LESSON ONE

OVERVIEW OF THE BIBLE

INTRODUCTIONAnd the things which you have heard from me in the

presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. - 2 Timothy 2:2

Our Purpose: That we would gain an understanding of the basic truths of God’s Word

Our Goal: To be prepared to pass these things along to other people

We want to follow the example of Ezra 7:10. There is a three-fold purpose:

1. Study the Scriptures

2. Make Application

3. Teach Others

We want to help you be prepared to know and apply the Scriptures by:

1. Hearing the truth taught

2. Handouts, charts, video and audio files

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3. References to other materials

I. The Bible

A. Overview of the Bible

God revealed Himself to man in three key ways.

1. Romans 1:20 – General Revelation through nature

2. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Special Revelation written

3. Hebrews 1:1-2 – Special Revelation incarnation

The word “Bible” comes from the word ___Biblos______

The Bible is divided into two major sections.

1. Old Testament

2. New Testament

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What is the central plan and theme of the Bible?

How the perfect Righteous God brings fallen man back to Himself by sending His son Christ, Messiah.

How is mankind saved in both the Old Testament and New Testament?

The same way. By grace through faith in Messiah

What are five key statements by God announcing the Messiah?

1. Gen. 3:15 – The seed of the Woman

2. Gen 12:1-3 – The seed of Abraham

3. 2 Sam 7:12-17 – The seed of David

4. Luke 1:31-33 – The seed of the Woman

5. Mat 3:1-3, Isa. 40:3, John 1:29 – Messiah comes

What are five key terms dealing with God’s word?

1. Revelation – God making known His mind and will which was / is unknown unless He takes the initiative to make it known.

2. Inspiration

Two keys of inspiration:

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a. 2 Pet 1:20,21 – The writers of Scripture were “born along by the Holy Spirit”

b. 2 Tim 3:16,17 – The original Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic writings are God Breathed, and inerrant and infallible.

Four theories of inspiration: (there are others)

a. Dictation – The author’s style not seen (false)

b. Concept – The ideas are inspired, not the writings

c. Neo-Orthodox – The words BECOME inspired to me existentially. “What it means to me.”

d. Verbal Plenary – Matt 7:18 – Every word and letter is important.

3. Illumination Application – 1 Cor 2:14 – Ministry of the Holy Spirit which works along side our efforts to apply those truths to our attitudes and actions.

4. Inerrancy – Without error in the original writings. We can get very close to the originals because of the number and quality of the existing copies.

5. Authority – The Word of God as properly Translated and Interpreted is to be our Sole Authority.

Three ways to deal with the authority of the Bible

a. Limit its authority. Just take parts of it.

b. Add to it. Add things to the Word of God.4

c. Accept it (when all 5 links are properly followed).

SUMMARY – LESSON ONE

God’s Word is from God to man, making known God’s plan of salvation and giving us truths and principles so that we can grow spiritually and live our lives as His representatives.

MEMORY VERSES

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Ezra 7:10

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LESSON TWO

OVERVIEW OF OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT

The Bible is made up of 66 books, 39 in the Old Testament,

and 27 in the New Testament.

The Old Testament

The Old Testament was written in Hebrew, and in some parts Aramaic. – It looks forward to coming Messiah.

The OT was also translated into Koine Greek and called the Septuagint or LXX.

In 382 A.D. St. Jerome translated the Bible into Latin

And it was called the Vulgate.

The OT’s central theme is the promise of the Messiah / Redeemer in Genesis 3:15.

The Hebrew canon is divided into 3 parts. ( TANAKH )

1. Torah – The Law

2. Neviim – Prophets

3. Katuvim – The Writings

Our OT is divided into 4 parts.

1. Pentateuch – Gen to Deut

2. History – Josh to Esther

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3. Poetry/Writings – Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Eccl

4. Prophets - Major Prophets, Minor Prophets

Why is the OT important for us. (1 Cor 10:11)

It was written for our instruction

The New Testament

The New Testament focuses on the fulfillment of the promises of the Messiah. It looks back to the Messiah

The NT is divided into three main divisions

1. History – Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts

2. Epistles / Letters – Paul’s letters and General letters

3. Prophecy - Revelation

The Word of God is so vital. We must:

1. 2 Timothy 2:15 – Study the Word that we may be approved, and not be ashamed at the Bema, judgment seat of Christ.

