The Plan of
Salvation (Romans
1:16; Ephesians 1:3–12)
Introduction
God has a plan of salvation—a perfect, eternal plan designed
before creation and fulfilled through Jesus Christ. Scripture
calls this “the common salvation” (Jude 1:3). It is not by
chance, nor is it man’s invention. It is God’s plan to redeem
mankind and bring us into His glory.
God’s
Plans Never Fail
Every divine purpose succeeds. When Peter stood before the
Sanhedrin in Acts 5, Gamaliel wisely reminded the council that
any effort of men would fail, but if the work were of God,
nothing could overthrow it (Acts 5:38–39). God’s plan for
salvation has never faltered—it stands firm and unchanging. He
is not a God of confusion or uncertainty. His purpose is
absolute, His will irresistible, and His design flawless.
Man’s
Need for a Plan
Every goal worth achieving begins with a plan. Whether in
education, business, or travel, success follows structure. Yet
when it comes to eternal matters, many live chaotically, hoping
for salvation without direction. They rely on emotion,
tradition, or convenience. But salvation cannot be found in
human plans—it must come through God’s revealed plan.
The
Beginning and Objective of God’s Plan
God’s plan of salvation existed before creation. He was not
surprised by sin or left wondering what to do. From the
beginning, He purposed to redeem mankind through Christ
(Ephesians 1:3–12). His objective: that man should stand before
Him holy and blameless. His method: the blood of Jesus. His
purpose: that His grace might be praised. From eternity, God
chose Christ as the center of His plan and us as recipients of
His mercy (Ephesians 1:4–7).
How
God’s Plan Saves
God’s plan of salvation is not one single act but a series of
divine conditions that harmonize His grace with our faith and
obedience.
1.
God’s Grace Saves
Grace is God’s unearned favor toward man. Though sin separated
us from Him (Isaiah 59:1–2), God chose to offer reconciliation
through Christ. Paul wrote, “By grace are ye saved through
faith… it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Grace saves
because it is the expression of God’s love, mercy, and eternal
purpose (2 Timothy 1:9). Without grace, there is no
salvation—but grace must be received according to God’s plan.
2.
Hearing the Word
Faith begins with hearing God’s Word. “Faith cometh by hearing,
and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Through the
apostles and prophets, the plan was revealed by the Holy Spirit
(Ephesians 3:5). Preaching, therefore, becomes essential: “It
pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that
believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21). Hearing God’s Word opens the
heart to faith, conviction, and obedience.
3.
Faithful Belief
Jesus said, “He that believeth on him is not condemned” (John
3:16–17). But belief must be faithful—a conviction that obeys.
The Pharisees claimed belief yet rejected God’s commands (Mark
7:9). True belief accepts Jesus’ authority and yields to His
will. As Peter confessed, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the
living God” (Matthew 16:16). Faithful belief saves because it
moves us to obey (Romans 16:25–26).
4.
Faithful Confession
Confession naturally flows from belief. Paul wrote, “With the
heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9–10). This
confession is not an admission of sin but a declaration of
faith—that Jesus is Lord. It acknowledges His authority and our
submission. Faithful confession publicly aligns us with Christ
and leads us toward obedience.
5.
Faithful Repentance
Repentance is the turning point of salvation. On Pentecost, when
convicted Jews asked, “What shall we do?” Peter replied,
“Repent, and be baptized… for the remission of sins” (Acts
2:38). Repentance means a change of heart and direction, turning
from sin to serve God. It is commanded of all men (Acts
17:30–31) and essential to salvation (2 Corinthians 7:10).
6.
Faithful Baptism
Peter declared, “Baptism doth also now save us” (1 Peter 3:21).
Baptism is immersion in water, symbolizing burial and
resurrection with Christ (Romans 6:3–4). Through it, sins are
washed away (Acts 22:16), and the believer rises to walk in
newness of life. Sprinkling or pouring is not biblical baptism;
only immersion fulfills God’s command and reflects the pattern
of the New Testament. Baptism unites us with Christ and places
us into His body.
7.
Faithful Living
Salvation does not end at baptism—it begins a new life of
obedience. God’s people are called to live faithfully, walking
in purity, holiness, and love. Jesus said, “Be thou faithful
unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation
2:10). Faithful living reflects gratitude for grace and keeps us
in fellowship with God.
God’s
Plan Is Simple and Sure
Jesus said, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew
11:30). God’s plan is not confusing or contradictory—it is
simple, complete, and perfect. Man complicates it when he
substitutes tradition or emotion for revelation. Only God’s plan
of salvation—hearing, believing, confessing, repenting, being
baptized, and living faithfully—will succeed.
God’s will cannot be overthrown or altered by
human resistance.
His plan of salvation stands as an unchanging
foundation for all generations.
III.
Man’s Need for a Plan
Mankind uses plans for education, business,
and travel, yet many neglect planning for eternity.
Living without direction in spiritual matters
leads to chaos and failure.
True salvation requires following the plan
God revealed—not human opinion or emotion.
