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Repentance
SIN AND REPENTANCE
Who are called to repentance? "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Luke 5:32. What accompanies repentance? "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations." Luke 24:47. By what means is sin made know? "By the law is the knowledge of sin." Romans 3:20. How many are sinners? "We have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin. Verse 9. What do transgressors bring upon themselves? "Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience." Ephesians 5:6.
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SENSING SIN AND EXPERIENCE SALVATION Who awakens the soul to a sense of its sinful condition? "When he [the Comforter] is come, he will reprove [literally "convince"] the world of sin." John 16:8. What are fitting inquiries for those convicted? "Men and brethren, what shall we do? "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Acts: 2:37; 16:30 What replies does Inspiration return to those inquiries? "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 2:38; 16:31. What will the truly repentant sinner be constrained to do? "I will declared mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin." Psalm 38:18. What is the result of godly sorrow? "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation." 2 Corinthians 7:10. What does the sorrow of the world do? "The sorrow of the world worketh death." Verse 10.
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How does godly sorrow for sin manifest itself? "For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, ye, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.: Verse 11. What did John the Baptist day to the Pharisees and Sadducees when he saw them come to his baptism? "O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? " Mathew 3:7. What did he tell them to do? "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance." Verse 8. Note.---There can be no true repentance without reformation. Repentance is a charge of mind; reformation is a corresponding change of life. When God send the Ninevites a warning message, how did they show their repentance, and what was the result? "And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil ways, and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them, and he did it not." Jonah 3:10. What leads sinners to repentance? "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and for bearace and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" Romance 2:4.
Confession and Forgiveness
What instruction is given concerning confession of sin? "Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin the men commit to do a trespass against the Lord, and that per son be guilty; then shall confess their sin which they have done." Numbers 5:6, 7. How futile is it to attempt to hide sin from God? "But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out." Numbers 32:23. "Thou has set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance." Psalm 90:8. "All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do." Hebrews 4:13. What promise is made to those who confess their sins? "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9. What different results attend the covering and the confessing of sins? "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsakes them shall have mercy." Proverbs 28: 13.
BEING DEFINITE IN CONFESSION
How definite should we be in confessing our sins? "And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing. Leviticus 5:5. Note.---"True confession is always of a specific character, and acknowledges particular sins. They may be of such a nature as to be brought before God only; they may be wrongs that should be confessed to individuals who have suffered injury through then; or they may be of a public character, and should then be as publicly confessed. But all confession should be definite and to the point, acknowledging the very sins of which you are guilty."--- Step to Christ, p 43.
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How fully did Israel once acknowledge their wrongdoing? "And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the Lord thy God, that we die not for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king." 1 Samuel 12:19. When David confessed his sin, what did he say God did? "I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid, I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgives the iniquity of my sin." Psalm 32:5. GOD'S DELIGHT IN FORGIVING What is God ready to do for all who seek for forgiveness? "For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee." Psalm 85:5. Upon what did David rest his hope of forgiveness? "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. |
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What is the measure of the greatness of God's mercy? "For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him." Psalm 103:11. How fully does the Lord pardon when one repents? "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." Isaiah 55:7. What reason is given for God's readiness to forgive sin? "Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy." Micah 7:18 (Psalm 78:38.) Why does God manifest such mercy and long-suffering toward men who seem to be holding on to sin? "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men could slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but hat all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9.
SPECIFIC EXAMPLE
When the prodigal son, in the parable, repented and turned to ward home, what did his father do? "When home, was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." Luke 15:20. How did the father show his joy at his son's return? "The father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. Verse 22-2. What is felt in heaven when a sinner repents? "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angel of God over one sinner that repenteth." Verse 10. What did Hezekiah say God had done with his sins? "Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou has cast all my sins behind thy back." Isaiah 38:17. How completely does God wish to separate sin for us? "Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea." Micah 7:19." As far as the east is from the west, so for hath he removed out transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12. How did the people response to the preaching of John? "Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan confessing their sins." Matthew 3:5, 6. How did some of the believers at Ephesus testify to the sincerity of the confession of their sins? "And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found ii fifty thousand pieces of silver." Acts. 19:18, 19.
CONDITIONS OF FORGIVENESS
Upon what basis has Christ taught us to ask forgiveness" "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." Matthew 6:12. What spirit must those cherish whom God forgives? "For if ye forgive men their trespass, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive trespasses." Verse 14, 15. What exhortation is based on the fact that God has forgiven us? "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiving you." Ephesians 4:32.
THE BLESSED GIVEN AND RECEIVER
Through whom are repentance and forgiveness granted? "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hat God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins." Acts 5:30, 31. In what condition will one be found whose sins are forgiven? "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile." Psalm 32:1, 2.
Conversion, or the New Birth
NECESSITY OF CONVERSION
How did Jesus emphasize the necessity of conversion? "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted an become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven," Matthew 18:13. In what other statement did He teach the same truth? "Verily, verily, I say thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3. How did He further explain the new birth? "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," Verse 5. With what comparison did He illustrate the subject? " The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whether it goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit." Verse 8.
