the study of the mechanisms by which an individual is saved
35
votes
9answers
1k views
Who saved people before ~33AD?
The exact date isn't important but at some point about 2000 years ago Christ died on a cross. Since that point Christians everywhere have put their faith in Him. He claimed to be the Way, the Truth ...
35
votes
10answers
2k views
What happens to people who have never heard about Jesus? [closed]
There seems to be general consensus inside Christianity that in order to be saved, you must have faith, and that this faith has to be in Jesus Christ. Here is one verse sometimes cited for the ...
26
votes
10answers
621 views
Biblical basis for baptism as a prerequisite for salvation
Some people believe that if you have not been baptized, you cannot be saved.
Others (including myself) believe that it is merely the outward declaration of what has already happened in the heart.
...
24
votes
6answers
370 views
Is the “sinner's prayer” important for salvation and why?
In evangelical churches the sinner's prayer is a very much emphasized aspect for someone to become or convert to being a Christian. In fact, most church services I attended growing up ended with the ...
23
votes
10answers
2k views
Can an atheist go to heaven?
The question of who goes to heaven and who to hell seems to result in very different answers depending on which tradition the Christian answering belongs to. Some traditions, especially evangelical ...
18
votes
5answers
556 views
Are there unforgivable sins?
Jesus came and died for our sins so that we may be forgiven and have salvation.
But Matthew 12:32 (NIV) says there is at least one thing to prevent being forgiven.
32 Anyone who speaks a word ...
16
votes
6answers
1k views
What happens to unborn, unbaptized babies who die?
If we accept that unborn babies are human beings and not merely a non-human organism, and further we require baptism as a prerequisite for salvation (using it as justification for infant baptism)...
...
16
votes
4answers
265 views
How does Matthew 25:31-46 (“The Sheep and the Goats”) reconcile with salvation by faith?
In Matthew 25:31-46 (a passage subtitled "The Sheep and the Goats" in the NIV), Jesus seems to be drawing a direct relationship between good works and salvation.
Matthew 25:31-46 NIV:
31 “When ...
14
votes
5answers
504 views
Is it possible to be a Christian by birth?
My parents are both Christians. When we were kids they always took us to church. Does that make me a Christian?
14
votes
8answers
311 views
The Grace Gambit
You might be familiar with Pascal's Wager, also known as Pascal's Gambit. It states that one is best off believing in Christianity, because, if it is true, you'll be saved and go to heaven, and if it ...
14
votes
5answers
750 views
Praying for someone's salvation. Is there a point?
According to I Timothy 2:4 (NIV), God "...wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth".
But since we have free will, God cannot make us choose to accept the salvation that is ...
14
votes
6answers
798 views
Can a Christian walk away from his or her salvation?
There is a plethora of verses that say that people can not cause a saved Christian to lose his salvation, such as
John 10:29 (NLT)
29 for my Father has given them to me, and he is ...
14
votes
3answers
478 views
How could a loving, just, merciful God have created such an unfair test for humans?
According to the Bible, God is loving:
1 John 4 (NIV)
8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1 John 4 (NIV)
16 And so we know and rely on the love God ...
13
votes
7answers
311 views
Why are some people born into famine and starvation?
I was raised Christadelphian, and after 17 years of education and reading the bible, I dismissed my faith and left the church. One of my main reasons for turning my back on God was this.
Why is it ...
13
votes
3answers
188 views
When did knowledge of Christ's sacrifice become necessary for salvation?
First, this question makes two assumptions:
For a person to be saved today, they must hear the gospel of Jesus Christ, and accept the gift of His death on the cross as penance for their sin.
Before ...
13
votes
1answer
179 views
What are the primary differences and implications of a propitiatory view of the atonement versus an expiatory view?
Western theology tends to view atonement as propitiation, while Eastern tends to view it as expiation. What are the primary differences and implications of each perspective? Are they antithetical or ...
12
votes
3answers
460 views
How do you “Convert” somebody to Christianity?
A highly debated topic I know. There are hundreds of answers for this, but I would personally like to know what the Bible says about this.
If somebody was interested in being saved, what is my ...
12
votes
7answers
448 views
Is there a significant difference between salvation by faith with works and salvation by faith and works?
I used to think that sola fide meant salvation by faith irrespective of works. Then I started reading about it and realized it means salvation by faith with works.
Works are necessary for ...
12
votes
7answers
757 views
If we are saved by grace, then why does Jesus say we must be baptized in both spirit and water?
Ephesians 2:4-9 says:
But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He
loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive
together with Christ (by grace ...
12
votes
2answers
1k views
What happens to non-believers or believers of other religions after death?
What happens (according to Christians) to people who specificially rejected the idea of God, the Bible and the christian teachings after they die?
Is there a difference to people who believed in ...
12
votes
5answers
501 views
How is love greater than faith?
1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Sola-fide states that faith alone brings salvation. In this oft-quoted ...
12
votes
4answers
187 views
Is righteousness a prerequisite for salvation?
James 2:24 NIV
24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.
In James we are told that a person would be considered righteous by their deeds and not ...
12
votes
4answers
468 views
Since God provided for the forgiveness of sins in the Old Testament, why do we need Jesus?
I thought of this when I was researching this question.
Leviticus 4 goes into great detail about the sacrifice that must be made in order for a sin to be forgiven. However, we see here that God ...
12
votes
1answer
244 views
What is the difference between the doctrines of “Perseverance of the Saints” and “Eternal Security?”
The terms "Perseverance of the Saints," "Eternal Security," and the phrase "once saved, always saved" are a bit fuzzy in my head. I understand the general concept behind them, but what are the ...
12
votes
4answers
723 views
Do I get a second chance to believe in Jesus after I die?
