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Your article says that Jesus became our "substitute." Please explain what this means.
The word "substitute" means to take the place of another. On the cross, Jesus willingly died in our place as our substitute. He took our sins upon Himself and suffered the full punishment that we rightfully deserve. By taking our place and acting on our behalf, He did everything God required to save us (because we have no ability to save ourselves). On the basis of His death and resurrection, anyone who simply believes in Him alone, is guaranteed forgiveness of sins and eternal life without cost. It is the free gift of God's undeserved grace purchased by the blood of Christ alone - totally apart from human effort, commitment, or devotion.
See Isaiah 53:4-12; Acts 10:43, Romans 3:23-25, Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21, Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 2:8-9, Hebrews 2:9; 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 3:18
Do you have to get baptized in order to go to heaven?
In the early church (as recorded in the book of Acts), people were baptized in water only after they put their faith in Jesus Christ alone for forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Baptism follows salvation. It is not a requirement for salvation. No where in scripture does it say that a person will be lost (or not go to heaven) if they fail to get baptized. Faith alone in Jesus Christ alone is the only way to receive forgiveness of sins and a home in heaven. Baptism is a sign or testimony that a person has already put their faith in Jesus Christ. The story of the thief on the cross is an example of how a person can be saved without ever being baptized. Jesus told the undeserving thief, "Today you will be with me in paradise”. The thief died that same day and was never baptized. In 1 Corinthians 1:17, the apostle Paul makes it clear that baptism is not the gospel and the gospel does not include baptism. However, baptism is still very important, because God has commanded believers to be baptized after they are saved. Baptism is a significant testimony (or announcement) to others that you have put our faith in Jesus Christ alone.
Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 23:43; Acts 2:41, Acts 10:43; Acts 16:30-34; 1 Corinthians 1:17.
In one of your articles you wrote that the Bible teaches that salvation is "absolutely free" and "apart from works". If this is true, why should anyone bother to try and live a good life?
Yes! Salvation is the free and undeserved gift of God's grace! It is "the gift of God; not of works...” But this passage goes on to say that we have been "created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God planned ahead of time for us to do.” In other words, one of God's primary purposes for saving us is to enable us to do works that are pleasing to Him and helpful to others. The Bible makes it very clear that we are not made right with God by our works, but once we have been born again into God's family, the Holy Spirit motivates and empowers us to do good works. These works are not the "root" (or cause) of our salvation, rather they are the "fruit" (or result) of our salvation. We are not saved because of anything we do, but only because of what Christ has already done for us by His death and resurrection. Once we have put our faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, He begins the process of producing His good works in and through us. Another real possibility relates to the those who have put their faith in Jesus (and are truly His children), but who choose to live in constant disobedience to Him. According the the Bible, God will discipline His children who live this way, because He loves them too much to let them hurt themselves and others. They will never lose their eternal salvation (because salvation is based only on what Christ has done for us and not on what we do for Him), but they will experience God's discipline and other consequences in this life, until they confess their sins to Him and start walking in His will. Those believers who live in constant disobedience will also lose rewards that they could have had if they lived by faith.
Ephesians 2-8-10, 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, Titus 3:4-8, 2 Timothy 1:9-10, Galatians 5:22-23, Hebrews 12:6, cf. Psalm 89:31-37
What does the word "faith" mean and is it any different than the word "believe"?
The words "faith" and "believe" are synonyms - they mean exactly the same thing. To "have faith in" means to "believe in" and to "believe in" means "to have faith in". In the Bible the words "faith" and "believe" mean to trust in or rely on someone other than yourself. The Bible makes it clear that simply believing in (putting your faith in) Jesus Christ alone, is the one way - the only way - to receive forgiveness of sins, new life, and a home in heaven forever! On the other hand, our good works are rejected as a means of getting right with God. "Without faith it is impossible to please God...I tell you the truth, whoever believes has eternal life."
See John 3:15-19, John 5:24, John 6:47, John 7:37-38, John 8:24, John 11:25-26, John 20:30-31; Acts 10:43, Acts 10:38-39, Acts 16:31; Romans 1:16-17, Romans 3:22-26, Romans 3:28, Romans 4:5; Galatians 2:15-16, Galatians 3:6-9, Galatians 3:22-26; Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 2:8-9, Hebrews 11:6, etc. Note: There are over 160 different verses in the New Testament that make it clear that a person can only be made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ alone.
