Jonathan Carl

Is Christianity a One-Time Decision?

Why do some people believe they can simply make a one-time decision, pray a prayer, walk an aisle, get baptized, and be guaranteed Heaven? People who have this understanding may not fully understand the Gospel call to “die to oneself” and may not see that the Christian life is one of faithfully following Christ in obedience for an eternity (Matthew 10:37-39, Luke 9:23-24, 9:57-62).

More at: www.trustworthyword.com/salvation

A Response to Critics

“A Biblical Study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church” was published over six years ago. Since then the videos, articles, and book have been helpful to many, but I have also had a few critiques. Here is a short response to some of those comments over the years. I hope you find it helpful!

Written version at www.catholic.blog/response

Download the free book (and more) at www.catholic.blog/books and watch the free videos at www.catholic.blog/videos

Spiritual Warfare - What We Need to Know about God and Satan

Who is God? What are His names? What is He like and what miracles has He done?

What about Satan? Who is he and what is he able to do?

Join us in lesson one of a course on Spiritual Warfare, based on this free handbook "Spiritual Warfare in the Bible."

Follow along with the teachings by downloading a free PDF @ www.spiritualwarfare.blog/free-books or reading more at: www.spiritualwarfare.blog/god-satan

How does salvation happen?

God initiates and controls salvation. Although God explains some of how salvation works, He does not fully disclose all of the details. Terms such as election, calling, regeneration, conversion, justification, adoption, sanctification, perseverance, and glorification are all helpful for attempting to understand the process of salvation.

(Romans 8:29-30) For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. [30 ] And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. - Deuteronomy 29:29

“Salvation is from our side a choice; from the divine side it is a seizing upon, an apprehending, a conquest by the Most High God. Our accepting and willing are reactions rather than actions." A.W. Tozer

More at: www.trustworthyword.com/salvation

Is salvation by faith alone, or by faith plus works?

Salvation is by faith alone, through Christ’s work alone. True faith is evidenced by good works that honor Christ’s name.

(Ephesians 2:8-10) For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

(James 2:26) For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

More at: www.trustworthyword.com/salvation

Should we question or test our faith?

We are called to test ourselves to ensure we are genuine believers.

(1 John 2:3-4) And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. [4] Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

(2 Corinthians 13:5) Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

More at: www.trustworthyword.com/how-can-i-be-sure-im-a-christian

What is my role in salvation?

We are responsible for our sin and are called to respond to His glory in repentance and belief. When God regenerates my soul, I respond in faith-filled repentance and belief, trusting and treasuring Christ above all else as my Lord and Savior.

(John 1:12-13) But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, [13 ] who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

“Since no man is excluded from calling upon God the gate of salvation is open to all. There is nothing else to hinder us from entering, but our own unbelief." – John Calvin

More at: www.trustworthyword.com/salvation

What You Need to Know about Spiritual Warfare

Ever have questions about spiritual warfare? Here is the first video of 20 that cover some of the most important issues in the battle of the followers of Christ agains the spiritual forces of evil. Join us as we study God & Satan, Angels & Demons, Believers & Unbelievers, Heaven & Hell, and spiritual warfare examples in the Bible and early church.

Ephesians 6:10–12 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (ESV)

More at: www.spiritualwarfare.blog

What is God's Sovereignty? Why does it matter?

What is God’s Sovereignty? Why does it matter?

Creation and the Bible are full of examples of God’s sovereignty. Wayne Grudem defines sovereignty as “God’s exercise of power over all of His creation.” God is described as existing eternally (Ephesians 1:4), the Creator (Genesis 1:1), knowable (Jeremiah 9:24), independent (Acts 17:24-25), unchangeable (Malachi 3:6), omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10), omniscient (1 John 3:20), all-wise (Romans 16:27), all-good (Luke 18:19), all-loving (1 John 4:8), omnipotent (Genesis 18:14, Matthew 19:26) and sovereign (Ephesians 1:11).

More at: www.trustworthyword.com/gods-sovereignty

What is God’s role in salvation?

God is the author and finisher of our faith, sovereignly electing, calling, and giving spiritual life to those whom He chooses.

- “even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.” (Ephesians 1:4)

- (John 6:44a) No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.

More at: www.trustworthyword.com/salvation

A Biblical Study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Do you have questions about Catholic beliefs and practices?

Would you like more information or a refresher on The Catechism of the Catholic Church?

Whether you are Catholic, considering Catholicism, or just curious to understand the Catholic Church better, these answers will be a great help to you!

Acts 17:11 “Now these Jews [in Berea] were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (ESV)

2 Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (ESV)

John 3:3 “Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”” (ESV)

https://youtu.be/8jg1uBShHF4?si=SugfTPzW15h7B1_5

More at www.catholic.blog

1 Thessalonians 5:21 “test everything; hold fast what is good.” (ESV)

What is salvation?

Salvation is the process which God saves mankind from sin. God has created all of humanity, but all of humanity has consciously rebelled against Him and His purposes. Mankind justly deserves God's wrath but God lovingly sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross. Christ's death and resurrection from the grave are the only means by which God's wrath upon sin is satisfied. Salvation is referred to as the "Gospel" for it is the "good news" that Christ has come to satisfy man's greatest need. Those who repent from their sin, place their faith and trust in Christ, and believe in His death on the cross and resurrection from the grave receive the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Those who remain in their sinful state will be forever separated from God and under His just wrath in eternal death in Hell. God's offer of salvation through the Gospel is extended to all humanity until the day of one's death or until the day of His return and judgment.

More at: www.trustworthyword.com/salvation

Do I need to pray a prayer to be saved?

No special or formulaic prayer is needed, but one should call upon God in repentance from sin, belief in His crucifixion and resurrection, and trust in His Lordship.

- (Romans 10:9) because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

- (Romans 10:13) everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

- (Mark 1:14-15) “Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’”

www.trustworthyword.com/salvation

Apart from Christ, what are the consequences of sin?

The consequence of our rebellion against God through sin is eternal separation from Him in Hell.

(Ephesians 2:1-3) “1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.”

www.trustworthyword.com/salvation