100 Common Questions, Answered

1. Isn't faith alone a 16th-century invention? The Church taught faith plus works for 1,500 years.

Truth is measured by Scripture, not by how long a teaching has been around. Paul taught that God justifies the ungodly person who believes without working (Rom 4:5; Eph 2:8-9), and Abraham was declared righteous before any rite or law (Rom 4:1-5; Gen 15:6).

But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.

Romans 4:5 (WEB)

for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (WEB)

What then will we say that Abraham, our forefather, has found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not toward God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Now to him who works, the reward is not counted as grace, but as something owed. But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.

Romans 4:1-5 (WEB)

He believed in Yahweh; and he reckoned it to him for righteousness.

Genesis 15:6 (WEB)

2. James 2:24 says we're justified by works and not by faith alone. How can you ignore that?

James is talking about being justified before people, who can only see what we do, and about faith being useful in this life. He isn't saying how we receive eternal life (Jas 2:14-18). Abraham was declared righteous by faith in Gen 15:6 decades before he offered Isaac.

You see then that by works, a man is justified, and not only by faith.

James 2:24 (WEB)

What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him? And if a brother or sister is naked and in lack of daily food, and one of you tells them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled”; and yet you didn’t give them the things the body needs, what good is it? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself. Yes, a man will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith.

James 2:14-18 (WEB)

He believed in Yahweh; and he reckoned it to him for righteousness.

Genesis 15:6 (WEB)

3. Baptism regenerates. Didn't Jesus say you must be born of water and the Spirit?

In John 3, Jesus explains the new birth by pointing to believing in Him, three times (John 3:14-18), and never mentions a baptism rite. Cornelius received the Spirit before he was baptized (Acts 10:43-48).

As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn’t believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.

John 3:14-18 (WEB)

All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.” While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. They of the circumcision who believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in other languages and magnifying God. Then Peter answered, “Can anyone forbid these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just like us.” He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay some days.

Acts 10:43-48 (WEB)

4. Can't mortal sin make you lose sanctifying grace?

Jesus says the believer has eternal life now and will never perish or come into judgment (John 5:24; 10:28). Sin brings the Father's discipline, not loss of life (Heb 12:5-11; 1 Cor 11:32).

“Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

John 5:24 (WEB)

I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

John 10:28 (WEB)

and you have forgotten the exhortation which reasons with you as with children, “My son, don’t take lightly the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by him; For whom the Lord loves, he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you endure. God deals with you as with children, for what son is there whom his father doesn’t discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have been made partakers, then are you illegitimate, and not children. Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live? For they indeed, for a few days, punished us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness. All chastening seems for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been exercised thereby.

Hebrews 12:5-11 (WEB)

But when we are judged, we are punished by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

1 Corinthians 11:32 (WEB)

5. Why don't you need the sacraments and the Church to receive grace?

Grace is a gift received through faith, and adding conditions makes it no longer grace (Rom 11:6; Eph 2:8-9). Jesus is the one Mediator (1 Tim 2:5).

And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.

Romans 11:6 (WEB)

for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (WEB)

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

1 Timothy 2:5 (WEB)

6. Isn't Purgatory needed to finish purifying us?

Christ's one sacrifice has perfected forever those being sanctified (Heb 10:10-14). Believers have no condemnation (Rom 8:1). The judgment seat of Christ is about rewards, not purging (1 Cor 3:12-15; 2 Cor 5:10).

by which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Every priest indeed stands day by day serving and often offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins, but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; from that time waiting until his enemies are made the footstool of his feet. For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

Hebrews 10:10-14 (WEB)

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

Romans 8:1 (WEB)

But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or stubble; each man’s work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will test what sort of work each man’s work is. If any man’s work remains which he built on it, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, but as through fire.

1 Corinthians 3:12-15 (WEB)

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

2 Corinthians 5:10 (WEB)

7. Isn't it presumptuous to say you KNOW you're going to heaven?

John wrote so that believers can know they have eternal life (1 John 5:13). Trusting God's promise is not arrogance; doubting it is what calls God a liar (1 John 5:10).

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5:13 (WEB)

He who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. He who doesn’t believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son.

1 John 5:10 (WEB)

8. Doesn't grace give us power to do the works that merit heaven?

Paul sets wages against gifts: if it's earned, it isn't grace (Rom 4:4-5; 6:23). Eternal life is a gift, and gifts aren't merited, not even with help (Titus 3:5).

Now to him who works, the reward is not counted as grace, but as something owed. But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.

Romans 4:4-5 (WEB)

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

Romans 6:23 (WEB)

not by works of righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

Titus 3:5 (WEB)

9. Doesn't Matthew 25 (sheep and goats) show we're judged by our works?

That passage is about the nations at Christ's return entering the earthly kingdom, not a gospel invitation. The gospel's own terms are explicit: believe and have life (John 6:47; John 20:31).

Most certainly, I tell you, he who believes in me has eternal life.

John 6:47 (WEB)

but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

John 20:31 (WEB)

10. What about Mary and the saints interceding for us? Surely they help us get to heaven.

Christ alone lives to intercede and saves completely those who come to God through Him (Heb 7:25; 1 Tim 2:5). Eternal life rests on His promise, not on added intercessors (John 6:37-40).

Therefore he is also able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, seeing that he lives forever to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:25 (WEB)

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

1 Timothy 2:5 (WEB)

All those whom the Father gives me will come to me. He who comes to me I will in no way throw out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. This is the will of my Father who sent me, that of all he has given to me I should lose nothing, but should raise him up at the last day. This is the will of the one who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son, and believes in him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

John 6:37-40 (WEB)

11. Acts 2:38 says repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. Isn't baptism required?

The Greek word eis, translated for, can also mean because of or with reference to, and Peter's next sermons promise forgiveness by believing without mentioning baptism (Acts 10:43; 3:19). Cornelius was saved and had the Spirit before water (Acts 10:44-48).

Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:38 (WEB)

All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.”

Acts 10:43 (WEB)

“Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord,

Acts 3:19 (WEB)

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. They of the circumcision who believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in other languages and magnifying God. Then Peter answered, “Can anyone forbid these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just like us.” He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay some days.

