Q. Since I was saved, I have not lived a perfect life. Am I still saved?
A. There are, strictly speaking, two ways of salvation. Those are salvation by perfection and salvation by grace. No one save Jesus Christ lived a perfect life, before or after salvation. Therefore, the doctrine of salvation by grace alone is our only hope. The preaching of salvation by works (tragically, this is very common in our day) is a despair producer. We are not saved by the lives we live, but we are saved by faith in the blood of Jesus Christ, shed at Calvary.

Q. How can I be happy when there is so much sadness and so many problems in the world?
A. The Bible does not teach that the happiness of our lives is created by our circumstances. Rather, the Scripture says, “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice” (Phil. 4:4). Remember that happiness does not come from benign or cooperating circumstances. Rather, it comes from the Lord. Happiness should be remembered as a product of responsibilities met, duties fulfilled, tasks completed. We should not wait to just be overtaken by happiness, but rather, ask “What is my duty?” It is in doing one’s duty that we have the joy for which we seek.

Q. How can I improve and stabilize my mental attitude?
A. The answer of the Bible is, “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Phil. 4:8). Mental slippage can be avoided by thinking on the things of Christ and of eternity.

Q. Can you give me one never-failing rule that I should follow in life?
A. Yes, certainly.“Whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him” (Col. 3:17).