Have you ever been questioned about your faith? I mean, really drilled by someone seeking answers? I’m not referring to “gotcha” questions or inquiries posed to argue minutea. I’m talking about sincere questions.
It’s important for us to ask salient questions, and even more important for us to know the answers.
I Peter 3:15…”always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
We must never forget the last part of this verse. If we do, it may ruin the first part.
So, what are some salient questions to ask?
1. WHERE do I stand with God?
Most of us know almost immediately the answer to that. We either know we are in right standing by faith or we know we are far away from God and have no true relationship with him. Romans 34:22 NLT, “We are made right with God, by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. and this is true for EVERYONE who believes, no matter who we are.”
2. WHY can’t I put this faith thing off?
There is no guarantee of even one day of life. And we cannot come to God on OUR terms. Jesus clearly says that “no man comes to me except the Father draws Him.” John 6:44.
If we know God is speaking to us and drawing us to Himself, we must respond NOW. The opportunity may never arise again. “Behold, NOW is the acceptable time, NOW is the day of salvation.” II Corinthians 6:2.
Never be tardy to answer this call. It’s truly a life or death decision. What difference does it make? A HELL of a difference.
3. WHAT is my relationship with Jesus?
Perhaps the most important question of all. Why? Many, many people believe in God. The Bible states, “You believe that there is one God; you do well: the devils believe and tremble.” James 2:19.
It’s not enough to believe that there is a God. The problem is that we cannot attain to Him or satisfy His righteousness. We’re separated from Him by our sin.
That’s the reason Jesus was sent to us. By acknowledging our sin, believing in Jesus Christ as the sacrifice for sin, and repenting, we are made right before God. The blood of God’s Son covers us. We are made new.
Since Jesus is the only way to have peace with God, the answer to the question above is paramount. I Timothy 2:5, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind. The man, Christ Jesus.”
John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
4. HOW will God forgive ALL my sin?
He will, because He is God. But yes, God will forgive all our sin. All of them. Every one. We acknowledge and repent of sin through God’s Son, Jesus. The Bible declares in I John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.”
Sometimes we don’t “feel” forgiven. But the truth is, that God’s powerful love and the perfect sacrifice of Jesus erases, obliterates, washes and cleanses every. single. sin. It’s what HE did, not what we have done. That is good news!
5. WHEN can I have assurance that I’ll go to heaven?
One thing for sure is that we can NEVER get to heaven on our goodness. Ephesians 2:8,9, “For by grace are you saved, through faith, and this is not of yourselves – it is the gift of God. NOT by works, so that no one can boast.”
But God, in His gracious goodness, gave us assurance. I John 5:13, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may KNOW that you have eternal life.”
By believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, we are saved, redeemed, transformed and set apart. God came to find and rescue us, and to make a way for us to be with Him. John 1:12 states, “The gift of God is eternal (that’s forever!) life in Christ Jesus, our Lord.”
So here it is. God is perfect and He cannot lie. He said we have forever life with Him through His son, Jesus. That’s a God Guarantee!
What answers did you have for these questions? It’s important.
~Vickie Richey
Christ Fellowship member
