(CLICK on the Q/A: for full question and answer)
Q/A:
How can I be sure I am
saved? When our preacher offers an
invitation at the end of the service, he always reminds us that whenever Christ
returns one day there will be those to whom he says, “I never knew you”.
Thus, our pastor says, “be sure you are saved”.
Who are these people? I
accepted Christ and was baptized when I was 14 years old.
I’ve always believed that you are saved by grace through faith.
However, his comments always make me question my salvation and wonder
what I must do to not be one of those people Christ “never knew”.
Q/A:
Does the Bible speak of
anything of a specific point in time, a split second moment when one is saved?
I heard a preacher ask someone, “When did you get saved?”
It took me a while to believe…being convinced of the Truth by his Word
OVER TIME. Believing is more than
accepting—it’s more like trusting. It
took a while for me to trust Jesus as my righteousness, not a split second that
I can recall. I know I’m saved
because of Jesus and not because of anything I can accomplish on my own.
What do you think? Doesn’t
pinpointing a time and place (relying on an “experience”) take the focus off
of Christ for salvation?
Q/A:
I have been reading the
Bible and have come across something I do not understand and was wondering
whether you can help me.
Q/A:
I notice you stated
“works don’t save us, nor do they ensure we will remain saved.”
Do you believe once saved always saved? Thanks so much for this
ministry!
Q/A:
I am a born again Christian
and believe in my salvation, yet sometimes I am filled with doubt about my
worthiness. My minister says that
“Jesus is worthy” and I needn’t doubt.
However, sometimes I don’t feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Q/A:
I believe that the Bible
clearly teaches us that we cannot lose our salvation.
However, I’m confused about verses that say that those who engage in
certain behavior “shall not inherit the
Q/A:
Some of your answers make
me wonder if you are a Calvinist. Is
it possible that God wants everyone to be saved by his grace, but then doesn’t
allow some to believe? Or is it that
he does require some response on our part since he doesn’t want robots?
After all, he tells us to repent, not that he will do it for us.
Let me know what you think and thanks for your time.
Q/A:
Many Christians believe that “once saved, always saved”.
Your articles also seem to promote that.
What if someone did get saved but then lost their love for Jesus (or
maybe never really had it), and gradually returned to their old way of life as
if they never even knew Jesus? Is it
possible that a person like that never experienced a genuine and sincere
conversion? I know that God’s
grace is free and unconditional, but what is the point if all you have to do is
say a little prayer, get saved, go to church a few times and then decide it’s
not for you and you would rather live a sinful life?
It would seem to be very discouraging and unfair to those who are truly
struggling to live a godly life. I
know feeling this way may be childish and petty and we should not compare
ourselves to others or to judge, but when I see people like that and then I’m
told that they’re still saved no matter what, I can’t help but feel
resentful. Then I feel like—why am
I trying so hard? I’m ashamed to
feel this way, but please help me with an answer.
Q/A:
I am currently in a
DANGEROUS situation according to the Word and my Christian friends.
I would like to know--can God help a person who cannot repent?
I constantly fear I committed the “unpardonable sin” and I want out
of it. But it says that those who
commit the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will NEVER be forgiven.
I have read your comments about this and I would like to know how God can
soften a heart that has gone hard? I
have met people who deliberately and willfully reject God’s offer of salvation
and forgiveness to follow sin. All I
can say is, even in THAT condition, is there hope for Jesus to save them?
I am asking because I am in that position and I still seek salvation.
I have traumatized all my Christian friends and they tell me to repent
and I am trying to but I need a new heart for it.
Can Jesus give me a new heart and soul?
I have repeatedly asked for his forgiveness but I am not sure if I am
forgiven. Does he forgive me?
I would sincerely love forgiveness from God from this terrible thing, and
I am trying to fix my hard heart but I cannot.
Is Jesus the one to do the job? If
so, how can I trust in him? Can you
learn to trust? Is it possible?
Q/A:
I know you believe that
grace is what saves us, and there is nothing we can do to influence it.
All we have to do is trust in it. But
doesn’t it seem strange that the only way for this grace to apply to us is for
US to trust it. WE must summon the
will to believe and trust. I don’t
see how our opinion or inclination about something that is true could have a
determining effect on the actual truth itself.
It’s like this: God will only save you IF you believe he will.
There’s something about this that seems wrong.
Wouldn’t it be more graceful to save someone despite his or her
inability to “trust”? Have we
misunderstood the gospel? Define
“believe”. Maybe there’s more
to it. And of course, if so, then it
is like we play a part in our salvation. God
bless you in answering this one. I
think it seems unanswerable and I can’t handle generalizations.
Q/A:
I was reading “My Utmost
For His Highest”, which took me to John 11:26.
Can you clarify Jesus’ teaching in this verse?
Q/A:
I’m struggling to
understand the truth about the gospel. I
don’t see in the Bible where God is saying for each individual to go out and
preach. Different gifts are made
clear in people’s lives, and I’m sure I don’t have the gift of preaching,
teaching or evangelizing. I don’t
even have any desire to do so. Saving
the lost may be a worldwide effort that will be ongoing, but really, when you
look at it, haven’t millions already missed out?
Q/A:
Bravo! Bravo!
I am consistently impressed with your answers.
I always have been, if you haven’t noticed.
I’ve asked you a couple of questions over the years and you’ve played
a pretty big part in helping me to work out my theology.
Thanks!