Does the Bible teach that there is a place called purgatory?
The idea that there is a place called purgatory (or something like it) is in direct contradiction to the clear teaching of Scripture. The word "purgatory" is not found anywhere in the Bible, nor does the Bible ever mention a place that is better than hell, but worse than heaven. Purgatory is the invention of false religion and the vain imaginations of men.
(Note: We have not included any Bible verses that talk about purgatory, because there are none!)
Please define "everlasting life"?
By its very definition "everlasting life" is life that is ever-lasting; life that lasts forever; life that never ends! The Bible says that God Himself is everlasting, His Word - the Bible - is everlasting, and the new life He gives to anyone who simply believes in Jesus Christ is everlasting! God has promised that "whoever believes in Him, will never perish, but will have everlasting life!"
John 3:14-16, John 5:24, John 6:35-40, John 6:47-51, John 6:58, John 10:27-30, John 11:25-26; Romans 6:23, Romans 8:35-39; Ephesians 1:13-14. Note: The verses listed here are just a few of the over 80 passages in the Bible that make it clear that everlasting life lasts forever and can never be lost!
I have asked different people, "How a person can get to heaven?" Often they say things like "You have to do good works" or "You have to be religious" or "You have to try your best" or "You have to keep the 10 Commandments", etc. Do any of these things actually help us make it to heaven in the end?
Over and over, the Bible makes it clear that we can never be forgiven, or made right with God, by doing good works or being religious. Things like going to church, getting baptized, speaking in tongues, giving money or trying to keep the 10 Commandments are utterly rejected by God as a means of righteousness. Salvation is a free gift, received through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone!
John 4:9; Romans 3:23-25a, Romans 4:5, Romans 5:15-19, Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 9:15; Galatians 2:15-16; Galatians 3:10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7, 2 Timothy 1:9, Revelation 22:17.
Is Jesus God?
Speaking of Jesus Christ, the Bible says, “All things came into being through Him and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being...By Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible. All things have been created through Him and for Him."
These passages makes it clear that Jesus is the Creator of all life. All of the founders and leaders of the world's religions have died, never to be heard from again. Jesus not only died (to take away all of our sins), but He came back to life three days later! Jesus, the Creator of life, died to give us life!
Jesus Christ is indeed the Lord God - God the Son! The Bible describes Jesus as "the Lord of glory", "God overall, forever praised!", "God revealed in a body", "the True God and Eternal Life", "God with us", "the Mighty God", "the Everlasting Father", and "the Prince of Peace." Jesus said, "Unless you believe that I AM, you will indeed die in your sins."
Jesus Christ, the Creator of the universe, took upon Himself a human body and died as a sacrifice for our sins. Jesus loved us so much that He willingly suffered the punishment we rightfully deserve, in our place! "Anyone who believes in Him, receives forgiveness of sins” and “eternal life” with Him in heaven.
What many people don’t realize is that Jesus died for the sins of all people, regardless of race, nationality or religion. This means that He died for you too! He loved you so much that He shed His blood on the cross so that you can have new life with the God of creation who cares about you personality. Simply, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved!”
These passages makes it clear that Jesus is the Creator of all life. All of the founders and leaders of the world's religions have died, never to be heard from again. Jesus not only died (to take away all of our sins), but He came back to life three days later! Jesus, the Creator of life, died to give us life!
Jesus Christ is indeed the Lord God - God the Son! The Bible describes Jesus as "the Lord of glory", "God overall, forever praised!", "God revealed in a body", "the True God and Eternal Life", "God with us", "the Mighty God", "the Everlasting Father", and "the Prince of Peace." Jesus said, "Unless you believe that I AM, you will indeed die in your sins."
Jesus Christ, the Creator of the universe, took upon Himself a human body and died as a sacrifice for our sins. Jesus loved us so much that He willingly suffered the punishment we rightfully deserve, in our place! "Anyone who believes in Him, receives forgiveness of sins” and “eternal life” with Him in heaven.
