What are the steps to salvation?
Many people are looking for “steps to salvation.” People like the idea of an instruction manual with five or six steps that, if followed, will result in salvation and all that heaven offers. The religion of Islam has Five Pillars; if the Five Pillars are obeyed, salvation will be granted. Even many Christians make the…
Can a person believe in some sense but not be saved?
There are different levels of belief, and different objects of belief, and not all that’s called “belief” is actually saving faith. James 2:19 says, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” So, if a person simply believes that there is a God in heaven—and that’s the extent of…
How can I know if I am saved?
Everyone is born into sin, and we all “fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23; cf. Romans 5:12). Therefore, everyone needs to be saved from sin and death (Romans 6:23). We cannot save ourselves. To be saved, we must place our faith in Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to pay the…
How can I know if I am one of the elect?
While there are numerous ideas of precisely what election means in regards to salvation, the fact that believers are elect is indisputable (Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 1:4-5, 11; 1 Thessalonians 1:4). Simply put, the doctrine of election is that God chooses/determines/elects/predestines who will be saved. It is not within the scope of this article to determine…
What is the difference between imputed and imparted righteousness?
Imputed and imparted righteousness are theological concepts that deal with how believers are made right with God. These terms, though related, describe distinct aspects of how righteousness is received and manifested in our lives. It is the difference between positional righteousness and practical righteousness. Understanding the difference provides deeper insight into justification and sanctification. Imputed…
Does Jesus love me?
Many people have wondered if Jesus really loves them. The Bible is clear that no matter what we have done, Jesus does love us. In fact, He promises to both forgive us of every wrong we have done and provide us eternal life if only we will believe in Him: “For God so loved the…
How can you believe in salvation by faith alone when the only occurrence of “faith alone” in the Bible (James 2:24) says that salvation is not by faith alone?
It is entirely true that the one verse in the Bible that contains the exact phrase “faith alone” seems to argue against salvation by faith alone. James 2:24 reads, “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone” (ESV). However, rejecting the doctrine of salvation by faith alone based on…
If a Christian commits suicide, is he/she still saved?
It is a sad fact that some Christians have committed suicide. Adding to the tragedy is the false teaching that committing suicide automatically consigns one to hell. Many believe that a Christian who commits suicide will not be saved. This teaching is not supported in the Bible. Scripture teaches that, from the moment we truly…
What does it mean that Jesus died for our sins?
Simply put, without Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins, no one would have eternal life. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). In this statement, Jesus declares the reason for His birth, death, and resurrection—to provide…
Does God forgive big sins?
Many people make the mistake of believing that God forgives “little” sins such as lying, anger, and impure thoughts, but does not forgive “big” sins such as murder and adultery. This is not true. There is no sin too big that God cannot forgive it. When Jesus died on the cross, He died to pay…