LESSON 1: Understanding Salvation

…Justification,
…New Birth or Regeneration
…The Adoption
…Faith, Repentance, Forgiveness
… JUSTIFICATION
I. DEFINITION:
What is Justification?
Justification is being accounted righteous before God; the sinner puts on
the righteousness of Jesus Christ and God sees him perfect in the
righteousness of Christ. Henceforth God sees the sinner righteous in the
Savior – hidden in His wonderful Person.
Justification is the judicial act of God whereby those who put faith in Christ
are declared righteous in His eyes, and free from guilt and punishment.
Romans 4:3 - What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it
was credited to him as righteousness." (NIV)
Romans 4:5 - To the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies
the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. (NIV)
II. THE CONTENTS OF JUSTIFICATION
1. The forgiveness of sin and the removal of its guilt and punishment.
For a holy and righteous God to forgive sin is not a small matter; the truth is
that God actually delights in forgiving and cleansing iniquity.
Micah 7:18, 19 - Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and
passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth
not his anger forever, because He delighteth in mercy…He will subdue our
iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
In justification all our sins are forgiven and the guilt and punishment thereof
removed.
Acts 13:38,39 - Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through
Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone
who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by
the law of Moses.

2. The imputation of Christ’s righteousness.

The forgiven sinner is not like a discharged prisoner who has served his
term and is discharged from further punishment, but with no rights of
citizenship. In Christ Jesus the sinner receives the full rights of citizenship.
Romans 3:22 - This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus
Christ to all who believe. (NIV)
The perfect, holy righteousness of Jesus Christ is imputed to the sinner.
 III. THE CONDITION OF FORGIVENESS – Faith
The sinner calls out, “How can I receive this gift of righteousness?”
The answer is, “By believing” on the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Gal. 2:16 - know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by
faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we
may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by
observing the law no one will be justified. (NIV)

Romans 3:26 - To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he

might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Romans 4:5 - But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that
justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

The best of men need to be saved by faith in Jesus Christ and wicked
sinners can also be justified in the same way.

IV. THE MEANS OF JUSTIFICATION

1. By God. He is the author or donor of justification.
Romans 8:33 - Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is
God that justifieth.
Justification is a judicial act performed by God, the Father Almighty.

2. By grace. Grace is the foundation or source of justification.

Romans 3:24 - Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption
that is in Christ Jesus:
Titus 3:7 - so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become
heirs having the hope of eternal life.

3. By blood. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is the foundation or

ground of justification.
Romans 5:9 - Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall
be saved from wrath through him.
4. By resurrection. Resurrection is the acknowledgment or proclamation
of justification.
Romans 4:25 - Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again
for our justification.
V. THE EVIDENCE OF JUSTIFICATION - Works
The one who is truly justified will manifest this fact in good works.
James 2:21-23 - Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for
what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his
faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made
complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says,
"Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and
he was called God's friend. (NIV)

VI. THE RESULTS OF JUSTIFICATION

1. Peace. Romans 5:1 - Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace
with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2. Access into the presence of God for worship, praise and petition.
Romans 5:2 - By whom also we have access by faith into this grace
wherein we stand…

3. Tribulation. Rev. Samuel Matthew of Madras, India, very carefully

pointed out what he considered the two great results of justification: peace
with God and tribulation in this world, Rom. 5:3 cf. 2 Tim. 3:12 Yea, and all
that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

CONCLUSION

We are justified judicially by God. Rom. 8:33, “It is God that justifieth.” We
are justified meritoriously by Christ. Isa. 53:11 He shall see of the travail of
his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant
justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

We are justified meditatively by faith. Rom. 5:1 – “Therefore being justified

by faith.”

We are justified evidentially by works. Jas. 2:14 – “What doth it profit, my

brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works?”

In Luke 8:13-14, the sinner that prayed, “God be merciful to me a sinner,”