What many people don’t realize is that Jesus died for the sins of all people, regardless of race, nationality or religion. This means that He died for you too! He loved you so much that He shed His blood on the cross so that you can have new life with the God of creation who cares about you personality. Simply, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved!”
John 1:3; Colossians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 2:8; John 1:1; Romans 9:5; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 5:20; Isaiah 7:14, 9:6; John 8:24; Acts 10:43; John 3:16; Acts 16:31.
Aren’t there other ways to heaven besides Jesus? What about Mohamed, Buddha or Confucius and the other religions of the world?
Most religions recognize man’s separation from God. This separation is caused by the huge moral gap that exists between God’s perfect holiness and man’s sinful nature. Only Jesus Christ offers an acceptable solution to our sin problem. Sin must be punished in order for there to be justice and righteousness. Both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible teach that the penalty for breaking God’s commandments is death. Jesus’ death was unique because it paid the penalty for our sins. Jesus is both man and God and therefore sinless and perfectly righteous. Since He was sinless, he could take our sins upon Himself and die as our substitute (in our place). His resurrection from the dead is proof that God the Father - the God of heaven - accepted His payment for our sins. No other person in history was sinless! No other person loved us enough to die for our sins! No other person rose from the dead! All of the founders and leaders of the world's religions have died and stayed dead, never to be heard from again, but Jesus rose again and is seated at the Father's right hand. Jesus said, "I am the way the truth and the life, no one can come to the Father except through Me...I am the door, if any man enter through Me, He will be saved...Salvation is found in no one else. For there is no other name given among men, by which we can and must be saved."
Romans 3:10-12, Romans 3:23-25, Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 3:18, John 7:38-39, John 10:9, John 14:6, Acts 4:12.
What was the meaning and purpose of the animal sacrifices in the Old Testament?
“Those sacrifices were an annual reminder of sins. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”
Under the Law of Moses, priests offered animal sacrifices to God on behalf of the people. However, those sacrifices had no permanent value and they could not cleanse the consciences of those who came to the temple to worship. Instead of removing sin, those sacrifices served as a reminder to the people of how sinful they really were. Instead of experiencing forgiveness, the people went away feeling guilty, because their sins had caused the bloodshed and death of an innocent animal.
These animal sacrifices also serve to illustrate (in advance) the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, where He willingly and lovingly died as our substitute. At the start of Jesus' public ministry, John the Baptist said about Jesus, "Look! He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!"
When Christ came and offered Himself on the cross as the “once and for all” sacrifice for the sins of the world, He did not enter the temple in Jerusalem like those former priests. He entered heaven itself on our behalf by His own blood.
“He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption... He entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence... He has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”
The blood of Christ is “precious” to God the Father and has infinite and eternal value to those who simply put their faith in Him alone.
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us...”
Because Jesus paid the full price for our sins, He offers forgiveness and eternal life to us freely and without cost! Our part is simply to put our faith in what He has already fully accomplished for us. This is grace! This is something worth celebrating!
Under the Law of Moses, priests offered animal sacrifices to God on behalf of the people. However, those sacrifices had no permanent value and they could not cleanse the consciences of those who came to the temple to worship. Instead of removing sin, those sacrifices served as a reminder to the people of how sinful they really were. Instead of experiencing forgiveness, the people went away feeling guilty, because their sins had caused the bloodshed and death of an innocent animal.
These animal sacrifices also serve to illustrate (in advance) the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, where He willingly and lovingly died as our substitute. At the start of Jesus' public ministry, John the Baptist said about Jesus, "Look! He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!"
When Christ came and offered Himself on the cross as the “once and for all” sacrifice for the sins of the world, He did not enter the temple in Jerusalem like those former priests. He entered heaven itself on our behalf by His own blood.
“He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption... He entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence... He has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”
The blood of Christ is “precious” to God the Father and has infinite and eternal value to those who simply put their faith in Him alone.
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us...”
Because Jesus paid the full price for our sins, He offers forgiveness and eternal life to us freely and without cost! Our part is simply to put our faith in what He has already fully accomplished for us. This is grace! This is something worth celebrating!
