Preview: Choosing to give our lives to God by making changes to live a godly life is the first step back from sin.
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:1-16.
Memory Verse: Colossians 2:10.
1. Discuss man’s condition before and after he was reconciled to God according to the foregoing Scriptures.
Note: In previous lessons we have studied about man’s sins and the results. Now let us see what the Word teaches about the remedy for sin through reconciliation.
2. How completely is one’s life changed when he is reconciled to God? II Corinthians 5:17-19.
Note: Reconciled means to restore ourselves to favor with God, make right that which went wrong, and to make adjustments or payment. This is what Christ did for us at the cross.
3. Can we be reconciled to God and practice sin at the same time? II Corinthians 5:20-21 & II Corinthians 7:1.
4. What had to take place before our redemption could be accomplished? Romans 5:8-10 & Colossians 1:20-22.
Note: On the cross Christ declared, “It is finished.” He had completed the way for all mankind for all the ages of time to return to God. All of the ordinances that man had been practicing to show their need and hope for a Savior were nailed to the cross. We are now required to give ourselves as a living sacrifice. As the Jewish Passover and the feast days represented their deliverance from bondage in Egypt and their hope for the future, Christ fulfilled all of that and more. He made it possible for all who would accept it, to be free from the bondage of sin and receive the gift of eternal life.
5. Must our faithfulness accompany God’s gift if it is to be effective in our lives? Colossians 1:23 & Colossians 2:6.
6. What warning did Paul give the Church? Colossians 2:8-14.
7. Will holiness and a sin free life accompany our reconciliation? Ephesians 1:3-4 & Ephesians 1:7.
8. Is it possible to attain this without knowing Jesus Christ and the Father? John 6:40 & John 17:1-3.
9. What proof do we have that we know them? I John 2:3-6, II John 1:9 & III John 1:11.
10. Can we be reconciled to God without being born again? I John 5:1-5 & I John 5:11-12.
11. Is this gift extended to all mankind? I John 2:1-2, John 6:37 & John 6:40.
Note: Christ settled our salvation once and for all. God is not responsible if we choose not to accept it. The door to salvation is open to all who will come. It is not what we profess, but how we live that lets us know if we are in Him. Jesus is calling us to repent and be reconciled. We make the choice.