Opposition to Jesus Grows

Opposition to Jesus GrowsLesson 2

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Jesus Heals a Paralytic

>>> Read Mark 2:1-12. <<<
As a result of His teaching and miracles, Jesus' popularity grew rapidly. So many wanted to hear Him that they filled the house in Capernaum where He was teaching and crowded around it. Just then, five men arrived, eager to see Jesus too. One of them was paralyzed and the other four carried him on a stretcher. It was impossible for them to get in through the door, so they climbed up on the roof, dug a hole in it and let the paralytic down through the opening they had created. You can imagine the commotion among the crowd in the house below.
When Jesus saw the faith they had demonstrated, He told the lame man that his sins were forgiven. That was probably not what the man had expected, but it is every man's greatest need. The scribes who were present thought Jesus had blasphemed because God alone can forgive sins. Jesus read their minds and asked: Which is easier to say--your sins are forgiven, or get up and walk? To prove His ability to forgive sins (something invisible and therefore impossible to verify), He healed the paralytic who then got up and walked. Jesus proved His power to conquer invisible, spiritual problems by overcoming a visible, physical problem. The crowd was dumbfounded. They had never seen anything to compare with Jesus.
Note -- Who will reach Jesus? Consider the five men as they approached the house in which Jesus was teaching. They had come in order to see Him, but their way to Jesus was blocked by a big obstacle: the crowd. Many would have simply turned around and gone back home. Not these men. They were determined, even desperate, in their desire to see Jesus. Their procedure, unroofing the roof, was radical but it worked. Even today, those who want to come to Jesus frequently encounter barriers in their path. The only ones who actually reach Him, are those who are absolutely determined and who refuse to allow anything to keep them from following Him. How determined to be with Jesus are you?
*1* What did the paralytic and his friends do when they were unable to reach Jesus? a) gave up and went home; b) waited for God to open a path through the crowd; c) offered a financial contribution; d) took off part of the roof so the paralytic could enter the house through the opening. Answer: ______.
*2* What did Jesus do for the paralytic before healing him? Answer: He ______ his sins.
*3* Who alone can forgive sins? Answer: Only ______ can forgive sins.
*4* How did Jesus prove He has the power to forgive sins? Answer: He ______ the paralyzed man.
(Thought question: If only God can forgive sins, but Jesus proved that He could forgive sins, what does that prove about the nature of Jesus?)

Jesus Socializes with Outcasts

>>> Read Mark 2:13-17. <<<
One of Jesus' more surprising actions was calling Levi to be a disciple. Levi had been a tax collector. In that era, tax collectors were viewed as both thieves and traitors because they used dishonest tactics to raise funds for the hated Roman invaders. Adding a tax collector to His inner circle was hardly a move that could be expected to increase Jesus' popularity! Later, Levi held a banquet in Christ's honor. He invited his friends: other tax collectors and sinners. The scribes and Pharisees were outraged because they thought it improper for a teacher of religion to eat with immoral people. When Jesus overheard their criticism, He asked: Who needs a doctor--the sick or the well? His purpose, He said, was not to call righteous, but sinners. The Lord never hesitated to break society's norms and customs.
*5* Name the tax collector whom Jesus called. Answer: His name was ______.
*6* What reason did Jesus give to explain why He socialized with sinful people? a) He wanted to participate in their sins; b) He did not believe that sinful people can be a bad influence on good people; c) He wanted to teach the sinners to repent; d) He believed sinners will be saved, even if they don't change. Answer: ______.

Jesus' Disciples Don't Fast

>>> Read Mark 2:18-22. <<<
Some of the Pharisees and disciples of John came to Jesus asking why He and His disciples didn't fast like other religious people did. Jesus explained by illustration. He said that no one would fast at a time of celebration, such as a wedding. His own presence on the earth made it a joyous time of feasting because He was the bridegroom. Since fasting should fit the occasion, it was inappropriate in this situation. He also explained that just as no one would put new wine in old bottles or a new patch on old jeans, it was equally out of place to put the newly revealed gospel of Christ into the old traditional forms of the Jews. Fasting was just not the right thing to do when the Son of God Himself was present.
*7* How did Jesus explain why His disciples didn't fast? a) He said they did fast, but did it secretly; b) He said that His presence made it a time of joy in which fasting was inappropriate; c) He condemned all fasting; d) He admitted they were wrong and should have fasted. Answer: ______.

Disciples Break Sabbath Traditions

>>> Read Mark 2:23-28. <<<
The more popular Jesus became, the more outspoken His opponents' attacks. Jesus and His disciples provided easy targets for their critics, because they refused to follow the religious traditions of their age. Jewish tradition regarding the Sabbath day prohibited all activity, including plucking grain to eat, but Jesus and His followers ignored these cherished doctrines. When the Jewish officials criticized the disciples, Jesus defended their actions by noting His opponents' inconsistency: they justified David when he broke God's law, but they condemned Him when He merely violated men's traditions. Then He explained that God had intended for the Sabbath command to provide relief for man, not be an additional burden. Finally, Jesus proclaimed His authority over the Sabbath saying that He Himself was Lord of the Sabbath. If Jesus created the Sabbath, surely He knew what activities violated it.
*8* What did Jesus call Himself? Answer: He was Lord of the ______.

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath

>>> Read Mark 3:1-6. <<<
As their hatred of Jesus mounted, His enemies searched for every possible chance to attack Him, but He kept evading their traps. On this occasion, a man with a withered hand was in the synagogue. Jesus asked His opponents' opinion on whether or not to help the man, but they refused to reply. Jesus then told him to stretch his hand out. Apparently He neither touched him nor did any other physical thing--He merely asked the man to reach his hand out. When he did, it was healed. Jesus' critics were furious and began plotting to assassinate Him.
Note -- To save a life or to kill: In 3:4 Jesus asked His opponents: Should one save a life or kill on the Sabbath? They chose not to reply, which showed that they were not interested in truth, but only wanted to discredit Him. It is always easy to find fault, but it is much harder to give a positive recommendation. Normally Christ healed men by laying His hands on them or performing some other physical sign. If He had accompanied the healing by physical action in this case, they would have attacked Him for doing medical work on the Sabbath, something contrary to their tradition. This time, however, Jesus did nothing--He merely told the man to reach his hand out. Even Jesus' enemies did not believe it wrong to stretch out your hand on the Sabbath. Thus, He outsmarted His opponents; they were furious. When a man in an argument begins to get angry, it is a sure sign that he is losing. As it turned out, Jesus' enemies are the ones who plotted to kill on the Sabbath, because He had done good.
*9* How many sins did Jesus commit during His lifetime (see 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:21,22; Hebrews 4:15)? Answer (give a number): ______.
*10* The activities Jesus did on the sabbath violated what rules? a) only uninspired Jewish traditions; b) the 10 commands; c) the Law of Moses; d) the New Testament; e) all the preceding. Answer: ______.
*11* What did Jesus' enemies do after He had healed the man with the withered hand? Answer: They plotted to ______ Jesus.

Jesus' Popularity Grows

>>> Read Mark 3:7-12.<<<
Though Jesus frequently tried to withdraw, people followed Him from everywhere. He continued teaching, healing and casting out demons. While neither the crowd nor the religious leaders seemed to have recognized His true identity, the demons confessed Jesus as the Son of God. He declined their testimony, however, since He did not want the recommendation of the Devil.

Jesus Appoints Twelve as Apostles

>>> Read Mark 3:13-19. <<<
Jesus needed to train apprentices to represent Him and preach the gospel after His departure. He chose twelve of His followers for that job. The twelve He chose were an unlikely bunch: included were four fishermen, a tax collector, a revolutionary (Simon the "Zealot"), a skeptic (Thomas), and a traitor (Judas Iscariot). Jesus proved that He could work with and make something out of even the most unpromising material.
*12* What work did Jesus empower the apostles to do (read Mark 3:15,14 and Matt. 10:1)? a) preach the gospel; b) heal diseases, c) cast out demons, d) all the preceding. Answer: ______.

Accusations of Satanic Influence

>>> Read Mark 3:20-30. <<<
While Jesus' family thought He had gone crazy, the Pharisees charged that He accomplished His work through the power of the devil. They were desperately seeking to discredit Him and diminish His influence. Jesus' devastating reply silenced them. First, He said that it would be unreasonable and even disastrous for the devil to begin attacking himself. Civil wars don't produce strong kingdoms. Second, Christ explained that He had come to rob the strong man (the devil), taking from him the souls that had been under his control. Logically, He would need to disarm Satan to accomplish this goal, so expelling demons was a predictable facet of His strategy. Finally, He warned of the serious consequences of hardening one's heart to the point of blaspheming the Holy Spirit. These scribes were demonstrating a malicious and possibly fatal attitude toward the work of God.
* 13* How did Jesus' enemies explain His ability to cast out demons? a) He did it by the power of the devil; b) He did it because He was the Son of God; c) it just seemed like He expelled demons but He really didn't; d) they didn't try to explain it. Answer: ______.
*14* What did Jesus say would happen to a kingdom that was divided against itself (v24)? Answer: He said that kingdom cannot ______.

