NEW MEMBERS ORIENTATION LESSON 4,
SIN AND SALVATION
Beth T'filah is a place to believe. We desire to honor G-d by inviting people into a life-changing relationship with Yeshua the Messiah. How can I begin a life-changing relationship with Messiah? G-d loves you and has a wonderful plan and purpose for your life.
"I have loved you with an everlasting love..." Jeremiah 31:3 
"For G-d so loved the world..." Yochanan (John) 3:16
"I know the plans I have for you, declares the L-rd..."to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
"I have come that you might have life and that more abundantly." Yochanan (John) 10:10
"These things are written...that you may know you have eternal life." 1 Yochanan (John) 5:13
If G-d really loves us and wants us to know Him in a personal way, then why are so many people not experiencing His love and purpose? The Bible says that our problem is sin. We are all sinners and our sin separates us from G-d.
"And G-d saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the L-rd that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart. And the L-rd said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth." B'reishit (Genesis) 6:5-7
"Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous... the L-rd rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the L-rd out of heaven." B'reishit (Genesis) 18:20, 19:24
"And the L-rd said to Moshe, 'I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people. Now, therefore, let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them, and that I may consume them.'" Sh'mot (Exodus) 32:9-10
"And Moshe hurried and bowed his head toward the earth and worshipped. And he said, 'If now I have found grace in Your sight, O L-rd, let my L-rd, I pray You, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for Your inheritance.'" Sh'mot (Exodus) 34:8-9
"And Pinchas went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel. And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand. And the L-rd spoke to Moshe, saying, 'Pinchas...has turned My wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for My sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in My jealousy...because he was zealous for his G-d, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.'" B'Midbar (Numbers) 25:6-18
"...There is none that does good. The L-rd looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek G-d. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that does good, no, not one." Psalm 14:1-3
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way..." Isaiah 53:6
"But your sins have separated you from your G-d..." Isaiah 59:2
"The heart is deceitful above all, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9
"All have sinned and come short of the glory of G-d." Romans 3:23
"The wages of sin is death..." Romans 6:23
G-d hates sin. Sin makes us ugly. Sin separates us from G-d and from each other. If you feel terribly lonely, it's possible you have unconfessed sin cutting you off from G-d and others. This could even be the sin of not forgiving others for what they have done in hurting or rejecting you. Sometimes when we forgive someone their debt, the debt they owe us is an apology. It may never come, but we can forgive them anyway. If we do not forgive others, G-d will not forgive us. Matthew 6:12-15 ,18:21-35
We have a problem...G-d is holy and we are not. He loves us and doesn't want any of us to perish, but He is completely fair and must punish sin. The good news is that G-d has solved our sin problem in the person of Yeshua the Messiah. He is G-d's only solution for our sin.
At one time G-d used animal sacrifices to allow our sins to be covered and forgiven. In B'reishit (Genesis) when Adam and Eve sinned, He gave them animal skins to cover themselves (Genesis 3:21 ). Their son Abel sacrificed animals from his flock to the L-rd and G-d accepted his sacrifice (Genesis 4:1-5 ). Noah took 7 of every clean animal onto the ark and sacrificed one of each clean animal after the flood was over (Genesis 8:20-21 ). He and all of the patriarchs built altars and sacrificed to the L-rd (Genesis 12:7-8 , 13:4,18, 26:25, 31:54, 33:20, 35:1-7, 46:1). G-d used the shedding of blood to seal His various covenants (Genesis 15:9-21 , 17:10-14, Exodus 24:4-8 , Matthew 26:26-28 , Yochanan 19:34-35). G-d demonstrated His plan to Abraham by commanding Him to sacrifice his only son (Genesis 22:1-14 ). In the tabernacle in the wilderness, G-d instituted an elaborate system of sacrifices for the forgiveness of sin and for restoring fellowship with Him (book of Leviticus). In Leviticus 17:11 He said, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that makes an atonement for the soul."
We deserve to die because of our sin. G-d told Adam and Eve that in the day they would eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they would die (Genesis 2:17 ). They experienced separation from
G-d and from His blessings (especially eternal life) as He ordered them out of the Garden (3:22-24). Their bodies began to age and eventually die, although they had been created to live forever (Genesis 2:9 , 16-17, 5:5).
"But G-d demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were yet sinners, Messiah died for us." Romans 5:8
"Messiah died for our sins...He was buried, and was raised from the dead on the third day..."
He is the only way to G-d."Yeshua said to them, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Yochanan (John) 14:6
But it isn't enough just to know these facts. We must receive Messiah as Moshia (Savior) and Adon (L-rd) by faith. We must receive Messiah.
