Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:19–21

Introduction

A. Near the close of the apostolic age, John wrote to his children in the faith to offer them assurance of their salvation (1 John 5:9–13).

B. The good news is that it doesn’t matter who you are or what you have done—God can save you, and God wants to save you.

Discussion

I. How do you know that God even wants to save you?

A. Considering all we have done, it would be easy to understand if He wanted nothing to do with us (1 Timothy 1:15–16).

B. It shouldn’t surprise us that there is one way (John 14:6); it should surprise us that there is one at all (Acts 2:37).

C. The proof that God still wants us is seen in the crucifixion of Jesus (Romans 8:31–39; 5:6–8).

II. How do you know that God is even able to save you?

A. Jesus’ passion demonstrated God’s righteousness in pardoning the transgressor who will be faithful (Romans 3:21–26).

B. If God demonstrated His desire to save us in the crucifixion of Jesus, He showed His power to save us in His resurrection (Romans 5:9–10; Ephesians 1:19–23).

C. The resurrection gives us assurance of our salvation and reason to rejoice (Romans 5:11; Acts 2:46–47).

D. When we are baptized, we take part in His glorious resurrection (Romans 6:1–7; Ephesians 2:1–10; Colossians 2:11–15).

Conclusion

Others might have the desire to save you in your peril, but God alone has the ability. He is able to deliver you if you are willing to follow.