A father watches his son suffer, runs out of options, and finally prays the words so many of us whisper when faith feels thin: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” That single sentence opens a doorway into Christian assurance, because it forces the real question: does salvation depend on how strong my faith feels today, or on how strong Jesus is?

We walk through chapter six of Jack Wilkie’s You Are Saved: A Christian’s Assurance and slow down on what the New Testament actually means by faith. Using Romans 3, Ephesians 2:8–9, and the contrast between law and grace, we talk about why turning faith into a performance standard quietly steals peace. Wilkie’s college tuition illustration makes it simple: faith isn’t a scholarship you earn and it isn’t a down payment you contribute. Faith is receiving the gift God has already paid for in Christ.

Then we tackle the passage that trips up a lot of thoughtful readers: James 2. James says “not by faith only,” Paul says “apart from works of the law” so are they contradicting each other? We compare their audiences, trace the example of Abraham, and explain why genuine faith produces obedience without turning obedience into meritorious works. We also define “works” carefully, including why baptism is described as God’s working in Colossians 2:12.

If you’ve ever wondered whether imperfect faith can still reach a perfect Savior, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share, and leave a review, and send us your questions for our upcoming interview with author Jack Wilkie.

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This is our 6th episode of “Scripture Matters,” a podcast of the Watters Road Church of Christ. This podcast is featured on our Watters Road YouTube and Facebook pages along with ALL major podcast platforms. It will address some of the most pressing spiritual concerns of our church family.

Our first 13 episodes will focus on the question of the Christian’s assurance, using Jack Wilkie’s latest book, “You Are Saved,” as the study guide.

We encourage you to purchase this book on Amazon in paperback or Kindle format. If you struggle with feelings of uncertainty about your salvation, we genuinely believe this study will provide you with Scriptural insights to strengthen your faith in Christ’s incredible gift of salvation.

To purchase a paperback or Kindle version of Jack Wilkie's book: "You Are Saved" - click on the following link:

Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/hIoEB6i

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Three words at 3 p.m. on a dark hill changed the way we breathe, pray, and live: “It is finished.” We open with the weight of the crucifixion and ask a hard question many believers avoid—do we live like the cross is final or like our standing with God is fragile? From there, we move through Scripture with clear eyes and calmer hearts, tracing what the Bible actually promises about full, final, and continuous cleansing in Christ.

We examine the myth that some sins outrun grace, then let Acts answer it with surprising mercy—crucifiers forgiven at Pentecost and a persecutor transformed on the Damascus road. We tackle the haunting fear of “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” and show how context protects tender consciences: Jesus confronted hardened, willful rejection amid undeniable miracles, a setting we can’t reproduce today. That clarity doesn’t soften sin; it stops a misapplied text from crushing sensitive believers.

Then we contrast the Old Testament’s yearly coverings with the New Covenant’s once-for-all removal. Hebrews becomes our anchor: one offering, perfected forever, those being sanctified. Christ sits because the work is truly finished—no hidden fees, no backstage invoice, no spiritual tax after the joy. We hold together perfected standing and ongoing growth, and we highlight 1 John’s promise of continuous cleansing while we walk in the light. The result is a faith that repents quickly, worships freely, and serves from gratitude instead of panic.

If you’ve carried a quiet ledger in your soul—always counting, never certain—this conversation offers better math: paid in full. Listen, share with someone who needs assurance, and subscribe so you never miss a new episode. If this steadied your heart even a little, leave a review and tell us what truth from Scripture anchored you most today.

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