Jesus' True Family

>>> Read Mark 3:31-35. <<<
Jesus' physical family didn't understand Him. They came to try to talk to Him, perhaps to persuade Him to take a break. He refused to give them a private hearing, explaining that His family no longer had a special claim on His attention. Jesus' true family consists of those who hear and do His will. This incident shows that Mary had no special influence or privilege; Jesus treats all of His obedient followers equally.
*15* Who wanted to talk to Jesus? a) His aunt and cousins, b) His mother and brothers, c) His father, d) all the preceding. Answer: ______.
*16* Who did Jesus say are His real family members? Answer: Those who ______ the will of God.
Summary: Jesus was continually under attack. He was criticized because He forgave sins, ate with sinners, didn't fast, didn't observe the religious establishment's Sabbath doctrines, and cast out demons. He never cracked under the intense scrutiny and pressure. Much to the contrary, He continually affirmed principles that are extremely important even for our service to Him: 1) the priority of forgiveness of sins over physical healing, 2) the importance of recognizing one's spiritual sickness, 3) the fact that fasting is to be done only when it fits the circumstances, 4) the uselessness of religious traditions, and 5) the critical danger of hardheartedly rejecting the work of the Holy Spirit.

Authority of Jesus

Jesus lived almost 2000 years ago, but even today people all over the world serve Him. We know this man primarily through four Bible books: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. First-hand acquaintance with these writings will help us understand Jesus and His message.
This course surveys Mark's narrative of Jesus' life. As you study each lesson, please keep a Bible at your side so that you can verify what you are learning by the Scriptures. You will notice that Mark is divided into sixteen major sections (chapters), each of which contains small divisions (verses). When a notation like 5:12 is used in these lessons, you should look at the fifth chapter of Mark and the twelfth verse.
A couple of items before we get started: to profit most from these lessons, you need an open heart to receive what Jesus taught and did. Allow His words to direct you as you read. A prayer for God's guidance at the beginning and end of each study is recommended. If you don't understand something mentioned in this course or in your reading of Mark, please feel free to write your question down and send it to us along with your completed lesson. We'll be happy to answer it if we can.

John Prepares the Way

>>> Read Mark 1:1-8. <<<
Please read Mark 1:1-8 in your Bible before continuing the lesson. In the very first verse, Mark announced that he would write about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is surprising, therefore, that he did not start out by telling about Jesus Himself; instead, he described the work of John the Baptist. This was because John was to prepare the way for Jesus. John fulfilled this mission by preaching to get people ready for the coming of the Lord.
John's message focused on two themes that will help us get ready to receive Christ. First, he preached about repentance. To repent means to decide to change. John was telling his hearers that they had to reverse their life's direction to get ready for Christ; those unwilling to change could not come to Him. Second, John declared the greatness of Jesus. He said Jesus was so great that he himself was not even worthy to stoop down and untie His shoes. This was an amazing declaration because one does not have to have much worth to untie somebody's shoes. In fact, in John's day, untying shoes was considered to be a slave's lowest duty - John wasn't worthy to be Jesus' humblest slave! So, for us to be ready to receive Jesus, we must repent (change our lives) and recognize His awesome greatness.
*1* John came to prepare the way for whom? (a) Moses, (b) Mohammed, (c) Jesus, (d) Peter. Answer: (put the letter of the correct answer in the blank) ______.
*2* What word in our study means "to decide to change"? Answer: The word is (put the correct word[s] in the blank) ______ .
*3* John said he was unworthy to: a) untie Jesus' shoes; b) carry Jesus' bags; c) stand beside Jesus; d) talk to Jesus. Answer : ______.

Early Events in Jesus' Career

>>> Read Mark 1:9-15. <<<
Just like thousands of others, Jesus came to John to be baptized. But as He emerged from the water, something startling occurred: The Holy Spirit came down upon Him in the form of a dove and a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." God was showing His approval of Jesus in a dramatic way.
Then Jesus entered the wilderness where the devil tempted Him. While Matthew and Luke provide more specific information about the temptations (Matthew 4; Luke 4), Mark's brief account shows two things. First, Jesus experienced temptation as all men do. Second, doing what pleases God, as Jesus did when He was baptized, does not exempt one from temptation. Satan often intensifies his efforts when a person begins to serve God.
*4&5* What two amazing things happened when Jesus was baptized? Answer: The ______ came on Him in a form like a dove, and a voice spoke from ______ saying, "This is my beloved Son."
*6* Where was Jesus baptized (v9)? Answer: He was baptized in the ______ River.
*7* For how many days was Jesus tempted by Satan in the wilderness (v13; cf. Luke 4:1,2)? Answer: ______ days (give a number).
*8* What message did Jesus preach (v15)? Answer: He told people to repent and believe in the ______.

Jesus Calls Four Fishermen

>>> Read Mark 1:16-20. <<<
As Jesus walked along, He saw two of His friends, Peter and Andrew, who were professional fishermen. He asked them to follow Him and become fishers of men. At once, they quit their jobs and began following Christ. He next found James and John, and requested that they do the same. With no hesitation, they left not only their occupation but also their father, and began to accompany the Lord. Clearly, these men recognized Jesus' greatness. He was the one whose shoes John was unworthy to untie. God had specially acknowledged Him by His own voice from heaven. So when Jesus demanded radical action (to drop everything and follow Him), they responded immediately.
Note -- Characteristics of followers of Jesus: These fishermen demonstrated the meaning of discipleship. When Jesus called, they: 1) acted immediately, 2) left both job and family, and 3) started following Him.
Christ calls today through His Word. When we perceive His greatness, we too will: 1) obey immediately all He says, 2) put Him ahead of everything, including our job and family, and 3) follow Him, allowing His example to direct every step.
People who know that Jesus wants them to change, but put it off, are not like these four fishermen.
*9* Which of these things did the disciples not do when Jesus called them? a) decide immediately; b) leave family and job; c) follow Jesus; d) go to school for training. Answer: ______.
*10* What did Jesus say He would make these men (v17)? Answer: He would make them fishers of ______.

Jesus Amazes the Crowds

>>> Read Mark 1:21-28. <<<
Jesus' teaching astounded the multitude in the synagogue (a synagogue was like a church among the Jews). He taught with authority. He issued His commands as if He had the right to tell others exactly what to do!
Jesus' actions showed that He really had the authority that He claimed. In this paragraph, He cast out a demon. How? By His words! Nothing more. When Jesus merely said, "Be quiet and come out of him," the demon left the man. His words had authority even over demons. The calmness with which Jesus expelled demons reflected His power: He never argued or struggled or created a scene. He simply ordered the demons to leave and they left. No wonder people were amazed. He had demonstrated the credentials to prove His authority.
Note -- Need for authority: In every area, authority is essential. To determine distance, it is necessary to have a yardstick or standard of measure by which to calculate length. Thus, if someone wishes to know how long a room is, he measures it. There is no other way to know for sure. God has provided a yardstick in religion: Jesus and His words. When we wish to know whether something is right or wrong, we should evaluate it by the standard of the Scriptures. This should be done with every teacher and teaching - even this correspondence course. Therefore, you need to have a Bible at your side while you are studying, and continually refer to it to be sure that what is taught in these lessons is true. The Bible is our yardstick.
*11* What amazed the multitudes about Jesus? a) physical appearance; b) intelligence; c) wealth; d) authority in teaching. Answer: ______.
*12* How did Jesus expel the demon? a) by conducting a seance; b) by a magical formula; c) by a simple command (rebuke); d) by taking up a collection. Answer: ______.
*13* What purpose did Jesus' miracles serve? a) they made Him rich, b) they demonstrated His authority and proved He was from God, c) they proved people today can do miracles, d) they served no purpose whatever. Answer: ______.

Jesus Heals Many

>>> Read Mark 1:29-34. <<<
Jesus came into Simon Peter's house and found his mother-in-law sick in bed with a high fever (see Luke 4:38). He spoke to her, raised her up, and the fever left her. She then began waiting on Jesus and the disciples. He also healed many others who were brought to Him.
Several features of Jesus' healings are noteworthy:
* He healed immediately, with no delay.
* He healed everyone who came to Him regardless of their disease. (Compare Matt. 8:16,17; Luke 4:40,41.)
* He healed so completely that Simon's mother-in-law was able to get up and start waiting on them. After a fever breaks, it normally takes a few days for a person to recover his strength. Jesus' healings put people back as if they had never had their maladies in the first place!
* Jesus sought to avoid publicity. He ordered the demons not to announce who He was.
*14* Whom did Jesus heal in this story? Answer: He healed Simon Peter's ______.
(Thought question: If Peter had a mother-in-law, what does this tell you about Peter? Note that "Simon" is just another name for Peter -- Matt. 4:18; 8:14,15.)
*15* Which is not characteristic of Jesus' healings? a) He healed many (i.e., all of the many who came); b) He healed completely; c) He healed immediately; d) He healed so He could become rich and popular. Answer: ______.

Jesus Continues His Journeys

>>> Read Mark 1:35-39. <<<
Jesus frequently sought solitude for prayer. Prayer during the daytime was nearly impossible since the crowds continually pressed on Him, so He skipped sleep to be able to talk with His Father that He missed so much. After finally finding Him that morning, the disciples reported that everybody in the town where He had been was seeking Him. Nevertheless, since He wanted to be able to get the message to as many people as possible, He insisted on moving on to other towns.
*16* Jesus arose early in the morning for what purpose? Answer: He arose to ______.

