Seriously: Questions and Answers on Salvation

So you are here... that's great! I don't know the reason you are here yet, but I hope you find the answers you need for peace with God through Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross at Calvary. It is and was the single most historic event in human history.

Jesus Christ was crucified for the sins of those that would accept his sacrifice. Literally, as it states in John 3:16, "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." Eternal life! I checked... that means forever.

So these questions and answers are meant to be a resource for you to find the truth about salvation through Jesus Christ. If I missed your question, please let me know and I will add it to the list. I will be adding more questions and answers over time, so check back often.~

Why do I need salvation to be saved from my sins and have eternal life with God in Heaven?

The Bible says all have sinned. That includes me and you. Simply put, there is no methodology to allow passage into Heaven for souls that don't choose to be there and that have sin as part of their being. To "be there" implies a relationship with Jesus and an understanding of who God is, and what Heaven is designed to be. You can't choose to not not have a relationship with Jesus and choose to live in the home He built for believers in eternity. There is no immigration path to Heaven after death (that i am aware of).

I am a good person. Well... I am better person than most or some anyway. Isn't that good enough to get into heaven?

So you mean get into heaven on the value of YOUR life's good works? If Yes... then a definitive No. The problem is in your heart, mind and soul. Heaven is designed for perfect relationships. Heaven is designed for people who have been perfected through Christ's atoning work on the cross and the forgiveness of their sins. Tell me... Who forgave your sins?

Is there any other way to Heaven than with Jesus Christ?

Jesus says "No" and further He states there is no other way to the Father. Admittedly, this one rankles the feathers of non-believers more than most other claims by Jesus. To them, it seems un-fair. My perspective is you need to understand that God is everyone's Father. Not just mine or your's. I know Him to be just and fair. I trust His final judgement will be fair and honest. He won't force Heaven on anyone, nor will He allow souls that would not be happy to be there to be residents. It's a choice people make everyday. Now, you must make a choice too. A decision to "not make a choice" is a decision and has consequences now and in eternity.

What happens to all the people that were born before Christ was born and was crucified on the cross? What about the people that have never heard of Jesus, the cross, or the need for atonement?

The answer to this question requires some understanding of who God is. Adam and Eve lived in the Garden and saw God walking in the cool of the morning daily. When sin entered their lives they no longer could reside where God made a home. If you sin, and don't know it's a sin - intellectually, you could argue judging that would be unfair. Same with the historical reality of being born before the knowledge of Christ was common. I trust that God is fair and just. Further, He is good and ultimately His decisions are the best for all involved. I understand that if you do not know God that this is a diificult concept to accept. Ask God about it... He will answer if you give Him a chance.

So again, you too are at the cross-roads of making a decision: Will I follow Christ today? Will I ask for and accept forgiveness for my sins? Will I allow Jesus to be my Lord and Savior now and forever?

When the Bible talks about hell... is it real? What is hell?

Yes, hell is real. Let me give you a working deinition of hell. Existence without God. I have heard some say that they don't know God now, so how could that be different? If you live on the earth, God is with you and around you. He is everywhere you can go. Even in your mind. I would argue that you have no frame of reference without God being there. Light, love, warmth, relationships, are all part of God's attributes. Remove all that and there you are. Not good. Reject God and you reject His attributes. Regardless of your self conception - you are not God.

Why does God want to judge us? Our culture frowns on judging others...

Actually, humans requiring judgement only became a "thing" when they chose sin over obedience in the Garden of Eden and beyond. God's character is unchanging. He is the great "I AM" and has been since before time was a "thing". To be with God in eternity, you must be like Him in the sense that you are in agreement about what is true, correct and essential. God uses His judgement to insure Heaven stays Heavenly. There is only one God in Heaven and it is not me or you.

Are Christians judged by God before being allowed into Heaven?

Yes. But they have been forgiven their sins having accepted Christ's atonement on the cross, and therefore are judged perfect. The reasoning is that Jesus Christ was perfect. He lead a sin-free life. His sacrifice on the cross was therefore a perfect atonement for our sins. And, by accepting that Christians are deemed perfect as the enter eternity and Heaven.

If a sin is forgiven by God, what happens to the infraction or sin itself?

This too is mysterious. Essentially, God chooses to forget the forgiven sin. God is still all knowing. But has the power to not have to remember. Once God has forgiven you, your soul is as clean as the day God created it. It shines!