Acts 10:44-48 (WEB)

12. Mark 16:16: whoever believes AND is baptized will be saved. What part don't you understand?

The verse condemns only the one who doesn't believe, not the unbaptized (Mark 16:16b). Unbelief is what condemns (John 3:18).

He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned.

Mark 16:16 (WEB)

He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn’t believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.

John 3:18 (WEB)

13. 1 Peter 3:21 says baptism now saves you.

Peter says it is not washing the body but an appeal of a good conscience, a picture like Noah's ark (1 Pet 3:20-21). The saving in context is about a clean conscience in this life, not receiving eternal life (John 5:24).

This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you—not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

1 Peter 3:21 (WEB)

who before were disobedient, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, while the ship was being built. In it, few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you—not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

1 Peter 3:20-21 (WEB)

“Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

John 5:24 (WEB)

14. Wasn't Paul told to wash away his sins (Acts 22:16)?

Paul had already met and believed in the risen Lord on the Damascus road (Acts 9:3-6; Gal 1:11-12). Washing in Acts 22:16 concerns his public identification and fellowship, while calling on His name grammatically governs the washing.

Now why do you wait? Arise, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’

Acts 22:16 (WEB)

As he traveled, he got close to Damascus, and suddenly a light from the sky shone around him. He fell on the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” He said, “Who are you, Lord?” The Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise up, and enter into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Acts 9:3-6 (WEB)

But I make known to you, brothers, concerning the Good News which was preached by me, that it is not according to man. For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ.

Galatians 1:11-12 (WEB)

15. Hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, and being baptized: isn't that the five-step plan of salvation?

No verse lists such a plan, and John's whole Gospel, written so people may have life, gives one condition: believe (John 20:31). Adding steps turns the gift into a wage (Rom 4:4-5).

but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

John 20:31 (WEB)

Now to him who works, the reward is not counted as grace, but as something owed. But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.

Romans 4:4-5 (WEB)

16. Romans 10:9-10 says you must confess with your mouth.

Romans 10 is written to people who already believe and talks about being delivered in this life by calling on the Lord (Rom 10:13-14). Righteousness itself comes by believing (Rom 10:10a; 4:5).

that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10:9-10 (WEB)

For, “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher?

Romans 10:13-14 (WEB)

For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10:10 (WEB)

But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.

Romans 4:5 (WEB)

17. Doesn't Galatians 3:27 say we're baptized into Christ?

That is Spirit baptism, which places every believer into Christ at the moment of faith (1 Cor 12:13; Gal 3:26). Galatians attacks adding any ritual to faith (Gal 5:2-4).

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Galatians 3:27 (WEB)

For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all given to drink into one Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:13 (WEB)

For you are all children of God, through faith in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:26 (WEB)

Behold, I, Paul, tell you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing. Yes, I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. You are alienated from Christ, you who desire to be justified by the law. You have fallen away from grace.

Galatians 5:2-4 (WEB)

18. If baptism isn't necessary, why did Jesus command it?

Baptism is a command for obedience and public witness after faith, part of discipleship (Matt 28:19-20). Commands for disciples aren't conditions for eternal life (John 6:47).

Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Matthew 28:19-20 (WEB)

Most certainly, I tell you, he who believes in me has eternal life.

John 6:47 (WEB)

19. What about the thief on the cross? Wasn't that before the new covenant?

Jesus gave the same message before and after the cross: believe and have life (John 3:16; Acts 16:31). The thief shows the gift is received without any rite (Luke 23:42-43).

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

John 3:16 (WEB)

They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Acts 16:31 (WEB)

He said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” Jesus said to him, “Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Luke 23:42-43 (WEB)

20. Doesn't Paul say he wasn't sent to baptize, but surely he still counted it essential?

Paul thanked God he baptized few (1 Cor 1:14-17). He would never say that about something essential to the gospel that saves (1 Cor 15:1-4).

I thank God that I baptized none of you, except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one should say that I had baptized you into my own name. (I also baptized the household of Stephanas; besides them, I don’t know whether I baptized any other.) For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Good News—not in wisdom of words, so that the cross of Christ wouldn’t be made void.

1 Corinthians 1:14-17 (WEB)

Now I declare to you, brothers, the Good News which I preached to you, which also you received, in which you also stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold firmly the word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (WEB)

21. If you don't make Jesus Lord of your life, you were never really saved.

Jesus already IS Lord (Acts 2:36; Phil 2:9-11). Eternal life comes from believing His promise, while submission is the call to discipleship that follows (John 6:47; Luke 14:26-33).

“Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Acts 2:36 (WEB)

Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:9-11 (WEB)

Most certainly, I tell you, he who believes in me has eternal life.

John 6:47 (WEB)

“If anyone comes to me, and doesn’t disregard his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he can’t be my disciple. Whoever doesn’t bear his own cross, and come after me, can’t be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it? Or perhaps, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, everyone who sees begins to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build, and wasn’t able to finish.’ Or what king, as he goes to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an envoy, and asks for conditions of peace. So therefore whoever of you who doesn’t renounce all that he has, he can’t be my disciple.

Luke 14:26-33 (WEB)

22. Faith without works is dead. Real faith always produces works.

Dead in James means useless, not fake (Jas 2:17, 20). Believers can be carnal (1 Cor 3:1-3), and some believers' works will burn while they themselves are still saved (1 Cor 3:15).

Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself.

James 2:17 (WEB)

But do you want to know, vain man, that faith apart from works is dead?

James 2:20 (WEB)

Brothers, I couldn’t speak to you as to spiritual, but as to fleshly, as to babies in Christ. I fed you with milk, not with meat; for you weren’t yet ready. Indeed, not even now are you ready, for you are still fleshly. For insofar as there is jealousy, strife, and factions among you, aren’t you fleshly, and don’t you walk in the ways of men?

1 Corinthians 3:1-3 (WEB)

If any man’s work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, but as through fire.

1 Corinthians 3:15 (WEB)

23. Isn't 'easy believism' just cheap grace that gives people a license to sin?

The gift is free to us, but it cost Christ everything (1 Pet 1:18-19). Grace teaches us to say no to sin (Titus 2:11-12), and sin brings discipline and lost reward (Heb 12:6; 2 John 8).

knowing that you were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from the useless way of life handed down from your fathers, but with precious blood, as of a faultless and pure lamb, the blood of Christ;

1 Peter 1:18-19 (WEB)

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world;

Titus 2:11-12 (WEB)

For whom the Lord loves, he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives.”

