Bible Boot Camp: Lesson 5: The Bible

Christianity is a faith based solely on a book, the Bible. Christians believe the Bible is God’s holy Word. Thus it’s important for us to know some things about the Bible.

Luke 11:28 But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

1 Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attention to [public] reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

1. Where did the Bible originate?

2 Tim 3:16-17 – The Bible is the product of inspiration. I.e., it’s God’s Word, “God-breathed.”

2 Pet 1:16-21 – The Bible is not a man-made book. People didn’t just write what they felt like. They wrote what God/the H. Sp. Wanted written. “Carried along” describes how the wind moves a sailboat.

2. What are some of the benefits of the Bible?

Psm 19:7-11 revives the soul, makes the simple wise; gives joy to the heart and light to the eyes, they warn and reward the reader

Psm 119:9 keeps your way pure

Psm 119:105 a lamp/light to guide your way

Psm 119:111 cause joy

Psm 119:130 gives you light/understanding

John 17:17 tells you the truth

2 Tim 3:16-17 profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction

1 Pet 2:2 source of growth

3. What are some facts about the Bible?

Psm 119:160 it’s all true

Isa 40:8 it stands forever

Matt 5:18 it won’t pass away; it will be fulfilled

John 17:17 it’s true

4. Biblical Terms:

• Bible: comes from the Greek word biblos, which is simply “book”

• Scripture: the sacred writings; comes from the Latin word scriptura

• Inspiration: the supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit upon the Scripture writers which made their writings the Word of God

The word literally means “God-breathed.” The Bible is God’s Words written down. Many times, especially in the OT, the writer says, “Thus says the Lord.” The Bible writers repeatedly claim that the words are God’s and not their own. However, God did not dictate the Bible like a boss dictates to a secretary. God influenced or moved various authors to write down what He wanted written. What men wrote under the influence of the Holy Spirit was the word of God.

Because of inspiration, we believe the Bible is:

• Inerrant – without errors in the original documents Remember that inerrancy applies to the originals, not to subsequent copies or versions.

• Infallible – incapable of leading one astray

• Preserved – kept by God throughout time so that it is still accurate and trustworthy today

• Version: A version is simply a type of translation. The Bible was originally written in Hebrew (OT) and Greek (NT). Translators convert those languages into other languages so anyone can read the Bible.

There are many different versions of the Bible in English. They are all roughly the same, although they vary in their use of language. Newer versions are more readable but tend to be less literal. Older versions stick more closely to the original language but tend to be harder for modern readers to understand. Versions such as the KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, and NIV are useful and reliable works.

• Revelation: God’s communication of truth to man, or the content of the truth communicated.

“Reveal” means “to uncover, to expose, to show.” God has revealed information about Himself to us in the Bible. Revelation (the verb) happens when God reveals information directly to someone. Revelation (the noun) is the result of that happening. The Bible is God’s revelation of Himself. Men wrote down what God inspired them to write. This is not the same as some composer or poet being “inspired.”

• Canonicity: the historical process whereby God, through the Holy Spirit, directed His people to recognize which writings were inspired. The word “canon” means an authorized list. Only those books which bore the marks of canonicity were included in the canon.¹ The canon is comprised of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments. The canon was permanently closed with the writing of the book of Revelation at the end of the first century A.D. (Rev 22:18-19). Thus, we do not believe that God is directly revealing anything to people today.

What about the Apocrypha? The Apocrypha is the group of disputed books that are included in some Bibles but not in others. Protestants generally believe that the Apocryphal books are valuable historically, but are not inspired. Apocryphal books do not partake of the marks of canonicity, and thus should not be considered as part of the inspired canon of Scriptural books. Some information in the Apocrypha contradicts the rest of the Bible.

• Illumination: the act of the Holy Spirit whereby He enables saved people to understand the true significance of the Word of God (John 14:26; 1 Cor 2:6 16; 1 John 2:20 21, 27). Unsaved people can understand the basic sense of Scripture, but they do not accept “the things of the Spirit of God” (1 Cor 2:14). The only way unsaved people can understand and apply the Gospel is if the Holy Spirit convinces them of the truth of the Scriptures.

• Interpretation: the process of arriving at the correct understanding of Scripture. One should interpret each passage according to its grammatical, historical, literary, and theological context. Generally speaking, one should interpret the Bible literally. That is, if the plain sense of the passage makes sense, one should seek no other sense. Words and sentences should be understood in their normal, regular way. One should not seek for hidden or “deeper” meanings. The primary task of the interpreter is to find the author’s intended meaning. Biblical interpretation is sometimes called hermeneutics.

5. How do we know that the Bible is really God’s Word?

There are many so-called “scriptures” that claim to be God’s Word. Christians believe the Bible is the one and only inspired source of revelation for two reasons:

• The Holy Spirit convinces us that the Bible is truly God’s Word (1 Cor 2:9-14). Faith comes through hearing the Word (Rom 10:17).