Q/A:
I was taught that when
Jesus died on the cross, he told the one thief, “This day you shall be with me
in paradise” because he (Jesus) hadn’t finished the atoning work yet.
Therefore, once the work had been finished, he spent 3 days in
Abraham’s bosom (paradise), preaching himself to the Old Testament saints who
would have to receive him (Jesus Christ) to stand before God the Father.
God declared that the only way to the Father was through the Son, so
naturally all the Old Testament saints who were “shut up to faith in
Abraham’s bosom” would have to declare Jesus Christ is Lord, and then would
be granted access to God’s presence.
Q/A:
One question that has
bothered me lately is whether or not you can lose your salvation.
This is a question close to my heart as it relates to where my older
brother is at right now. I believe
if we reject God, we pull the plug on our own salvation.
He doesn’t take it away— we do.
It’s always there for us, as he waits for us to return, but at what
point do we forsake our eternal future with him?
At what point do we “pull the plug”?
So many people have opposing views and I just don’t know where I stand
any longer. What’s your view?
Q/A: I was brought up in a family with predominantly atheist views and I am in the process of formulating my own views in regards to God, so please excuse my ignorance. I’m curious about the notions of heaven and hell and the Judgment Day. How are we judged -- or is that a question only God can answer? Are there some guidelines in the Bible as to what makes one “fit” for heaven? Is heaven a reward or a tool for motivation? Does it matter if people follow Christian principles only in order to gain a place in heaven? - Nellie
Q/A:
Could you please explain 2
John 8? Is John speaking here of
rewards which we receive depending on what we do with our lives while in Christ?
Other passages in the Bible seem to indicate that, apart from salvation,
the degree of our participation directly affect our reward.
Q/A:
Does not the Bible say that
salvation is unconditional? If we
have to repent or ask for salvation that seems to be a condition for salvation.
If salvation is unconditional, then we can do whatever we want, good or
bad, because we are sinners and therefore forgiven.
Explain, please.
Q/A:
Philippians
Q/A:
I’m troubled lately with
concerns about my parents’ salvation. While
I know my mom has a good chance of being saved, I am mostly sure my dad does
not. I wonder if you could help.
As many people do, he has issues with the “institution” of church,
having seen hypocrisy, etc. He
fought in
Q/A:
I heard a sermon about
prayer. Several things confused me
and I was wondering what your opinion was. One
thing the minister stated was the only way anyone can be saved is if someone
else prays for them. Then he said
that God is not interested in building the church but in building the kingdom.
He also said that a passive Christian is under demonic powers while an
aggressive Christian is free from demonic powers.
Q/A: Do you believe that Jesus
Christ is the only way to salvation? Will
those who believe in God or in a higher power but do not accept Christ as their
Savior but still live a good, moral, loving life be saved?
Our pastor points out that the phrases “faith in Jesus Christ” and
“faith in the Son of God” found in Galatians 2:16 and 20 actually mean “by
the faith of the Son of God”. In
other words, it’s Christ’s faith, not ours, that matters and brings
salvation. It’s a gift and
there’s nothing we do to receive it.
Q/A: What happens to aborted
babies? I heard a preacher on the
radio say that they go to heaven and grow to adulthood and become the person
they should have been. If that is
so, abortionists apparently have been responsible for the salvation of more
people than most evangelists combined. Though
they meant it for harm, it turned out for good. If
most people go to hell, how can we complain if aborted babies bypass this life
of carnal sinful flesh and go directly to heaven, if this concept is true?
Q/A: Thank you for taking my
question. I hope you can help me
with this disagreement between my partner and myself.
I am an Independent Baptist by faith.
I believe that once you are saved you cannot lose your salvation.
I have read a lot of information on the subject of once saved always
saved and also on the other side of losing your salvation.
My partner has a Pentecostal Holiness background.
He believes you can lose your salvation.
I know this is a tough question but I was hoping you could help clear up
some of our differences. We are
truck drivers making runs from
Q/A:
I am a Christian first and
a Baptist second. However, it
appears that you have fallen for the New Age teachings of the brotherhood of
man. The Bible says the last church
will become weak, average and “lukewarm”.
The Laodecian church is the last church, the church of “people’s
rights.” It is a multi-racial
church in defiance to the Children of Abraham—the Covenant people of
Scripture. I don’t question your
Christianity. The Laodecian
Church
was
a Christian church—but it was a weak, average church.
I don’t intend to be mean or harsh.
Nor do I doubt your sincerity, your faith, nor your desire to serve our
blessed Savior—Jesus Christ. However,
God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is as valid today as it was in
the day when God called Abram and said his seed would be as the stars in heaven
and as the sands upon the sea shore.
Q/A:
Thanks in advance for your
response. Please explain saved by
grace unto good works. I thank God
for you.
Q/A:
If salvation is through
grace alone and if all people, even baptized Christians, are sinners, then why
can I not be a Christian if I continue to live with and have a sexual
relationship with my same sex partner?
Q/A:
My sister was murdered
recently. Many Christians I know
told me that unless she accepted Jesus as her Savior before her death, there is
no hope for her. I became very
depressed and for a brief time my connection to God became unstable.
Your articles and answers to questions are the only things that really
give me hope and comfort on this subject.
Q/A:
I have a question about
sin. If a person generally repents
of sin but still struggles with certain things that are harder to change such as
attitudes and negative emotions, will they not be forgiven if they fail to
completely stop these sins before they die?
