Expert: Charlie B - 9/16/2009

Question
Hi

I have read many different web sites and read books on what it means to be saved, yet its either incredibly easy or its incredibly complicated.

As I understand it, if we believe on Christ offering himself for us and dying and rising from the dead and if we believe this is true - THEN and only then do we have the possibility of being saved by the grace of God. And as i understand it, grace is unconditional and a free gift from God. But what does it mean to "believe upon Jesus and you will be saved"?

However, once saved, is that the end of it ( and we toddle off and  live our lives ) or do we have to then adhere to the bible and if so, what do we have to do after being saved? Is there a code of conduct we need to live by after being saved or is just the single act of being saved enough in itself?

As sinners, we cannot EVER be good enough for God, but as Jesus was the perfect sacrifice, his death allowed us to be saved, and his substitution allows us to come before God directly.

But again, what else do we need to do ( if at all ) once we have been saved?

Hope this makes sense,

I have been lengthy in my question as I reckon on many people wondering the same thoughts, and yet its such a basic requirement that seems to be glosse dover or badly explained.

Thanks in advance,

Brian.

Answer
Brian,
Thanks for your question.  I've been traveling so sorry it took me awhile to answer you.

You ask, "But what does it mean to "believe upon Jesus and you will be saved"?

Catholics believe that faith alone does not guarantee being saved, but also your works -- your giving, your sacrifices, your willingness to live the 10 commandments, your tithing, your fidelity to your spouse, and your willingness to love your neighbor...and your God with all of your heart and soul.  Acts of charity for the poor are another example.

You also ask, "...do we have to then adhere to the bible and if so, what do we have to do after being saved?"    Being saved, like life itself, is not an event but a process over time, a journey.  Yes, beyond being saved and accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, you must adhere to the Bible and how Jesus Christ told us to live our lives.

That's the simplest explanation that I can offer you.  If one was "saved" and then didn't have to be concerned ever again about following the Bible and Jesus Christ, then we'd naturally relax our Christian life in a way that likely wouldn't please our Savior.
God bless,
Charlie