This new series of sermons at Crossroads Fellowship Church where I serve as part-time interim preaching pastor will focus on ten themes that are critical to the Christian life.
The first area, SALVATION, often raises questions such as: How do I know I am saved? Can I lose my salvation? What is the role of my works in salvation? Let’s look once more at our main text in Titus 3:
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. (Titus 3)
We’ve seen our BC (“Before Christ”) condition (verse 3) which Paul describes using awful adjectives and words about our abominable actions. Our IN CHRIST reality (“He saved us”) was brought into existence by His mercy, kindness, and love (not our righteous works) (verses 4-5). Our salvation is described as “the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” What powerful words! WASHED! REBORN! RENEWED! (to be continued)
Dr. Larry Dixon
larrydixon.wordpress.com 