Embracing the Simplicity of Salvation in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gather to celebrate the 71st anniversary of Underwood Baptist Church, a community known for its vibrant worship and deep commitment to Christ. As we reflect on our nation's history and our allegiance to Jesus, we are reminded of the simplicity and profundity of salvation. The message today centers on the concept of salvation, exploring what it truly means to be saved and how we often complicate this simple truth.
Using the story of Jesus' crucifixion between two thieves, we delve into the essence of salvation. Jesus was crucified between two criminals, representing all of humanity. One thief, Joe, died in his sin, rejecting Jesus. The other, John, died to his sin, accepting Jesus as his Savior. This stark contrast illustrates the two paths available to every person: rejection or acceptance of Christ.
Salvation is as simple as ABC: Accept, Believe, and Confess. John, the thief who accepted Jesus, demonstrated this by acknowledging his sin, believing in Jesus, and confessing his faith. This simplicity is often lost in theological complexities, but it remains the core of the Gospel. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross offers redemption to all, regardless of their past, as long as they believe and accept Him.
The message concludes with a call to self-reflection: Which cross are you on? Are you like Joe, rejecting Jesus, or like John, accepting Him? This decision determines your eternal destiny. The invitation is open to all to accept Jesus, repent, and be born again, experiencing the transformative power of His grace and mercy.
### Key Takeaways
1. Simplicity of Salvation: Salvation is not complicated; it is as simple as ABC—Accept, Believe, and Confess. Jesus' message to Nicodemus in John 3:3 emphasizes the need to be born again, not through physical rebirth but through spiritual transformation. This simplicity is accessible to all, from children to adults, and is the foundation of our faith. [41:36]
2. The Two Thieves: The two thieves crucified alongside Jesus represent all of humanity. One chose to mock and reject Jesus, while the other chose to believe and accept Him. This dichotomy illustrates the two paths available to us: rejection or acceptance of Christ. Our choice determines our eternal destiny. [46:50]
3. Power of Belief: True belief in Jesus goes beyond intellectual acknowledgment; it involves a heartfelt acceptance and trust in Him as Lord and Savior. The thief who accepted Jesus demonstrated this by acknowledging his sin, believing in Jesus' divinity, and confessing his faith. This genuine belief leads to salvation. [55:45]
4. Redemption Through Jesus: Jesus' sacrifice on the cross offers redemption to all, regardless of their past. He bore our sins, providing a way for us to be reconciled with God. This act of grace is available to everyone, emphasizing that no one is beyond the reach of God's mercy. [52:13]
5. Personal Reflection: Each person must reflect on their own spiritual state and decide which cross they are on. Are you rejecting Jesus like the unrepentant thief, or are you accepting Him like the repentant one? This decision is crucial and determines your eternal future. [01:11:09]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:51] - Celebrating 71 Years
[37:51] - Worship and Community
[39:02] - Prayer for the Church
[40:13] - Introduction to Salvation
[41:36] - Simplicity of Salvation
[43:18] - Jesus and Nicodemus
[45:07] - The Two Thieves
[46:50] - Choosing Life or Death
[49:33] - The Cross of Rejection
[52:13] - The Cross of Reception
[55:45] - True Belief
[58:50] - Forgiveness and Transformation
[01:00:23] - ABC of Salvation
[01:02:27] - The Thief on the Cross
[01:04:17] - Cross of Rejection vs. Reception
[01:06:22] - Cross of Redemption
[01:08:20] - No One is Beyond Grace
[01:10:23] - The Man on the Middle Cross
[01:11:09] - Personal Reflection
[01:13:51] - Invitation to Accept Christ
[01:16:41] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 23:32-43 - The Crucifixion of Jesus between Two Thieves
2. John 3:3 - Jesus' Conversation with Nicodemus about Being Born Again
3. Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief Leading to Salvation
### Observation Questions
1. What were the names given to the two thieves crucified alongside Jesus, and what did each represent? ([50:08])
2. According to the sermon, what does the ABC of salvation stand for? ([01:00:23])
3. How did the thief who accepted Jesus demonstrate his belief and repentance? ([57:45])
4. What was the reaction of the thief who rejected Jesus, and what did he demand from Jesus? ([52:39])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the simplicity of salvation (ABC: Accept, Believe, Confess) is often lost in theological complexities? ([41:36])
2. How does the story of the two thieves illustrate the two paths available to humanity: rejection or acceptance of Christ? ([46:50])
3. What does it mean to truly believe in Jesus beyond intellectual acknowledgment, as demonstrated by the repentant thief? ([55:45])
