We have
started a series on discovering exciting research findings from Teleios! A list
of potential benefits in the Bible as shown by Teleios research is found on our
home page of our website (www.teleiosresearch.com).
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 account, 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 the 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 the 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 Teleios
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 Teleios
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 are on the Teleios website at: http://stage.teleiosresearch.com/index.php/gospel-survey/.
Thanks for
visiting my blog today. I’ll look for you again next week.
WC
Stewart
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