Salvation in Christ protects and preserves God’s people

We can see the difference between people who come to Christ for life improvement vs those who come for salvation from God's wrath. When we come for life improvement we are focused on ourselves, when we come for salvation the focus is on God. Someone looking for life improvement is described by a worldly or fleshly disposition but the one being saved is described as taking the word of God to heart, producing the "fruit that accompanies salvation." Salvation comes when we see that we are guilty of sin and are ashamed of what we've done against God and his people. It's humility to agree with God as he's revealed himself in nature, ourselves, and ultimately in Jesus Christ.  I love this walk through scripture that brings us to know if we've come to Christ for salvation vs coming to Christ for life improvement: Key Christian Doctrines about God and our relationship to Him

Salvation in Christ protects God’s people from Satan’s destruction and sin’s penalty, even though life on earth brings difficulty. The Bible’s central message concerns the salvation of humanity from sin’s present and eternal corruption and damage. In BSF this week we look at Salvation in light of God's wrath.

God's wrath is justified when we look at what sin has done to people, and the earth. But what is the scope of God's wrath and who will experience God's wrath? 

First of all the eternal fire was prepared for the devil and his angels, not for people who are made in the image of God. Matthew 25:41) Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

Matthew 13:41-42) The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom every cause of sin and all who practice lawlessness. And they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

We have the Holy Spirit now who reveals sin, righteousness, and judgement (John 16:8-11). The Apostle Paul says it like this: "in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might, (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9)"

John 16:8-11 describes how the Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. This passage suggests that the Holy Spirit's role is to reveal the truth and expose error. 

• Sin: The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin because people do not believe in Jesus. Sin is primarily unbelief in Jesus, which is the root of all other sins. This conviction is necessary for repentance and salvation.
• Righteousness: The Holy Spirit convicts the world of righteousness by demonstrating the perfect life and sacrificial death of Jesus. Righteousness refers to the standard of holiness required by God.
• Judgment: Because the prince of the world stands condemned. See antichrist, anyone who doesn't know god and doesn't obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 

Rev 14:12) "This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus. 

• But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. - Matthew 24:13
• Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. - James 1:12
• You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. - Hebrews 10:36
• Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; / perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4
• For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome, 1 John 5:3
• Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:7
• Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
• That is why we boast among God’s churches about your perseverance and faith in the face of all the persecution and affliction you are enduring. 2 Thessalonians 1:4
• Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Hebrews 6:12
• so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:7
• and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 2 Peter 1:6
• By your patient endurance you will gain your souls. Luke 21:19
• But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:25
• being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully Colossians 1:11
• Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12

Rev 14:13) Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

Deut 30:6-10) God will change your heart so you will love him and live – then you’ll obey and be successful in all you do

He washed their feet and opened their minds