Hebrews 10:1-14, Hebrews 9:11-15, Hebrews 9:24-28, John 1:29, 1 Peter 1:18-21, Ephesians 1:7-8, Romans 3:22-25, Revelation 5:9, Revelation 22:17
How can I be sure that I will be faithful enough and obedient enough to persevere to the end and be saved?
Whenever someone asks this kind of question, it concerns me because it shows that they have an inadequate understanding of the gospel of grace and how we receive forgiveness of sins and salvation in the first place!
In my travels to Africa, Central & South America, and the United States, I have discovered there is widespread confusion (even among pastors and evangelists) regarding the message of the gospel and how a person is made right with God. I often hear preachers, teachers, and others say, “If you want to be saved, you must make a commitment for Jesus” or, “Dedicate your life to Jesus” or, “Surrender your all to Jesus” or, “Devote yourself to Jesus” or “Make Jesus the Lord & Master of every area of your life” or, “Make a promise to follow and obey Jesus always.”
You may be surprised to learn that none of these phrases occur anywhere in the Bible to explain how a person is saved or made right with God. The reason for this is they all focus on something that you must do, instead of on what Jesus Christ has already done for you through His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection from the dead.
According to the Bible, the message of the Gospel is that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; He was buried; and He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures... Through His name, anyone who believes in Him, receives forgiveness of sins... Not by righteous things that we have done, but only by His mercy He saved us... Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved...”
Believing on the Lord Jesus Christ is the very opposite of giving something to Jesus or giving something up for Jesus! You can never be made right with God by your commitment, dedication, devotion, surrender, submission, promise-keeping, obedience, faithfulness, or perseverance. You can never be made right with God by being religious, going to church, getting baptized, or doing good things, etc. The only way that anyone can be saved (forgiven and declared perfectly righteous in God's sight) is by trusting in what Jesus Christ has already fully accomplished for us. The moment a person trusts in Jesus Christ alone (and not in themselves, their religion, or anything they do), they are saved once and for all and forever, and they can never be lost!
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life...Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son...For by grace are you saved through faith [in Jesus Christ] and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Nothing we do can save us. Nothing we do can keep us saved. Salvation is of the Lord, not man! By His death and resurrection, Jesus did everything required to save you and to keep you saved for all eternity!
"...because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely and forever those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself."
In my travels to Africa, Central & South America, and the United States, I have discovered there is widespread confusion (even among pastors and evangelists) regarding the message of the gospel and how a person is made right with God. I often hear preachers, teachers, and others say, “If you want to be saved, you must make a commitment for Jesus” or, “Dedicate your life to Jesus” or, “Surrender your all to Jesus” or, “Devote yourself to Jesus” or “Make Jesus the Lord & Master of every area of your life” or, “Make a promise to follow and obey Jesus always.”
You may be surprised to learn that none of these phrases occur anywhere in the Bible to explain how a person is saved or made right with God. The reason for this is they all focus on something that you must do, instead of on what Jesus Christ has already done for you through His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection from the dead.
According to the Bible, the message of the Gospel is that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; He was buried; and He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures... Through His name, anyone who believes in Him, receives forgiveness of sins... Not by righteous things that we have done, but only by His mercy He saved us... Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved...”
Believing on the Lord Jesus Christ is the very opposite of giving something to Jesus or giving something up for Jesus! You can never be made right with God by your commitment, dedication, devotion, surrender, submission, promise-keeping, obedience, faithfulness, or perseverance. You can never be made right with God by being religious, going to church, getting baptized, or doing good things, etc. The only way that anyone can be saved (forgiven and declared perfectly righteous in God's sight) is by trusting in what Jesus Christ has already fully accomplished for us. The moment a person trusts in Jesus Christ alone (and not in themselves, their religion, or anything they do), they are saved once and for all and forever, and they can never be lost!
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life...Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son...For by grace are you saved through faith [in Jesus Christ] and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Nothing we do can save us. Nothing we do can keep us saved. Salvation is of the Lord, not man! By His death and resurrection, Jesus did everything required to save you and to keep you saved for all eternity!
"...because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely and forever those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself."
1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Acts 10:43, Titus 3:5, Acts 16:31, John 3:14-16, John 5:24, John 6:35-40, John 6:47-51, John 6:58, John 10:27-30, Hebrews 7:24-27, Romans 8:35-39; Ephesians 1:13-14.
