Understanding Salvation: Assurance and the Role of Repentance

Devotional

Day 1: Salvation is by God's Mercy, Not Our Works

Salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn through our own efforts. Titus 3:5 reminds us that our salvation is based on God's mercy, not our righteousness. This foundational truth shifts the focus from our efforts to God's grace, providing a secure basis for our faith. Understanding that salvation is a divine gift helps us to appreciate the depth of God's love and mercy. It also humbles us, reminding us that we are entirely dependent on God's grace for our salvation.

This perspective encourages us to live a life of gratitude and humility, knowing that our salvation is not something we achieved but something we received. It also provides a sense of security, knowing that our salvation is in the hands of a merciful and loving God. This assurance can bring peace to our hearts and motivate us to live in a way that honors God. [05:06]

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."

Reflection: How does understanding that your salvation is a gift from God change the way you live your daily life?

Day 2: The Role of Repentance in a Believer's Life

Repentance is an ongoing process in the life of a believer, not a one-time event. It is evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, convicting us of sin and leading us to live in alignment with God's will. This continual turning away from sin and turning towards God is a sign of true salvation. Repentance involves a heartfelt sorrow for sin, a renouncing of it, and a sincere commitment to forsake it and walk in obedience to Christ.

This process of repentance is crucial for our spiritual growth and sanctification. It helps us to become more like Christ and to live a life that reflects our new identity in Him. As we continually repent, we experience the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, who helps us to overcome sin and live in a way that pleases God. [30:53]

Acts 3:19 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to repent and turn back to God today?

Day 3: God's Sovereignty in Salvation

God is in control of our salvation from beginning to end. Romans 8:29-30 and Jude 24-25 emphasize that if God has saved you, He will keep you saved. This assurance brings peace and encourages us to live faithfully. Knowing that our salvation is secure in God's hands gives us confidence and hope. It reminds us that our salvation is not dependent on our own efforts but on God's sovereign will and power.

This understanding of God's sovereignty in salvation helps us to trust in His faithfulness and to rest in His promises. It also motivates us to live a life of obedience and devotion, knowing that God is working in us to will and to act according to His good purpose. [20:47]

Jude 24-25 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen."

Reflection: How does knowing that God is in control of your salvation give you peace and confidence in your daily walk with Him?

Day 4: The Assurance of Salvation

The assurance that once we are saved, we are always saved, does not give us a license to sin. Instead, it motivates us to live a life of continual repentance and obedience out of love and gratitude for the grace we have received. This assurance of salvation brings peace and encouragement, helping us to live faithfully and to persevere in our faith. It reminds us that our salvation is secure in Christ and that nothing can separate us from His love.

This assurance also helps us to live with a sense of purpose and mission, knowing that we are called to reflect Christ's love and grace to others. It encourages us to live a life that honors God and to share the good news of salvation with those around us. [34:49]

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: How does the assurance of your salvation motivate you to live a life of obedience and gratitude to God?

Day 5: Examine Yourself

2 Corinthians 13:5 encourages us to examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith. This self-examination, guided by the Holy Spirit, helps us to live a life that reflects our new identity in Christ and assures us of our salvation. It involves a careful and honest evaluation of our thoughts, actions, and motives to ensure that they align with God's will. This process of self-examination helps us to identify areas where we need to grow and to seek God's help in overcoming sin.

Regular self-examination is an important part of our spiritual growth and maturity. It helps us to stay on the right path and to live a life that is pleasing to God. It also helps us to maintain a close and intimate relationship with God, as we continually seek His guidance and direction in our lives. [47:57]

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 some time today to examine your heart and life. Are there areas where you need to realign with God's will? How can you seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in this process?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into the deeply theological and often controversial topic of "Once Saved, Always Saved." This question has sparked debates within the church for generations: Can a person lose their salvation, or is salvation a permanent state once granted by God? We began by acknowledging that this is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. Our key scripture was Titus 3:5, which emphasizes that salvation is not by our works but by God's mercy.

