Called to the CrossPastor Mark Schwarzbauer PhDFamily Worship Center 3/29/15

Passion Sunday The Same Love- Called to the CrossText: Hebrews 10:10 – “10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

Part One: Called to the Cross for SalvationI. You are called to the cross for salvation.II. The Greek word for “salvation” is σωτήριος (sótérios).

A. Saving~ The word first refers to salvation from serious peril. 1. We are in serious peril without Jesus’ salvation.2. Illustration of lost in cave with air running out – like time running out.3. Romans 6:23- the wages of sin is death.4. We cannot save ourselves. We need someone with the cure.5. His prevenient grace awakens us to our need and gives us the power and

opportunity to choose Christ.6. Hell is a real place and we need to be saved from it. 7. Heaven is a real place and we are saved to enjoy it.

B. Keeping~ The meaning also includes that of keeping alive. 1. God’s salvation keeps you going.2. He gives you the Holy Spirit at rebirth to empower your new life.

C. Benefiting~ Keeping in good health, or benefiting, or “well-being.”1. Spirit, soul and body, God’s salvation benefits you.2. The cross brings reconciliation spiritually.3. The cross brings mental and emotional health to your soul.4. The cross brings physical healing and eventually a completely renewed

eternal being.D. Preserving the Inner Being~ A special nuance is when the terms refer to

preserving the inner being or nature.11. The salvation of God gives eternal security. 2. It is not unconditional eternal security as some mistakenly believe, because

God doesn’t take away your will and force your allegiance.3. Rest in His Spirit with confidence in His power.

III. The cross is where Jesus took our sin and its punishment in our place- II Corinthians 5:17-21.

1Kittel, G., Friedrich, G., & Bromiley, G. W. (1985). Theological dictionary of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans.

From “The Bible” miniseries. You are encouraged to watch “A.D. The Bible Continues” starting next Sunday on NBC

IV. God calls you to the cross for salvation to make the exchange of your sin for His righteousness. From the place of ultimate death He gives you salvation leading to eternal life.

Part Two: Called to the Cross for SanctificationI. We are called to the cross to be sanctified.

A. Hebrews 10:10 – “10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

B. We are sanctified by Jesus on the crossII. Sanctification in the New Testament is from the Greek word άγιασμός

(hagiasmos).A. The word literally means holiness – God makes you “Holy” through what

Jesus did on the cross.B. We are in a state of holiness but we are also called to personally advance in

holiness.1. God sees you through what Jesus did on the cross making you “holy” in

His eyes.2. God also expects you to grow in holiness in your daily living.

III. Sanctification in the Old Testament- The Hebrew word qadosh;( שודק)A. The meaning is “to be set apart”. In a generic sense sanctification sets

something apart for its intended use by its designer.B. Living according to God’s purpose for your life.

IV. Sanctify yourselves (Joshua 3:5, II Corinthians 6:14-7:1)A. Be like Christ, not like the world.B. Rid yourself of known sin.C. Separate yourself from sinful lifestyles.D. Come to the cross to be sanctified and offer yourself fully to God.

Closing: Discussion Items and Questions for Home and Small Group

1. Name the four dimensions of “Salvation.” 2. Which of these four sticks out to you as something important to you right now?3. You are already “sanctified” by what Jesus did on the cross. So, why does the

Bible also call us to “sanctify ourselves”?4. What area of sin is the Holy Spirit dealing with you about? Confess it, forsake it

and move beyond it.

Homework- Invite friends over to start a small group and watch “A.D. The Bible Continues” next Sunday evening on NBC at 8pm.