• Historical research and analysis, which shows that the Bible is trustworthy and credible, strengthens our assurance.

6. Conclusions about the Bible:

• Christians should have a high respect and regard for the Bible. It’s not like any other book. It’s the basis for their faith and life.

• Christians should read it often. Daily Bible reading should be the norm. It should be your goal to read the entire Bible.

• Christians should listen carefully as preachers and teachers explain it.

• Christians should obey it. This is the correct response to learning new truth. Seek to obey what you learn, apply the principles to your life. Be “doers of the word and not hearers only.”

• Christians should memorize it. Psm 119:11. Memorize verses that you find important or meaningful. Start a list and go over it daily.

• Christians should meditate on it. Psalm 1.2 “His delight is in the law of the Lord…”

• Christians should base their lives upon its principles. Biblical principles apply to almost every aspect of life. Our lives reflect those principles in daily life. The Bible should influence our thinking and our behavior. Develop a Bible-soaked logic.

Conclusion: Because the Bible is the word of God, it’s essential for Christians to access it on a regular basis. An essential discipline of the Christian life is daily Bible reading. Seek to read, understand and apply the Bible every day.

Discussion:

1. Define inspiration. The work of the Holy Spirit upon the life of a biblical author that insured that what he wrote was the Word of God.

2. Define revelation. The act of God revealing his word to man, or the content of the communication

3. What is a “canon”? A rule or authorized list. The 66 books of the Bible are the canon.

4. How do we know that God is not directly revealing information through inspiration today? 1) Jesus promised that the apostles would write the NT. There are no apostles around today; 2) The book of Rev strongly implies that nothing else would be added to the canon; 3) The Bible is sufficient for life and godliness. We’ve got everything we need.

5. Why don’t Protestants accept the Apocrypha? Because they don’t think that it’s inspired. It does not partake of the marks of inspiration. It may be valuable, but it’s not God’s Word.

6. How should one interpret the Bible? Literally/normally, like any other literature.

1 Books were considered canonical if they were written by a recognized prophet or apostle, if they agreed with the other accepted scriptural books, and if the people of God (Israel or the church) accepted the book as authoritative.

Bible Boot Camp: Lesson 4: Baptism

In the last lesson we looked at the meaning and purpose of the church. One important thing the church does is baptize believers. In this lesson, we’ll study what baptism is all about.

1. The word “baptize”

“Baptize” means “to dip, dunk, or immerse.” This is why we baptize like we do. Sprinkling, pouring, etc do not fulfill the basic meaning of the word.

Acts 8:36-38 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.

Note that both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water. If baptism were merely pouring or sprinkling of water, there would have been no need for them to get into the water. There is a perfectly good Greek word for “sprinkling,” and it is never used in reference to Christian baptism.

The symbolism of the baptism strongly suggests immersion (see Romans 6:4-5). Baptism is an act which symbolizes the believers acceptance of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ as provision for the washing away of sin. No other mode of baptism captures the symbolism correctly.

Further, the practice of the early church was obviously immersion (see such passages as Matt 3:6, 16; Mark 1:10; John 3:23; Acts 8:26-40).

Definition: Christian baptism is the immersion of a person in water, on profession of his faith in Christ, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

2. Baptism is the initial step of obedience after salvation.

Baptism is only for those who have exercised and professed a saving faith in Christ. In the NT, the order is always salvation followed by baptism. Those who put their faith in Christ were generally baptized soon thereafter. All believers should be baptized.

Acts 2:41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.

Acts 18:8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.

Some traditions teach that baptism washes away original sin. The idea that baptism absolves one of sin is often called “baptismal regeneration.” While baptism is at times linked with salvation (Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet 3:21), the two are separate ideas. Baptism is not required for salvation. However, this fact does not reduce the need for baptism. One should not see baptism as an optional, unimportant ritual, but as a necessary step of obedience. Those who refuse baptism cast their profession of faith into doubt.

The NT knows nothing of baptizing infants or anyone else who does not have the ability to understand the gospel. Some suggest that the children of believing parents should be baptized, but this practice has no biblical support. Each person must believe for himself in order to be saved.¹

3. Baptism is an ordinance, not a sacrament

An ordinance is a meaningful rite or ritual conducted by a church. Most Baptist churches do not see baptism as a sacrament, but rather as an ordinance. The word “sacrament”² suggests a means of grace, i.e., a practice through which one receives grace to be saved. Baptists do not believe that baptism saves or keeps one saved. They don’t see the practice as a channel of saving grace. Instead, baptism is an ordinance, a symbolic ritual that Christ instituted and that the early church practiced. It’s an outward sign of inward grace, not an outward work through which one receives saving grace.

Baptism has no power in itself to forgive sin, to change one’s heart or to cause one to be more sanctified. But as an act of obedience, it does bring one into a more intimate and personal fellowship with Christ and with His church.