What is the significance of the blood of Jesus Christ and why is it emphasized so much in the Bible?
The blood of Jesus Christ has great and eternal significance for every believer.
1. We have been purchased by the blood of Christ - “You were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God... Be shepherds of the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood... (Revelation 5:9; Acts 20:28)
2. The wrath of God (that we rightfully deserve) has been atoned for, and turned away from us, by His blood - “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.” (Romans 3:25)
3. We have been justified [declared perfectly righteous] by His blood - “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” (Romans 5:9)
4. We have been redeemed (purchased and set free) and forgiven (forgiven forever) by His blood – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins...” (Ephesians 1:7, 1 Peter1:18-19)
5. We have been washed by His blood - “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood...” (Revelation 1:5)
6. We have been made holy (set apart for God) by His blood - “Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood.” (Hebrews 13:12)
7. We have had our consciences cleansed by the blood of Christ – "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" (Hebrews 9:14)
8. We have been made holy (set apart for God by His blood) - “Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood.” (Hebrews 13:12)
9. We have gained access to God through Christ’s blood - “...we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus...” (Hebrews 10:19)
10. We are constantly being purified by His blood - "If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." (1 John 1:7)
The benefits described above are only available to those who put their faith in Jesus Christ alone, apart from their own good works, religious rituals or personal commitment, etc. Christ’s blood shed for us on the cross is the only payment for our sins that is accepted by God the Father on our behalf.
1. We have been purchased by the blood of Christ - “You were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God... Be shepherds of the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood... (Revelation 5:9; Acts 20:28)
2. The wrath of God (that we rightfully deserve) has been atoned for, and turned away from us, by His blood - “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.” (Romans 3:25)
3. We have been justified [declared perfectly righteous] by His blood - “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” (Romans 5:9)
4. We have been redeemed (purchased and set free) and forgiven (forgiven forever) by His blood – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins...” (Ephesians 1:7, 1 Peter1:18-19)
5. We have been washed by His blood - “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood...” (Revelation 1:5)
6. We have been made holy (set apart for God) by His blood - “Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood.” (Hebrews 13:12)
7. We have had our consciences cleansed by the blood of Christ – "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" (Hebrews 9:14)
8. We have been made holy (set apart for God by His blood) - “Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood.” (Hebrews 13:12)
9. We have gained access to God through Christ’s blood - “...we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus...” (Hebrews 10:19)
10. We are constantly being purified by His blood - "If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." (1 John 1:7)
The benefits described above are only available to those who put their faith in Jesus Christ alone, apart from their own good works, religious rituals or personal commitment, etc. Christ’s blood shed for us on the cross is the only payment for our sins that is accepted by God the Father on our behalf.
Revelation 5:9; Acts 20:28, Romans 3:25, Romans 5:9, Ephesians 1:7, Revelation 1:5,
Hebrews 13:12, Hebrews 9:11-14, Hebrews 9:22, Hebrews 13:12, Hebrews 10:19, 1 John 1:7
Hebrews 13:12, Hebrews 9:11-14, Hebrews 9:22, Hebrews 13:12, Hebrews 10:19, 1 John 1:7
How can I be delivered from generational curses caused by the sins of my ancestors?
There are some pastors, evangelists and so-called ‘healers’ or ‘miracle workers’ who teach people that they have been cursed by (or because of) the evil and demonic practices of their ancestors. Many of these teachers claim that they can remove these curses if you have enough faith or if you give their ministries money. This false teaching regarding curses is based on superstition and the misapplication of a few verses given only to the children of Israel in the Old Testament.
The Bible tells us that Adam and Eve (and all mankind with them), were originally cursed by God in the garden of Eden because of their disobedience (Genesis 3:16-19). Although this is a curse placed on all mankind throughout all generations, it is not some kind of magical, mystical or demonic curse. Instead, it was the pronouncement of God’s judgment and condemnation on the whole world, including each one of us (Romans 5:12-19).