Q/A:
How can I explain
“salvation through Christ alone” when someone brings up Romans 1:18-20?
Q/A: I have been perplexed by Hebrews 6:1-8. Does it say that we can lose our salvation? “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good work of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance…” I’ve always believed in “once saved, always saved.” I’ve read these verses many times before and have never picked up that we can lose our salvation. Am I reading this wrong or am I missing something when I read this? Thank you in advance for your answer. - Char
Q/A: I have two questions. I’ve always heard that this isn’t the time of salvation and that no one can come to the Father lest the Father draw him. I’m a bit confused. From other teachings, it appears that if you don’t give your heart to the Lord before you die then you are lost. What happens to our loved ones if they don’t repent and turn their lives over to God before they die? - Linda
Q/A: I have spent the past thirty years studying the truth about Christian morality, so allow me to point out some contradictions in the Pauline theology that you describe: 1. You rationalize away all human responsibilities. If Christ does everything, humans do not have to know what he is doing. Is faith based on knowledge? If knowledge is important, then one of the human responsibilities is to study, understand and debate what Christ taught. Christ said we are supposed to do so (John 4:22, Matthew 15:10, Mark 4:11). 2. The primary human responsibility is to overcome sin. Christ described the process as a path which is hard to find and follow (Matthew 7:14). You describe the Christian life as bliss. 3.Your (Pauline) rationalization, of God doing the work, is not a relevant point. We don’t need to know what God’s responsibilities are. His responsibilities or works do not remove the human responsibilities, as Christ described them. Christ’s entire purpose was to teach people how to overcome sin. Paul rationalized away everything Christ taught—as you demonstrate in your statements. Paul had no validity in doing that. Persons such as you (starting with Martin Luther) assume that you are on safe ground quoting Paul regardless of Christ’s teaching. You are wrong. - Gary
Q/A: I have heard that the salvation that Christ taught is for the nation of Israel (Judah, Benjamin and the lost tribes) only. The source I heard this from used Matthew 10:6 and Matthew 15:24 as proof of this. The source continued to say that the “Gentile nations” will enter God’s kingdom ONLY if they obey the old covenant laws. Is there any truth to this? I appreciate any information you may have on this. - Marc
Q/A: Could you explain 1 Timothy 6:17-19, especially verse 19? Does this passage not suggest that doing good works, i.e. living a Christian life, is important in terms of whether one is given eternal life? How does this verse compare with the notion that our salvation was all settled at the cross and there is nothing we must do for salvation but say “yes” to Christ. This verse clearly suggests that what we do (works) are relevant in the salvation process. - David
Q/A: I tend to believe that God is not trying to save all mankind at this time. I also understand that this is not a “Salvation Doctrine”. However, when I listen to Christians who take the opposing view, they seem to have a more fervent desire to share their faith. I will share my faith with others, but not to the point where I believe an individual is lost forever if they decide not to accept. I then wonder if I would have more of a zeal and concern for others including my own family if I believed they would be lost forever. I also realize that this is tied to life after death and the various doctrines regarding hell. If I believed that my son would burn in hell forever and that this was the only time for his salvation, I would be more motivated to bring him to God ASAP—not that I’m not motivated now. According to which side a Christian falls on regarding this doctrine, it does seem to dramatically affect how one would approach others with the gospel. This seems to be a complex subject with many views and I know that there isn’t a short, concise answer to this question. I was just interested in hearing your opinion. - Bill
Q/A:
I
have read what you say about being saved by grace.
Thank you. I am concerned
about what John 3 says about baptism:
Q/A:
Can
homosexuals be saved? Is homosexual
practice like any other sin or is it greater than other sins?
Q/A: I was brought up being
taught that when you get saved you are “born again”.
A friend of mine has a problem with that term.
He says we are not born again until we get our incorruptible bodies and
enter the kingdom of heaven. I
believe we are born again spiritually when we receive Christ as our Lord. Please explain this
discrepancy between our views.
Q/A: Some members of my Bible
study group here in England have a friendly debate from the Scriptures.
What do you think of the “Universal Salvation doctrine” where ALL die
in Adam but ALL live in Christ?
Q/A:
Do you have any scriptures
on God judging those people who have never heard of Jesus Christ?
John is inspired to write that God said “if you thirst I will give you
water.”
Q/A:
I am interested in the
debate over how much sway a human has in his/her own salvation.
The more I think about it, and the more I try to live it, the more
mysterious it becomes. C.S. Lewis
said in his “Screwtape Letters” something to the effect that only Christians
of long experience with God can be expected to be humble. I have had victories, but I sense that they didn’t come as
a result of my own strength. When I
pray for him to change my heart, then I gain the mastery. But what if I don’t want to change my heart?
You discussed an example of
a bum being offered a wonderful su
Q/A:
Based upon your knowledge
and understanding of the Bible and the nature of God and the gift of salvation,
do you believe that the gift of salvation is only offered in this life and not
in some future one? If this is the
only “life” in which salvation is offered then does this give more urgency
to the spreading of the gospel? Do
you feel Paul’s ministry had an urgency to it?
Q/A:
John 3:16 is very important
to the Christian faith. All
Christians believe that in order to get to heaven you MUST put your life in
Christ. Is that all that is needed
to get you to heaven? We are
repeatedly asked to live pure lives, practicing repentance and righteousness.
