Christian Challenge International

"Ask the Pastor"

We frequently receive questions in email from people about doctrine, practice, etc. From time to time we will post the questions and the answers here on the web page. If you'd like to submit a question, simply email our pastor at Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org or use the form below.

January 7, 2003

> Question:

> What do you believe about eternal life? Do you believe that we can go
> to heaven by faith alone, or do you believe that we must always keep
> working for our salvation by doing sacraments? Which way is right and
> why?

Kelli,

You asked some very important questions. I'll break my response
into parts.

(1) What do you believe about eternal life?

The statement 'eternal life' in the Bible has a dual meaning. It
speaks of life that is unending. But it also speaks of a quality of life
that is given to every person who truly believes in Jesus Christ as
their Lord and Savior. In this sense eternal life and spiritual life are
one and the same.

The apostle John said, "These things I have written to you who
believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that
you have eternal life." (1 John 5:24)

When Jesus said that He came to give us life, this is what He
meant. Eternal life is the presence of Jesus Christ in our lives, and
is something that cannot be taken away. It is eternal.

(2) Do you believe that we can go to heaven by faith alone, or do
you believe that we must always keep working for our salvation by
doing sacraments??

We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
If you add anything to this, you no longer have the truth of our
salvation. Salvation is totally of God. Jesus came to save us from
our sins. No one works their way to heaven.

The apostles are very clear on this issue. Paul said, "For by grace
you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is
the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."
(Eph2:8,9)

(3) Which way is right and why?

Kelli, there is only one right way. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the
truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."
(John 14:6)

Keep in mind that Jesus did not come to give us a religion. Religion
simply speaks of what man can do. It has to do with control. Jesus
said, "For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the
world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My
voice." (John 18:37)

As for working your way to heaven by 'doing sacraments,' this is
totally unfounded in the Scriptures. Jesus died for us 'once for all.'
He is not holding our sins against us. The one thing required for a
person to be saved is to repent, that is, to turn from unbelief by
acknowledging that we cannot be saved without Jesus, and turn to
Jesus. This means that we take Jesus to our heart as Lord and
Savior. The moment this happens, the Holy Spirit places a seal
upon the believer's heart. The seal cannot be broken. It says that
the believer has been redeemed and now a possession of Christ.

Feel free to write me further.

The Lord bless you,

Buddy

Bro. Buddy Martin - Ask the Pastor

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
Lawrence "Buddy" Martin
email: Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org
Web: http://www.ChristianChallenge.org