4. How does Jesus' sacrifice on the cross offer redemption to all, regardless of their past? ([52:13])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual state: Which cross are you on? Are you rejecting Jesus like Joe, or accepting Him like John? How does this decision impact your daily life? ([01:11:09])
2. The sermon emphasized the simplicity of salvation. How can you explain the ABC of salvation to someone who might find it complicated? ([01:00:23])
3. Think about a time when you might have intellectually acknowledged Jesus but struggled with heartfelt acceptance. What steps can you take to deepen your trust in Him as Lord and Savior? ([55:45])
4. Jesus' sacrifice offers redemption to all. Is there someone in your life who you think is beyond redemption? How can you change your perspective and share God's grace with them? ([52:13])
5. The repentant thief acknowledged his sin and believed in Jesus. Is there a sin or burden you need to confess and seek forgiveness for? How can you take that step today? ([57:45])
6. The sermon calls for personal reflection on our spiritual state. How often do you take time to reflect on your relationship with Jesus, and what practices can you implement to make this a regular part of your life? ([01:11:09])
7. The story of the two thieves shows the power of belief and repentance. How can you support someone in your community who is struggling with their faith and help them find the path to acceptance and belief in Jesus? ([46:50])
Devotional
Day 1: The Simplicity of Salvation
Salvation is often perceived as a complex theological concept, but at its core, it is profoundly simple. The essence of salvation can be summarized by the ABCs: Accept, Believe, and Confess. This simplicity is accessible to everyone, regardless of age or background. Jesus emphasized this to Nicodemus in John 3:3, explaining that one must be born again through spiritual transformation, not physical rebirth. This straightforward message is the foundation of Christian faith and is meant to be easily understood and embraced by all.
The simplicity of salvation is a reminder that God's grace is not something we earn through complex rituals or deep theological understanding. Instead, it is a gift freely given to those who accept Jesus, believe in His divinity, and confess their faith. This uncomplicated path to redemption is a testament to God's love and desire for all to be saved. [41:36]
John 3:3 (ESV): "Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.'"
Reflection: In what ways have you complicated your understanding of salvation? How can you return to the simple truth of Accept, Believe, and Confess in your daily walk with Christ?
Day 2: The Two Thieves
The story of the two thieves crucified alongside Jesus serves as a powerful illustration of the choices available to humanity. One thief chose to mock and reject Jesus, while the other chose to believe and accept Him. This dichotomy represents the two paths we can take: rejection or acceptance of Christ. Our choice in this matter determines our eternal destiny.
The repentant thief acknowledged his sin, believed in Jesus' divinity, and confessed his faith, demonstrating the simplicity and power of salvation. This story reminds us that no matter our past, we have the opportunity to choose life through Christ. It is a call to self-reflection and decision-making about our spiritual state. [46:50]
Luke 23:42-43 (ESV): "And he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' And he said to him, 'Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.'"
Reflection: Reflect on the two thieves. Which thief do you identify with more in your current spiritual journey? What steps can you take to align yourself with the repentant thief who accepted Jesus?
Day 3: The Power of Belief
True belief in Jesus goes beyond mere intellectual acknowledgment; it involves a heartfelt acceptance and trust in Him as Lord and Savior. The thief who accepted Jesus on the cross demonstrated this by acknowledging his sin, believing in Jesus' divinity, and confessing his faith. This genuine belief is what leads to salvation and a transformed life.
Belief in Jesus is not just about knowing who He is but trusting Him with your life and future. It is about surrendering to His will and allowing His grace to transform you from the inside out. This kind of belief is powerful and life-changing, offering hope and redemption to all who embrace it. [55:45]
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."
Reflection: Do you truly believe in Jesus with your heart, or is your belief more intellectual? How can you deepen your trust and surrender to Him today?
Day 4: Redemption Through Jesus
Jesus' sacrifice on the cross offers redemption to all, regardless of their past. He bore our sins, providing a way for us to be reconciled with God. This act of grace is available to everyone, emphasizing that no one is beyond the reach of God's mercy. Redemption through Jesus is a powerful reminder of God's love and the lengths He went to save us.