Hebrews 12:6 (WEB)

Watch yourselves, that we don’t lose the things which we have accomplished, but that we receive a full reward.

2 John 1:8 (WEB)

24. How do you know you're elect unless you persevere to the end?

Assurance is in Christ's promise, not in my performance (John 5:24; 1 John 5:13). Perseverance in good works is a call to faithfulness and reward (2 Tim 2:12-13), not a test of whether I have life.

“Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

John 5:24 (WEB)

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5:13 (WEB)

If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us. If we are faithless, he remains faithful. He can’t deny himself.”

2 Timothy 2:12-13 (WEB)

25. Doesn't 'repent' mean you must turn from all sin to be saved?

John's Gospel, the one written to bring people to life, never uses the word repent (John 20:31). Repentance concerns fellowship and escaping temporal judgment (Luke 13:3-5; Rev 2:5). Life is by believing (John 3:16).

but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

John 20:31 (WEB)

I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way. Or those eighteen, on whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them; do you think that they were worse offenders than all the men who dwell in Jerusalem? I tell you, no, but, unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way.”

Luke 13:3-5 (WEB)

Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I am coming to you swiftly, and will move your lamp stand out of its place, unless you repent.

Revelation 2:5 (WEB)

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

John 3:16 (WEB)

26. 2 Corinthians 13:5 says to examine yourselves to see if you're in the faith.

Paul was answering Corinthians who were demanding proof of Christ speaking through HIM (2 Cor 13:3). He elsewhere calls them sanctified saints (1 Cor 1:2; 6:11). The test is about living in the faith, not about having eternal life.

Test your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Test your own selves. Or don’t you know as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.

2 Corinthians 13:5 (WEB)

seeing that you seek a proof of Christ who speaks in me; who toward you is not weak, but is powerful in you.

2 Corinthians 13:3 (WEB)

to the assembly of God which is at Corinth; those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours:

1 Corinthians 1:2 (WEB)

Such were some of you, but you were washed. But you were sanctified. But you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in the Spirit of our God.

1 Corinthians 6:11 (WEB)

27. 1 John gives tests of life. If you don't obey, you don't know Him.

1 John is about fellowship with God, knowing Him in experience, written to people who already have eternal life (1 John 1:3-4; 2:12-13; 5:13). A believer can walk in darkness (1 John 1:6-10).

that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us. Yes, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ. And we write these things to you, that our joy may be fulfilled.

1 John 1:3-4 (WEB)

I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, little children, because you know the Father.

1 John 2:12-13 (WEB)

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5:13 (WEB)

If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and don’t tell the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we haven’t sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

1 John 1:6-10 (WEB)

28. Isn't faith itself a gift God gives only to the elect?

In Eph 2:8 the gift (neuter) is the whole salvation, not faith alone. People are called to believe and are held responsible for believing (John 3:18; Acts 16:31).

for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Ephesians 2:8 (WEB)

He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn’t believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.

John 3:18 (WEB)

They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Acts 16:31 (WEB)

29. If a person can be saved and live like the devil, what's the point of the Christian life?

The point is pleasing God, fellowship, and eternal rewards, or losing them (2 Cor 5:9-10; 1 Cor 9:24-27). Sons are disciplined, sometimes severely (1 Cor 11:30-32).

Therefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well pleasing to him. For we must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

2 Corinthians 5:9-10 (WEB)

Don’t you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win. Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. I therefore run like that, as not uncertainly. I fight like that, as not beating the air, but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (WEB)

For this cause many among you are weak and sickly, and not a few sleep. For if we discerned ourselves, we wouldn’t be judged. But when we are judged, we are punished by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

1 Corinthians 11:30-32 (WEB)

30. Jesus said 'By their fruits you will know them' (Matt 7:16).

That passage is about recognizing false prophets by their teaching, not testing ordinary believers' salvation (Matt 7:15-20). A false prophet's fruit is his message.

By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles?

Matthew 7:16 (WEB)

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. A good tree can’t produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit. Every tree that doesn’t grow good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

Matthew 7:15-20 (WEB)

31. Can't you walk away from God? He won't force you to stay.

Eternal life is eternal by definition, and Jesus said the believer will never perish (John 10:28-29). Even if we are faithless, He remains faithful (2 Tim 2:13).

I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

John 10:28-29 (WEB)

If we are faithless, he remains faithful. He can’t deny himself.”

2 Timothy 2:13 (WEB)

32. You can't lose it, but you can give it back, right?

No one, including yourself, can snatch you from the Father's hand (John 10:29; Rom 8:38-39). Being born of God can't be undone (John 3:3-6; 1 Pet 1:23).

My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

John 10:29 (WEB)

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39 (WEB)

Jesus answered him, “Most certainly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can’t see the Kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, he can’t enter into the Kingdom of God! That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

John 3:3-6 (WEB)

having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and remains forever.

1 Peter 1:23 (WEB)

33. Doesn't 'believes' in John 3:16 mean keep on believing?

Jesus promised that whoever drinks once will never thirst again (John 4:13-14). Life is given at the moment of faith (John 5:24).

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

John 3:16 (WEB)

Jesus answered her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”

John 4:13-14 (WEB)

“Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

John 5:24 (WEB)

34. Paul feared being disqualified (1 Cor 9:27).

Paul was talking about the race and the prize, a reward, not eternal life (1 Cor 9:24-27; 2 Tim 4:7-8).

but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.

1 Corinthians 9:27 (WEB)

Don’t you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win. Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. I therefore run like that, as not uncertainly. I fight like that, as not beating the air, but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (WEB)

I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (WEB)

35. Galatians 5:4 says you can fall from grace.

Falling from grace there means leaving grace as a way of living for law-keeping, not losing life (Gal 5:1-4). Paul still calls them brothers (Gal 5:13).

You are alienated from Christ, you who desire to be justified by the law. You have fallen away from grace.

Galatians 5:4 (WEB)

Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don’t be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Behold, I, Paul, tell you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing. Yes, I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. You are alienated from Christ, you who desire to be justified by the law. You have fallen away from grace.