We explored various theological terms related to salvation, such as regeneration, renewal, and eternal life, and discussed how these terms are interconnected. We also examined different perspectives within the church, including synergism (the belief that salvation is a cooperative effort between God and man) and monergism (the belief that salvation is solely the work of God). I shared my personal belief in monergism, emphasizing that if God saves you, He will keep you saved.

We looked at several Bible verses that are often cited in this debate. For instance, Romans 11:18-22 and Galatians 5:1-5 are used to argue that one can lose their salvation, while Romans 8:29-30 and Jude 24-25 support the idea that salvation is secure in God's hands. We also discussed the importance of repentance as an ongoing process in the life of a believer. Repentance is not a one-time event but a continual turning away from sin, which is evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives.

The core of the debate often lies in the misunderstanding between salvation and repentance. While salvation is a one-time event, repentance is a lifelong process. We are justified by faith, sanctified through ongoing repentance, and will ultimately be glorified. This process of sanctification involves the Holy Spirit convicting us of sin and leading us to live a life that reflects our new identity in Christ.

In conclusion, the assurance of salvation brings peace and encouragement. It motivates us to live a life of continual repentance and obedience, not out of fear of losing our salvation, but out of love and gratitude for the grace we have received. If you are unsure about your salvation, I encourage you to examine yourself and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance. Remember, God is able to keep you from stumbling and present you faultless before His presence.

###

Key Takeaways

1. time event but a continual process. It is evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, convicting us of sin and leading us to live in alignment with God's will. This ongoing repentance is a sign of true salvation. [30:53]
3. God's Sovereignty in Salvation: Romans 8:29-30 and Jude 24-25 emphasize that God is in control of our salvation from beginning to end. If God has saved you, He will keep you saved. This assurance brings peace and encourages us to live faithfully.

4. The Assurance of Salvation: The assurance that once we are saved, we are always saved, does not give us a license to sin. Instead, it motivates us to live a life of continual repentance and obedience out of love and gratitude for the grace we have received.

5. Examine Yourself: 2 Corinthians 13:5 encourages us to examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith. This self-examination, guided by the Holy Spirit, helps us to live a life that reflects our new identity in Christ and assures us of our salvation.

### [30:53]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:46] - Church Announcements
[01:40] - Upcoming Event
[02:32] - Online Giving
[03:27] - Introduction and Prayer
[04:26] - The Question of Salvation
[05:06] - Key Verse: Titus 3:5
[06:03] - Importance of Salvation
[06:54] - Theology and Soteriology
[07:40] - Monergism vs. Synergism
[08:19] - Terms Describing Salvation
[09:42] - Can You Lose Your Salvation?
[10:15] - Theological Arguments
[12:04] - Bible Verses on Losing Salvation
[19:08] - Bible Verses on Eternal Security
[24:19] - Choices of Faith
[27:30] - Old Testament Choices
[30:53] - Salvation vs. Repentance
[34:49] - Assurance of Salvation
[39:59] - Sanctification Process
[42:07] - Hebrews 6 and Salvation
[47:57] - Examine Yourself
[50:17] - Confession and Forgiveness
[55:06] - Importance of the Gospel
[58:50] - Ephesians 2:1-10
[60:18] - Invitation to Salvation
[62:28] - Closing Prayer and Announcements

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Titus 3:5, what is the basis of our salvation? How does this verse emphasize God's role in our salvation? [05:06]
In Romans 8:29-30, what are the steps mentioned that God takes in the process of salvation? How do these steps assure us of our salvation? [20:47]
What does 2 Corinthians 13:5 encourage believers to do, and why is this self-examination important? [47:57]
How does the sermon describe the relationship between salvation and repentance? [30:53]

Interpretation Questions

How does understanding that salvation is by God's mercy and not by our works (Titus 3:5) change the way we view our relationship with God? [05:06]
Romans 8:29-30 speaks of predestination, calling, justification, and glorification. How do these concepts provide assurance of salvation? What does it mean for God to be in control of our salvation from beginning to end? [20:47]
The sermon mentions that repentance is a continual process in a believer's life. How does this ongoing repentance serve as evidence of true salvation? [30:53]
In 2 Corinthians 13:5, Paul urges believers to examine themselves. What practical steps can we take to regularly examine our faith and ensure we are living in alignment with God's will? [47:57]