Jesus Heals a Leper

>>> Read Mark 1:40-45. <<<
Painful open sores caused everyone to dread leprosy. Those who contracted it were quarantined because the disease was highly contagious. In this story, Jesus did what no one else dared do - He touched a leper. When He did so, the man was healed immediately. His sores were instantly transformed into smooth skin. The Lord then instructed the cleansed leper to report his healing to the priest (a requirement of the law of Moses - Leviticus 13-14), but to tell no one else. The man, however, went out and told everyone - the exact opposite of what Jesus had said. Undoubtedly he was thrilled that he had been healed and probably imagined that spreading the news about Jesus would honor Him. But the fact remains that he did just what Jesus had said not to do. As a result, the Lord was thronged by such large crowds that He could no longer publicly enter into cities, but had to remain in unpopulated areas. We should learn a lesson: All disobedience, even well-intentioned, hurts Jesus' work.
*17* After Jesus spoke, how long was it till the leprosy was healed? a) several weeks, b) several days, c) immediate, d) the Bible does not say. Answer: ______.
*18* After Jesus had healed the leper, He told the man to show himself to whom? Answer: He was to show himself to the ______.
*19* What result occurred because the leper disobeyed Jesus' orders? a) he became a leper again; b) Jesus was thronged by crowds so large that He couldn't enter a town; c) Jesus praised his evangelism; d) he became an apostle. Answer: ______.
Summary: This chapter shows the greatness of Jesus: John was unworthy to untie His shoes; God spoke from heaven endorsing Him; He expelled demons by a mere word; He healed the sick immediately regardless of the nature of their infirmity. This chapter also indicates how we should respond to His greatness: immediately obey everything He says no matter what sacrifice is required; respect the authority of His message; and, obey Him even when His command seems unreasonable.

Do you get the gospel?

The Bible is living and active (Heb. 4:12), inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16), and given for the purposes of teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. The Bible is all about God’s story of redemption centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ. In the church where I serve, we say the gospel is all about (1) who Jesus is, (2) what Jesus has done, and (3) why that matters.
The gospel is the power of God (Rom. 1:16), and that power is demonstrated not only in our past rescue, reconciliation, and redemption, but also in our present faith, hope, and love. Christians who truly get the gospel discover its power again and again on a daily basis. They get it in all three areas of text, context, and subtext because the gospel changes everything. The “living and active” nature of the Word is doing its effectual work as the Spirit convicts, renews, and reforms our lives in ways that demonstrate the transforming power of Jesus.
Text • Context • Subtext
The text addresses biblical revelation. God reveals Himself through His written Word and in His Son, the Word made flesh. The gospel is the message, the text above all texts, that reveals God’s sovereign purposes in history to unite all things in Christ. Truly getting the gospel means we understand that the gospel is normative and supreme in God’s dealings with us, and we humbly submit to the authority of God’s Word and what it says about us and our need for Him. We are committed to knowing the gospel truly and articulating it clearly because God has spoken on the issue definitively.
The context addresses life orientation. These are matters pertaining to what lies outside of us and how our lives relate to them and orient around them. Context includes our relationships to other people, daily circumstances, seasons of life, spheres of existence, etc. Truly getting the gospel means we recognize that context is the place where the gospel is applied. Living in light of the gospel is learning to work out our new identity in Christ in specific places, in specific situations, and with specific people so that the reign and rule of King Jesus is manifested in His Lordship through the context of our existence.
The subtext addresses heart motivation. If context addresses what lies outside of us, subtext deals with what lies inside of us–our hearts. Subtext matters include motivation for actions, pursuit of pleasure, and aim in personal ambition. Subtext reveals the areas where unbelief remains in the life of a Christian, showing where functional idolatry and other forms of god-replacements are substituted for happiness, joy, peace, and contentment. Subtext is the canvas of our life story, and when we truly get the gospel, we see how the story of the gospel rewrites the story of our lives as we move from unbelief to belief in all matters of the heart.
Failing to Get the Gospel
One of the greatest dangers for Christians today is to be content with getting the gospel merely with biblical revelation (text). In my (Reformed) tribe, a great deal of energy is expended on getting the gospel right here, and rightfully so. The best books available on “what is the gospel message?” are coming from theologically-astute pastors and scholars. Nevertheless, if we fail to get the gospel message from our heads to our hearts and lives, then we are failing to truly get the gospel.
The normative nature of the text should have direct application for the context and personal implication for the subtext of our lives. Maturing gospel-centered Christians are discontent to correctly know the doctrinal aspect of the gospel; they are driven to a life dominated by the gospel. Those who love the gospel will not only find it a message to contend for, but also a message to live by. That means theological conversations are not enough. Bible studies are not enough. Books and commentaries are not enough. Superb head knowledge and theological acumen are not enough.
We simply cannot cut off the gospel’s power from the very places it intends to work – ongoing life-transformation. Those who truly get the gospel are those who confess how little of the gospel they truly get – and how much more they desire to embrace. They know that confessing Jesus is Lord means something in the context of their lives and subtext of their life story, and they want a congruency with what the gospel reveals, what their heart desires, and what their life demonstrates.
Those who truly get the gospel have gotten the most use out of the gospel. They have wrestled with how to apply the gospel to marriage or parenting, to adversity or success, to loneliness or stress-filled days. They are not afraid to deal openly and aggressively with areas of unbelief in their heart–doubts, fears, and all the ways the brokenness of the fall has caused them to look elsewhere to find hope, healing, and happiness. There’s an honesty that is refreshing because the gospel is so gripping. When you get it, it won’t let you get off believing a glossy, artificial, photoshopped version of you, because Jesus did not die for fake sinners who dress in fig leaves. He came for real sinners who have real need for real power from a really risen Savior.
The question I have to keep asking myself is, “What areas of my life in the context (externally) and subtext (internally) that I am cornering off or building a fortress around so that the text of God’s gospel is not actively working? How is this not revealing how I am ashamed of the gospel?” A gospel community presses one another into the context and subtext, as messy as it is, because of the mercy we have found at the cross. A gospel community that truly gets the gospel will celebrate faith and repentance in the ongoing renewal that comes from Spirit who graciously magnifies Christ in our hearts.
I want to be numbered among those who truly get the gospel so that the world may know how glorious Jesus is and how amazing I’ve discovered His grace to be.

Things That Are Essential to Salvation

Things That Are Essential to SalvationAre We Saved by Grace, Faith, Good Works, or Baptism "Alone"?

Sometimes people think we are saved simply by one or a few things alone: grace, faith, good works, Jesus' death, baptism, etc. Surely we can agree that the crucifixion, believing, and God's mercy are necessary. But is obedience also essential to salvation and forgiveness of sins? What about repentance and confession? Are people saved just by "good works"? What about people who do not obey God's commands, are not baptized, or are not members of Jesus' church? Does the Bible teach justification by "faith only" apart from works? 

Introduction:

The Bible teaches that all people need to have their sins forgiven so they can receive eternal salvation.

1 John 3:4 - Sin is transgression of (disobedience to) God's law.
Romans 3:23 - Everyone has committed sin. [1 John 1:8,10]
Romans 6:23 - The consequence of sin is eternal death, unless the sins are forgiven. Without forgiveness there is no hope of eternal life.

The question to be studied in this lesson is this: What does the Bible say is necessary for people to be forgiven and then receive eternal life at judgment?

What has to happen in one's life in order for him to receive forgiveness and then continue in God's favor.
* Some say: We are saved by the grace of God. Yes, but is that all? Is that the only thing we need?
* Some say: We are saved by the death and blood of Jesus. Yes, but is there nothing else that must take place?
* Some say: We are saved by faith. Yes, but is that all? If in your heart you have a faith in Jesus, will you necessarily be saved, or is something else needed?
Let us consider a number of things the Bible says are essential in order for a man to be saved or forgiven. We will see then that many people hold mistaken ideas about salvation.
We are especially concerned about people who take PART of God's word, but omit other Divine requirements. Sadly, they believe they are saved, but their lives are missing many things the Bible says are necessary.

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I. A List of Things Essential to Salvation

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A. God's Provisions

The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all active in our salvation. They had to do certain things for us to be saved. Consider some things that were necessary on God's part for us to be saved: [Rom. 8:33; Heb. 7:25; Acts 4:12; 1 Cor. 6:11]

1. Grace and mercy

Titus 2:11 - For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
[Titus 3:5; Rom. 3:24; Eph. 2:8,9; 2 Tim. 1:9; Eph. 1:7; Acts 15:11]

2. Death and blood of Jesus

Romans 5:9,10 - We have been justified by His blood, reconciled by His death.
Hebrews 10:10 - We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus.
Ephesians 1:7 - We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
[1 Cor. 15:3; 1 John 1:7; Heb. 9:14,22; Rom. 3:25; 1 Peter 1:18,19; Rev. 1:5]

3. The resurrection of Jesus

1 Corinthians 15:17 - And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Without the resurrection, Jesus' death would have been a victory for Satan!
[Rom. 5:10; Heb. 7:25; 1 Peter 3:21]

4. The gospel, God's word

Romans 1:16 - The gospel is the power of God unto salvation.
1 Peter 1:23-25 - We are born again by the seed, which is God's word.
Acts 11:14 - Peter told Cornelius words whereby he would be saved.
These verses do not state what the word does in our salvation or why it is essential, but surely it IS essential, just as God's mercy and Jesus' death are.
[James 1:18,21; 1 Cor. 15:1,2; John 8:31,32]
God's blessings and provisions were essential in order to make salvation available to us. Without them, we could never have achieved salvation by our human ability. Some people, however, seem to believe that God's provisions are all we need and nothing is required on man's part. However, note the following:

B. Man's Response

Some speak as though, if man must do anything to be saved, then that makes man, not God, the source of salvation.
Philippians 2:12 - Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
God's provisions are freely offered to all men (Titus 2:11; 1 Timothy 2:4,6; Hebrews 2:9; 2 Peter 3:9; etc.). But not all people will ultimately be saved (Matthew 7:13,14; 25:31-46). So there must be something in the life of each individual that determines whether or not he will receive God's forgiveness. What is it?

