EPHESIANS 1.7-10
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2.4-10
One of the major points of division among Christians in the order of redemption lies in the regeneration of the believer. Does someone believe, receive the Spirit and then change OR are they changed so that they can believe? To answer this question we need to look at the effects of sin in the world and the ability of human beings to overcome them. When sin entered the world it had far reaching results that permeated, not only through the whole world, but through time. If each and every person is affected by this, then every person needs help to conquer it. We need to answer the questions: How much help do we need? How does God save?
1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Where were you most encouraged? Most intrigued? Most challenged?
2. How does the Bible describe human beings apart from Jesus Christ (Romans 3:9-18)?
3. How does God reveal Himself in the process of regeneration?
4. How does this give us confidence that we belong to God?
5. What would we lose if we gave up the truth of God’s call and regeneration?
6. How does God use us to bring about faith in others?