Transformative Journey of Salvation and the Holy Spirit

Summary

Salvation is far more than a one-time event or a ticket to heaven; it is the beginning of a transformed life, a restoration of relationship with God that continues to unfold every day. The journey of Christian birth—repentance, belief, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit—sets us on a path where change is not just expected, but necessary. Just as it would be absurd for a graduate to return to their childhood home and live as if nothing had changed, so too is it unthinkable for someone who has encountered Christ to remain unchanged. The new birth in Christ is a life-altering event that demands a new way of living, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Receiving the Holy Spirit is not a passive experience, nor is it reserved for a select few or a bygone era. Jesus promised the Spirit to all who believe, and this promise is for today. The Spirit’s filling is not automatic; it requires desire, surrender, and a willingness to be changed. Just as a hungry baby eagerly receives nourishment, so must we crave the presence of the Holy Spirit, submitting our lives to Jesus and allowing Him to fill us to overflowing. This filling is not about spiritual gifts for their own sake, but about being empowered to live out God’s purposes—bearing witness to Christ, living holy lives, and displaying the fruit of the Spirit.

Salvation is a process that encompasses justification, sanctification, and glorification. Justification wipes our slate clean, declaring us righteous because of Christ’s sacrifice. Sanctification is the ongoing work of the Spirit, making us more like Jesus and freeing us from the power of sin. Glorification is the final transformation, when we will be made perfect in God’s presence for eternity. Each stage is a work of God’s grace, and none of it is earned by our own efforts. Good works flow naturally from a life that has been changed, not as a means to earn salvation, but as evidence of it.

Ultimately, God’s desire is not just to work in us, but through us, so that His power and glory might overflow into the world. The assurance of salvation gives us confidence to share, to grow, and to walk daily with Him. As we stay close to Jesus, filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are kept from stumbling and presented blameless before God with great joy.

Key Takeaways

- Salvation is a Life-Transforming Beginning, Not an End
The new birth in Christ is not a finish line but a starting point for a radically changed life. Just as major life events like graduation or marriage bring about new responsibilities and changes, so too does salvation demand a new way of living. Remaining unchanged after encountering Christ is as unthinkable as a bride returning to her parents’ home after her wedding. True salvation always leads to transformation and growth. [04:08]

- The Filling of the Holy Spirit Requires Desire and Surrender
The Holy Spirit does not force Himself upon us; we must hunger and thirst for His presence. Like a baby who must desire food to be fed, we must earnestly seek and be willing to receive the Spirit’s filling. This involves yielding our minds, spirits, and bodies to Jesus, allowing Him to fill us to overflowing so that His life and power can flow through us. [09:10]

- The Purpose of the Spirit’s Filling is Empowerment for Witness and Holiness
Being filled with the Holy Spirit is not primarily about personal experiences or spiritual gifts, but about being empowered to live according to God’s word and to be effective witnesses for Christ. The Spirit gives us courage, boldness, and the ability to stand for Jesus even in the face of opposition, as seen in the lives of Peter and John. The evidence of the Spirit’s work is seen in both our witness and our growing holiness. [16:57]

- Salvation Encompasses Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification
God’s saving work is comprehensive: justification deals with our past sins, sanctification addresses our present struggles, and glorification promises future perfection. Justification is a one-time declaration of righteousness, sanctification is the ongoing process of being made holy, and glorification is the final transformation into Christ’s image. Each stage is a gift of grace, not a result of our own merit. [34:02]

- Assurance and Overflow: God’s Power Works In and Through Us
The assurance of salvation gives us confidence to walk with God and to share Him with others. But God’s work is not just for our benefit; He desires to overflow His power through us, aligning us as His church to display His glory to the world. Staying close to Jesus and being continually filled with the Spirit keeps us from stumbling and enables us to live lives that honor Him. [41:09]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Salvation: More Than Just Being Safe
[01:29] - The Four Steps: Repent, Believe, Be Baptised, Receive
[02:40] - Life-Changing Events Demand Change
[04:08] - Christian Birth: The Beginning of Transformation
[05:07] - Receiving the Holy Spirit: Biblical Foundations
[06:17] - Salvation: Rescue and Restoration
[07:21] - The Normalcy and Overflow of the Spirit
[08:12] - Desire and Willingness for the Spirit’s Filling
[09:10] - Submitting to Receive the Spirit
[11:06] - What It Means to Be Filled with the Spirit
[13:33] - The Promise of the Spirit for Today
[16:11] - Empowered to Witness and Live Holy Lives
[18:03] - The Spirit’s Power in the Early Church
[19:48] - The Fruit of the Spirit and Spiritual Desire
[23:26] - Focusing on the Giver, Not the Gifts
[26:36] - Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification
[34:02] - The Process and Promise of Salvation
[41:09] - Closing Blessing and Benediction