1. Hearing and learning God's word

John 6:44,45 - No man can come to Jesus without hearing, learning, and being taught.
Romans 10:17 - Faith comes by hearing the word of God.
This is the role the word plays in salvation. We cannot be saved until we learn from God's word what He requires of us. The Spirit does not work directly on man's heart to lead to salvation, but works through the word (Ephesians 6:17).
[1 Cor. 1:21; 2 Tim. 3:16,17; John 8:31,32; Matthew 13:23; Romans 1:16; 10:13,14; Mark 16:15,16; Acts 8:26,29,35; 9:6; 11:14; 18:8; Luke 6:46-49; 11:28; 2 Thessalonians 2:14; Revelation 3:20]

2. Faith

Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Romans 5:1 - We are justified by faith.
The Bible describes different kinds and degrees of faith. Some believe God exists and Jesus is the Savior, but will not obey Him. This is not saving faith (James 2:19; John 12:41,42).
Saving faith is a conviction and trust in Jesus that leads one to obey Jesus in the other steps listed below (Galatians 5:6; James 2:14-26; Hebrews 11).
[Rom. 10:9,10; Gal. 3:26; John 3:16; 8:24; Mark 16:16; Acts 16:31; Eph. 2:8; Heb. 10:39; Hope - Rom. 8:24; Love - 1 John 4:7,8; Gal. 5:6; 1 Cor. 13:1-3; 16:22]

3. Repentance

2 Corinthians 7:10 - For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation.
Acts 2:38 - Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins.
Repentance is a change of mind in which one determines to turn from sin and do what God says (Matt. 21:28,29). Without this decision, God will not save us.
[Luke 13:3,5; 24:47; Acts 17:30; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 20:21; 2 Peter 3:9]

4. Obedience to God's commands

To be forgiven, we must follow through on our repentance and do what God says. Many people will agree with everything to this point, but deny we must do anything. But note:
Hebrews 5:9 - Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.
Romans 6:17,18 - When we obey from the heart the teaching delivered, we are then made free from sin.
1 Peter 1:22 - We purify our souls in obeying the truth.
Acts 10:34,35 - Whoever fears God and works righteousness is accepted by Him.
It is simply not true that nothing man does is necessary to salvation.
[Matthew 7:21-27; 22:36-39; John 14:15,21-24; Acts 3:20-23; Romans 2:6-10; Hebrews 10:39; 11:8,30; Galatians 5:6; 2 Thessalonians 1:8,9; James 2:14-26; I John 5:3; 2:3-6]

5. Confession of Christ

Romans 10:9,10 - With the heart man believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation.
Note that faith alone is not enough. Here is a physical act that must be done with the mouth to be saved - one must confess. To deny we must do anything to be saved is to deny confession is necessary.
[Matthew 10:32; 16:15-18; John 1:49; 4:42; 9:35-38; 11:27: 12:42,43; Acts 8:36-38; I Timothy 6:12,13; I John 4:15]

6. Baptism (immersion in water)

Many deny this step is necessary to be saved. Yet the Bible lists is as necessary, just as plainly as it does the other steps:
Mark 16:16 - He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Is a person saved before or without baptism? No more so than he is saved before or without faith!
Acts 2:38 - Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins. Are sins remitted before or without baptism? No more so than they are remitted before or without repentance!
Peter was not talking to saved people, telling them what to do because they had been saved. He was talking to people in sin, telling them how to receive remission. The fact he told them to repent makes that clear.
Acts 22:16 - And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Were sins washed away before baptism or without it? A person is in sin until he has been baptized!
1 Peter 3:21 - Baptism doth also now save us.
The Bible says baptism is necessary to salvation just as clearly as it does the other conditions. The source or power to forgive is not in the water, or in faith, repentance, or confession. The power is in Jesus' blood, but that power is applied to the individual when he meets the conditions.
[Romans 6:3-7; Galatians 3:26,27]

7. Faithfulness, endurance

Matthew 10:22 - He who endures to the end will be saved.
Revelation 2:10 - Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
[1 Cor 15:1,2,58; Matt. 28:20; Titus 2:11,12; 1 John 2:1-6]
.

8. Church membership

Again people say, "The church doesn't save you. Christ saves you." So they conclude we don't need to be members of the church to be saved. But the Bible says:
Acts 2:47 - The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. The church does not save, but those who are saved are in the church. If we are not in the church, what is our condition?
Acts 20:28 - Jesus purchased the church with His blood (that which saves us).
Ephesians 5:23,25 - Jesus is Savior of the body (church), and gave Himself for the church. How can one be saved if He is not part of that which Jesus died to save?
Clearly there are many things God did to make salvation available to man, and there are several things each person must do to receive the salvation God offers.

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II. Making Proper Application of These Scriptures

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People often are mistaken about salvation because they isolate certain passages from the total context of God's will. They pick a few things the Bible says, and rest their salvation on those things, ignoring other things the Bible elsewhere states are essential.
I once heard a preacher tell a man, "The only passage you need to know and accept to be saved is John 3:16." Then what is the rest of the Bible for? And if other passages say something else is essential but I neglect it, how can I be saved? Consider some applications.

A. Some Folks Say We are "Saved by Grace Alone."

This is found in many denominational creeds.

Universalists carry this to its logical conclusion and claim that everyone will be saved.

The grace of God is available to all men. If grace is all we need, then all will be saved! But we know some will be lost, so something must be wrong with the doctrine of salvation by grace alone!

The problem is that the doctrine ignores the OTHER things the Bible says are essential to salvation.

If we take only the verses that show we need grace, we will reach conclusions that contradict other passages. The solution is to realize that, although the Bible says we are saved by grace, it never says we are saved by grace ALONE. Instead it says other things are needed.
Unfortunately, even though grace has been extended to all, some folks will be lost because they fail to meet the other conditions.

B. Other Folks Say All We Need Is the Death of Jesus.

When told that there are things we must do to be saved, they say, "Jesus blood is all you need. You don't have to do anything."

Again, this leads to a contradiction in Bible teaching. Jesus died for everyone, just like God's grace is for everyone (Heb. 2:9; 1 Tim. 2:4,6). If Jesus' death is all we need, then everyone will be saved. But that contradicts the Bible teaching that not everyone will be saved.

Again, the problem is that people are ignoring other things the Bible says are essential.

The solution is to realize that, though the Bible says we are saved by Jesus' death, it does not say His death alone saves us, with nothing else needed on our part. Instead it shows that other things are necessary.
Unfortunately, although Jesus died to save all men, some will be lost because they will not meet the conditions.

C. Other Folks Think They Will Be Saved Just Because They Are Good Moral People.

When told they need to obey the gospel, they appeal to their good moral life and think that is all they need.

Again, this contradicts Bible teaching, since the Bible describes good moral people who were lost, like Cornelius (Acts 10:1ff; 11:14).

The problem is that people are ignoring other things the Bible says are essential.

The solution is to realize that the Bible does say that a good moral life is necessary - this is part of faithful living. But it does not say that a good moral life ALONE will save us. Instead it says other things are necessary.
Unfortunately, many good moral people will be lost because they failed to meet the conditions to be forgiven of their sins.

D. Many Folks Believe They Will Be Saved by "Faith Alone."

When told they need to be baptized and live a faithful life, they say that's not necessary as long as one believes in Jesus as His personal Savior.

Again, this contradicts the Bible, since it describes many people who believed in Jesus but were not saved (James 2:19; John 12:42,43; Acts 22:1-16; Matt. 7:21-27).

The problem is that people ignore the Bible teaching about other things that are necessary to salvation.

If faith is all we need, then we do not even need repentance and confession, let alone baptism! Some may say these are part of faith, but the Bible lists them separately from faith (Rom. 10:9,10).
The solution is to realize that the Bible says we are saved by faith, but it never says we are saved by faith only. Instead, it expressly denies we are saved by faith only (James 2:24), and states other things that are necessary.
Unfortunately there are many people who have faith in Jesus, who yet will be lost because they have not met the other conditions (see examples above).

E. Some People Think We Are Saved by Baptism Alone.

Some people baptize babies to save them from original sin. Others act as though faithful living is not necessary because they have been baptized.

This contradicts the Bible teaching that people must believe, repent, and confess before they are baptized (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; etc.), and that many baptized people became unfaithful and were lost (Galatians 5:4; Hebrews 10:26ff; Acts 8:12-24).

The problem is that people are ignoring the other things the Bible says are necessary.

