QUESTIONS are often as
important as ANSWERS.
Ephesians 2:8, 9
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Saved WHEN?
Some say salvation occurs immediately upon believing, while others have argued that they will be saved but are not already saved. They say there must be a reconciliation or balancing of good and bad acts which will occur after physical death. They believe that after death, each human will learn whether or not they are, in fact, saved from an eternity of unpleasantness.
Saved from WHAT?
If you are already saved, from what are you saved? Surely salvation could not refer to freedom from the concerns of this physical existence. How are those who profess to be “saved” any better off than those who do not profess salvation, godliness, Christianity or any religious or spiritual affiliation?
WHERE Do The Saved Go?
After death, is there a special and wonderful place reserved for those who are saved or is salvation (paradise, the kingdom of heaven, or the kingdom of God) as some suggest, a mental or spiritual state of peace while on earth lasting only for a physical lifespan and ending in oblivion? Is the after-life a state of unconsciousness?
Saved HOW?
Is anyone born saved? If I say "the sinner's prayer", am I saved? Do the words themselves activate my salvation card or is there more to it? Is it absolutely necessary to be baptized? If baptized, should I be completely submerged in water, dunked, or can I be sprinkled?
Can salvation be lost? If so, can it be regained after having been lost? How is it lost? How is it reinstated?
Can salvation be lost? If so, can it be regained after having been lost? How is it lost? How is it reinstated?
WHO?
Many quote John 3:16 to answer the question of who can be saved: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
This passage has been very commonly interpreted to mean anyone on the entire earth who believes in God's son as personal Lord will be saved. There are, however, those who do not accept that interpretation. They say "world" does not mean the universe, as we know it, but rather the world of Israel and "whosoever" does not include everyone, but instead means only those who are of the Hebrew lineage.
What About:
► People Who Are Already Dead? If it is believed that someone died having never repented or having never asked for forgiveness, can their salvation (prevention from "hell", damnation, torture, or other non-ending punishment) be purchased by those who are living? If so, from whom, and what is the cost?
► The Very Young and Special Needs People? What happens with those who may not be mentally capable of understanding what it means to "accept Jesus as Savior". What of the eternity of those who can't speak at all?
► People Who Have Not Been Exposed to the Gospel? What happens to those who live in countries or communities where there are no Bibles nor is there any Christian teaching permitted?
► Predestination? Are there some who are preset for pleasantness or punishment? Do people have predetermined paths with regard to salvation or damnation? Does everyone have an equal opportunity to be saved or are some bound for glory while others are hell-bound without any choice?
► Rewards? Are there greater rewards for some than for others in God's kingdom?
MORE
from Search the Scriptures: