Bible Correspondence Course: “What Must I Do to Be Saved?”

Introductory Section A: Can the Bible Be Trusted?

The Bible claims to be God’s inspired word, profitable for teaching and guidance.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

2 Peter 1:20-21 – “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

Psalm 119:160 – “The sum of thy word is truth; And every one of thy righteous ordinances endureth for ever.”

Question 1: According to the Bible itself, can Scripture be trusted?
A) It is merely human opinion and unreliable
B) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is truthful and enduring
C) Only parts of it are inspired
D) It contradicts itself and cannot be fully trusted

Correct Answer: B) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is truthful and enduring
Rationale: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable. 2 Peter 1:21 says it came by the Holy Spirit, not human will. Psalm 119:160 declares God’s word is truth forever. A, C, and D contradict these direct claims.

READ THE GOSPEL OF JOHN. DECIDE IF YOU BELIEVE JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD.

THEN PROCEED WITH THIS STUDY.

Introductory Section B: Why Did Jesus Come into the World?

Jesus came to seek and save the lost and to give His life as a ransom.
Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

1 Timothy 1:15 – “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”

Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Question 2: Why did Jesus come into the world according to Scripture?
A) To establish an earthly political kingdom
B) To seek and save the lost and give His life as a ransom for sinners
C) To teach people to be religious
D) To condemn the world

Correct Answer: B) To seek and save the lost and give His life as a ransom for sinners
Rationale: Luke 19:10 and 1 Timothy 1:15 explicitly state Jesus came to save sinners and the lost. Mark 10:45 says He came to give His life as a ransom. A, C, and D do not match His stated purpose.

Introductory Section C: What Is Faith?

Faith is believing and trusting in God and His word, leading to obedience.
Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Hebrews 11:6 – “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

John 3:36 – “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life.”

Question 3: What is biblical faith?
A) A feeling without evidence or action
B) Believing and trusting God and His Son, essential to please God and receive everlasting life
C) Blind acceptance of anything
D) Intellectual agreement only, without obedience

Correct Answer: B) Believing and trusting God and His Son, essential to please God and receive everlasting life
Rationale: Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as substance and evidence; Hebrews 11:6 says it is required to please God. John 3:36 links believing on the Son to eternal life. The entire chapter of Hebrews 11 shows faith always leads to action. A, C, and D are incomplete or incorrect.

Introductory Section D: What Is Confession of Jesus?

Confession is openly acknowledging with the mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Romans 10:9-10 – “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Matthew 10:32 – “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.”

Question 4: What does it mean to confess Jesus according to Scripture?
A) A private prayer with no need to tell others
B) Openly acknowledging with the mouth that Jesus is Lord, unto salvation
C) Confessing sins to a priest
D) Denying self without mentioning Jesus

Correct Answer: B) Openly acknowledging with the mouth that Jesus is Lord, unto salvation
Rationale: Romans 10:9-10 directly ties confession with the mouth to salvation. Matthew 10:32 shows Jesus confesses before the Father those who confess Him before men. A, C, and D do not reflect the biblical teaching.

Section 1: Who Is the Holy God?

The Bible teaches that there is only one true God who is holy, eternal, and the Creator of all things.

Isaiah 45:5-6 – “I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me… that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.”
Isaiah 6:3 – “Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.”

1 Peter 1:15-16 – “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

Question 5: Who is the holy God according to Scripture?
A) One of many gods
B) The only true and living God who is holy
C) A force or energy without personality
D) Whatever each person believes Him to be

Correct Answer: B) The only true and living God who is holy
Rationale: Isaiah 45:5 declares there is no God beside the Lord, and Isaiah 6:3 and 1 Peter 1:16 emphasize His holiness. A is wrong because Scripture denies other gods exist. C is wrong because God has personality (He speaks, loves, judges). D is wrong because truth about God is revealed in Scripture, not subjective opinion.

Section 2: What Is Sin?

Sin is any violation of God’s law. It is missing the mark of God’s perfect standard.

1 John 3:4 – “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”

Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

James 4:17 – “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”

Question 6: What is sin according to the Bible?
A) Only the really bad things people do
B) Transgression of God’s law, including failing to do what is right
C) A mistake anyone can make without consequences
D) Something that only unbelievers commit

Correct Answer: B) Transgression of God’s law, including failing to do what is right
Rationale: 1 John 3:4 directly defines sin as lawlessness (transgression of the law). James 4:17 shows that not doing known good is also sin. A is wrong because all disobedience is sin. C is wrong because sin has eternal consequences. D is wrong because Romans 3:23 says all have sinned.

Section 3: Why Is Man Separated from God?

Because of sin, mankind is separated from the holy God and faces spiritual death.

Isaiah 59:2 – “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”

Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Ephesians 2:1 – “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.”

Question 7: Why is man separated from God?
A) Because God does not love mankind
B) Because of sin, which brings spiritual death and separation
C) Because people are born already condemned without personal sin
D) Because God is too holy to care about humans

Correct Answer: B) Because of sin, which brings spiritual death and separation
Rationale: Isaiah 59:2 plainly states that iniquities separate us from God, and Romans 6:23 declares the wages of sin is death. A and D are wrong because God loves the world (John 3:16). C is wrong because death is the wage earned by sin, not inherited without responsibility (Ezekiel 18:20).

Section 4: Who Is Jesus?

Jesus is the Son of God, fully God and fully man, the promised Savior.
John 1:1,14 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.”

Matthew 16:16 – “Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

1 Timothy 2:5 – “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”

Question 8: Who is Jesus according to Scripture?
A) Only a good teacher or prophet
B) The Son of the living God, who is God incarnate
C) An angel created by God
D) A mythical figure

Correct Answer: B) The Son of the living God, who is God incarnate
Rationale: John 1:1,14 identifies Jesus (the Word) as God who became flesh. Matthew 16:16 records Peter’s confession. A is wrong because Jesus claimed deity (John 8:58). C and D contradict the clear testimony of Scripture.

