INTRODUCTION TO THE SERMONS: An Overview: the Bible's Doctrine of Sin and Salvation by GOD's Grace Alone by Faith Alone; How we can know that we are saved.

As background, the first title above is misleading. It ought to be "How GOD saves sinners." Calvin did not originate this doctrine. It is in many places in the Bible which plainly teaches that if we are saved, it is wholly by GOD's mercy and grace through faith, not of our self, and not of works (Ephesians 2:8-9). GOD the Holy Spirit must regenerate the mind of a sinner because we are unable and unwilling. Salvation is a miracle resulting in a new true love for GOD and HIS Word.

The Bible teaches "grace", defined as undeserved favor on those who are guilty, sinners who deserve hell for their unbelief and rebellion. Yet some, not many, are pardoned, clothed in CHRiST's righteousness (Romans 3:21-24, 11:5-6; Galatians 3:27; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

We are not innocent. Sin, disobedience to the law of GOD, has the eternal consequence of hell. Yet GOD's Son, JESUS CHRIST, is the author and perfector of saving faith (Romans 3:20- 4:6, Romans 9 and 11; Hebrews 12:1-3).

So, to understand the Christian doctrine of salvation, one must first believe:

1. The Bible is the "word of God written" - all everywhere are commanded to believe what it says (Psalm 119:4; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Galatians 3:9-11; Hebrews 11:6) ;
2. That all people are born sinners (Romans 3:23; Galatians 3:22); and justly deserve hell (Matthew 5, 10, 18, 23; Revelation 21:8);
3. Many, most will end up in hell (Matthew 7:13-14; 21-23; Luke 13:24) due to unbelief (Matthew 7:21-23; Romans 1:18, 11:23; Hebrews 3:19;); not many will be saved (i.e., the remnant, Romans 9:27, 11:3-5; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31). This is the eternal wrath of GOD (John 3:36; Romans 2:5, 5:9; Ephesians 5:6; Colossians 3:5-7).
4. We all die then we will meet JESUS face-to-face. He is the Creator, Redeemer or Judge of all. (Colossians 1:13-17; Romans 5:1-2, 8-11);
5. Yet GOD is merciful to some sinners before they die (Luke 1:50; Romans 9:15-23, 11:30-32; Titus 3:5; Hebrews 4:15-16; 1 Peter 1:3, 2:10).
6. In Scripture, they are called the saved, the elect, the redeemed, saints, etc. (Matthew 24:22 , 31; Romans 1:7, 8:33; Daniel 7:18-27; 1 Corinthians 1:2). The redeemed are the ones CHRiST purchased with HIS blood (1 Peter 1:17-19).
7. Scripture teaches salvation is by faith (Hebrews 11; 12:1-3). And it comes by hearing the Word by a preacher (Romans 10:8-11, 14-17). And only GOD's chosen, the effectually called, do hear and are saved (Matthew 1:21; John 6:35-40; Romans 1:6-7; 8:28-30; 2 Thessalonians 2:14; Ephesians 4:3-5; 1 Corinthians 1:9, 24).
8. The unregenerate sinner is incapable of hearing and responding to the good news of CHRiST and HIS finished work (Matthew 13:10-17). Yet the gospel call is for all people (Isaiah 6:8-10 ; Romans 11:8; Acts 28:26-28.) Do you hear HIM?

I encourage study of the Protestant Reformation and Confessions:

• Westminister: https://opc.org/wcf.html
• Belgic: https://belgicconfession.net
• 39 Articles: https://credomag.com/2021/01/an-introduction-to-the-thirty-nine-articles
• 2nd London (Baptist), 1689: https://founders.org/library-book/1689-confession
• Synod of Dort: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/collections/the-synod-of-dort