Redemptions Receipt

“If Jesus paid the price and God forgives, what do I have to do?

The very knowledge that we’re sinners living in rebellion against the ever patient God who gave us the air we breathe, the clothes we wear, the sunsets we enjoy, and the people we embrace should break our hearts. We must acknowledge that no level of works can be done to make up for the wrongs committed against a holy and perfect God. Instead, we must humbly surrender to Jesus, acknowledging Him as God, the one who paid for our sins, and genuinely repent. Repentance involves being truly sorry for our wrongs and committing to turn away from wickedness. Romans 10:9-10 assures, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” This is God’s promise of salvation for anyone willing to accept it.”

Isn’t the Bible full of contradictions?

Alleged Bible errors are well known to Bible scholars and have all been addressed and found not to be errors after all. A abundance of these explanations can be found in John W. Haley’s, Alleged Discrepancies of the Bible. In every case, the reader is stumbling on presupposed discrepancy, contextual ignorance, or a linguistic misunderstanding, there is a logical explanation for the supposed errors. Commonly, those that use this as a primary argument against the validity of the Bible have not opened their heart and objectively searched out an explanation, and are rather seeking to escape its authority.

Doesn’t science disprove the bible?

On the contrary, the Bible confirms modern sciences and affirms discoveries made hundreds of years after it. Heres some scientific facts in the Bible. Job 26:7 speaks of the earth being hung on nothing. The first line of Isiah 40:22 reads, “It is He (God) who sits above the sphere of the earth.” The father of oceanography Matthew Maury noticed the expression “paths of the sea” in Psalm 8:8 (written 2,800 years ago) and set out to go find them. He said, “If God said there are paths in the sea, I am going to find them.” He led to the discovery of the warm and cold continental currents. The Bible is filled with hundreds of unexplainable miraculous scientific statements that have been recently proven true from the orbit of the sun around the Milky Way (Psalm 19:6) to how to stop the spread of bacteria with washing hands (Leviticus 15:13). This is just a small sliver of the abundant evidence for the confirmation of God’s word.

Where did the Bible come from?

The Bible is a compilation of 66 ancient scrolls written by 40+ global authors over the span of 1500 years. Despite its extremely dispersed roots it is a highly synchronous ongoing documentation of events pertaining to mans relationship with God. All pointing to humanities redemption through Jesus Christ. Those who wrote the books of the Bible were inspired by God. Just like you and I would use a pen to write on paper, God used individuals to pen his words down

How do I know if I’m saved?

New believers often grapple with doubting their salvation. Romans 10:9 emphasizes salvation through faith in Jesus, not earned by personal works. It’s a free gift for those trusting in the Lord, as Ephesians 2:8-9 underscores salvation by grace, not works. Recognizing feelings don’t determine salvation is crucial; it’s an unaltered, freely given gift unaffected by human flaws. Yet, this doesn’t excuse a sinful lifestyle. Confessing Jesus as Lord while embracing sin contradicts salvation’s purpose: restoring intimacy with the Father, not returning to past vices. Running back to what God saved us from defies the point of salvation and may be an indicator of a false convert.

Aren’t there thousands of religions just like Christianity?

 Christianity is not a religious system of do’s and don’ts to appease God, but rather a relationship with Him. All other religions exhort man to reach up to God and grasp hold of Him through their own efforts. Christianity is the only religion where God reaches down to man. Christianity looks to the Bible as the singular source of Truth as it builds up to truly the most amazing event in all of human history—the resurrection. The resurrection is proof of who Jesus is and that He did accomplish what He set out to do: provide the only means of redemption for mankind. Buddha did not rise from the dead. Muhammad did not rise from the dead. Confucius did not rise from the dead. Krishna did not rise from the dead. Only Jesus has physically risen from the dead, walked on water, claimed to be God, and raised others from the dead. Many have embarked on a journey to disprove Christs divinity but most end up giving their lives to him in the end.

If I’m happy, why do I need God?

