In this final day of our study, Derek looks at how the ark carried Noah and his family continuously through to salvation, and compares this to how we are first saved and likewise continuously carried through, shielded by the power of God, preserved unto a new inheritance that cannot spoil or fade or perish.

As we near the end of this study of “A New Beginning,” Derek draws from the example of the ark built by Noah to show us our new beginning in Jesus Christ. The preparation and completion of the ark was perfect; so was Jesus. As Noah had to enter the ark for salvation, so must we enter into Christ; and when the destruction is past, we emerge into a new world with a new start.

Today Derek looks at the culminating step in this study, becoming heirs of eternal life. We have been delivered from an evil inheritance and brought into this new one that is full of hope. We have a life to look forward to with Christ in it. It is Christ in us, the hope of glory!

Our next assignment is understanding that we have been justified or made righteous with God through the death and resurrection of Jesus. All the evil due to us was put upon Jesus so we would not have to experience it. The record of our sin is blotted out so we can have a new start in life.

Derek continues to look at the steps taken for our new beginning. He explains the two experiences of the Holy Spirit: the inner work of the new birth and the outer work of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. The inner work qualifies us for heaven, and the baptism is the supernatural infilling of power, equipping us for life on earth.

We finish this week by looking at three results salvation produces within us. We are washed of our sins by the blood of Jesus, and then we are kept clean by the washing of the Word. We experience rebirth by the working of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Then we are renewed by the Holy Spirit through a revelation of Jesus Christ. We are changed; the old has gone and the new has come!

Consider what is included in the simple word: “saved.” Derek looks at the richness of the word and brings out four different aspects of salvation that we can take hold of. We cannot earn it, we don’t deserve it; but it is by grace, the grace of God, that we are saved.

In today’s study the key is flesh and blood. Many religions and philosophies are based on revelations or reasonings, but Christianity is based on the fact that God took on flesh and blood in the person of Jesus Christ. He was born a baby and lived as a man, then He was crucified and resurrected.

Today Derek focuses on the state of being lost—being foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved. He takes Paul’s list in Titus and paints a picture of why we need God’s mercy to set us free from the life of darkness.

Continuing this week with the theme “A New Beginning,” Derek focuses on eight facts of importance for us from Titus 3. Paul clearly and fully unfolds why we need God’s mercy, and how God made provision for us through Jesus.