Study Guides

Self-Study Guide

1. Why do some Christians lack the assurance of their salvation? (See "Millions Are Not Sure ")
2. What do you believe intellectually about Christ? By what evidence do you know these beliefs to be true? (See "Intellectual Commitment ")
3. According to the following passages, who is Jesus Christ?
   a. Mark 1:1
   b. John 1:1, 14
   c. John 10:30
   d. John 14:6
4. Why were Jesus' miracles recorded for us? (See John 20:30,31)
5. Why did Jesus have to die?
   a. Hebrews 9:22
   b. 1 Peter 1:18, 19
   c. 1 Corinthians 15:3
6. In John 1:12, what is the relation between the words "receive" and "believe"?
7. What does knowing who Jesus Christ is mean to you?
   What scriptural assurances do you have that your salvation is more than emotion (based on the following verses)?
   a. Romans 8:16
   b. Ephesians 1:3-11
   c. l John 5:11-13
8. What emphasis do you think Christ placed on emotions during His earthly ministry? What do these two Scripture passages show?
   a. Mark 8:12
   b. Luke 10:21
9. How can emotions deceive you? (See "Emotional Commitment ")
10. What happens as you begin to know God better? (See "Volitional Commitment")
11. What does God's Word say about faith? (See Romans 1:17; 14:23; Hebrews 11:6)
12. Why does becoming a Christian involve an act of the will? And why are some people reluctant to accept Christ? (See also 2 Corinthians 4:2-4)
13. What kind of confirmation should you have that you have become a Christian? (See "Assurance of Salvation is Possible ")
14. How can you give God control of your life?
15. From Matthew 16:26, Mark 8:34-38; 10:21, 29-30; and John 3:1-21, explain Christ's advice and promises to those who hesitate to accept Him as Savior.
16. How can you be sure of your salvation and position in Christ? (See John 3:16; 10:28-29; l John 5:11-13)
17. How would you relate Matthew 21:22 to salvation and a Christian's assurance of his salvation?
18. Think of someone who is unsure of his salvation. What will you do this week to help this person gain assurance of his salvation and realize his position in Christ?

Group Discussion Questions

1. Christianity is built on biblical and historical fact. Discuss what facts are most important in making a commitment to Christ.
2. Why is Christianity different from all other religions? What does this difference mean to you personally?
3. The Christian life is to be lived by faith, not emotions. What place does emotion have in your Christian life? How and when can emotions be misleading? Share with your group a time in your life when you especially had to apply this truth.
4. Some people are reluctant to become Christians because they fear God will change their plans. Discuss an area in your life in which you saw God do this. What were the results?
5. Why is it important that you be sure of your salvation?
6. Church history records no great personal or group revivals that have taken place apart from an emphasis on God's holy Word. How does this emphasis affect the corporate life and witness of the church today? What role does God's Word play in your assurance of salvation?
7. With whom would you most like to share Christ right now? Break into groups of two, discuss a strategy for reaching that person, and pray with your partner for him/her.

Adapted from the Transferable Concept: How You Can Be Sure You Are a Christian, by Dr. Bill Bright, co-founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. © Cru. All rights reserved.