Galatians 5:1-4 (WEB)

For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don’t use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another.

Galatians 5:13 (WEB)

36. The prodigal son was 'dead' and came back to life. Doesn't that show you can lose salvation?

The prodigal never stopped being a son (Luke 15:21-24). Dead and alive there describe broken and restored fellowship with the father, not loss of sonship.

The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe, and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. Bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat, and celebrate; for this, my son, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found.’ They began to celebrate.

Luke 15:21-24 (WEB)

37. Revelation 3:5 warns about having your name blotted out of the book of life.

It's a promise to the overcomer that his name will never be blotted out, a figure of speech affirming security (Rev 3:5), not a threat.

He who overcomes will be arrayed in white garments, and I will in no way blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Revelation 3:5 (WEB)

38. Doesn't Ezekiel 18 say a righteous man who turns to sin will die?

Ezekiel describes physical death under the Mosaic covenant in Israel (Ezek 18:4, 24), not eternal life, which Jesus says the believer already possesses (John 5:24).

Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins, he shall die.

Ezekiel 18:4 (WEB)

But when the righteous turns away from his righteousness, and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live? None of his righteous deeds that he has done shall be remembered: in his trespass that he has trespassed, and in his sin that he has sinned, in them shall he die.

Ezekiel 18:24 (WEB)

“Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

John 5:24 (WEB)

39. If eternal security is true, why are there so many warnings in the New Testament?

Warnings concern discipline, lost reward, and lost fellowship, which are real consequences for believers (Heb 12:5-11; 2 John 8; 1 Cor 3:15).

and you have forgotten the exhortation which reasons with you as with children, “My son, don’t take lightly the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by him; For whom the Lord loves, he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you endure. God deals with you as with children, for what son is there whom his father doesn’t discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have been made partakers, then are you illegitimate, and not children. Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live? For they indeed, for a few days, punished us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness. All chastening seems for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been exercised thereby.

Hebrews 12:5-11 (WEB)

Watch yourselves, that we don’t lose the things which we have accomplished, but that we receive a full reward.

2 John 1:8 (WEB)

If any man’s work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, but as through fire.

1 Corinthians 3:15 (WEB)

40. 2 Peter 2:20-22 says their latter end is worse than the beginning.

The worse state is about the misery of being entangled again in this life, and the passage centers on false teachers and their followers (2 Pet 2:1, 18-22), not on losing eternal life.

For if, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in it and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb, “The dog turns to his own vomit again,” and “the sow that has washed to wallowing in the mire.”

2 Peter 2:20-22 (WEB)

But false prophets also arose among the people, as false teachers will also be among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master who bought them, bringing on themselves swift destruction.

2 Peter 2:1 (WEB)

For, uttering great swelling words of emptiness, they entice in the lusts of the flesh, by licentiousness, those who are indeed escaping from those who live in error; promising them liberty, while they themselves are bondservants of corruption; for a man is brought into bondage by whoever overcomes him. For if, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in it and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb, “The dog turns to his own vomit again,” and “the sow that has washed to wallowing in the mire.”

2 Peter 2:18-22 (WEB)

41. Salvation is theosis, a lifelong process of union with God, not a one-time event.

Growth in Christlikeness is real (2 Cor 3:18), but eternal life is a present possession received the moment you believe (John 5:24; 1 John 5:11-13).

But we all, with unveiled face seeing the glory of the Lord as in a mirror, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (WEB)

“Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

John 5:24 (WEB)

The testimony is this, that God gave to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has the life. He who doesn’t have God’s Son doesn’t have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5:11-13 (WEB)

42. Holy Tradition interprets Scripture. Your private reading isn't authoritative.

Scripture is God-breathed and sufficient (2 Tim 3:16-17). The Bereans checked even an apostle against Scripture (Acts 17:11).

Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (WEB)

Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.

Acts 17:11 (WEB)

43. Chrismation and the Eucharist impart the life of Christ. Aren't they necessary?

Jesus explained eating His flesh as believing in Him (John 6:35, 47, 54). Life comes by believing, not by eating a ritual meal.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will not be hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.

John 6:35 (WEB)

Most certainly, I tell you, he who believes in me has eternal life.

John 6:47 (WEB)

He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 6:54 (WEB)

44. Don't you need to keep working out your salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12)?

Paul writes to saints (Phil 1:1) about working out deliverance in their community life, because God is already working in them (Phil 2:13).

So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Philippians 2:12 (WEB)

Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ; To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and servants:

Philippians 1:1 (WEB)

For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.

Philippians 2:13 (WEB)

45. Isn't it arrogant to say you're saved? We say 'I am being saved.'

The Bible speaks of salvation in past, present, and future senses. Eternal life itself is stated in the present tense: he has it (John 6:47; Eph 2:8 'have been saved').

Most certainly, I tell you, he who believes in me has eternal life.

John 6:47 (WEB)

for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Ephesians 2:8 (WEB)

46. The early Fathers taught synergy, that we cooperate with grace.

Scripture is the final authority, and it says the one who doesn't work but believes is credited with righteousness (Rom 4:5).

But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.

Romans 4:5 (WEB)

47. Doesn't Jesus say whoever endures to the end will be saved (Matt 24:13)?

That is about physical deliverance during the Tribulation (Matt 24:13-22), not the condition for eternal life (John 3:16).

But he who endures to the end, the same will be saved.

Matthew 24:13 (WEB)

But he who endures to the end, the same will be saved. This Good News of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. “When, therefore, you see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take out things that are in his house. Let him who is in the field not return back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are with child and to nursing mothers in those days! Pray that your flight will not be in the winter, nor on a Sabbath, for then there will be great oppression, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever will be. Unless those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved. But for the sake of the chosen ones, those days will be shortened.

Matthew 24:13-22 (WEB)

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

John 3:16 (WEB)

48. Without confession to a priest, how are post-baptismal sins forgiven?

Believers confess to God for fellowship cleansing (1 John 1:9). Christ's sacrifice already settled the penalty for all sins forever (Heb 10:12-18).

