Be confident you are saved by grace!

 

Welcome back to my blog. Thank you for taking time to read it. 

 

We have started a series on discovering exciting research findings from Teleios! Today let’s look at the compelling findings of a recent survey Teleios performed that explored the incidence of tares in the church. A tare is a plant that resembles wheat but cannot be correctly identified until harvest; so, Jesus’ term means those who appear as a Christian, but really are not true believers. Please read last week’s blog which discussed this fascinating topic.

 

To investigate the incidence of tares in the church, we performed a survey of users of the Instagram app, Instapray, often visited by young adult Christians. In total, 1526 individuals participated and 73% described themselves as evangelicals. Just over half had at least some college education and the average age was 23. The key finding in the survey was that while 94% of participants, when prompted by the correct answer, indicated they were saved by grace, while only 16% (78% difference) had confidence in the knowledge of their salvation to provide a correct answer without a written prompt. Was there a difference in the personal characteristics of this confident group of individuals who indicated without prompting they are saved by grace?

 

Participants who most confidently identified themselves as saved by grace:

• Adhered more closely to the practice of their faith (prayer, praise, fellowship, outreach, Bible study, sharing the gospel)
• Had greater confidence in the security of their salvation
•  Indicated better personal general wellbeing but also specific measures of wellbeing such as: contentment, peace, joy and purpose
• Enjoyed reduced guilt levels 

The survey reflects wonderfully how knowing and believing God's word can impact a person's wellbeing. Scripture indicates that our great salvation is by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9) and those who understand this well enough to confess it without prompting, as well was believing that it cannot be lost, on average enjoy better wellbeing. 

 

Participants who most confidently identified themselves as saved by grace also indicated they had less feelings of guilt. The reduced guilt levels might have resulted by this group’s better understanding of the complete sufficiency of Christ’s forgiveness and that there is no sin so horrendous for which Christ’s precious sacrifice did not atone. Indeed, what a great Savior we have who provides for us every benefit not only to salvation but also a mentally healthy life!

 

Summary, this survey suggests that if a young adult who identifies themselves as evangelical can express confidently that they are saved by grace, and actively practice their faith, they may possess higher levels of wellbeing than those who do not. More results from this survey can be found here http://teleiosresearch.com/index.php/gospel-survey/.

 

Thanks for visiting my blog today. I’ll look for you again next week.

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

Email – info@teleiosresearch.com

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Disclaimer – This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author alone and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and/or do your own research into the scriptures.

 

 

Can adherence to Christian principles help suffering patients?

 

Hello again, welcome back! We have been exploring the exciting topic of scripture and how adherence to the Christian principles of daily living (prayer, praise, fellowship, receiving Biblical teaching and service) enhance a person's wellbeing (Acts 2:42,47). In prior blogs we have reported our findings in the general healthy population, but can the medically ill also improve their wellbeing through Christian living?

 

Adherence to Christian principles can indeed help suffering patients in several ways. Here are a few key points:

1. Emotional and Spiritual Support: Christian principles often emphasize the importance of community, prayer, and faith, which can provide emotional and spiritual support to patients. This support can help patients feel less isolated and more hopeful.
2. Holistic Care: Incorporating Christian ethics into healthcare can promote a holistic approach to patient care, addressing not just physical symptoms but also emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
3. Compassionate Care: Christian teachings often stress compassion and empathy, which can enhance the quality of care provided by healthcare professionals. This can lead to better patient outcomes and a more comforting experience for those who are suffering.
4. Ethical Decision-Making: Christian principles can guide ethical decision-making in healthcare, ensuring that patients are treated with dignity and respect. This can be particularly important in end-of-life care and other sensitive situations.

We examined this question in a cross-sectional survey of patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (https://teleiosresearch.com/religious-adherence-glaucoma/). We evaluated self-reported religious adherence to specific basic activities and knowledge of faith and personal comfort. This specific analysis was limited to self-professed Christians. 

 

The survey included 248 patients from one clinical practice in Charleston, SC, and showed that those who were adherent to activities intended to create religious maturity (drawing encouragement from other church members, reading Scripture, or encouraging others to have faith) and had at least a basic knowledge about their faith, demonstrated greater comfort related to their illness and treatment. Specifically, comfort was manifested as a positive attitude towards their disease, a better ability to cope with their symptoms, and a belief that God was concerned about their diagnosis and helped with their treatment.  

