Four Questions to Discover If Someone's Truly Saved

[Netpreacher]

This is by no means an end-all-be-all type of quiz, but it helps me when preaching the Gospel, because many people come up and say they believe in Jesus, but don't do the things He says to do.

1. When was the last time you told somebody that Jesus Christ rose physically from the dead?

2. Do you consider Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Master, meaning He has control over everything in your life?

3. Do you believe Jesus Christ is the only way to reach God?

4. Do you believe unrepentant homosexuals will burn in a lake of fire burning with brimstone for all eternity?

If the person answers these questions correctly in the spirit of meekness, then you can probably rest in their claims of salvation. If they answer the questions correctly, but seem offended, then watch them over a period of two weeks to see whether their fruit matches their claim of conversion. If they have not told people about Jesus, yet acknowledge the other questions, challenge them to go out and preach the gospel in sincerity. If they grudgingly answer the questions, hold back and listen to what they have to say, because they have issues that they need you to help address in their lives. If they refuse to answer the questions, let them say their peace, and then let them go on their merry way. If they say no and react in a very noticably negative way, preach hard to them; for when they are finally converted, they will make the current preachers and Christians look like lukewarm Laodiceans.

Blessings in God for all eternity!

Attempting to make every man perfect in Christ Jesus,
Danny

 

[Arikereba]

I am comforted by the fact that it's not up to you to decide who is and isn't saved, but up to God.

 

[israelthebride]

satan could answer these questions correctly

and we know it is not SAVED.

LOVE RICOEL

 

[Curt]

As alway God gives us the criteria, Jesus speaking:
Mark 16:15-18
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be ******.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
(KJV)

 

[Netpreacher]

Arikereba said:
I am comforted by the fact that it's not up to you to decide who is and isn't saved, but up to God.

We are going to judge angels in heaven. We are members of the body of Christ. It will be up to us, because we are the ones who have the keys of the kingdom with Christ Jesus. Don't you know that?

israelthebride said:
satan could answer these questions correctly and we know it is not SAVED.

Satan will never tell anyone Jesus is risen from the dead, nor will it confess Jesus Christ as Lord (at least, not before the final day of judgment), nor would it say that Jesus is the only way to reach God, nor would the devil say that homosexuals will escape the wrath of God for their sin. In other words, you are wrong in your statement.

Curt said:
As alway God gives us the criteria, Jesus speaking:
Mark 16:15-18
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be ******.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
(KJV)

How many languages can you speak? If we go to a mental institute in China or Russia, will you be able to make them sane? If we go to India and a cobra bites you, will you stay alive? How many blind people have you healed? How many dead people have risen from your touch?

Attempting to make every man perfect in Christ Jesus,
Danny

 

[bloodofthelamb12]

First Preacher, I'd like to point out that you appear to have no idea how to shepherd a flock. You DO NOT wack the sheep on the head and scream at them! Good grief, man! I'm young, but even I know that "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."(Pro 15:1)
You've failed to establish the trust and love of your sheep, instead bringing wrath and fire from the start! I must lovingly reproach you, brother: be merciful, lest your students despair! Be of a humble and contrite spirit, teaching men right and wrong, and sharing with them the message of Christ-crucified.
And there's one way to know whether you're saved - judge yourself by the fruit you bear. Try asking people if they know you're Christian. Generally, if they're reaction is "YOU? I had no idea" its a baaad sign. lol

 

[JeffreyLloyd]

It's not that simple to "know" you are saved.

I Have Been Saved (past event)

"For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?" - Romans 8:24

"...it is by grace you have been saved." - Ephesians. 2:5

"...he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy." - Titus 3:5

I Am Being Saved (present event)

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." - 1 Corinthians 1:18

"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling," - Philippians 2:12

"For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." - 2 Corinthians 2:15

I Will Be Saved (future event)

"And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." - Romans 13:11

"so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." - Hebrews 9:28

"Hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord." - 1 Corinthians 5:5

 

[VigoMedic]

I am comforted by the fact that it's not up to you to decide who is and isn't saved, but up to God.

.

Me too!!!

Netpreacher: I think that your method of "preaching" and spreading the Word is not only ineffective, but dangerous. Your message of judgement and hate is not what I get from the Gospels and Christ's example. I came to know Christ through His message of love, inclusiveness, grace, and forgiveness. I am glad that I did not first hear the "message of Christ" preached the way you preach it, because I may not have given Christ a second look.

You are in my prayers!

Peace.

 

[JeffreyLloyd]

I like your avatar VigoMedic !

