Lesson 3. Thirty-Three Questions and Answers. The “A Christian’s First Steps” school is intended for new converts. Prepared by Pastor Dmitriy Leo for Father’s Blessing Church, 2022.
You probably have many questions about Christianity, the Church, sin, family, and more. As you study the Bible and attend church, the Lord will give you answers to these questions. You will not be able to understand everything at once, but step by step, the truth will be revealed to you. Welcome to the Kingdom of God.
Below, we will try to answer some of the questions we hear most often.
Questions and Answers
1. What is sin?
Sin is an invisible killer. Sin is like diseases such as AIDS and cancer. It can be put this way: “If a person sins, they are sick, and if they do not stop and cease sinning, this disease will kill them.” The Bible says that the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). At first, sin gives a person pleasure, but ultimately it destroys and ruins them. This is inevitable. The only way out is to repent of sin and do everything possible not to sin anymore.
2. Are there people who do not sin?
The Bible says that all have sinned (Rom. 3:23). Moreover, it says that we all stumble in many ways (James 3:2). The only difference is that some people sin and know it, while others sin without realizing it. Many people consider themselves very decent and pure because they have not killed anyone or stolen anything, but they think this because they do not know the Bible. The Bible says that there are many sins people commit. For example, every kind of wrongdoing is already sin (1 John 5:17).
3. Are sins forgiven after repentance?
Yes, they are forgiven. Moreover, God not only forgives a person’s sins but also cleanses them from all unrighteousness. In other words, He helps them stop sinning and avoid repeating their past sins (1 John 1:9). If the repentance expressed in prayer was genuine, the result will also be evident. But if a person said the words “I repent” without hating the sin and turning away from it, then there is no forgiveness for that sin.
4. If I sin again tomorrow, will God forgive me?
As mentioned above (1 John 1:9), God forgives sins. The main thing is that we truly want to get rid of sin, rather than simply “sinning and repenting.” Sin destroys our body and leads to death, but sin begins with our sinful desires (James 1:15). We must not treat sin lightly, and it is important to get rid of it as soon as possible, because “the one who sins” is a slave to sin. A slave to sin will not inherit eternal life (John 8:34–35).
5. What should I do if I want to sin?
This means that you have not yet realized the destructive effect of sin, which you will experience sooner or later if you do not stop. You simply do not notice its destructive power, but you will certainly discover it later (Rom. 6:23). Sin is like a cancerous tumor. Do you want to have such a tumor in your body? No? Then tear it out and throw it far away—that is, stop sinning. When a person sins, they kill themselves with their own hands, step by step.
6. How can I know how many sins I still have?
As you grow spiritually in the Lord, He will show you the sins you need to abandon. God sets us free step by step because we cannot see and understand everything at once (1 Thess. 5:23). In His love and grace, the Lord patiently teaches us like infants and gradually sets us free from every vice and sin.
7. Is there a sin God may not forgive?
Yes. The Bible says that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is not forgiven (Matt. 12:31), and sins are not forgiven those who do not forgive the sins of others (Matt. 6:15). This means that we must always forgive people who sin against us so that we may also be forgiven. We must also be especially careful regarding people who have the Holy Spirit upon them, so as not to blaspheme the Holy Spirit who is in them.
8. How can I know whether I have been born again?
Those who have been born again love what God loves and hate what He hates. This condition is clearly stated in the Bible. A true Christian will strive to follow what the Word of God says. By continually applying biblical principles to your life, you will grow spiritually and become a mature Christian.
9. How can I recognize a true Christian?
Jesus said that a true Christian would be recognized by his fruit, or by the way he lives (Matt. 7:16). You can prove all you want that you are a believer, but your fruit will speak louder than your words. A true Christian grows in faith and eventually becomes like Jesus.
10. What does it mean to be a Christian?
A Christian is not merely a name; it means being like Christ. Christians are like little “Christs” on earth. This is our mission—to continue doing what Jesus did. Jesus commissioned His followers to continue doing what He did (John 14:12).
11. How is Christianity different from other religions?
Other religions promise certain benefits to their followers, but none of them can save a person from sin and grant eternal life. Salvation is found only in Jesus (Acts 4:12). If you are on a sinking ship, you need a lifeboat to save your life, not the comfort and promises of other passengers. Different religions are those other passengers on the ship called “the world.” They may promise much, but they cannot save.
12. But isn’t there anything useful in other religions?
On airplanes, in the event of an emergency landing, the only way to safety is through the emergency exits. What should you do when you find yourself in danger? Use this way to escape. Right? The Bible shows us the only Way of salvation that exists on this earth (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). There is only one Way, Truth, and Life—Jesus Christ—and everything else is deception. This concerns salvation and eternity, so it is important to make the right choice. Other religions cannot save, even if they contain some good things.
