The following Bible study was prepared to explain the plan of salvation in a simple, one-lesson condensed form with a teacher to guide discussion, or by self-study. If desired, it can be divided into two parts by taking a short break between each of two 30-minute sessions. A recommended place for a break is after the section on "Into The Gospels."
Each participating student should have a Bible (preferably the King James Version). As each scripture is read, the student is asked to become involved, sometimes by filling in a blank or responding to a question. May we also suggest that all participants take a moment to ask the Lord's help in understanding His Word, as King David once did when he prayed, "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold Wondrous things out of thy law." May God bless you as we travel together, "into His marvelous light" ....
Introduction
When walking out of a dark room into the sunshine, light can be blinding. As our eyes become accustomed to the light, we can see more clearly and enjoy the scenery that surrounds us. Likewise, when we look into the light of the scriptures, the brightness of truth can sometimes hurt. However, as our spiritual eyesight becomes adjusted we can enjoy “walking in the light”.
This Bible study is designed to allow us to “walk” into the marvelous light of the Word of God. We will be journeying into the scriptures by imagining we are back in the days of Jesus and the apostles, listening to them teach and preach the plan of salvation. We will do this by concentrating on:
1. THE GOSPELS – covering the words and works of Jesus Christ
2. THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES – covering the actions and preaching of the apostles
We believe the scriptures are divinely inspired and, “of no private interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20-21). Therefore, every effort has been made to present the pure Word of God without adding to, or taking away from its teachings. It is not our intention to diminish any personal relationship you may have with our Lord but rather to add to your relationship. Neither do we desire to convince you of our own personal ideas or the creeds of any denomination. We simply desire to share the truth as it is written.
We are going back to Jesus’ day before any denomination. There is no Apostolic, no Catholic, no Baptist, no Methodist, no Presbyterian, no denomination at all – only Jesus and his disciples. Only by claiming the Bible as our sole authority can any of us be confident of our salvation, for it is the Word of God and not the traditions of men that will judge us all in the end.
In this Bible study, we will be using the King James Version of the Bible. We believe that this is the most accurate and authentic of all the available translations as it was taken directly from the original Greek manuscripts.
Also, we ask that you would hold any questions you may have until the end of the Bible study since many of your questions will be answered in the material we will cover.
Let us read 2 Timothy 3:15-16 as we begin our journey into the Word of God…
2 Timothy 3:15-16
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
The scripture is able to make us wise unto salvation.
2 Peter 1:20-21
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
The scripture was written by men of God as they were inspired by the Holy Ghost.
Into the Gospels
John 1:1, 14
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.
In the beginning, the ___Word___ was God and became flesh. Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God.
John 1:11-13
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
If we believe in Him and receive Him, Jesus gives us power to become the sons of ___God___ by a supernatural birth. This is not a natural birth but a supernatural birth. He spoke further about this new birth one night to a ruler of the Jews…
John 3:1-8
1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
The Lord told Nicodemus that everyone who wanted to see or enter into the Kingdom of God, must be born again of ___water___ and the ___Spirit___.
Notice that Jesus said in verse 7, “Ye must be born again.”
John 3:16-18
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Jesus also told Nicodemus that whosoever ___believeth___ in Him should have eternal life. Jesus mentioned two seemingly different requirements for salvation, one is being born again, the other is believing. Yet, this is not a contradiction. The next scripture explains how believing is related to experiencing the birth of the Spirit…
John 7:38-39
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified)
Here, we discover that if we believe on Him (according to the Word), we will receive the ___Spirit___. We find that scriptural belief is more than just a change in the way we think. It also results in a scriptural experience.
Mark 16:16
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
John 12:42-43
42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
Today, just as in Jesus’ day, many believe on Him. But, they will not ___confess___ Him for fear of what others will do or say. They are afraid of what parents, family, friends, or another pastor might say.
John 12:46-48
46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
In response to their fearfulness, Jesus warns that His ___Word___ will judge us, so we must be careful not to reject it. Rather, we should believe and obey it no matter what others say or do!
John 17:17-20
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
In Jesus’ prayer for His disciples, just before His crucifixion, He said God’s Word is ___truth___. He also prayed for us; and for all those who would believe on Him through the apostles’ word. To find out what the apostles’ word was to be, let us read what Jesus told them to proclaim. The setting of the following great commission scripture in Luke 24:45-49 is just after the Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection and just before His ascension into heaven.
Luke 24:45-49
45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
DID THE APOSTLES PREACH THE MESSAGE JESUS COMMANDED THEM TO PROCLAIM?
HOW WAS THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER FULFILLED?
We will discover the answers to these questions as we continue our journey into the Word of God by seeing what was preached and what happened at Jerusalem. Keep in mind that Luke also authored the book of Acts. In reality, the first chapter of the book of Acts is actually a continuation from the last chapter of the book of Luke.
Into the Acts of the Apostles
Acts 1:4-5
4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
As we enter the Book of Acts, we discover almost immediately that the promise of the Father is the baptism of the ___Holy___ ___Ghost___.