The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 6:9 that those who are not righteous will
not be admitted into His Kingdom. Does
this make acceptance of Christ AND repentance equally vital to our salvation?
Q/A:
I am writing you for your
suggestion on what book I can buy that deals with Galatianism that seems to be
so rampant in many churches today. Do
you have a book that I can purchase? Or
maybe you can recommend a book that I can purchase at a Christian bookstore.
Q/A:
I know that we receive
salvation by grace and that we can do nothing to earn it.
God grants it to us by his love and through the blood of Jesus.
So after we are saved why should we “behave ourselves”?
I mean things like not having premarital sex and not going out to parties
(I am a college student--you know, the typical college party).
I have Christian friends who use that argument.
Their idea is that we are sinful by nature, and we are saved by grace, so
we are allowed to screw up.... But why should I work at my
faith if someone else who is saved but does not even bother to pick up a Bible
gets the same as I get? I know I am
sounding like the brother of the prodigal son.
But it does anger me. So why
can’t I do what others do even though it is a sin and I will be forgiven?...
Q/A:
We came up with this
question: how do those who died before Jesus get saved?
A friend of mine said when Jesus died he went to hell to preach to them
for three years because it is equal to three days.
Please, I need your input concerning this issue.
Q/A:
Does God forgive a person
who has had abortions?
Q/A:
What is the unpardonable
sin?
Q/A:
Hypothetical situation: I
am a Christian, born again, etc., etc…and I sin.
How do you think God “reacts” to me as a Christian who sinned?
I understand his forgiveness and love and Christ’s blood, but what do
you think is God’s demeanor towards me, a Christian when I sin?
Does he only see Christ’s blood covering that sin and/or does he get
disappointed? What do you think?
Q/A: In answer to a question
about date speculations and numerology, you said “We will all stand before his
judgment seat to give account, and each of us must take care as we minister in
his name”. Does this mean that
you feel the type of existence we will have with God in eternity will be
affected by this judgment of accountability?
Do you have any specific ideas as to what these effects might be?
Q/A:
Your work is a breath of
fresh air! Now my question: we are
saved by grace. Can one become
unsaved, be it by continuing in sin or neglect, as the scripture seems to say,
“how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation”?
Q/A:
I was wondering how is one
able to obtain salvation?
Q/A: I think I am gaining a clearer understanding of
God’s grace and how it saves us without our help.
Just one more clarification. How
would you answer someone who points to Matthew 15 and tells you that “good
works” (visiting the sick, feeding the hungry and clothing the naked) is given
as a basis on which the sheep were given eternal life and the goats condemned
Q/A: I have a question about Hebrews 6:4, “restore again
to repentance”. I am not sure
what this means. Is it referring to
apostasy, backsliding, unpardonable sin?
Q/A: I understand that salvation is a totally free gift,
and cannot be earned through good works, etc.
Fine, I also understand that we do good works BECAUSE of our appreciation
of Christ having saved us and NOT in order to be saved.
Fine.
Q/A: In answer to a question concerning “Christians”
practicing a homosexual lifestyle and believing that the blood of Jesus covers
such blatant transgressions, you said that someone who does this has never truly
been saved. This implies that there
are things that, if done, show that you are not saved.
Does it follow that there are things (i.e. penance, taking of the
Eucharist, evangelism) that, if not done, show that you are not saved?
Q/A:
First, thanks for the
answers, they have truly helped me a lot. Studying
the New Testament, I come to this conclusion--one cannot go to the Father or the
Son. It is God who takes the
initiative. The saved are going to
be few? Jesus answered that
question himself when he responded “strive to enter at the narrow gate, for
many will fail by choosing the wide road.”
Q/A:
It seems from the answers
that you have given about the apparent contradiction between Paul and James that
there is nothing we can do to save ourselves.
You say that it is all the work of God-- the faith he gives us and the
good works he produces in us. So
what is left for me to do then—sit back and enjoy the ride?
Why are there so many admonitions in the Bible to do this and not do
that?
Q/A: This site is proving to be
very helpful to me. Keep up the
good work.
Q/A: When listening to sermons
or talking to folks, I don’t hear much any more about counting the cost or
working out our salvation with fear and trembling.
I understand that salvation does not depend on our works.
It is in this light that I would like you to comment on the following two
verses which mention fear:
Q/A: I know the Bible says that
the Pastor is responsible for what he teaches us, but does it state anywhere
that he is responsible for our soul and salvation?
If yes, please let me know where.
Q/A: Is it a possibility that God made a matrimonial
(family) relationship with Israel (as wife), and thus, by His own laws could not
end this relationship with anything less than the death of either the husband or
wife? (Hebrews 3:13-14 say I
can’t give up too easily!)
Q/A: I am confused about the scapegoat in the sin
offering. The goat that is offered on the altar bore all the sins of
the sinner. It dies in his stead.
The priest also put his hands on the scapegoat and laid upon it all the
sins of the sinner or repentant sinner. And
it was left in the forest. As for
me, the goat that is offered in the Tabernacle actually bore all the sins and
transgressions and it dies for him. The
scapegoat stands for the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. That is the reason for asking two goats.
When the scapegoat stands for the resurrection, why did the priest lay
all the sins on the scapegoat? Kindly
explain the sin offering the goat offered inside the tabernacle and the
scapegoat? What do they symbolize?
Q/A: How does God see a person who is having a hard time
quitting a particular sin or keeps committing the same sin, but is very
remorseful afterwards?