4. Baptism is a local church ordinance.

The local church is responsible to control and conduct baptisms. It is not a ritual that any believer can practice, but one that must be conducted under the authority of a church. A church, not an individual, authorizes baptisms. Generally, pastors administer baptism, although anyone the church appoints could do so. The validity of baptism depends on the character and profession of the candidate, not on that of the administrator. However, if one was baptized in a non-baptistic church, he will likely have to be re-baptized (really, baptized correctly for the first time) if he wants to join a Baptist church.

Baptism is an initiation into the church. One cannot be a member of a church until he is baptized.

5. The importance of baptism

A. Baptism is a public confession of faith. Esp. important in NT times. Shows your true commitment. Something wrong if a person is unwilling to follow the biblical pattern.

B. Baptism is a public identification with Christ (Rom 6:3-5). It shows one’s belief in the death, burial and rez of Christ.

C. Baptism results in addition to the church (Acts 2:41-42). Normally when we baptize someone, we take him into membership. We wouldn’t baptize someone without taking him into membership.

1. Baptism is commanded by Christ (Matt 28:18-20). Baptism is not a matter of personal preference. Any genuine believer desires to follow the Lord in baptism. It may not be required for salvation, but it certainly is required for obedience, church membership and further service. One cannot hope to receive all the blessings and rewards of discipleship if he is unwilling to obey in this matter.

6. Misunderstanding Baptism

1. Baptism does not convey saving grace. Salvation and baptism are two different matters. Baptism is for those who are already saved.

2. The correct mode of baptism is immersion. Sprinkling or pouring water on someone is not genuine baptism.

3. Baptism is not a continuation of the OT rite of circumcision. Jewish males were circumcised on their eighth day as a sign of the covenant between God and Israel. Baptism is an entirely different thing.

4. The character of the candidate and the mode of baptism (immersion) are most important. The administrator is of secondary importance.³

Conclusion: Baptism is an important initial step of obedience and a public testimony of one’s conversion. After a person gets saved, he should seek to be baptized and to become part of a local church.

Discussion:

1. What’s the difference between a sacrament and an ordinance? “Sacrament” suggests a channel/means of grace; “ordinance” suggests meaningful rite/ritual. An ordinance is an important act, but it doesn’t convey saving grace.

2. Does baptism save a person or help keep one saved? No. It doesn’t help a person be saved, nor does it keep a person saved. It’s a step of obedience.

3. Should we recognize the baptism from non-baptistic churches? You have to go on a case-by-case basis. Some “alien baptisms” are fine, others aren’t. As long as the candidate understood correctly and the mode was right (immersion), the baptism should probably stand. If not, the person should be legitimately baptized.

4. Should babies be baptized? No. Christening was started because people thought baptism saves or removes sin. If it did, it would make sense to do it as soon as possible. But it does not save. Remember the order: Salv, then baptism. Can babies believe? No. Thus, they shouldn’t be baptized. See Acts 18.8

5. What is the procedure of baptism like? Normally the person who wants to get baptized talks to the pastor about it. The pastor then sets up an interview to make sure the person is really saved and understands what baptism is all about. If the pastor and deacons feel the person is ready, they will recommend the person for membership. Then the person will be baptized as soon as possible–maybe a few days or a couple of weeks. We have a baptismal tank in the front of our church. The pastor dips the person backward under the water and then brings him up. Then the church votes the person into membership.

1 Some suggest that because the NT mentions the baptism of entire households (Acts 16:15; 1 Cor 1:16), infants must have been included in baptism. However, it is clear that the members of those baptized households included only those who could exercise saving faith (cf. Acts 18:8).

2 From the Latin sacramentum, a soldier’s oath of loyalty and consecration to the military service in which he enlists.

3 Some churches insist on “rattling the chain,” that is, making sure that one is baptized in a “legitimate” church, one that was started by a “legitimate” church, and so on. Such churches assert that unless one is baptized in a church that can trace its heritage back to a “legitimate” church, the baptisms conducted by that church are illegitimate. We do not hold that view.

Bible Boot Camp: Lesson 3: Church Membership

One of the most important aspects of the believer’s life is the church to which he belongs. Church is where the Scripture is taught, where believers fellowship and encourage each other, and where Christians gather to worship God as a community. Church is a very important thing.

• What are some ways in which people understand the word “church”?

Usually the building; a denomination, all believers, a local group of believers

• What are the two ways in which the term “church” is used in the NT?

1 Cor 1:2; Rom 16:5 a certain church in a town, i.e., a local church

1 Cor 12:13; Eph 1:22-23 all saved people, i.e., the universal or “catholic” church

• Read the following verses and formulate a definition for what the local church is.

Acts 2:41 saved and baptized

Acts 2:42 devoted to teaching, etc

Acts 5:42 preaching the gospel

Matt 28:19-20 going, making disciples, baptizing, teaching (fulfilling the Great Commission)

Heb 10.25; Acts 20:7 meeting regularly

Phil 1:1 organized with elders and deacons

Definition of church: combo of above elements

• Are you currently a member of a church that follows this definition?