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

1 John 1:9 (WEB)

but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; from that time waiting until his enemies are made the footstool of his feet. For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. The Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying, “This is the covenant that I will make with them: ‘After those days,’ says the Lord, ‘I will put my laws on their heart, I will also write them on their mind;’” then he says, “I will remember their sins and their iniquities no more.” Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

Hebrews 10:12-18 (WEB)

49. Isn't 'faith alone' a Western legal idea that distorts the gospel?

Justification by faith is Paul's own language, taken from Genesis (Rom 4:3; Gal 3:6-9), not a Western invention.

For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

Romans 4:3 (WEB)

Even as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.” Know therefore that those who are of faith, the same are children of Abraham. The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the Good News beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you all the nations will be blessed.” So then, those who are of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham.

Galatians 3:6-9 (WEB)

50. Who are you to reject 2,000 years of liturgy and the Church?

No tradition can override God's clear promise (Mark 7:8-13). Jesus' offer of life is simple: believe (John 6:47).

“For you set aside the commandment of God, and hold tightly to the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and you do many other such things.” He said to them, “Full well do you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother;’ and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death.’ But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban, that is to say, given to God”;’ then you no longer allow him to do anything for his father or his mother, making void the word of God by your tradition, which you have handed down. You do many things like this.”

Mark 7:8-13 (WEB)

Most certainly, I tell you, he who believes in me has eternal life.

John 6:47 (WEB)

51. Isn't keeping the Sabbath a test of true faith in the last days?

No one is justified by works of the law (Gal 2:16). Sabbaths were a shadow of Christ (Col 2:16-17), and life is by believing (John 5:24).

yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law, because no flesh will be justified by the works of the law.

Galatians 2:16 (WEB)

Let no one therefore judge you in eating, or in drinking, or with respect to a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day, which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ’s.

Colossians 2:16-17 (WEB)

“Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

John 5:24 (WEB)

52. Jesus said He didn't come to abolish the law (Matt 5:17). Shouldn't we keep it?

Christ fulfilled the law, and believers are not under it (Rom 6:14; 10:4). Its demands are why we need a gift, not a wage (Rom 3:19-24).

“Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill.

Matthew 5:17 (WEB)

For sin will not have dominion over you. For you are not under law, but under grace.

Romans 6:14 (WEB)

For Christ is the fulfillment of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Romans 10:4 (WEB)

Now we know that whatever things the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be closed, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God. Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight. For through the law comes the knowledge of sin. But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction, for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus;

Romans 3:19-24 (WEB)

53. Don't the commandments-keepers in Revelation 14:12 show obedience is required?

Rev 14:12 describes faithful endurance during the Tribulation, a call to faithfulness, not the condition of eternal life (Rev 22:17).

Here is the patience of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”

Revelation 14:12 (WEB)

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” He who hears, let him say, “Come!” He who is thirsty, let him come. He who desires, let him take the water of life freely.

Revelation 22:17 (WEB)

54. Isn't the investigative judgment deciding whether we're worthy?

Believers will not come into judgment over their eternal destiny (John 5:24). The judgment seat of Christ is about rewards (2 Cor 5:10).

“Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

John 5:24 (WEB)

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

2 Corinthians 5:10 (WEB)

55. Grace isn't a license to break God's law. Don't you have to obey to stay saved?

We obey out of gratitude and for reward, and life is never at stake (Rom 6:1-2; John 10:28).

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? May it never be! We who died to sin, how could we live in it any longer?

Romans 6:1-2 (WEB)

I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

John 10:28 (WEB)

56. Didn't Paul keep the law and the feasts?

Paul adapted to Jewish customs for the gospel's sake but stated plainly that he was not under the law (1 Cor 9:20-21; Gal 2:19-21).

To the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law.

1 Corinthians 9:20-21 (WEB)

For I, through the law, died to the law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me. I don’t make void the grace of God. For if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing!”

Galatians 2:19-21 (WEB)

57. Isn't 'the law of Christ' just Torah?

Hebrews says the old covenant is obsolete and the priesthood and law have changed (Heb 7:12; 8:13). The law of Christ is love (Gal 6:2; 5:14).

For the priesthood being changed, there is of necessity a change made also in the law.

Hebrews 7:12 (WEB)

In that he says, “A new covenant”, he has made the first old. But that which is becoming old and grows aged is near to vanishing away.

Hebrews 8:13 (WEB)

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2 (WEB)

For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Galatians 5:14 (WEB)

58. Doesn't 1 John 3:4 define sin as lawlessness, so ignoring Torah is sin?

Lawlessness means rebellion against God. Believers do sin and are cleansed (1 John 1:8-9), but their life is not forfeited (1 John 5:13).

Everyone who sins also commits lawlessness. Sin is lawlessness.

1 John 3:4 (WEB)

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:8-9 (WEB)

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5:13 (WEB)

59. Ellen White's writings were prophetic and support obedience-based salvation.

Any claimed revelation must match Scripture (Gal 1:8-9; Isa 8:20). Scripture's gospel is free (Rom 6:23).

But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any “good news” other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed. As we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any “good news” other than that which you received, let him be cursed.

Galatians 1:8-9 (WEB)

Turn to the law and to the testimony! If they don’t speak according to this word, surely there is no morning for them.

Isaiah 8:20 (WEB)

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

Romans 6:23 (WEB)

60. If you eat unclean food or worship on Sunday, are you really saved?

Jesus declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19). Paul leaves holy days to conscience (Rom 14:5-6; Col 2:16). Salvation rests on Christ, not diet or day (Eph 2:8-9).

because it doesn’t go into his heart, but into his stomach, then into the latrine, thus purifying all foods?”

Mark 7:19 (WEB)

One man esteems one day as more important. Another esteems every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks. He who doesn’t eat, to the Lord he doesn’t eat, and gives God thanks.

Romans 14:5-6 (WEB)

Let no one therefore judge you in eating, or in drinking, or with respect to a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day,

Colossians 2:16 (WEB)

for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (WEB)

61. 2 Nephi 25:23 says we are saved by grace 'after all we can do.'

The Bible says grace and works are mutually exclusive for receiving life (Rom 11:6; Eph 2:8-9). No after is required: he who believes has eternal life now (John 6:47).

And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.

Romans 11:6 (WEB)

for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (WEB)

Most certainly, I tell you, he who believes in me has eternal life.

