Scripture Reading: Exodus 14:10–14

Introduction

A. When Israel stood in despair at the brink of the Red Sea, God told them to “stand still and see the salvation of the LORD.”

B. It is a different sort of bondage that holds man still today, and yet as impossible as it seems, redemption is possible.

C. As marvelous as God’s plan of redemption is, there are but very few who will respond to it (Matthew 7:13–14). Will you and I?

Discussion

I. What does this salvation require?

A. It does not require sword or spear (Psalms 33:16–20; Hosea 1:7; 1 Samuel 17:47).

B. This salvation requires the grace of God, for it is His work (1 Samuel 11:13; 2 Chronicles 32:22; Judges 7:7; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5–7).

C. This salvation also requires faith (Genesis 15:6; Hebrews 11:7; Luke 7:50; 17:19; cf. James 2:24).

II. When does this salvation take place?

A. We know now that it comes by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8), but when does it occur?

B. We become alive when we are baptized (Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:12; Acts 22:16; Titus 3:5; Romans 6:3–7).

C. What makes this act important is its connection with the resurrection of Jesus (Romans 6:3–4; 1 Peter 3:21).

D. It is also important because it is where grace and faith meet (Colossians 2:12).

A. Unfortunately there are some who will be lost again after they are saved (1 Corinthians 10:1–12; Hebrews 3:7–4:11; 2 Peter 2:19–22).

B. There is nothing as valuable as our souls (Matthew 16:25–26).