The Bible also tells us that anyone who tries to be made right with God by keeping the 10 Commandments, or any other laws and rules, is also under the curse of God’s judgment (Galatians 3:10). This is true because no one can ever obey God’s commands perfectly. The purpose of the 10 Commandments is not to make us righteous or good, but to show us how unrighteous and sinful we really are (Romans 3:19&20). The commandments reveal our sin and our desperate need for a Savior. It is foolish to rely on keeping the commandments as a means of being righteous in God's sight, it only leads to failure and despair or self-righteousness.
The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is that Savior of the world (Matthew 1:21; John 1:29; John 4:42) and that He Himself was cursed for us (Galatians 3:13). He allowed Himself to be cursed and punished most severely in our place, in order to remove both the curse of sin and the curse that God has pronounced against all who break His commandments.
When Jesus died on the cross, He suffered the full wrath of God that you and I deserved. He was cursed, condemned and punished in our place, as our substitute. He was cursed, so that we could be set free from being cursed - from suffering the punishment that we rightfully deserve (2 Corinthians 5:21). By His death and resurrection, all curses have been removed from our lives forever! Satan, the world and our ancestors have no power over us whatsoever!
If you are uncertain that the curse of sin has been removed from your life and that you are completely forgiven of every sin you have ever committed, just trust in - rely on - what Jesus has already done for you through His death and resurrection (Romans 3:22, Romans 4:5; Acts 10:43; Acts 16:31). Jesus not only died for our sins, but He came back from the dead on the third day after He was crucified (1 Corinthians 15:3&4). As a result, anyone who simply believes in Him has everlasting life (John 3:16).
The Bible tells us that Adam and Eve (and all mankind with them), were originally cursed by God in the garden of Eden because of their disobedience (Genesis 3:16-19). Although this is a curse placed on all mankind throughout all generations, it is not some kind of magical, mystical or demonic curse. Instead, it was the pronouncement of God’s judgment and condemnation on the whole world, including each one of us (Romans 5:12-19).
The Bible also tells us that anyone who tries to be made right with God by keeping the 10 Commandments, or any other laws and rules, is also under the curse of God’s judgment (Galatians 3:10). This is true because no one can ever obey God’s commands perfectly. The purpose of the 10 Commandments is not to make us righteous or good, but to show us how unrighteous and sinful we really are (Romans 3:19&20). The commandments reveal our sin and our desperate need for a Savior. It is foolish to rely on keeping the commandments as a means of being righteous in God's sight, it only leads to failure and despair or self-righteousness.
The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is that Savior of the world (Matthew 1:21; John 1:29; John 4:42) and that He Himself was cursed for us (Galatians 3:13). He allowed Himself to be cursed and punished most severely in our place, in order to remove both the curse of sin and the curse that God has pronounced against all who break His commandments.
When Jesus died on the cross, He suffered the full wrath of God that you and I deserved. He was cursed, condemned and punished in our place, as our substitute. He was cursed, so that we could be set free from being cursed - from suffering the punishment that we rightfully deserve (2 Corinthians 5:21). By His death and resurrection, all curses have been removed from our lives forever! Satan, the world and our ancestors have no power over us whatsoever!
If you are uncertain that the curse of sin has been removed from your life and that you are completely forgiven of every sin you have ever committed, just trust in - rely on - what Jesus has already done for you through His death and resurrection (Romans 3:22, Romans 4:5; Acts 10:43; Acts 16:31). Jesus not only died for our sins, but He came back from the dead on the third day after He was crucified (1 Corinthians 15:3&4). As a result, anyone who simply believes in Him has everlasting life (John 3:16).
Genesis 3:16-19, Romans 5:12-19, Galatians 3:10, Romans 3:19&20, Matthew 1:21, John 1:29, John 4:42, Galatians 3:13, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 3:22, Romans 4:5, Acts 10:43, Acts 16:31, 1 Corinthians 15:3&4, John 3:16.
Do you have a question about the Bible or your eternal destiny? If so, you can submit your question here .
The questions below were submitted in response to the article titled "Christianity's Best Kept Secret" written by Dave Armstrong.
Q: Will I be saved if I am a member of the right church?
A: When I ask people the question "If you were to stand before God and he were to say to you 'Why should I let you into my heaven?", I sometimes get a response like; "Well I’m a Catholic or I’m a Lutheran or I have godly parents". Sorry, that won’t do. You can’t hide behind your church or your family. God will judge us as individuals, not as families or groups. Romans 14:12 says, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God”.
