“THE WAY OF SALVATION”

“FIRST PRINCIPLES” EVANGELISTIC STUDY SERIES

PREPARED BY
ANDY FLEMING

BIRMINGHAM, UK, NOVEMBER 2010

 This version of the “First Principles” evangelistic study series has evolved somewhat from Kip McKean’s
version that I first learned in Boston in 1982. A few years later while ministering in Sweden, I felt it necessary to
add two more studies to the series: (1) “God’s Spirit Lives in Us” and (2) “Faith that Pleases God.” The first study
addressed a lack of positive teaching regarding the “indwelling” Holy Spirit (i.e., the Boston version was mostly
apologetic regarding certain popular charismatic teachings), and the second study sought to explain the
meaning of “living by faith” in cultures where the practice of Christianity was no longer the norm, and belief in
God often considered to be non-intellectual and outdated. In the 90s, these studies also proved helpful in my
mission work in the former Soviet Union.
Interestingly, in 2007, I became aware of a 10-lesson series entitled “First Principles: Studies in Bible
Truth” published for the Australasian Churches of Christ in 1911 prepared by A. R. Main. In his series, Main
included a positive study about the work of the Holy Spirit in conversion and sanctification, as well as a study on
the biblical response of faith to the gospel. Also of historical interest is the tenth study that proposes the sole
use of non-instrumental music in worship. For those interested, this century old study series can be viewed at
https://www.archive.missionstory.com/Lesson_Series/AR_Mains_FIrst_Principles_PDF.html.
This material may be used and distributed freely.
Electronic publication by Andy Fleming, July 2023 (reformatted).
Unless otherwise indicated, all Bible references are taken from the New International Version (1984).

Copyright Ó 2010, 2023 by Andy (Andrew Clinton) Fleming. All rights reserved.
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 “THE WAY OF SALVATION”
“FIRST PRINCIPLES” EVANGELISTIC STUDY SERIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Seeking God With All Your Heart ................................................................................... 1

The Word of God ........................................................................................................... 2
Faith That Pleases God .................................................................................................. 3
Sin & Consequences ...................................................................................................... 5
The Message of the Cross .............................................................................................. 6
Saved By Grace Through Faith: Repentance and Baptism ................................................. 8
God’s Spirit Lives In Us .................................................................................................. 9
Members of One Body (The Church) ............................................................................. 10
Go and Make Disciples of All Nations: Discipleship Part 1 ............................................... 11
Faithful to the End: Discipleship Part 2 .......................................................................... 12

EXTRA LESSONS AND RESOURCES

Living Words – the Old Testament................................................................................ 13

Living Words – the New Testament .............................................................................. 15
Your Kingdom Come ................................................................................................... 17
The Fall of Humankind: How Sin and Death Came Into the World .................................... 19
A Medical Account of the Crucifixion ........................................................................... 20
Denominations & Divisions .......................................................................................... 22
Lesson One:

Seeking God With All Your Heart

Describe the kind of relationship you presently have with God. What adjectives do you think best describe God?
1. The Incredible Nature of God
A. God’s knowledge goes far beyond human understanding (Isaiah 40:12-
14)
B. The power of the nations is like dust or a drop in a bucket compared to
God (Isaiah 40:15-17)
C. The greatness of God is beyond human imagination (Isaiah 40:18-20)
D. The vastness of the universe and passage of time are small things to God
(Isaiah 40:21-26)
E. Most incredibly, he cares for each one of us and gives strength to those
who put their hope in him (Isaiah 40:27-31)
Isaiah 40:22 – He sits enthroned
2. God Has a Plan for Us above the circle of the earth…
A. God wants to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
i. The specific context of this passage was the nation of Israel in captivity, but the principle of God’s
love and compassion extends to all generations
B. If we seek God with all of our hearts, he will be found by us
3. God Created Us for a Purpose
A. Being ‘religious’ is not necessarily what God wants from us – we must seek the truth (Acts 17:22-23)
B. God does not need anything from us since he is the source of life (Acts 17:24-25)
C. God has given us free will – we choose to seek him or not (Acts 17:26-27)
D. Everyone has been made in God’s image and is therefore meant to have a relationship with him—a
relationship of love, respect, and affection (Acts 17:28)
4. God Wants Us to Have a Personal Relationship With Him
A. Jesus modelled a personal relationship with God and teaches us how to pray (Luke 11:1-4)
B. Our attitude needs to be open and humble—seek God’s blessing and his will (Luke 11:5-10)
C. Not only is God good and the giver of good gifts—he also desires to hear us openly express our hearts
(Luke 11:11-13)
D. Make a decision to pray daily! (Just 5-10 minutes each day would be a great beginning)
Homework assignment: Review the study, and read Psalm 8

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL:
1. God Created Us in His Image (Genesis 1:26-31)
A. The Hebrew text pairs a plural noun Elohim (literally, “gods”) with a singular verb “to create” to make
the sentence – God [plural] created [singular] man in his own image
i. This purposeful grammatical construction shows us that the Creator’s personal nature is more
than ordinary human language can describe and quite possibly signals the co-working of Jesus
the Son together with God the Father
B. The creation of humankind in God’s image also required the mention of both “male” and “female”
together—a single gender is not sufficient to describe God’s person and potential
C. God also gave humankind the capacity to be responsible for his surroundings and manage the world
around them
2. God Created Us to Have a Relationship with Us
A. Genesis chapter 2 gives us a little more detail as to how God created us in chapter 1
B. God gave the man a great place to live (Genesis 2:4-9)
C. God also gave the man free will so that he could choose obedience to God
D. God created humankind in a special way in order to show us our nature and his
image—we were made for relationships (Genesis 2:15-20)
E. Marriage is something God ordained and is not of human origin, and is used by the Bible time and time
again to describe God’s covenant relationship with his people (Genesis 2:21-25)

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Lesson Two:

The Word of God

How would you feel if you received a notice in the mail stating that you had received a personal letter from the
Creator of the Universe?
Introduction:
• The Bible has two major divisions: the Old Testament and the New Testament
o The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and Aramaic between 1400 and 400 BC, and is still
accepted today as the Holy Scriptures of Judaism
o The New Testament was written in Greek during the first century AD and was completed within
45 to 60 years after the resurrection of Jesus and the beginning of the church

1. God Trains Us Through the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

A. All Scripture is God-breathed or inspired – God has breathed life into it!
B. God parents us to spiritual maturity through the Scriptures through teaching, correcting, rebuking and
training in righteousness
2. Prophecy of Scripture Comes Directly From God (2 Peter 1:20-21)
A. The prophetic message of Scripture is beyond human origin or creativity
B. Through the Holy Spirit, ordinary people wrote down a divine message directly from God
3. God’s Word Is Living and Active (Hebrews 4:12-13)
A. God’s word helps us understand our spiritual nature
B. God’s word reveals his judgment and demonstrates his mercy—he’s offering us a chance to change
4. True Christians Hold to the Teachings of Jesus Christ (John 8:31-32)
A. Intellectual assent or belief without a response is not enough
B. Obedience to Jesus leads to understanding the truth
5. Following Traditions Can Be Dangerous (Matthew 15:1-9)
A. When traditions become more important than God’s word, God is not pleased and our worship is no
longer acceptable to him
B. Traditions need to be examined and evaluated in the light of the Bible to make sure they do not lead to
neglect or disobedience of God’s will
6. The Scripture Is Our Standard of Truth (Acts 17:10-12)
A. Simply accepting what ‘sounds good’ is not enough—we need to know the Bible for ourselves
B. Make a decision to spend some time reading the Bible every day!
7. Jesus Spoke God’s Word (John 12:47-48)
A. Although Jesus came to save us, not accepting his words will result in our condemnation
B. Obedience to God’s word leads to eternal life

