SESSION 6

Salvation Story Overview

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1. Introduction to Salvation

   • Salvation isn’t just theology; it’s a profound, unfolding story through history.

   • Peter in 1 Peter 1:12 says it’s so amazing that even angels long to gaze into it.
      

2. Genesis: The Beginning of the Salvation Story

   • Creation & Relationship: God created humanity for a relationship.

   • Free Will: For love to be genuine, humans were given free will.

   • The Fall: Disobedience brought separation from God, introducing sin, shame, and guilt.

   • Covering Sin: God sacrificed an animal to clothe Adam and Eve, foreshadowing Christ’s sacrifice.
      

3. Noah and the Flood

   • Judgment and Grace: Amid judgment, Noah became an agent of salvation.

   • Symbolism: The ark saved only those who entered, symbolizing the security of salvation and foreshadowing Christ.
      

4. Abraham’s Faith

   • God’s Call: Abraham’s faith led him to leave his culture, trusting God’s promises.

   • Righteousness by Faith: Abraham’s faith was counted as righteousness, 430 years before the law.
      

5. The Hebrews’ Deliverance from Egypt

   • The Passover: Faith was needed to apply the lamb's blood, foreshadowing Jesus' sacrifice.

   • Chosen by Grace: The Hebrews were set apart, not by their numbers, but by God's love.

   • The Law’s Role: The law showed God’s character but couldn’t save or change hearts.

   • Prophetic Hope: The Old Testament prophets pointed toward a coming Messiah.
      

6. The Birth of the Messiah

   • Jesus’ Ministry: A friend of sinners, Jesus embodied God’s love.

   • Zacchaeus’ Salvation (Luke 19:1-9):

     • Discussion Questions:

       • How was Jesus expressing the Father’s love to Zacchaeus?

       • What might Zacchaeus have felt?

       • What did the crowd think salvation looked like?
          

7. Understanding Salvation

   • OT & NT Meanings: “Salvation” means rescue, deliverance, safety, and restoration.

   • Jesus and Nicodemus: Jesus introduces the concept of spiritual rebirth.
      

8. Pentecost and the Early Church

   • Holy Spirit: At Pentecost, the Spirit fills believers, and salvation spreads rapidly.

   • Peter’s Sermon: Thousands respond, beginning the exponential growth of the church.
      

9. The Ongoing Story of Salvation

   • The Consummation: One day, salvation will be complete, and creation will be restored.

   • Union with Christ: Believers are united with Jesus, bringing new identity and life.
      

10. Reflection and Meditation

    • Reflect on the wonder of our union with Christ and the benefits it brings.
       

Group Discussion: Reflect on Zacchaeus’ story (Luke 19:1-9) and discuss Jesus’ approach to salvation in different contexts.