2. Psalms 119:11 – Memorize the Word. Program it into our brain so it becomes part of us.

3. Philippians 4:9 – Apply the Word (as interpreted correctly). It was given to change us.

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4. 2 Timothy 2:2 – Teach the Word. We do not obey the Great Commission unless we are involved some way in passing it along.

The Canon

Both the OT / NT came about slowly as progressive revelation given by God over a period of time.

What does the word “canon” mean? Ruler or measuring stick. Recognizing the books that are inspired.

70-170 AD – During this period many of the writings of the NT were put together. 96 AD – Clement of Rome, recognized the NT books exactly as we have today.

170-303 AD – Church Fathers. A few books were challenged as to whether they should be included in the Canon (James, 2 & 3 John, 2 Peter)

What is the criteria for the New Testament Canon?

1. Apostolic – Written by an Apostle or someone closely associated with an Apostle.

2. Received as authentic by the Churches. “Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ.” The churches accepted his letters.

3. Consistent with the teaching of the OT and teaching of the Apostles and Christ.

4. Evidence of Objective and Subjective inspiration. The books had to have internal evidence, as well as having the distinct character or ring of truth of being God’s word.

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303-379 AD - Church Councils. They ended up ratifying the list of books already accepted.

Four main church councils

1. Laodicea 363 A.D. Accepted all

2. Damascus 382 A.D. Accepted all

3. Carthage 397 A.D. Accepted all

4. Hippo 419 A.D. Accepted all

The canon is closed. God’s Word is complete.

1. Jude 3,4; 2 Pet. 1:2-4 – Revelation given once for all.

2. No more Apostles or Prophets after 95 A.D.

3. The book of Revelation completes the information. – Rev 22:18,19

Our goal concerning God’s Word

1. Know the Word of God

2. Apply the Word of God

3. Teach the Word of God

MEMORY VERSES

Romans 10:17

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LESSON THREE

THE OLD TESTAMENT

The central focus of the Old Testament is this: the OT looks

forward to the coming of Messiah.

The English Old Testament is divided into four sections:

1. Pentateuch / Law - Genesis through Deut

2. History – Joshua through 2 Chronicles

3. Writings / Poetry – Job through Song of Sol

4. Prophets – Isaiah through Malachi

The Law: Who wrote the 1st 5 Books? Primarily Moses. How do we know? Mark 10:1-5 – Jesus gave Moses the law at Sinai

- Know the various people and events

Genesis – Beginnings, 2 Big sections

4 events- Creation, Fall, Flood, Scattering

4 great people – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph

Exodus – Coming out of Egypt

Moses and the Law

Leviticus – Priesthood, Sacrificial system

Numbers – Israel wandering in the Wilderness 40 years

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Deuteronomy – Second reiteration of the Law

The History:

Joshua – Israel inhabits the land

Judges / Ruth – Cycle: Israel does well, they sin, God sends a Judge, they repent. 12 Judges (Major: Othniel, Ehud, Deborah/Barak, Gideon, Jepthah, Samson. Minor: Shamgar, Tola, Jair, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon.)

Who was the last judge?

1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings – Stories of final Judge (Samuel) and of Israel demanding a King.

1 & 2 Chronicles – Same as Samuel & Kings with focus on Judah

The Writings:

Job – Trusting God in Suffering

Psalms – Songs of Worship to God

Proverbs – Wisdom for life

Ecclesiastes – Live is a vapor, Live for God

Song of Solomon – Love between Husband & Wife

The Prophets: Oracles of Judgment and Restoration; the 1st Coming & 2nd Coming of Christ to set up His Kingdom on earth.

