The 5 steps in the "Plan of Salvation" are a launching pad to discuss the process of God?s transformation in our hearts.
While not necessarily endorsing a formula for salvation, I believe the "steps" involved in the plan offers us some themes to explore through scripture.
'Hear O Israel, The Lord Your God is one!' This is the core confession of Judaism. It encompasses all the ideals related to cultivating a heart that listens to the one true God.
Key Verses: Deuteronomy 6:1-9, Romans 10:12-17
God has called his people to live by an abiding faith that is formed through witnessing His powerful work among His people. The righteous ones live by faith and their faith is often highlighted in times of distress and uncertainty. How does the cultivating of faith on the inside affect living faith on the outside?
Key Verses: 2 Chronicles 20:1-21, John 12:35-46
Do we desire the supernatural and extravagant change that God is so willing to do in our life? How does this change that God enacts in our lives affect the ongoing process of repentance throughout the duration of our spiritual journey?
Key Verses: Ezekiel 18:19-32; 2 Peter 3:3-9
What does God do on the inside of us that drives us to confess Him to be Lord? How does this lead to public confession through conversation and lifestyle? We will explore confessions of faith as they relate to God?s activity in the heart.
Key Verses: 1 Kings 8; Romans 10:1-10
A brief historical look at Baptism and its origins. Have we lost the inward reality of this outward expression? How do we reclaim it?
As we conclude this deconstruction of the "Plan of Salvation," we will tie in all we?ve been discussing by affirming the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the life of the church.
Key Verse: Acts 2:38