• How do you become a member of a church? Acts 2:41

For new converts, baptism is the means of addition to a church. You would talk to the pastor, explain how you got saved and that you want to be baptized. If the pastor is convinced you really understand and are saved, he’ll schedule a baptism, usually after a PM service. After the baptism, the church votes to take you into membership. Next time we’ll look at the meaning and importance of baptism.

Unlike the universal church, membership in a local church is voluntary. One must choose to become a member of a particular local church. Unfortunately, some Christians choose not to.

For Discussion

Why do some Christians refuse to join a local church? They are disobedient; they see it as optional; they don’t agree with every aspect or philosophy of the church.

What about people who attend a church but refuse to formally join it? Same as above. They want the benefits of a church without the commitments involved.

Do you have to wait to find the perfect church, or can you join one that is slightly flawed? If you find the perfect church, don’t join it; you’d wreck it. Obviously, no church is perfect, and you won’t agree on every single point. But as long as the church is doctrinally and philosophically sound, there’s no reason not to join.

The fact that some Christians refrain from uniting in membership with a local church is unfortunate, for church membership is a good thing.

I. The Reasons for Membership

Though it is true that church membership is not explicitly taught in Scripture, the general concept is found throughout the NT. Consider the following:

A. Biblical precedent suggests church membership.

1. Believers were added to the church in Jerusalem (Acts 2:47). They could not have been added to an organization that did not exist.

2. Records of membership were kept (1 Tim 5:9).

3. Members could be removed from the local church (1 Cor 5:12-13). One obviously cannot be removed from something he is not a part of.

4. Members could transfer from one church to another (Rom 16:1).

B. Biblical principles suggest church membership.

1. The principle of accountability

The local church is the context in which one makes himself accountable to other believers. Members of a church are responsible to exhort, encourage, warn, and disciple one another. We should welcome and seek such accountability. Unwillingness to join a church implies an unwillingness to be held accountable.

2. The principle of commitment

The members of the early church had a sincere commitment to one another (Acts 2:41-47). The author of Hebrews exhorts his readers not to forsake the assembly of believers (Heb 10:25). Members of a church ought to be firmly committed to one another and to the ministry of their church. Those who are not members have little or no ownership of the ministry. No matter how faithfully they attend, they are not really committed to the assembly.

Most churches have a formal covenant that members agree to when they join. A covenant is an agreement or contract which lists the obligations members voluntarily take upon themselves. Such a document is helpful in that it spells out very clearly the commitments people are making when they join the church.

Pass out copy of church covenant and read thru it.

3. The principle of orderliness

In the local church, all things are to be done in an orderly manner (1 Corinthians 14:40). Church membership promotes orderliness by clearly identifying who is part of a local church and who is not. If one is part of a church, the church members have the right and responsibility to help that person live an orderly life. If a non-member is living a disorderly life, the church has no right or obligation to confront the person about it. Non-members are not under the authority of any church.

II. The Requirements for Membership

A. The initial requirements

1. Salvation (Acts 2:41,47)

A dearly held principle of Baptist polity [explain polity] is regenerate church membership. That is, only those who can give a reasonable testimony of salvation are considered for membership. This obviously prohibits infants from membership, as well as anyone else who does not have a testimony of salvation. Many churches extend membership to anyone who cares to join, whether or not they claim to be saved. Why do you think they’d do that? In the hope that such people would get saved. What are the dangers of doing that? It could lead to unsaved people having an influence over the church.

2. Baptism (Acts 2:41)

Just as salvation and Spirit baptism are prerequisites to membership in the invisible church, so salvation and water baptism are prerequisites to membership in the visible church.

Normally, when one gets saved, he is shortly thereafter baptized. This is the clear NT pattern. The church then votes to accept the person into membership. If a baptized believer moves to a new community, his membership is transferred from his old church to his new one; he is not re-baptized.

If a person has a legitimate testimony of salvation, has been baptized, and has evidence of an orderly way of life, he may expect to be welcomed into the membership of a church.

B. The continuing requirement: an orderly walk

In order to remain a member in good standing, the church member must live a consistently righteous, although not perfect, lifestyle (2 Thes 3:1). Those who persist in sin and are unwilling to repent are to be excommunicated from the assembly (see 1 Corinthians 5). A church may discipline a member out of the fellowship for a number of reasons: doctrinal deviation, a disorderly walk, a divisive spirit, etc.

III. The Responsibilities of Membership

“Membership has its privileges” was a catchy advertising slogan several years ago. As far as the local church is concerned, this saying might be modified to read: Membership has its responsibilities. What are some of the responsibilities of a local church member?

A. Attendance (Acts 20:7; Hebrews 10:24-25)

This is not sporadic, hit-and-miss attendance, but faithful participation. A church member should strive to support all the services and activities of his church that pertain to him. If one does not attend, he can’t be an active participant. A non-attending member is a drag on the whole operation.