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1. Major Prophets – Larger Books

Isaiah – 1-39 Judgment & Law, 40-66 Comfort, Blessing

Jeremiah / Lamentations – Babylonian

Ezekiel / Daniel – More focus on the future role of Israel, and on End times, such as in Revelation

2. Minor Prophets

Prophets: Judgment & Restoration

Before Captivity

To Israel (Northern Kingdom)

1. Hosea 2. Amos – (from Judah)

To Assyria

1. Jonah 2. Nahum

To Judah (Southern Kingdom)

1. Joel 2. Isaiah

3. Micah 4. Jeremiah

5. Habakuk 6. Zephaniah

To Edom

1. Obadiah

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During Captivity

1. Ezekiel 2. Daniel

After Captivity

1. Haggai 2. Zechariah

3. Malachi

SUMMARY

See handouts for Overview and Themes of the various Books

MEMORY VERSES

Isaiah 53:6

Lamentations 3:22-23

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LESSON FOUR

THE NEW TESTAMENT

INTRODUCTION

The twenty-seven books of the New Testament give us the: Fulfillment of the Old Testament promises centered on Jesus.

When does the New Testament begin?

The New Testament is divided into three sections:

1. History – Gospels and Acts

2. Epistles / Letters – Paul, General

3. Prophesy – Revelation

The History Section

Five books make up the history section

1. Matthew

2. Mark

3. Luke

4. John

5. Acts

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What does the word “Gospel” mean? The word euangellion means “good news” See 10 Most Misunderstood Words – Bob Wilkin

The four Gospels give us the fulfillment of the four Old Testament Pictures of the Messiah.

Title: Verse: Picture:

1. King of Israel Zech. 9:9,Isa. 32:1 The King

2. Servant of YHWH Isa. 42:1 The Servant

3. Son of Man Isa. 7:14 The Man

4. Son of God Is 9:6 God

The New Testament fulfillment of those pictures

Matthew – King of the Jews?

Mark – He came to serve and give his life

Luke – The perfect man

John – Son of God, Messiah, Christ

The Gospels

Matthew – 2:2 (Born King of the Jews)

If you are King of the Jews who do you have to be a descendant of? Gen 12:1-3 Abraham and 2 Sam 7:12-17 David

Matt 1:6,16; 9:27; 12:23; 21:9; 27:37

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Mark – 1:4, 9, 11; 10:45 (The Servant)

If you are a servant do you need geneology? What do you need? References

Luke – 2:1-6 (The Perfect Man)

What book do we go to to see the birth of Jesus Christ? What was a manger? Did Jesus ever spill his milk, fall down and cry? None of these kinds of things are sin.

Lineage starts with Jesus and goes backwards to Adam.

John – 1:1-14 (Son of God)

We see that Jesus was, was, was. . . then in 14 what happens? How does the Gospel of John show that Jesus was God? 20:30,31 – Purpose of the 8 signs is to persuade people that Jesus is the Christ and at that moment, what happens?

The Book of Acts gives us the history of the 1st century church.

Acts covers about 30 years.

Acts key verse is 1:8

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.

Acts divides into three sections:

1. Chapters 1-7 – Spread of the Message in Jerusalem. Key person is Peter.

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2. Chapters 8-12 – Spread of the message in Judea / Samaria. Key persons are Peter and Phillip.

3. Chapters 13-28 – Spread to the remotest parts of the earth. Key person is Paul.

How did we get from the Gospels to the Epistles/Letters? Acts is the bridge between the two

The Epistles

The 21 Epistles give us information and principles dealing with the life and growth of believers.

The Epistles’ authors were:

1. Paul 2. James

3. Peter 4. John

5. Jude 6. Unknown (Hebrews)

Paul’s 13 letters can be divided into 3 categories:

1. Journey

2. Prison

3. Pastoral

Journey Epistles:

After Journey 1. Galatians – Simplicity of the Gospel. When Paul left, Judaizers came in and complicated the simple message by adding something else to faith.

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After Journey 2. 1 and 2 Thessalonians – 1 Thes - Steadfastness until the coming of the Lord, 2 Thes - The coming of the Lord.

After Journey 3. 1 and 2 Corinthians, Romans – 1 Cor. deals with Paul’s authority, 2 Cor. deals with problems in the church, Rom. teaches about doctrines of Salvation, Christian Life and restoration of Israel.