 

[VigoMedic]

It's not that simple to "know" you are saved.

I Have Been Saved (past event)

"For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?" - Romans 8:24

"...it is by grace you have been saved." - Ephesians. 2:5

"...he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy." - Titus 3:5

I Am Being Saved (present event)

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." - 1 Corinthians 1:18

"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling," - Philippians 2:12

"For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." - 2 Corinthians 2:15

I Will Be Saved (future event)

"And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." - Romans 13:11

"so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." - Hebrews 9:28

"Hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord." - 1 Corinthians 5:5

Excellent, scripture-based, response. Thank you for your insight.

 

[EdmundBlackadderTheThird]

The simple fact is there is no need for four questions. We can look to Romans and ask one question: Do you believe that Christ is God's son and God raised him from the dead? That is all we need to know to identify a brother and sister in Christ. This whole thing about the homosexuals burning in hell is hateful and not a Christian attitude. We are called to love our neighbor as ourselves and oddly enough there isn't a list of people that are exluded from that command. Nowhere in the New Testament does it make one sin out to be worse than any other save the unforgivable sin. This is not to downplay any sin, but rather to play them all up, every sin is an affront to God no matter what it is and every time we sin we only add to the reasons Christ came to earth and was crucified. His blood is sufficient for homosexuals as well heterosexuals and that is what should be taught. We don't go around telling aldoholics they will burn in hell, we don't tell manic depressives that because they doubt God on their bad days there is a lake of fire waiting for them. It is ridiculous to single out one group and is not Biblical in the least. We are not called to judge but we are called to love.

 

[FOMWatts<><]

The simple fact is there is no need for four questions. We can look to Romans and ask one question: Do you believe that Christ is God's son and God raised him from the dead? That is all we need to know to identify a brother and sister in Christ. This whole thing about the homosexuals burning in hell is hateful and not a Christian attitude. We are called to love our neighbor as ourselves and oddly enough there isn't a list of people that are exluded from that command. Nowhere in the New Testament does it make one sin out to be worse than any other save the unforgivable sin. This is not to downplay any sin, but rather to play them all up, every sin is an affront to God no matter what it is and every time we sin we only add to the reasons Christ came to earth and was crucified. His blood is sufficient for homosexuals as well heterosexuals and that is what should be taught. We don't go around telling aldoholics they will burn in hell, we don't tell manic depressives that because they doubt God on their bad days there is a lake of fire waiting for them. It is ridiculous to single out one group and is not Biblical in the least. We are not called to judge but we are called to love.

My thoughts EXACTLY!!!

Blessings,

FOMWatts<><

 

[Icystwolf]

Blue stones are for True/yes, Red stones are for False/no

Blue stones;
I personally think these four questions are very important to ask ourselves. It's one of the very few tests that we can use to see whether we have been carried away by the world or the media. These things can happen, people change and when you step onto the wrong path, you need something to make you realise you've gone the wrong way.

Red stones;
I don't believe we should dwelve into this area too deep. Mainly because there are other aspects of Christianity that we need to look into. If we did dwelve into these 4 points two deeply, we can become extremists and make ourselves irrational. The 4 points will be the backbone of our belief...however the true back bone of our Beliefs is Jesus, his fulfilment.

Blue stones;
bloodofthelamb12, you mentioned we should do things in a kind way, I agree with that, and is encourage in the Bible. In some sense we must be kind to each of our brothers, and Netpreachers intentions, in my opinion were good intentions...which is all that I'm worried about. Netpreacher wanted everyone to question themselves, but made a few flaws, in making those four points as a highlight to a Christian's life.

Red stones;
bloodofthelamb12, I would disagree with you that we should always act the nice and gentle way. With false doctrine and lukewarm beliefs affecting the breathe we take in church, these things need to be serious. I think it's probably because Christians have become too soft, and thus Liberalism was created and spread fast due to the soft personalities of a lot of Christians.
Netpreacher is worried, I think....


On the whole, there is no purple stones which would mean lukewarm opinions, in favor of Blue stones 3:2...

because I think, at this time and age, we need to be serious. However, I think netpreacher is a bit too extreme....

 

[Yekcidmij]

1. When was the last time you told somebody that Jesus Christ rose physically from the dead?

what would be a correct answer for this question?

4. Do you believe unrepentant homosexuals will burn in a lake of fire burning with brimstone for all eternity?

What does this have to do with someones salvation?