As if some people couldn't get far enough away from them on earth, several verses in the Bible seem to indicate that there will be preachers even in Hell.
1 Peter 4:6 (ESV)
For this is why the ...
11
votes
3answers
305 views
Can angels be saved?
We know from the Bible that devils are fallen angels, once created good but who chose to join Lucifer's rebel uprising and consequently lost their place in heaven.
Can those angels ever be saved? Can ...
11
votes
4answers
512 views
How do you know that you are reborn of Spirit?
This is by far one of the most profound questions in Christianity today. We have so many different denominations stating many different things. I know that this is a large debate, but go ahead and ...
11
votes
3answers
799 views
Did Satan really not understand God's salvation plan?
I've always been told that when Jesus died on the cross, he ultimately defeated Satan and won victory over death. Satan was not aware of the secret plan and thought that he had defeated Jesus until ...
11
votes
3answers
236 views
Is repentance required for salvation?
I know that through faith alone I am saved. But is repentance a requirement for that salvation as a part of my faith? Is repentance a single act, or should it be continuous?
11
votes
3answers
199 views
What does it mean to “be saved”
It seems common in Christian communities (and in questions on this site) for people to say they have been saved. What does someone mean by this when they say it? How would I know that I have been ...
10
votes
4answers
702 views
How does the Passover foreshadow the coming of Jesus as the Messiah?
In 1 Corinthians 5:7, Paul refers to Jesus as "Christ, our Passover", suggesting that the Passover of Exodus somehow foreshadowed the life of Jesus.
How specifically does the Passover do this?
...
10
votes
6answers
620 views
Are there any Christian denominations that don't believe Jesus is the only way to salvation?
While answering another question, I made a statement that I thought was universal in Christianity:
Jesus is the only route to heaven; without him, you go to hell.
Are there Christian ...
10
votes
5answers
354 views
What is the point of Jesus' crucifixion?
I'd like to obtain moral, not faith explanation - In the story about Jesus' crucifixion: what is the point of cold-blooded murder of God's own son?
The common answer is to save humanity through ...
10
votes
1answer
240 views
Are there Old Testament Scriptures that mention salvation for the Gentiles?
I'm wondering if there are any passages/prophecies about salvation for the Gentile world in the Old Testament. If you know any, please share.
10
votes
1answer
239 views
What does the Roman Catholic church teach about those who die having never heard of Christ?
What does the Roman Catholic church teach about those who die having never heard of Christ? Is there any possibility of salvation for them?
Related:
What happens to people who have never heard about ...
10
votes
2answers
169 views
Calvinist perspective on Luke 18:18-30
Luke 18:18-30 (NIV) tells the story of the "rich young ruler" who asked Christ what he must do to inherit eternal life:
18A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit ...
9
votes
4answers
325 views
Biblical arguments for Universal salvation
Universal salvation, or universal reconciliation is the belief that God will eventually reconcile Himself with every immortal soul. That is, everyone will be saved. This doctrine has a long history. ...
9
votes
6answers
177 views
Could more miraculous works bring more persons to faith?
There are those who say that if they saw the miracles that happens in the time of Moses, or the disciples they would surely have faith.
What are the Biblical reasons for miracle? Is it to create ...
9
votes
3answers
106 views
Are all who are saved, saved equally?
If two people are saved, are they "equally saved?" I don't doubt that both people are completely forgiven, but is it possible for one Christian to be more revered by God than another Christian? Is ...
9
votes
3answers
2k views
What does it mean to be an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ?
Romans 8:16-17
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be ...
8
votes
3answers
368 views
How does the Arminian view of salvation account for God's sovereignty?
The Arminian view of salvation posits that man has free will and the choice to accept salvation is purely on our own free will.
The total sovereignty of God (while disputed in some theological ...
8
votes
4answers
321 views
What is saving faith?
A common soteriological view among Evangelical Christians (such as myself) is that we are saved by grace, through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, this belief is usually accompanied by a ...
8
votes
3answers
375 views
Are the names of all people originally written in the Book of Life?
The Bible speaks about the "Book of Life". It seems that those whose names are written in it will have life and spend eternity in heaven whereas those whose names are not written in it will be cast ...
7
votes
4answers
204 views
What must Man do to receive Eternal Life?
I don't think that any Christian would disagree that Jesus Christ is the only way to God and to your inheritance. But what is man's responsibility? That's what this question is addressing.
What do I ...
7
votes
2answers
244 views
What is the Plan of Salvation in LDS theology?
I know it's different than most Christian faiths' beliefs, and I know the missionaries teach it... I know it's a big part of Mormon curriculum and doctrine, and this site is replete with questions ...
7
votes
2answers
108 views
How do the proponents of the idea that salvation once received cannot be lost explain Hebrews 6:4-6 and 10:26-29?
How do the proponents of the idea that salvation once received cannot be lost explain the following verses:
Hebrews 6:4-6:
For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have
...
7
votes
2answers
218 views
What was Augustine's soteriology?
Can someone provide a summary of Augustine's soteriological views, and their differences from contemporary views?
I'm particularly interested in a comparison of Augustine's soteriology with the ...
7
votes
3answers
209 views
Is belief a work into salvation?
Is the placing of one's faith in Christ for salvation, a work? - Can I produce faith on my own?
How does the Bible answer that question?
7
votes
1answer
186 views
Were there provisions for salvation for non-Hebrews in the OT?
One of the significant points of Jesus ministry and the evangelism done by the early apostles seems to be their going to "gentile" nations and preaching that they too were recipients of God's plan of ...
7
votes
1answer
103 views
When did the teaching that salvation can still be obtained by people after their physical death first appear in the Christianity?
Since the time canon was formed, when did the teaching that salvation can still be obtained by people after their physical death first appear in Christianity?