The solution is to realize that, though baptism is necessary to salvation, the Bible nowhere says we are saved by baptism only. Instead it says other things are needed.
Unfortunately, there are people who have been baptized, who will yet be lost because they have not met the other conditions of salvation.

Conclusion

Acts 3:22,23 says we must give heed to all things that Jesus teaches.
Salvation may be compared to following a recipe. To have the desired result, it is not enough to follow some or most of the steps. One must include all the ingredients.
Are you willing to give heed to all that Jesus teaches?
[James 2:10; Revelation 22:18,19; Acts 20:27; Matthew 28:20; 4:4-7]

Jesus’ Death, Burial and Resurrection

Jesus’ Death, Burial and Resurrection

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Jesus on Trial before Pilate

>>> Read Mark 15:1-21. <<<
Please read each section in your Bible as you study the lesson. Although the Jewish leaders had tried Jesus and convicted Him of blasphemy, they led Him to the Roman governor Pilate for yet another trial. The Jews did not have authority to carry out sentences of capital punishment that were determined by their own courts; capital crimes had to be tried by Roman officials. Thus, very early the next morning they brought Jesus to Pilate, hoping that he would concur with their decision. They accused Jesus of many things, but He remained silent. Pilate was amazed that He didn't try to defend Himself. The governor perceived that this was not really a question of criminal action, but that the Jews were jealous of Jesus. Therefore, he made several attempts to release Him. He was eager to appease the Jews, however, and was unable to persuade them that Jesus should be released. Though he did not believe Jesus was guilty, he ended up sentencing Him to death because he feared the start of a riot. Roman soldiers scourged Jesus, mocked Him, and led Him out to be crucified.
Note -- Physical suffering of Jesus: Jesus suffered intensely in his last few hours. After being up all night, subjected to the stress of six different trials (if we compare the accounts in Matthew, Luke and John also), He was scourged. Scourging was accomplished by tying bits of bone, metal and glass to a whip and then striking the victim's back. This procedure produced excruciating pain, much loss of blood and sometimes even death. The victim's back became a bloody mass. After scourging Him, they took thorns, wove them into a crown, put it on Jesus' head, and began to beat on it, causing intense pain. They put a scarlet robe on Him [see Matt. 27:28; Mark's account calls it "purple"], only to later rip it off, undoubtedly tearing open the blood-dried wounds on His back in the process. Then came the crucifixion. In an execution of this type, they would literally nail the "criminal's" hands and feet onto a piece of wood and then set it upright into a hole. To breathe, the victim had to continually raise himself so that his lung cavity could expand. Pain and fatigue would begin to diminish the effectiveness of this effort and the lungs would begin to fill with fluid. As exhaustion took hold, the victim would be slowly asphyxiated because of a lack of oxygen and finally die.
*1* What did Pilate conclude was the real reason the Jews wanted Jesus to be crucified (v10)? (a) They believed in Him, (b) they envied him, (c) they wanted Him to be king, (d) they were sincerely disappointed in Him. Answer: ______.
*2* Why did Pilate sentence Jesus' execution despite believing He was innocent (v15)? Answer: He wanted to please the Jews and avoid a ______.
*3* The man who was released in Jesus' place was guilty of what (v7)? Answer: He had participated in an insurrection in which he had committed ______.
*4&5* After Jesus had been scourged, what did the soldiers put on His head? Answer: A ______ made of ______.

Jesus' Crucifixion

>>> Read Mark 15:22-41. <<<
It was a standard act of mercy to give a narcotic to condemned criminals when they were crucified. The drug would dull the pain a bit and allow the victim to pass away more comfortably. Jesus refused this tranquilizer. He was determined to suffer in full consciousness.
The ridicule grew. The soldiers who guarded the cross gambled for Jesus' clothes. Bystanders laughed at the idea that He could rebuild the temple when He couldn't even save Himself. Come down from the cross, they taunted, and we'll believe in You! Some Jewish officials standing nearby smirked that He had been able to save others, but was powerless to save Himself. Even the two thieves who were executed on either side of the Lord ridiculed Him.
From noon until 3 p.m. the sky was dark. Shortly thereafter, Jesus cried out in anguish, using the very words of Psalm 22:1: "My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?" Then after a few more minutes, He cried out again and died. At that moment the temple veil split in two, and a centurion who was observing exclaimed, "Truly this man was the Son of God."
Note -- The majesty of Jesus' death: There were multiplied ironies in the events of those final hours. As they ridiculed Jesus saying that He had saved others, but now couldn't save himself, they were unaware that He was fully capable of saving Himself, but that if He had, He would not have saved others. He died voluntarily. He had at His disposition thousands of angels that could have rescued Him, but He deliberately chose to lay down His life because He loved us. Jesus had the power to do anything He wanted against His tormentors, but he subdued all desire for revenge and actually prayed for God to forgive those who were treating Him so cruelly (Luke 23:34). By dying as He did, Christ provided the sacrifice that would forgive men's sins. Therefore, the temple veil was torn in two from top to bottom. The veil had blocked access to God's presence--it was a symbol of man's sin. Since Jesus' death atoned for sin, the veil was severed, demonstrating that with sin removed men could once again enter into fellowship with God. Truly, this man was the Son of God!
*6&6* What was written above Jesus, while He hung on the cross (v26)? Answer: A sign over Him said, "The ______ of the ______."
*8* The people mocking Christ said they would believe on Him if He would do what? Answer: They would believe if he would ______ from the cross.
*9* What occurred in the temple when Jesus died? Answer: The ______ of the temple was torn in two.
*10* Jesus was crucified with what kind of men? Answer: He was crucified between two ______.

Jesus' Burial

>>> Read Mark 15:42-47. <<<
Joseph, a prominent Jewish official and secret disciple of Christ (see John 19:38), asked Pilate for permission to bury Jesus' body. He had to act quickly since according to Jewish law He could not bury the body on the Sabbath day, which officially began at sundown. He gathered the corpse up in a sheet and put it in a hole chiseled into the wall of a cave, which served as a typical grave in that era. He closed off the cave by rolling a large rock over the entrance.
*11* In whose tomb was Jesus buried (v43)? Answer: The tomb belonged to ______. (Cf. Matt. 27:57-60.)
*12* How did Pilate make sure Jesus was dead (v44,45)? Answer: He asked the ______ if Jesus was dead.
*13&14* What was the tomb made of, and how was the opening sealed (v46)? Answer: It was hewn out of ______, and the opening was covered with a large ______.

Body is Missing!

>>> Read Mark 16:1-8. <<<
A few loyal women had prepared spices and went out to Jesus' tomb early on Sunday morning. They were planning to embalm His body in order to give it a more honorable burial than had been possible in the few minutes that had been available on Friday afternoon. As they walked down to the cave, they thought about how hard it was going to be for them to roll that large rock away from the entrance of the burial cave. When they arrived, however, they saw that the rock had already been removed and the cave was open. Inside, an angel told them that Jesus had arisen and was on His way to Galilee. He asked them to tell the disciples and Peter. The women fled away very frightened.
Note -- Tell the disciples and Peter: The angel told the women to invite the disciples "and Peter" to meet Jesus in Galilee. Since Peter was himself a disciple, it seems unusual that he would be singled out and receive a special invitation. Perhaps it was because the Lord knew that Peter would no longer feel himself worthy to be counted as a disciple after having denied Him, and therefore, Jesus gave him a special invitation to the meeting. What tenderness the Lord showed!
*15* On what day did Jesus arise from the dead (v1,2)? Answer: The ______ day of the week.
*16* Why did the women go to the tomb early on the first day of the week? Answer: They wanted to ______ Jesus' body.
*17* What did the young man (angel) say had happened to Jesus? Answer: He said Jesus was not there because He had ______.

Jesus Commissions the Disciples

>>> Read Mark 16:9-20. <<<
The disciples had never expected to see Jesus again. They watched Him die and knew about His burial. They were very sad. Because of this, the news of the empty tomb and Jesus' appearances seemed too good to be true. They refused to get their hopes up. Later, when He did appear to them, He rebuked them for being so slow to believe. Then He gave orders for their future work, telling them to go everywhere and preach the gospel to all. He told them what to preach: The one who believes and is baptized will be saved. He gave them signs to confirm their message.
Note -- He that believes and is baptized shall be saved: Jesus set forth the conditions of salvation. He requires faith and baptism. Unfortunately men of our day have tried to eliminate one or the other of these two requirements. Some try to eliminate faith. They teach that infants, who are too young to believe, should be baptized. But Jesus' order was belief first, then baptism. Throughout Scripture only those who believed and repented were considered qualified for baptism (study Acts 2:38, 41; 18:8; John 6:44-45). Others teach salvation by faith only, without baptism. But Jesus clearly said that baptism was a requirement to receive salvation (see John 3:5). In accordance with this command of Jesus, the apostles insisted that water baptism was a prerequisite to receiving forgiveness of sins and the new life in Christ (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Peter 3:21).
The gospel of Mark closes with a note about the results of the great mission Jesus entrusted to the apostles. After He had ascended back to heaven, they went out and began to preach everywhere, just like Jesus told them. The Lord blessed their revelation of the gospel message with signs to confirm it, just as He said He would.
*18* What did Jesus say His disciples should do with the gospel (v15)? Answer: They should go into all the world and ______ the gospel.
*19* What did Jesus say one must do to be saved (v16)? a) just believe in Jesus; b) just be baptized; c) pray the sinner's prayer; d) believe and be baptized. Answer: ______.
*20* What purpose was to be accomplished by miraculous signs (v20)? Answer: As inspired men preached the gospel, the accompanying signs served to ______ the word.
Mark's story of Jesus is over, but we hope that your study of Jesus' life and teachings is not. Besides Mark, three other New Testament books tell about Him: Matthew, Luke and John. Perhaps now you would like to begin to read them to learn more details of His story. Or, perhaps you prefer to continue your study by learning the story of how the apostles began to take the gospel all over the world: read the book of Acts. Bible study is a great journey and your adventure has just begun. Please be sure that you meditate and reflect on the great message of the Word of God as you read, and make sure you apply what you learn to your life.