John 6:47 (WEB)

62. Isn't exaltation earned through ordinances and covenants in the temple?

Christ's sacrifice was once for all, and nothing is left to add (Heb 10:10-14). Eternal life is the free gift of God (Rom 6:23).

by which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Every priest indeed stands day by day serving and often offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins, but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; from that time waiting until his enemies are made the footstool of his feet. For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

Hebrews 10:10-14 (WEB)

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

Romans 6:23 (WEB)

63. Doesn't the Book of Mormon restore plain truths lost from the Bible?

God's word endures forever (Isa 40:8; 1 Pet 1:24-25), and Paul warns against any other gospel (Gal 1:8). The Bible's plain truth is believing in Jesus (John 20:31).

The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God stands forever.”

Isaiah 40:8 (WEB)

For, “All flesh is like grass, and all of man’s glory like the flower in the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls; but the Lord’s word endures forever.” This is the word of Good News which was preached to you.

1 Peter 1:24-25 (WEB)

But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any “good news” other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed.

Galatians 1:8 (WEB)

but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

John 20:31 (WEB)

64. Everyone gets resurrected anyway; isn't eternal life about progressing to the highest degree of glory?

In the Bible, eternal life is knowing God through Christ, given as a gift (John 17:3; 1 John 5:11-12). Rewards differ among believers, not levels of salvation earned (1 Cor 3:12-15).

This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ.

John 17:3 (WEB)

The testimony is this, that God gave to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has the life. He who doesn’t have God’s Son doesn’t have the life.

1 John 5:11-12 (WEB)

But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or stubble; each man’s work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will test what sort of work each man’s work is. If any man’s work remains which he built on it, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, but as through fire.

1 Corinthians 3:12-15 (WEB)

65. Don't we need priesthood authority to be baptized and saved?

Jesus is the only High Priest needed, holding an unchangeable priesthood (Heb 7:23-25). Life is by faith, not by priestly rites (Acts 16:31).

Many, indeed, have been made priests, because they are hindered from continuing by death. But he, because he lives forever, has his priesthood unchangeable. Therefore he is also able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, seeing that he lives forever to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:23-25 (WEB)

They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Acts 16:31 (WEB)

66. Isn't the Jesus you believe in different from our Jesus? Don't we both believe?

The object of faith matters: the eternal God the Son who became man (John 1:1, 14; 8:24, 58). Believing in Him for eternal life is what saves (John 11:25-27).

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:1 (WEB)

The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14 (WEB)

I said therefore to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am he, you will die in your sins.”

John 8:24 (WEB)

Jesus said to them, “Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM.”

John 8:58 (WEB)

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, God’s Son, he who comes into the world.”

John 11:25-27 (WEB)

67. Can't a testimony of the Spirit (burning in the bosom) confirm truth over the Bible?

Feelings are tested by Scripture (1 John 4:1; Jer 17:9). The Spirit's testimony matches God's written word (1 John 5:9-13).

Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

1 John 4:1 (WEB)

The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt: who can know it?

Jeremiah 17:9 (WEB)

If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is God’s testimony which he has testified concerning his Son. He who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. He who doesn’t believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. The testimony is this, that God gave to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has the life. He who doesn’t have God’s Son doesn’t have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5:9-13 (WEB)

68. James 2 shows works are necessary. Why do you skip it?

James is about faith being useful and justification before people (Jas 2:14-18). Life is received by faith apart from works (Rom 4:5).

What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him? And if a brother or sister is naked and in lack of daily food, and one of you tells them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled”; and yet you didn’t give them the things the body needs, what good is it? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself. Yes, a man will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith.

James 2:14-18 (WEB)

But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.

Romans 4:5 (WEB)

69. Don't we need to endure to the end to receive eternal life?

Jesus says the believer HAS eternal life now and will never perish (John 5:24; 10:28). Endurance relates to reward (2 Tim 2:12).

“Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

John 5:24 (WEB)

I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

John 10:28 (WEB)

If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us.

2 Timothy 2:12 (WEB)

70. Isn't 'once saved always saved' dangerous because people stop trying?

Grace motivates good works out of love, and there are rewards and discipline (Titus 2:11-14; 2 Cor 5:10). Security is the foundation for obedience, not its enemy.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.

Titus 2:11-14 (WEB)

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

2 Corinthians 5:10 (WEB)

71. Only the 144,000 are born again and go to heaven. Others hope for life on a paradise earth.

Jesus offers eternal life to whoever believes (John 3:16; Rev 22:17). Every believer is born of God (1 John 5:1).

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

John 3:16 (WEB)

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” He who hears, let him say, “Come!” He who is thirsty, let him come. He who desires, let him take the water of life freely.

Revelation 22:17 (WEB)

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God. Whoever loves the Father also loves the child who is born of him.

1 John 5:1 (WEB)

72. Doesn't salvation require faithful service with Jehovah's organization?

There is one Mediator, Christ, not an organization (1 Tim 2:5). Life is through faith in Him (John 6:47).

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

1 Timothy 2:5 (WEB)

Most certainly, I tell you, he who believes in me has eternal life.

John 6:47 (WEB)

73. Jesus is a created being, Michael the archangel. You can believe in Him without saying He's God.

Jesus is the eternal Word who is God and the Creator of all things (John 1:1-3; Col 1:16-17). Thomas called Him Lord and God, and Jesus accepted it (John 20:28).

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him. Without him was not anything made that has been made.

John 1:1-3 (WEB)

For by him all things were created, in the heavens and on the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things are held together.

Colossians 1:16-17 (WEB)

Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”

John 20:28 (WEB)

74. Faith must be shown by preaching door to door. Doesn't Jesus say we must endure?

Service is a call to discipleship with rewards (1 Cor 3:8). Eternal life is a present possession by faith (1 John 5:13).

Now he who plants and he who waters are the same, but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

1 Corinthians 3:8 (WEB)

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5:13 (WEB)

75. Isn't eternal life only granted after the Millennium if you remain faithful?

Jesus says believers HAVE it now and have passed from death to life (John 5:24).

“Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

John 5:24 (WEB)

76. Isn't it presumptuous to claim you're anointed?

Every believer has the anointing of the Spirit (1 John 2:20, 27; 2 Cor 1:21-22).

You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.

1 John 2:20 (WEB)

As for you, the anointing which you received from him remains in you, and you don’t need for anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, you will remain in him.