Homework Assignment: Review the study, read Psalm 19, and begin reading 1-2 chapters of the Gospel of John
each day

ADDITIONAL STUDIES ON THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS CAN BE FOUND IN THE APPENDIX

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 Lesson Three:

Faith That Pleases God

For those with previous knowledge of Christian teaching or church attendance, construct a timeline of significant
spiritual events in their lives:

A. being ‘born again’ I. becoming saved

B. repenting from sin J. receiving the Holy Spirit

C. being baptised with water K. accepting the Bible as God’s words

D. confessing Jesus as Lord L. studying the Bible seriously

E. being confirmed M. becoming a disciple of Jesus

F. becoming a Christian N. helping others to become Christians

G. believing in Jesus’ resurrection O. confessing their sins

H. having their sins forgiven P. __________________________

Birth Today
____ 20_ _

1. Faith Goes Beyond What We Can See (Hebrews 11:1-3)

A. Faith is a conviction of truth beyond the confirmation of our senses
B. Faith is the full acceptance of the truth of God’s word (i.e., the universe was formed at God’s command) –
faith must be put in something greater than ourselves
2. Faith Pleases God (Hebrews 11:6)
A. Without faith it is impossible to please God
B. To come to God one must believe that he exists and rewards those who earnestly seek him—God considers
faith to be the right response to his calling
3. Faith Is Necessary To Receive Salvation (Ephesians 2:8-10)
A. Salvation is only possible if there is both grace and faith
i. Only God has the power to give grace (i.e., forgive
the eternal consequences of sin)
ii. Only a human can have faith since God is all-
knowing and all-powerful
B. Therefore salvation is a divine gift given by God’s grace,
and faith is the human response that accepts it

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Lesson Three: Faith That Pleases God (continued)
4. Faith Without Action Is Dead (James 2:14-26)
A. Faith without deeds cannot save and is completely useless
B. By faith Abel offered an acceptable sacrifice to God (Hebrews 11:4)
C. By faith Noah built the ark to save his family after being warned by God (Hebrews 11:7)
D. By faith Abraham obeyed and went to a foreign land because he understood that God was calling him to an
even better home (i.e., heaven) (Hebrews 11:8-10)
E. Faith in action is the righteous response to the living words of God

Faith in God’s Promises (Faithful action is defined by fulfilling the conditions of God’s promises)
1. God Desires to Bless Us
A. God’s dealings with humankind has always been characterized by gracious offers of divine blessing with
conditions of faith and obedience to his will—i.e., promises in the form of conditional statements (if... then...)
B. Abraham, known in the Bible as the ‘father of those with faith,’ left everything behind and followed God to
the Promised Land—receiving the blessing was dependent on his obedience (Genesis 12:1-4)
i. These promises would later be described as God’s covenant with Abraham
2. The Old and New Covenants
A. As mentioned in the previous lesson, the Bible is divided into two major divisions: The Old Testament and
The New Testament describing the two different covenants found within them
B. In history, God has made covenants with two very specific groups of people: the first with the people of
Israel called out of Egypt, and the second with Christians called out of the world (Hebrews 8:6-13)
C. Although the Old Covenant is most often thought of in terms of commandments, it is actually the promises
behind those laws that are the foundation of the covenant (Deuteronomy 7:12-15)
i. Unfortunately, the Israelites lack of faithfulness voided their eligibility to receive God’s blessings (Isa
1:2-7)
3. Some Examples of the Better Promises of the New Covenant
A. If we seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first, then God will take care of all our physical needs
(Matthew 6:33)
B. If we come to Jesus, take his yoke and give our burdens to him, then we will find spiritual rest (Matthew
11:28-30)
C. If we repent and are baptised, then we will receive the forgiveness of our sins and the gift of God’s
indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 2:36-39)
D. Perseverance in doing God’s will assures us of God’s blessing (Hebrews 10:35-39)
4. Obeying God’s Teaching Leads to a Knowledge of the Truth
A. By faith Abraham obeyed and went to a foreign land because he understood that God was calling him to
an even better home (i.e., heaven) (Hebrews 11:8-10, 13-16)
B. By faith Abraham obeyed and offered Isaac because he believe that God could even raise the dead
(Hebrews 11:17-19)
5. Our Lives Need To Be In Agreement With What We Believe (1 Timothy 4:16)
A. We must believe the right things and live the right way
B. Both receiving salvation and sharing the message effectively are connected to our life and doctrine
C. Spend time this week reflecting on what you believe and how well you are living out those beliefs

Homework Assignment: Review the study and continue reading through the Gospel of John

AN ADDITIONAL STUDY ON THE KINGDOM OF GOD CAN BE FOUND IN THE APPENDIX.

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Lesson Four:

Sin & Consequences

Is it possible for someone else to make you sin?
1. The True Spiritual Condition of Humanity (1 Peter 2:9-10)
A. Everyone is either in the darkness or in the light – there is no twilight zone

Darkness God’s Light

Not a People God's People
No Mercy Received Mercy
(Unforgiven) (Forgiven)

B. ‘Being in God’s light’ is much more than an ‘intellectual’ state (i.e., enlightenment) but it is our true spiritual
condition before God
2. Sin Has Severe Consequences in Our Lives
A. Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2)
B. Sin brings guilt and condemnation (Ezekiel 18:20)
C. Sin results in spiritual death for the individual (Romans 7:7-13)
D. Sin is falling short of what God created us to be (Romans 3:22-24)
3. Sins of Commission — Review these list of sins and share personally from your lives
A. Galatians 5:19-21
i. Sexual Immorality vi. Hatred and discord xi. Envy
ii. Impurity vii. Jealousy xii. Drunkenness and orgies
iii. Debauchery viii. Fits of rage xiii. Any action that puts
iv. Idolatry ix. Selfish ambition worldly desires ahead of
v. Witchcraft x. Dissensions and factions God’s will…
B. 2 Timothy 3:1-5
i. Lovers of self, money, and pleasure, iv. Unholy, without love, treacherous, and
and not lovers of God unforgiving
ii. Boastful, proud, and conceited v. Without self-control and rash
iii. Abusive, ungrateful, and disobedient vi. Having a form of godliness but denying its
to parents power
4. Sins of Omission (James 4:17)
A. God hold us responsible for the good that we know we should do (i.e., the testimony of our own
consciences)
5. Guilty Of Just One Trespass Makes Us ‘Sinners’ (James 2:8-11)
A. Disobedience to God is fatal no matter what the circumstance
6. Eternity Is in the Balance (Romans 6:23)
A. The wages of sin are death
B. The gift of God is eternal life
C. We must make a choice!