How Can We Learn Jesus’ Will?

How Can We Learn Jesus’ Will?

Jesus Is Lord — Lesson #4

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Introduction:
In our last lesson we learned that we should honor Jesus as the Lord of our lives. He is the Son of God who died to save us from our sins, and He will one day return to judge us. We should obey His will, imitate the principles He lived by, and serve Him as our highest priority.
However, Jesus is no longer on earth to personally teach us. Where can we go to learn His will today? This is the theme of this lesson.

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I. Jesus' Teachings Are Recorded in the Bible.

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Jesus knew that He would leave earth and return to heaven, so during His lifetime He carefully gave instructions to His apostles. After He left, He sent the Holy Spirit to guide the apostles to write His instructions in the New Testament Scriptures.
>>> Read JOHN 16:13. <<<
*1&2* What did Jesus say the Spirit of truth would do for the apostles? Answer: The Spirit would ______ them into ______ truth.
>>> Read JOHN 20:29-31. <<<
*3* How can people believe in Jesus even when they have not seen Him? (a) they can't believe, (b) they need a modern-day prophet, (c) they can believe by reading what the inspired men wrote in the Bible. Answer: ______.
*4* What blessing can people receive if they believe what is written? Answer: By believing we can have ______ in His name.
>>> Read EPHESIANS 3:3-5. <<<
*5* What did Paul do with the knowledge revealed to him? (a) he wrote it down, (b) he kept it a secret, (c) it is still an unknown mystery. Answer: ______.
*6* How can other people learn what Paul knew? Answer: We can understand when we ______ what he wrote.
Note that, although the gospel message had been unknown (a mystery) in the past, it was revealed or "made known" to the New Testament apostles and prophets. Now we can know it by reading what they wrote.
>>> Read 1 CORINTHIANS 14:37. <<<
*7* Whose commands did Paul write? Answer: Paul wrote the commands of the ______.
You and I today can know the teachings of the Lord Jesus by reading the New Testament Scriptures written by His inspired prophets.

For more information about the importance of the Bible, see the links at the end of this lesson.

[See also Matt. 10:19f; Luke 10:16; John 14:26; 1 Cor. 2:10-14; 11:23; 15:3; Gal. 1:11,12; 2 Peter 1:12-15,21; 3:1,2; 1 John 1:1-4; 2:1-17; Rev. 1:11.]

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II. The Gospel Is a Perfect Revelation.

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Sometimes people wonder how adequately the Scriptures reveal the teachings of Jesus for us today. Do they contain all we need to know, or are there teachings that we need but do not have? Can we understand what is taught? Has the message been lost or perverted over the years, so that we today no longer have the true and complete will of Jesus?

A. The Scriptures Reveal All God's Will for Us.

Remember, Jesus promised that the apostles would receive "all truth" (John 16:13), and they wrote down what they received.

>>> Read ACTS 20:20,27. <<<
*8* How much of God's will did Paul teach to others? (a) he kept back parts that were needed, (b) he preached the whole counsel of God, (c) there were important truths that he never even received. Answer: ______.
>>> Read 2 PETER 1:3. <<<
*9* How much of God's will had people in Peter's lifetime received? Answer: They received ______ things pertaining to life and godliness.
>>> Read 2 TIMOTHY 3:16,17. <<<
*10* For what purposes are the Scriptures profitable? (a) teaching and instructing us in righteousness, (b) reproving and correcting us, (c) completely providing all good works, (d) all the preceding. Answer: ______.
*11* If the Scriptures provide us to all good works, then do we need some standard of religious authority in addition to the Bible? (yes or no) Answer: ______.
The gospel is the perfect law of liberty, which is able to save our souls (James 1:21,25). We need no further revelation because the Bible completely reveals all God's will for man. It teaches everything we need to know to be saved. Since the first-century apostles and prophets received all truth, it follows that any doctrine taught today, which they did not record in the Bible, must not be true.
[See also Matt. 28:20; Col. 4:12; Heb. 13:20,21.]

B. The Scriptures Are Understandable.

Remember that the apostles wrote down what had been revealed to them, so that others could understand the message (Ephesians 3:3-5).

>>> Read MARK 7:14. <<<
*12* What did Jesus expect his hearers to do? Answer: They were supposed to hear and ______.
Notice that Jesus spoke here to the "multitude" of common people and He required "everyone" of them to understand what He taught.
>>> Read ACTS 17:11. <<<
*13* How did these people determine whether or not the things they heard were true? (a) they searched the Scriptures daily, (b) they needed a college education, (c) they needed a priest to explain it to them. Answer: ______.
Could they do this if the Scriptures are impossible to understand? If people cannot understand the Bible, why did God give it to us?
>>> Read 1 CORINTHIANS 14:33. <<<
*14* God is not the author (or cause) of what? Answer: ______.
God is the author of the Scriptures. Now if the Bible has been written in such a way that it is impossible for men to study and understand it, then God would be the author of confusion. Since He is not the author of confusion, then the Bible must be a book that we can understand.
Remember that the Scriptures are profitable to teach, reprove, instruct, and supply us completely to all good works (2 Timothy 3:15-17). They are able to make one wise to salvation. But if we could not understand the Scriptures, then they would not profit in any of these things.
God revealed the Scriptures so men could understand His will. Anyone who believes God is all-wise and all-powerful, must also believe the Bible is a book that can be understood.
[See also 2 Tim. 2:15; Eph. 5:17; Isa. 55:11; Psalm 119:104,105,130.]

C. The Scriptures Have Been Accurately Preserved.

The Holy Spirit guided the New Testament writers to record Jesus' teachings so those teachings could guide future generations. In order for the Scriptures to accomplish this, God would have to preserve them.

>>> Read 2 PETER 1:12-15; 3:1,2. <<<
*15* Peter was writing so that people would have a record of his teachings after he died. What would this message do for them? Answer: It would ______ them of the apostles' commands.
>>> Read JOHN 12:48. <<<
*16* By what standard will men be judged? (a) by their own consciences, (b) by the teachings of their priests, (c) by Jesus' words. Answer: ______.
Jesus' words will judge men at the last day. This means that Jesus' words must endure till the judgment and must be available to men, so we can know what to do to prepare for the judgment. Jesus' words are preserved for us in the written word of the Scriptures.
>>> Read 1 PETER 1:22-25. <<<
*17* What is the seed by which we are born again? Answer: We are born again by the incorruptible seed, which is the ______ of God.
*18* How long will God's word endure? (a) forever, (b) 2 generations, (c) like a plant that grows then dies, it was lost in the middle ages. Answer: ______.
>>> Read 2 JOHN 2. <<<
*19* How long will the truth be with us? Answer: The truth will be with us ______.
God intended for the faith to be delivered to His people only "once" (Jude 3). He delivered it in the first century, then He preserved it through the centuries till today. We today have the perfect and complete teachings of Jesus in a form we can understand in the Scriptures.

For more information about the preservation of the Bible, see the links at the end of this study.

[See also Psa. 12:6,7; Heb. 13:20; Isa. 30:8; 59:20,21; Matt. 24:35.]

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III. Jesus' Instructions for Today Are Found in the New Testament, Not the Old.

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Some people believe that we today need a special priesthood or should rest on the seventh day of the week because the Old Testament law required this. Others claim that God never changes His law, so if He ever commanded anything, then everyone must always keep that command. But God once commanded a man to build an ark and another man to sacrifice his son (Gen. 6:13-7:5; 22:1-19). Must we do these today?