13. Why should you attend church?
God adds those who are being saved to the Church, rather than simply leaving them “on the road” (Acts 2:47). The Church is God’s great family, which will be taken to heaven. When a person becomes a Christian, it is like a baby being born on earth. A baby must be in a family, under the protection, nourishment, and provision of its parents. New Christians are babies whom God places in the Church so that the Church may raise them into healthy, mature people. To be without a church is to be without God’s family, without a home. The Church cannot be good or bad: the Church is the “home” where God places you for your own good.
14. Why are there so many churches?
In reality, there is one Church of Jesus Christ, but it is spread throughout the earth in different places. Each local church differs in character and style of ministry. People are also all different, so they choose the local church that meets their needs and requirements.
15. Why don’t people want to attend church?
Because people sin. The Church is called a “lampstand in His hand,” while evil people love darkness and do not come to the light (John 3:20). Another reason is that the devil hinders them. The devil knows that the Church will help a person get back on their feet and live a victorious life. That is why the enemy deceives people through all kinds of fears and lies and keeps them away from the Church, so that he can later devour them (1 Pet. 5:8). The devil cannot forbid you from going to church—he can only put thoughts in your mind telling you not to go. The choice is still yours. Therefore, stay alert, pray, and do not fall for his schemes. The devil is a murderer (John 8:44), and we must not let our guard down, much less sin.
16. Why Won’t God Destroy the Devil?
The devil (also called Satan) and his demons have already lost and been condemned, and eternal punishment in the lake of fire and sulfur awaits them. It is only a matter of time (Rev. 20:10). The devil is not an opponent for God; he is an opponent for people who choose to follow and worship him today. Many people love evil and do evil, but God allows the devil to remain so that those who have chosen sinful ways can see for themselves where they will lead. God gave people freedom to choose between good and evil, which is why both good and evil exist in the world at the same time.
17. Do I Really Have Salvation?
Romans 10:9 says: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” The Bible says that if we have truly believed in Jesus Christ—in who He is and what He has done for us—we acknowledge Him as our Lord and will be saved. Whoever has found the Lord has found salvation from sin and death. Jesus is the door through which we come to the Heavenly Father into His Kingdom.
18. How Can I Keep from Losing My Salvation?
You are saved by the grace of God and have received eternal life as a gift. It is important to understand that salvation is a process that will end when you enter eternity. A place in heaven has been prepared for you, and you have been given a “pass” to enter. Hold firmly to what you have, and never exchange it for the temporary temptations offered by this world. Those who overcome will inherit all things (Rev. 21:7).
Many abandon the Church, then God, and reject the gift of eternal life. They return to the world and live in sin. The Bible says that no one with sin will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, never reject your salvation. Love God, pray, study the Bible, attend church, and live a righteous life. All this is possible through the Holy Spirit, whom we have received from God. If you turn away from God to the “world,” you will remain with the “world” for punishment when the Church is caught up to heaven.
19. There Are Many Good People. Will They Be Saved?
People are saved and receive the gift of eternal life not because of good deeds. Everyone sins; not everyone realizes it. At the great white throne judgment, no deeds will count—only the record in the Book of Life (Rev. 20:15). We have salvation only through faith in Jesus Christ—He is our Savior from sin and death.
20. What Is the Meaning of Water Baptism?
Everyone who believes must be baptized in water. This is one component of your salvation, and the sooner you are baptized, the better (Acts 2:38). Jesus was also baptized in water and testified that this is a sign of obedience to God and that everyone should do it (Matt. 3:15). It symbolizes burying your old sinful life so that you may then live for God in righteousness.
21. What should I do if I was baptized as a child?
It was not biblical baptism but a meaningless ritual. True baptism is something entirely different. Baptism should follow repentance, when a person consciously receives Jesus as Savior (Acts 8:36–38). The question is: when you were an infant (at the time of your baptism), did you believe in Jesus with all your heart and give your life to Him? If so, your baptism was biblical; if not, it was a meaningless ritual.
22. What is baptism in the Holy Spirit?
The Greek word translated “baptize” means “to immerse, to dip.” A person is immersed in the Holy Spirit just as they are immersed in water. Through baptism in the Holy Spirit, a new believer receives power from God to resist sin and difficulties, as well as to serve (Acts 1:8). Baptism in the Holy Spirit is the sealing of believers by the Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of their inheritance. The Holy Spirit is the inward sign that His people belong to God. God “purchased” our salvation for us and gave us the Spirit as a guarantee, thereby assuring us that He will also grant us the rest of our inheritance.