 

When the findings were further analyzed by assessing those subjects who were most 'adherent' compared to those who were least adherent, an even greater separation between groups was observed with respect to comfort. This finding may indicate that the more serious a person is about the practice of their religion, the greater sense of wellbeing they may derive from it.  

 

This study suggested that Christian practice may assist patients in better coping with their disease and that it may possibly increase the quality of their lives. Overall, integrating Christian principles into patient care can contribute to a more supportive and compassionate healthcare environment. 

 

Thanks for visiting. I hope you will return next week for further discussion about the practical use of the Bible in daily life. 

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

Email – info@teleiosresearch.com

Website – http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

 

Disclaimer – This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author alone and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.

 

The effect of casual sex activity on mental health

Heterosexual sexual activity is foundational to society as it allows for the continuation of humanity from one generation to the next. However, sexual relationships may impact mental health and wellbeing of the partners.

Teleios recently reviewed scientific articles evaluating committed and non-committed heterosexual sexual relationships and their impact on mental health in adolescents, college students, and young adults. We searched the peer-reviewed medical literature from 1966 to present for studies including at least 120 subjects and identified 28 articles.

The review found a very consistent disadvantage of early sexual debut, adolescent sex, hookups, and casual sex compared to committed unmarried and married relationships. Specific mental health measures correlated with non-committed sex included: depression, suicidal ideation, aggressive behavior, anxiety, stress, loneliness, poor wellbeing, regret, and guilt.

Regarding the relationship itself, there was reduced general and sexual satisfaction in non-committed relationships. Non-committed sex was also associated with increased negative social behavior including: substance use, risky sexual behavior and risk for physical and sexual abuse, drug use and antisocial actions.

In contrast, waiting until at least some element of commitment was present before initiating sex was associated with better mental health, wellbeing, communication, relationship satisfaction, relationship stability, higher sexual satisfaction, and a more positive view of sexuality.

Dr. William C. Stewart, co-founder of Teleios, commented “Medical science clearly shows sex inside a committed relationship can benefit wellbeing and mental health over casual encounters because it fosters many positive relationship qualities such as: socialization, openness, confidence, encouragement, support, stability, satisfaction and sharing. In contrast, sex outside a committed relationship may be associated with many negative mental health effects.”

This review of medical scientific studies suggests casual sexual behaviors among adolescents, college students and adults are associated with many negative effects on relationships, wellbeing, mental health and lifestyle compared to unmarried or married committed sex.

More research is needed to better differentiate commitment with inside marriage versus non-marriage relationship and sexual wellbeing.

Sexual intercourse outside of marriage

So why is premarital sex such a bad thing when sex is meant to be so wonderful? Our wise God made us and knows what is best for us. Please consider the following reasons:

• Relationship confusion - When sex enters into a relationship at almost any level, as wonderful as it might seem for the moment, it confuses a person’s ability to evaluate objectively their partner for a deeper relationship or marriage. This is because sexual intimacy will cover a multitude of personality defects, at least temporarily. Premarital sex can lead to a faulty marital choice!!
• Someone gets hurt – As designed by God, sex is the ultimate act of commitment within marriage. Therefore, committing the physical act with only a partial emotional dedication between partners can produce feelings of guilt, shame and abuse.
• Stifles the relationship with God - From the outset, Christian couples need to build not only emotional love, but also Christian practices which should continue for a lifetime. This is vital, not only as a useful spiritual habit, but also to if potential partners are really obeying God.

Premarital sex destroys the joyful habit of building a relationship with God as a couple because of the associated guilt and emotions surrounding coitus. The couple becomes consumed emotionally over the sexual act, whether it be guilt or the desire for more intimacy, and neglects building God or service to Him into their relationship.

• Inhibits God's goal in marriage - When sex becomes the goal it typically blocks a couple's ability to build a relationship with a mindset that marriage is evangelical in demonstrating to the world Christ’s love for His church (Ephesians 5:21-33).
• Medical issues - Of course, there are always complications to consider such as: an unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease, some of which are difficult or impossible to cure.

Take control of your life. Build your biblical knowledge and faithfulness into your professional, emotional and spiritual life over time. This takes patience in all these areas, but the results generated by a disciplined life faithful to scripture are boundless.

Such discipline includes waiting for sex until marriage because it will keep you healthy in mind and body and allow you to truthfully evaluate a potential partner without the burden of overlying truth with emotions and guilt. Marital choice is too important to be distracted by anything that reduces your careful assessment of your future partner.

Thanks for joining me. Join us next time as we continue to discuss the wonderful ways that God helps us through scripture.

For questions or to view more of our research…

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 Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.