Study 5: God’s Work in Salvation
The phrase “God saves sinners” sums up the Bible’s teaching on how God rescues those trapped by sin. God saves. He sent Christ. He calls men to Christ. He does not merely provide a possible way of salvation, but actually saves men and women.
This study is meant to humble us, steady us, and fill us with hope. Salvation is not built on man’s strength, wisdom, or goodness. It rests on God’s sovereign mercy, loving purpose, and saving power.
Before you begin
It is important to look up the Bible references and think carefully about what they say, so that you can see for yourself the Bible’s teaching. This study is especially searching because it asks where salvation really comes from.
We naturally like to think that we contribute the decisive part. But the Bible teaches that salvation belongs to the Lord. That truth removes boasting, gives hope to helpless sinners, and brings glory to God.
This study at a glance
God saves
Salvation is not finally man rescuing himself, but God rescuing sinners.
God saves according to His purpose
His saving work flows from His love, mercy, and sovereign choice.
God’s salvation gives hope
Because salvation rests on God, helpless sinners have real hope and believers have real assurance.
God saves sinners
The phrase “God saves sinners” sums up the Bible’s teaching on how God rescues those trapped by sin. God saves. He sent Christ. He calls men to Christ. He did not just provide a way for sinners to be saved, but actually saves men and women.
An illustration of a drowning man
Think of a drowning man. God does not merely throw a lifebelt in his direction and leave the rest to him. He takes hold of the man and pulls him into the lifeboat. Look up Jonah 2:9 and 2 Timothy 1:8-9.
This picture helps us see the difference between a merely possible salvation and a saving act of God’s mercy.
Why does God save?
Is it because we are loveable? Read Romans 3:10-25. Obviously not. The Bible does not flatter us. It tells the truth about our guilt and helplessness.
Because He loves sinners
Read John 3:16.
Because He chooses to do so
Read Ephesians 1:4-5.
Because it brings Him glory
Read Ephesians 1:6.
If God plans to save, will He fail?
God has both the power and the determination to do as He plans. Read Ephesians 1:11, Psalm 33:11, and Psalm 135:6.
The God who made all things is not hindered by weakness, uncertainty, or lack of resolve. What He purposes, He accomplishes.
Are God’s plans modified by the idea of human free will?
Scripture shows that the sinner is spiritually powerless. Read Ephesians 2:1-10 and John 6:44-45. Man is responsible for his own actions, yet because his nature is sinful, he freely chooses to oppose God.
His only hope is to have a new nature. The Bible does not present fallen man as morally neutral, but as a willing slave of sin who must be made alive by God.
Man is responsible
Sinners are answerable to God for what they choose.
Man is spiritually powerless
Left to himself, the sinner will not come unless God gives life.
How does God save?
He predestines some to be saved and chooses them in Christ. This is election. Read Ephesians 1:5-11 and Romans 8:28-30.
God could have planned to save no one, or He could have planned to save everyone, because no one deserves to be saved. Yet in love He chose to save a people for Himself.
Election
God chooses a people in Christ. See also John 17:4-12 and 1 Peter 1:2.
Mercy, not merit
No one deserves salvation. Read Titus 1:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 1:4, and 1 Thessalonians 5:9.
Love, not foresight of merit
God did not simply foresee who would believe and then choose them. Read Romans 9:6-24.
Faith and good works
Faith in Christ, which saves, is itself a gift of God. Read Acts 13:48 and Philippians 1:29. Good works do not earn salvation but rather flow from it. Read Ephesians 2:8-10.
Saving faith is God’s gift
See also Acts 18:27, Philippians 2:12-13, and 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5.
Good works flow from salvation
Good works do not purchase grace. They are the fruit of grace already given.
What should our response be?
Read Paul’s response in Romans 11:33-36. The right response to God’s sovereign salvation is not pride, argumentative self-importance, or cold speculation. It is worship, wonder, and humble praise.
Why is this doctrine useful?
It gives glory to God
It removes boasting. Read 1 Corinthians 1:27-29.
It gives a basis for assurance
Read Philippians 1:6.
It leads to praise and thanksgiving
Read Ephesians 1:13-14.
Some problems people raise
Is man a pre-programmed robot?
No. Man is responsible for what he chooses. Because of his nature he willingly chooses slavery to sin rather than God’s service. God never compels a sinner to sin. Read Ephesians 2:1-10, John 8:34, and Romans 6:16-23.
What hope is there then? Who can be saved?
Sinners cannot come unless God in His mercy gives life, and with this new life they then freely come to Christ. Read Ephesians 2:1-10 and John 3:1-15.
Surely the Bible says, “Whosoever will may come”?
That is true. If someone is willing he can come to Christ and be assured Christ will not drive him away. And it is the duty of everyone to repent. Read John 6:37-40 and Acts 17:30.
What should a non-Christian do, wait to be chosen or come now to Christ?
He must come to Christ now. Read Matthew 11:28 and 2 Corinthians 6:2.
Should we preach the gospel to everyone?
Yes. Look again at Acts 17:30 and Matthew 11:28. See Acts 2 for an example of clear gospel preaching.
Reflection and response
Take time over these questions and answer them carefully from Scripture.
- What encouragements are there from God’s sovereignty in electing sinners for salvation?
- How would you explain God’s sovereign choice and man’s responsibility? See Ezekiel 18:30-32; John 6:37-40, 43-48, 60-65.
- If a friend asks you, “How can I be saved?” what would you say?
A simple prayer before moving on
Keep going
Having considered God’s work in salvation, the next study turns to the centre of that saving work, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
