Bible Studies/Salvation

Advertisement

Expert: - 8/22/2011


Question
If someone was to come to you saying they were doubting their salvation, what would you say to them?

Answer
I would tell them that first of all, if the Holy Spirit was no longer drawing them, I cannot see that they would even be concerned. Their concern is evidence therefore of God's continued desire that they persevere to the end.

Second, we have this promise in scripture:

John 10:28-29 "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given [them] to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of My Father's hand.

So we cannot lose our salvation, though there are verses suggesting that we could willingly reject it. If one is concerned, then clearly they have not willingly rejected their salvation.

Next, is to perhaps explore the truth or God's word and the evidence that validates that truth in order to help strengthen their faith and understanding. There are entire books written on this topic and far too much to review in detail here, but the areas that could be explored are:

1) Review what scripture says about salvation.
2) The evidence for the validity of the scriptures themselves (if that is an issue in the persons mind that may be causing some doubt)
3) The evidence for the truth of the gospel, throughout the Bible, including prophetically.

I hope that this helps.

Tom
http://discern.ca

Bible Studies

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Tom Smith

Expertise

I am able to answer a wide range of questions regarding orthodox Christian theology as well as those of many of the more common cults and religious movements (inside and outside of the church). This includes Protestantism, Charismatic movement, New Apostolic Reformation, Strategic Prayer/Spiritual Warfare, Catholicism, Mormonism, Jehovah Witnesses, Calvinism, Reformed Church, Baptist Church, Pentecostalism, and Oneness Pentecostalism. I have been a member of or have attended many of the above. I have studied the beliefs and literature of the remaining through a variety of means, including in most cases interacting with members and/or leaders in these organizations. I also maintain a significant library/resource of information on these movements and organizations.

Experience

I have been a lifelong student of the Bible. In addition, I have been saved through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, and believe in the truth of God's Holy word in the Bible as the inerrant and infallible word of God. I have been a believer for over 43 years. Other qualifications include:

- Former member of the counril of a local church
- Speaker at the "Last Days Bible Conference" and other functions.
- Researcher into religious movements and cults (maintain website with information on some of these movements and cults)
- Member of the Apologetics Coordination Team

I hold to the view that the Bible is inerrant and infallible, and I belief that the Bible is our sole authority on matters of faith and doctrine (Sola Scripture, Sola Fide).

Organizations
Apologetics Coordination Team (http://op.50megs.com/act/) Network of Christian Apologists in Calgary (http://www.whyjesus.ca)

Publications
Website, accessible by means of http://discern.ca or http://www.religioninfo.org; and Audio files of talks at Last Days Bible Conference available at http://ldbc.ca

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.