Introduction to Salvation

About this course

Introduction to Salvation is the first course in the Truth About Salvation Series. It is an introductory course that teaches the fundamentals of salvation, and it consists of four lessons. Each lesson is designed to bring a fuller understanding of the meaning of salvation based on the scriptures, while inviting you as a learner to examine beliefs you have adopted that are consistent with the Word of the Lord and those that need to be dispelled considering the truth. The overall aim of the course is that you grow in the knowledge of God, and that your character reflects the character of Christ as you serve as His witness in the earth.

A word from the Apostle

After the death of the last apostle, the Church went into what Apostle Banks calls “the Dark Ages”, the period during which the guidance of the apostolic mantle was no longer at the forefront of the Body of Christ. Apostolic Order was wrongfully discarded, false doctrines were introduced to the Household of Faith, and denominationalism emerged. As a result, the truth concerning salvation has, for the most part, become indiscernible. Some believe salvation rests on how one is baptized; others believe it is received upon praying a special prayer. This course delves into the truth concerning these matters.

The scriptures declare that we will come to the unity of the faith according to the plan of God (Ephesians 4:13), and the revelation of what salvation truly entails is the missing information that will bring the Body into that unity. That revelation can only be found in the Mystery of Christ (Colossians 1:27), and Ephesians 3:1-5 shows that this Mystery is revealed by the Spirit to two gifts, the apostle, who receives a total revelation, and the prophet, who sees portions of it as confirmation. This is why the Church is to continue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine (Acts 2:42).

What you will study

• Lesson 1, The Mystery of Christ: the definition of a mystery, and the four components of the Mystery: the plan, operation, manifestation and hope of salvation.
• Lesson 2, Body & Soul: the creation and purpose of the body and of the soul, the five senses as gates to the soul, and the soul as master of the body.
• Lesson 3, The Human Spirit: the conscience and the four forms of divine knowledge embedded in the heart of man.
• Lesson 4, Thou Shalt Surely Die: God's perfect creation, the function of angels in relation to God's Word, the three forms of death, and humanity's need for salvation.

Who this course is for

This course is for every learner who desires to know what salvation truly is, according to the scriptures rather than according to tradition. No prior study is assumed. It is the foundation for the remaining courses of the Truth About Salvation Series, where the operation of salvation is examined in detail.

How you are assessed

• Chapter quizzes, 60% of your grade
• Final exam, 40% of your grade
• Passing score: 70% or higher

Each lesson also includes a self-evaluation discussion. These are designed as a tool for you to examine how you are applying what is taught to your own life, and to further probe your knowledge of the lesson. Please answer honestly and thoroughly.

Course content © 2024 Mary Banks, Bible Teachers Global Training Center.