Acts 2:1-5, & 12-17
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
In verses 6-11, the scripture lists 16 different nations that were present on the Day of Pentecost.
12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
When the apostles were at Jerusalem, they, along with many others, were joyously filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other ___tongues___ as the Spirit gave the utterance (ability to speak). The amazed onlookers from many nations who heard them speaking with tongues asked, “What meaneth this?” Then Peter explained the promised coming of the Spirit and went on to preach Christ and the original plan of salvation.
Acts 2:36-39
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
When the people who heard Peter’s words believed that Jesus Christ was their Lord and Savior, they were sorry for their sins and asked Peter and the apostles what they should do. Peter replied by preaching the message Jesus commanded to be preached in Luke 24:45-49. In light of this, consider the three elements of the Plan of Salvation Peter preached in verse 38:
1. REPENTANCE
2. REMISSION OF SINS THROUGH BAPTISM IN JESUS’ NAME
3. RECEIVING THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST
NOTICE: Acts 2:38 is the fulfillment of the two “new birth” requirements Jesus mentioned in John 3:5 that were necessary to enter the Kingdom of God! Water birth is baptism in the name of Jesus Christ! Spirit birth is the infilling of the Holy Ghost!
Now, let’s look at some more examples of people being born again of water and the Spirit as the Word Jesus gave His apostles continued to be preached throughout the Book of Acts…
PHILIP PREACHING TO THE SAMARITANS IN ACTS 8…
NOTICE: Some people say when they experienced joy, or when they believed in Jesus, or when they were baptized, they were automatically filled with the Holy Ghost. But what does the Word say?
Acts 8:5-8, 12, 14-17
5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
8 And there was great joy in that city.
12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
Vs. 8 Did they have great joy? Yes ___ No ___
Vs. 12 Did they believe in Jesus Christ? Yes ___ No ___
Vs. 16 Were they baptized in His name? Yes ___ No ___
Vs. 17 Did they receive the Holy Ghost as a Yes ___ No ___
separate and distinct experience?
PETER PREACHING TO THE GENTILES IN ACTS 10…
NOTICE: Some people say being religious is enough, or that the Spirit-baptism evidenced by tongues was only for the disciples on the Day of Pentecost. If the Bible says this is true, then it is true. But if the Word shows us through Cornelius’ experience that this is not true, then it is not.
Acts 10:1-2, 5-6, 44-48
1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Vs. 1-2 Was Cornelius a religious man? Yes ___ No ___
Vs. 6 Did God have more for him to do? Yes ___ No ___
Vs. 45 Did they receive the Holy Ghost and
speak in tongues after the day of Pentecost? Yes ___ No ___
Vs. 48 Did they still have to be baptized in Jesus’ Yes ___ No ___
name?
PAUL PREACHING TO JOHN’S DISCIPLES IN ACTS 19…
NOTICE: Many people who are believers have not even heard about the Holy Ghost that is promised to them. Also, some people say it is not necessary to be baptized or re-baptized. (If you were baptized by John the Baptist, would you think it would be necessary to be re-baptized using a different baptismal formula?) Others say it does not matter what is spoken when you are baptized. If the Bible indicates it does not matter; then it does not matter. But what if the Bible shows us it DOES matter?
Acts 18:24-26
24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
Here we find that a very eloquent and well-educated man by the name of Apollos was still in need of being taught the ways of God.
Acts 19:1-6
1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Vs. 2 They were believers, but had they heard of Yes ___ No ___
or received the Holy Ghost?
Vs. 5 Did those baptized by John the Baptist have Yes ___ No ___
to be re-baptized in Jesus’ name?
Vs. 6 Was receiving the Holy Ghost accompanied Yes ___ No ___
by the initial evidence of speaking with other tongues?
SO WHAT IS SPEAKING IN TONGUES?
Speaking in tongues means speaking miraculously in a language unknown to the speaker, as the Spirit gives utterance. This is the manifestation God has given as the definite, indisputable, supernatural witness or sign of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Let’s see some more scriptures in the Bible related to this topic…
Mark 16:17
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Isaiah 28:11-12
11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.
We have found that the apostles preached the following salvation message:
1. The life of Christ and His death, burial, and resurrection
2. Repentance toward God and belief in Jesus Christ
3. Baptism in water by immersion in Jesus’ name
4. Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost (which was accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking with other tongues)
Conclusion
DO YOU BELIEVE the Word of God is true and will judge us?
DO YOU BELIEVE Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior?
DO YOU BELIEVE it is necessary to repent by determining to turn from sin and giving your life to God?
DO YOU BELIEVE water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ is the biblical way to be baptized?
DO YOU BELIEVE the baptism of the Holy Ghost is for you today, and when you receive it you will speak in other tongues, just as they did in the Bible?
IF YOU BELIEVE THESE THINGS, PRAY RIGHT NOW, ASKING GOD TO ALLOW YOU TO EXPERIENCE ALL THAT HE HAS FOR YOU!
Source: "Into His Marvelous Light"