went home justified, said the Lord Jesus Christ.
…THE NEW BIRTH OR REGENERATION
INTRODUCTION
Conversion and regeneration are inseparable; conversion is the act of
turning from sin to Christ; regeneration is being made a new creature by
the Spirit’s power. Regeneration or the new birth is the instrument that
brings us into the family of God; into the kingdom of the Son of God. The
only way to become a Christian is by being born again; born by the power
of the Holy Spirit. The new birth is the door to salvation and consequently
to heaven.
I. DEFINITION What is regeneration?
It means a rebirth or a re-creation – a new birth, a second birth, a new
creation. Regeneration is the creation by the Holy Spirit of a new life in man
called the “new creation,” or the “new man.”
Like the first birth it is an event and not a process, though from the first
conviction of sin to regeneration may cover many days, weeks, months or
even years. Yet, the actual birth takes place in a second, as one passes
from darkness to light. The person has a second birthday and begins a new
life.
II. NECESSITY OF REGENERATION
Who needs to be born again? Only the very good like Nicodemus? Only the
very bad like the persecutor Paul? Is it a matter of opinion and choice? The
Scriptures plainly teach that all need to be born again; the language of the
Savior is imperative.
John 3:3. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he
cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:7, Ye must be born again.
There are no exceptions to this rule (outside of the Savior); neither sex,
age, position or condition exempts anyone from the necessity of the new
birth. There is no substitute for the new birth; to fail to be born again is to
be lost.
Gal. 6:15, For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor
uncircumcision, but a new creature. To become a new creature is to be
born again.
 Jer. 13:23, Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?
then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil; it is impossible
without a re-birth.
Jer. 17:9, The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked:
who can know it? Only God can give a new, clean pure heart; this is the
new birth.
The universal sinful condition of man demands a change, the new birth for
salvation.
The holiness of God demands that men be born again. Heb. 12:14, Follow
peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.
Holiness is foreign to natural man; it can only be obtained through the new
birth. To live the life of God we must have the nature of God – God’s own
holy nature.
III. NATURE OF REGENERATION
1. It is not reformation. Reformation is the act of the old nature of turning
from certain evils while regeneration is the supernatural act of God; it is a
spiritual crisis; it is a revolution; it is a complete right-about-face.
2. Regeneration is a spiritual quickening, a new birth, a new creation. From
creation everything has brought forth “after his kind” – sinners beget
sinners. We cannot alter the old nature, or reform it or re-invigorate it but
we need a new birth, the impartation of a different “kind” – God’s holy
nature.
2 Cor. 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old
things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Eph. 2:1 - And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and
sins. A change from death to life; this is not reformation – this is a spiritual
resurrection.
We were born the first time physically and the second birth is a spiritual
birth.
IV. THE AGENTS USED IN THE NEW BIRTH
1. The Word of God. James 1:18, Of His own will begat He us with the
Word of Truth.
1 Peter 1:23, Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible,
by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. One reason that so
few people are born again today through modern preaching is that there
isn’t enough of the Word of God in modern sermons.
Gal. 3:2, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of
faith? It is faith generated by the hearing of the Word of God that saves a
soul.
2. The Spirit of God – the Holy Spirit.
Jn. 3:5, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter
into the kingdom of God.
Jn. 3:6, That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the
Spirit is spirit. Spiritual life is begotten by the Holy Spirit.
Jn. 3:8, …so is every one that is born of the Spirit. The ministry of the Holy
Spirit is first to convict the sinner and then to convert him – to do the actual
work of bringing him into the kingdom of God.
V. THE METHOD OF REGENERATION
1. The Divine side. Jn. 1:13, Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will
of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. We were begotten by the will
of God – Jas. 1:18. Regeneration is a creative act on the part of God – not
reformation by man.
2. The human side. Jn. 1:12, But as many as received him, to them gave
He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his
name. The human part is to believe and receive Jesus Christ as our
personal Lord and Savior.
1 Cor. 4:15, …for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
The Gospel is the power of God (Rom. 1:16) that is capable of changing
men’s lives.
The author of regeneration is God; the channel of regeneration is Christ;
the executive of regeneration is the Holy Spirit; the medium of regeneration
is through receiving Christ by believing the Word of God, the Gospel.
VI. THE EVIDENCE OF REGENERATION
1. The one who is born again lives a righteous life.
1 Jn. 2:29, If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that
doeth righteousness is born of him.
2. The born again one does not live a life of sin. 1 Jn. 3:9,10 - [9] No one
who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in
him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. [10] This
is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the
devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is
anyone who does not love his brother. (NIV)
3. The born again one will fulfill the command to love. 1 Jn. 4:7 - …and
every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
4. The born again one believes that Jesus is the Christ. 1 Jn. 5:1,
Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.
VII. THE RESULTS OF REGENERATION
The heart is changed; sin is hated; Christ is loved; the life is changed. New
and holy desires spring up like a well of living water (Jn. 4:14). The new life
overflows in love and good works to others.
Eph. 2:8-10 - [8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
[10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
CONCLUSION
The new birth is a sovereign work of the Holy Spirit, for, The wind blows
wherever it pleases. Jn. 3:8, NIV. The new birth is a secret work, for man,
you cannot tell, but evidences will come later and manifest themselves in
many ways to their fellowman. Pray that each one of us will manifest these
evidences daily in our lives.
…ADOPTION
INTRODUCTION
Regeneration begins the new life in the soul when it is born again by the
Spirit. Justification deals with our new right standing with God. Adoption
admits man into the family of God with filial joy to our Father God.
Regeneration is a changed nature; justification is a changed standing;
sanctification is a changed character; while adoption is a changed position.
In regeneration the believer becomes a child of God; in adoption that child
receives the position of an adult son; the baby or minor becomes an adult.
Gal. 4:5 - To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive
the adoption of sons. Gal. 4:7 - Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a
son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Adoption is our growing up into Christ and occupying our new position.
Here are two question for each of us to ponder:
1. Is this standing instantaneous with conversion?
2. Can the adopted son be disinherited and cast away for being a prodigal?