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Salvation—A Life-Transforming Beginning

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### Bible Reading

1. Acts 2:37-39 (ESV)
> Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

2. John 7:37-39 (ESV)
> On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

3. Ephesians 2:8-10 (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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

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### Observation Questions

1. In Acts 2:37-39, what are the four steps Peter outlines for those who want to respond to the gospel? ([05:07])
2. According to John 7:37-39, what does Jesus say is required to receive the “rivers of living water,” and what does this represent? ([09:10])
3. In Ephesians 2:8-10, what is the relationship between grace, faith, and good works? ([30:21])
4. The sermon compares salvation to life-changing events like graduation or marriage. What point is being made with these comparisons? ([04:08])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why is it “unthinkable” for someone who has encountered Christ to remain unchanged, according to the sermon? ([04:08])
2. The sermon says the filling of the Holy Spirit is not automatic but requires desire and surrender. What might this look like in a believer’s life? ([09:10])
3. How does the sermon describe the purpose of being filled with the Holy Spirit? Is it mainly for personal experience, or something else? ([16:57])
4. The sermon breaks down salvation into justification, sanctification, and glorification. How does understanding these stages affect the way someone lives out their faith? ([34:02])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon says that remaining unchanged after salvation is as unthinkable as a bride returning to her parents’ home after her wedding. In what areas of your life do you see evidence of transformation since coming to Christ? Are there areas where you still feel unchanged? ([04:08])
2. Jesus describes the Spirit’s filling as something for those who “thirst.” What does spiritual thirst look like for you personally? Are there things in your life that dull your hunger for God? ([09:10])
3. The sermon says the Holy Spirit’s filling is not about spiritual gifts for their own sake, but about being empowered to witness and live holy lives. In what ways do you sense God empowering you to be a witness or to grow in holiness? ([16:57])
4. Ephesians 2:10 says we are created for good works. Can you identify a “good work” God has prepared for you to walk in this week? What might it look like to step into it? ([30:21])
5. The sermon talks about justification (past), sanctification (present), and glorification (future). Which of these do you find easiest to believe and rest in? Which is hardest, and why? ([34:02])
6. The assurance of salvation is meant to give us confidence to share and to grow. Do you feel confident in your salvation? If not, what questions or doubts do you have? ([01:29])
7. The sermon says God wants to work not just in us, but through us, so His power and glory might overflow into the world. What is one way you can allow God’s power to overflow through you to others this week? ([41:09])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the Holy Spirit to fill each person afresh, to empower for witness, holiness, and good works, and to give assurance of salvation and joy in Christ.

Devotional

Day 1: Assurance of Salvation Through Faith in Christ
God desires that every believer has assurance of their salvation, not living in doubt or uncertainty, but with confidence that comes from trusting in Jesus and the promises of His Word. This assurance is not based on our feelings or performance, but on the finished work of Christ and the truth that those who believe in Him have eternal life. When you know you are secure in Him, you are empowered to share your faith, grow in your walk, and live boldly for God, knowing that your relationship with Him is unshakeable. [01:29]

1 John 5:13 (ESV)
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you struggle with assurance of your salvation, and how can you remind yourself today of God’s promise that you may know you have eternal life in Christ?


Day 2: The Necessity and Power of Being Filled with the Holy Spirit
Being filled with the Holy Spirit is not just a one-time event but an ongoing necessity for every believer, empowering us to live out God’s purposes, to witness boldly, and to experience the overflowing life Jesus promised. This filling is not automatic; it requires a genuine thirst and willingness to yield every part of ourselves to God, allowing His Spirit to work in and through us. As we submit to Jesus and desire more of Him, the Holy Spirit fills us, equipping us with gifts, courage, and the ability to live a life that brings glory to God and draws others to Him. [10:28]

John 7:37-39 (ESV)
"On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, "Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."' Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to yield more fully to the Holy Spirit, and how can you express your desire for His filling today?


Day 3: Justification and Sanctification—God’s Ongoing Work in Us
Salvation is not only about being forgiven; it is about being justified—declared righteous by God through faith in Jesus—and sanctified, as God continually works in us to make us more like Christ. Justification wipes the slate clean, freeing us from the penalty of sin, while sanctification is the daily process of being set apart and delivered from the power of sin by the Holy Spirit. As we walk with God, He shapes our character, helps us overcome our struggles, and calls us to live out the good works He has prepared for us, reminding us that salvation is both a moment and a lifelong journey. [30:21]

Ephesians 2:8-10 (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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Reflection: Where do you see God’s ongoing work of sanctification in your life, and what is one step you can take today to cooperate with His transforming power?


