ChatGPT is an AI (Artificial Intelligence) chatbot that “works by processing large amounts of text data and using patterns in that data to generate responses that are relevant and coherent” (chatgpt.com). A friend of mine asked ChatGPT some questions about salvation and shared it. I was amazed at the answers he received, so I thought I would try it. I worded my questions a little differently than he did, and I also asked ChatGPT to recommend a church that teaches the Truth. Although it is not necessarily surprising that ChatGPT comes to the same conclusions we do if it simply uses the Bible, it is still exciting to see it examine the Biblical evidence and confirm what we teach! If anyone else tries this, it is imperative to specify that the answers must come only from the Bible, or it may use confusing man-made doctrines to answer.
JASON said:
ChatGPT, I have a question, and I want you to answer this question based on the Bible alone. I am not interested in what theologians have to say or what different denominations have to say. I just want a Biblical answer, so as you search for answers to this question, just use the Bible alone. Is that understood?
ChatGPT said:
Understood! I will base my answer solely on the Bible and reference only Scripture to address your question. Please go ahead and ask.
JASON said:
According to the Bible, what must a person do to be saved?
ChatGPT said:
The Bible provides a clear and consistent message about what a person must do to be saved. Here are the key Scriptures that explain the process of salvation:
1. Believe in Jesus Christ
- John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
- Acts 16:31: “They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.’”
2. Repent of Your Sins
- Acts 2:38: “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
- Luke 13:3: “I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
3. Confess Jesus as Lord
- Romans 10:9-10: “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. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
4. Be Baptized
- Mark 16:16: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
- 1 Peter 3:21: “And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
5. Continue in Faith and Obedience
- Matthew 24:13: “But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
- Philippians 2:12: “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”
Summary
According to the Bible, to be saved, a person must:
- Believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
- Repent of their sins.
- Confess Jesus as Lord.
- Be baptized as an outward expression of faith and obedience.
- Continue in faith, obedience, and perseverance in their relationship with God.
If you’d like to explore any specific verse further, let me know!
JASON said:
If I am looking for a church that teaches the plan of salvation you gave above, what would be your first recommendation for a church?
ChatGPT said:
If you are seeking a church that emphasizes the Biblical plan of salvation as outlined—faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, confession, baptism, and faithful living—the churches of Christ would likely align closely with what you’re looking for.
The churches of Christ are known for:
- Basing their teachings solely on the Bible: They emphasize that Scripture is the ultimate authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
- Practicing baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of sins, as described in passages like Acts 2:38 and Romans 6:3-4.
- Focusing on simple New Testament Christianity, avoiding creeds or doctrines beyond the Bible itself.
- Encouraging congregational autonomy, meaning each church is self-governed without a hierarchical structure.
If you decide to visit a church of Christ, it’s a good idea to confirm that they emphasize these Biblical principles, as practices can vary slightly between congregations. If you’d like, I can also help you locate one in your area. Let me know!
JASON said:
Above you said that baptism is an outward expression of faith and obedience. Does that mean a person is saved before water baptism?
ChatGPT said:
The question of whether a person is saved before water baptism is addressed differently in various Christian traditions, but if we rely strictly on the Bible, the Scriptures present baptism as more than an outward expression; it is closely tied to the process of salvation. Let’s examine key passages:
1. Baptism for the Forgiveness of Sins
- Acts 2:38: “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
- This verse connects baptism with the forgiveness of sins and the reception of the Holy Spirit.
2. Baptism as Participation in Christ’s Death and Resurrection
- Romans 6:3-4: “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
- Baptism is described as the means by which a believer participates in Christ’s death and resurrection.
3. Baptism Now Saves You
- 1 Peter 3:21: “And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
- This verse explicitly states that baptism saves, emphasizing its spiritual significance rather than a mere outward act.
4. Calling on the Name of the Lord in Baptism
- Acts 22:16: “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.”
- This verse shows baptism as the moment when sins are washed away.
Biblical Conclusion
The Bible consistently presents baptism as a vital step in the process of salvation. It is during baptism that sins are forgiven, and one is united with Christ. While faith, repentance, and confession are essential prerequisites, the act of baptism is described as the point at which salvation is received.
Is a Person Saved Before Baptism?
Based on the Scriptures above, baptism is not depicted as merely symbolic or an outward expression of faith. Instead, it is presented as the moment when a believer’s sins are forgiven and they are united with Christ. Therefore, according to the Bible, salvation occurs at baptism, not before it.