Q/A: I am curious about the idea
of storing up “treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20) doing good works while
living on earth. 2 Corinthians 5:10
also mentions that each one will receive the things he deserves for the works he
has done. Do these verses (as well
as any others I may have missed) support the idea that not everyone will be
treated the same during eternal life in heaven?
I know that getting into heaven is a free gift from God through Jesus,
but can you earn special privileges in heaven by doing good deeds on earth?
What are the “treasures” and “things” mentioned in the verses I
mentioned above?
Q/A: ...Vick wrote asking “your
thoughts on eternal salvation” and, “Can a person lose their salvation?”
In the past few months I have been studying just that topic and found
more than 20 scripture references that support the fact that—yes, a true
believer (saved, born again Christian) can lose their salvation.
You state in your answer that nothing we do can earn salvation, with
which I agree, and you state there are no “IFS,” and “neither can they do
anything to make sure that is maintained.”
I disagree there.
Q/A: When a person has been saved, are they always saved? If they commit suicide will they still go to heaven? - Dot
Q/A: I’m interested to know
what is your stance on the “lordship salvation” debate?
I’m re-thinking my view on this one and I need your input.
Q/A: Since Christ said that the
thief would be with Christ in paradise that very day, can one infer that
although Christ the man (in the flesh) would be dead a short while after this
statement, was Christ (God) still alive to be with the thief in paradise?
My other question is
regarding being saved. Does it
always require a dramatic transformation of one’s life or can it be a more
gradual one with gradual changes in one’s life?
Surely not all Christians are going to be like Paul on the road to
Damascus or the thief on the cross. What
bothers me is that some of us faithfully go to church and yet our lives don’t
seem to be transformed. We seem to
be going to church in the hope that something dramatic will happen to get us
fired up about our salvation and the gospel.
I feel I am in that mode and I don’t like it. Something is missing in my spiritual life.
I feel too busy with the mundane things of life, like work, paying bills,
etc. I imagine this is a common
complaint in churches. I would appreciate your comments regarding this spiritual
ailment.
Q/A: My query, relating to
purgatory, involved my witnessing to a Catholic friend, who insists on believing
in purgatory, the Virgin’s intercession, and praying for the dead (the latter
based on 2 Maccabees). Certainly
Ephesians 2:8-9 is clear to me... One more question
relates to Jesus on Calvary’s Cross telling John to look upon Mary as his
mother and vice-versa. The R.C.
position is that Jesus then made Mary our spiritual mother and that all of
God’s graces and blessings come through her alone.
My interpretation has been that Jesus was teaching us compassion for
others in spite of personal difficulties. Your
comments please.
Q/A: I’m a faithful reader of
the Plain Truth Magazine and thoroughly enjoy it.
However, I either have missed it, or do you never stress works as part of
salvation? Jesus told people that
he ministered to that they should bring forth fruit meet for repentance. In James we are told that faith without works is dead.
We are told to strive to be holy, and without holiness no one will see
the Lord.
Q/A: I
am having trouble with the concept of eternal rewards in Heaven being given.
What kind are they? Isn’t
the joy of salvation enough of a reward? (2
Corinthians 5; 1 Corinthians 3). Also,
regarding the concept of being judged for our deeds - both good and bad.
Surely this does not mean God will judge Christians who are under the
blood of Christ? In other words,
for things that I KNOW I have done sooooo wrong, and have sincerely asked
forgiveness for and repented of, surely God will not stand and judge me for
those things? I am under the
impression that God already judged sin, on the Cross!
Am I correct? I am also concerned about not everyone being equal in the
kingdom of God. . .because of these eternal rewards. . .
Q/A: ...
I am a practicing Roman Catholic, but I
believe very strongly in the idea of “one body, many parts”.
I would, however, like to clarify the sentiment that most Catholics deny
that faith is the only way to salvation and that salvation is conditional on
works. The real belief is that the
two are intertwined; through your faith in Jesus our Lord comes a love for
humanity as creatures of God and the practice of good works.
In truth, good works are in fact a requirement of the faith.
I do not believe that works alone will save you, but faith without works
cannot exist. Through faith comes
works. Jesus commands that we feed
the hungry, visit the sick, and clothe the naked.
This is an integral part of keeping the Faith. Faith in Jesus is in fact the only way to salvation, but with
this faith comes works; otherwise, that faith is empty.
I would appreciate your comments on this subject.