Homework Assignment: Review the study and read Psalm 51—also continue reading through the Gospel of John

AN ADDITIONAL STUDY ON THE FALL OF HUMANKIND CAN BE FOUND IN THE APPENDIX

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Lesson Five:

The Message of the Cross

The word ‘gospel’ is translated from the Greek word for ‘good news’. Why do you think that the story of Jesus is ‘good
news’?
1. The Gospel Is The Power of God for Salvation (Romans 1:16-17)
A. The righteousness of the gospel comes only through faith
B. The facts of the gospel are that Jesus died, was buried, and was raised to life (1 Corinthians 15:1-5)
2. The Gospel Was God’s Plan From the Beginning (1 Peter 1:18-21)
A. Jesus was the lamb of God chosen before the creation of the world
B. His resurrection gives us faith and hope
3. The Sacrifice of Jesus Began Long Before His Death On the Cross (Philippians 2:5-8)
A. He gave up equality with God
B. He took the form of a servant being made in human likeness
C. He humbled himself to the point of death
4. The Old Testament Foretold Many Details about Jesus’ Death (consider just two Old Testament passages then
Matthew’s account—even more details are confirmed in the other gospels)
A. David foretold his abandonment and crucifixion (Psalm 22:1-18) [1000 BC]
i. Psalm 22:1 – he felt forsaken by God
ii. Psalm 22:6 – he was scorned and despised
iii. Psalm 22:7-8 –he was mocked by passersby
iv. Psalm 22:16 – his hands and feet were pierced
v. Psalm 22:18 – his clothing was divided among them
B. Isaiah foretold his suffering and sacrifice for our sake (Isaiah 52:13-53:12) [750 BC]
i. Isaiah 52:14 – his form will be disfigured
ii. Isaiah 53:3 – he was despised and rejected by men
iii. Isaiah 53:4-5 – he suffered (and died) for us—by his wounds we are healed
iv. Isaiah 53:7 – he did not open his mouth to defend himself
v. Isaiah 53:9 – he was assigned a grave with the rich
vi. Isaiah 53:9 – he had done no violence nor was any deceit in his mouth
vii. Isaiah 53:10 – it was the Lord’s will that he should suffer and make his life a guilt offering
viii. Isaiah 53:11 – after his suffering, he will see the light of life
ix. Isaiah 53:12 – because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors
… for he bore the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors
5. Read Matthew 26:31-28:10 by sections reflecting on three things: Jesus’ willingness to suffer and die, our
similarity to those around him, and the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy:
A. Matthew 26:31-35, 36-46, 47-56
B. Matthew 26:57-68
i. His form will be disfigured (Isaiah 52:14)
C. Matthew 26:69-75, 27:1-10
D. Matthew 27:11-26
i. He did not open his mouth to defend himself (Isaiah 53:7)
ii. He was despised and rejected by men (Isaiah 53:3)
E. Matthew 27:27-31
i. He was scorned and despised (Psalm 22:6)
F. Matthew 27:32-44
i. His hands and feet were pierced (Psalm 22:16)
ii. His clothing was divided among them (Psalm 22:18)
iii. He was mocked by passersby (Psalm 22:7-8)
G. Matthew 27:45-56
i. He felt forsaken by God (Psalm 22:1)

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Lesson Five: The Message of the Cross (continued)
H. Matthew 27:57-61
i. He was assigned a grave with the rich (Isaiah 53:9)
I. Matthew 27:62-66
J. Matthew 28:1-10
i. After his suffering, he would see the light of life (Isaiah 53:11)
6. Christ Suffered For Us In His Body (1 Peter 2:21-24)
A. Christ set us an example by trusting in God through his trials
i. He had done no violence nor was any deceit in his mouth (Isaiah 53:9)
ii. He suffered (and died) for us—by his wounds we are healed (Isaiah 53:4-5)
iii. He bore the sins of many (Isaiah 53:12)
B. Christ wants us to die to sins and live for righteousness (explained more fully in next lesson)
C. Share specifically about your sins that put Jesus on the cross and how you feel about his forgiveness
7. The Sacrifice of Jesus Both Condemns Us and Saves Us (Romans 8:1-4)
A. Condemnation because we no longer have any excuse for sin (i.e., I am only human)—Jesus shared our
humanity, was tempted as we are, and yet did not sin
i. It was the Lord’s will that he should suffer and make his life as a guilt offering (Isaiah 53:10)
B. Salvation because Jesus offers us the opportunity to participate in his sacrifice (i.e., accept that it was for
us and because of us)—Jesus is our high priest and mediator before God
i. Because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors … for he bore
the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors (Isaiah 53:12)
C. The only way to accept the ‘good news’ about Jesus is to accept our responsibility for his death—he died for
our sin and only through his sacrifice can we have true fellowship with God

Homework Assignment: Review the study, continue to read through the Gospel of John, or else begin reading through
the Book of Acts.

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL:
1. The Incredible Power of the Blood of Christ (Hebrews 9:11-15, 22-28)
A. The blood of Christ cleanses our consciences and sets us free from the guilt of our sins because God has
accepted his sacrifice as perfect and sufficient
B. The blood of Christ puts the new covenant into effect and guarantees forgiveness—once and for all!
C. The construction of the Israelite place of worship is now more understandable as approaching God is shown
to be a matter of sacrifice, washing, fellowship, prayer, and access to his presence

AN ADDITIONAL STUDY ON A MEDICAL ACCOUNT OF THE CRUCIFIXION CAN BE FOUND IN THE APPENDIX

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Lesson Six:

Saved By Grace Through Faith

How can someone know for certain that they are saved? (Review Lesson 3)
1. Jesus Taught That We Must Be Born Again (John 3:3-8)
A. Being born again is equated with being born of water and the Spirit
B. No one can enter the kingdom unless they are born of water and the Spirit
C. Being born of the Spirit is invisible and miraculous
2. The Apostles Taught That We Believe the Gospel and Respond (Acts 2:22-24, 36-41)
A. Our sins put Jesus on the cross (i.e., we ‘crucified’ him as surely as the Roman soldiers did)
B. Jesus physically rose from the dead
C. The truth should cut our hearts and help us surrender to God’s
will: “What shall we do?”
D. Everyone must make their own decision to repent and be
baptised – these are the conditions connected to God’s promise
of forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit
E. Review the concept of how faith works from Lesson 3
Repent (translated from the Greek word meaning ‘to change your
thinking’)
1. Repentance Leads to Salvation (2 Corinthians 7:10-11)
A. Godly sorrow leads to repentance and worldly sorrow leads to regret and death
B. True repentance comes from the heart and is zealous in both attitude and action
2. Repentance Is a Turning to God
A. Brings times of refreshing (Acts 3:17-20)
B. Demonstrated by actions (Acts 26:19-21)
Be Baptised (transliterated from the Greek word meaning ‘to immerse’)
1. Baptism Unites Us With the Death of Christ (Romans 6:3-7)
A. Baptism is a burial so that we might be raised to a new life
B. Through baptism we acknowledge that our ‘old self’ (our sins) was
crucified with Jesus on the cross
C. In many places salvation is described as being “in Christ”—notice
here that baptism puts us “into Christ”
D. Physically, we were all in Adam when he sinned (i.e., we are his
offspring and were in his body), so that when he was expelled from
the Garden of Eden—so were we
i. Spiritually, baptism puts us in Christ, so that we might die, be
buried, and rise with Christ to eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:20-22)
2. Baptism Saves Us (1 Peter 3:21-22)
A. Not through ceremonial cleansing but by virtue of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and our faith in the
promise of God (i.e., the response of a good conscience)
3. Baptism Is the Putting Off of the Sinful Nature (Colossians 2:9-15)
A. A spiritual circumcision that takes place through faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ
B. Jesus also cancelled the written code of the Law through his perfect sacrifice
4. Baptism Is an Expression of God’s Kindness, Love and Mercy (Titus 3:4-7)
A. Salvation comes through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit
i. Remember the words of Jesus, ‘You must be born again – born of water and the Spirit’
B. Our own righteousness cannot save us, but we are justified by his grace
C. We becomes heirs of God with the hope of eternal life