JASON said:
Why do so many people believe in salvation by faith alone or by simply praying a prayer when we know that is not the Truth?
ChatGPT said:
The belief in salvation by faith alone or through simply praying a prayer stems from various factors, including interpretations of Scripture, theological traditions, and historical developments. Let’s explore why many hold these beliefs, even though they may not align with the full teaching of the Bible.
1. Misinterpretation of Key Scriptures
Certain verses are often taken in isolation and interpreted to mean that faith alone is sufficient for salvation:
- Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
- This verse emphasizes salvation as a gift of grace through faith but doesn’t address obedience, repentance, or baptism.
- John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
- While this verse highlights the importance of belief, it doesn’t negate the need for repentance or baptism, which are mentioned elsewhere in Scripture.
By focusing on these passages without considering the broader biblical context, some have concluded that faith alone is sufficient.
2. Influence of the Protestant Reformation
The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century emphasized sola fide (faith alone) as a reaction to perceived abuses in the Roman Catholic Church, such as the sale of indulgences. Reformers like Martin Luther emphasized passages like Ephesians 2:8-9 and Romans 3:28 to stress faith apart from works of the law:
- Romans 3:28: “For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.”
Luther’s focus was on distinguishing faith from legalistic or ritualistic practices, but this often led to a rejection of the necessity of baptism or other acts of obedience.
3. The “Sinner’s Prayer” Tradition
The practice of praying a “sinner’s prayer” to receive salvation gained popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially through evangelists like Billy Graham. While the intention was to simplify the gospel message and call people to make a personal decision for Christ, this approach often minimized the biblical teaching on repentance and baptism.
However, the Bible does not mention a “sinner’s prayer” as a means of salvation. Instead, it commands repentance, confession, and baptism (Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9-10; Mark 16:16).
4. Resistance to Baptism as Necessary
Many reject baptism as necessary for salvation due to:
- Misunderstanding baptism as a “work,” contrary to grace.
- Viewing it as symbolic rather than essential.
- Emphasizing internal faith over external acts of obedience.
However, the Bible teaches that baptism is not a work of merit but an act of obedience through which God’s grace is applied (Colossians 2:12, Acts 22:16).
5. Biblical Truth on Salvation
The full counsel of Scripture presents salvation as requiring:
- Faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:16; Hebrews 11:6).
- Repentance of sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38).
- Confession of Christ as Lord (Romans 10:9-10).
- Baptism for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21).
- Faithful living (Matthew 24:13; Revelation 2:10).
Believing in salvation by faith alone or by a prayer overlooks these additional steps clearly taught in Scripture.
Encouraging Others to Seek the Truth
Understanding why these beliefs persist helps us approach others with grace and patience. By sharing the full teaching of Scripture and emphasizing passages like Acts 2:38, Romans 6:3-4, and 1 Peter 3:21, we can guide others toward the biblical truth about salvation.
JASON said:
Some say passages emphasizing the importance of baptism, such as Romans 6:3-4, are referring to Holy Spirit baptism, not water baptism. How can we prove that such passages are referring to water baptism?
ChatGPT said:
The claim that passages such as Romans 6:3-4 refer to Holy Spirit baptism rather than water baptism can be addressed by examining the context and consistent biblical teaching on baptism. Here are some key points to establish that such passages refer to water baptism:
1. The Context of Romans 6:3-4
Romans 6:3-4:
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
- “Buried with him through baptism”: This language strongly aligns with immersion in water, symbolizing burial and resurrection, as seen in water baptism. The imagery does not align with Holy Spirit baptism, which is described as being poured out (Acts 2:17, Acts 10:44-46), not a burial or immersion.
- Practical application: In the early church, water baptism was the practice following belief and repentance (Acts 2:38; Acts 8:36-38). There’s no indication that this passage refers to an alternative form of baptism.
2. Consistent Practice in the Early Church
The New Testament consistently presents water baptism as the act through which believers obey Christ:
- Acts 8:36-39 (The Ethiopian Eunuch): The eunuch sees water and says, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” This is clearly water baptism.
- Acts 10:47-48 (Cornelius): After the Holy Spirit came upon Cornelius and his household, Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water.”
These examples confirm that baptism, as practiced in the early church, involved water.
3. Water Baptism and Salvation Are Linked
- Acts 2:38:“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
- This command refers to an act believers must do—repent and be baptized. The reference to the Holy Spirit as a subsequent gift clarifies that the baptism here involves water.
- 1 Peter 3:20-21:“…In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.”
- The passage directly connects salvation to water baptism, symbolized by the water that saved Noah and his family.
