Statement of Faith: FAQs

What Denomination is Simple Devotions?
Simple Devotion Ministries does not subscribe to a particular denomination, but rather to the beliefs set forth from the literal interpretation of the Bible. While our board is made up primarily of Baptists, we do understand that Christ's kingdom is for all born-again believers, and that even within the Baptist churches there is great fluctuation... as such we recommend that you carefully evaluate ANY CHURCH to make the critical decision for yourself whether or not their teachings are in fact Biblical.

What is the True Church?
The True Church, or universal church is NOT the Catholic church, but rather all regenerated believers. In order to become a regenerated believer (be born-again), thus being part of the universal or true church, an individual must understand the basic tenants of salvation:

• There is One God
• We were created by God
• We have sinned against God
• We deserve to be punished for our sins
• That punishment is eternal separation from God (Hell)
• We cannot do anything to make ourselves righteous
• God sent His only Son to die on the cross for our sins
• On the third day, Christ rose again from the dead
• It is ONLY by our faith in Christ and God's mercy that we can be saved
• All who trust in Christ as their Lord and Savior will be saved

Further more, a truly born-again Christian will come to know that Christ is God incarnate (in the flesh), and that salvation is eternal (once saved always saved). While they may not initially understand the Hypostatic Union or eternal security, when given time to learn and understand these, they will affirm them. A truly born-again believer will also devote their life to serving God and glorifying Him in everything they do (not neccessarily becoming a pastor, but serving God through their work, how they talk with people, through their interactions with friends and family, etc).

Why Do You Have an Apologetics Library?
There are many groups in this world that have strayed from Biblical teachings, as such we have listed several groups to provide information regarding why we hold these groups to be heretical, and what they truly teach/ their history. We did not launch the Apologetics Library out of spite, but rather out of love. We want to help Christians identify these groups to share the Gospel Message with them, and to refute their false doctrines. Or, perhaps a better way to say it, "Eternity is a long time to be in Hell."

Are Mormons, Catholics, etc. Saved?
It is not fair to say if a person is saved simply because of their affiliation with a denomination/ religion. There are many people who hold Christ to be their savior, by faith alone, but still have very poor doctrine and Biblical understanding. However, if a person holds to all of the beliefs of the Mormon Church or Catholic Church, then the answer is no. Mormons, for example deny a single God, the incarnation of Christ, salvation through faith alone, the universal church, eternal security, etc. Catholics also deny that Mary had sinned (making more than one righteous human on earth), salvation through faith alone, the universal church, eternal security, etc. So to recap, if an individual holds to all of the beliefs of a cult, then no they would not be saved IF the cult denies the essentials of salvation; however salvation is NOT decided by affiliation.

Do You Believe in Eternal Security?
Absolutely. Please look for our section on eternal security in the Learning Center.

What about Baptism?
There are two types of Baptism mentioned in the Bible; baptism by the Holy Spirit, and baptism by water. Baptism by the Holy Spirit occurs the second a person places their faith in Christ, thus becoming a "new man." Water baptism, however, is an outward gesture to SYMBOLIZE this inward action, or our death with Christ (old man/ carnal nature) and our life in Christ (new man). Baptism in the Bible was done through immersion (fully submerging under water), and represented the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. We cannot find any other method of Baptism mentioned in the Bible, and as such affirm that the symbolic water baptism SHOULD be performed through immersion, again as a public proclaimation regarding the inward regeneration. While water baptism has NO saving power or grace, and is only symbolic, it is commanded by God, and should be followed if a person is able to do so.

What about the Lord's Supper/ Communion/ Eucharist?
The Lord's Supper is to be done in remembrance of Christ, as He commanded His disciples during the Last Supper. It is a solemn time to remember the sacrifice that Christ made for us, while reflecting on ourselves and evaluating whether we are living for Christ or ourselves. The Lord's Supper, like water baptism is stricly symbolic (we do NOT believe in the transformation of the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ), and holds no cleansing or saving power. However, like water baptism, the Lord's Supper is something that has been commanded, and should be followed if a person is able to do so.


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