Homework Assignment: Review the study and continue reading through the Book of Acts
Lesson Seven:

God’s Spirit Lives In Us

What does the phrase ‘to be born again’ mean to you?
1. Review the Old Testament’s Teaching – God Is Spirit
A. The Spirit of God is the power of God (Genesis 1:1,2)
i. ‘Spirit’ is translated from the Hebrew word for ‘wind’ or ‘breath’
ii. The earth was formlessness, empty and darkness was over the surface of the deep. The creation
was then transformed into form, order, life and light by the Spirit of God
B. The Spirit of God is the presence and person of God (Psalm 139:7-10)
i. The Spirit of God being everywhere means that God is everywhere
C. The Spirit of God moves like the blowing of an invisible wind – through the Spirit we see the effects
and evidence of God’s power, presence and person in the creation
D. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in Spirit and in truth (John 4:19-24)
2. The Gift of the Indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 2:17-21, 29-41)
A. After Jesus was raised to life, he ascended to heaven and received the promised Holy Spirit from God
that he then poured out on all people on the day of Pentecost
B. Only those that repent and are baptised with water will receive the forgiveness of sins and the gift of
the Holy Spirit (i.e., be ‘born again’)
C. This succession of events resulted in the quality of ‘sonship to God’ being made available to anyone
who responds in faith to the gospel of Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:26-27, 4:4-6)
3. The Gift of the Holy Spirit is the Power of Christ in Our Hearts
A. To guarantee our salvation and help us stand firm in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)
B. To be transformed into the likeness of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:17-18)
4. The Gift of the Holy Spirit is the Presence of Christ in Our Hearts
A. To make our bodies temples of the Holy Spirit and to prove our spiritual union with him—this
conviction makes ongoing repentance easier (1 Corinthians 6:17-20)
B. To guide us in spiritual living and produce God’s character in our hearts (Galatians 5:16-18, 22-25)
5. The Gift of the Holy Spirit is the Person of Christ in Our Hearts
A. Helping us in our prayers by interceding for us to God (Romans 8:26-34)
6. If Anyone is in Christ He/She is a New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:16-17)
A. This miracle happens through the gift of the Holy Spirit in our hearts
B. Christ now works, lives and guides our hearts through the Spirit—as new creations the Spirit brings
order, life and light into our hearts (just like the physical creation)

Homework Assignment: Review the study and continue reading through the Book of Acts.

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Lesson Eight:

Members of One Body (The Church)

What image comes to mind when you hear the word ‘church’?
1. ‘Church’ is translated from the Greek word meaning ‘assembly’ or literally ‘those called out’
A. In the New Testament, the word ‘church’ is mostly used in a spiritual sense as the assembly of God’s
people both universally and locally (i.e., part of God’s eternal kingdom)
B. Universal Church: The assembly of all who will eventually live in heaven with God forever
i. Only the church of Jesus can overcome death (Matthew 16:15-19)
ii. The names of the saved are written in heaven (Hebrews 12:22-24)
C. Local Church: The assembly of baptised disciples in a certain geographic area devoted to the apostles’
teaching (i.e., Bible), fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:41-47)
i. The ‘breaking of bread’ includes regular hospitality and communion (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
ii. As the gospel spread there came to be many local churches on earth (1 Corinthians 16:19)
2. Powerful Descriptions of the Church (Ephesians 2:19-22)
A. God’s Household: therefore making all members ‘brothers and sisters’ to each other
B. A Building: requiring a plan for construction and fulfilling a well-defined purpose
i. Jesus is the chief cornerstone (his teaching and person provide orientation for the foundation)
ii. A local assembly is part of God’s universal church only if it is built in accordance with the teaching
of the New Testament—the foundation laid by the apostles (Paul, Peter, John, Matthew) and
prophets (Mark, Luke, James, Jude, writer of Hebrews)
C. A Holy Temple: just as God’s Spirit lives in each one of us (Lesson 9), God’s Spirit governs the
relationships we have with each other
D. The Body of Christ: Christ is the head of the body, which is the church (Colossians 1:15-20)
i. Just because we are different from each other we should not say that we do not belong to the
body (1 Corinthians 12:14-20)
ii. Just because others are different from us we should not say that they do not belong to the body
(1 Corinthians 12:21-26)
iii. God has put us together in one body just the way he wants us to be
3. Understanding Unity in the Church
A. Universal Church: baptised in one Spirit into one body (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)
B. Local Church:
i. Unity in mind and thought requires focus and effort (1 Corinthians 1:10-13)
ii. God doesn’t want divisions or denominations—only a biblical foundation, not human opinions,
will keep us together (1 Corinthians 3:1-7, 4:6-7)
4. Leadership and Authority in the Local Church Is God’s Plan
A. Needs to be respected (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
B. Their faith should be imitated (Hebrews 13:7)
C. Submit to their authority since they are accountable to God (Hebrews 13:17)
5. Be Devoted to the Fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25)
A. One purpose of meeting together is to ‘spur one another on to love and good deeds’—God works
through us in each other’s lives
B. Encouragement requires planning and commitment—we come to church to give, not just receive
6. The Expression of God’s Manifold Wisdom (Ephesians 3:7-12)
A. The church demonstrates God’s eternal purpose for all peoples of every nation
B. This knowledge allows us to approach God with freedom and confidence
C. Make a decision to be fully committed to the meetings of the local church (if you have not done so
already)—even rearranging your work schedule and weekly activities

Homework Assignment: Review the study and continue reading through the Book of Acts.

AN ADDITIONAL STUDY ON DENOMINATIONS AND DIVISIONS CAN BE FOUND IN THE APPENDIX

10
Lesson Nine:

Go and Make Disciples of All Nations

Discipleship Part 1
What word is used more in the New Testament—Christian or disciple?
1. The Origin of the Name ‘Christian’ (Acts 11:19-26)
A. ‘Christian’ was a name that the world gave to the followers of Jesus and they proudly adopted (found
only 3 times in New Testament)
B. Most often, the followers of Jesus are referred to as ‘disciples’ (more than 250 times in the New
Testament) and Jesus clearly defined its meaning through his example and teaching
2. Jesus Gave His Disciples A New Purpose (Mark 1:14-18)
A. Jesus began his earthly ministry by calling people to “follow” and they immediately left everything
B. Jesus called them to be “fishers of men” using the preaching of the good news as a net (just like he
did)
C. He finished his earthly ministry with the same charge: “Go and preach the good news…” (Mark 16:14-16)
3. Matthew Records The Great Commission In Even Greater Detail (Matthew 28:16-20)
A. This command is for every disciple (whether going to another country or just next door)
B. God uses faithful disciples to make more disciples and bring them to maturity: discipleship means
“teaching each other to obey the commands of Christ”

Observe how the plan of Jesus to evangelise the world could be accomplished. Compare a preacher who
converts 100 people per year, to a disciple who makes one more disciple (with both of them making one
more disciple the next year, and so on).