This redemption is not based on our merit but on Jesus' sacrifice. It is a gift that we receive through faith, transforming our lives and restoring our relationship with God. No matter what we have done, Jesus' sacrifice is sufficient to cover our sins and bring us into a new life with Him. [52:13]
Ephesians 1:7 (ESV): "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace."
Reflection: Is there something in your past that makes you feel unworthy of God's redemption? How can you embrace the truth that Jesus' sacrifice is sufficient for you?
Day 5: Personal Reflection
Each person must reflect on their own spiritual state and decide which cross they are on. Are you rejecting Jesus like the unrepentant thief, or are you accepting Him like the repentant one? This decision is crucial and determines your eternal future. The invitation to accept Jesus, repent, and be born again is open to all, offering the transformative power of His grace and mercy.
Personal reflection is essential in understanding where you stand in your faith journey. It requires honesty and a willingness to confront your spiritual state. This reflection can lead to a deeper relationship with Jesus and a renewed commitment to following Him. [01:11:09]
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV): "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"
Reflection: Take a moment to honestly examine your spiritual state. Which cross are you on? What steps can you take today to ensure you are on the cross of acceptance and faith in Jesus?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "What does it mean when we talk about being saved? What does that actually mean? Well, we've complicated it. We really have. I believe pastors and leaders and theologians have complicated what it means to actually be saved, to be born again, to be a child of God. You know, it's so simple that a child can understand it." [41:36] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Everybody in this room, everybody you see walking around out there, everybody's been born once. Right? We've all been born of the flesh. We've all been birthed by our mother. But the question today is, have you been born of the Spirit of God? Have you been saved? Is Jesus living inside of you in the person of the Holy Spirit of God? That's what it means to be saved. That's exactly what it means to be born again." [44:01] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You're either going to choose life in Christ or you're going to choose death separated from God for eternity in a place called hell. There's no in between. Nobody can be on that middle cross. That's Jesus. But you or I are represented by these two crosses. And one of these are yours, right? There's no neutrality. One of these crosses are yours. You either choose life or you choose death." [47:18] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus said, if you don't believe I am the Christ, you're going to die in your sin. Period. That's what happened to Joe. He didn't really believe Jesus was the Christ. He just wanted off of that cross. If you happen to be him, help me out here. A lot of people asked Jesus for help who really don't believe in him. And I'm telling you, you believe with a heart." [53:41] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You see, it's easy as ABC. Are y'all listening? Being saved is easy as ABC. Now, living is the hard part. We know that. This is easy preaching, hard living. But you can be saved today as simple as ABC. Now, what do you mean by that? Well, look in verse 40. What did he do? He feared God. Do you not fear God? He believed. In other words, he believed that he was the Christ." [01:00:23] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I want to talk to you today about salvation. What is salvation? What does it mean when a young child says, I want to ask Jesus in my heart? Or what does it mean when we talk about being born again? What does that actually mean when we talk about the doctrine of soteriology, which is a long word? It just simply means salvation." [41:16] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Now, it was no accident that Jesus was crucified between two thieves. The Bible says in Isaiah 53 that Jesus was numbered with the transgressors. In other words, he was numbered with the thieves, the criminals. All right? And so, on Calvary, he was crucified in between two thieves. Now, let me ask you this. There were two crosses besides Jesus, right? You know that? You can say amen here. It's okay." [45:07] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Joe is dying in his sin. Now, let me give you a verse of scripture. I think it's going to be on the screen. John 8, 24. John 8, 24 says this. Jesus speaking. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sin. For if you do not believe that I am he, you will die in your sins. Any questions? Any questions? Pretty clear, isn't it?" [53:08] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "He said, the man on the middle cross said I could come. Wow. The man on the middle cross said I could come. And he did. And there he is in heaven with Jesus himself. So, there were three crosses that day. And by the way, let me just say this again. It's very plain. This is a very simplistic message. I hope it's resonating in your heart." [01:10:02] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There were three crosses on Calvary that day. Nobody, nobody but Jesus can take the middle cross. But I'm telling you, sir, and I'm telling you, ma'am and young person, you're on one of those two crosses. You're either Joe or John. You either believe or you don't. It has nothing, your salvation has nothing to do with your baptism or your church membership. You do those because you are saved, not to get saved." [01:10:45] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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