Q/A: Please
help me be clarified on these questions: In one of your answers to a questioner,
you had this for an answer:
Q/A: I believe that eternal life is not earned by good works but is a gift from the grace of God through Jesus. Because of this, I have a hard time understanding the meaning of Jesus’ response to the man in Mark 10 when the man asked what he must do to inherit everlasting life. Could you clarify the meaning of verses 17-31 in Mark 10? - Don
Q/A: For most of my Christian life I have heard the statement made that "one sin is just as bad as another in God’s eyes and only we humans categorize sin"..... If one Christian commits – let’s say – the sin of omission of not witnessing enough, and another commits adultery, does God really feel the same about these two people? I know that they are both forgiven if they are saved, but doesn’t teaching that "one sin is just the same as another for Christians" really undermine the pursuit of holiness? - Steve
Q/A: How do you surrender to God? How do you submit to His will? How are we led by the Spirit? I’ve been trying for YEARS. I see improvement, but I never feel a great difference. I don’t expect to be perfect at all, but I would like to feel a sense of significant growth. I listened to the first of your 6-part series on the radio today, starting with love, and I fall short on all of them. I know I can’t give up, but I get so discouraged and wonder is this just a dream or can I really change – or should I say, be changed? It has to be me because God and Christ are perfect. What am I doing wrong? - Alexandra
Q/A: You’ve got to help me. I’ve been witnessing to my co-worker about Jesus. He says that I have to learn to accept that there are other people who have just as strong convictions about other religions and that they are just as certain that their religion is right. He says I could present all the facts in the world, but so could someone from another religion. How can I answer that? - Anna
Q/A: I’ve heard people talk about when they were saved; they can tell you the exact time, place, and details about when the event took place. I can’t say I’ve ever had such an experience, but I do know God has always been in my life. As far back as I can remember I have believed in Jesus, there never was or has been a time I didn’t believe. Would you please comment on this issue? How do you know you are saved? - Wayne
Q/A: What do you think will happen to those who are not Christian? - Liz
Q/A: Shalom and greetings, Greg. This is Marlene. My family and I are from the Jewish heritage. We are also believers of Yeshua, Jesus. For almost 24 years my heart has always been troubled about the condemnation for the Jewish people according to some fundamentalist Christians who state those who were in the holocaust are in hell presently. It pains my heart. I love the Lord and I know Jew and gentile alike need the Messiah and that he is no respecter of persons. Yet it is getting increasingly more difficult to sit in various churches or denominations out there because my heart breaks hearing this theology. Could you please comment how you feel about those Jewish people that died in the concentration camps and where they are? I cannot walk away from El Shaddai. He is the author and finisher of my faith, but at 53 now I am starting to question certain things I have been taught in regards to salvation and hell, etc. - Marlene
Q/A: Is baptism important? You said that it was not. You said that the thief on the cross would be in heaven that same day when Jesus Christ died on the cross. That is right, but was Jesus Christ dead yet? Did he give up the ghost yet? Was there still life in Jesus Christ? Was the blood and water shed yet? The answer to these four questions is NO! According to the word of God, there is only one way to be baptized..... To be a Christian is to be Christ-like! To be born again is to be dead to sin, to live as an example of Jesus Christ, a person to reflect Jesus Christ. Jesus does not live in an unclean temple, so if you are smoking, if you are a woman and wear pants and if you are a man and wear shorts that show your (male or female) nakedness, but you say you are a Christian, woe unto you..... After all this – my question is: Does it make a difference if I smoke or wear a bikini at the beach? Is my name in the book of life? - Eugen
Q/A: What is this idea of "irresistible grace" all about? They often believe that everything has been chosen. We cannot resist this grace. How could God be omnibenevolent if he operates this way? R.C. Sproul is also espousing this stuff. Are they misrepresenting what Zwingli, Calvin and Luther really taught? - Donald
Q/A: I have two questions. First, can we sever our relationship with Christ? Second, can you explain Jude 12? - Delia
Q/A: It seems to me that it is correct to say that eternal life is a gift of God as well as saying we gain eternal life by the way we live our lives here on this earth. What do you think? - David
Q/A: Thanks for reading my letter. I know that you probably have better time to spend than to read my letter. My question is about eternal Salvation. I see that one person already asked you this question, but I was unsatisfied with your answer. I am non-denominational and was always taught that one can backslide. I am in Bible College now and I am actually doing a project on this question. - Tony
Q/A: Could you explain what Romans 4:15 means? - Vic
Q/A: If you look through the scriptures you will see "that the truth that was originally preached by HaMasiach," and his followers, would be perverted by wolves coming in and not sparing the flock.... And thus the birth of Christianity begins. Christians just pick and choose what they want to believe. They do not believe in nor teach the seventh day Sabbath rest and the perpetual covenants which are Laws of Elohim. These laws are the Feasts of YHWH such as the seven annual Sabbaths or Holy days. They also continue to break other laws and eat swine flesh and other unclean meats. They also observe all the pagan religious practices that have been going on for the past 5000 years but they now call it "Christ" mass, Easter, Halloween and Thanksgiving, "which is a stench in the nostrils of YHWH." ... Christianity does not want anything to do with what they call "Jewish-ness," however, HaMasiach was Jewish and he observed all the laws, the seventh day Sabbath rest, Feasts and Sabbaths of Elohim and so did all the early followers of HaMasiach. But Christianity rejects this, ignorantly thinking that they are serving the same HaMasiach.....The false religion, Christianity, which began between 200 A.D. and 350 A.D., ruled the world through the "unholy" Roman Empire, and spread their lawless god beliefs, complete with a Greek named Messiah, along with the titles of their pagan gods throughout the world, and even to the present day. We really don’t want to co-mingle our beliefs with a pagan religion, do we? - A Believer
