Beliefs Concerning Salvation

Beliefs Concerning Salvation

Our research has recently found that those who believe they are saved by God’s grace alone to salvation have better wellbeing then those who do not. Unfortunately, many misconceptions remain among young Christians regarding what happens at salvation. Understanding these biblical events is important to help build a believer’s confidence in their faith and avoid the pitfalls of false guilt as well as insecurity in their relationship with God. 

 

Accordingly, we recently surveyed Christian adolescents and millennials to determine their beliefs on what the Bible describes at the time of salvation, defined as belief by faith alone in forgiveness of sins by Christ's death and resurrection. Of the 201 participants the majority were: female (55%), <35 years old (67%), from the United States (53%), and evangelical (80%). For full data - What happens after salvation?

The survey found, concerning salvation and:

• The church - Subjects noted they became aware they needed a local fellowship of other Christians (37%), and the Holy Spirit placed them permanently into the church universal of all believers (34%). In addition, 28% said they became cognizant they should be water baptized to express publicly their commitment to Christ. Separately, 65% of participants indicated they were adopted permanently into the family of God at salvation.

• Righteousness (sinlessness) - Participants expressed they were forgiven through faith by Christ's death on the cross (54%). Nonetheless, participants also said they needed to ask forgiveness every day for new sin (52%). However, 34% indicated they have an advocate in Jesus Christ so no one can lay a claim against them.

• The Holy Spirit - Participants most commonly indicated He indwelt them permanently as a seal of their salvation (54%). Further, He regenerated them to a new person identified with Christ (57%) giving them power to defeat sin (34%).

• Regeneration – In total, 30% of participants believed they were baptized (regenerated) by the Holy Spirit at salvation. Further, 50% noted regeneration gave them power through the Holy Spirit to live a holy life. In addition, 35% recognized the regeneration created them as a new person identified with Christ.

This survey suggests that within a population of mostly adolescent and millennial evangelical Christians, they frequently recognize sound doctrine concerning events accompanying salvation, including the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit as a seal to salvation, forgiveness of past and future sins by faith in Christ’s death on the cross, adoption into the family of God, placement within the universal church, and regeneration to a new person who can defeat sin.

However, the percentages of subjects providing correct answers were generally between 1/3 to 2/3 of the survey sample. This demonstrates a strong need for biblical teaching by church and youth leaders concerning events accompanying salvation to help provide power for Christian living and security in salvation.

Further, each of us as true believers in the grace of God to salvation should encourage each other in our eternal security as well as the accompanying benefits of salvation described above. 

We have a great God who is given us graciously a wonderful salvation. Discovering the full knowledge about salvation through scripture is vital to understand the great confident relationship we have with God which then enhances our wellbeing and helps us live our daily life. Scripture is true and is worth our time to investigate it!

Join me next time for more exciting explorations into the truth of scripture! 

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

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 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.

Change your life, pray to God!

Change your life, pray to God!

Prayer is foundational to our Christian life and our relationship with God. 

Teleios evaluated adolescent and millennial beliefs and habits about prayer. The survey was promoted on the Christian Instagram accounts, InstaPray and GodsHolyScriptures. Of the 428 respondents, the majority were: female (76%), <35 years old (77%), from the United States (54%), and evangelical (69%). All the findings of the survey can be found here.

The survey found that approximately 80% of participants pray to God every day. The most common topics for their prayers were: their own concerns (92%) and gratitude to God for their blessings (91%). However, when asked about what topics the Bible instructs them to pray, they most often indicated praise (87%) and thankfulness to God (86%).

Participants overwhelmingly prefer to pray at home and alone (93%). Further, they indicated they desire to pray at night (82%) with about 2/3 indicating morning or intermittent prayers throughout the day. Generally, participants preferred their prayers to be spontaneous (62%) while 19% used a predetermined mental or written list. Regarding responses to prayer, the great majority believed God answers prayer according to His will (88%).

Respondents noted Christians should pray in faith (77%), while about half each agreed the Holy Spirit and Christ pray for believers. When asked to pray for somebody else, a plurality of participants indicated they keep the information confidential (42%) and they pray for a while over time before stopping (40%).

Interestingly, when asked if praying in tongues or a person's native language was more useful, 40% noted the native language should at least sometimes be used while 40% expressed praying in tongues made no difference. In contrast, 20% believed that tongues should at least sometimes be used.

Further, those who praise the most often (P<0.0001), and especially in their native language (P=0.026), reported better wellbeing than those who did not or prayed in tongues. These points might emphasize that clearly articulated, biblically based communication with God provides a potential of enhanced wellbeing in the Christian life. 

This study shows that young evangelical typically pray daily, preferring a setting alone at home, at night and knowing God will answer prayer according to His will. 