B. Giving (1 Corinthians 16:2)

The sacrificial giving of the members of a church finances the ministry of that church. The local church is both the collection and distribution point for the money Christians give. Members should seek to give a portion of their income to sustain and expand the ministry of their church. Those who don’t give are not only disobedient, they are not pulling their weight. Non-members really don’t have a place to give.

One’s own church, not para-church ministries, should be the primary recipient of Christian giving. Support your local church instead of some other ministry that is not directly interested in you.

C. Fellowship (Acts 2:42)

Fellowship is more than just social interaction. The fellowship that church members have with each other is based not only on their common bond of faith, but also on their common commitment to one another as members of the same church. Thus, if one is not a member of a church, the degree of fellowship that he can experience with other believers is greatly diminished.

Members of a church have made a pledge and a commitment to one another. They can count on each other. Non-members have not so committed themselves, and thus are outside the fellowship.

Attenders and non-members may enjoy a degree of fellowship, but they can’t expect the same treatment as members can.

4. Ministry

Note all the ways in which church members are to minister to each other.

1. Pray for one another (2 Thes 3:1; see also Lesson Ten)

2. Do good to one another (Gal 6:10)

3. Serve one another (Gal 5:13)

4. Forgive one another (Col 3:13)

5. Edify one another (1 Thes 5:11)

6. Admonish one another (Rom 15:14)

7. Bear one another’s burdens (Gal 6:2)

8. Teach one another (Col 3:16)

9. Comfort one another (1 Thes 5:11)

10. Exhort one another (Heb 3:13)

11. Encourage one another (Heb 3:13 and 10:25)

Members fulfill these ministries (and more) primarily within the context of their church. If one is not a part of a church, he can’t fully participate in either the giving or the receiving aspects of these ministries. He really has no outlet for ministry within the church because he’s not part of it. He may have a personal ministry of outreach and discipleship, but this would be separate from church ministry.

Further, leadership is only for members. If one wants to be a pastor, deacon, or Sunday school teacher, he normally has to be a member. In fact, if one desires to fulfill nearly any responsibility in the church, he has to be a member. Thus, membership is required to obey the above commands.

Admittedly, some churches are very loose when it comes to whom they allow to minister within the church. Some churches allow anyone to be involved. We don’t.

4. Membership privileges

The saying “membership has its privileges” is true. There are things church members can participate in that non-members cannot.

1. The ordinances

The Lord’s Supper is for church members. This ordinance is strictly for those who have been baptized and are part of a church. The other ordinance, baptism, is directly linked to membership. That is, those who are baptized are normally added to the church.

Some churches have closed communion, others close, and others open. We practice close communion—one has to be a member of either our church or a church of like faith and practice. This is based on the order in the Great Commission: make disciples by going, baptizing, and teaching. The Lord’s supper comes under the “teaching” part.

2. Ministry

As noted above, ministry is a responsibility, but it’s also a privilege. Knowing that the other members of the church have obligated themselves to minister to one another is a very comforting and strengthening thought. There are times when we need to be ministered to, and members should be able to count on other members to do so. Knowing that one has a definite place of ministry is also helpful. Ministering among a group of people who have committed themselves to each other is a real joy.

3. Fellowship

Like ministry, fellowship is both a responsibility and a privilege. The members of a church have committed themselves to each other, and thus have a unique bond of fellowship. Non-member have no such privilege.

Conclusion:

• There are several reasons why believers should be members of a church. The Bible demands it, there is no accountability without it, and orderliness is impossible without it.

• There are several requirements for membership. One must have a valid testimony of salvation, must have been baptized, and must walk in an orderly manner.

• The responsibilities of membership include participation, financial support, ministry and fellowship.

• The privileges of membership include participation in the Lord’s Supper, ministry, and fellowship.

Discussion:

1. Can you think of any scenarios in which church membership is not required for the believer? Perhaps when a saved person moves to a place where there is no Christian church, or where all the churches are bad. Then he should start a church.

2. Should a church ever baptize someone who does not intend to join the church? No, not normally. Certain circumstances may allow it, but not normally.

3. Should we have a negative, arrogant attitude toward those who attend but refuse membership? No. If we are charitable, we’ll see them as disorderly brethren. If we are a little more dogmatic, well see them as unbelievers. Jay Adams: “People who are not members of a church should be treated as unbelievers, because they are treating themselves as unbelievers” (LITFH, 18). Believers unite with churches; unbelievers don’t.

4. What problems do churches that don’t have membership face? 1. It’s unbiblical; 2. They have no basis for discipline; 3. There is no basis for control or limitation; 4. Little or no commitment from attenders, especially when times are tough—people will be prone to cut and run easily.

5. To whom in the local church is the believer accountable? (See Matthew 18:15-20 & Hebrews 13:17.) To one another and to the church leadership

6. How does church membership make accountability possible? If one is not a member of the church, no church discipline can take place. You can’t throw someone out of an organization he is not a part of. The church has no influence over those not in its membership.