"To all who received Him, He gave the right to become children of G-d." Yochanan 1:12
We receive Messiah by faith."For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of G-d, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
You can receive Messiah by faith right now through prayer. Here is a suggested prayer:
"L-rd Yeshua, I know I am a sinner. Thank you for dying for my sin. I believe You rose from the dead. I trust You and I receive You as Messiah, Savior, and L-rd right now. Thank you for forgiving me and giving me a new life. Please take control of my life and make me the person You want me to be."
When anyone commits their life to G-d, He begins changing them. That's what Beth T'filah is all about...inviting people into a life-changing relationship with G-d through Yeshua the Messiah. To review:1. G-d made me, and has a wonderful plan for my life.
2. I chose to sin by going my own way instead of G-d's way.
3. My sin separated me from G-d.
4. I am restored to G-d through forgiveness of my sin.
We believe that: Man was created by G-d and made in G-d's image (Gen. 1:26). In the beginning, man was innocent of sin and endowed by G-d with the freedom of choice (Gen. 2:17, 3:6, 4:5-16). It was with this freedom that man chose to do wrong and brought sin into the world, and thereby is separated from G-d, in need of salvation (Romans 5:12-19 ). See also Isaiah 53:4-6 , Romans 3:21-26 , 6:15-23. SALVATION
If we will confess our sin to Him and gratefully receive His atoning work for us, we are completely cleansed from our sin, and continue to experience that cleansing work day by day as the Holy Spirit continues to work with us changing us from glory to glory. Psalm 32 , 51, Isaiah 1:18 ,
2 Corinthians 3:18 , 1 Yochanan 1:9
Yeshua's atoning work also cleanses us from all the defilement of our conscience. Romans 8:1-4 ,
2 Corinthians 5:17 , Hebrews 9:9-14
Once I have been cleansed from sin, G-d will lead me in paths of righteousness and truth.
Deuteronomy 30:6-20 , Proverbs 3:1-18 , Jeremiah 31:31-34 , 2 Corinthians 5:15 , Galatians 2:20 , 5:13-26
I do not deserve G-d's mercy, and have in no way earned it. It is His free gift of love to me.
Isaiah 12 , Ezekiel 36:22-27 , Zechariah 3:3-4 , Ephesians 2:8-9 ,Titus 3:5 .
G-d's provision for cleansing from sin is through the blood Yeshua shed when He bore the penalty for our sin. Genesis 3:15 , chapter 22:1-19, Isaiah 53:5 , Hebrews 10:4-10 , 1 Peter 3:18 (see lesson on Yeshua)
You can know that G-d has forgiven and cleansed you, and that you have eternal life. The more you walk in obedience, confess your faith to others, talk about the wonderful things G-d is doing in your life, nourish your faith with the word of G-d, and experience answers to your prayers, the more you will grow in the knowledge that G-d has saved you and is transforming your life.
"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give to them eternal life. And they will never perish, nor will anyone pull them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to pull them out of My Father's hand." Yochanan 10:27-29
"If you will confess with your mouth the L-rd Yeshua, and believe in your heart that G-d has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:9-10
"For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of G-d, which is in Messiah Yeshua our L-rd." Romans 8:38-39
"...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is G-d which works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure." Philippians 2:12-13
"For I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him against that day." 2 Timothy 1: 12b
"And this is how we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that says, 'I know Him,' and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, in this person truly is the love of G-d perfected. This is how we know that we are in Him. He that says he abides in Him ought to walk as the Messiah walked." 1 Yochanan 2:3
"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of G-d; that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may believe on the name of the Son of G-d." 1 Yochanan 5:13
In 1 Yochanan 5, how many times do we see the word "know" in this chapter? What things do we know?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
What if I sin after I have accepted Yeshua?The Holy Spirit convicts me, and I need to repent and be cleansed. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 Yochanan 1:9
Expect the L-rd to discipline you as a son. Hebrews 12:5-13
Every day is a new day. "It is because of the L-rd's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions do not fail. They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness. 'The L-rd is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in Him.' The L-rd is good to those that wait for Him, to the soul that seeks Him." Lamentations 3:22-26
Don't look back. "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Messiah Yeshua took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which G-d has called me heavenward in Messiah Yeshua." Philippians 3:12-14
What if we feel very confident that all our sin is confessed and forgiven?
