Christian Beliefs Concerning Salvation

CHARLESTON, S.C. - July 16, 2019 - PRLog -- Teleios Research surveyed Christians to determine their beliefs about salvation. Of the 201 participants the majority were: female (55%), <35 years old (64%), from the United States (75%), and evangelical (73%). We received 228 responses.

In total, 85% of respondents believed that they were saved alone by God's forgiveness of their sins by faith in Christ. In contrast, 8% were unsure. Further,76% confirmed that they were forgiven completely of past, present and future sins by Christ's work at the cross. In addition, about 50% each indicated they were regenerated into a new person and adopted into the family of God at salvation.

Responses were tied at 38% each for those who believed they were eternally secure once saved, or they could forfeit their salvation by not making Jesus Lord of their life. Further, 33% were concerned they could lose their salvation by blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

Approximately 50% noted God would never limit a true believer's access to Him in prayer. In contrast, 26% believed personal sin would cause the Almighty to restrain their petitions to Him while 19% were unsure.

Further, 38% expressed since receiving the Holy Spirit at salvation nothing could make them lose Him. In contrast, 34% said blaspheming the Spirit, or 22% not doing what the Bible says, would cause Him to leave.

Regarding the regeneration by the Holy Spirit at salvation, 35% believed it could not be undone. In contrast, 29% said this was possible by blaspheming the Holy Spirit. About 20% each thought sinning too many times or not being obedient to what the Bible says could undo regeneration while 27% were not sure.

William C. Stewart, MD, co-founder of Teleios, stated that 'the findings were quite positive in that self-identified evangelicals recognize generally they are saved by grace alone. However, many might suffer from guilt or fear because they do not completely grasp the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice to purchase and secure their salvation.'

This study suggests evangelicals readily identify that they are saved by faith alone in Christ as the Bible teaches. However, they are often are unfamiliar with many of the scriptural benefits occurring at salvation such as justification, regeneration, access to God in prayer and receiving the seal Holy Spirit; all of which covey a  security to their salvation.

These findings offer an opportunity for pastors and teachers to further instruct young believers to the full ramifications of their biblically based salvation.

Complete results of this survey can be found here (https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-RN9PKQNZV/), and please view more findings from Teleios on our website (http://teleiosresearch.com/).

WC Stewart, JA Stewart, LA Nelson

About Teleios – Teleios is a non-profit foundation that seeks to demonstrate the truth of scripture and the Christian faith through scientific methods by providing evidence for the positive results of a biblically-based lifestyle. Prior studies conducted by Teleios have shown that the practice of the Christian faith (praise, prayer, fellowship, service and Bible study) and security of salvation increases well-being while reducing guilt.