Bible Study

WINDSOR FULL GOSPEL MISSION CHURCH
GROUP BIBLE DISCUSSION ANSWERS

John 3:1-13 (B)

1. 1) Can you explain salvation with the ladder-climbing illustration?

All religions are similar to climbing ladders that try to reach the height of heaven.

1.2) What is your opinion on the claim that anyone can be saved as long as he/she is sincere in the religion of choice?

Anyone can be sincere when climbing a ladder. However, being a sincere person does not guarantee that the ladder you choose to climb can actually reach heaven. In other words, sincere person may practice a wrong religion, just as a sincere person can catch a ride on the train to a wrong destination.

3) What is your opinion on mountain - climbing theory proposed by the religions? (John 14:6)

Answer

People may say whichever road he/she takes will be ok because all the roads will eventually meet at the top of the mountain, namely heaven. However, Bible says that only a person invited by God the Father is allowed to enter the kingdom of Heaven. If we don’t know Jesus personally, how can we expect to be invited into Jesus’ kingdom?

2. 1) When Jesus said, “you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.", what did Jesus refer to? (Genesis 28:10-13)

Answer

Jesus was referring to the ladder Jacob saw at Bethel, which came down from heaven.

2.2) What does it mean that “You shall see heaven open”?

Answer

Heaven normally remains closed. There is only one opening to heaven, which is through the ladder of Jesus.

2.3) What does it mean that Jesus (as the ladder) is the only one who came down from heaven? (v.13)

Answer

Jesus is the only ladder leading us straight into heaven.

2.4) Can this ladder be seen by people?

Answer

They may know about the ladder, but they do not understand. They may know about Jesus but do not know Him.

2.5) Can the earnest and sincere people see this ladder of salvation?

Answer

The answer to the question is the same as above.

2.6) If they can’t see the ladder, why can’t they? (Matthew 13:13-14)

Answer

God allows the sinners to see the ladder, but God does not allow them to understand it.

3. 1) How did you find this ladder of salvation?

Answer

I found this ladder of salvation by the grace of God.

3.2) What did Jesus say in John 15:16?

Answer

In John 15:16, Jesus said that He has chosen us, and we did not choose Him

4. 1) What do you need to get on this ladder of salvation?

Answer

You need help from water (the Word of God) and the Holy Spirit.

4.2) What can water (the Word of God) and the Holy Spirit do to help your get on the ladder of salvation?

Answer

A. John 15:3 We need to be first washed by water (the Word of God). The Word of God points out our sins. When we repent our sins, our sins can then be forgiven.

B. John 16:8 The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins to repent.

C. 2 Timothy 3:15 The Word of God gives us the wisdom of salvation.

D. 1 Corinthians 12:3 Through the revelation from the Holy Spirit, we have gained the faith that Jesus is the Lord

5. 1) What did Jesus mean when He said that the Holy Spirit comes and goes as He pleases? (v.8)

Answer

According to God’s time, the Holy Spirit will visit us to convict us of our sins to repent. If we refuse His conviction, the Holy Spirit will go away. We do not know when He will come back again for our salvation.

5.2) What is the meaning of the scripture from 2 Corinthians 6:2, “now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.”

Answer

When the Holy Spirit is visiting us, it is the time of salvation. We should not refuse Him.

6.1) What should you be careful of once you get on the salvation ladder?

Answer

Once we believe that the ladder of Jesus will lead us into heaven, we make a bold decision to get on the ladder and continue hanging onto it.

6.2) What is the difference between believing Jesus and trusting in Jesus?

Answer

Believing Jesus as our Savior could be only head knowledge. Jumping unto Jesus by entrusting your life to Him is the proof that you truly believe in Jesus as the Savior.

6.3) What does it mean to trust in Jesus?

Answer

It means that you give up trusting yourself, your wisdom and your will, and trusting in (hanging onto) only Jesus.

6.4) What is your evidence that you have completely trusted in Jesus?

Answer

You can have such evidence when you have: (1) Peace in your heart, and (2) Obedience to Jesus’ will in your actions.

7. What are angels doing while they are climbing up and descending down on the ladder? (John 1:51)

Answer

Angels are picking up the born-again Christians and assisting them climbing up the ladder into heaven.

8. 1) What is your impression on practicing religions?

Answer

Practicing religions requires hard work full of sweat. At the same time, it is often boring, full of pressure of obligation, and fear from the punishment of God.

8.2) What is your impression on practicing Christianity?

Answer

When practicing Christianity, you can rest in the arms of angels and enjoy the fellowship with Jesus. It is always exciting and loving.

Life Application:

1. Do you believe that Jesus is the Savior

Answer

Yes

2. Will you entrust your life to Jesus and continue to cling onto Him?

Answer

Yes

3. Do you have peace in your heart? If not, Why?

Answer

If not, it means that you are still relying on yourself, instead of 100% trusting your life to Jesus.

Prayer:
Thank you, Heavenly Father for your love. We are all sinners and cannot reach heaven. You have brought Jesus down from heaven as the salvation ladder. We believe that whoever gets on the ladder of Jesus can reach heaven. Thank you, Holy Spirit! You have revealed the truth through the Word of God. I will never make a self-effort to get into heaven. The Holy Spirit has given us the bold faith through the Word of God to get on the salvation ladder of Jesus. Please help us to cling onto Jesus until finally reaching heaven. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!