If the person answers these questions correctly in the spirit of meekness, then you can probably rest in their claims of salvation. If they answer the questions correctly, but seem offended, then watch them over a period of two weeks to see whether their fruit matches their claim of conversion. If they have not told people about Jesus, yet acknowledge the other questions, challenge them to go out and preach the gospel in sincerity. If they grudgingly answer the questions, hold back and listen to what they have to say, because they have issues that they need you to help address in their lives. If they refuse to answer the questions, let them say their peace, and then let them go on their merry way. If they say no and react in a very noticably negative way, preach hard to them; for when they are finally converted, they will make the current preachers and Christians look like lukewarm Laodiceans.

finally, a simple way to read someones heart.

We are going to judge angels in heaven.

Have they done something deserving of judgement? Reference please.

Satan will never tell anyone Jesus is risen from the dead, nor will it confess Jesus Christ as Lord (at least, not before the final day of judgment), nor would it say that Jesus is the only way to reach God, nor would the devil say that homosexuals will escape the wrath of God for their sin.

References please.

 

[Curt]

Arikereba said:
I am comforted by the fact that it's not up to you to decide who is and isn't saved, but up to God.

We are going to judge angels in heaven. We are members of the body of Christ. It will be up to us, because we are the ones who have the keys of the kingdom with Christ Jesus. Don't you know that?

israelthebride said:
satan could answer these questions correctly and we know it is not SAVED.

Satan will never tell anyone Jesus is risen from the dead, nor will it confess Jesus Christ as Lord (at least, not before the final day of judgment), nor would it say that Jesus is the only way to reach God, nor would the devil say that homosexuals will escape the wrath of God for their sin. In other words, you are wrong in your statement.

Curt said:
As alway God gives us the criteria, Jesus speaking:
Mark 16:15-18
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be ******.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
(KJV)

How many languages can you speak? If we go to a mental institute in China or Russia, will you be able to make them sane? If we go to India and a cobra bites you, will you stay alive? How many blind people have you healed? How many dead people have risen from your touch?

Attempting to make every man perfect in Christ Jesus,
Danny

If God tells me to do any of these things the answer is yes I can do them all through Christ who stengthens me. You are way out of line with this post? I don't have to answer to you. Those who God has told me to pray for, and they were healed know, and they are the ones who the signs were for, and those who were there. I know missionaries who have gone to foriegn countries and preached The Gospel in their own language and the hearers heard it in their language. God is not limited by what I'm educated in. We place the limits on what He will use us for by our own doubt and fear.

 

[Netpreacher]

The simple fact is there is no need for four questions. We can look to Romans and ask one question: Do you believe that Christ is God's son and God raised him from the dead? That is all we need to know to identify a brother and sister in Christ. This whole thing about the homosexuals burning in hell is hateful and not a Christian attitude. We are called to love our neighbor as ourselves and oddly enough there isn't a list of people that are exluded from that command. Nowhere in the New Testament does it make one sin out to be worse than any other save the unforgivable sin. This is not to downplay any sin, but rather to play them all up, every sin is an affront to God no matter what it is and every time we sin we only add to the reasons Christ came to earth and was crucified. His blood is sufficient for homosexuals as well heterosexuals and that is what should be taught. We don't go around telling aldoholics they will burn in hell, we don't tell manic depressives that because they doubt God on their bad days there is a lake of fire waiting for them. It is ridiculous to single out one group and is not Biblical in the least. We are not called to judge but we are called to love.

Allow me to clarify for you the intent of the four questions:

These are not the end-all-be-all four questions, that if answered properly, then you automatically gain entrance into heaven. Please, for all on this thread, do not think I believe you need to answer these questions in order to prove salvation or guarantee salvation of any kind.

When I am out preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, people come up to me all the time and claim to be a Christian. The Bible tells us very plainly how to tell if someone is a true believer: if they believe and confess Jesus is the Son of God, if they believe and confess Jesus is Lord, and if they have evidence of the fruit of the Spirit in their life.

The first three questions help determine the issues concerning Christ Jesus' Sonship and Lordship over their lives; the fourth question determines if they hold the Bible as their standard, or if they have obtained the world as their standard. You can determine the evidence of fruit by the way they answer these four questions. They are intentionally designed to draw a reaction from those who are in the flesh, but create meekness and sincerity in those who demonstrate the power of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts and lives.

Now, if you do ask anyone, "Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God?" or "Do you believe Jesus is Lord," ninety-nine times out of a hundred the individual will say "Yes." However, you need to know if they have conformed to the image of Christ Jesus and if they normally confess Christ as the Son of God and Lord of their own personal lives in settings other than the confrontation of a true believer.

