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God’s Plan for Man’s Salvation
Introduction (Luke 19:10):
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Every person who has ever lived stands in need of salvation. Sin
separates man from God, but God’s plan—revealed through His Son—shows us
how to be forgiven and restored. Jesus came not only to save us but to
teach us how to respond to God’s grace.
God’s Desire for All to Be Saved
It is vital to understand that God’s will is for every soul to be saved.
“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who
will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the
truth” (1 Timothy 2:3–4). God has extended His invitation to everyone
through His Word, which reveals the truth that frees us from sin (John
8:32). His plan is perfect, His promise sure, and His invitation
universal.
Redemption Through Christ
Alone
Our salvation is made possible only through Jesus Christ. “In whom we
have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Ephesians
1:7). Salvation is not found in human merit, tradition, or emotion—it is
found in a Person: Jesus Christ. The cross represents the meeting place
of divine justice and mercy. God’s plan began before the foundation of
the world and was fulfilled in the death and resurrection of His Son.
The Gospel’s Clear Path to
Salvation
Jesus did not leave us to wonder how to be saved. The New Testament
gives clear, consistent steps that bring one into fellowship with God.
1. Believe in Jesus Christ
Faith is where salvation begins. Jesus declared, “He that believeth on
me hath everlasting life” (John 6:47). Belief is not merely
intellectual; it is trust that leads to obedience. Without faith, it is
impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).
2. Confess the Name of Christ
Confession is the outward declaration of an inward conviction.
“Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess
also before my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32–33). Confession
aligns our loyalty with Christ and identifies us as His before the
world.
3. Repent of Sin
Repentance is a complete change of heart and direction. Jesus said,
“Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Repentance
acknowledges our guilt before God and produces a desire to turn away
from sin and walk in righteousness.
4. Be Baptized for the
Remission of Sins
Jesus Himself was baptized to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15).
In Mark 16:16 He commanded, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be
saved.” Baptism is the burial of the old man of sin (Romans 6:3–4),
where one contacts the cleansing blood of Christ (Acts 22:16). It is not
symbolic only—it is the point at which God forgives sin and adds the
believer to the body of Christ.
5. Continue in Obedience and
Faithfulness
The Christian life does not end at baptism—it begins there. Jesus said,
“If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Faithful living
includes prayer, worship, service, and continual spiritual growth. John
reminds us that if we walk in the light, the blood of Jesus continually
cleanses us (1 John 1:7–9). Christians are called to persevere until
death, trusting in God’s mercy and grace.
The Assurance of Forgiveness
Even when we stumble, God’s plan includes restoration. “If we confess
our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9).
We are never without hope, for the blood of Christ is still powerful to
cleanse and renew. This gives the Christian courage to keep walking
faithfully, knowing that grace covers the penitent heart.
The Promise of Eternal Life
For those who obey and remain steadfast, there is an unfading promise.
Peter writes of “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that
fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). God’s plan
ends not in sorrow but in glory—eternal fellowship with Him in heaven.
God’s Plan for Man’s Salvation
Sermon Outline:
I. The Purpose of Jesus’ Coming (Luke 19:10)
• Jesus came to seek and save the lost.
• Every soul is valuable to God.
• The entire mission of Christ centers on redemption.
II. God’s Universal Desire (1
Timothy 2:3–4)
• God wants all men to be saved.
• Salvation requires coming to the knowledge of truth.
• Truth frees man from the bondage of sin (John 8:32).
III. Redemption Through Christ
(Ephesians 1:7)
• Forgiveness found only through His blood.
• Salvation cannot be earned—it is received through faith.
• The cross is where mercy and justice meet.
IV. The Gospel Plan of Salvation
A. Believe
– Trust in Jesus as the Son of God (John 3:16; Hebrews 11:6).
– Faith is active—it leads to obedience (Romans 10:17).
B. Confess
– Publicly acknowledge Christ as Lord (Matthew 10:32–33).
– Confession affirms one’s allegiance to Jesus.
C. Repent
– Turn from sin to righteousness (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30).
– Repentance is essential for forgiveness.
D. Be Baptized
– Buried with Christ into His death (Romans 6:3–4).
– Baptism brings remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
– The new life begins in Christ (Galatians 3:27).
E. Live Faithfully
– Continue steadfastly in obedience (John 14:15; Revelation 2:10).
– Walk in the light to receive continual cleansing (1 John 1:7–9).
V. The Christian’s Ongoing
Relationship with God
• When sin occurs, repentance and confession restore fellowship.
• God is faithful to forgive and renew.
• The life of faith is one of growth and endurance.
VI. The Eternal Reward (1 Peter
1:4)
• A heavenly inheritance awaits the faithful.
• Salvation is both present and future—it begins now and culminates in
eternity.
Call to Action:
God’s plan of salvation is simple, complete, and unchanging. It begins
with faith and continues through obedience and endurance. Every soul
must make a choice—to respond to Christ or reject Him. Today is the day
of salvation. Obey the gospel, be washed in the blood of Christ, and
live faithfully until He calls you home.
Key Takeaways:
• God’s desire is that all be saved (1 Timothy 2:3–4).
• Salvation is only through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7).
• Faith, repentance, confession, baptism, and faithful living are
essential steps.
• The Christian life includes continual cleansing and growth (1 John
1:7–9).
• Eternal life is the reward for the obedient and steadfast (1 Peter
1:4).
Scripture Reference List:
Luke 19:10 — Jesus came to seek and save the lost.
1 Timothy 2:3–4 — God desires all men to be saved.
John 8:32 — The truth makes us free.
Ephesians 1:7 — Redemption through His blood.
John 3:16 — Faith brings life.
Matthew 10:32–33 — Confession before men.
Luke 13:3 — Repentance required for salvation.
Mark 16:16 — Belief and baptism save.
Romans 6:3–4 — New life in Christ.
John 14:15 — Love shown through obedience.
1 John 1:7–9 — Cleansing through the blood of Jesus.
1 Peter 1:4 — Promise of eternal inheritance.
Revelation 2:10 — Faithfulness unto death rewarded.
Prepared by Richard Chambers of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
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