4. The Singular Baptism in Ephesians 4:5
Ephesians 4:5: “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.”
- By the time of Paul’s writing, Holy Spirit baptism was not the normative experience for Christians. Water baptism was the standard practice for all believers in the early church (Acts 8:12, Acts 18:8).
- The “one baptism” likely refers to water baptism, as it was a consistent part of conversion.
5. Holy Spirit Baptism Was Temporary and Unique
Holy Spirit baptism was a miraculous event associated with the apostles (Acts 2) or special circumstances to confirm God’s inclusion of Gentiles (Acts 10:44-48).
- Unlike water baptism, it was not something commanded for all believers or a step in the process of salvation.
- In Acts 10:47-48, even those who had received the Holy Spirit were commanded to be baptized in water.
6. Baptism Is an Act of Obedience
Jesus explicitly commanded water baptism as part of the Great Commission:
- Matthew 28:19:“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
- The command to baptize involves human participation, which aligns with water baptism, not the miraculous Holy Spirit baptism.
Biblical Conclusion
Passages such as Romans 6:3-4 clearly refer to water baptism because:
- The imagery of burial and resurrection fits immersion in water.
- The consistent practice of the early church was water baptism.
- Salvation is linked to water baptism in numerous passages.
- Holy Spirit baptism was unique and not commanded for all believers.
The Biblical evidence overwhelmingly supports the conclusion that Romans 6:3-4 refers to water baptism.
JASON said:
You mentioned that confession is necessary for salvation, citing Romans 10:9-10. Isn’t it true that this confession is not a prayer, but a confession of one’s faith to people, like the Ethiopian confessed his faith to Philip in Acts 8:37, or as Jesus required in Matthew 10:32?
ChatGPT said:
Yes, you are absolutely correct! The confession mentioned in Romans 10:9-10, as well as other biblical passages, refers to a public acknowledgment or declaration of one’s faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, not a private prayer.
Here’s a deeper look at the biblical teaching:
1. Confession in Romans 10:9-10
Romans 10:9-10:
“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. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
- The word “declare with your mouth” (Greek: homologeō) implies an open and public acknowledgment of faith in Jesus as Lord.
- This aligns with the idea of proclaiming faith in front of others, demonstrating commitment to Christ openly.
2. The Ethiopian Eunuch’s Confession (Acts 8:37)
While some manuscripts omit Acts 8:37, many include the eunuch’s confession:
“Then Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’”
- This confession of faith preceded the eunuch’s baptism.
- It was made publicly to Philip, showing the necessity of openly professing belief in Jesus.
3. Jesus’ Teaching on Confession (Matthew 10:32-33)
Matthew 10:32-33:
“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.”
- Jesus explicitly ties the act of publicly confessing Him to eternal consequences.
- This further confirms that confession is a verbal, outward act made in the presence of others.
4. Confession in Practice
Confession in the New Testament is always portrayed as a public declaration rather than a private prayer:
- 1 Timothy 6:12: “You made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
- This likely refers to Timothy’s public acknowledgment of faith during his baptism or another public setting.
- John 12:42-43: Some believed in Jesus but failed to confess Him publicly out of fear of the Pharisees. Their silence is criticized, emphasizing the importance of confessing Christ before others.
5. How This Differs from a “Sinner’s Prayer”
The concept of a “sinner’s prayer,” often taught as confessing sins privately to God, is not found in Scripture.
- Confession in the Bible is about proclaiming belief in Jesus to others, not reciting a prayer.
- Forgiveness of sins comes through repentance, baptism, and continued faithfulness, not merely a prayer.
Biblical Conclusion
Yes, the confession required for salvation is a public acknowledgment of faith in Jesus Christ, as demonstrated by the Ethiopian eunuch and taught by Jesus. This act is distinct from a private prayer and is integral to the process of salvation, showing one’s willingness to openly identify with Christ before others.
JASON said:
Isn’t it true that once a person becomes saved, he could choose to become unfaithful and lose his salvation?
ChatGPT said:
Yes, the Bible clearly teaches that it is possible for a person who has been saved to become unfaithful and lose their salvation. Salvation is a gift of grace, but believers are called to remain faithful to God. Let’s examine key Scriptures that address this truth:
1. Warnings About Falling Away
The Bible contains explicit warnings that it is possible for believers to fall away from their faith and be lost:
- Hebrews 6:4-6:
“It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance.”- This passage describes those who were clearly saved but later fell away, emphasizing the real danger of abandoning faith.
