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 gift of God; not of works...” (Ephesians 2:8-9). 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...” (Ephesians 2:10 paraphrase). 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. 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.
For further study, see Romans 3:23-25a, Romans 4:5, Ephesians 2-8-10, Titus 3:4-8, 2 Timothy 1:9-10, Galatians 5:22-23.
What does the word "faith" mean and is it any different than the word "believe"?
The words "faith" and "believe" are synonyms. To "have faith in" means to "believe in" and to "believe in" means "to have faith in". In the Bible these two words 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 to receive forgiveness of sins, new life, and a home in heaven forever!
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, etc. Note: There are over 150 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.
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. 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 merely believes on Him alone, is guaranteed forgiveness of sins and eternal life!
Isaiah 53:4-12; Romans 3:23-25, Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21, Galatians 3:13; Hebrews 2:9; 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 3:18
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 and 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 70 verses in the Bible that relate to this subject.
Do you have to get baptized in order to go to heaven?
In Bible times, people were baptized in water only after they believed in Christ. Just like good works, 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 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, 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 all believers to be baptized.
Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 23:43; Acts 2:41, Acts 10:43; Acts 16:30-34; 1 Corinthians 1:17.
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 these things actually help us to 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.
