COMPREHENDING SALVATION

If salvation does not make sense to people, they will not avail themselves of it. When people "neglect" the "great salvation" provided in Christ Jesus, their attention has been diverted to lesser things. Salvation is the thrust of Apostolic doctrine. It encompasses everything involved in the orientation of mankind for glory. Beginning with the remission of sin, it includes separation from the course of this world, fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ, and the setting of our affection on things above, not on things on the earth (1 Pet 2:11; 1 Cor 1:9; Col 3:1-2)The Sunday school must help people regain their focus, while turning away from things that are temporal. It is not enough to merely have an academic acquaintance with the Word of God.

We are living in "the day of salvation" (2 Cor. 6:2): a day when the door of heaven has been opened to humanity. Jesus has sanctified, or set apart, a way to God, and He has done so for the redeemed (Heb 10:20). This is the way of which Isaiah prophesied--a way raised up in the desert for those separated from the world (Isa 35:8). If our people do not have an intelligent grasp of that way, they will not end up with the Lord. Our Sunday Schools must be devoted to making the day of salvation more clear to those being taught.

The forgiveness of sins is available to all, with righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:13). Our classes must help people understand and appreciate this marvelous availability.