Please do not misunderstand the fourth question: unrepentant murderers, aduleters, and all other sinners will burn forever, and if a homosexual turns from his/her sin, they may gain access to the forgiveness and power of the blood of Jesus Christ just like the rest of us. The intention of the question is to determine which standard a confessing believer holds: the Bible or the world. You can say, "Will an unrepentant fornicator burn forever in a lake of fire burning with brimstone? or any other such question. I choose the sin of sodomy because it brings out either the best or worst in an individual, and helps expediate the process of discerning the spirit of the confessing Christian.

I am not here trying to judge you. I am trying to help you with the experience I have gained, and also from the time spent in communion and fellowship with Christ Jesus and His body, the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth and faith.

Attempting to make every man perfect in Christ Jesus,
Danny

 

[Netpreacher]

If God tells me to do any of these things the answer is yes I can do them all through Christ who stengthens me. You are way out of line with this post? I don't have to answer to you. Those who God has told me to pray for, and they were healed know, and they are the ones who the signs were for, and those who were there. I know missionaries who have gone to foriegn countries and preached The Gospel in their own language and the hearers heard it in their language. God is not limited by what I'm educated in. We place the limits on what He will use us for by our own doubt and fear.

Sure, I know Christians who have raised the dead as well, but I haven't raised anyone from the dead. I know Christians who have prayed for people's missing eyes, and the eyes would grow back right in front of the whole crowd of people. That's not the issue here. The issue is this: How many have YOU personally raised from the dead, healed, survived cobra bites, etc? Besides, Paul the apostle left Trophimus at Miletum sick. Did this negate the apostleship of Paul because he didn't heal someone? Now, I'm not a cessation-alist, but I do believe that it is up to God, not man, when to demonstrate His power over the clay tent, in Jesus' name.

Attempting to make every man perfect in Christ Jesus,
Danny

 

[Netpreacher]

what would be a correct answer for this question?

As many times as possible.

What does this have to do with someones salvation?

Nothing, unless you are an unrepentant homosexual.

finally, a simple way to read someones heart.

I detect a bit of sarcasm here, unless I am totally wrong. If so, I apologize. If not, praise the Lord.

Have they done something deserving of judgement?

I heard a preacher say once, "If you feel condemned, it's because you probably are condemned." Another preacher once said, "If you throw a shoe in a room full of dogs, the one who barks is the one who got hit."

References please.

You can only say that Jesus is the Son of God, or that He is Lord, by the Holy Ghost. The devil does not have the Holy Ghost. In John 10, Jesus said that a theif will climb into the sheep fold some other way, but will not go through the door. Jesus is the door into the sheepfold. Satan is a theif, and theives try to go in some other way. Therefore, Satan will never say, "Only through the door can you go into the sheepfold." Satan is a murderer, and sodomy causes some of the worst diseases known to man. Satan would never persuade anyone to stop participating in an activity which kills them quicker than the act of sodomy.

By the way, how come nobody ever talks about the rights of those who are lying on the bed crying and bleeding after being sodomized? Why aren't we crying out for those who go home with the pain and agony and deep humiliating shame caused by those who push for the sodomite agenda against their very own lives?

The reason sodomy is such a wicked sin is not because God has it out for them, but because there is another person involved with the homosexual act: the one who is sodomized. Sodomy should be illegal and prosecuted at the highest extent of the law to prevent perverted individuals from suckering in helpless little boys into engaging in a violent and destructive act that will lead to pain, guilt, illness, or suicide.

I pray the Lord help us all realize the gravity of the sin of sodomy in Jesus' name. I also pray you have read this with an open heart crying out for those who are left crying in their pillows.

Attempting to make every man perfect in Christ Jesus,
Danny

 

[seebs]

I can do it in two questions:
1. Are you dead?
2. If so, are you in Heaven?

The fourth question you offered has absolutely no relevance to salvation. The first few are just ill-considered; after all, we are told that the demons, too, know the truth.

It seems to me that you might want to look at what Jesus said on the topic. Questions might be:

* Have you fed the hungry?
* Have you clothed the naked?
* Have you ministered to the sick?
* Have you visited those in prison?

Jesus didn't talk so much about theology as about the actions that show a transformed person.

 

[Reformationist]

Attempting to make every man perfect in Christ Jesus,
Danny

I think this sums up your whole attitude about your role in the sovereign plan of God.

Here's a better idea:

Attempt to be perfect yourself in Christ. You were never given the authority or ability to perfect anyone else.

God bless