Application Questions

Reflecting on Titus 3:5, how can you shift your focus from trying to earn God's favor through works to resting in His mercy and grace? What practical steps can you take this week to remind yourself of God's mercy? [05:06]
Romans 8:29-30 assures us that God is in control of our salvation. How does this assurance impact your daily life and decisions? Can you think of a situation where you need to trust more in God's control? [20:47]
The sermon emphasizes the importance of ongoing repentance. Is there a specific area in your life where you need to repent and seek God's guidance? How can you make repentance a regular part of your spiritual practice? [30:53]
2 Corinthians 13:5 calls for self-examination. What are some practical ways you can examine your faith and actions this week? Are there specific areas where you feel you need to grow or change? [47:57]
The sermon discusses the peace and encouragement that come from the assurance of salvation. How can you share this assurance with someone who is struggling with doubts about their faith? [34:49]
The concept of God's sovereignty in salvation can be challenging. How do you reconcile God's control with your personal responsibility in living out your faith? What steps can you take to align your actions with this understanding? [20:47]
The sermon encourages believers to live a life of continual repentance and obedience out of love and gratitude. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude for God's grace in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to express this gratitude? [34:49]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "If God is real, and I believe He is, and if the Bible is true, and I believe it is, then there's nothing more important to us humans than salvation. The Bible clearly speaks that there is a creator to this universe, and the Bible clearly says that the creator of this universe brings all things into judgment." [06:03] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The sin that you once loved, you now hate. That's the transformation, right? It says in Romans 12, be transformed, the renewing of your mind. The transformation is going from a wretched, human being, carnal, to a saved child of God, spiritual. And that evidence is given by the way you feel about sin." [36:24] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If you want to know if you have salvation or not, like that was one of the questions in the beginning, are you saved? How do you know if you're saved? Well, if you want to know that you have a new relationship with God through Jesus Christ, you need to know that you have a new relationship with sin through the Holy Spirit." [32:59] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The gospel of salvation should be everything to us. To us who have received. I tell you the truth, for me, salvation is the most important thing in my life. For me, every day, all I want to do is find an opportunity to share the miracle of salvation that God has given to me." [55:06] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "If the spirit is getting hold of your heart right now, and you're like, I want to get saved, I invite you to pray this prayer after me. Say, Father God, I confess I'm a sinner. I confess that I have fallen short of Your glory. But I confess Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, and I receive the forgiveness of my sins through His blood. I surrender my life to You. I am Yours. Save me. In Jesus' name. Amen." [01:00:18] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "So the key verse that I have today is Titus chapter 3, verse 5. The book of Titus chapter 3, verse 5. Titus 3, 5 says, Not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according... According to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit. Amen? Not by works that we have done, but according to the mercy of God, He saved us." [05:06] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "So the argument is like, well, aren't you giving the people a license to sin, telling them that they're saved? They're eternally saved. No, I argue not. Telling people they're eternally saved gives them the motivation to repent because it clarifies the condemnation and lies of the devil. You're not a child of God one day and a child of Satan the next. You're a child of God and you need to repent because God has predestined you to salvation." [34:49] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful. Everybody say, God is faithful. God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us." [49:26] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The Holy Spirit will be bugging you the entire time. You'll be like, I've got to go back to my father's house. That's a child of God. Maybe you never got saved. Maybe you went to church, you did church things, maybe you were part of a church community, but you never really got saved. This morning, I want to give you the opportunity." [56:13] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "When I sin, I go to my Father and I say, Father, I'm sorry. Forgive me. Help me to not disgrace Your name. Please transform me. Remove the sin out of my life. I thank You that You still love me. You know the story of the prodigal son, right? The father, did he hate his son? He loved his child. And his child, when his child repented, the father welcomed him back. Forgave all the sin." [50:51] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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