23. How can I receive baptism in the Holy Spirit?
Baptism in the Holy Spirit occurs in different ways. The Holy Spirit may come upon a person before water baptism, during water baptism, or afterward—for example, during prayer with the laying on of hands.
24. How can I know whether I have been baptized in the Holy Spirit?
Scripture says much about the manifestations and work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those who receive Him. Therefore, if these works are present, it means you have been baptized in the Holy Spirit. If you have been baptized, you will receive gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:7), such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, and others. You will also be led by Him, and He will begin to reveal the Scriptures to you (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit will give you an inner sense that you are a child of God (Gal. 4:6). He will also prompt you to tell others about Jesus (John 15:26). And most importantly, the fruit of the Holy Spirit dwelling in you will appear in your life (Gal. 5:22).
25. How should I tell my relatives that I believe in Jesus?
If they are opposed to Christianity, you may not need to say anything at first. Simply begin to change, and people will notice the positive changes themselves and want to know your “secret.” A changed life is the best testimony (Matt. 5:16). Good fruit will provide evidence in your favor; bad fruit will testify against you.
26. How should I now live among sinful friends?
Life goes on. Continue to live, work, and interact with people, but now control your words, behavior, and actions. Try to be like Jesus Christ in everything. You should not become a stranger to everyone, but you should change and bring these changes into the society where you live. Become a light in the darkness and illuminate the way for others (Matt. 5:14). Our motto is four words: “Saved yourself—save another.”
27. I am ashamed to tell my acquaintances that I believe in Jesus.
If you feel embarrassed or ashamed, that is wrong (Mark 8:38). You do not need to be afraid of what is good. Sinners, alcoholics, and drug addicts should be ashamed, but not Christians. You have made the best choice, and there is no reason for you to feel embarrassed or afraid.
28. What should I do when I am criticized for my faith?
Do not pay attention to it; instead, respond with love and a smile. The main thing is not to be criticized for your sins and actions (1 Peter 4:14–17). The day will come when no one will laugh at Christians anymore: it will be the day when everyone stands before the judgment seat, and each person will be repaid for every word they have spoken. For now, humble yourselves and endure.
29. My relatives are against my attending church.
First, begin to pray and ask the Lord for protection. Second, tell the Church about it so that the Church can support you in prayer in agreement during this time. Third, ask the Lord for wisdom about how to behave toward your relatives. In most cases, the Lord works everything out and gives answers; the main thing is to remain in faith and not be afraid (John 15:20). Be sure to tell the church ministers or your spiritual mentor about the situation; depending on the circumstances, they will advise you what to do.
30. My family and friends do not want to listen to me talk about Christianity.
Continue maintaining relationships with them and do not impose Christianity on them. Later, you will have many more opportunities to continue the conversation on this subject. Pray for them, and God will prepare their lives and hearts to receive the truth. But remember: your good deeds speak louder than your words. When you change and living water flows from you, others will want the same (John 7:38). But if you do not change and only speak empty words, no one will want to listen to you.
31. Do Muslims and Christians not pray to the same God?
Allow me to ask a counterquestion: “Is Allah the Father of Jesus Christ?” — “No, Allah has no son. That would be blasphemy!” — “You see, therefore Allah and my God are not the same God.” This one fact alone is enough to answer the question. The God of the Quran and the God of the Bible may be somewhat similar in words, but upon closer examination it becomes clear that they have nothing in common.
32. What is religion?
In secular society, everyone who believes in something is called religious. This is an incorrect understanding of the word “religion.” In the spiritual sense, religion is the opposite of living, true faith in God. Many people today believe in their hearts in whatever way is convenient for them, but the Bible describes the commands and commandments according to which a person should live. Living faith is faith according to God’s commandments. Dead religious faith is considering oneself a believer while ignoring God’s commandments. Jesus said of the religious people of that time that they pretended to believe in God, but in reality practiced lawlessness, and their hearts were far from God. Religion is a counterfeit of living faith.
33. How Can You Avoid Falling into a Cult?
The best protection is the Word of God—the Bible—which should be read and studied as thoroughly as possible. If you know the Bible, you will be able to compare everything you see with what is written in it. People can make mistakes, but the Word of God is true. Of course, no one can reveal the Bible to us better than the Holy Spirit. We should approach Bible study with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal everything we need to know. God has also appointed pastors and teachers in the Church to reveal the Word of God. That is why we attend church. In general, if so-called cults do exist, they hide and do not hold open services because, as a rule, they engage in strange practices.
