Many good people adhere to non-Christian worldviews. They avoid heinous acts such as child abuse, torture, rape, and murder. While they may sometimes lie, curse, think bad thoughts, or occasionally cheat, they do not cause significant harm to others. However, according to the Bible, they are still destined for hell.
Meanwhile, Christians commit similar or even worse sins but
are promised heaven simply because of their faith in Christ.
How is this fair?
To examine the validity of the Christian doctrine of
salvation, we must first define the term ‘salvation.’
Salvation is defined as “deliverance from the power
and effects of sin,” “liberation from ignorance or illusion,” or “preservation
from destruction or failure.”1
Understanding the Christian definition of sin is crucial.
Sin is essentially “doing what is wrong,” “missing the mark,” or “a positive
act of committing evil that ought not to be done.” A more profound definition
of sin is that it is “an assault on God.”
The Bible teaches that sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4).
Sinful acts are described as follows:
“The acts of the flesh are
obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft;
hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions,
factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like” (Galatians 5:19-21; cf.
Mark 7:21-22).
Some may wonder why sin matters. Why does the Christian
faith place such importance on sin and its effect on humanity’s eternal
destiny?
According to the Bible, those who sin fall short of God’s
glory (Romans 3:23). God is holy, and those who believe in Him are called to be
holy:
“As obedient children, do
not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just
as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be
holy, because I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:14-16; cf. James 4:4; 1 Corinthians
10:31).
Since sin affects humanity’s relationship with God, it
matters, especially in the context of eternal life with Him.
Because sin separates man from God, every religion teaches
its doctrine of salvation.
The Christian Doctrine Of Salvation
Christianity teaches salvation by grace through faith.
Ephesians 2:8-10 states:
“For it is by grace you
have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift
of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork,
created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us
to do.”
The Bible explicitly states that salvation is only possible
through belief in Jesus Christ:
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the
way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’”
(John 14:6; cf. John 3:18; Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5-6).
A key distinction between Christianity and other religions
is the mode of salvation. In most religions, salvation is achieved through
rituals or good works (salvation by works). In Christianity, however,
God seeks humanity by sacrificing Himself on the cross, so that those who
believe in Jesus Christ receive the benefits of HIS atoning sacrifice (salvation
by grace through faith).
If salvation depended on good works, the responsibility of
salvation would shift from God to man. However, humanity is prone to sin,
making perfect obedience impossible. Every good deed would be tainted by sin.
Salvation: “DO” Vs. “DONE”
All major religions outside Christianity emphasize doing
good works for salvation. Christianity, on the other hand, proclaims that
salvation is done—God bore the sins of the world, died on the cross, and
resurrected on the third day, defeating sin and death.
The Question Of Justice
It is undeniable that many non-Christians are good people.
They avoid heinous crimes, yet according to the Bible, they are destined for
hell. Meanwhile, Christians who sin—even grievously—are promised heaven because
of their faith in Christ.
How should this apparent contradiction be reconciled?
No human—Christian or not—is sinless. Everyone sins,
and because God is holy, there is a colossal schism (massive gap) between man
and God. Every religion teaches a way for man to be saved from sin.
But What About Christians Who Continue To Sin After
Salvation?
The Bible teaches that those who believe in the Triune God
and the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ are not condemned:
“Therefore, there is now
no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus
the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and
death” (Romans 8:1-2).
Christians, though forgiven, still have a sinful nature.
However, when they place their faith in Christ, the power of sin is broken (cf.
Romans 6:20-23, 7:14-15, 8:8).
Upon surrendering to Jesus, believers become God’s children
(Ephesians 1:5; Romans 8:15). Just as children sometimes disobey their parents,
Christians sometimes disobey God. However, they can no longer live in sin as
they did before because their nature has changed (2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 John
3:4-10).
1 John 1:9 teaches that believers should confess &
repent of their sins and seek God’s forgiveness. Confession involves
acknowledging the severity of sin and turning away from it. This should be a
continual practice in a believer’s life.
Though believers still struggle with sin, Jesus intercedes
for them as their High Priest (Romans 8:34). The goal is holiness, and
sanctification will one day be complete (1 John 3:2). Until then, Christians
continue to fight against sin (Matthew 5:29-30; Colossians 3:5-8).
What About Hypocritical Christians?
The Bible clearly states that faith in Christ should produce
good works:
“As the body without the
spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:26; cf. John 12:46,
15:5).
A Christian’s life should bear the fruit of the Spirit:
“The fruit of the Spirit
is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,
and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to
Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we
live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-25).
If a Christian’s life remains unchanged after salvation,
they are in a dangerous spiritual position.
Conclusion: Is The Christian Doctrine Of Salvation Flawed?
No, the doctrine is not flawed.
1. Christians are saved solely because of Christ’s death and
resurrection.
2. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not works.
3. Born-again Christians should strive to live a holy life.
The Christian doctrine of salvation teaches that no one can
earn salvation through good deeds. Instead, salvation is a gift from God,
freely given to those who believe in Jesus Christ. True faith should
manifest in righteous living, reflecting the transformative power of grace.
Endnotes:
1https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/salvation
