Anonymous asked: Dear bhfj team, i'm a christian and still on my journey on strengthening my faith and figuring things out. One question, i'm still a bit confused, john 3:16 says whoever believes shall not perish and have eternal life. So is that it? You just have to believe in Jesus and that He died for your sins to get to heaven?

Yes, that is it. Ephesians 2:8 says that it is by grace, through faith, that we are saved and not of works. Romans 10:9-10 says that if we confess Jesus is Lord and believe in the heart that God raised him from the dead we will be saved for it is by believing in the heart (faith) that we are made right with God (Ephesians 11:6 it’s impossible to please God without faith), and by confessing with our mouth we are saved. I mentioned Ephesians 11:6 earlier which reads “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” We must have faith.

Here’s the thing though, a Christian walk is more than that. Ephesians 2:10 says we are saved unto good works. Genuine faith produces genuine fruit. We’re made into a new creation and there should be a difference in our life. Works do not save us and works are not a requirement of, but works are a result and privilege of the resurrected life.

-Tyler

Anonymous asked: I'm confused on something, and was hoping one of you would be able to clarify the subject. So I've been a Christian from a very young age, and the entirety of the time that I've been alive, I've been taught that the fundamental Christian belief is that we are justified by faith. Everybody preaches that you don't have to do anything except believe in Jesus / God to be saved, but is it really enough? Shouldn't we try to live our lives according to the teachings & commandments of God? (James 2:24)

Eph 2:8-10 says we are saved by grace through faith, not of works, lest any may boast for we’re God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

We are not saved by works, nor is our continued salvation based on works. Works are a byproduct of of salvation. The works, which really is just showing the love of Christ, is a byproduct of salvation. The context of this scripture is those who say they have faith but you see nothing different in their lives. True faith is something that can be seen in someone’s life.

-Tyler