INTRODUCTION:

Despite the playful phrases “minus points ka sa langit” and “if you laugh you will go to hell,” these jokes reflect a shallow understanding of salvation. As illustrated in John 3:1-21, through Nicodemus’ encounter with Jesus, true salvation encompasses more than just avoiding negative consequences.

When individuals grasp the profound nature of salvation, it revolutionizes their lives, leading them to respond with faith and pursue the life that God desires for them.

What does salvation truly mean?

Three Aspects

1. It is Initiated by God (John 3:1-3)

Salvation is not something that we can produce for ourselves, it is something that only God can offer to us. Jesus sees the real need in our hearts because He is the one who truly knows us. Our Salvation is not something that we can earn because of who we are, and what we can do. Salvation is initiated by God through Jesus Christ.

2. It is Spiritual in nature. (John 3:4-8)

Nicodemus interprets Jesus saying “to be born again” as a literal physical thing, but Jesus answers by saying that to be born again you must be born of the Spirit, and though you cannot physically see it, you will know it by its effect on the person that receives salvation. Salvation is not just about being forgiven but being transformed as well through the work of the Holy Spirit.

3. It is through Faith. (vv. 9-15)

Salvation is rooted in truth. Jesus implores Nicodemus to believe in what He’s saying about salvation because it is the truth. Jesus is the ultimate authority on earthly and heavenly matters.

CONCLUSION:

1. Salvation is only possible through Jesus.

2. For seekers, nudge them to know more about Jesus and the salvation that He offers by attending a RLBS. For believers, nudge them to deepen their understanding about the gospel.

3. For seekers, ask them to verbalize to God their desire to know Jesus more, even if they don’t fully comprehend everything. For believers, encourage them to confess to God one struggle that hinders them to experience real life in God and claim the promise of Jesus to directly address that struggle.

DISCUSSION:
1. How does God’s initiation play a central role in the process of salvation?

2. How does the Holy Spirit guide individuals toward salvation?

3. What role does truth play in the salvation process?

4. Why does John emphasize that salvation is only possible through Jesus? How does this exclusivity impact our understanding of salvation?

5. What steps can we take to embrace God-initiated, Spirit-led, truth-based salvation through Jesus?