A Sample Church Covenant

LIBERTY BAPTIST CHURCH

Antigo, Wisconsin

(typical of most conservative Baptist church covenants)

CHURCH COVENANT

Having been brought, as we believe, by divine grace to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior; and having been baptized, upon the confession of faith, into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we do now most joyfully and solemnly enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ. As His body, we will seek to do all things to the praise of the glory of His grace.

We engage, therefore, as the Holy Spirit shall enable us, to walk together in brotherly love; to exercise Christian care and watchfulness over one another; to participate in one another’s joys and sorrows; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation; to provoke one another unto love and good works; and to forsake not the assembling of ourselves together.

We further engage to boldly strive for the advancement of Liberty Baptist Church in grace, knowledge, and holiness; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; to sustain its worship, ordinances, and doctrines; and to contribute cheerfully and liberally to the financial support of the ministries of the church.

We further engage to walk wisely and watchfully in the world, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our behavior; maintaining family and private devotions; bringing up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; seeking the salvation of the lost; availing ourselves of the great privilege of prayer for one another and for all men.

Bible Boot Camp: Lesson 2: Assurance of Salvation

Blessed Assurance–Should It Be Mine?

Another critical element of the Christian life is a confident assurance that one is truly saved. If a believer questions his own salvation, several negative results are likely: he will not tell others of their need for salvation, he will not actively serve in any ministry, and he will be filled with doubts, questions, and fears about the future. On the other hand, when one is confident that he really is saved, he will boldly proclaim the gospel, seek to serve in a ministry, and will rest assured that he is forgiven. Assurance makes the difference between a weak, ineffective believer and a bold, effective one.

After being saved, some people struggle with doubting that they really are saved. Can a person know for sure that he is saved? How can he know? Note several significant truths about assurance:

1. One aspect of assurance is confidence in the promises of the Bible.

The Bible tells us that those who repent of their sins and believe the gospel will be saved. If you’ve done what the Bible tells you to do regarding salvation, you have God’s promise that you are saved.

1 John 5:11-13 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

• How do you know that you can be confident of your salvation? The book states that one can know for sure.

• What is this assurance based on? What is written.

• Is assurance based on a fact or a feeling? Fact

John 3:18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 20:31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

A primary aspect of assurance is simply believing what God said in the Bible. Believers have God’s promise that those who trust Christ will be saved. If one is confident that God’s word is true, he should also be confident that his salvation is secure.

2. The Holy Spirit gives assurance to those who are saved.

Romans 8:14-16 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

These verses tell us that the Holy Spirit gives believers a calm, confident assurance that they have been converted. This aspect of assurance is more feeling-oriented and based on one’s own personal, inner experiences. Subjective rather than objective.

While one should not base his assurance of salvation primarily on inner feelings of peace and security, such an inner calmness and confidence is one aspect of assurance.

3. Evidence of salvation will always follow true conversion. New creations in Christ (2 Cor 5:17) will give evidence of their new spiritual state by a radical change in attitudes and behaviors. Lack of spiritual fruit, or the wrong kind of fruit, is evidence of a lost condition (Matt 7:15-20).

Evidences of salvation from 1 John: true believers

• walk in the light (1:6-7). They display Christ-like behaviors and attitudes.

• are sensitive about sin. They confess and forsake it (1:8-10).

• are obedient (2:3-5, 29). The general trend or pattern in a genuine believer’s life is obedience and holiness, not rebellion and worldliness.

• love the things of God rather than the things of the world (2:15-17).

• love other believers (3:10-15, 5:1-2). Genuine believers find true fellowship with other believers rather than with the unsaved crowd.

• are committed to a doctrinally-sound church (2:19). True believers maintain unity with a group of orthodox believers in a church.

• affirm sound doctrine (2:20-23). They are orthodox.

• follow after holiness (2:29, 3:6-9). They are not sinless, but they are striving to cease from sin and follow the Lord.

Those who have such evidence in their lives can be assured that they are saved. Those who lack such evidence should seriously question the validity of their profession.

True believers will persevere (continue on) in faith and in good works. These evidences will continue in a genuine believer’s life. If one becomes unorthodox in his belief or if he fails to maintain the works required for a Christian, he has no reason to be assured of his salvation. True believers often do backslide for a time, but they will not ultimately reject Christ.

A person can know for sure that he is saved. It’s not a matter of “hope so” or “maybe so.” It’s a firm conviction based on God’s Word. If one has turned to Christ in faith, believes the right doctrine, displays clear evidence of salvation through his lifestyle, and enjoys the inner testimony of the Holy Spirit, one can be assured that he truly is saved. Such assurance will likely not surface until some time after salvation. Assurance is like fruit—it takes a while to develop and mature. Some time must pass for the evidences of salvation to start displaying themselves. But if one is truly saved, such assurance will arrive. Until this kind of evidence arrives, it’s unwise and counterproductive to assure a person that he is saved. Rather, if there is little or no evidence, the person should doubt his salvation. This is why it is unwise to assure a new convert that he is really saved right after his decision to be saved. It may be a false profession. Time will tell whether he was sincere.

