How We Respond to the Gospel
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to save us from our sins. Thank You for the gift of salvation that is offered freely through the gospel. As we study today, help us understand what it means to repent and believe. Give us hearts that are willing to turn from sin and place our trust completely in Christ. Strengthen our faith and help us walk in obedience to You.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
Primary Text
Acts 20:21
“Testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Introduction
The gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again.
But how does a person receive this salvation?
The Bible consistently gives the same answer:
Repent and believe.
Faith and repentance are the God-ordained response to the gospel. They are not two separate roads to salvation but two sides of the same response to Christ.
When a person truly turns to Christ, they turn away from trusting themselves, their sin, and their old way of life.
What Is Faith?
Faith is more than simply believing that God exists.
Many people acknowledge facts about God without truly trusting Him.
Biblical faith is placing your trust and confidence in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross.
Faith means relying upon Christ alone for salvation.