However, they generally appear to lack knowledge over a number of biblical teachings regarding prayer such as: the Holy Spirit and Christ praying for believers, and that Christians should pray according to scripture, pray for all people and for government leaders. This provides opportunity for teaching about prayer from pastors and youth leaders.

OK so what does scripture say about prayer?

Prayer is one of the cornerstones of the Christian life. Scripture tells us that we should pray frequently and persistently. As Christians we can come boldly before God in prayer, uninhibited and unafraid, to receive mercy in our every time of need (Hebrews 10:19-22).

• The content of our prayers – This should be consistent with what glorifies Jesus Christ (John 14:13,14, 15:7). The content of our prayer generally should be:

o Thankfulness to God and for others (Philippians 1:3-4, Colossians 1:3)

o Praise to God (Hebrews 13:15)

o Petitions for ourselves and others (Philippians 4:6)

• Scriptural prayer guide – The apostle Paul offers 3 model prayers in which he emphasizes what God desire for us to attain by our prayers, no matter the situation (Ephesians 1:15ff, 3:14ff; Colossians 1:9-15) including: knowledge of our salvation and the Bible, wisdom, understanding, hope, power, knowing God’s love, service to God, patience, joy and persistence in our Christian walk. 

These wonderful prayers can be used as a model for what God wishes us to attain, in addition to any specific request we might pray for ourselves or others.

• God answers prayer (John 14:13-14; 1 John 5:14-15) – Wow, what a great promise! God says He will answer our prayers if we ask according to His will (i.e., scripture). Therefore, a key to an effective prayer life is knowing the epistles.

• How else does prayer help us?

o Prayer provides a release for our emotions to God, perhaps relieving tension and frustration (1 Peter 5:7).

o It engenders a sense that somebody cares and is listening. We also know that the Holy Spirit and Christ Himself pray on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:26,34)

o It causes us to pay attention to scripture as we pray and so provides us help to consider and form an answer to our problems as we ponder our requests to God.

o It reminds us to be thankful for others and for His blessings to us. It is hard to be angry with someone while you pray for them, which might reduce tensions and help relationships.

o It helps us to praise and remember that we have a great God whose purposes are greater than ours. Thus, it helps keep our own problems in perspective.

Therefore, prayer is a key tool to maturity as a Christian, invoking God’s help yet reminding us of scripture, praise and thankfulness, all which may our assist our wellbeing. Prayer is one of the great benefits of our Christian life.

Join us again next time as we discover the truth and benefits of the Bible together.

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

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 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.

How we praise

Our praise to God is a cornerstone of our Christian life, commanded in scripture (Hebrews 13:15-16), but changing our mindset and propelling us towards spiritual maturity. 

Accordingly, Teleios recently surveyed adolescents and millennials regarding their views about praise. The survey was promoted on the Christian Instagram accounts, InstaPray and GodsHolyScriptures. Of the 332 participants the majority were: female (78%), <35 years old (73%), from the United States (52%), and evangelical (71%). All the findings of the survey can be found here https://teleiosresearch.com/do-young-christians-praise/. 

Three-quarters (74%) of participants said they praise God every day. Most commonly they praise God because it is due Him (79%), but it also makes them feel good (79%). Importantly, those who praise God every day reported better wellbeing than those who praised less (P<0.001).

Participants indicated they praise God by expressing their gratitude to Him for their blessings (85%), singing hymns (78%), and recognizing His holy character and actions (65%).

In contrast, they noted the Bible states praise is by expressing thanksgiving (84%), living a godly lifestyle (81%), and expressing to God (79%) as well as to other people (78%) His righteous character and actions.

Participants believed praise helps them by reminding them of God’s greater purposes and desires than their own (91%), giving them joy (85%), and causing them to be more humble (79%).

Participants indicated that praise is directed to God the Father (97%), Jesus (89%), and the Holy Spirit (79%), although the Bible only directs praise to God the Father.

This survey showed that young Christian believers generally have a solid concept of praise, being thankful, and recognizing God's righteous character and actions.

How then and why do we praise - what does scripture say? 

