How can I obtain assurance of my salvation?

All Questions, Salvation

How can I obtain assurance of my salvation?

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Salvation,   All Questions

Last Updated

Feb 8, 2025

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In order to answer this question, let’s examine some of the struggles Christians experience in their search for the assurance of salvation.

  • There are some Christians who lack a biblical understanding of salvation. As a result, they neglect the fact that there is an built-in element of eternal security/assurance of their souls when they place their trust in Christ.
  • There are some who minimize the doctrine of salvation completely and do not place any importance on it. In contrast, they emphasize other aspects such as gifts, service in ministry, promises in the Bible, and living a successful earthly life.
  • Last but not least, there is a group of Christians that have been misguided by poorly exegetical sermons, leading them to doubt their salvation.

Sadly, when doubtful Christians seek assurance, they are told things like “remember the prayer you prayed when you came to Christ” or to “look at the date written in the back of your bible when you were baptized.”

Cliche statements like these aren’t helpful at all. Instead, we should ask ourselves simple questions like “What do I love?” or “What do I have strong affection for?”

The Bible reinforces that if you have been transformed by the Holy Spirit, you are a new creation in Christ, so there are going to be signs that you have been saved.

Here are three basic characteristics of a true believer:

  • The first mark is love. As a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, you will have a strong affection for Him. Furthermore, you will love the Scriptures and be inclined to obey Christ’s commands (these are not the experiences or affections of an unbeliever, but are evidence of God’s work within you). In addition, you will love the body of Christ (the believers and the church). Last but not least, you will develop a deep love for the lost.
  • The second mark is humility. Humility is a hallmark of a true believer. As Christians grow in gratitude toward Christ for saving them, they will have an increasing sense of brokenness because of their sinfulness. In addition, they will display less pride, boasting, and self-exaltation.
  • Lastly, you will desire to do right and live a righteous life. You will always desire to pursue God’s ways in your heart.

To summarize, it is not the accomplishments or perfections of your life that demonstrate your salvation; it is the direction in which your life is heading in love, humility and righteousness.

True assurance of salvation is found in a life marked by love, humility, and a desire for righteousness.

What does it mean to workout your salvation with fear and trembling?

All Questions, Salvation

What does it mean to workout your salvation with fear and trembling?

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Salvation,   All Questions

Last Updated

Feb 8, 2025

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Philippians 2:12 is a well-known verse among Christians, yet it is often misunderstood. Many interpret it as a command to “work for your salvation,” but the scripture clearly says to “work out your salvation.” These two phrases carry very different meanings.

The Bible is explicit that we contribute nothing to our salvation. It is entirely the work of the Holy Spirit, who regenerates us and leads us to Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. So, what does Paul mean when he says, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”?

Philippians 2:12 (NKJV)
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

When Paul wrote these words, he wasn’t suggesting that we maintain or achieve our salvation through our efforts. Instead, he was urging believers to “live out” their salvation—allowing the salvation that God has worked within us to manifest in our daily lives. This is the essence of the Christian life: to let our light shine before others so that God is glorified (Matthew 5:16).

The Misinterpretation: Working for Salvation

Over the years, many have wrongly understood this verse to mean that we must work to maintain, keep, or achieve our salvation. This misunderstanding leads to a life filled with fear, where people are constantly worried about committing sins that might cost them their salvation. However, this is not biblical living.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Salvation is a gift from God, based solely on the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. We are justified by faith alone in Christ alone. There will be no boasting in heaven about our good deeds; rather, we will all be grateful for the grace that brought us there.

The idea that we could contribute to our salvation by our works contradicts the very nature of God’s grace. As the New Testament makes clear, none of us can live a life good enough to earn salvation, for our deeds are tainted with imperfection and sin.

The Role of Works in Salvation

However, the Bible also teaches that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). This is not a contradiction but rather a clarification of the relationship between faith and works. True faith naturally produces good works as its fruit. We do not need works to complete our salvation; instead, our works are evidence of the salvation that has already been accomplished by Christ.

Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Our good works are the result of God’s work in us, not a means to earn His favor. Jesus accomplished our salvation fully; we do not contribute to it by our efforts.

To “work out our salvation” is to engage in the daily battle against sin, striving for obedience through the means of grace—prayer, Bible study, and Christian fellowship. We are to utilize these means to live out what God has already accomplished in us.

It is also essential to note that we can only “work out our salvation” because the Holy Spirit empowers us to do so. This is made evident from the following verse;

Philippians 2:13 (NKJV)
For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

God works in us, empowering our desires and actions so that we can live out our salvation. We are not alone in this journey; God is actively involved in our sanctification.

Fear and Trembling: A Healthy Motivation

What about the “fear and trembling” mentioned in Philippians 2:12? This phrase refers to the attitude with which we should approach our sanctification. It doesn’t imply living in constant terror but rather maintaining a healthy sense of awe and respect for God. It is an acknowledgment of the seriousness of sin and the need for diligence in our spiritual walk.

Psalm 119:97 (NKJV)
Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.

As we mature in our faith, the fear of God often transitions to a deep love for His ways, as exemplified by David in the Psalms. Yet, this fear and trembling serve as a necessary motivation in our early stages of sanctification, helping us avoid sin and pursue holiness.

Conclusion

“Working out your salvation” does not mean earning it by works, but rather living in a way that reflects the salvation you have received. It is about making salvation operational in your life, producing the fruit of good works through the power of the Holy Spirit. As you grow in your faith, remember that God is at work in you, enabling you to will and to act according to His good pleasure.

Working out salvation means living out what God has already worked in us, through His power, for His glory.

Is all sin the same?

All Questions, Salvation

Is all Sin the same?

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Salvation,   All Questions

Last Updated

Feb 5, 2025

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Upon reading the Scriptures, it becomes clear that there are varying degrees of punishment depending on what kind of sin we commit.

While all sin eventually leads to death, the Scriptures clearly distinguishes between lesser and greater sins.

In some cases, people think, “Since I already lusted after the person, I might as well finish the action – all sin is the same, right?” Well not necessarily. By following through with the action, you’d be committing another, more serious violation of your previous sin.

When Jesus explains the sin of lust during the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:28), He doesn’t say that it is as bad as committing adultery, but rather, He points out that even if you refrained from the actual act of adultery, it does not mean that you have been totally obedient to the commandment.

Jesus here expands on the implications and consequences of acting out our sin. Take for example murder In God’s eyes, is a far worse sin than hating someone, even though they are both sins, there are degrees to sin, and some sins (like murder) are far worse than others.

When it comes to our eternal salvation, all sins are the same in that every sin leads to eternal condemnation (Romans 6:23); while this might be terrifying, we must note that there is no sin too “big” that God can’t forgive because Christ paid the penalty for our sins (1 John 2:2).

So to conclude our understanding:

Are all sins equal to God? Yes and no.

Are all sins equal in severity? No.

Do all sins lead to the same death penalty? Yes.

Are all sins forgivable? Yes.

Here are some scriptures that show there is a distinction between the various kinds of sins:

Each individual sin will have a proper consequence to that sin. 

Hebrews 2:2 (NKJV)

For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward,

There is a distinction in God’s justice as He metes out the punishment for the crime. 

Under the Mosaic Law, we see how each punishment fits the crime;

Exodus 21:24 (NKJV)

eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

As you can see, each punishment corresponds to a particular crime. It is not an eye for a tooth or a tooth for an eye. Sins are punished consistently in accordance to their nature.

In the Mosaic Law, some sins were punishable by death, while others were not.

Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, speaks of God’s judgment for each according to the deeds committed in the flesh.

2 Corinthians 5:10 (NKJV)

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

If it’s according to each, that would indicate an individual judgment in which there would be some variation.

