Theology of the Church, Mentor's Guide, MG03

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T H E O L O G Y O F T H E C H U R C H

6. How do the apostles apply the promise of Israel to the Church of God in Jesus Christ? Give examples. 7. The Church through Christ has been given special place in God’s salvation plan. What now, then, is Israel’s place as God’s people? Has God abandoned Israel or cancelled its election? Explain.

The Church Foreshadowed in God’s Plan

Segment 2: Salvation: Joining the People of God

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Rev. Terry Cornett

Because of sin, every human being is in a seemingly hopeless position. We desperately need to be saved from sin and its effects, but our sinful nature keeps us from desiring God’s salvation or having any means by which to be reunited to him. Remarkably, God did not choose to leave us as his enemies. The Apostle Paul teaches that while we were still bound up in sin, Christ died for us. The Gospel is the good news that God offers saving grace that can do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Understanding this grace is the basis for recognizing the Church’s responsibility to be a community of worship. Our objective for this segment, Salvation: Joining the People of God , is to enable you to:

Summary of Segment 2

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• Give a theological definition of salvation.

• Explain the consequences of being separated from God.

• Explain the benefits that come to us through our union with Christ.

• Understand how the Exodus serves as a model (type) of Christian salvation.

• Grasp that incorporation into the Church (God’s people) is not something extra which is added following salvation but which is central to the meaning of being saved.