I. THE MEANING OF ADOPTION

Adoption is a Greek word which means, “the placing of a son.”
Rom. 8:15 - …but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry,
Abba, Father.
Eph. 1:5 - Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus
Christ to himself…
In Bible times the word had a twofold meaning:
1. The private act of receiving a stranger into the family as a son.
2. The public, legal ceremonial act of recognizing the son as the heir –
something like a “coming out,” or “coming of age” party.
Until this ceremony was performed the child actually differed little from
servants in the home. The word deals not with our relationship with God but
our position before Him. Adoption is the act of God whereby He places the
justified believer as an adult son to enjoy the privileges and responsibilities
of the position.
In Ex. 2, Moses became the adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter with all the
rights and privileges of that position when he came of age.
In Heb. 11:24, Moses rejected his Egyptian position for something better,
for, By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the
son of Pharaoh's daughter.
II. THE CONDITION OF ADOPTION
Adoption has only one condition and that is to abide in Christ – union with
Him.
Gal. 3:26 - For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
We do not have to wait until we have been a saint for one year or ten
years, but immediately we enter into all the blessings of a fully recognized
heir of God.
III. THE TIME OF ADOPTION
1. It occurred before the foundation of the world. Rom. 9:11, For the
children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the
purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him
that calleth. Adoption is a gracious act on the part of God entirely of mercy,
we do not deserve or merit this loving favor from a holy God.
2. It actually occurs the moment that one believes in Jesus Christ. 1 John
3:2, Beloved, now are we the sons of God… Sonship is a present
possession. We can truthfully say, “I’m a child of the King,” not His slave
but His son and heir. We are not mere children under maids and tutors but
adult members of the family.
3. Adoption will be completed at the resurrection when we enter His
presence. Rom. 8:23, …waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of
our body. Often in this world we are not recognized as sons of God. On that
day we will occupy our rightful positions. Today we may be considered the
offscouring of society. Then we will throw off the disguise (this body) and
put on the new body.
IV. THE SIGN OF ADOPTION
The sign of adoption is to be led by the Holy Spirit. Rom. 8:14, For as many
as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Guidance by the
Holy Spirit is the path to sonship and the proof of sonship. The Holy Spirit
guides the believer into the truth of 3 God. Jn. 16:13, Howbeit when He, the
Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.
Gal. 5:18, But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law; that is, you
are delivered from the tutor and schoolmaster; you are free.
V. THE CRY OF ADOPTION – Abba Father.
Rom. 8:15, … but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry,
Abba, Father.
Gal. 4:6, And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son
into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Mark 14:36, Jesus in Gethsemane prays, Abba, Father. This is a special
word of endearment, of close relationship.
“Abba,” is Aramaic, the language of Christ’s childhood. “Father,” is a Greek
word, the language of the educated and learned of His day. A slave was
never allowed to address his master as, “Abba.”
VI. THE BLESSINGS OF ADOPTION
1. They become objects of God’s peculiar love. Jn. 17:23, …and hast loved
them, as thou hast loved me. – the intimate love relationship of Father and
Son.
2. They become objects of the Father’s fatherly care. Luke 12:27-33, the
Father God looks after their livelihood as to what they will eat and wear;
their occupation and health.
3. They have the family name. 1 John 3:1, …we should be called the sons
of God.
4. They have the family likeness. Rom. 8:29, …conformed to the image of
his Son.
5. They have the family love. 1 Jn. 3:14, We know that we have passed
from death unto life, because we love the brethren (and they love us too.)
6. They have the filial spirit, Rom. 8:15, Abba, Father, the parent, child
relationship.
7. They have the family gathering. Jn. 14:23, We will come unto him.
8. They receive fatherly chastisement. Heb. 12:5-11, which proves that they
are true sons.
9. They receive fatherly comfort. 2 Cor. 1:4, Who comforteth us in all our
tribulation.
10. They receive the Father’s inheritance. 1 Pet. 1:4, To an inheritance,
incorruptible.
VII. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ADOPTION
Members of the Royal family of heaven must behave with becoming
dignity. We are to walk worthy of this high honor in keeping with our
position. We must love and serve one another as brothers and sisters in
the same family.
Jn. 13:14, If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also
ought to wash one another's feet.
Jn. 15:17, These things I command you, that ye love one another.
CONCLUSION
As a child enjoys the free run of the house and the privileges of running
into the Father’s presence at any time, so does the believer approach
God’s presence. Those who are adopted into the family of God are led by
the Spirit of God. Am I led by the Holy Spirit? Do I have a childlike
confidence in my Father? Do I avail myself of this liberty of access into His
very own presence? Do I love the brethren, the family of God, as I ought
to? Am I a filial son? Am I obedient to the commands the He has given me?
Let us leave our spiritual babyhood and live as sons of God; heirs of God.
Sometimes when parents adopt a child they try to keep that fact a secret
from their children lest they will feel less than a full son or daughter. The
story is told on one child, who knew that he was adopted, and was being
teased by another child. “You’re just an adopted child,” with the inference
that probably he was illegitimate or something. However, the child was
proud of being adopted and replied, “Yes, I’m adopted. My parents chose
me, picked me out of many babies. Your parents had to take what they
got.” It is true that we are adopted into God’s family; He chose us, Praise
His Name.