Day 4: The Overflowing Purpose of the Spirit—Empowered to Witness and Live Holy Lives
The Holy Spirit fills us not just for our own benefit, but to empower us to be witnesses for Jesus, to live holy lives, and to display the fruit of the Spirit in a world that desperately needs God’s love and truth. This power enables us to stand firm in the face of opposition, to speak boldly about Christ, and to resist the entanglements of sin, as the Spirit convicts, guides, and strengthens us daily. When we are filled and overflowing with the Spirit, our lives become a testimony to God’s grace, and we are equipped to fulfill the mission Jesus has given us. [18:58]

Acts 4:31 (ESV)
"And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."

Reflection: Who is one person or group you can boldly share your faith with this week, trusting the Holy Spirit to empower your words and actions?


Day 5: The Hope of Glorification—Our Future Transformation in Christ
Salvation is not only about our past and present, but also our future, as God promises to ultimately transform us into the image of Christ and bring us into His glorious presence forever. This hope of glorification assures us that one day, all sin and brokenness will be removed, and we will enjoy perfect communion with God, free from every limitation and struggle. As we look forward to this promised future, we are encouraged to persevere in faith, knowing that God is able to keep us from stumbling and will present us blameless with great joy in His presence. [34:02]

Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV)
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."

Reflection: How does the hope of your future glorification with Christ shape the way you face challenges and live out your faith today?

Quotes

It's not true, as some Christians say, that being filled with the Holy Spirit was only valid for first century Christians. Nowhere in the Bible does Jesus say that baptism in the Holy Spirit was only for the disciples or the early church. On the contrary, Jesus said, all these signs will accompany those who believe. Simple as that. No time limit. Not that it's only for my best friends, but all who believe. The promise of the infilling of the Holy Spirit is for you and it's for me and it's for today. Not next week or last week, but today. [00:13:04] (50 seconds)  #SpiritForAllBelievers Edit Clip

With the filling of the Holy Spirit, you're empowered to live according to his word, empowered to be a witness of the risen Christ. it isn't just so you can feel good, it's so others too can be forgiven. Each of us needs the strength, courage and boldness of the Holy Spirit that the Holy Spirit alone can provide us. Only with the power of the Spirit at work within our lives will we have the strength to stand for Christ, regardless of circumstances. [00:17:23] (40 seconds)  #HolyLivingThroughSpirit Edit Clip

Nothing will compromise our witness for Jesus more than sin and Jesus wants us to live a holy life free from the entanglements of sin. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment. The Holy Spirit will make sin obvious in our lives and give us the desire to live for God. Instead of satisfying our own desires, we can have the evidence of the fruit of the Spirit in our everyday lives. [00:19:27] (40 seconds)  #ThirstForGod Edit Clip

So as a result of our repentance and faith in Jesus we are justified by God that means at the start of our new life with him the slate is wiped clean by God and it says just as if I'd never sinned that's repentance belief and at that point God says I've wiped the slate clean the old sins are gone we are justified in Jesus. [00:29:37] (42 seconds)  #JustifiedByFaith Edit Clip

Good works won't save us but good works should be part of our new life so we're justified by God to deal with our past sins they're gone he doesn't stop there we walk with him and we are sanctified which deals with our present sins by the way I should have mentioned earlier today is big word Sunday we're justified but now we need to be sanctified. [00:31:06] (41 seconds)  #SanctifiedJourney Edit Clip

Sanctification is not the act of God declaring a person righteous rather it's the continual process by which God is actually making us righteous because we know we go on sinning don't we we've been saved the slate's been wiped clean but because of who we are because of our human nature God needs to go on dealing with us and helping us through our lives sanctification is the deliverance from the power of sin and is happening even now the continuous process of believers becoming more Christ like and it's accomplished by the Holy Spirit's power and presence sanctification represents a believer's victory over the flesh the world and the devil and the ultimate end result of our sanctification is that we will be in Christ's image. [00:34:02] (64 seconds)  #SanctificationInProgress Edit Clip

You and I have been filled with the power of God through the Holy Spirit but God does not just want to do a work in you God wants his power to flow through you that collectively as the church God's family we might be properly aligned that his power might be further displayed in and through us as his children that's the focus of Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3 a prayer that God wants to likewise answer in our lives today let's discover God's overflowing power a power to work in us a power working through us and a power that overflows us with the glory of God. [00:40:05] (52 seconds)  #PowerFlowingThroughUs Edit Clip