Teleios Research Evaluates Christian Beliefs Concerning Salvation

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Dec. 11, 2018 - PRLog -- Teleios Research surveyed Christian adolescents and millennials to determine their beliefs on what the Bible says happens at the time of salvation, defined as belief by faith alone in forgiveness of sins by Christ's death and resurrection. Of the 201 participants the majority were: female (55%), <35 years old (67%), from the United States (53%), and evangelical (80%).

The survey found concerning the church at salvation, subjects noted they became aware they needed a local fellowship of other Christians (37%), and the Spirit placed them permanently into the church universal of all believers (34%). In addition, 28% said they became cognizant they should be water baptized to express publicly their commitment to Christ. Separately, 65% of participants indicated they were adopted permanently into the family of God at salvation.

When enquired about righteousness (sinlessness), participants expressed they were forgiven through faith by Christ's death on the cross (54%). Nonetheless, participants also said they needed to ask forgiveness every day for new sin (52%). However, 34% indicated they have an advocate in Jesus Christ so no one can lay a claim against them.

Regarding the Holy Spirit at the time of salvation, participants most commonly indicated He indwelt them permanently as a seal of their salvation (54%). Further, He regenerated them to a new person identified with Christ (57%) giving them power to defeat sin (34%).

Concerning regeneration, 30% of participants believed they were baptized (regenerated) by the Holy Spirit at salvation. Further, 50% noted regeneration gave them power through the Holy Spirit, to live a holy life. In addition, 35% recognized the regeneration created them a new person identified with Christ.

This survey suggests that within a population of mostly adolescent and millennial evangelical Christians, they frequently recognize sound doctrine concerning events accompanying salvation, including the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit as a seal to salvation, forgiveness of sins, adoption into the family of God, placement within the universal church, and regeneration to a new person who can defeat sin.

However, the percentages of subjects providing correct answers were generally between 1/3 to 2/3 of the survey sample. This demonstrates a strong need for teaching by church and youth leaders concerning events accompanying salvation to help provide power for Christian living and security in salvation.

Complete results of this survey can be found here (https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-8MSGG9NLV/), and please view more findings from Teleios on our website (http://teleiosresearch.com/).

WC Stewart, JA Stewart, LA Nelson

About Teleios – Teleios is a non-profit foundation that seeks to demonstrate the truth of scripture and the Christian faith through scientific methods by providing evidence for the positive results of a biblically-based lifestyle. Prior studies conducted by Teleios have shown that the practice of the Christian faith (praise, prayer, fellowship, service and Bible study) and security of salvation increases well-being while reducing guilt.