1. Conviction

When God saves someone He first brings them under conviction. This means that He, by His Holy Spirit, convinces them of their sin, their bondage to sin and the judgment that they deserve.

Read and Discuss: Romans 3:23, Romans 7:18-20, Romans 6:23

Discussion:

Share about how God convinced you of these things.

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2. Conversion

By God’s grace He leads people to conversion. This means that He overcomes their stubborn rejection of God and leads them to genuine repentance and saving faith. In repentance they determine to live in obedience to His will, and in faith they entrust themselves to Jesus Christ who is able to save them from their sins.

Read and Discuss: Acts 20:21, Acts 17:30, Acts 16:31

Discussion:

Share about when you repented of your rebellion and trusted in Christ.

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3. Justification

When someone submits to God and trusts in Jesus Christ for salvation, God pardons their sins, declares them innocent and accepts them as His children.

Read and Discuss: Romans 5:1, Ephesians 1:3-7, Ephesians 2:8-9

Discussion:

What can you offer to God for the forgiveness of your sins?

(The only correct answer is, “The sacrifice of Jesus Christ.”)

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4. Regeneration

At the same moment God the Father is forgiving our sins, God’s Spirit indwells us and makes us into new creation, with brand new desires. He writes God’s law on our hearts so that we desire to do God’s will. This is called being born again.

Read and Discuss: 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ezekiel 36:25-27, Philippians 2:13

Discussion:

Share about how your desires have changed since you trusted in Christ.

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5. Assurance

When we come to genuine faith in Christ and receive God’s Spirit, we are assured of our salvation. By faith we are confident that Christ cleanses us from sin, and the Holy Spirit confirms the testimony of our faith by bearing witness that we are children of God.

Read and Discuss: Hebrews 11:1, Romans 8:15-16

Discussion:

Share about the assurance you experienced when you trusted in Christ.

Link to Lesson 2