Q/A: Can you explain what the Bible says about all those who have died not knowing Christ? Do they get a chance? What about those who may have been told about Jesus who just didn’t get it or understand it for whatever reason? Since becoming a Christian, I have eagerly waited to be re-united with loved ones who have died hoping they would accept Christ at that time. Frankly, the thought of people being tormented forever in hell just seems contrary to what I know about our loving Father. - Joe
Q/A: I wanted to ask you your thoughts on "eternal salvation." Can a person lose their salvation? - Vic
Q/A: There seems to be a lot of talk among Christians about the "gift of salvation" offered by accepting Christ as one’s Savior, as Lord and various other formulations. I find this a little curious because as I understand Christian theology, salvation comes from a sort of spiritual transaction. "Gift" usually implies that something is given without expecting anything in return... Salvation, as I understand it, is a gift. However, I also hear that you just have to "have faith" and you’re saved. "If you believe that Christ has given his life for you and accept his gift of grace, you’re saved." Or something similar. Now is that really a gift? I have to believe in order to receive it? I don’t get it if I don’t believe?... If salvation is a gift to humans – truly a "gift" – then it seems to follow that we’re all saved regardless of whether we believe it or not, accept it or not, or even know it or not. - Lawrence
Q/A: Could you please tell me what James means when he states that "faith without works is dead faith. Show me your faith without your works." What are the "works"? Works of the law or works of faith? What does this mean to our salvation? I hope this doesn’t take too much time. - John
Q/A: This quote is from one of your booklets: Paul said, "This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant" (Colossians 1:21-23). In what way is it true that the gospel "has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven"? - Eileen
Q/A: Psalm 51:5 – How is it that we are all sinners from birth? - Paul
Q/A: The Bible states that all will be judged. There’s a scripture that states "Some men’s sins go before and some follow after." I take this to mean that those who are saved, their sins gave gone before. If so, what will the saved be judged for? - Mattie
Q/A: I am a Christian and I have been asked this type of situational question so many times: "If Jesus Christ came suddenly and I had to face him, and he asks me what have I done in order for him to accept me in heaven, how do I respond to his question?" - Danny
Q/A: I’m Joseph from the Philippines. Many Filipinos believe that Mary as the mother of Jesus can mediate between God and man which I don’t believe (1 Timothy 2:5). My question is: What is the role of Mary in God’s plan? Does her genealogy have something to do with the phrase, "The throne shall not depart from David?" If so, can you please help me find her genealogy in the Bible? - Joseph
Q/A: I was having a conversation with someone and they were saying that they believe something about "crowns" one will receive for good works and about different levels of Hell. I have never heard of either thing. My understanding was more as found in Ephesians, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast." Out of our love for the Lord we do good works because we WANT to honor and show our respect to him in that way – but not because we HAVE to.... - Sheila
Q/A: ...I grew up in a Catholic home, and have always had some kind of knowledge of God and his Son.... About 3 years ago, I began to learn more about the grace of God and what his Son has done for the world (actually I began to pay more attention to it, than when I was a kid). In January of this year, I was baptized by a pastor ... My question is that I feel a deeper desire to live up to the expectations that God has of me as a Christian and a servant. However, the expectations of others conflict with his and usually overwhelm me. What I want to know is whether or not I should ignore their expectations and focus solely on his. As of right now, I feel great guilt if I were to blow off the others. I’m afraid that it would make them feel that I don’t care about them. I could use all the help you can give me. - Miguel
Q/A: I have tried to find something about "eternal life" in the Old Testament. Did the Old Testament Jews believe in eternal life with the Father? What became of them when they died? If they didn’t know about eternal life, why did they perform the sacrifices? - Marilynne
Q/A: What is your belief about those unsaved who died never getting a chance to accept Christ? In what manner do you think God will judge them? Do you think aborted babies and infants who die will be resurrected? If so, will they be babies and grow with the opportunity to repent as we have or will they be fully formed? I understand the grace of God and that in his unlimited kindness and mercy right will be done. However, I’m stumped as to how to answer these questions from non-believers. - Don
Q/A: If I may ask a follow-up question on baptism being required for salvation. You said it’s not required for one’s salvation, yet it is commanded after we are saved as an outward statement of our commitment. My question is: What if one does not do it (be baptized) are they still "ok" with God? My mother doesn’t remember if she was baptized or not and she’s been asking me if its necessary. I told her I don’t think it is, but I’m not sure. She’s not able to get out and she doesn’t want people coming to the house to baptize her. That’s the reason for my question. - Joe
Q/A: How would you answer someone who has a hard time believing in a loving God when they see all the suffering going on in the world? - Joe
Q/A: What happens to people who never heard the word of God, or never heard of Jesus? - Don
Q/A: The Bible states, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved". Well, I do believe in Christ with all my heart, but I am still not sure, is that all that is needed? Satan also believes in Christ. - Dave
Q/A: My question is whether God chooses us or if we choose God. I'm not too good with Bible verses but I know there are a few that state that God chooses us. Jesus said, "No one can come to me unless the Father draws him to me." So are we lost without hope of our own? What's the use of talking to people about God if there is nothing we can do? I would appreciate any help you can send me. Thanks in advance. - Marie
Q/A: Could you please explain 1 Cor. 9:24-27? What was the "prize" and "crown," and what did Paul mean when he said he could become "disqualified?" - Jonathan
Q/A: What are your views on "eternal security?' - Mark
Q/A: A few days ago, me and my girl friend had a discussion regarding salvation. I told her salvation is only through Jesus Christ. I based this on John 3:16. For your information, my girl friend is Catholic. She asked me how about the Buddhist, Moslem and other religions that don't believe in Jesus Christ? I told her that who will go to heaven is Jesus Christ's business - not even the pastor or Pope. - Horas