Q: What about baptism? Is it a requirement for salvation?
A: In Bible times people were baptized in water after believing in Christ. Just like good works, baptism follows salvation. Nowhere in scripture does it say one is lost if he is not baptized. It does say repeatedly however, that one will be lost if he fails to believe in Christ (see Mark 16:16, John 3:18&36). The story of the thief on the cross shows that one is saved without baptism; Jesus told him, “today you will be with me in paradise”. The thief died that same day and was never baptized.
Q: What about the people that have never heard about Jesus?
A: The Bible answers this issue in principle and by illustration. God says in Jeremiah 29:13, “You shall seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart”. Acts 17:27 conveys the same idea; “...if perhaps they might feel for Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us”. Psalm 27 describes how creation shows men things about God and that His message has gone out “to the ends of the earth”. Romans 1:18 says that people who do not respond to these Divine overtures are “without excuse”. There are many instances recorded in scripture where God went to great lengths to get the gospel to a seeking individual (see Acts 8:26-29, Acts 10:1-6, Acts 16:9-10).
Q: Aren’t there other ways to heaven besides Jesus? What about Mohamed, Buddha or Confucius?
A: Most religions recognize man’s separation from God. This separation is caused by the huge moral gap between God’s holiness and man’s sinful nature. Only Christ offers an acceptable solution to our sin problem. Sin must be punished. Both the Old and New Testament teach that the penalty for breaking God’s law is death. Jesus’ death was unique because it paid the penalty. Jesus is both man and God and therefore sinless. Since He was sinless he could take our sins upon Himself and die as our substitute. His resurrection from the dead is proof that God the Father accepted His payment for our sins. No other person in history was sinless. No other person died for our sins. No other person rose from the dead.
Q: Did Jesus tell the rich young ruler it was necessary to keep the commandments to receive eternal life (Luke 18:7-23)?
A: The young man approached Jesus with the presupposition that he could do something to save himself (see John 6:28-29). Jesus directed his attention to the Commandments, a standard that everyone has broken (see James 2:10). Jesus demonstrated that the young man had broken the commandment to “love thy neighbor as thyself” because he was unwilling to sell his possessions to help the poor. The man would not admit he was a sinner and refused to follow Jesus.
Q: You have stated in you article that based on Ephesians 2:8&9 and other passages from the Bible, salvation is "a free gift received by faith in Christ alone". This seems like a 'get out of jail free' offer. Does this mean that someone can just believe in Christ and then live any way they want?
A: The answer is yes and no. Yes, we do get out of jail free. Salvation is offered by God freely to anyone who depends on Christ’s death to save him (see Romans 3:24, Romans 6:23). It is free to us because someone else (Jesus) paid the awful penalty that we deserve. But the part of your question about living anyway you want demands an emphatic “NO” for several reasons. First, we must realize that when a person puts his trust in Christ, he becomes a child of God. God is particularly concerned about how his children live and act because they represent Him on earth. God goes to great lengths to produce maturity and character in his children. The believer who thinks he can live however he wishes, and who fails to mature in his faith, will quickly discover the principle of divine discipline. "Whom the Lord loves he disciplines" (see Psalm 89:32, Hebrews chapter 12:6). God will make life miserable for a disobedient, rebellious child. Secondly, when a person becomes a child of God, he receives the Holy Spirit. This means that God actually lives inside the believer through His indwelling Spirit. The presence of the Holy Spirit is designed by God to produce behavior that is pleasing to God. Galatians 5:22 states: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, meekness, faith”. Third, Jesus said “Not everyone that says unto me, Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven…”. Clearly there are those “that profess to know God but by their works they deny Him” (Titus 1:16). The apostles Paul, James and John all give us reason to doubt the reality of a person’s faith if it does not produce a positive change in behavior (see 2 Corinthians 5:17, James 2:15-17, 1 John 2:4).
Do you have a question about Christianity and the Bible or about your relationship to God? We welcome you to submit your question.
Q: Will I be saved if I am a member of the right church?