• Definition of ‘praise’ – Merriam-Webster dictionary defines ‘praise’ as:

o To express a favorable judgment or commend

o To glorify (a god or saint) especially by the attribution of perfections

• Content of praise – Therefore, as a Christian what should be the content of biblical praise? The Bible gives some hints:

o Acknowledgement of God’s perfect character (Ephesians 1:6)

o Acknowledgement of God’s righteous actions (Psalm 139:14; Psalm 148)

o Thankfulness (Hebrews 13:15)

• Reason we praise – Why do we praise God? The reasons are vital to our Christian life and are listed below:

o The Bible commands us to praise – It is our duty to praise God. However, God does not give us commands without reason, so several potential explanations follow below (Psalm 150; Romans 15:11; Hebrews 13:15).

o He deserves praise – Our Father in Heaven is the almighty God who has provided for us salvation through his precious Son, Jesus Christ, as a free gift through faith to eternal life. This salvation is a sure hope and anchor for our souls. Surely, He deserves glory, thanks, and praise (1 Peter 4:11; Hebrews 6:19).

o It is good for us to praise – God made us! Therefore, He knows what is good for us. It is good for us to praise at least for the following reasons:

o God’s ordained order – Praise reminds us of the order of the universe. We are not the most important thing in creation. God’s goals and priorities are above, and better than ours!

o Humility – Realizing that God’s plans are more important than ours might limit our complaining and remind us that we are here to serve our great God.

o Attitude – Praise teaches us thankfulness in realizing God’s gifts to us in creation, in Christ and His benefits in this life as our Father. These should promote an attitude of thankfulness and reduce expectations (Philippians 4:8).

We do indeed have a great God who is worthy of all praise! Make praise a part of your daily life and reap the benefits personally while giving God what He deserves. 

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

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 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.

What do we think about Christian counseling?

What do we think about Christian counseling?

Christian counseling has become very common within church-based society, being utilized both by individuals and as referral sources by churches. Christian counselors themselves are trained both by established academic institutions and by gaining certificates from independent groups.

To better understand the experience and impressions of Christian counseling among young Christians, Teleios recently conducted a survey. Of the 235 respondents the majority were: female (71%), 18-34 years (77%), and from the United States (58%). All the findings of the survey can be found here (https://teleiosresearch.com/how-young-believers-view-christian-counseling/).

Participants overall viewed Christian counseling as positive with 9% currently in counseling, 7% stating they had been in therapy before and would start again and 30% indicating they have never been in counseling, but planned to go. Overall, 22% reported they had seen a Christian counsellor. Further, 27% said that every Christian should be in counseling now or at some time in their life; while 35% indicated they should go only for specific problems.

The greatest benefit of counseling (of all respondents) was: it saved their life (6%), it improved depressive symptoms (8%), it helped them recover from a psychological illness (3%) or from addiction (1%), it reduced anger (8%), or improved relationships (11%).

Spiritually, counselling helped participants seek God through prayer, fellowship, knowledge of the Bible or praise (about 10% in each case), but was less helpful in causing participants to teach the Bible to others (3%) or spread the gospel (4%).

Importantly, wellbeing did not differ statistically between respondents based on their current or past participation in Christian counselling (P>0.05).

Our survey speaks to the broad popularity of Christian counseling among young evangelicals. However, the clinical and spiritual results of Christian counseling remain undescribed. What are the potential pros and cons?

Potential pros of Christian counseling, it may:

• Provide a resource for busy pastors to extend the church’s help to individual believers in their congregation 

• Give a mechanism for Christians to discuss their emotions and pain to a concerned listener

• Supply secular and spiritual advice to bring about emotional healing 

• Fortify the participant’s life emotionally and spiritually

• Help further integration of the participant into the Christian community

• Provide an important gateway to psychiatric services to deal with profound or emergent mental issues that might lead to self-harm or violence 

https://www.guystuffcounseling.com/christian-counseling/christian-counseling-benefits

https://www.christian-works.org/benefits-christian-counseling/

Potential cons of Christian counseling:

• The scientific results of Christian counseling, compared to secular counseling or no counselling, largely are unknown

• The methodology of Christian counseling and counselors’ training are not well proven 

• The interaction between Christian counseling methods and the Bible is unclear, varies by institution and probably by the counselors themselves (https://teleiosresearch.com/christian-counseling-degree-courses/). 

o From our survey most young Christians who participated in counseling did not receive instruction in any of the 5 basic elements of the Christian faith that underpin maturity (Acts 2:42,47) 

o Universities training Christian counselors typically do so from a secular and not a biblical basis (https://teleiosresearch.com/christian-counseling-degree-courses/) 

o Christian counseling, while it may help in with practical advice and even some spiritual direction, may not provide the basis for growing Christian maturity as described in the Bible 

• In our survey the average wellbeing was not different among participants who received prior or current counseling or if expressed desire for counseling in the future. This might signify that Christian counseling may not always be beneficial.

In summary, Christian counseling appears to provide a practical step in helping believers deal with issues in their lives and a vital resource for the church. 

However, Christians should be careful in assessing their care to ensure it does provide guidance into biblical maturity through obedience in His word, or otherwise assuring these tools to maturity and the fruits of the Spirit are supplied by other sources.