If the only reason a human being ever needed Jesus was to be happy and a person is already happy without Jesus, then they certainly don’t need Jesus. The New Testament indicates, however, that there’s another reason you or somebody else needs Jesus. There is a God who is altogether holy, who is perfectly just, and who declares that he is going to judge the world and hold every human being accountable for their life. As a perfectly holy and just God, he requires from each one of us a life of perfect obedience and of perfect justness. If there is such a God and if you have lived a life of perfect justness and obedience—that is, if you’re perfect — then you certainly don’t need Jesus. You don’t need a Savior because only unjust people have a problem.

Isn’t faith blind and irrational?

Many struggle with the idea of “blind faith,” but the claim that Christians are called to “blind faith” is simply untrue. There is no place in the Bible where human beings are told, “Believe this, just because.” This misunderstanding is due to a mistaken definition of faith. The Bible’s view of faith is best described as “trust.” This is certainly different from “proof,” but faith is never presented as belief without evidence or against all evidence. In fact, the Bible consistently points to historical events as the basis for our faith. Consider that “absolute proof” is actually rare in human experience. There are virtually no circumstances where anyone has the ability to prove—mathematically, logically, infallibly—anything before he acts. Does this mean we cannot act? No, but it does mean we are constantly acting when we have good reasons but not absolute proof. That, in a nutshell, is the “faith” that the Bible calls for. Rather than calling us to place faith—trust—in the world or other people, Christianity calls on us to place faith—reasonable trust—in God and His message to us.

How could a loving God send a good person to hell?

To address how a loving God could allow individuals to face consequences such as hell, it’s crucial to define God’s love and recognize that humans have personal responsibility and freedom, as emphasized in John 3:16–18. The term “send” in the question overlooks the active role individuals play in determining their destinies. Understanding God’s perfect love and respecting human autonomy helps dispel misconceptions, revealing that God honors free will. While God allows us the freedom to choose how we respond to Him, there are consequences for our choices, as C. S. Lewis notes in “The Great Divorce”: “There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, in the end, ‘Thy will be done.’ All that are in Hell, choose it.”

How can there be a God when the world is so messed up.

God created a world described as “very good” in Genesis 1:31, with human beings bearing the image of God and endowed with sovereign free will. Despite this, humanity chose a path of rebellion, deviating from God’s perfect intent. The presence of evil in the world arises from the exercise of human free will, a choice given by God out of love. Blaming God for evil overlooks the value of autonomy, and the absence of free will would eliminate the potential for evil. In essence, the origin of evil lies in God’s expression of love through granting humanity the choice, with our decisions occasionally deviating from the path aligned with His love. Free will serves as the explanation for the existence of evil in the world.

What does God say about prayer? Whats the point?

viewed as a privilege, serving as an invitation from God for believers to deepen their relationship with Him. Enabled by Jesus’ sacrifice, prayer becomes a means to approach God boldly. Scriptural commands emphasize the role of prayer, with passages such as Psalm 100:4 encouraging gratitude, praise, and blessing as integral aspects. The example set by Jesus underscores the importance of prayer in drawing closer to God. Not only does prayer praise and glorify God, but it also has tangible effects in believers’ lives, offering wisdom, relieving anxiety, and aligning hearts with God’s will. As both an intimate interaction and a corporate event, prayer is deemed a privilege and a valuable spiritual discipline for Christians.

Why wouldn’t God just save everyone?

The question of why God doesn’t save everyone is often based on faulty assumptions, such as the idea that human compassion surpasses God’s. Correcting these assumptions reveals that the question doesn’t carry the weight it seems to. God’s ways are beyond human comprehension, and understanding begins with aligning with His perspective. The creation of humans with the ability to reason and choose reflects God’s respect for our free will. He won’t violate our will, even with His overwhelming love. God’s vulnerability is evident as He allows humans to bring Him joy or sorrow, similar to a couple choosing to have a child. God desires voluntary love and won’t force salvation on the unwilling. He provides opportunities for acknowledgment, but salvation requires willing acceptance of the gift of His Son. The balance between God’s love and justice must be acknowledged, recognizing the serious nature of sin and the need for redemption through faith in Christ. In the end, C. S. Lewis emphasizes that those in Hell choose it, highlighting the importance of individual choice in the ultimate destiny.

How do I find a Church?