Decisions and Assurance

Note: Assurance of salvation is not the same as eternal security. Assurance deals with one’s own personal conviction, based on biblical evidence, that he is truly saved. Eternal security is the objective truth that all those who genuinely trust in Christ for salvation will be saved and cannot lose their salvation. Once a person is saved, he cannot ever be lost. The idea that a genuine believer is eternally secure should strengthen one’s assurance of salvation. The two ideas do work together, but they are separate doctrines. A genuine believer is eternally secure, but he may or may not have assurance of salvation.

Conclusion: Believers can and should enjoy a calm, steady assurance that they are saved. Such confidence is based on three things: the promises of the Bible, practical evidences (fruit) that typically accompany salvation, and the inner witness of the Holy Spirit. If any of these is missing or questionable, lack of assurance will result. But if they are present, the believer should have no doubts regarding his security in Christ.

Discussion:

1. What are the three bases upon which one should base his assurance? Orthodox profession of faith, evidence of spiritual life, internal assurance from the H.S.

2. Why is it dangerous to base your assurance of salvation on the fact that your raised your hand, walked an aisle, or prayed a prayer? Those activities do not save anyone.

3. Are we capable of judging whether anyone else is saved? Yes and no. If they don’t claim to be saved, then yes, we can agree that they are not saved. If they claim to be saved but are in error on what they believe, again we can conclude that they are not saved. But if they claim to be saved and have an orthodox profession of faith, then we may doubt that they are saved, but we can’t know for sure.

4. What if I don’t feel saved? Salv. is not based on feelings/emotions. On the other hand, if you doubt your salvation, you need to re-evaluate whether or not you are truly saved. Salvation is not emotion based, but there is an emotional, “feeling” aspect to assurance. If the evidence is not there, the feeling will likely not be there, either.

5. Can a saved person ever lose salvation? No. A saved person will persevere in faith and in good works. If not, they never were saved to begin with. Lots of theological problems associated with losing salvation.

6. Why is it unwise to assure a new convert that he really is saved right after his profession of faith? Because it’s very easy to make a false/empty profession of faith. Assurance is the result of a process. It takes time for fruit to develop, and assurance comes from fruitfulness. It’s best to adopt a “time will tell” attitude.

Bible Boot Camp: Lesson 1: Salvation

We start Bible Bootcamp with the topic of salvation for a reason. Salvation is the first and most basic aspect of Christianity. None of the rest of the material in this series has any meaning for an unsaved person. Just like in the military, boot camp doesn’t apply to civilians.

It’s critical that we understand what salvation is all about. Some people think that doing good, going to church, or following certain religious rituals will eventually result in salvation. What does it mean to be saved?

Salvation is not:

• based on works Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5 Can’t earn it or work for it. Not baptism, communion, etc.

• based on nationality Romans 10:12-13 Doesn’t matter what your family background is.

Salvation is:

• a gift (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 6:23)

• based on God’s grace (same verses)

What is grace? Undeserved, unmerited favor. I.e., kindness, a good disposition toward someone even tho they don’t deserve it.

• based on God’s prior choice (John 15:16; Romans 9:15; Ephesians 1:4)

• by faith/belief (John 3:16, 36; Acts 16:31)

• eternal (John 3:36, 5:24) Note that life starts at salvation.

God’s Purpose in Salvation

1. God’s original purpose in creation was that mankind should honor and serve Him. God desires to enter into a relationship of loving rule over mankind.

Jeremiah 32:38 They will be my people, and I will be their God.

Ezekiel 36:28 Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God.

2 Corinthians 6:18 “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

Revelation 21:7 He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.

The overall theme of the Bible is how God enters into this relationship with man, whereby God rules over mankind and mankind recognizes God as his God. If this was God’s original purpose, why doesn’t it work that way? What happened?

Mankind chose to sin against his Creator rather than honor and serve Him.

Romans 3:23 All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

We sin by either doing what God has prohibited (sins of commission) or not doing what God has commanded (sins of omission).

Sin is a problem because it causes separation from God. God is holy and man is sinful. God cannot fellowship with sinful creatures.

Isaiah 59:2 Your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.

God responds negatively to sin. Sin always demands punishment. Sin causes mankind to be dead spiritually, under God’s wrath, and condemned.

Romans 6:23 The wages of sin is death.

2. People cannot earn, work for, or merit God’s forgiveness. There’s nothing anyone can do to turn aside God’s wrath against his or her sin. Good works, religion, morality and generosity are all ways that people attempt to appease God. But God is not pleased by any works that man can do.

Isaiah 64:6 All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith– and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast.

Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.

3. What mankind could not do, God did by sending His only Son to be a substitutionary sacrifice. When Jesus died on the cross, he endured the wrath of God against sin. He suffered in the place of sinners. Jesus paid the penalty for man’s sin by dying on the cross in their place. He rose again three days later.

Romans 5:8 God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; . . . was buried, and . . . rose again the third day according to the scriptures.