A: When I ask people the question "If you were to stand before God and he were to say to you 'Why should I let you into my heaven?", I sometimes get a response like; "Well I’m a Catholic or I’m a Lutheran or I have godly parents". Sorry, that won’t do. You can’t hide behind your church or your family. God will judge us as individuals, not as families or groups. Romans 14:12 says, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God”.
Q: What about baptism? Is it a requirement for salvation?
A: In Bible times people were baptized in water after believing in Christ. Just like good works, baptism follows salvation. Nowhere in scripture does it say one is lost if he is not baptized. It does say repeatedly however, that one will be lost if he fails to believe in Christ (see Mark 16:16, John 3:18&36). The story of the thief on the cross shows that one is saved without baptism; Jesus told him, “today you will be with me in paradise”. The thief died that same day and was never baptized.
Q: What about the people that have never heard about Jesus?
A: The Bible answers this issue in principle and by illustration. God says in Jeremiah 29:13, “You shall seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart”. Acts 17:27 conveys the same idea; “...if perhaps they might feel for Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us”. Psalm 27 describes how creation shows men things about God and that His message has gone out “to the ends of the earth”. Romans 1:18 says that people who do not respond to these Divine overtures are “without excuse”. There are many instances recorded in scripture where God went to great lengths to get the gospel to a seeking individual (see Acts 8:26-29, Acts 10:1-6, Acts 16:9-10).
Q: Aren’t there other ways to heaven besides Jesus? What about Mohamed, Buddha or Confucius?
A: Most religions recognize man’s separation from God. This separation is caused by the huge moral gap between God’s holiness and man’s sinful nature. Only Christ offers an acceptable solution to our sin problem. Sin must be punished. Both the Old and New Testament teach that the penalty for breaking God’s law is death. Jesus’ death was unique because it paid the penalty. Jesus is both man and God and therefore sinless. Since He was sinless he could take our sins upon Himself and die as our substitute. His resurrection from the dead is proof that God the Father accepted His payment for our sins. No other person in history was sinless. No other person died for our sins. No other person rose from the dead.
Q: Did Jesus tell the rich young ruler it was necessary to keep the commandments to receive eternal life (Luke 18:7-23)?
A: The young man approached Jesus with the presupposition that he could do something to save himself (see John 6:28-29). Jesus directed his attention to the Commandments, a standard that everyone has broken (see James 2:10). Jesus demonstrated that the young man had broken the commandment to “love thy neighbor as thyself” because he was unwilling to sell his possessions to help the poor. The man would not admit he was a sinner and refused to follow Jesus.
Q: You have stated in you article that based on Ephesians 2:8&9 and other passages from the Bible, salvation is "a free gift received by faith in Christ alone". This seems like a 'get out of jail free' offer. Does this mean that someone can just believe in Christ and then live any way they want?
A: The answer is yes and no. Yes, we do get out of jail free. Salvation is offered by God freely to anyone who depends on Christ’s death to save him (see Romans 3:24, Romans 6:23). It is free to us because someone else (Jesus) paid the awful penalty that we deserve. But the part of your question about living anyway you want demands an emphatic “NO” for several reasons. First, we must realize that when a person puts his trust in Christ, he becomes a child of God. God is particularly concerned about how his children live and act because they represent Him on earth. God goes to great lengths to produce maturity and character in his children. The believer who thinks he can live however he wishes, and who fails to mature in his faith, will quickly discover the principle of divine discipline. "Whom the Lord loves he disciplines" (see Psalm 89:32, Hebrews chapter 12:6). God will make life miserable for a disobedient, rebellious child. Secondly, when a person becomes a child of God, he receives the Holy Spirit. This means that God actually lives inside the believer through His indwelling Spirit. The presence of the Holy Spirit is designed by God to produce behavior that is pleasing to God. Galatians 5:22 states: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, meekness, faith”. Third, Jesus said “Not everyone that says unto me, Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven…”. Clearly there are those “that profess to know God but by their works they deny Him” (Titus 1:16). The apostles Paul, James and John all give us reason to doubt the reality of a person’s faith if it does not produce a positive change in behavior (see 2 Corinthians 5:17, James 2:15-17, 1 John 2:4).
Do you have a question about Christianity and the Bible or about your relationship to God? We welcome you to submit your question.