusalem to observe Pentecost asked this question of the apostles -- they asked it because their hearts had been pricked. c.Peter had preached a great sermon in which he showed how Jesus, whom these people had crucified during Passover, is Lord and Christ. d.Peter understood that these people wanted salvation because he showed them how to receive "the remission of sins" (vs.38). e.Also, in vs.40b Peter called upon these people to be saved. f.According to vs.41, there was a great response. 2.Because the question found in Acts 2:37 is so important, in our lesson we are examining passages that reveal "the plan of salvation." a.We need to know this information for our own benefit. b.We also need to be able to answer others who may ask this question. 3.Let us first consider several . . .
Discussion:
I.BASICPRINCIPLESTHATRELATETOSALVATION
A.The Bible explains why salvation from sin is so important. 1.The Bible identifies sin as the transgression of God's law (1 John 3:4). 2.The Bible identifies who is guilty of sin (Romans 3:23). 3.The Bible reveals the effects of sin (Romans 6:23a; Isaiah 59:1-2). B.The "Gospel" [Good News] is that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and was resurrected so we may be saved (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). C.The salvation that Christ provides is "great" (Hebrews 2:3). D.According to Hebrews 5:8-9, Christ saves those who obey Him. E.With these basic principles before us, let us turn our attention to . . .
II.THELORD'SREQUIREMENTSFORSALVATION
A.The Lord requires us to believe that He is God's Son (John 3:16-17; 8:24). B.The Lord requires us to repent (Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 3:19). C.The Lord requires us to confess that He is God's Son (Romans 10:9-10). D.The Lord requires us to be baptized. 1.Matthew 28:18-20 2.Mark 16:15-16 3.Acts 22:16 4.Romans 6:3-4 5.1 Corinthians 12:13 6.Galatians 3:26-29 7.Ephesians 4:5 8.Colossians 2:12 9.1 Peter 3:21
1.We learn from 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 that the Lord will punish those who do not obey the Gospel when He returns. 2.Therefore, we must not neglect the great salvation that Jesus provides (Hebrews 2:3).