Prison Epistles:

Ephesians – Who we are in Christ

Philippians – Joy of Fellowship

Colossians – Pre-eminence of Christ

Philemon – Personal dealing with Onesimus

Pastoral Epistles:

1 Timothy – Church order and leadership

Titus – Good works encouraged; not basis of salvation

2 Timothy – General encouragement

General Epistles:

1. Hebrews – Jesus superior to the Old Covenant

2. James – Quick to hear, Slow to speak, Slow to wrath

3. 1 & 2 Peter – 1 Pet. Suffering, 2 Pet. False Teachers

4. 1, 2, 3 John – 1 John, tests of fellowship, not of Salvation; 2 John, false teachers, 3 John, Division in the church

5. Jude – False Teachers

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The Prophetic Section

The Book of Revelation gives us the summary of all things. The major divisions of Revelation are:

1. Chapters 1-3, - 7 Letters to the Churches

2. Chapters 4-5, - Throne of God in Heaven

3. Chapters 6-19, - The Great Tribulation

4. 19:11, - The Second Coming of Christ

5. The Judgments – Great White Throne

6. Chapters 21,22 - The Eternal State, New Heaven, New Earth, New Jerusalem.

SUMMARY

See handouts for Overview and Themes of the various Books

MEMORY VERSES

2 Timothy 2:15

Romans 14:11

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LESSON FIVE

TIMELINE

INTRODUCTION – In order to interpret the Bible correctly, we must know where things fit in the overall picture.

Purpose of the Bible – Perfect God, bringing sinful men, back to Himself, by means of the Messiah.

There are 3 kinds of Salvation in the Bible in all ages, Justification Salvation, Sanctification Salvation, Glorification Salvation. Which one is always the same?

There are five major sections of the Bible:Genesis 1-11 – Age of the GentilesGenesis 12 to Acts 2 – Age of the Jews/Israel Acts 3 to Rev 3 – Age of the Church Revelation 4 to 19 – The Tribulation, 7 yearsRevelation 20 to 21 – Age of the Kingdom

Dispensation – A period of time in which God deals with man in a different way.

There are often listed seven dispensations:1. Innocence – Test: Don’t eat from Tree of Knowledge.2. Conscience – Test: Do what is right, don’t do evil.

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3. Human Government – Test: Populate the earth4. Promise – Test: Stay in the land.5. Law – Test: Greatest command is Love the Lord.6. Grace – A parenthetical time period, ends with the

Rapture of the church.7. Kingdom – Restoration of God’s program on earth,

and after 1000 years, for eternity.

Israel and the church We must always see the Biblical distinction between the nation of Israel (Jewish people) and the church (the Body of Christ – Jew and Gentile). Reformed Theology and the majority of Evangelicals today do not. What difference does it make?

Israel ChurchNation BodyJewish people Jews and GentilesPromised Land All the WorldCovenant Benefits of New Cov.

Time Periods (approximate)

Adam & Eve – 6,000 to 10,000 years before Christ

Abraham – 2000 years before Christ

Moses – 1500 years before Christ

David – 1000 years before Christ21

Daniel - 500 years before Christ

We can get the flow of the Bible from 20 key people in the Word of God.

(1) Adam and Eve, (2) Noah, (3) Abraham, (4) Isaac, (5) Jacob, (6) Joseph, (7) Moses, (8) Joshua, (9) Samuel, (10) Saul, (11) David, (12) Solomon, (13) Elijah, (14) Isaiah, (15) Daniel, (400 silent years), (16) John the Baptizer, (17) Jesus, (18) Peter, (19) Paul, (20) John

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The Central person in the Bible is ______________

The Old Testament looks ______________________

The New Testament looks _____________________

In the Old Testament the Messiah is called:

- The Seed of ____________________

- The Seed of _____________________

- The Son of _____________________

MEMORY VERSES

John 3:14-18

1 Peter 3:18

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Additional Material on Dispensationalism:

Rice Hall: See his video on my youtube channel dreiher2.

Biblical Dispensationalism is the Key to understanding God’s plan for the world as taught in the Bible.

Dispensationalism: A job description given by God to somebody asking them to fulfill that job description faithfully and well. As a result they are rewarded, but if they do poorly then they are punished.