1 John 2:27 (WEB)

Now he who establishes us with you in Christ, and anointed us, is God; who also sealed us, and gave us the down payment of the Spirit in our hearts.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (WEB)

77. Doesn't Philippians 2:12 mean we have to work hard to earn it?

Paul is writing to saints about their community life, with God already at work in them (Phil 2:13). Eternal life is a gift (Rom 6:23).

So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Philippians 2:12 (WEB)

For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.

Philippians 2:13 (WEB)

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

Romans 6:23 (WEB)

78. The New World Translation gets John 1:1 right: 'a god.'

Scripture allows only one true God (Isa 43:10; 44:6), and John calls the Word the Creator (John 1:3). Jesus applied 'I AM' to Himself (John 8:58).

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:1 (WEB)

“You are my witnesses,” says Yahweh, “With my servant whom I have chosen; that you may know and believe me, and understand that I am he. Before me there was no God formed, neither will there be after me.

Isaiah 43:10 (WEB)

This is what Yahweh, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, Yahweh of Armies, says: “I am the first, and I am the last; and besides me there is no God.

Isaiah 44:6 (WEB)

All things were made through him. Without him was not anything made that has been made.

John 1:3 (WEB)

Jesus said to them, “Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM.”

John 8:58 (WEB)

79. Doesn't God need an earthly organization to dispense truth?

The Spirit teaches every believer through the word (1 John 2:27; 2 Tim 3:16-17).

As for you, the anointing which you received from him remains in you, and you don’t need for anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, you will remain in him.

1 John 2:27 (WEB)

Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (WEB)

80. Can't you be disfellowshipped and lose your hope of life?

Life given by Christ cannot be taken away by men (John 10:28-29; Rom 8:33-34).

I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

John 10:28-29 (WEB)

Who could bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

Romans 8:33-34 (WEB)

81. If God is loving, why would He send anyone to hell?

God doesn't want anyone to perish and has made life freely available to all (2 Pet 3:9; John 3:16-18). Unbelief, not lack of goodness, is what condemns (John 3:18).

The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9 (WEB)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn’t believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.

John 3:16-18 (WEB)

He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn’t believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.

John 3:18 (WEB)

82. Aren't all religions basically the same, just different paths up the mountain?

Jesus claimed to be the only way to the Father (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Every works-based path contradicts a free gift.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.

John 14:6 (WEB)

There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!”

Acts 4:12 (WEB)

83. Isn't it unfair that a murderer who believes goes to heaven, but a good person who doesn't believe goes to hell?

No one is good enough (Rom 3:10-12, 23). Grace is undeserved by definition (Rom 5:8), and every believer still faces judgment for rewards (2 Cor 5:10).

As it is written, “There is no one righteous; no, not one. There is no one who understands. There is no one who seeks after God. They have all turned aside. They have together become unprofitable. There is no one who does good, no, not so much as one.”

Romans 3:10-12 (WEB)

for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;

Romans 3:23 (WEB)

But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 (WEB)

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

2 Corinthians 5:10 (WEB)

84. Why believe the Bible at all?

Jesus' resurrection is the central claim, attested by eyewitnesses (1 Cor 15:3-8). John wrote his signs so people would believe and have life (John 20:30-31).

For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers at once, most of whom remain until now, but some have also fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all, as to the child born at the wrong time, he appeared to me also.

1 Corinthians 15:3-8 (WEB)

Therefore Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

John 20:30-31 (WEB)

85. Isn't free grace just a license to do whatever you want?

Sin still has painful consequences: discipline, loss of reward, and broken fellowship (Gal 6:7-8; Heb 12:6). Grace trains believers to live godly lives (Titus 2:11-12).

Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Galatians 6:7-8 (WEB)

For whom the Lord loves, he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives.”

Hebrews 12:6 (WEB)

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world;

Titus 2:11-12 (WEB)

86. What about people who never heard of Jesus?

God rewards those who seek Him (Heb 11:6; Acts 10:1-6, 43), and the message of life is to be taken to every nation (Rom 10:14-15).

Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him.

Hebrews 11:6 (WEB)

Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man, and one who feared God with all his house, who gave gifts for the needy generously to the people, and always prayed to God. At about the ninth hour of the day, he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God coming to him, and saying to him, “Cornelius!” He, fastening his eyes on him, and being frightened, said, “What is it, Lord?” He said to him, “Your prayers and your gifts to the needy have gone up for a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa, and get Simon, who is also called Peter. He lodges with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside.

Acts 10:1-6 (WEB)

All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.”

Acts 10:43 (WEB)

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher? And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!”

Romans 10:14-15 (WEB)

87. I'm a good person. Isn't that enough?

God's standard is perfection, and all fall short (Rom 3:23; Jas 2:10). That's why life is a gift (Rom 6:23).

for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;

Romans 3:23 (WEB)

For whoever keeps the whole law, and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.

James 2:10 (WEB)

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

Romans 6:23 (WEB)

88. If it's this simple, why do most churches disagree?

Scripture predicted people would add to the gospel (Gal 1:6-9). Jesus' own words are simple: believe and have life (John 6:47).

I marvel that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different “good news”; and there isn’t another “good news.” Only there are some who trouble you, and want to pervert the Good News of Christ. But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any “good news” other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed. As we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any “good news” other than that which you received, let him be cursed.

Galatians 1:6-9 (WEB)

Most certainly, I tell you, he who believes in me has eternal life.

John 6:47 (WEB)

89. What does 'believe' even mean? Isn't it just intellectual agreement?

To believe is to be convinced that what Jesus promises is true, namely that He gives eternal life to the believer (John 11:25-27). It's trust in His promise, not a feeling or a work.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, God’s Son, he who comes into the world.”

John 11:25-27 (WEB)

90. Wouldn't a just God require us to earn our place?

Justice was satisfied at the cross, where Christ paid it all (Rom 3:24-26; 1 John 2:2). God is both just and the justifier of the one who believes.

being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; whom God sent to be an atoning sacrifice, through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God’s forbearance; to demonstrate his righteousness at this present time; that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.

Romans 3:24-26 (WEB)

And he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.

