As we continue with our eight-week study of the Order of Salvation, take a few moments to consider these questions this week:
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed! (John Newton, Amazing Grace)
1. Take a moment to meditate on the quote from Amazing Grace written above. Have you ever thought that God’s grace should “teach our hearts to fear?” How is this grace?
2. The Westminster Confession of Faith defines both repentance and faith as “graces.” What does this mean? Why do you think that the writers of the Confession chose to emphasize that repentance and faith are actions given by God rather than something we conjure up on our own?
3. Read II Corinthians 7:9-10. What is the difference between the two types of grief in this passage? What does each one look like when lived out? Are you prone to worldly grief? How is this a counterfeit of godly grief?
4. Compare the reactions of Peter (John 21:15-19) with those of Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:3-10) after they both betrayed Jesus. What does this teach us about true repentance? How does the knowledge that God grants and uses genuine repentance to restore sinners give you hope when you are ashamed of something you have done?
5. Read Luke 13:1-9 and 24:46-47, as well as Acts 20:21. How does “cheap grace” (forgiveness without repentance) sell the Gospel short? Is there any area of your life which you have not surrendered to Christ’s lordship?
Have a great week. As always, if you have any questions please feel free to email me. Next week: The Doctrine of Justification.
