Pastor Luther Walker teaches on the gospel of salvation from 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. Salvation is by grace through faith, not works. Grace is God’s benefit given without regard to merit, and faith is taking God at His word—the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). God provides the faith (Ephesians 2:8; Philippians 1:29).
The gospel message has inherent power to save (Romans 1:16). Satan blinds minds to prevent belief (2 Corinthians 4:4), but the Holy Spirit convicts the world of one sin: unbelief in Christ (John 16:8-9). God causes the light of the knowledge of His glory to shine in our hearts (2 Corinthians 4:6).
Key changes at salvation include:
Washing of regeneration that cleanses from sins and trespasses (Titus 3:5; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; John 13:10).
Being born again (born from above) through incorruptible seed (1 Peter 1:23; John 3:3).
God’s seed remains in the believer, enabling victory over habitual sin (1 John 3:9; 1 John 1:9).
Legitimate children of God, marked for sonship—not adoption (Ephesians 1:5).
Salvation in the spirit, uniting us with the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:17). The spirit is our rational center, allowing spiritual discernment (1 Corinthians 2:11-15).
Placed into the body of Christ as a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Christ indwells us (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:27).
The Holy Spirit indwells us (John 14:16-17).
Spiritual gifts and direct relationship with God as priests.
Salvation is rational, not primarily emotional. The soul is not yet fully saved (1 Peter 1:9), so experiences vary. True change manifests as understanding Scripture and producing fruit over time.