Section 5: What Did Jesus Do to Save Us?

Jesus died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

Romans 5:8 – “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

1 Peter 2:24 – “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree.”

Question 9: What did Jesus do to save us?
A) He lived a perfect life as an example only
B) He died for our sins, was buried, and rose again
C) He established an earthly kingdom
D) He taught that all people are already saved

Correct Answer: B) He died for our sins, was buried, and rose again
Rationale: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 summarizes the gospel facts. Romans 5:8 and 1 Peter 2:24 emphasize His substitutionary death. A is incomplete—His death was sacrificial. C and D contradict Scripture.

Section 6: What Must a Person Do to Be Saved?

Salvation is received through obedient faith in response to the gospel.
Mark 16:16 – “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”

Acts 2:38 – “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.”

Romans 10:9-10 – “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Question 10: According to the Scriptures, what does a person need to do to be saved?
A) Nothing—God saves unconditionally
B) Believe, confess Jesus as Lord, repent, and be baptized
C) Join a church and live a good life
D) Pray the sinner’s prayer and accept Jesus into the heart

Correct Answer: B) Believe, confess Jesus as Lord, repent, and be baptized
Rationale: The New Testament repeatedly links salvation to faith (belief), confession (Rom. 10:9-10), repentance (Acts 2:38), and baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Pet. 3:21). A, C, and D are not the pattern taught in Scripture.

Section 7: Why Is Obeying the Words of Jesus or Gospel Necessary to Be Saved?

Obedience to the gospel is required; disobedience brings vengeance.

2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 – “…when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven… In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction…”

Hebrews 5:9 – “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”

Question 11: Why is obeying the gospel necessary to be saved?
A) Because salvation is earned by perfect obedience
B) Because those who do not obey the gospel will face everlasting punishment
C) Because obedience is optional for Christians
D) Because God overlooks disobedience in sincere people

Correct Answer: B) Because those who do not obey the gospel will face everlasting punishment
Rationale: 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 directly states vengeance on those who “obey not the gospel.” Hebrews 5:9 says Jesus is the author of salvation to those who obey Him. A is wrong—salvation is by grace through faith. C and D contradict the plain warning.

Section 8: What Is Repentance and Why Is It Necessary?

Repentance is a change of mind that leads to turning away from sin toward God.

Acts 17:30 – “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.”

Luke 13:3 – “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”

2 Corinthians 7:10 – “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation.”

Question 12: What is repentance and why is it necessary?
A) Feeling sorry without changing behavior
B) A God-commanded change of mind that turns from sin, necessary to avoid perishing
C) An optional step for deeper Christians
D) Saying certain words of apology to God

Correct Answer: B) A God-commanded change of mind that turns from sin, necessary to avoid perishing
Rationale: Acts 17:30 commands all to repent; Luke 13:3 warns of perishing without it. Godly sorrow leads to repentance unto salvation (2 Cor. 7:10). A, C, and D do not match the biblical demand.

Section 9: Why Is Baptism Necessary?

Baptism unites us with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection; it is for the remission of sins.

Romans 6:3-4 – “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead… even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

Acts 22:16 – “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

1 Peter 3:21 – “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us.”

Question 13: Why is baptism necessary according to Scripture?
A) It is an outward sign of an inward grace already received
B) It puts us into Christ’s death and raises us to new life; it is connected to the washing away of sins and salvation
C) It is only for church membership
D) It is unnecessary since faith alone saves

Correct Answer: B) It puts us into Christ’s death and raises us to new life; it is connected to the washing away of sins and salvation
Rationale: Romans 6:3-4 explains baptism as burial and resurrection with Christ. Acts 22:16 links it to washing away sins; 1 Peter 3:21 says baptism saves us. A, C, and D contradict these passages.

Section 10: Why Is Obedience Necessary After Baptism?

Christians must continue to walk in obedience to remain faithful.
Hebrews 3:14 – “For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.”

Revelation 2:10 – “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

2 Peter 1:5-10 – Add to your faith virtue, knowledge, etc., “for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.”

Question 14: Why is continued obedience necessary after baptism?
A) To earn salvation through works
B) To remain faithful and receive the crown of life
C) Because baptism covers all future sins automatically
D) There is no need for obedience after initial salvation

Correct Answer: B) To remain faithful and receive the crown of life
Rationale: Revelation 2:10 promises the crown to those faithful unto death. Hebrews 3:14 conditions partaking of Christ on holding fast to the end. A is wrong—salvation is by grace. C and D contradict warnings against falling away (Gal. 5:4; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).

Section 11: How Is a Christian Expected to Live and Grow After Baptism?

Christians are to live holy lives, worship God, serve others, and grow in grace and knowledge.

1 Peter 2:9 – “But ye are a chosen generation… that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”

Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.”

2 Peter 3:18 – “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Question 15: After becoming a Christian, how is one expected to live and grow?
A) Live like the world but believe in Jesus
B) Grow in grace and knowledge, worship with the church, and live a holy life showing forth God’s praises
C) Do whatever feels right individually
D) Retire from active service since salvation is secure

Correct Answer: B) Grow in grace and knowledge, worship with the church, and live a holy life showing forth God’s praises
Rationale: 2 Peter 3:18 commands growth; Hebrews 10:24-25 urges assembling and good works; 1 Peter 2:9 calls us to show God’s praises. A, C, and D contradict these commands.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

May the Lord bless your diligent study of His word.

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