Benefits of Salvation

The benefits of our salvation in Christ are so numerous. We are made righteous before God and adopted as His children as a result of Christ's atoning death. 2 Corinthians 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. The followings are discussed: Made Children of God; Declared Righteous in Christ, and Sealed with the Spirit.

Made Children of God: When a person believes in Christ and enters into saving relationship with him, he is made a child of God. A child of God will receive forgiveness of sin, and will be made righteous. Only those who are saved in Christ have the right to become children of God (John 1:12-13; Romans 8:17). Christ has completed the work of salvation, so those who choose to believe in him will receive God's free gift of salvation. Individuals can't be saved based on evidence of salvation of members of their family. Those who desire to be saved must enter into faithful relationship with God through Christ. When they have done that, then become heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. Believers are entitled to Christ's inheritance when they are adopted as children of God (John 15:19-20).

Children of God belong to eternal kingdom, thus they shouldn't copy behaviors of the world. They must walk worthy of eternal kingdom. As children of God we have access to God's presence to ask for all we need. We shouldn't fear again because we have the Spirit of God dwelling in us. We have not received the spirit of slavery, that we should fear, but the spirit of sonship which brings freedom (Romans 8:14-17). Instead of injustices of slavery we shall receive full benefits of children of God. Only a Child of God can pray, saying "My heavenly Father". Now we have become the people of God and recipients of mercy (1 Peter 2:9-10). That's great grace we have in Christ.

Declared Righteous in Christ: We are justified before God through faith in Christ (Romans 4:4-8 ). There is nothing we can do to merit this because all acts of righteousness of man are just like 'filthy rags' in the sight of God (Isaiah 64:6). Abraham's faith in God was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). Therefore good deeds without obedience and faith in God can't make a person righteous. Through the grace of salvation, sins are forgiven and people are reconciled to God (Psalm 32). When God sees righteousness of His Son, Jesus Christ in a christian He will no longer count on sin, but bring blessings.

Sin and rebellion have separated people from God, but through Christ we are reconciled and receive forgiveness. Reconciliation comes after transformation of life through Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17) . As ambassadors of Christ God demands that we should reach unbelievers and share His word of salvation with them. He wants all people to be identified with Christ's atoning sacrifice and receive blessings it offers.

Sealed with the Spirit: Holy Spirit endorses and seals all blessings received in Christ. Holy Spirit is the mark of God's ownership of our lives and all we have in Christ. He makes it convenient to rely on God and gives the power to pursue holiness and do good. He also equips us for success in the ministry and strengthens us for the future hope (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).

God has promised to deposit His Spirit into the lives of those who believe in His Son for future redemption and glorious living. Holy Spirit equips and nurtures believers to grow in the Lord and live worthy of blessings accompanying salvation (Ephesians 1:11-14). Lesson texts: John: 1:12-13; Romans 4: 4-8; 8:14-17: 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; 5:17-21; Ephesians 1:11-14; 1 Peter 2:9-10.