Table of Contents
1 The Bad News about Humanity & Good News about Jesus Christ
2 An Introduction to the World’s Biggest Religion
3 What Must I Believe About God to be Forgiven Forever?
4 What Must I Believe About Myself to be Forgiven Forever?
5 What Must I Believe about Jesus to be Forgiven Forever?
Growth Project A Ask God to Open Your Heart to Jesus Christ
Growth Project B Share the Good News About Jesus with a Non-Christian Friend
6 Being Certain about the Most Important Thing in Your Life
7 Why You Can Be Certain You Are Forgiven Forever
8 How You Can Be Certain You Are Forgiven Forever
Growth Project C Make Sure You Are a Christian
9 What is God’s First Commandment for a Christian?
Growth Project D Be Baptized or Baptize Others
10 What are Important Commitments to Grow as a Christian?
Growth Project E Planning & Pursuing My Christian Commitments
Appendix A Memory Verses for the FORGIVENESS Study
Chapter 1.1
The Bad News about Humanity and the Good News about Jesus Christ
1 Peter 3:18
Week 1
John Newton was a cruel and alcoholic slave trader in the 1700’s. Ironically, he spent several years in Africa as a slave himself, after being abandoned by other slave traders because of his despicable character. But God revealed Himself to this great sinner. John’s father sent a ship to rescue his son from slavery. However, on the return voyage, they encountered a fierce storm that was sinking the ship. John called out to God to save him and at that very moment some cargo shifted to plug a hole in the ship, saving the crew. This was the beginning of John’s spiritual journey to become a Christian.
John Newton’s conversion to Christianity resulted in him becoming an ordained minister and being a primary influence on the British government to abolish slave trading in 1807. He later wrote: “It will always be a subject of humiliating reflection to me, that I was once an active instrument in a business at which my heart now shudders.”
John Newton is an example of the power of God’s grace to transform a person’s life. His life also reveals the power of God’s grace to forgive even the worst of sinners. Which is why John Newton wrote the most popular hymn in all of Christian history: “Amazing Grace.” John had experienced the grace of God promised in the Bible and described in this verse:
Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God.
(1 Peter 3:18)
The FORGIVENESS study explains the bad news about your sins and the Good News about Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for them.
A) The Gospel is the central message of Christianity
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the central message of Christianity. In the Christian New Testament (NT) writings, Gospel means “God’s good news to humans about Jesus Christ.” Why do humans need good news from God? Because He also has some very bad news for them: “All people . . . are under the power of sin” (Rom 3:9). Sin is breaking the laws of God.
The Bible teaches that sin has severe consequences for humanity. “God shows his anger . . . against all sinful, wicked people” (Rom 1:18). And if God never forgives them, “They will be punished with eternal destruction” (2 Thess 1:9). That’s the bad news. Which is why the Gospel of Jesus Christ is good news, even the very best news! Through trusting the Gospel of Jesus Christ, anyone can be completely forgiven forever for all their sin!
This is because, “Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. (1 Pet 3:18). The FORGIVENESS study explains the bad news about your sins and the Good News about Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for them.
B) Introduction to the FORGIVENESS study
This study is for those seeking to understand how they can be forgiven by God. But it is also for Christians because, as stated above, the Good News about Jesus Christ is the essential message of Christianity. A special focus of this study is helping real Christians be more convinced of their eternal security. Likewise, the real danger and deception of False Faith is explained. Finally, FORGIVENESS is a good orientation for those wanting to be baptized.
It is strongly encouraged that you go through this study with another Christian who can help you answer your questions along the way. There is a “Suggested Study Plan for the FORGIVENESS Study” in Appendix 1.A. Also, a list of the primary Bible verses used in this study is provided in Appendix 1.B.
The following is a summary of the topics in this study.
Section I: What Must I Believe to be Forgiven Forever by God? (chapters 1.1-1.5). These chapters are an explanation of both the bad news about your sins against God, and the Good News about Christ’s sacrifice to pay for your sins. They explain what Jesus and the Bible say about being completely forgiven forever by God and escaping His punishment for your sins.
Section II: How Can I be Sure I am Forgiven by God? (chapters 1.6-1.8). These chapters provide a biblical answer to this vital question. God wants a real Christian to be absolutely certain they are completely forgiven forever. And the Bible tells them how. But God also wants us to be discerning about the deception and dangers False Faith and those claiming to be a Christian, but are not.
Section III: What are Important Commitments for the Christian? (chapters 1.9-1.10). These chapters explain the important commitment of water baptism and encourage a number of other vital practices for especially young Christians to understand.
May God bless you as you seek to know Him better through His word!