When searching for a local church, recognizing imperfections is crucial, and various factors should be considered in the decision-making process. Prayer is essential in discerning the Lord’s guidance, and initial research, including online exploration and reading a church’s doctrinal statement, helps in evaluating options. The preaching and teaching in a church play a pivotal role, underscoring the importance of adhering to the true gospel of Jesus Christ and accurately conveying biblical truths. Doctrinal differences on theological issues should be considered, with a preference for a church emphasizing the Bible as God’s inspired word and acknowledging God’s sovereignty. Fellowship and community within the church are vital, modeled after the early church’s devotion to teaching, communion, and prayer. A welcoming atmosphere and active involvement in various groups within the church, especially for children and those in different life stages, contribute to a meaningful church experience. Additionally, the church’s focus on reaching out with the gospel and engaging in practical service, as well as the consideration of music style, are factors to weigh in the process of finding a suitable church.

Doesn’t the Biblical God condone slavery, and mistreatment of women?

In the Hebraic context of Old Testament slavery, the Mosaic Law aimed to regulate rather than endorse the prevalent practice of that time. Using the term “ebed” for slaves, the law introduced humane measures, allowing Hebrews to sell themselves into indentured servanthood for a maximum of six years. The release in the seventh year, provisions for generous treatment, and the option for a voluntary, lifelong bond highlighted a departure from oppressive slavery. This legal framework demonstrated ethical advancements, introducing humanitarian considerations, rights for slaves, and constraints on masters’ actions, deviating from common ancient Near East practices.

Simultaneously, the Bible’s moral greatness challenges sexist attitudes by featuring women in influential roles and promoting their spiritual equality. Biblical teachings, exemplified by Jesus and reinforced by Paul, defy societal norms, advocating respect and equality between genders. Examining the Bible in its historical context reveals moral advancements, endorsing the dignity and equality of all individuals, regardless of gender or social status.

What is the Trinity?

The Trinity is a complex Christian concept about one God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Even though the term “Trinity” isn’t in the Bible, the idea is present in various scriptures. These passages distinguish the roles of each Person as a form of God, manifested, or understood in three diffrent ways. The Bible affirms their perfect equality, unity, and divinity. The Trinity’s subordination reflects their internal relationship, challenging our understanding. Attempts to illustrate it fall short, as no analogy can capture an infinite God. Despite historical debates, the core idea is clear in the Bible, encouraging believers to focus on God’s greatness rather than complete understanding.

What about people who never heard of Jesus?

Everyone is accountable to God because He’s shown Himself through nature and our hearts. The problem is, we often reject this and rebel against God due to our sinfulness. If we genuinely seek God, He assures us we’ll find Him. The main issue isn’t that some haven’t heard about God, but that many reject what they already know. The Bible emphasizes that those who truly seek God will find Him. Christians are encouraged to share the gospel worldwide because people tend to reject the knowledge of God. Assuming automatic mercy for those who never hear undermines the need for spreading the gospel. The Bible is clear that without knowing Christ, people face eternal separation from God. So, it’s crucial to share the gospel, aligning with Jesus’ instruction to reach the whole world.

Where did God come from?

Skeptics often question God’s existence by asking who or what caused God. This assumes God needs a cause, but the flaw lies in the assumption that God came from somewhere. The question doesn’t make sense because God, unlike created things, is uncaused and uncreated. God simply exists. This understanding arises from the principle that from nothing, nothing comes. As things exist, there must have always been something in existence. That eternal something is identified as God, the uncaused Being who brought everything else into existence as the uncreated Creator.

What’s the point of the Old Testament?

Studying the Old Testament not only sets the stage for the New Testament but crucially builds the case for Jesus Christ. Prophecies in books like Daniel predict specific details about His birth, death, and resurrection, underscoring His role as the awaited Messiah. The Old Testament narratives reveal human struggles, emphasizing the need for a Savior due to our inability to follow God’s law perfectly. Lessons from figures like Daniel provide guidance and moral insights, pointing to the necessity of redemption. The sacrificial system and covenants in the Old Testament symbolically highlight the need for atonement, finding their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus’ life and sacrifice. In essence, the Old Testament creates a narrative of anticipation, emphasizing human inadequacy and the subsequent need for redemption, which culminates in the person and work of Jesus Christ.