God Himself says He has changed His laws about circumcision (cf. Gen. 17:9-14 to 1 Cor. 7:18-20; Gal. 5:1-8; 6:12-16), the Levitical priesthood (cf. Ex. 40:12-16; 29:1-9 to Heb. 7:11-18; 1 Pet. 2:5,9), and animal sacrifices (cf. Num. 15:1-6 to Heb. 10:1-18), just to name a few examples.
These Scriptures clearly prove that God has made changes in his laws. Some commands were intended just for certain specific people, not for all people everywhere. Other commands served a temporary purpose. When they fulfilled their purpose, they were no longer needed, so God removed them.
What about the Old Testament laws, including the laws given through Moses. Are they still in effect today, or do we follow only the teachings of the New Testament?
>>> Read ROMANS 7:2-6. <<<
*20* When is a woman free from her husband? (a) when she divorces him, (b) when she becomes a Christian, (c) when he dies. Answer: ______.
*21* What is our relation to the law? (a) we are subject to it, (b) we are freed from it and joined to Christ, (c) we should still keep parts of it. Answer: ______.
>>> Read HEBREWS 10:9,10. <<<
Hebrews is a lengthy comparison of the "first" or "old covenant" compared to the "second" or "new covenant." The first covenant included the animal sacrifices, the Levitical priesthood, the tabernacle, and the "tables of the covenant" or the 10 Commands (see 7:11-14; 9:1-5; 10:1-8). In fact it included "every precept" given through Moses (9:18-21).
*22&23* What did Jesus do to these two covenants? Answer: He ______ the first that He may ______ the second.
Because of what Jesus did, "the law" (first covenant) was changed or annulled (7:12,18). It was made old, so it vanished away (8:6-13). All this was done in harmony with God's will, not contrary to it.
>>> Read COLOSSIANS 2:14,16. <<<
*24&25* What did Christ do to the handwriting of ordinances? Answer: He took it ______ nailing it to His ______.
*26* Should we let people judge us for not keeping the sabbath? (yes or no) Answer: ______.
The Old Testament law, given through Moses, applied only to the nation of Israel and only till Jesus died. The teaching of Jesus for people today is recorded in the New Testament, the gospel. It is the "power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1:16).

For more information about the Old Testament law, see the links at the end of this study.

[See also 2 Cor. 3:6-11; Gal. 3:24,25; 5:1-6; Eph. 2:11-16.]

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IV. We Should Reject Man-Made Doctrines.

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Many people today claim to follow Jesus, but they participate in religious practices and organizations that are not authorized in the gospel. Yet the New Testament provides us to all good works, so other practices cannot be from Jesus. They are human in origin [cf. Matt. 21:25].

A. What Does Jesus Think of Man-Made Doctrines?

>>> Read MATTHEW 15:9,13,14.<<<

*27* How does Jesus describe our worship if it is based on human doctrine (v9) ? (a) it is vain, (b) it is acceptable, (c) it doesn't matter. Answer: ______.
Fallible men cannot know what pleases God without revelation from God. The "way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps" (Jeremiah 10:23). Only by following the teaching of Jesus can we know what is pleasing to God.
>>> Read GALATIANS 1:8,9. <<<
*28* What is the condition of one who preaches a different gospel? Answer: He is ______.
"There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Proverbs 14:12).
>>> Read 2 JOHN 9. <<<
*29* What happens to someone who teaches things not found in the teachings that come from Jesus? Answer: He does not have ______.
Remember that all Jesus' teachings were recorded in the New Testament by the original apostles and prophets. To follow Jesus, we must do only the things taught in His word. If we follow practices He has not authorized, then we are following men instead of following Jesus.
Even if no passage specifically forbids a certain practice, that does not mean the practice is acceptable. Instead, we should ask, "Where did Jesus say we should do this?" If a practice is not authorized in His word, we should avoid it.
[See also Rev. 22:18,19; Col. 3:17; Prov. 3:5,6; 2 Cor. 10:12,18.]

B. Some Examples of Human Authority in Religion

People often accept man-made religious practices without realizing why they accept them. Often they are following human authorities such as those we are about to consider. (Note that some of these things do have a right to exist. The danger comes when they are viewed as authority which people follow to determine what they believe or practice.)

Family Religion

Some people think, "It was good enough for my mother (or wife, etc.), so it's good enough for me." This makes the family our authority, instead of Jesus. We should be glad if our families follow the Bible, but most people's families are in error (Matthew 7:13,14). Most Christians in the New Testament had to leave their family religion.
*30* If our family is involved in practices not found in the gospel, should we still practice as they do? (yes or no) Answer: ______.
[Note Matt. 10:34-37; Acts 5:29; Gal. 1:13,14.]

Conscience, feelings, sincerity

We need sincerity and a good conscience, but these become the standard for some people. "Just let your conscience be your guide. It doesn't matter what you believe as long as you're sincere."
>>> Read ACTS 23:1; 26:9. <<<
*31* Even before his conversion, Paul was sincere and had a good conscience. At that time was he (a) right, (b) wrong, (c) it didn't matter? Answer: ______.
One can be sincere and have a good conscience, yet be the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:13-15). Your conscience only tells you whether or not you are doing what you believe to be right. Like a clock, it will not be reliable unless it has been set properly.
[See also Prov. 14:12; 28:26; Matt. 7:21-23; 2 Cor. 10:18.]

Preachers

Some people just accept whatever their preacher says. "My preacher is well educated, and he would not mislead me?." Preachers can help us learn Jesus' will, but they must not become the standard of authority. Preachers are wrong when they differ from what Jesus said. [See also Acts 17:11; 20:29,30; Matt. 7:15; 15:14; 1 John 4:1,6; 2 Cor. 11:13-15.]
*32* Should we accept what our preacher says if he cannot show it in the Bible? (yes or no) Answer: ______.

Church creeds, traditions, and decrees of councils

Many denominations write books that the group follows as authority or doctrinal standards. Any creed that contains more than the Bible contains too much. Any creed that contains less than the Bible contains too little. All human creeds and church laws are made on the assumption that fallible humans can write a better standard than the Bible!

For more information about man-made doctrines and religious confusion, see the links at the end of this study.

Conclusion

"And by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments" (1 John 2:3-6). A true disciple devotes his lifetime to serving his Master's will. During your lifetime you must choose whether or not you will serve Jesus. "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15; cf. 1 John 5:3). Do you follow Jesus or do you follow men?

Preparing for the Church to Begin - Acts 1

Preparing for the Church to Begin - Acts 1 Lesson 1

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Introduction:

The book of Acts records the history of the early church and the spread of the gospel.

It discusses these themes:

Themes in Acts * Examples of conversion (how to be forgiven of sin) * Evidence Jesus is God's Son and the Bible is God's word * Basic truths about the church (its origin, organization, worship, etc.) * Information about the work of the Holy Spirit through the apostles

Note: To complete this study we suggest you have a Bible with cross-references and concordance. The best translations would be New King James Version, King James Version, American Standard Version, or New American Standard Version, though others may work acceptably.

Additional special note: Please be aware that this lesson introduces some subjects and raises some questions which are discussed further in future lessons. This may make this lesson seem somewhat more difficult than others. Please be patient and continue the studies so you can study the subjects further in future lessons.

Author of the book

>>> Please read Acts 1:1,2 and compare Luke 1:1-4.<<<
*1* The books of Acts and Luke are both addressed to whom? Answer: Acts and Luke are both addressed to ______.
Comments: For the following reasons, Luke is generally considered to be the inspired author of Acts:
* The author of Acts had written a former account of Jesus' life.
* Both Luke and Acts are addressed to Theophilus.
* Luke was a physician (Col. 4:14), and Acts contains several medical terms.
* The use of "we" in describing Paul's journeys indicates the author was one of Paul's traveling companions.

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I. Promise of the Spirit and the Kingdom - Acts1:1-8

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The Apostles and the Evidence for Faith

>>> Please read Acts 1:1-5. <<<
*2&3* To what men (v2) did Jesus show Himself alive, and for how long? Answer: Jesus showed Himself to the ______ for ______ days.
*4&5* What did He promise would happen to them and where? Answer: They would be baptized with the ______ in the city of ______ not many days later.
*6* Holy Spirit baptism was which of the following (read vv 4,5 carefully)? (a) a command, or (b) a promise from the Father? Answer: ______.
Comments: "Apostle" means "one who is sent on a mission." Jesus chose His apostles to serve as eyewitnesses of His resurrection (see 1:21,22). He appeared to them repeatedly over a period of 40 days. Other people also saw Him, but the apostles were especially commissioned to preach and testify of Him (v8).
Our faith in Jesus is based on "many infallible proofs" (v3). The Christian's faith is not based on myth, speculation, prejudice, family religion, or gullibility. God knew the gospel faith would be challenged, and men would need convincing evidence that it is true. So He has provided us with solid eyewitness testimony that would stand up in any legitimate court.
To preach Jesus' message (v8) the apostles needed special guidance of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised to send the Spirit to them in Jerusalem soon after His ascension (cf. Matt. 3:11; John 14:26; 16:7-13).

Predictions of the Kingdom and the Holy Spirit

>>> Please read Acts 1:6-8.<<<

*7* What question did Jesus' disciples ask? Answer: They asked if He would restore the ______ to Israel then.
*8* What would they receive when the Holy Spirit came? (a) riches, (b) fame, (c) good health, (d) power, (e) all the preceding. Answer: ______.
*9* What would they do as a result? Answer: They would be ______ of Jesus.
*10* In what area does v8 say the apostles would preach? (a) Jerusalem, (b) Judea and Samaria, (c) the uttermost parts of the earth, (d) all the preceding. Answer: ______.
Comment: Verse 8 summarizes the spread of the gospel as recorded in Acts.

The Spread of the Gospel in Acts Acts 1-7 - The gospel preached in Jerusalem Acts 8-12 - The gospel preached in Judea and Samaria Acts 13-28 - The gospel preached throughout the world

>>> Please read Mark 9:1.<<<

*11* What would come with power in their lifetime? (a) the kingdom, (b) the Pope, (c) Jesus' second coming, (d) all the preceding. Answer: ______.

Jesus predicted His kingdom.

