Triumph Church Sugar Land | Stafford

Central Truth:

These verses list the fundamental principles of truth concerning Christ. In Lessons 4-8 of Truth-n-Triumph we will define each of the six foundation stones of the gospel and give their application to the believer.

Repentance from evil deeds and faith in God are the primary responses to having heard the gospel and together constitute the new birth experience. Jesus and Paul linked them together like heads and tails of the same coin. After salvation, they continue to play a vital role in the Christian’s life.

I. Repentance From Evil Deeds

A. What is Repentance?

1. Repentance is the foundation of every genuine relationship with God. It is the act of turning away from sin and to Christ with a change of heart and mind, and is followed by a willful change in behavior.

2. Repentance is birthed from a realization of God’s holiness and our own sinfulness.

3. The goodness of God causes men to repent, not fear.

4. Repentance is accompanied by godly SORROW.

5. True repentance necessitates confession. Read Psalm 51:1-13

B. The Importance of Repentance

1. The importance of repentance is emphasized by the place of priority it is given in scripture. It is listed as the first principle in Hebrews 6:1 and is the first word of the gospel preached by Jesus, the Apostles, and the Prophets.

a. John the Baptist

b. Jesus

c. The Disciples

d. Peter

e. Paul

2. Jesus called sinners to repent as an alternative to perishing.

C. True repentance is a gift of God’s grace and cannot be experienced by the will of man alone.

D. The reward of repentance is abundant.

1. Sins are blotted out

2. Purges the conscience

3. Imparts new life

E. Repentance is not a one-time experience, but something we practice frequently as the Holy Spirit exposes sinful areas in our hearts and lives.

II. Faith Toward God

A. What is faith?

1. Faith is a decision to trustand believe God’s Word above all else.

2. Faith is far more than just knowing a thing to be true. It is fervent conviction that produces action.

B. The Importance of Faith

1. Like repentance, faith is the foundation of our relationship with God, without which it is impossible to please Him.

2. God counts all those who believe in the atoning work of Jesus as being righteous in His sight. Righteousness is the character or quality of being right or just

3. Simple and active faith in Jesus Christ results in salvation.

4. By faith we are justified. Justification means “to render just or innocent.”

C. Faith is a supernatural force that God has given to those that choose to believe.

1. Personal victory over the world hinges upon our faith.

2. Faith supercedes impossibilities.

3. Faith is an essential element of effective prayer.

D. Where does faith come from?

1. God gives each of us a measureof faith.

2. Hearing the word of God produces faith.

3. Beyond the faith by which we are saved and live, there is aspiritual gift of faith

4. Praying in the Spirit builds a person up on their faith.

III. The Relationship of Repentance and Faith

The preceding study has shown that both repentance and faith produce salvation of the soul. They are inseparable responses to the gospel. One necessitates the other, and together they constitute the new birth experience. Jesus and Paul linked them together like heads and tails of the same coin.

Summary:

Repentance and faith are two vital ingredients of the Christian walk. Even though they are listed as elementary principles of Christ, they remain an integral part of the most mature Christian’s relationship with God.