Walk with Scripture (WWS) - The Promise of Salvation

The Promise of Salvation

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Focus Scripture:

  • ESV: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23
  • NIV: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

Opening Prayer (5 minutes):
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the promise of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We come together today to learn more about this incredible gift and to understand its importance in our lives. Open our hearts to receive Your truth and guide our discussion as we seek to draw closer to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Introduction to Topic (5-10 minutes):
Today’s topic is “The Promise of Salvation.” Salvation is the central theme of the Christian faith. It is the promise that God offers to every person—the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. This promise is based on God’s love and grace, not on our works or righteousness. Romans 6:23 tells us that while the consequence of sin is death, God offers us a free gift: eternal life through His Son. Understanding salvation is crucial because it determines our eternal destiny and shapes how we live our lives today. Let’s explore what the Bible says about this promise and how we can fully embrace it.

Bible Verses for Discussion (20 minutes):

  1. John 3:16-17
    • ESV: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
    • NIV: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
  2. Ephesians 2:8-9
    • ESV: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
    • NIV: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
  1. Titus 3:5
    • ESV: “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”
    • NIV: “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
  2. Romans 10:9-10
    • ESV: “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
    • NIV: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

Discussion Questions (15-20 minutes):

  1. How does understanding that salvation is a gift from God, not based on our works, change your perspective on your relationship with Him?
  2. What does it mean to truly believe and confess that Jesus is Lord in our daily lives?
  3. How can we share the promise of salvation with others in a loving and effective way?

Life Application (10 minutes):
The promise of salvation is not only about our eternal future but also impacts how we live today. When we understand that salvation is a gift of grace, it frees us from the burden of trying to earn God’s love and approval. This week, focus on living out your faith by trusting fully in God’s grace. Share your testimony or a Bible verse about salvation with someone who may not yet know Christ, and pray for their heart to be open to His love.

Reflection and Encouragement (5-10 minutes):
Reflect on the amazing gift of salvation that God has provided through Jesus. Remember that this promise is available to everyone who believes and receives it. Let this truth fill you with gratitude and peace. Encourage each other to remain steadfast in faith, knowing that our salvation is secure in Christ.

Closing Verse:

  • ESV: “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” – John 1:12
  • NIV: “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” – John 1:12

Closing Prayer (5 minutes):
Lord, we thank You for the incredible promise of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to hold fast to this truth and to live in a way that honors You. Give us courage to share this promise with others and to walk in Your grace every day. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Takeaway Challenge:
This week, take time to write down your personal testimony of how you came to know Christ and received His gift of salvation. Share it with at least one person who may need to hear about God’s love and the hope we have in Him.