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Study 04 of 19

The Truth As It Is in Christ

God’s agape love and our inclusion in Christ establish the gospel’s foundation.

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

Synopsis

In chapter 4, Sequeira examines the truth as it is in christ within the larger question of Christ’s humanity and the everlasting gospel. God’s unconditional, self-emptying, everlasting agape love. God united humanity with Christ so His saving history could become humanity’s redemptive history. He personally accomplished the salvation that the gospel announces. Faith is a trusting, obedient response to the truth in Christ, not simply agreement with information. The study invites the reader to test the author’s argument with Scripture and apply it without losing either Christ’s sinlessness or the priority of grace.

Key points

  • God’s unconditional, self-emptying, everlasting agape love.
  • God united humanity with Christ so His saving history could become humanity’s redemptive history.
  • He personally accomplished the salvation that the gospel announces.
  • Faith is a trusting, obedient response to the truth in Christ, not simply agreement with information.
  • It attributes to self what belongs to God’s saving gift in Christ.
  • To Christ as the source of all three, rather than to independent human merit.

Key texts

  • Romans 5:6–10
  • Ephesians 2:4–10
  • 1 Corinthians 1:30–31

Chapter reading

Chapter 4 · Read this chapter

    Put it into practice

    • Read chapter 4 before answering and compare the argument with Romans 5:6–10.
    • Write your own explanation before revealing the model answer.
    • Discuss one practical implication with your study group and pray for a Christ-centered response.
    1. Comprehension

      1. What does the chapter identify as the ground of salvation?

    2. Doctrinal Clarity

      2. What does “in Christ” mean in the chapter’s gospel argument?

    3. Contrast

      3. Why is Christ more than a messenger telling us how to save ourselves?

    4. Comprehension

      4. How does faith differ from mere mental assent?

    5. Doctrinal Clarity

      5. What does boasting reveal about a misunderstanding of grace?

    6. Application

      6. Where should the believer look for righteousness, holiness, and redemption?

    7. Scripture

      7. Read Romans 5:6–10. What does this passage contribute to the chapter’s teaching on the truth as it is in christ? Cite a specific phrase and explain its context.

    8. Scripture

      8. Read Ephesians 2:4–10. What does this passage contribute to the chapter’s teaching on the truth as it is in christ? Cite a specific phrase and explain its context.

    9. Scripture

      9. Read 1 Corinthians 1:30–31. What does this passage contribute to the chapter’s teaching on the truth as it is in christ? Cite a specific phrase and explain its context.

    10. Application

      10. How would you explain this truth to a discouraged church member: God’s unconditional, self-emptying, everlasting agape love.?

    11. Application

      11. What mistaken conclusion should you avoid when applying this chapter’s teaching: It attributes to self what belongs to God’s saving gift in Christ.?

    12. Application

      12. Name one change in your prayer, Bible study, or ministry that follows from this principle: To Christ as the source of all three, rather than to independent human merit.