In conclusion, while the Scriptures acknowledge that all sin ultimately leads to separation from God, it also distinguishes between the severity of different sins. This is evident in the varying degrees of consequences and judgments described for different transgressions. Jesus’ teachings, such as those in the Sermon on the Mount, highlight that sin is not just about actions, but also about intentions and thoughts. However, the degree of sin’s severity in human actions does vary.

Ultimately, the message of the gospel is one of redemption and forgiveness through Christ, who paid the penalty for all sins, regardless of their severity. This underscores the importance of seeking forgiveness and striving towards righteousness, while understanding that God’s justice is perfectly balanced with His mercy.

All sin separates us from God, but Scripture affirms varying degrees of severity and consequences—yet Christ's sacrifice covers them all.

Can you repent at the moment of death and still be saved?

All Questions, Salvation

Can you repent at the moment of death and still be saved?

Category

Salvation,   All Questions

Last Updated

Feb 5, 2025

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In order to answer this question, we must first define repentance.

Repentance comes in two forms, attrition and contrition. 

Attrition is the turning away from sin or guilt motivated to merely escape punishment. Contrition on the other hand goes beyond the fear of punishment. It comes from a deep sense of awareness that a wrong has been committed, leading to a conscious decision to stop doing that wrong. The Bible describes contrition as true repentance.

The concept of attrition is best exemplified by the analogy of a child who does not feel guilty about stealing candy until he is caught with a bunch of candy in his pocket and his parents chase him with a stick. There is something suspicious about this kind of repentance motivated to avoid punishment (what we would call an escape ticket out of hell). 

Contrition can be seen in the text of scripture where David’s heart was broken before God, and he said, “O God, a broken and contrite heart you will not despise” (Psalms 51:17); here, David felt genuine Godly sorrow. David showed true repentance by realizing his error and turning from it.

Now getting to the meat of the question; 

Is there any hope for those who repent at the last minute of their lives? 

Yes, if their repentance is genuine, they will be saved. A good example of someone who found salvation at the very end of his life is the thief on the cross (Luke 23:39-43). 

There is a simple requirement for entering the kingdom of God: repent and believe in Christ as your Lord and Savior.

So, people can be justified by repenting, believing at the end of their lives. If their repentance is genuine, they will escape hell’s punishment and enter the kingdom.

Despite this encouraging truth, there must be a disclaimer because there are many false professions being made on deathbeds.

If a person rejects Christianity their entire life, but on their deathbed (decides to play it safe), and profess Jesus as their Savior and Lord, they would not be accepted into heaven due to their wrong motives. 

It is imperative to note that redemption does not come through a profession of faith but by having a possession of faith. 

People who have faith (that is sent from above) are called to profess it. However, merely professing faith does not guarantee anything. 

As discussed, salvation requires authentic repentance. Without repentance, a profession of faith would be invalid and inconsistent with Biblical principles.

In conclusion, there isn’t any wisdom in waiting until your deathbed to change your life because you can’t know when that time will come. Yet, at the same time, if you are on your deathbed or know someone who is, sharing the message of the gospel and calling for repentance is the best thing to do—then leave the saving in God’s hands. Salvation is ultimately a matter of the heart, and only God knows the sincerity of one’s repentance.

True repentance, even at life's end, leads to salvation—but only God knows the sincerity of the heart.

Has God adequately preserved the Bible?

About the Bible?, All Questions

Has God adequately preserved the Bible?

Category

Bible,   All Questions

Last Updated

Jan 22, 2025

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The preservation of the Bible is closely tied to the nature of God Himself. Christians believe that God is perfect and if so, the Bible should also be without any imperfection. The question then arises: Would a perfect God who inspired a perfect word,  let it deteriorate over time?

The Bible, as God’s revealed word, is a perfect expression of His mind and will.  It is consistent with God’s nature and power that He would also preserve this revelation for future generations. The idea that God would allow His crucial revelation, especially one so integral to human salvation, to become corrupted over time, is absurd to even think of.