Comments: Jesus and His apostles had been discussing His coming kingdom (v3). Jesus' kingdom was a major theme of the gospel (see Matt. 3:2; 4:17; 10:5-7; Mark 1:14,15; Acts 8:12). Nevertheless, Jesus' disciples seriously misunderstood it, and so do many people today.
When the apostles asked when the kingdom would come, Jesus did not tell them (v6,7). But He said they would receive power to testify of Him when the Holy Spirit came (v8). They already knew the kingdom would come when the power came (Mark 9:1), and He had just said the Spirit would come in Jerusalem soon (Acts 1:4,5). Consider what we have learned about the kingdom:

Facts about the Coming of the Kingdom

* The kingdom would come with power during the lifetime of the apostles (Mark 9:1). * The power would come when the Holy Spirit came (Acts 1:8). * The Holy Spirit would come in Jerusalem soon after Jesus' ascension (Acts 1:4,5). Conclusion: The kingdom would soon come with power in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit came on the apostles.

Great events were about to occur!

Think: Some people today say the kingdom still has not come but will come when Jesus returns. Can this be true in light of the above passages? (See also Col. 1:13; 1 Cor. 15:21-26; Rev. 1:9; Heb. 12:28.) We will study much more about the coming of the kingdom as our studies proceed.

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit.

Comments: Jesus here promised that the Holy Spirit would give the apostles power to testify of His resurrection. Note what we have learned about Holy Spirit baptism:

Facts about Holy Spirit Baptism

* Not a command but a promise (v4). * Not in water, but in the Holy Spirit (v5). * Promised, not to people in general, but to the apostles (v2-5). * Came, not when the people chose, but when God chose (v4,6). * Came in Jerusalem (v4) * Gave apostles power to teach about Jesus (v8) * Came when the kingdom came (v2-8 cf. to Mark 9:1).

Think: Some folks claim that any Christian, even today, can receive Holy Spirit baptism if he wants it or knows how to receive it. Some even claim that, in this way, anyone today can do or receive miracles in his life. Can this be harmonized with the above facts?
>>> Please read Mark 16:15,16 and Matthew 28:18-20.<<<
*12* The gospel of the Great Commission was to be preached where? Answer: The gospel should be preached to all the ______.
*13* This baptism was which of the following? (a) a command or (b) just a promise? Answer: ______.
*14* Who needs to obey this instruction? (a) just a small group of people, (b) everyone. Answer: ______.
Comment: Comparing these passages to Acts 1, we can learn that Holy Spirit baptism and the baptism of the Great Commission were two separate baptisms. The baptism of the Great Commission was a command required of all people throughout the whole world. We will see many examples of this baptism in the book of Acts and will learn much more about it. We will learn that it is a baptism in water, and that its purpose was to give salvation through the death of Jesus (Mark 16:15,16; see also Acts 8:35-39; 2:38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21; etc.).
Holy Spirit baptism, on the other hand, was a special promise to special people so they could do special work before the Bible had been completed. We will also learn much more about the work of the Holy Spirit as our study proceeds. We will see that there are only two events in all the Bible that are described as Holy Spirit baptism. There are no instances of Holy Spirit baptism after Acts 10 and 11.

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II. Jesus' Ascension - Acts 1:9-11

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>>> Please read Acts 1:9-11. <<<
*15* What happened to Jesus in these verses? Answer: Jesus was taken up into a ______.
*16* What promise did two men (angels) make? Answer: Jesus would ______ like He went.
Comment: The ascension took place from the Mount of Olives east of Jerusalem (v12). It was another great miracle witnessed by men to prove Jesus was from God.
The two men who spoke were clearly angels. Their promise that Jesus will come again is repeated in many other passages. See 1 Thess. 4:16,17; Rev. 1:7; Matt. 25:31-46.
Note that Mark 16:19 says that, when Jesus was received up into Heaven, He sat down at the right hand of God. This is the very place where the Christ is to reign and serve as King and Priest according to Psalm 110:1-4. We will learn more about this also in chap. 2. Indeed, all preparations were being made for the kingdom to begin!

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III. A Replacement for Judas - Acts1:12-26

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>>> Please read Acts 1:12-14. <<<
*17* How many apostles are named in v13? Answer (give a number): V13 names ______ apostles.
*18* Who was with them? (a) Jesus' mother Mary, (b) His brothers, (c) other women, (d) all the preceding. Answer: ______.
>>> Please read Acts 1:15-19. <<<
*19* Which apostle was not present here? Answer: The missing apostle was ______.
*20* What sin had he committed? Answer: He served as guide for those who ______ Jesus.
*21* How had he died? Answer: He ______ and his body burst open.
Comment: Judas had betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (Matt. 27:3-10). Afterward in remorse he had committed suicide. The current account shows how a replacement was chosen for him.
>>> Please read Acts 1:20-22. <<<
*22* What did Peter say should be done? (a) appoint him to serve as Pope, (b) take up a collection, (c) appoint a replacement for Judas, (d) all the preceding. Answer: ______.
*23* What qualification did one need to serve as an apostle? Answer: Apostles had to be witnesses of the ______.
Comments: Note that a witness is someone who can testify about what he has personally seen or experienced with his physical senses. Many other passages confirm that apostles had to be personal eyewitnesses that Jesus was alive after His death and resurrection. See Acts 1:2,3,8; 2:32; 3:15; 1 Cor. 9:1; Luke 24:48; John 15:27; 1 John 1:1-3; etc.
Think: Some folks say that their church has had successors to the apostles throughout the ages even till today. Are these "successors" all eyewitnesses of Jesus' resurrection? If not, how can they be true successors of the apostles? In fact, how can there be such a thing as a successor to an eyewitness?
The work of the apostles was to testify to the resurrection of Jesus and preach the gospel by direct revelation. The apostles completed that work in the first century and recorded their testimony and their message in the New Testament Scriptures. That message now instructs us in righteousness and provides us to all good works (2 Tim. 3:16,17). It will live and abide forever (1 Peter 1:22-25).
The original apostles completely accomplished the work God intended apostles to complete. God never intended to have apostles or their successors throughout the history of the church, but He did want 12 at the beginning. Obviously we will learn more about the work of the apostles as we continue our study of "the Acts of the Apostles."
>>> Please read Acts 1:23-26. <<<
*24,25,&26* What two men were suggested to take Judas' place? Answer: ______ called ______ and ______.
*27* Who actually chose the new apostle? (a) the Lord, (b) the apostles, (c) a council of Cardinals. Answer: ______.
*28* How many apostles were there then? Answer (give a number): There were now altogether ______ apostles.
Comment: All apostles had to be chosen personally and directly by Jesus (cf. Acts 1:2). Some folks today claim that their church chooses successors to the apostles by a vote of church leaders. But the Scriptures clearly say that the Lord chose all the apostles. (Note: Casting lots was used here as a means for God to reveal His will directly. See Josh. 14:1,2; 1 Sam. 14:41,42; Prov. 16:33.)
>>> Please read Acts 2:1. <<<
*29* "They were all ... in one place" refers to what group of people (read carefully 1:26 and 2:1-4,14)? (a) the apostles, (b) all of Jesus' disciples, (c) a large group of believers and unbelievers. Answer: ______.
*30* What day was it? (a) Passover, (b) Christmas, (c) Pentecost. Answer: ______.
Comments: "Pentecost" means literally "fifty days." It was a Jewish holy day that occurred about fifty days after the Passover. Since Jesus had been crucified at the Passover, the events of Acts 2 occurred about fifty days after Jesus' death.
Leviticus 23:15,16 shows that Pentecost always came on a first day of the week. Jewish males were required to assemble for this holy day, just as they had been for Passover (2:5). The events in this chapter occurred in Jerusalem (2:5,14).
In Acts 1 Jesus had instructed the apostles to wait in Jerusalem to receive the Holy Spirit. Chapter 2 begins by describing a meeting of the twelve apostles (cf. 2:1 to 1:26). They had assembled in Jerusalem waiting for the Spirit, just as Jesus had told them to do.

Conclusion

In this lesson we have learned several important facts that prepare us for the great events of Acts 2:
1) The apostles were men specifically appointed by Jesus to act as eyewitnesses that Jesus had been raised from the dead.
2) Before He ascended to heaven, Jesus promised the apostles that they would be guided by the Holy Spirit in preaching His message and bearing testimony of Him.
3) They would receive the Holy Spirit in the form of Holy Spirit baptism, which they were to wait in Jerusalem to receive a few days later.
4) The kingdom of Christ would come when the Holy Spirit came and gave the apostles the power to spread His message.
Chapter 1 has provided the background and set the scene for the events of chapter 2. As mentioned in the introduction, you may be wondering what the answers are to several questions that this lesson has raised. As we study chapter 2 and as we continue studying future lessons, we will see the fulfillment of the great promises of the coming of the Spirit and the beginning of the kingdom. This should answer many of your questions.
(Note: Lessons in this course include "personal application questions." These questions do not affect the student's "score," but they do help the student examine his commitment to the truths in the lesson, and they help us understand the student's viewpoints. Please answer the application questions below.)

Personal application questions:

*31* Do you believe the apostles were guided by the Holy Spirit to preach the truths of the gospel? __________________
*32* Do you believe that all apostles had to be eyewitnesses of Jesus' resurrection? __________________
*33* Do you recognize that Holy Spirit baptism was a different baptism from that of the Great Commission? __________________