*THE SALVATION*
THE SALVATION*
*"And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." — Acts 4:12*
*AUTHOR:* Ptr. Raphy Gordon, Vicar Minister, Iglesia SANG DIOS (iSD)
*INTRODUCTION:*
We believe that salvation is a gift from God, made possible through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is an invitation to a personal relationship with God, leading to transformation and eternal life.
*Q&A:*
- *What is the first step in turning to God and away from sin?* _Answer: REPENTANCE._
- *How do we receive God's gift of salvation?* _Answer: FAITH._
- *What happens spiritually when someone believes in Jesus Christ?* _Answer: REGENERATION._
- *How does God make a sinner righteous in His sight?* _Answer: JUSTIFICATION._
- *What is the ongoing process for believers to become more like Christ?* _Answer: SANCTIFICATION._
- *Who can save us in order to get salvation or to be exempted from God's judgment?* _Answer: JESUS CHRIST ALONE. "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." — Acts 4:12_
- *Are there any other names that can save us except Jesus Christ?* _Answer: NO, there is no other name. "There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." — Acts 4:12_
- *Can church membership or joining religious groups save us?* _Answer: NO, salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." — Ephesians 2:8-9_
*MAIN POINTS:*
These main points outline the essential steps and truths of salvation in Jesus Christ, emphasizing how a person is saved, transformed, and sustained in their relationship with God.
I. *REPENTANCE (Pagsisisi)*
- *Question:* _What is the first step in turning to God and away from sin?_
- *Definition*: Repentance is turning away from sin and toward God, involving a change of mind that leads to a moral and spiritual transformation.
- *Etymology*:
- *Greek*: _μετάνοια (metanoia)_ – "to change one's mind."
- *Hebrew*: _שׁוּב (shuv)_ – "to return, to turn back."
- *Latin*: _paenitentia_ – "repentance, sorrow for sin."
- *English*: From Old French _repentir_, "to feel sorrow or regret."
- *Synonyms*: _Conversion_, _Contrition_, _Regret_, _Reformation_.
- *Biblical References*:
- "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." — _Matthew 3:2_
- "Repent and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out." — _Acts 3:19_
- *Example:* The prodigal son returned to his father, seeking forgiveness (Luke 15:11-32).
- *Relation to Salvation*: Repentance initiates the process of salvation by turning us away from sin and toward God, acknowledging our need for forgiveness.
II. *FAITH (Pananampalataya)*
- *_Question:_ _How do we receive God's gift of salvation?_
- *Definition*: Faith is believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, trusting in His sacrifice for salvation.
- *Etymology*:
- *Greek*: _πίστις (pistis)_ – "to persuade, be persuaded."
- *Hebrew*: _אֱמוּנָה (emunah)_ – "faithfulness, trust."
- *Latin*: _fides_ – "trust, faith."
- *Synonyms*: _Trust_, _Belief_, _Confidence_.
- *Biblical References*:
- "For by grace you have been saved through faith." — _Ephesians 2:8_
- "Without faith it is impossible to please God." — _Hebrews 11:6_
- *Example:* The thief on the cross received a promise of paradise (Luke 23:42-43).
- *Relation to Salvation*: Faith is the means by which we receive salvation, trusting in Jesus' finished work on the cross for our redemption.
III. *REGENERATION (Muling Pagkapanganak)*
- *_Question:_ _What happens spiritually when someone believes in Jesus Christ?_
- *Definition*: Regeneration is being born again, receiving a new nature and the Holy Spirit.
- *Etymology*:
- *Greek*: _παλιγγενεσία (palingenesia)_ – "rebirth."
- *Hebrew*: Relates to _חָדַשׁ (chadash)_, "to renew."
- *Synonyms*: _New Birth_, _Renewal_.
- *Biblical References*:
- "Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." — _John 3:3_
- "He saved us through the washing of rebirth." — _Titus 3:5_
- *Example:* Nicodemus encountered a transformative rebirth (John 3:1-21).
- *Relation to Salvation*: Regeneration is the spiritual transformation that occurs when we believe, making us new creations in Christ.
IV. *JUSTIFICATION (Pagpapawalang-sala)*
- *_Question:_ _How does God make a sinner righteous in His sight?_
- *Definition*: Justification is being declared righteous before God through Christ's righteousness, a legal declaration based on faith.
- *Etymology*:
- *Greek*: _δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosyne)_ – "righteousness."
- *Hebrew*: _צְדָקָה (tsedaqah)_ – "righteousness."
- *Synonyms*: _Acquittal_, _Righteousness_.
- *Biblical References*:
- "Justified by faith, we have peace with God." — _Romans 5:1_
- "Abraham believed God, and it was credited as righteousness." — _Romans 4:3_
- *Example:* Abraham was justified by faith (Romans 4:3).
- *Relation to Salvation*: Justification is the legal aspect of salvation where God declares us righteous, removing our guilt and giving us a right standing with Him.
V. *SANCTIFICATION (Pagpapabanal)*
- *_Question:_ _What is the ongoing process for believers to become more like Christ?_
- *Definition*: Sanctification is growing in holiness, empowered by the Holy Spirit, becoming like Christ.
- *Etymology*:
- *Greek*: _ἁγιασμός (hagiasmos)_ – "consecration."
- *Hebrew*: _קִדֵּשׁ (qadash)_ – "to sanctify."
- *Synonyms*: _Consecration_, _Holiness_.
- *Biblical References*:
- "Walk in my statutes... and sanctify yourselves." — _Leviticus 20:7-8_
- "May God sanctify you completely." — _1 Thessalonians 5:23_
- *Example:* Paul pursued holiness (Philippians 3:12-14).
- *Relation to Salvation*: Sanctification is the ongoing process of spiritual growth in salvation, where believers are progressively made more like Christ in character and conduct.
VI. *SALVATION IN JESUS CHRIST ALONE*
- *_Question:_ _Who can save us in order to get salvation or to be exempted from God's judgment?_
- *Answer*: JESUS CHRIST ALONE. "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." — _Acts 4:12_
- *_Question:_ _Are there any other names that can save us except Jesus Christ?_
- *Answer*: NO, there is no other name. "There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." — _Acts 4:12_
- *_Question:_ _Can church membership or joining religious groups save us?_
- *Answer*: NO, salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." — _Ephesians 2:8-9_
- *Example:* Early believers preached Christ as the only way (Acts 4:12).
- *Relation to Salvation*: This emphasizes the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the only mediator and source of salvation, stressing that no other means or names can bring us to God.
*REFERENCES:*
- "If you confess Jesus as Lord and believe He rose, you will be saved." — _Romans 10:9_
- "He saved us, not by works, but by his mercy." — _Titus 3:5_
*CONCLUSION:*
We invite you to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, embracing the gift of salvation through these essential steps:
- *REPENTANCE*: Turn away from sin and toward God.
- *FAITH*: Believe in Jesus Christ for salvation.
- *REGENERATION*: Be born again, receiving a new nature.
- *JUSTIFICATION*: Be declared righteous before God.
- *SANCTIFICATION*: Grow in holiness, becoming like Christ.
- *JESUS CHRIST ALONE*: The exclusive source of salvation, no other name can save.
*Summary:* Salvation is a gift of grace through Jesus Christ, calling us to a transformed life of relationship with God, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Turn to Him today and experience His love, forgiveness, and eternal hope