1 John 2:2 (WEB)

91. James 2:14: 'Can faith save him?' The answer is no.

In context, the saving is deliverance in this life from sin's damage, as James uses the word elsewhere (Jas 1:21; 5:19-20). Faith without works is useless to a needy brother (Jas 2:15-16), but it isn't fake.

What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him?

James 2:14 (WEB)

Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

James 1:21 (WEB)

Brothers, if any among you wanders from the truth and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

James 5:19-20 (WEB)

And if a brother or sister is naked and in lack of daily food, and one of you tells them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled”; and yet you didn’t give them the things the body needs, what good is it?

James 2:15-16 (WEB)

92. Hebrews 6:4-6: it's impossible to renew them again to repentance after falling away.

The writer is speaking to genuine believers about losing reward and being burned like an unfruitful field, not about losing life (Heb 6:7-9). He says things that accompany salvation are better (Heb 6:9).

For concerning those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come, and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance; seeing they crucify the Son of God for themselves again, and put him to open shame.

Hebrews 6:4-6 (WEB)

For the land which has drunk the rain that comes often on it, and produces a crop suitable for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receives blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and thistles, it is rejected and near being cursed, whose end is to be burned. But, beloved, we are persuaded of better things for you, and things that accompany salvation, even though we speak like this.

Hebrews 6:7-9 (WEB)

But, beloved, we are persuaded of better things for you, and things that accompany salvation, even though we speak like this.

Hebrews 6:9 (WEB)

93. Hebrews 10:26-27: there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, only fearful judgment.

This warns believers about severe temporal discipline (Heb 10:30, 'the Lord will judge His people'). The same chapter says believers are perfected forever (Heb 10:14).

For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which will devour the adversaries.

Hebrews 10:26-27 (WEB)

For we know him who said, “Vengeance belongs to me,” says the Lord, “I will repay.” Again, “The Lord will judge his people.”

Hebrews 10:30 (WEB)

For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

Hebrews 10:14 (WEB)

94. Matthew 7:21-23: not everyone who says Lord, Lord will enter, and Jesus tells some, 'I never knew you.'

These people point to their own works for entry (Matt 7:22). Jesus' answer is that the will of the Father is to believe in the Son (John 6:40).

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’ Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’

Matthew 7:21-23 (WEB)

Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’

Matthew 7:22 (WEB)

This is the will of the one who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son, and believes in him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

John 6:40 (WEB)

95. John 15:6: branches that don't abide are thrown into the fire.

Abiding concerns fruitfulness and fellowship (John 15:4-8). The fire imagery is a figure for loss of usefulness and reward (1 Cor 3:15), not hell, since a believer cannot perish (John 10:28).

If a man doesn’t remain in me, he is thrown out as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

John 15:6 (WEB)

Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can’t bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me. I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If a man doesn’t remain in me, he is thrown out as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you. “In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; and so you will be my disciples.

John 15:4-8 (WEB)

If any man’s work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, but as through fire.

1 Corinthians 3:15 (WEB)

I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

John 10:28 (WEB)

96. Matthew 24:13: he who endures to the end will be saved.

That speaks of physical deliverance during the Tribulation (Matt 24:15-22), not the condition for eternal life (John 3:16).

But he who endures to the end, the same will be saved.

Matthew 24:13 (WEB)

“When, therefore, you see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take out things that are in his house. Let him who is in the field not return back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are with child and to nursing mothers in those days! Pray that your flight will not be in the winter, nor on a Sabbath, for then there will be great oppression, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever will be. Unless those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved. But for the sake of the chosen ones, those days will be shortened.

Matthew 24:15-22 (WEB)

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

John 3:16 (WEB)

97. Philippians 2:12: work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Paul is writing to saints (Phil 1:1) about their life together, and God is the one already working in them (Phil 2:13). Paul says to work out what God has already given, not to work for it.

So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Philippians 2:12 (WEB)

Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ; To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and servants:

Philippians 1:1 (WEB)

For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.

Philippians 2:13 (WEB)

98. Colossians 1:23: if you continue in the faith.

The condition is about being presented holy and blameless, a matter of reward and approval (Col 1:22-23), not about keeping eternal life (Col 2:10-13).

if it is so that you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Good News which you heard, which is being proclaimed in all creation under heaven; of which I, Paul, was made a servant.

Colossians 1:23 (WEB)

yet now he has reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without defect and blameless before him, if it is so that you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Good News which you heard, which is being proclaimed in all creation under heaven; of which I, Paul, was made a servant.

Colossians 1:22-23 (WEB)

and in him you are made full, who is the head of all principality and power; in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. You were dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. He made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,

Colossians 2:10-13 (WEB)

99. Romans 2:6-7: God gives eternal life to those who persevere in doing good.

Paul is showing the law's standard in order to prove that no one meets it (Rom 3:9-20). His answer comes in Romans 3:21-28 and 4:5: righteousness by faith.

who “will pay back to everyone according to their works:” to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory, honor, and incorruptibility, eternal life;

Romans 2:6-7 (WEB)

What then? Are we better than they? No, in no way. For we previously warned both Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin. As it is written, “There is no one righteous; no, not one. There is no one who understands. There is no one who seeks after God. They have all turned aside. They have together become unprofitable. There is no one who does good, no, not so much as one.” “Their throat is an open tomb. With their tongues they have used deceit.” “The poison of vipers is under their lips”; “whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood. Destruction and misery are in their ways. The way of peace, they haven’t known.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Now we know that whatever things the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be closed, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God. Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight. For through the law comes the knowledge of sin.

Romans 3:9-20 (WEB)

But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction, for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; whom God sent to be an atoning sacrifice, through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God’s forbearance; to demonstrate his righteousness at this present time; that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus. Where then is the boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. We maintain therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.

Romans 3:21-28 (WEB)

100. Galatians 6:8: whoever sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Paul speaks of eternal life as an experienced reward that believers can enjoy more richly (Gal 6:7-9; John 10:10). Its gift has already been received by faith (Gal 2:16; 3:2).

For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Galatians 6:8 (WEB)

Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up.

Galatians 6:7-9 (WEB)

The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.

John 10:10 (WEB)

yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law, because no flesh will be justified by the works of the law.

Galatians 2:16 (WEB)

I just want to learn this from you. Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith?

Galatians 3:2 (WEB)