Since 1950 Dispensationalism has fallen on hard times because people have been looking at Dispensationalism as the teaching of men. Instead, it should be looked at from a Biblical perspective, and most importantly as taught by Jesus. When people reject Dispensationalism, they no longer believe God’s plan as revealed in the Bible.

When we look at the actual Biblical teaching we see the Greek word group Oikos, oikonomos, and oikonomia as talking about Offices, Duties, Responsibilities, Jobs, Administrations, Managements and Stewardships.

Start by looking at the use of the terms Jesus’ parables of Dispensations used in Luke 12 and Luke 16. In them we see a Master, The Master’s management, the Manager’s management, and the Manager’s accountability.

Major Dispensations have been given through the ages to people like we see in the classic 7 Dispensations, but technically, Dispensations have been given to all people.

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LESSON SIX

WHAT GOD IS LIKE

INTRODUCTION – We began our study of the person of God. We want to know Him, and understand His plan and provision

We are finite and God is infinite. We were created in His image, and He has made Himself known to us. We will never come close to understanding all that He is like.

Two Truths1. To know and understand God is the most important

thing in life. Read Knowing God, Right Thinking2. What we know about Him affects how we live. Phil

2:10 Refer to notes on Big Picture

Man has responded to God in a number of general ways:1. Polytheism – Believe in many gods2. Materialism – Material things become god3. Pantheism – Everything is god, and god is in

everything4. Monotheism – Believe in one god

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Trinity means “Three in one” or one God in three persons. (All illustrations fail at some point.)

1. Ephesians 4:6 – One God and one Father2. Hebrews 1:8 - . . . but to the Son He says, Your throne,

O God, is forever and ever3. Acts 5:3-4 – You have not lied to men, but to God

The Old Testament shows us the plurality in the Godhead.Gen 1:26 – Let Us make man in Our image

The Old Testament names of God show us what He is like:El – GodElohim – Plural of majesty, or pluralityAdonai – Lord, or Master, deityYHWH – LORD

New Testament names of GodTheos – Basic name for GodKurios – Lord, master, deity, sirJesus – Yeshua, YHWH savesChrist – Annointed one of God, Messiah

There are three types of beings:

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1. God2. Angels3. Human

We look at God’s attributes in two ways:Attributes of His being or essenceAttributes of His character

God’s Being or Essence (This is not an exhaustive list) God is infinite in many ways – Rom 11:33; Job 11:7-10; Is 55:8,9 God is a spirit – Not material - John 4:24 God is eternal – without beginning or end - Psa. 90:2 God is omnipotent – all powerful - Job 42:2; Rom 4:20,21; John 10:28,29 God is omnipresent – present everywhere – Psa. 139:7-11 God is omniscient – all knowing – Psa. 139:1-6 God is immutable – unchanging – Heb 13:8; James 1:17God’s Character God is Personal – not a force – Rom 11:33; John 3:16 God is Righteous – He does right always - 1 John 1:6 God is Just – no partiality – Rom 2:11; 1 Sam 16:7 God is Love – seeks good for the one loved – 1 John 4:8, 10,11

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God is King/Sovereign – but not reigning yet – 2 Cor 4:4 God is Merciful and gracious, withholds judgment – Deut 4:31 God is Truthful – He cannot lie – Tit 1:2

SUMMARY

We must realize that God is a personal God, who made us, knows us, and wants us to know Him.

MEMORY VERSES

John 3:14-18

1 Peter 3:18

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LESSON SEVEN

CREATION & FALL

INTRODUCTION:We turn from looking at our perfect God to see ourselves, sinful. How did we get here? Why are we the way we are?

The way we view the first 11 chapters of Genesis indicates our view of God and the authority of the rest of the Bible. (see Ken Ham video)

There are basically two views concerning man’s existence:1. Evolution – Man evolved from lower forms of life2. Creation – God created everything

Two types of evolution:1. Atheistic Evolution – Time plus chance explains

everything2. Theistic Evolution – God intervenes in evolution (they

prefer the term “Progressive Creationism”)

What is creation? – An act in which God spoke all things into beingIn Gen 1:26-27, we find that God created everything

We notice that God is a plurality (Hebrew – Elohim)

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In Gen 1:26, we find that, at that time, man was given dominion over the earth.

