God revealed His will for man in the Bible over 2,000 years ago. His will and what it means for us today is clearly shown in these Bible verses:
God’s Will for Man:
“… to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.” (Acts 26:18)
- What is darkness?
“For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy…” (2 Timothy 3:2)
“And the way of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3:17-18)
Where does the darkness come from?
“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.” (Romans 5:12)
By the disobedience of one man, Adam, sin entered, and we were all born sinners. As a result, we were alienated from God and live in darkness.
“… having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, …having no hope and without God in the world.” (Ephesians 4:18a; 2:12b)
- What is light?
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’” (John 8:12)
“That was the true light which gives light to every man coming into the world.” (John 1:9)
- From darkness to light
God’s love and the death of Jesus Christ on the cross made it possible for us to be saved out of the darkness.
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
How to be saved out of the darkness and how to receive the Light:
- Repent
“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.” (Acts 3:19a)
- By faith and not by works (our own good deeds and actions)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
“…having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)
“…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
“…he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” (John 5:24)
III. Baptism
“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16)
After we believe, we must be baptized. Through baptism, our former life without God is buried; and we begin a new life with God in Christ.
- The result
Children, heirs of God
“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1a)
“…and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ…” (Romans 8:17a)
Inheriting God’s Kingdom
The salvation described in this booklet is just the beginning. God has a glorious goal: He wants to establish His kingdom on the earth and He wants His children to have a part in it!
“… And we shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:10b)
“… There shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
“There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 22:5)
For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. (Romans 10:13)