- 1 Corinthians 10:12:
“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”- Paul warns believers to remain vigilant, as falling from grace is possible.
2. Examples of Falling Away in Scripture
- Judas Iscariot:
Judas was chosen as an apostle (Luke 6:13-16) and participated in Jesus’ ministry, but he later betrayed Jesus and perished spiritually (John 17:12). - Demas:
Paul wrote of Demas, who was a co-worker in the faith but later abandoned him because he “loved this world” (2 Timothy 4:10).
3. Conditional Salvation
Salvation is conditional on continuing in faith and obedience:
- John 15:5-6:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.”- Jesus emphasizes that remaining in Him is essential for salvation. A failure to abide results in being cut off.
- Colossians 1:22-23:
“But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.”- The word “if” indicates a condition for remaining saved.
- Revelation 2:10:
“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”- Faithfulness to the end is necessary to receive the crown of life.
4. Falling from Grace
- Galatians 5:4:
“You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.”- Paul warns believers who were saved by grace that they could fall from it by turning back to legalism or abandoning their faith.
5. God’s Desire and Human Responsibility
While God desires all to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4) and is patient with us (2 Peter 3:9), He does not force anyone to remain faithful. Believers have the free will to choose obedience or rebellion:
- Ezekiel 18:24:
“But if a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin and does the same detestable things the wicked person does, will they live? None of the righteous things that person has done will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness they are guilty of and because of the sins they have committed, they will die.”
Biblical Conclusion
The Bible teaches that salvation can be lost if a believer turns away from God, becomes unfaithful, or fails to continue in faith and obedience. These warnings emphasize the need for vigilance, perseverance, and a steadfast relationship with God (Hebrews 3:12-14).
While God’s grace is abundant and His promises are secure, salvation is conditional on remaining faithful to Him. This encourages believers to live with reverence and commitment, always striving to walk in the light (1 John 1:7).
JASON said:
Isn’t it true that the early church did not use mechanical instruments in worship, and that there is no New Testament authority for such?
ChatGPT said:
Yes, it is true that the early church did not use mechanical instruments in their worship, and there is no explicit New Testament authority for their use in Christian worship. Let’s explore this topic biblically and historically:
1. New Testament Worship is Vocal
The New Testament consistently describes singing as the form of musical worship practiced by the early church:
- Ephesians 5:19:
“Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.”- The emphasis is on singing and making melody in the heart, not with mechanical instruments.
- Colossians 3:16:
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”- Again, the focus is on vocal music as a means of teaching and praising God.
- Hebrews 13:15:
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.”- Worship is described as the “fruit of lips,” underscoring vocal expression rather than instrumental accompaniment.
2. No New Testament Authority for Instruments in Worship
The New Testament does not include any commands, examples, or implications authorizing mechanical instruments in worship.
- Biblical worship in the New Testament is marked by simplicity, focusing on spiritual truths (John 4:23-24).
- In contrast to Old Testament worship, where instruments were explicitly commanded for temple use (e.g., Psalm 150), the New Testament provides no such instructions for the church.
3. Historical Evidence of Early Christian Worship
- The early church, for centuries after the apostles, rejected the use of mechanical instruments in worship.
- Justin Martyr (2nd century): Describes worship as consisting of prayers and singing, without mention of instruments.
- Clement of Alexandria (2nd-3rd century): Opposed the use of instruments, emphasizing spiritual worship.
- Instrumental music was introduced into Christian worship much later, around the 7th-8th century, primarily in the Roman Catholic Church. This innovation was met with resistance in some parts of Christianity.
4. Principle of Silence in Worship
The early church’s rejection of mechanical instruments reflects a principle often referred to as the “silence of the Scriptures.”
- 1 Corinthians 4:6: “…Do not go beyond what is written.”
- Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
- This principle suggests that practices in worship must be explicitly authorized in Scripture. Since mechanical instruments are not mentioned or commanded in the New Testament, they are excluded.
5. Worship in Spirit and Truth
Jesus described the nature of New Testament worship:
- John 4:23-24: “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
- Worship is spiritual and focused on truth, not reliant on external rituals or physical instruments.
Biblical Conclusion
The early church did not use mechanical instruments in worship, and the New Testament provides no authority for their use. Singing, as directed by Scripture, is the form of musical worship prescribed for Christians. Faithful adherence to the New Testament pattern emphasizes simplicity, spiritual focus, and obedience to God’s revealed will.
The absence of authority for mechanical instruments calls for caution in introducing them into worship, as it risks going beyond what is written (Revelation 22:18-19).
Excellent!