How is man made in the image of God? – Gen 1:26, 1 Thes. 5:23Man can be viewed as a three part unit:

1. Body – he has physical flesh2. Soul – he can relate to the world around him3. Spirit – he can relate to God

As we go back to Genesis and the very beginning, we find that man had very special relationships:

1. Unbroken fellowship with God2. Unbroken fellowship with each other3. They had dominion over all created things

What was God’s command? – Gen 2:15-17Positive – Eat from every tree in the garden, work to

tend the gardenNegative – Do not eat from one of the trees

How did sin enter the world? – Rom. 5:12 – Adam

THE FALL OF MAN – Genesis 3:1-5 How did sin enter the world? – Rom. 5:12 – Adam Who is the Serpent? – No details given in Genesis. Satan was behind what he said to Eve. Isa. 14, Ezek 28

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The Serpent’s temptation of man. What was Satan’s question? – Genesis 3:1 – Has God said you shall not eat of every tree of the garden? What was Eve’s answer? – Genesis 3:2-3 – We may eat of the trees. One tree we are not to eat of, or touch lest we die. How should Eve have responded to Satan’s attacks? God loves us. He has never lied to us. The Serpent raised doubts concerning God in two points:

1. Gen. 3:1 – Goodness and Love of God2. Gen. 3:4 – God’s word

The two statements made by Satan:Genesis 3:4 – You shall not surely dieGenesis 3:5 – Your eyes will be open, you will be like

God How did Eve now look upon the tree? – Genesis 3:6 1. Good for food

2. Pleasant to the eyes3. Desirable to make one wise

How is man tempted to sin? – 1 John 2:16We never sin in a moment. It is the culmination of a

process. – James 1:12-151. Lust of the flesh2. Lust of the eyes

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3. Pride of life What were the effects of eating the fruit? – Gen. 3:7-8

1. Shame2. Separation3. Loss of dominion over creation

How did Adam and Eve respond to God? – Gen. 3:9-13 Adam – 3:9-12 – fear, blamed EveEve – 3:13 – blamed the Serpent

SUMMARY

MEMORY VERSES

Romans 3:23

Romans 6:23

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LESSON EIGHT

PENALTY, PROVISION & RESULTS

INTRODUCTION:In the last lesson we studied how sin entered the world through man’s rebellion against God’s commands.

In this section we see three things concerning man and his fall

1. Penalty of sin

2. Provision for sin (temporary)

3. Results of the fall

What was God’s command to Adam & Eve?Eat from every tree, be fruitful and multiply, have dominion

over creation. Don’t eat from the tree of Knowledge.

The serpent raised two doubts to Eve concerning God1. About God’s Love and Goodness2. About God’s word.

Result – Shame and separation. Why did God say, “Where are you?” What should the man & woman have done? What did they do?

The Penalty of SinGenesis 3:14

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The serpent The penalty – Crawl on belly, Enmity between him and

coming Messiah. See Col 1:19,20 peace through the blood of His Cross What do we find in Genesis 3:15? First promise of a Savior from the Seed of the woman. The promise narrows through the Old Testament: all men, then all Jewish Men, then Sons of David, then son of a Virgin.Genesis 3:16

The WomanThe Penalty – 1. Pain in bearing children, 2. Desire

toward husband.What does “desire for your husband” mean? Gen 3:16 – Husband will desire to subject wife, Wife will desire to rule over husband. (see Gen 4:7 for meaning of “desire”)Genesis 3:17-19 (Adam means “earth”)

The ManThe Penalty – 1. Physical and Spiritual Death, 2. Ground

is cursed (work itself is not bad), 3. Man will return to the ground, 4. Kicked out of the Garden, no more access to the Tree of Life.