2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

4. Sinners may receive forgiveness of sin by turning from sin and trusting in Christ. The right response to the Gospel is to repent of sin and believe in Christ.

• Turn from sin — repent. Admit your sin to God. Ask Him to forgive you.

True repentance is a change of heart and purpose affecting the whole man—intellect, emotion and will. The literal meaning of “repentance” is “a change of mind.” Repentance is best described as a turning away from sin and toward God. It’s a total about-face. It’s an inner response of the whole person away from sin and toward God.

• Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Ask Jesus to save you.

Saving faith is the knowledge of, assent to, and unreserved trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Faith is knowing the facts about Christ, acknowledging that those facts are true, and personally believing and trusting in Christ as your savior from sin.

Acts 16:31 “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”

Acts 20:21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.

At the point of salvation, God forgives the believer’s sin and gives him a positive standing. All sin—past, present, and future—is blotted out and taken away. The believer is also given a positive standing before God. There is no more separation between God and the sinner. In fact, the believer is adopted into God’s family.

Note: There are certain costs associated with trusting in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Jesus demands first place in the believer’s life. The NT presents Jesus as both Savior and Lord. Those who desire salvation from sin must also recognize Christ’s authority over their lives. It is costly to be a disciple of Christ, but the benefits far outweigh the costs.

1 John 2:3-6 We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. . . . Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

The Great Change

A familiar chorus sung in many churches has the lyrics, “The things I used to do, I don’t do them any more. There’s been a great change since I’ve been born again.” A major change takes place in the life of the believer at the moment he repents of his sin and puts his faith in Christ.

1. Ephesians 2:1-5 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world. . . Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions.

• What was our spiritual condition before salvation? Dead, objects of wrath

• Describe our behavior before salvation. followed the ways of this world

• What does the author mean by “the ways of the world”? The opposite of the ways of God—sinful behavior patterns, unconcerned about what God wants.

• What is our spiritual condition after salvation? Alive in Christ

• How should this changed spiritual condition change our behavior? Rather than following the ways of the world, we ought to follow the ways of Christ.

2. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

• What does “in Christ” mean? To be saved. Paul uses that expression frequently to refer to saved people.

• What is true about those who are “in Christ”? they are new creations

• What is true of one who is a new creation? The old has gone, the new has come. I.e., there has been a great change.

3. Romans 6:17-18 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

• What does Paul say we were before being saved? Slaves of sin

• How does Paul describe what occurs at the point of salvation? wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted

• What is the current standing of the believer? set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness

• How should this spiritual truth be seen in our daily living? Instead of living in sin, we should strive to be righteous/holy

4. Ephesians 4:22-24 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

• How does Paul describe a person before salvation? The old man

• How does he describe a person after salvation? The new man

• Describe the difference between the two.

• Old man: is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts

• New man: is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Note: The great spiritual change that occurs at the point of salvation should be accompanied by a great change in one’s behavior patterns and attitudes. This is the most visible evidence that one is truly saved. If no outward change has taken place, it’s probably because no inward change has taken place.

Conclusion: The most basic element of Bible Bootcamp is salvation. Have you seen your need as a sinful person, turned from your sin, and put your faith in Jesus Christ? Those who have become disciples of Christ give evidence of that fact by a changed lifestyle.

Discussion:

1. What was God’s original purpose in salvation? that mankind should honor and serve Him. God desires to enter into a relationship of loving rule over mankind.

2. What is the correct response to the gospel? Repentance and faith

3. Define repentance. Repentance is best described as a turning away from sin and toward God. It’s a total about-face. It’s an inner response of the whole person away from sin and toward God.

4. Define saving faith. Saving faith is the knowledge of, assent to, and unreserved trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Faith is knowing the facts about Christ, acknowledging that those facts are true, and personally believing and trusting in Christ as your savior from sin.

5. T F Salvation does not require any kind of commitment or loyalty to Christ.

6. Why should there be a difference between an unsaved person and a saved one? Because there is a basic spiritual difference.

Bible Boot Camp: Basic Training in Biblical Principles

This introductory discipleship series will focus on the practical, basic elements of the Christian life. For those who have been Christians for some time, this material will be a review of lessons already learned and (hopefully) applied. For new believers, this material will serve as foundational truth on which to build a solid Christian life.

Note: This material is the teacher’s edition–the answers are filled in and comments (in italics) are included. To make a student copy, simply empty the blanks and remove the comments.

Contents:

Lesson 1: Salvation

Lesson 2: Assurance of Salvation

Lesson 3: Church Membership

Lesson 4: Baptism

Lesson 5: The Bible

Lesson 6: Prayer

Lesson 7: Daily Devotions

Lesson 8: Separation

Lesson 9: What to Do About Sin

Lesson 10: The Lordship of Christ

Lesson 11: Proper Behavior

Lesson 12: Evangelism

Lesson 13: Stewardship

Lesson 14: Christian Growth

Lesson 15: How to Get the Most from a Sermon

© Brad Anderson 2006