Year (n) Preacher (n * 100) Disciple (2n)

1 100 (1 * 100) 2 (21)
2 200 (2 * 100) 4 (22)
3 300 (3 * 100) 8 (23)
| | |
10 1,000 (10 * 100) 1,024 (210)
| | |
20 2,000 (20 * 100) 1,048,476 (220)
| | |
30 3,000 (30 * 100) 1,073,741,824 (230)
| | |
33 3,300 (33 * 100) > 8,000,000,000 (233)

C. Faithfulness to God’s plan could evangelise the world in one generation through exponential growth
4. Disciples Are Called To Love Each Other Like Jesus Loves Us (John 13:34-35)
5. Discipleship Requires Commitment and Devotion Towards Each Other
A. Encouraging each other daily (Hebrews 3:12-14)
B. Confess our sins and pray for each other (James 5:16)
C. Teach and admonish each other (Colossians 3:16)
D. We need to help each other materially (1 John 3:16-18)
6. The Good News Should Be Shared (2 Corinthians 5:17-6:2)
A. Baptised disciples are new creations and have been given a new purpose—to be Christ’s ambassadors
B. The good news is clear and personal for each one of us: ‘God made him who had no sin to be sin for us,
so that in him we might become the righteousness of God’
C. Jesus still calls us to respond—now can be ‘the time of God’s favour, the day of salvation.’

Homework Assignment: Review the study and continue reading through the Book of Acts.

11
Lesson Ten:

Faithful to the End

Discipleship Part 2
What do you think will be the greatest challenge to your remaining faithful in your decision to follow Jesus?
1. Following Jesus Is a Personal Choice (Luke 9:22-26)
A. We must deny ourselves like Jesus – “Not my will, but your will be done”(Matthew 26:36-39)
B. To carry the cross daily means that we are always prepared to sacrifice our individual wills
C. Either we choose to gain the world and lose our souls, or lose ourselves to Jesus and receive eternal
life
D. God’s grace is being extended to us now, but our response affects God’s final judgment—i.e., if we are
ashamed of Jesus and the gospel, he will be ashamed of us
2. Following Jesus Changes Our Priorities
A. We must love Jesus’ will for our lives more than any one else’s – even our own (Luke 14:25-27)
i. God’s plan is that true disciples would only marry true disciples—who we marry has incredible
influence on all of our life decisions
B. We must count the cost since not finishing the Christian life is meaningless (Luke 14:28-30)
C. As disciples, we can no longer see ourselves as ‘owners’ but as ‘managers’ of the gifts and resources
that God has given us (Luke 14:31-33)
i. One way to fulfil this is through regular contribution to the work of the church
ii. Another way is through hospitality and helping the poor
D. If we give up following Jesus, then our decision will become worthless and useless (Luke 14:34-35)
3. God Tests Us by Allowing Difficulties In Our Lives
A. The testing of faith develops our character and helps us to mature (James 1:2-4, 12)
B. Difficulties in our lives train us so that we might be more holy and righteous (Hebrews 12:7-11)
C. When we suffer unjustly we are participating in the sufferings of Christ (1 Peter 4:12-19)
i. At the same time, when we suffer (i.e., persecuted or insulted) are because of our own sinfulness
or foolishness, there is nothing commendable in it
4. God Has Given Us Ways to Make Our Salvation Certain
A. His graces teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions (Titus 2:11-14)
B. Make every effort to grow in Christian character and you will never fall (2 Peter 1:3-11)
C. Remain in Christ through prayer and devotion, and he promises to remain in us (John 15:1-4)
D. These statements are all promises from God—if we fulfil the conditions, then the blessings are
guaranteed!
5. Some Specific Warnings
A. Simply having a good reputation as a church member is not enough—God sees our hearts and knows
our possibilities (Revelation 3:1-3)
B. Following human tradition must never replace simple obedience to God’s word (Mark 7:5-8)
C. Watch your life and doctrine closely—God opposes hypocrisy (1 Timothy 4:16)
i. Another promise—if you persevere in your life and doctrine then you will save both yourself and
your hearers
6. Fix Your Eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-3)
A. We must run with perseverance and follow the course that Jesus has laid out for us
B. Only the promise of being in heaven with God, can give us the strength to finish!

Questions for Discussion:

1. What encourages you most about God’s plan for your life?
2. What do you think will be your greatest challenge to living faithfully as a Christian?
3. Discuss setting a time for your baptism—possibly even later today or tomorrow. Take some time to pray
(and fast if possible), and then obey the gospel through being united with Christ in baptism.

12
 EXTRA LESSONS AND RESOURCES:

LIVING WORDS – THE OLD TESTAMENT

Introduction:
• This study series is based on the conviction that God speaks to us today through the Bible, and that
these words of revelation are reliable and trustworthy
• The Bible has two major divisions: the Old Testament and the New Testament
o The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and Aramaic between 1400 and 400 BC, and is still
accepted today as the Holy Scriptures of Judaism
o The New Testament was written in Greek during the first century AD and was completed within
45 to 60 years after the resurrection of Jesus and the beginning of the church

• Since Jesus and his apostles were all of Jewish origin, Christianity was initially considered a Jewish sect,
but within one generation, Christianity established itself as a movement independent of Judaism due
to the great number of Gentile (non-Jewish) converts as well as the acceptance of the New Testament
writings as inspired and authoritative
o Unfortunately, not all the Jewish people accepted the message about Jesus so the New
Testament records a number of instances where first century preachers needed to defend their
faith in Jesus before both the religious and secular authorities.
1. Short History Lesson (from Stephen’s defence before the Jewish High Council in Jerusalem, circa 33 AD)
A. God called Abraham to leave his people and move to a land that he promised to give Abraham’s
descendants as an inheritance (i.e., the Promised Land) (Acts 7:1-8)

B. Abraham’s grandson Jacob, also known as Israel, moved to Egypt with his twelve sons, whose
descendants would later become the tribes of Israel (Acts 7:9-16)
C. After a several generations had passed, the Israelites grew in number and were oppressed and
enslaved in Egypt. Moses tried to help the Israelites but was rejected and fled from Egypt (Acts 7:17-
29)
D. Later God called Moses to be a prophet to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt with miraculous signs
and wonders, and pass on to the Israelites ‘living words’ from God (Acts 7:30-38)
E. These ‘living words’ from God were written down and combined with the historical records of that
time to give us the first five books of the Bible traditionally referred to as the ‘Book of Moses,’ ‘Law of
Moses’ or simply ‘The Law.’ (i.e., Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy).
F. Over the next thousand years, God added to these ‘living words’ the inspired words of other writers
who recorded both the history of the people of Israel and God’s ongoing message to them. The Jews
often referred to the Old Testament as the Law and the Prophets.