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The Provision for Sin

Genesis 3:15 – God promised the seed of the woman. Who is this referring to? - Jesus the Messiah. Eve bears a child and calls him Cain. The Hebrew word means “Living.” Why did she name him that? What picture did God use to show the coming sacrifice of a Savior? Genesis 3:20-21 God killed animals to provide skins for them to replace the fig leaves.Genesis 4:1-26 – Eve called her son “Cain” from Hebrew “Acquired.” Why did she call him that? She thought he was the Messiah. Abel brought an animal in worship, Cain brought fruit of the ground. Both were acceptable with the right attitude. Cain had an anger problem (“sin is crouching at the door”). Abel was killed. Genesis 4:25,26 Eve bears “Seth;” from Hebrew “Appointed.” To what was Seth appointed?

THE RESULTS OF THE FALL Before the fall - perfect fellowship. After the fall - death, separation and shame. In Romans 5:12, what do we find concerning our connection to Adam? In Adam all sinned.

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(Nelson Study Bible notes: Romans 5:9-10 is speaking of Sanctification Salvation being possible during our lives, not Justification Salvation. Vs. 10 – Will be saved by His life. See Hodges’ commentary from Romans class.)

Mankind can be seen as three basic types: The Bad man – Immoral Man

Two Groups1. Atheistic – Rom 1:19-202. Changes God into an image – Rom 1:21, Psa. 115:1-8

The Good Man – Moral Man - Romans 2:1-16 – The Law is written on their conscience, they think that is what pleases God. (Jiminey Cricket – “let conscience by your guide”) The Jewish Religious Man – Romans 2:17 They were counting on conformity to the Law, but requires perfection (James 2:10).

What is the final summary and conclusion concerning mankind? Romans 3:9-10,23 – None righteous.

What is the purpose of the law? – Romans 3:19-20, John 5:29

1. To show the sinfulness of man

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2. To show how sinful man can fellowship with God.3. The law has nothing to do with everlasting life.

Man is sinful, God is perfect. How can man get to God? Some Reformed and Calvinist theologians distort Rom 3:11 to teach that man cannot seek after God. It uses the word “ekzeton” – “diligently seek.” Why are men cast into the lake of fire? Rev 20:15. People do not go there because of their sin. The penalty for all sin has been paid by Christ on the cross. John 1:29, 1 John 2:2. They are cast into the lake of fire because because they do not have life. (They do not have life if they have never believed in the (coming) Messiah for everlasting life.)

SUMMARY

Man is fallen and needs a Savior. How has God provided for the reconciliation of man? Through His Son, Jesus Christ.

MEMORY VERSES

Romans 5:8

1 John 4:10

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LESSON NINE

THREE PHASES OF SALVATION

INTRODUCTION:We move to the most important issue for mankind – God’s plan of salvation. We are all sinners because of Adam & Eve and need a Savior. God has a plan to bring man back to Himself. God’s plan of salvation is God’s plan of reconciliation

Isaiah 53:6 tells us our condition.

God’s plan of reconciliation – the story of the Bible – The perfect God brings sinful man back to Himself using His Son, Jesus Christ.

GOD’S THREE PHASE PLAN – Many kinds of salvation in the Bible. His plan is reconciliation

Can man be good enough to get to God? What about the Good, Bad and Religious? What is the standard? Perfection.

We need to see three distinct kinds of Salvation1. Justification Salvation – Salvation from the penalty of

sin which is death. Provision is Jesus Christ who died and rose again. Past Tense.

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2. Sanctification Salvation – Salvation from the power of sin. The power of sin is in our flesh. Provision is the Holy Spirit who comes to dwell within us.

3. Glorification Salvation – Salvation from the presence of sin in the New Heaven and New Earth.

PHASE I – SALVATION FROM THE GUILT AND PENALTY OF SIN AT A POINT IN TIME

The result of sin is death. Rom 6:23Jesus tells His disciples that the truth shall set you free. John 8:32-34. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6.Since all have sinned and are under a death sentence, God must deal with the penalty.1 John 2:2 – “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.” The NIV is unclear, “atoning sacrifice.” Was it just a covering? No, it was a total payment. Is our sin paid for when we believe? Nobody is going to the lake of fire because of their sin. They are going because they do not believe in Jesus as the grantor and guarantor of everlasting life.