More research is needed specifically regarding the outcomes of Christian counseling and ways to further benefit participants.

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

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 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.

What do young Christians believe about fellowship/community?

What do young Christians believe about fellowship/community?

Teleios conducted a survey regarding Christian fellowship and community. Of the 161 participants the majority were: female (72%), <35 years old (81%), from the United States (63%), and evangelical (73%). See full results here - Fellowship habits of young Christians.

A small majority (52%) of respondents indicated they participate in Christian fellowship at least once a week where biblical topics are discussed. In contrast, just over 25% noted they either never have fellowship, or do so only a few times a year. Fellowship generally is based around church events, most usually during and after church (61%), small group (48%), or other associated church events (46%).

Young believers recognize typically that the Bible teaches that Christians fellowship not only with each other (83%), but with all  the members of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Ghost [≥75%]). Further, 75% noted that fellowship is  necessary for the Christian life.

Participants generally know they should actively seek fellowship with other Christians and they accomplish this most commonly by scheduling specific times with other believers (68%) and by acknowledging the good things Christ has done in others (63%).

Participants also responded that fellowship is good for them because of the joy it brings (81%), their gain from the godly example of other believers (77%) and the mental correction to the greater purposes  God has compared to their own (76%).

Importantly, respondents who noted that fellowship was imperative for living the Christian life demonstrated higher wellbeing than those who did not (P=0.005).

The study suggests that adolescents and young adult Christians generally hold biblical views on fellowship. The results are encouraging as they suggest that fellowship concepts are learned early by believers and are generally biblically based.

How do we fellowship as Christians?

Fellowship is foundational in the Christian life. How do we do it?

• Definition – The biblical word ‘fellowship’ is most closely expressed in the Greek by the word koinōnia (κοινωνία), and its derivatives, which mean basically ‘communion’ as well as the word metochē (μετοχή) which means ‘participation.’

• What does the Bible say about fellowship? – The Bible describes fellowship in the most general ways:

o It occurs only between Christians – This is because we cannot be encouraged or learn from those who do not have the Spirit or who do not understand the Christian faith (1 John 1:6-10; 2 Corinthians 6:14).

o Do not neglect – We are not to avoid fellowship. This is because it is good for us. It is also good for other people to see God working in us (Hebrews 10:15-18; Hebrews 13:15).

o Functional definition – In reality, the Bible does not give a lot of detail, or a singular text, defining ‘fellowship.’ However, functionally any interaction between Christians that is spiritually based, as described in the Bible, might be considered fellowship (Colossians 3:12-17; Ephesians 5:15-20).

• Why do we need fellowship? – The benefits of fellowship are assumed in scripture. As Christians, we need the example, as well as the verbal encouragement and reminders of God’s word from others, to help promote our own walk with God (1 Timothy 4:12-16). Likewise, our actions and speech provide this to other believers.

• What biblical fellowship is not – One benefit we derive from church is social fellowship around food, games, sports, weddings, parties, etc. However, these events may or may not include true fellowship which should have a spiritual basis.

• How do we fellowship? – True biblical fellowship can occur in many settings. Regardless the setting, biblical fellowship is framed in a lifestyle that is upstanding (1 Thessalonians 2:10) and speech that helps and encourages others (Ephesians 4:29). How do we do this? Here are some ideas:

o Know God’s word – This is important so you are speaking to others correct biblical truth and not church based jargon such as ‘That is not my gift’ or ‘I do not have a peace about that so I will not do it.’

o Plan ahead – Consider before meeting with a person how you might encourage them specifically with: gratitude, commendation, thought provoking questions, sharing God’s word or recounting what God has done in your life (Colossians 1:3-7; 1 Thessalonians 1:5-7; 1 Timothy 4:16). If you don’t know what to ask, check their social media accounts and learn about them. If you are attending a gathering, then choose one person to target for fellowship.

o Listen – Be sure and listen when conversing so you can learn and discover how you can even better encourage them (James 1:19).

o Control the environment – It can be very difficult to discuss godly matters in environments that are controlled by other people, such as festive activities or groups of people who are unbelievers or  non-serious Christians. If you’re finding it difficult to have fellowship then create your own environments in which proper fellowship can occur, such as:

 Choose a meeting place that is quiet, where you will not have interruptions and where bible-based topics can be discussed.

 Choose the person or the people specifically to join you who also seek Christ and with whom excellent fellowship can occur.

Although your church may provide activities and worship services that can promote building relationships with other believers, generally fellowship is up to the individual to plan, pursue and accomplish. It takes a little effort, but God will use it in your life to encourage and teach you. Make true Christian fellowship a routine part of your life!

Join us again soon for another informative blog to help you in your Christian walk  

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

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 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.