Ask Pastor Jeff Jeff Peterson

This question is an emotional one as we live here in 2022. It will be interesting to see how this issue plays out over time as the Lord tarries in His return. The question? “Is lying to get a COVID passport sin?” Is lying to get a COVID passport sin? Six months ago, we published a video with our stand on the COVID vaccine, and I still stand by what I said in that video. We are now two years into the whole reality of COVID, and our question today is addressing a real issue Christians have to deal with.

This question came in from one of the new Christians in our church, who was reading Philippians chapter two and asked this question: “What does it mean to work out your own salvation?” Ok. Let’s address this. If you want to get your bible, we’ll be starting in Philippians chapter 2.The first thing that comes into some people’s minds when they see this is, “I thought salvation wasn’t by works, it’s by faith?” It’s a valid question. We know from elsewhere in Scripture that Paul himself, who wrote this phrase in Philippians 2:12, also wrote the lengthy teachings in Romans and Galatians on salvation by faith alone apart from works. Paul is not contradicting himself here. Working out your salvation isn’t just stated here in Philippians 2. The verse in question, though, contains our question, so let’s read the verse: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” Let’s look at what’s going on here.

In recent news headlines, a Catholic Diocese declared that an Arizona priest used one wrong word in baptisms for decades, and thereby they believe those baptisms are invalid. Are any Catholic baptisms valid? What do they believe actually saves you? This news headline is a springboard into talking about the Gospel and how it is that a man or woman can truly have their sins forgiven in Jesus Christ alone.

What does the Lord mean in Jeremiah 31:34 when he says, "I will remember their sin no more"? Romans 2:6 says, "He will render to each according to his works." 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 speaks of judgment involving rewards or the loss thereof. Scripture speaks of not grieving the Holy Spirit. It seems like sin would have to be remembered in order to judge works, give rewards, or to be grieved.

We shouldn’t give that person room to think it’s OK to be and to remain depressed or anxious because Scripture doesn’t. You want to love them through this, but not let them think they’re good being depressed or anxious.

Matthew 26:44 says Jesus "went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again." Does it not seem strange that the Son of God would make a request of his Father multiple times, saying the same words? What should we make of this, especially considering Jesus' teachings on prayer?