Explain your beliefs (5 mins.) Role-play. ijwbq article 140 par. 4. Topic: Is believing in Jesus all that is needed to be saved? (lmd lesson 11 point 5).
Context: During the Bible study, the question arises as to whether believing in Jesus is all that is needed for salvation. The publisher shows the student, using the Bible, the importance of having faith in Jesus, but also that simply believing in him is not enough for salvation; one must obey, follow Jehovah's instructions, and endure to the end.
Publisher: Hi, [name]. I wanted to talk to you about something a lot of people say. Since I was little, I've heard that believing in Jesus is enough, that it's sufficient to be saved. What do you think?
Assistant: Yes, I've heard that too. That you just have to accept it and that's it.
Publisher: We believe that having faith in Jesus is absolutely necessary, but the Bible shows that it is not the only thing needed to be saved.
Assistant: And how is that? Because most people say it as if it were enough.
Publisher: Look, let me give you a simple example. Imagine a father sees you're in danger and sends his son to rescue you. He also leaves you clear instructions so you know what to do when help arrives. Would it be enough to say, "Yes, I think his son is going to rescue me"?
Assistant: No, of course not. I would also have to follow the instructions.
Publisher: Exactly. Well, something similar happens with salvation. Jehovah is the one who makes it possible, Jesus is the means he uses, and the Bible explains what we have to do. That's why it's not enough to say "I believe in Jesus" if we then don't listen to God or apply what his Word teaches.
Assistant: So, do you not separate Jesus from his Father?
Publisher: No, not at all. In fact, the Bible teaches that Jehovah wants people to be saved and to come to an accurate knowledge of the truth. It's not just a matter of emotion, but of truly understanding what God teaches.
Assistant: That changes the idea quite a bit. In other words, it's not just about believing, but also about learning.
Publisher: That's right. For example, in Acts 16:31, 32, Paul and Silas told a man, “Believe in the Lord Jesus,” but then they taught him the word of Jehovah. This shows that true faith is based on learning about and knowing God.
Assistant: Interesting, because many people think that Jesus and God are the same.
Publisher: Yes, but it's easier to understand when you see the full context. It wasn't just about repeating a few words, but about knowing the truth. That's why, when we talk about Jesus, we're also talking about Jehovah and the Bible.
Assistant: That makes sense. But then, besides learning, what else is needed?
Publisher: Obedience is also necessary. Hebrews 5:9 says that Jesus became responsible for the eternal salvation of “all who obey him.” It doesn’t say “all who claim to believe,” but “all who obey.”
Assistant: In other words, obedience demonstrates whether faith is real.
Publisher: Exactly. Because someone can say they believe, but if they don't live according to what Jesus taught, that faith remains just words.
Assistant: Yes, that's understandable.
Publisher: And there's another important point: enduring to the end. Jesus said that whoever endures to the end will be saved. So it's not automatic; it requires perseverance.
Assistant: So it's not just a moment, but a whole lifetime.
Publisher: That's right. It's like a medical treatment: you can start well, but if you don't follow the instructions to the end, you won't get the result.
Assistant: Now I see it more clearly. Jesus is essential, but it's not enough to just mention him.
Publisher: Exactly. We greatly value Jesus' role, because without his sacrifice no one could be saved. But we also recognize that Jehovah is the one who made all this possible out of love.
Assistant: It's so nice to see it like this, everything fits together better.
Publisher: Yes. Salvation involves faith in Jesus, but also knowledge, obedience, and perseverance, all based on the Word of Jehovah.
Assistant: Now it's much clearer to me.
Publisher: I'm glad. Sometimes an idea sounds good, but when we analyze everything the Bible says, we understand the whole picture better.
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