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Galatians 2:16 – Justified by faithCan you think of a verse telling of past tense salvation?

Eph 2:8,9 – Have been saved

PHASE II – SALVATION FROM THE POWER OF SINIn our Christian lives we have the pull of: The world, The flesh, The Devil. Gal 5:16 – Walk by the Spirit and we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.Romans 6:6-7 – Sin is no longer our master. Romans 6:11,12 – Reckon yourselves dead to sin. This is a command. It is not automatic for ANY Christian. We are commanded to “not let sin reign in our mortal bodies,” because we all do this. God saves us from the power of sin. This is called Sanctification Salvation. Phil 2:12 – Work out your own Salvation. Many think we are not fully saved yet. 1 Tim 4:16 – Save yourself and others who hear you.

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PHASE III – SALVATION FROM THE PRESENCE OF SIN IN THE NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH God’s salvation plan is a complete plan.James 1:15 – Sin brings death, but there is no death in heaven. Philippians 3:20-21 1 Corinthians 15:54-56 This phrase is often called Glorification Salvation. Romans 13:11 – Which Salvation is Paul talking about? In John 14:1-6 we find Jesus Christ’s plans for the disciples. Dwelling places and God’s house refer not to buildings, but to places of ruling and reigning with Christ in His kingdom. The disciples were discussing this. Summary of the three phase plan. -- Titus 2:11-13

1. God’s plan is total.2. We have victory over sin, past, present and future.3. We get to tell people of all three of God’s Salvation

plans.SUMMARY

Man is fallen and needs a Savior. How has God provided for the reconciliation of man? Through His Son, Jesus Christ.

MEMORY VERSE

Titus 2:11-14

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LESSON TEN

RECONCILIATION

INTRODUCTION:We are looking in detail at God’s plan of salvation for mankind. Last time, we saw God’s three phase plan.

1. Salvation from the penalty of sin. JustificationDeath Christ’s Death Past

2. Salvation from the power of sin. SanctificationFlesh Holy Spirit Present

3. Salvation from the presence of sin. GlorificationWorld system Kingdom Future

In this lesson we are focusing on reconciliation. What is the overall plan of reconciliation found in the Bible? Perfect God brings sinful man back to Himself through Jesus Christ.

Define reconciliation: Bring back together. A change in relationship from hostility to harmony between two parties.

Why does man need to be reconciled to God?Adam’s sin.

Define sin – Rebellion or Defection from God’s standard

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Man is sinful in three ways Most people think they are not very sinful. They think they are good enough for God to let them into heaven.

1. Imputed Sin Romans 5:12How does Adam’s sin affect us? All people inherit the

sinful nature. From Adam to Moses death still reigned.

2. Inherent Sin Ephesians 2:1-3What is the flesh? The inborn capacity to sin. See

Rom 7:17,21 – It is natural to sin. Gal. 5:16,17 It requires Supernatural control for us to not be slaves to the flesh.

3. Personal Sins Romans 3:23, Isaiah 53:6

List two ways man sins:A. Sins of ComissionB. Sins of Omission James 4:17

Ephesians 2:1 – Summary: Man is a sinner in three ways:1. Birth2. Nature3. Choice

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God’s plan of reconciliation – 2 Corinthians 5:17-20How do you get in Christ? Are we in Christ? Are we a

new creation or new creatures? Our character is not changed by being born again. Our position is changed.2 Corinthians 5:18 – Three things concerning God’s Reconciliation.

1. God took the initiative Titus 3:5, Eph. 2:8,92. Reconciliation was to God3. Reconciliation was through Christ’s Death

John 14:6, Acts 4:122 Corinthians 5:19 – God was in Christ reconciling us back to Himself.

What happened to our sins? – 1 Peter 2:24They are not imputed against anybody any more.

2 Corinthians 5:20 – Our responsibility: We are ambassadors for Christ. We are like ambassadors here in Satan’s world. What are we supposed to do?

God reconciled the world to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.

SUMMARY

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Because we have all sinned and need a savior, God in His grace and mercy reconciles us to Himself through His son Jesus Christ and gives us the responsibility of telling others

MEMORY VERSE

2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Acts 1:8

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