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Study 07 of 25

The Experience of Salvation

The objective gospel must be received by faith to become a living, personal experience.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Sequeira builds the subjective experience of salvation squarely on the objective facts of Christ's finished work discussed in the previous chapter. Justification by faith is the only foundation for Christian experience, and nothing believers do adds to what Christ has already accomplished. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and defines sin most fundamentally as unbelief in Christ rather than mere rule-breaking. Because Christ assumed our fallen nature without becoming a sinner Himself, He could redeem it; from start to finish our part in salvation is by faith alone. The chapter distinguishes the unpardonable sin of persistent unbelief from every other sin, which was already dealt with at the cross. Ultimately, salvation begins the moment Christ is received as personal Savior, not at the Second Advent, and the experience of the new birth brings a believer into the joy of justification by faith.

Key points

  • All Christian experience must be built on the finished, objective work of Christ; nothing else is a true foundation.
  • The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin (unbelief), righteousness (Christ's return to the Father), and judgment (Satan's condemnation).
  • Sin as unbelief in Christ is the only sin that can keep a person out of heaven, since every other sin was paid for at the cross.
  • Salvation begins the moment Christ is received as personal Savior, and man's part from start to finish is by faith alone.

Key texts

  • Romans 1:16
  • John 16:8-11
  • Romans 1:17

From the book

Chapter 7 · Belief 10 · Read this chapter

  • “Acceptance of objective salvation forms the only true basis for Christian experience. 1 Corinthians 3:11-23 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (ch. 7)
  • “Jesus left nothing for us to prove — He did it all.” (ch. 7)
  • “We absolutely cannot experience the full power of the gospel unless we first understand the objective facts of the everlasting gospel, as they are in Christ.” (ch. 7)

Put it into practice

  • This week, identify one area where you rest assurance on performance instead of Christ's finished work, and consciously return to faith.
  • Read John 16:8-11 and write in your own words what the Spirit convicts you of concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment.
  • Memorize Romans 1:17 and recite it when doubts about your standing with God arise.
  • Share with someone this week the difference between believing facts about Jesus and personally receiving Him as Savior.
  1. Comprehension

    1. What must Christian experience be built upon, according to Sequeira?

  2. Scripture

    2. Read John 16:8-11. Of what three things does the Holy Spirit convict the world?

  3. Doctrinal Clarity

    3. How does the chapter distinguish sin as it is dealt with objectively from the sin of unbelief?

  4. Contrast

    4. Contrast a legalistic approach to Christian growth with the approach Sequeira describes.

  5. Doctrinal Clarity

    5. Why could Christ redeem human nature without becoming a sinner Himself?

  6. Scripture

    6. What does Romans 1:17 teach about how the righteousness of God is received?

  7. Comprehension

    7. Why is justification by faith described as 'the only basis for peace and assurance'?

  8. Application

    8. Personal: Where have you been tempted to base your assurance of salvation on your own performance rather than on Christ's finished work?