13
Living Words – the Old Testament (continued):
2. The Law Came Through Moses
A. These laws can be categorised into three types:
i. Ceremonial Laws covering worship, sacrifice, priestly duties, purification, diet, etc.
ii. Civic Laws covering social order, government, marriage, inheritance, legal process, penalties,
etc.
iii. Moral Laws covering issues of the human heart and righteousness before God, and transcending
the simple compliance with civic laws and ceremonial laws
B. Following God’s laws set Israel apart from the other nations—they became radically different
i. As a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:3-6)
ii. Worshiping the Creator and not human-made idols (Exodus 20:1-6)
iii. As a testimony and witness to the nations around them about their special relationship with God
(Deuteronomy 4:5-8)
C. The experiences of the Israelites were written down as examples and warnings for future generations
of Christians since we are also called to be God’s chosen people (1 Corinthians 10:11)
i. A kingdom of priests and a holy nation
ii. Worshiping the Creator in truth
iii. A testimony and witness to the world
3. The Law Was a Shadow of Things Yet to Come
A. The Law of Moses included a system of sacrifice based on the principle that only blood can make
atonement for sin (Leviticus 17:11)
B. The fact that the sacrifices needed to be repeated proved that they were earthly and ultimately
ineffective—the law is only a shadow of the good things coming (Hebrews 10:1-4)
C. The design of the temple demonstrated that sacrifice and cleansing must precede true fellowship with
God and the way to into God’s presence was yet to be revealed (Hebrews 9:1-10)

4. Jesus Christ Came to Fulfil the Law

A. Ceremonial laws and regulations have been superseded since the reality is found in Christ (Colossians
2:16-17)
B. Jesus summed up the law and the prophets with two simple commands: ‘Love God’ and ‘love your
neighbour as yourself’ (Mark 12:28-34)

14
 LIVING WORDS – THE NEW TESTAMENT
As understood from the previous lesson, God spoke ‘living words’ through his prophets to give his people specific
direction and teaching with the ultimate goal of preparing the world for the coming of Jesus Christ
After Jesus had fulfilled his earthly mission, God again spoke ‘living words’ through the Christian apostles and
prophets to understand the Old Testament writings, record the teachings of Jesus together with narrative details
of his life, death, burial, and resurrection, and to lay the foundation for Christian doctrine and practice
1. After His Resurrection, Jesus Prepared His Apostles for Their Ministry (Luke 24:44-49)
A. He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures
B. He outlined the message they were to preach—repentance and forgiveness of sins to all nations
2. The Apostles Used These Insights in Their Teaching and Preaching
A. In his first sermon, the apostle Peter quoted David from Psalm 16:8-11 [circa 1,000 BC] saying that
Jesus would rise from the dead (Acts 2:22-32)

Psalm 16:8-11 from the Hebrew-English Tanakh (Jewish Publication Society: Philadelphia, 2000, p. 1426)
B. In another sermon, the apostle Peter also quoted Moses from Deuteronomy 18:18-19 [circa 1,400
BC] saying that a prophet like me will come (Acts 3:17-23)
C. The apostle Paul also explained and proved from the Old Testament that Jesus had to suffer and rise
from the dead (Acts 17:1-4)
D. The apostles were given full understanding as to the meaning of various Old Testament teachings and
practices (i.e., animal sacrifice and temple worship as mentioned in the previous lesson)
3. Along with the Apostles God Also Empowered a New Generation of Prophets
A. New revelation about the mystery of Christ (Ephesians 3:2-6)
B. New prophetic writings for the benefit of all nations (Romans 16:25-27). This is well demonstrated by
the four gospels which are the same story but clearly written in different styles for different audiences:
i. Matthew for Jewish Christians (emphasis on kingdom and prophetic fulfilment)
ii. Mark for Gentiles (non-Jewish) Christians, probably Roman (direct and concise style)
iii. Luke for Greek Christians (addressed to Theophilus [literally, friend of God])
iv. John for more general audience (complementary details to the other three gospels)
4. The Gospels Accounts Were Written As a Testimony And Call to Faith
A. The word gospel literally means ‘good news’
B. Just like Peter and Paul, the gospel writers made extensive use of the Old Testament prophecies to
demonstrate how Christ fulfilled the Law and the Prophets.
C. John affirmed that his written gospel served the same function as the ‘miraculous signs’ performed by
Jesus—to call people to a decision of faith (John 20:30-31)
D. Luke explained that his gospel was written so that the details of the gospel could be known with
certainty—he also mentions that other accounts had already been written (Luke 1:1-4)
E. Luke also wrote a sequel to his gospel, called Acts recording a brief history of the early church

15
Living Words – the New Testament (continued):

Chart demonstrating the historicity of the New Testament by:

1) accurate record of secular events
2) narrative details support a working chronology for the writing dates (places and circumstances)
3) Paul and Peter view the new gospels and letters as “Scripture” equal with the Old Testament

5. The Letters Were Written To Confirm What Had Already Been Taught
A. Paul – as a safeguard (Philippians 3:1)
B. Peter – reminders to stimulate wholesome thinking (2 Peter 3:1-2, 15-16)
6. God Trains Us Through the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
C. All Scripture is God-breathed or inspired (just like Adam, God has breathed life into it)
D. Teaching, correcting, rebuking and training in righteousness are parental terms

16
 YOUR KINGDOM COME
(NOTE: Before doing this lesson, please have the person read Daniel 2:1-49 and Acts 1:1-2:47 beforehand as
a homework assignment.)
What is your concept of “the kingdom of God?”
1. Repent, For The Kingdom of God Is Near!
A. John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus with this message (Matthew 3:1-6)
B. After John’s imprisonment, Jesus began preaching the same message (Matthew 4:12-17)
i. Matthew quoted Isaiah 9:1-2 (written in 750 B.C.) to describe the effect of Jesus beginning his
ministry (i.e., like the shining of a bright light), and that prophecy goes on to describe the coming
of Jesus and the establishment of an eternal kingdom (Isaiah 9:6-7)
2. Daniel Also Prophesied Of A Coming Kingdom (550 BC)
A. Background: Daniel was a Jewish prophet captive in Babylon after God had punished the Israelites for
their unfaithfulness and carried them into captivity
B. Daniel interpreted the king’s dream and explained that a kingdom was coming that would not be
established by human hands, but by the power of God (Daniel 2:1-49)

1. Head of Gold (current supreme power) representing the

BABYLONIAN EMPIRE

2. Chest and Arms of Silver (inferior to Babylon) representing the

MEDO-PERSIAN EMPIRE

3. Belly & Thighs of Bronze (world rule) representing the

GREEK EMPIRE

4. Legs of Iron (strong, breaking and smashing everything)

Feet of Iron & Baked Clay (eventual dividing) representing the
ROMAN EMPIRE

5. A Rock Cut Out of a Mountain But Not By Human Hands

representing a divinely established
ETERNAL KINGDOM

C. Notice that the rock that destroyed the statue grew into a ‘mountain’ (v. 35)—in Old Testament
prophecy this image is used symbolically of strength and stability, and in Daniel and Isaiah represents
the coming kingdom
D. Therefore, Daniel sets the time for this coming kingdom as during the time of the Roman Empire,
which is also the setting for the gospels (Luke 3:1-3)
i. Note: the Roman Empire was politically reorganised a number of times until it finally divided
East and West in 394 AD—and eventually disappeared completely

17
Your Kingdom Come (continued):
3. Complete the Following Chart:
A. Read through all of the verses listed in columns I to III (i.e., first read Isaiah 2, then Daniel 2) and list
details about the predicted 'coming kingdom' in column IV
B. Then read all of Acts 1 & 2 in column V beginning with Acts 1:12, and notice the verses where specific
details were fulfilled