Now don't confuse the forgiveness of sins (from God) with the ramifications of sin here on earth. The ramifications on earth can and do linger on. Typically, causing pain and sorrow. The only partial remedy I am aware of for that is asking for and receiving forgiveness from others affected by our sin. Jesus reminds us to forgive others as we also wish to be forgiven. That works pretty well. I guess Jesus knew what He was talking about.

How do you know you are saved?

Faith in God's Word. People often assume they are saved because they believe in God. The devil believes in God. What saves people is a willingness to believe and act that God has forgiven them through Jesus Christ. They want a life where they can demonstrate what they believe to be true.

Also, we have the assurances of scripture to remind us of the promises of God as well as God's Holy Spirit to assure us.

What does having a relationship with Jesus look like?

It is different for every person of faith. But there are some common attributes that begin to appear with time. The most common element is the recogition that you want a daily improving relationship with God. So learning more about God becomes important and then a priority. Life style issues that don't assist this pursuit commonly get rejected in favor of life choices that are congruant with God's good plans for the inividual.

Are there rewards in heaven for seriously trying to lead a godly life?

Yes, and they are plentiful and ever so good! But don't confuse Salvation (going to Heaven) with good works here on earth. The only thing that gets you to Heaven is accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and accepting His forgiveness of your sins.

Is God really good?

I love this question! My best guess is that this single question stops more people from responding to God than any other. The reason: We have learned not to trust others, and even more gravely, we often don't trust ourselves. By simple deduction we question truly whither God is truly "trustable". Is he a trickster? Faker? Con Artist?

Keep this in mind: The world we see and live in is not the world God intended for us. His original plan was that we would walk together in His Garden and our relationship would have been honest, perfect, clear, healthy, and fulfilling. He wants that again for us. He is planning that again for us. Does that sound "good" to you? It does to me. But there is a better way to answer this question and you can have your own answer. Ask Him directly. Ask Him to reveal Himself. He will. He is waiting...

Does God really know what is in my heart?

Yes. Really. If you made it this far in my Q & A here on Salvation it's no accident. The Holy Spirit is already moving in your heart. That's a promise. The only real question is what you are going to do next? Please consider the next question...

If I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior, what do I do next?

I would say congratulations first! If you wish to be part of the family of God you need to know something very important. You were procurred at a very high price. Jesus came to earth and lived and died for you. You are the most precious person in God's eyes. It is a miracle, but it is true for each individual that has entered into a state of Salvation.

Now consider praying these words if you are not used to speaking directly to God: "Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God, that you died on the cross to rescue me from sin and death and to restore me to the Father. I choose now to turn from my sins, my self-centeredness, and every part of my life that does not please you. I choose you. I give myself to you. I receive your forgiveness and ask you to take your rightful place in my life as my Savior and Lord. Come reign in my heart, fill me with your love and your life, and help me to become a person who is truly loving—a person like you. Restore me, Jesus. Live in me. Love through me. Thank you, God. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen"

Now let's find you a local church to join!

Relevant Scripture:

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 10:9

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:13

For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

John 1:12

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Ephesians 2:8

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

John 3:17

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

2 Timothy 1:9

Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began

Romans 8:7

For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.

Romans 3:23

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

1 John 5:13

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

1 John 2:2

He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

Hebrews 11:6

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Titus 3:5

He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:5

Even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—

Ephesians 1:7

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

Ephesians 1:1-23

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, ...

Acts 16:31

And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Acts 2:47

Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Mark 16:16

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Matthew 19:25

When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?”

1 John 2:1

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

2 Timothy 2:25

Correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,

2 Thessalonians 2:10

And with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.

Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

2 Corinthians 2:15

For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,

1 Corinthians 2:14

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 1:18

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Romans 10:10

For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Romans 8:28

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:1-39

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. ...

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 5:8

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 3:24

And are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Acts 16:5

So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.

Acts 15:11

But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

Acts 10:43

To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Acts 4:12

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Acts 3:19

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,

Acts 2:21

And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

John 10:26-27

But you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

John 10:9

I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.

John 8:24

I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.

John 6:65

And he said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.

John 6:1-71

After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?

John 5:24

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

John 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John 3:18

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

Luke 15:7

Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Luke 13:23

And someone said to him, "Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

Mahalo Nui "Wild at Heart"

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