Q/A: We are doing a small group Bible discussion every week. A couple of weeks ago some raised a question like this: Can a Christian who is saved lose salvation or not? We discussed the same issue last week and we are still searching for the answer. Can you, as a believer, lose your salvation or not? Please, your immediate answer will help our group this week. - Bob
Q/A: Is Jesus trying to save the world now? Is this our only chance for salvation now? - Ulysses
Q/A: Under "salvation" in your response to Ulysses, you stated an option #3: "Determine that some future time will be allotted for such evangelism because God’s plan was never to save the world during what we know as history. Some believe this – but there (sic) no biblical evidence for believing it. "Ezekiel 37:12-14: "Thus says the Lord God: O my people, I will open your graves and have you rise from them, and bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and have you rise from them O my people!..." (Confraternity Version). If that is not biblical evidence (if not proof) for believing option #3, then why is it not? I appreciate your stimulating dialogue. - Stanley
Q/A: My question is about the salvation of an infant or a very young child that dies prior to accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. If we are all born into sin and "all come short of the glory of God" it would seem that the child is condemned to Hell. I don’t think this is true but I can’t find any scripture that refutes it. I’m sure I’m not the first person to ask this question. Can you shed any light on this issue? - Bob
Q/A: What is our soul? Does the Bible or other religious teachings define the human soul in some context? Often I would like to discuss with my children about their soul but I don’t always know how to do this or how to explain things. - Robert
Q/A: Can you help me understand the part of the Nicene Creed which states "He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead…" I thought that judgment was immediately upon death, as we were either raised up to God’s glory in heaven or condemned to eternal damnation. - David
Q/A: In John 5:28-29, it is stated that "….all who are in the graves will hear his voice…" and "…those who have done good, to the resurrection of life…." Does this mean that those who were not saved while alive (they did not have a chance to know Christ), but who lived "Godly lives" will be resurrected into heaven? i.e. do they get a "second chance?" - Tak
Q/A: I’m beginning to understand the nature of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ. The scriptures you mention about eternal security did help me. But I need help to interpret some parts of the scripture. I have a friend who attends a church that preaches about being careful so that you do not lose your salvation. I also understand that when you have the Holy Spirit, your orientation in life is not sin but holiness. But it is not good living in the fear of losing salvation. I need to give an explanation on the following verses. Would you help me?: Hebrews 2:3, Hebrews 6:4-6, Hebrews 10:26-27 - Alexander
Q/A: As a Catholic Christian, I am wrestling with the idea of "once-saved, always-saved." If God gave us the free will to accept or reject his unconditional gift of salvation, don’t we also have the free will to at some point walk away and thus become "unsaved"? I feel that even though we cannot earn salvation, we must continue to live a Christ-like life in order not to lose out. God bless you and this ministry. It has been extremely helpful to me. - Dave
Q/A: I interpret 1 Peter 1:3, 4 as saying that once a person has been saved, he cannot lose that salvation. This naturally conflicts with the position that you can lose salvation if you sin and die without repenting. Am I missing something or misinterpreting scripture? - Dave
Q/A: I am a recent born again Christian and try to the best of my abilities to follow the law of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. I am having a problem in a particular area which I will not mention openly here. I am often ashamed to continually approach God and keep asking for his forgiveness for committing the same sin over and over again. I believe that once you ask for forgiveness God is faithful and just to forgive you but I also believe that true repentance means that I should not be walking back down the path I have already covered and know to be rocky. - Dennis
Q/A: The Bible talks about Judgment Day. Is that day a literal day, or a span of time similar to a day being a thousand years? If you can, please supply Biblical references. - Dinu
Q/A: In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he writes in chapter 2 that they should work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. I was under the impression that they/we can’t do anything towards our own salvation, that it is a gift from God. - Dave
Q/A:
My stepdaughter who is 6
years old went to church today and told me she wanted to get saved.
I took her outside to make sure that she understood. She explained everything to me.
So she went to the altar and got saved today. Now everyone in my husband’s family, including my husband,
doubts that she knew what she was doing. So my question is this:
does she really know what happened today?
Q/A:
Is it true that only a few
“called out ones” are being called now to be a light to this dark world
and/or to preach the gospel?
Q/A: At times I help take care
of an 89-year-old elderly woman, Mary, who is Episcopalian.
Last night I asked her some questions about her faith. She told me that she believes in God and Jesus Christ.
Mary does believe in the resurrection.
I asked her if she is born again. She
said that her church does not use that term.... Greg, because people like
her believe in the name of Jesus Christ, will they go to heaven too?
I specifically asked Mary if she believes Jesus is God.
She said no; Jesus is God’s son. Is
it enough to believe in Jesus’ name and become baptized for one to be saved?...
She does not believe in the term, “born again.”
She said that term is from a present-day fad of Christians.
Q/A: A friend of mine spoke to me and sent me information, basically saying that all Catholics are not saved. I am not Catholic and I myself don’t care for the Catholic religion, but I don’t feel it is my place to judge them guilty, especially since I know a few who appear to be truly good Christians. How do you feel we, as Christians, should respond to issues as these? There are those that I feel are "lost", but still that is not for me to judge and it is only my opinion. I share my faith and my belief with all people when it is appropriate with the Spirit’s leadings. Guess I was just lost as to how to handle his telling me that I need to "tell them the truth of the lies in their doctrines or they will go to hell." - Sheila
Q/A: ...Is today the only day of salvation for everyone? I find this hard to believe since the majority of people past and present have not heard of Christ. And those who have heard of him don’t really understand who he is and what he did for us. Does God make an attempt to reach everyone in his or her lifetime? And if they don’t accept Christ before they died, they are banished to hell forever? - Darren