I II III IV V
Old before after ACTS
Testament resurrection resurrection DETAILS references
1:12-19
Mark 9:1 during some disciples' lifetimes v. 13, 18
2:1-4
Mark 9:1 Luke 24:46-49 clothed with power v. 2-4
Acts 1:1-8 receive power through the Holy Spirit v. 2-4
2:5-17
Isaiah 2:1-4 Luke 24:46-49 all nations in Jerusalem v. 5
Isaiah 2:1-4 in the last days v. 17
2:32-36
Daniel 2:44 Matthew 16:13-191 endure forever (overcome death) v. 32
2:37-41
Matthew 18:1-4 requires a change of heart v. 37
John 3:1-7 new birth - water & Spirit v. 38
Matthew 16:13-19 Peter given the keys of kingdom v. 382
Matthew 16:13-19 Kingdom and Church are connected v. 38, 41
Luke 24:46-49 repentance and forgiveness of sins v. 38
Luke 24:46-49 preached to all nations v. 39
2:42-47
Luke 17:20-21 spiritual kingdom (is within) v. 42

4. The Reign of Christ In Our Hearts

A. A kingdom not of this world (John 18:33-37)
B. We need to “seek his kingdom first” (Matthew 6:33)—this would include being devoted to the
fellowship of the church (Acts 2:42)
C. We also need to pray “your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9-10)
D. The church is a manifestation of God’s kingdom on earth—we show ourselves to be his people through
our loyalty and devotion.
5. The Church Is Much More Than It Appears To Be (Hebrews 12:22-29)
A. God sees more than the assembled church—he sees it together with the heavenly host
B. For faithful Christians, eternal life with God begins here on earth
C. Make a decision to attend the worship services of the local church

1
If there is any question as to whether Jesus could have meant that Peter himself was to be the foundation of the
church and not simply the truth of Peter’s confession, please read 1 Corinthians 3:11.
2
Jesus promised to give Peter keys that would both bind on earth and in heaven—in other words, becoming part
of the church fellowship on earth gives one corresponding membership in the heavenly realm.
18
 THE FALL OF HUMANKIND:
How Sin and Death Came Into the World
1. Sin Came Into the World Through Adam and Eve
A. God gave Adam a single command that named death as a consequence for disobedience (Genesis
2:15-17)
B. Eve was tempted through focusing on her own desires and came to doubt in God’s good intentions
(Genesis 3:1-6)
i. Adam joined her in this act of disobedience
C. After eating, Adam and Eve felt shame because of their nakedness – i.e., they now felt awkward due
to their physical differences (Genesis 3:7-10)
i. Although they made coverings for themselves, upon hearing God’s approach they hid
themselves
ii. Sin separates us from each other and from God
iii. God showed his love for Adam and Eve by calling them out of hiding and into his presence
D. When questioned by God, both Adam and Eve made excuses by blaming someone else for their
actions – Adam even blamed God indirectly since God had given Eve to him (Genesis 3:11-13)
E. God punished them by adding hardships and toil to their earthly existence (Genesis 3:14-20)
i. Note that shame and guilt had not been sufficient to motivate them to take full responsibility for
their actions
F. God also made them clothing from animal skins—acceptable to appear before him because he made
them and noticeably requiring the shedding of blood and loss of life (Genesis 3:21-24)
G. God also expelled Adam and Eve from the Garden so that they would face their mortality
i. Their sin had already killed them spiritually (i.e., separated them from God), but now the reality
of physical death would become one of the greatest examples of what that death (i.e.,
separation) really means.
2. God Deferred Final Judgment Until a Moment of His Choosing
A. After God called Adam and Eve out and confronted them about their sin, he then gave them the
opportunity to accept his discipline and repent in their relationship towards him
B. One consequence of showing mercy to the guilty was that their offspring, though innocent, would
suffer—they would be born outside the garden of Eden and subject to human mortality
C. We should be merciful to others when we consider God’s mercy towards us—his kindness, tolerance
and patience gives us a chance to repent (Romans 2:1-4)
D. God has set a day for judgment desiring that people will make use of their opportunity to repent. There
is no favouritism and everyone will face his judgment (Romans 2:5-11)
E. At the same time, each one of us has proven through our own decisions to sin that we would have
done exactly as Adam and Eve did if we had been there in their places
3. God Shows His Love for Us by Seeking For Us Today
A. The creation testifies to God’s eternal nature and power leaving us without excuse (Romans 1:18-20)
B. Our consciences also testify to a moral truth and judgment greater than ourselves (Romans 2:12-16)
C. The law (of Scripture) was given to make us conscious of sin (Romans 3:19-20)
D. Physical death also helps us face the truth about our spiritual condition before God (Ecclesiastes 7:2)

19
 A MEDICAL ACCOUNT OF THE CRUCIFIXION
Hanging, electrocution, knee-capping, gas chamber: these punishments are feared. They all happen today,
and we shudder as we think of the horror and pain. But as we shall see, these ordeals pale into insignificance
compared with the bitter fate of Jesus Christ: crucifixion.

No one is crucified today. For us the cross remains confined to ornaments and jewellery, stained-glass windows,
romanticised pictures and statues portraying a serene death. Crucifixion was a form of execution refined by the
Romans to a precise art. It was carefully conceived to produce a slow death with maximum pain. It was a public
spectacle intended to deter other would-be criminals. It was a death to be feared.

Sweat like blood

Luke 22:24 says of Jesus, “and being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood
falling to the ground.” The sweat was unusually intense because his emotional state was unusually intense.
Dehydration coupled with exhaustion further weakened him. (Note: the scriptures nowhere say that Jesus
was sweating blood.)

Beating
It was in this condition that Jesus faced the first physical abuse: punches and slaps to the face and head while
blindfolded. Unable to anticipate the blows, Jesus was badly bruised, his mouth and eyes possibly injured.
The psychological effects of the false trials should not be underestimated. Consider that Jesus faced them
bruised, dehydrated, exhausted, possibly in shock.

Flogging
In the previous 12 hours Jesus had suffered emotional trauma, rejection by his closest friends, a cruel beating,
and a sleepless night during which he had to walk miles between unjust hearings. Despite the fitness he must
certainly have gained during his travels in Palestine, he was in no way prepared for the punishment of
flogging. The effects would be worse as a result.

A man to be flogged was stripped of his clothes and his hands tied to a post above his head. He was then
whipped across the shoulders, back, buttocks, thighs and legs, the soldier standing behind and to one side of
the victim. The whip used – the flagellum – was designed to make this a devastating punishment, bringing the
victim close to death: several short heavy leather thongs, with two small balls of lead or iron attached near the
end of each. Pieces of sheep’s bone were sometimes included.

As the scourging proceeds, the heavy leather thongs produce first superficial cuts, than deeper damage to
underlying tissues. Bleeding becomes severe when not only capillaries and veins are cut, but also arteries in the
underlying muscles. The small metal balls first produce large, deep bruises which are broken open by further
blows. The fragments of sheep’s bone rip the flesh as the whip is drawn back. When the beating is finished, the
skin of the back is in ribbons, and the entire area torn and bleeding.

The words chosen by the gospel writers suggest that the scourging of Jesus was particularly severe: he was
certainly at the point of collapse when he was cut down from the flogging-post.

