![]() I think my worry that BSF is redefining belief to include behavior is confirmed in the notes on John 3:36. ![]() I’m glad the Notes emphasize that believers have eternal life “immediately” and that it reaches “forever.” But what does “truly believe” mean? What’s the difference between believing in Jesus for eternal life and truly believing? I worry that BSF is saying that you can believe in Jesus for what He promises-eternal life-but not “really” believe if you don’t show it through your behavior. When people truly believe in Jesus, they have (present tense) everlasting life and have ‘crossed over from death to life.’” (Lesson 4 Notes, p. God never makes His children wait until after death, at the judgment seat, to receive life. “Unending life and joy reaching forever into eternity-that is eternal life! Believers receive this gift immediately. Something else I appreciated is how the Notes teach that eternal life is a present possession for believers: It doesn’t matter if your faith is “personal” or “impersonal.” That’s not a Biblical distinction. The truth is, if you believe in Jesus-if you are persuaded that what He promises is true-you have eternal life. Amen! But I have to ask, what is the opposite of “personal belief”- impersonal belief? What is that? This kind of language can confuse people because it suggests there might be different ways of believing (impersonal vs personal), instead of different objects of faith (the saving message vs a non-saving message). I’m glad the Notes say that you get eternal life by belief in Jesus. “Eternal life comes only through personal belief in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, whom the signs reveal” (BSF Introduction Lesson, p. Not at all! For example, here are some good things in the Introduction Lesson: ![]() Now, I’m not saying the Notes are rubbish. It seems they do this most often by redefining faith to include good works. I was disappointed to read how often the Notes changed the promise of life from a message of salvation through belief in Jesus, to a message of salvation by obedience. This past semester they went through the Gospel of John. But I hope, like any other ministry, they are open to some constructive criticism. Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) has done much good, teaching people the Bible.
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