Chapter 14 Highlights

The next several chapters of the Discipleship Handbook will focus on distinctive characteristics of Christian behavior. We will explore what the Bible teaches in the practical areas of Sabbathkeeping, reverence, financial stewardship, health, modesty, entertainment, and family relationships. Before taking up these practical and often sensitive topics, however, we should address some common areas of confusion.

First, it is important for every disciple of Christ to understand that our behavior can never earn salvation. Our salvation is based on the merits of Christ’s life and sacrifice. Nothing we do or abstain from doing can gain us favor with God. As the old hymn Rock of Ages says: “Not the labors of my hands Can fulfill Thy law’s demands; Could my zeal no respite know, Could my tears forever flow, All for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and Thou alone.” Truly the blood of Jesus is our only basis for forgiveness and salvation. Yet when Jesus saves, it is not to offer freedom from having to submit to God’s Word. On the contrary, when by faith we accept the sacrifice of Christ for our forgiveness, love for Jesus springs up in the heart and motivates us to obey Him! The acceptance of Christ as our personal Savior always gives birth to the pursuit of holiness, or Christlikeness. We cannot truly receive Jesus as our Savior without also receiving Him as our Lord and Master.

Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Department, General Conference,Howard, Jim,DeVasher, Kameron,Howard, Mark,Ringstaff, Justin,Schefka, Staci. Discipleship Handbook (GROW Series) (p. 97). Review and Herald Publishing Association. Kindle Edition.