The mocking
Jesus was allowed no time to recover before facing his next ordeal. Made to stand, he was dressed in a robe
by jeering soldiers, crowned with a twisted band of thorny twigs, and to complete the parody, given a
wooden staff as a king’s sceptre. “They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and
again” (Matthew27:30). The long thorns were driven into the sensitive scalp tissue producing profuse
bleeding, but even more terrible was the re-opening of the wounds on Jesus’ back when the robe was torn off
again.

Further weakened physically and emotionally, Jesus was led away to be executed.

20
A Medical Account of the Crucifixion (continued):
The crucifixion
The wooden cross used by the Romans was too heavy to be carried by one man. Instead the victim to be
crucified was made to bear the detached crossbar across his shoulders, carrying it outside the city walls to the
place of execution. (The heavy upright portion of the cross was permanently in position here.) Jesus was
unable to carry his load – a beam weighing around 75 to 125 pounds (approximately 35-55 kg). He collapsed
under the burden, and an onlooker was ordered to take it for him.

Jesus refused to drink the wine and myrrh offered him before the nails were driven in. (It would have dulled the
pain.) Thrown down on his back with arms outstretched along the crossbar, nails were driven through Jesus’
wrists into the wood. These iron spikes, about 6 inches long and 3/8 inch thick, severed the large sensorimotor
median nerve, causing excruciating pain in both arms. Carefully placed between bones and ligaments, they
were able to bear the full weight of the crucified man.

In preparation for the nailing of the feet, Jesus was lifted up and the crossbar fixed to the upright post. Then
with legs bent at the knee, a single nail was used to pierce both feet, one foot being placed over the other.
Again there was severe nerve damage and the pain caused was intense. It is important to note, however, that
neither the wounds to the wrists or feet caused substantial bleeding, since no major arteries were ruptured.
The executioner took care to ensure this, so that death would be slower and the suffering longer.

Now nailed to his cross, the real horror of crucifixion began. When the wrists were nailed to the crossbar, the
elbows were intentionally left in a bent position so that the crucified man would hang with his arms above his
head, the weight being taken on the nails in the wrists. Obviously this was unbearably painful, but it had
another effect: It is very difficult to exhale in this position. In order to breathe out, and then take in fresh air, it
was necessary to push the body up on the nailed feet. When the pain from the feet became unbearable, the
victim would again slump down to hang by the arms. A terrible cycle of pain began: hanging by the arms, unable
to breathe, pushing up on the feet to inhale quickly before again slumping down, and on and on.

This tortured activity became more and more difficult as Jesus’ back was scraped against the upright post, as
muscle cramps set in because of the inadequate respiration, and as exhaustion grew more severe. Jesus
suffered in this manner for several hours before, with a final cry, he died.

Cause of death
Many factors contributed to Jesus’ death. A combination of shock and suffocation killed most victims of
crucifixion, but in Jesus’ case acute heart failure may have been the final trauma. This is suggested by his
sudden death following a loud cry, after only a few hours: a quick death, it seems (Pilate was surprised to find
Jesus already dead). A fatal cardiac arrhythmia, or perhaps cardiac rupture, are likely candidates.

The spear wound

Jesus was already dead as the executioners broke the legs of the criminals crucified alongside (in order to
speed their deaths). Instead, we read that a soldier pierced Jesus’ side with a spear. Where on his side? The
word chosen by John suggests the ribs, and if the soldier intended to make Jesus’ death certain, a wound to
the heart was the obvious choice.

From the wound came a flow of "blood and water." This is consistent with the spear blow to the heart (especially
from the right side, the traditional site of the wound). Rupturing the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart)
released a flow of watery serum, followed by blood as the heart was pierced.

Conclusion
The detailed accounts given in the gospels combined with the historical evidence on crucifixion bring us to a
firm conclusion: modern medical knowledge supports the claim of the scriptures that Jesus died on the cross.

[Simplified and adapted from other medical accounts by Douglas Jacoby and Alex Mnatzaganian, December 1989]

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 DENOMINATIONS AND DIVISIONS
How do you think God feels when he sees all the religious division in Christianity today?
1. Jesus’ Prayer for All Believers (John 17:20-23)
A. Jesus wanted all of his followers to have complete unity—just like he and his Father
2. Understanding Unity in the Church (from Lesson 8)
A. Unity is reflected in the Christian doctrine of salvation: we are baptised in one Spirit into one body (1
Corinthians 12:12-13)
B. Paul emphasized the same desire for unity that Jesus did (1 Corinthians 1:10-13)
i. In local congregations, unity in mind and thought requires focus and effort
ii. Following human personalities and opinions causes divisions (1 Corinthians 3:1-9)
C. Human pride leads to divisions, and a humble approach to the Scriptures and leadership is necessary:
“Do not go beyond what is written” is a valuable principle! (1 Corinthians 4:6-7)
3. Maintaining Unity Requires the Right Attitude and the Right Doctrine
A. Right Attitude: humble, gentle, patient, loving, and peaceful (Ephesians 4:1-3)
B. Right Doctrine: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God the
Father (Ephesians 4:4-6)
4. The New Testament Writers Predicted Numerous Reasons For Division:
A. False leaders will distort the truth to draw away disciples after themselves (Acts 20:28-31)
B. False teachers will introduce destructive teachings (contrary to Scriptures) and make up stories for
personal financial gain (2 Peter 3:1-3)
i. For example, Scientology is a recently founded religion/philosophy that attempts to offer people
a way to truth through very expensive training sessions
C. False followers will compromise sound doctrine and encourage others to lead them that will teach the
message they want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
i. Success theology claims that health and wealth of signs of God’s approval contradicting the fact
that God works on our character and faith through difficulty and hardship (i.e., even in the life of
Jesus)
D. Traditions taking precedent over clear biblical teaching (Mark 7:5-13)
i. Mandatory celibacy in the Roman Catholic church contradicts clear biblical teaching:
a. Forbidding marriage was predicted by Paul (1 Timothy 4:1-5)
b. Overseers (i.e., ‘bishops’) were to be married and successful family leaders as a qualification
for local church leadership (1 Timothy 3:1-5)
c. Note that Paul describes the seriousness of this error as ‘abandoning the faith and following
deceiving spirits and things taught by demons’
E. The seriousness of this whole discussion is underlined by two of the sins listed in Galatians 5:19-21
(Lesson 4): dissensions and factions—‘those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God’
i. We are responsible to promote unity and truth among believers as much as possible—causing
division in the body of Christ is sinful
ii. The word “denomination” is transliterated from the Latin denominationem (constructed from
de- "completely" + nominare "to name," from nomen "name") and literally means “a general
name for a category” (i.e., values as of money, religious organizations uniting local congregations,
etc.).
a. All religious organizations are denominations by definition either being given a name by
society or choosing a name for themselves for legal and administrative purposes
b. No matter how this naming or identity developed, Christians should strive to be “non-
denominational” in attitude and promote unity and peace as much as possible
F. Again, Paul’s directive noted earlier stands as the solution: “Do not go beyond what is written!”
5. Jesus Emphasised The Eternal Significance of Knowing and Following God’s Will
A. Simple obedience to God’s will is more important than any particular religious activity—even
prophecy, healing, and performing miraculous signs (Matthew 7:21-23)
B. The teachings of Jesus must be put into practice (Matthew 7:24-27)
C. The road to life is challenging and many people are tempted to follow easier paths and go with the
flow (Matthew 7:13-14)
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