“Rescued, Reconciled and Renewed”

EFCA Article 3: The Human Condition

November 5, 2023

Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 8; Colossians 1:13-14

Study Questions

1.    Read over Article 3 of the EFC, a statement of faith: “We believe that God created Adam and Eve in His image, but they sinned when tempted by Satan. In union with Adam, human beings are sinners by nature and by choice, alienated from God, and under His wrath. Only through God’s saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled and renewed.”

2.    Why is it important to state that God created Adam and Eve?

3.    Read Genesis 1:26-27. What does it mean that they were created in God’s image? What does that mean for all humanity? (See Psalm 8.)

4.    Read Job 14:4; Psalm 51:5; John 3:5-6; Romans 3:12; 5:17-21. What is the significance of the reference to ‘in union with Adam’? Who does that include? What are the implications? How do they affect us? 

5.    Read Colossians 1:13–14. What promise is found in this passage? From where and to where are believers transferred?

6.    How has God rescued you? Give examples of how your transfer into the kingdom of Jesus Christ is evidenced by your life.

7.    According to Colossians 1:14, what has Jesus Christ accomplished for believers? Can you confidently claim this promise? Why?

8.    How has this study impacted the way you trust in and follow Jesus this week?