Does that mean we have nothing wrong in our heart? It is possible to deceive ourselves into thinking we have no ungodliness remaining, and that we are better than others who still have sin in their lives. In this case, the sin of pride and self-righteousness become uglier than any other! We must always keep humility of mind, realizing we could also be tempted, that we can easily be wrong, but knowing that G-d's Spirit will lovingly work with us always to conform us to the image of G-d. The goal is not to be better than other people, but rather to be LIKE HIM!!!! Isaiah 6:5 , 55:6-9, Matthew 7:1-5 , Luke 18:9-14 , Yochanan 8:3-11, 1 Corinthians 4:3-5 , Galatians 6:1-5 , Ephesians 4:13 , Colossians 3:12-14 ,
1 Yochanan 1:5-10
HOW CAN I EXPLAIN THE GOOD NEWS TO OTHERS?
Inviting others to accept Yeshua and have a personal relationship with G-d is a privilege given to G-d's children. The heavenly angels do not share this honor. Possibly having been a sinner is an asset in understanding those who still live in sin. Those redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of G-d are usable as instruments in G-d's hands to bring others to eternal life.
We are commanded to go into all the world and share the Good News of the Messiah, that G-d loved the world so much He gave His only begotten Son, and whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life. This is to be shared with Jewish people first, and also with everyone else. It is a definite advantage to be armed with many scriptures, but even as a new believer, sharing your testimony from your heart will have an awesome impact because it's real, it's personal, and has the power of G-d. A person with an experience is never at the mercy of someone with an argument!Yeshua did not minister to all people in the identical way. He met them at the point of their need. You may have to do some active listening to discover what the person's need is. People often have a hold-out, something they may subconsciously value more than a personal relationship with their Creator. It may be a pet sin, an addiction, or anger. They will have to be willing to surrender their sin or "idol" to the L-rd, but we don't have to "clean the house before the maid comes." We come to G-d as is, and He cleans us up!
"Canned evangelism" is a recent invention. Notice the different presentations in Yochanan 2:18-25 with some of the Jewish people, Yochanan 3 with Nicodemus, in Yochanan 4 with the woman at the well, in chapter 5 with more of the Jewish people, in 6:32ff with other Jewish people and His disciples, 7:37 at a feast in Jerusalem, Yochanan 8 with the woman caught in adultery, 9:41 with Pharisees, 11:42 when He raised Lazarus from the dead, in Mark 12: 28ff with the sincere scribe, in Matthew 19:13-15 with children, and Matthew 19:16-26 with a rich young man.
There are certain points easily covered through verses in the book of Romans. These have been coined, "The Roman Road to Salvation". Memorizing these can help you greatly in sharing your faith.
1. "All have sinned and come short of the glory of G-d." Romans 3:23 2. "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of G-d is eternal life through Yeshua the Messiah our L-rd." Romans 6:23 3. "If you will confess with your mouth the L-rd Yeshua, and believe in your heart that G-d has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:9-10 Another approach would be to use three verses from Yochanan:
3:16 For G-d so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
3:3 Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
3:5 Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
In a sense, it's as simple as A-B-C. Ask, Believe, Confess. Ask Yeshua to forgive your sins and to come into your heart to be your L-rd and Savior. Believe He died for you. Confess your sins to Him, and confess Him to others.
Or you could say aleph-bet-gimel. Amen, Baruch haBa, and Gol.We say "Amen" to what Yeshua has done in our place, just as we say Amen when the kiddush is made. When a father makes the kiddush for his family, he vicariously fulfills the mitzvah for the whole family. Their participation of saying "Amen" is as good as if they had made the kiddush themselves. In the same way, Yeshua died and rose from the dead for us, so that in Him we all die, and in Him we all are made alive again.
"Baruch haba" means welcome. Yeshua said He will not return again until the Jewish people say, "Baruch haba b'Shem Adonai", Blessed is He that comes in the name of the L-rd. We welcome Him into our lives, and He comes in to live inside of us. We become His temple.
"Gol" means we roll all our ways onto Him. We commit our entire life, all our past sins, our future walk, and every concern we have, to Him. He cleanses and forgives us, works on our behalf, and leads us in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
One good question you could ask others is, "If the Bible is true and Yeshua is the Messiah, would you be willing to believe in Him, in spite of the cost?"We have a variety of tracts and literature available at Beth T'filah, and have also recommended books in previous lessons which may be helpful. We have a video from Jews for Jesus which can show you how to share your faith in natural ways, especially with Jewish people, and they have many other helpful materials as well. We offer classes from time to time on this subject, and we have an Outreach Committee to host special occasions to which you may want to invite friends or family, besides our regular services.
What does G-d want us to do? Genesis 12:3 , Proverbs 11:30 , Isaiah 58:6-11 , 61:1-3, Daniel 12:3 , Mattityahu (Matthew) 10:32, 24:14, 28:18-20, Acts 1:8 , Revelation 12:11
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
