Understanding Salvation
What does it actually mean to be saved? This study walks through the problem of sin, the gift of grace, what God forgives, what happens when we die, and the assurance every believer can have.
How to use this guide
Read the linked article for each session before your group meets. Then work through the discussion questions together — or use them as personal journal prompts. One session per week works well for most groups.
Session 1 — How Can I Be Saved?
The most important question anyone can ask — and the clearest answer the Bible gives.
Discussion Questions
- 1.What did you previously think salvation meant before reading this?
- 2.Why is grace through faith rather than works such a radical idea?
- 3.What is the difference between intellectual belief in God and saving faith?
Session 2 — What Does It Mean to Be Born Again?
Jesus's conversation with Nicodemus is the clearest picture we have of what spiritual transformation looks like at its root.
Read: What does it mean to be born again?Discussion Questions
- 1.Is the new birth a moment, a process, or both? What does the Bible suggest?
- 2.How does the permanence of the new birth (once born, always born) affect Christian assurance?
- 3.What aspects of your life have changed since you came to faith — or what do you hope would change?
Session 3 — God Can Forgive All Sin — Except One
What is the unforgivable sin, and should believers fear they have committed it?
Read: God can forgive all sin — except oneDiscussion Questions
- 1.Why do you think so many Christians fear they have committed the unforgivable sin?
- 2.What does the context of Matthew 12 tell us about who Jesus was actually addressing?
- 3.How does understanding this passage actually strengthen your confidence in God's grace?
Session 4 — What Happens When You Die?
Death is unavoidable. The Bible's answer to what comes next is more specific — and more hopeful — than most people expect.
Read: What happens when you die?Discussion Questions
- 1.How does the distinction between the intermediate state and the resurrection change your picture of heaven?
- 2.Why does Paul say "to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21)? Do you find that believable?
- 3.How should knowing what comes after death change the way we live now?
Session 5 — What Is Heaven Like?
The Bible's picture of eternity is far richer and more physical than clouds and harps. What does Scripture actually say?
Read: What is heaven like?Discussion Questions
- 1.How does the vision of the new creation in Revelation 21–22 differ from the popular picture of heaven?
- 2.Why does the resurrection of the body matter? What would be lost if heaven were purely spiritual?
- 3.What aspect of the new creation are you most looking forward to?