AGENCY OF HE NEW CREATION
What takes when one is converted to Christ? "Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17, R.V., margin, (See Acts 9:1-22; 22:1-21; 26:1-23.) What is the value of merely outward forms? "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any things, new uncircumcision, but a new creature." Galatians 6:15. Through what was the original creation wrought? "By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth." Psalm 33:6. Through what instrument is conversion wrought? "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, bye the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." 1 Peter1:23.
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AGENCY OF HE NEW CREATION What takes when one is converted to Christ? "Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17, R.V., margin, (See Acts 9:1-22; 22:1-21; 26:1-23.) What is the value of merely outward forms? "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any things, new uncircumcision, but a new creature." Galatians 6:15. Through what was the original creation wrought? "By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth." Psalm 33:6. Through what instrument is conversion wrought? "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, bye the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." 1 Peter1:23. THE RESULTS OF TRUE CONVERSION What change is wrought in conversion, or the new birth? "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us [made us alive] together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)," Ephesians 2:5.
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What is one evidence of this change from death to life? "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death." 1 John 3:14. From what is a converted sinner saved? "Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death and shall hide a multitude of sins." James 5:20. (See Acts 26:14 - 18.) To whom are sinners brought by conversion? "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from the presence....Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee." Psalm 51:10-13. In what words to Peter did Jesus indicate the kind of service a converted person should render to his brethren? "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Stan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren," Luke 22:3,32. What other experience is associated with conversation? "For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their yes they have closed; lest at any times they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them," Matthew 13:15. What gracious promise does God make to His people? "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely; for mine anger is turned away from him." Hosea 14.4. By what means is this healing accomplished? "He [Christ] was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5. What are the evidences that one has been born of God? "If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him." "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God." 1 John 2:29; 4:7. What indwelling power keeps such from sinning? "Whosever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his [God's] seed remaineth in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." 1 John 3:9. (See 1 John 5:4; Genesis 39:9.) What will be the experience of those born of the Spirit? "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romance 8:1.
BELIEVING AND BEHOLDING JESUS
What is true of everyone who believes in Jesus? "Whosever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God." 1 John5:1. What change is wrought by beholding Jesus? "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Corinthians 3:18. Note.---We were slaves to sin, Jesus came down and suffered with us and for us, and delivered us. As we behold Him in His Word and in prayer and mediation, and serve Him in the person of others, we may be changed more and more into the glory of His likeness; then, if faithful, we shall someday see Him "face to face."
Christian Baptism
BELIEF, REPENTANCE, AND BAPTISM
What ordinance is closely associated with believing the gospel? "And he said unto them, God ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned," Mark 16:15,16. What did the Apostle Peter associated with baptism in his instructional the day of Pentecost? "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." Acts 2:38. In reply to his inquiry concerning salvation, what was the Philippian jailer told to do? "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 1:31. What followed immediately after the jailer and his family has accepted Christ as their Savior? "And he took them [Paul and Silas] the same hour of night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his straightway." Verse 33.
SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF BAPTISM
In connection with Christian baptism, what are washed away? "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Acts 22:16. (See Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21.) By what means are sins washed away? "Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood." Revelation 1:5. ]
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UNION WITH CHRIST IN BAPTISM
Into whose name are believes to be baptized? "Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost." Matthew 28:19, R.V. When believers are baptized into Christ, whom do they put on? "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Galatians 3:27. Into what experience are those baptized who are baptized into Christ? "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ wee baptized into his death?" Romans 6:3. Note.--- Baptism is a gospel ordinance commemorating the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. In baptism public testimony is given to the effect that the one baptized has been crucified with Christ, buried with Him, and is raised with Him to walk in newness of life. Only one mode of baptism can rightly represent these facts experience, and that this immersion --- the mode followed by Christ and the primitive church. How is such a baptism described? "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like a Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. " Verse 5. What will follow this union with Christ? "Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him." Verse 8.
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In what working of God is faith to be exercised in connection with baptism? "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith for the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead." Colossians 2:12.
BAPTISM AND THE HOLY SPIRIT
At the beginning of His Ministry, what example did Jesus set for the benefit of His followers? "Then cometh Jesus form Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him." Matthew 3:13. What occurred at the baptism of Jesus? "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw and lo a voice from heave, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Verses 16, 17. What promise is made to those who repent and are baptized? "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ of the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost," Acts 2:38. What instruction did the Apostle Peter give concerning the Gentles who had believed? "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." Acts 10:47- 48.
PHILIP BAPTIZES AN ETHIOPIAN AND SAMARITANS
What question did eunuch ask after Philip had preached Jesus unto him? "And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" Acts 8:36. Where did Philip go to baptized the eunuch? "And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him." Verse 38. How did the people of Samaria publicly testify to their faith in the preaching of Philip? "But when they believe Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." Verse 12.
UNITY AND HEAVENLY PURPOSE
How perfect is the unity into which believes are brought by being baptized into Christ? "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of the one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all mad to drink into one Spirit." 1 Corinthians 12:12, 13. After being united with Christ in the likeness of His death and resurrection, what should the believer do? "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God." Colossians 3:1.
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