Despite the challenges of textual transmission over centuries, especially before the invention of the printing press, the core message and essential doctrines of the Bible have remained intact. Modern textual criticism has shown that while there are minor variations in the manuscripts, however these do not affect the Bible’s fundamental teachings. The substantial number and quality of New and Old Testament manuscripts available reinforce the confidence that the message we have is the one as revealed to the writers.

In conclusion, considering God’s character and the historical process of textual preservation, there is strong theological and empirical evidence to believe that God has indeed preserved the Bible effectively. This preservation ensures that the Scriptures remains reliable , reflecting God’s unchanging truth.

The preservation of the Bible reflects God's perfect nature and unchanging truth, ensuring that His revealed word remains intact and reliable for all generations.

What does it mean when said “the Bible was “inspired” by God?

About the Bible?, All Questions

What does it mean when said “the Bible was “inspired” by God?

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Bible,   All Questions

Last Updated

Jan 22, 2025

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In order to answer this question, we need to understand the difference between revelation and inspiration. Revelation is the communication of divine truth to man by God; inspiration is the recording of this communication in a reliable way.

During the writing of the Bible, the Holy Spirit exerted a supernatural influence on the writers, ensuring that what they wrote was accurate and reliable. 

2 Peter 1:21 (NKJV)

for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

Paul also affirmed this concept to Timothy by stating that the scriptures were literally “God-breathed”;

2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)

All scripture is given by inspiration of God (or God-breathed), and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

As Peter understood it (2 Peter 1:21), prophecies of scripture are not the result of human initiative or human will, but are the result of the Holy Spirit working supernaturally through holy men of God.

Inspiration does not mean that God dictated His messages word for word to those who wrote the Bible. Rather, the Holy Spirit conveyed God’s exact words through human writers by guiding their thoughts, desires, and language, ensuring that what they wrote was precisely what God intended.

In the same way that a ship is guided to its destination by the wind, the Holy Spirit moved the human authors of Scripture to accurately convey God’s message.

By combining His sovereign will with the writers’ unique styles, vocabularies, and experiences, the Spirit of God filled the minds, souls, and hearts of the Bible writers, guiding them to produce a perfect and inerrant text.

The phrase “breathed out by God” is an important expression of divine inspiration, meaning that God is the source and ultimate author of scripture. 

Though written by human authors, the scriptures have the full weight of His authority; the Bible is God’s inerrant word from start to finish.

Most importantly, the Greek term “theopneustos,” translated as “breathed out by God,” refers to all of scripture and not just portions of it. In other words, the totality of the canon of scripture, down to the individual words themselves, was given by God and, therefore, is entirely true.

We also learn from scripture (2 Peter 1:20–21) that when the Holy Spirit of God used men to write the Word of God, He did not erase their natural characteristics but, in His Providence, prepared the writers for the task of developing the Scriptures. Each writer maintained their own distinctive style and vocabulary, as they wrote out of their special set of circumstances that were guided by the Spirit to bring about the miracle of the scripture.

Sometimes God told the Bible writers the exact words to say (e.g., Jer. 1:9), but more often, He used their minds, vocabulary, and experiences to produce His own perfect, infallible, inerrant Word (1 Thess. 2:13; Heb. 1:1; 2 Pet. 1:20, 21). 

In conclusion, God’s perfect and complete revelation of the Bible reveals the glorious character of its author. Because He is a God of truth, His Word is infallible. Because He cannot lie, His Word is inerrant. Because He is the King of kings, His Word is absolute and supreme.

Scriptures speak with His authority, and certainly there can be no more reliable source of truth. 

The totality of Scripture, from beginning to end, is 'God-breathed,' carrying the full weight of His authority, infallibility, and inerrancy, as the Holy Spirit guided human authors to convey His perfect truth.

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