IV. The
Beginning and Objective of God’s Plan
Ephesians 1:3–12 – God’s plan existed before
creation.
Before man sinned, God had prepared
redemption through Christ.
The objective: that man should stand
before Him holy and blameless.
The means: forgiveness through the blood
of Jesus.
The result: praise to the glory of His
grace.
God’s plan demonstrates His wisdom, purpose,
and love toward humanity.
V. How
God’s Plan Saves
Salvation is not a single act but a coordinated process that
harmonizes grace, faith, and obedience.
A.
Grace Saves
Isaiah 59:1–2 – Sin separates man from God.
Ephesians 2:8 – Salvation is by grace through
faith.
2 Timothy 1:9 – God’s grace was purposed in
Christ before time began.
Grace is God’s unearned favor that invites
man to reconciliation.
B.
Hearing the Word
Romans 10:17 – Faith comes by hearing the
Word of God.
Ephesians 3:5 – God’s plan was revealed by
the apostles and prophets through the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 1:21 – Preaching saves those
who believe.
Hearing God’s Word creates faith, conviction,
and understanding.
C.
Faithful Belief
John 3:16–17 – God sent His Son to save the
world through belief in Him.
Matthew 16:16 – Peter confessed Jesus as the
Christ, the Son of God.
Romans 16:25–26 – True faith is expressed
through obedience.
Faithful belief accepts Christ’s authority
and yields to His will.
D.
Faithful Confession
Romans 10:9–10 – Confession with the mouth is
made unto salvation.
Confession is acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord
and Master of life.
Romans 10:14–17 – To confess, one must
believe; to believe, one must hear.
Faithful confession publicly aligns the
believer with Christ.
E.
Faithful Repentance
Acts 2:37–38 – Peter commanded repentance and
baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
Acts 17:30–31 – Repentance is commanded for
all mankind.
2 Corinthians 7:10 – Godly sorrow produces
repentance leading to salvation.
Repentance involves genuine change—turning
from sin to serve God faithfully.
F.
Faithful Baptism
1 Peter 3:21 – Baptism now saves us.
Romans 6:3–4 – Baptism is immersion into
Christ’s death and resurrection.
Acts 22:16 – Baptism washes away sins.
Biblical baptism is immersion in water;
sprinkling and pouring are not scriptural.
Through baptism, the believer is united with
Christ and rises to new life.
G.
Faithful Living
Revelation 2:10 – “Be faithful unto death,
and I will give you a crown of life.”
Ephesians 5:1–2 – Christians must walk in
love and holiness.
Faithful living is obedience in gratitude,
not perfection in pride.
Those who live faithfully remain in
fellowship with God and secure their hope of heaven.
VI.
God’s Plan Is Simple and Sure
Matthew 11:30 – Jesus’ yoke is easy, and His
burden is light.
God’s plan is simple, not chaotic; pure, not
confusing.
Man complicates it by focusing on isolated
verses or human traditions.
Only the plan revealed in Scripture can lead
to eternal success.
VII.
Call to Action
Have you obeyed God’s plan of salvation? Do not delay your
response to His grace. Hear His Word, believe in His Son,
confess His name, repent of your sins, be baptized for the
remission of sins, and live faithfully in His service. Only
those who follow His plan can inherit the eternal reward.
VIII.
Key Takeaways
God’s plan was conceived before creation
(Ephesians 1:4–5).
Grace saves, but grace must be accepted
through faith and obedience (Ephesians 2:8).
Faith is born through hearing the Word
(Romans 10:17).
True belief results in confession and
repentance (Romans 10:9–10; Acts 2:38).
Baptism unites us with Christ’s death and
resurrection (Romans 6:3–4).
Faithful living keeps us in grace until death
(Revelation 2:10).
IX.
Scripture Reference List
Romans 1:16 – The gospel is God’s power to
save.
Ephesians 1:3–12 – God’s plan for redemption
was established before creation.
Isaiah 59:1–2 – Sin separates man from God.
Ephesians 2:8 – Salvation is by grace through
faith.
Romans 10:9–10, 17 – Faith and confession
come through hearing the Word.
Acts 2:38 – Repentance and baptism bring
forgiveness of sins.
Romans 6:3–4 – Baptism unites us with
Christ’s death and resurrection.
Revelation 2:10 – Faithfulness unto death
receives the crown of life.
Prepared by Travis Main of the church of Christ
at Granby, MO
The church of Christ at
Granby, MO
Located at 516 East Pine St. P.O. Box 664 Granby, Mo. 64844 (417) 472-7109
The
Sermons, Sermon Outlines, Bulletin Articles and Bible Studies published
in this website are from sound members of the church of Christ and are
free to everyone. We feel the price was paid when Jesus died on
the cross. Please feel free to use any of the content found within
this website for the spreading of the Gospel to all.
Matt 11:28-29 "Come unto me, all ye that
labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take
my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly
in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
The church of Christ in Granby Missouri 516 East Pine St. P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109
The
church of Christ
.jpg){kind=small}
