Question: “If one doesn’t completely believe in the Bible (or all Bible aspects), can one still be saved? Or do you have to believe all words of God (ref. Bible), and believe wholeheartedly (which is faith literal) everything that has been said and done before us? Do I submit to all because I have/want to believe or have faith, or do you question God’s works even if in the end you are worse off? With all this you remain in doubt, you have cracks of faith, your faith lacks in fundamental Christian ideals, can you still claim to be a Christian (and be saved) or are you fundamentally at odds? Where does one go…? (to the Catholics?)

Answer: If we have saving faith in Christ, then that faith says “yes” to what God has said in His Word. The question comes down to one of asking if one can be saved with a deficient faith, or as stated, “cracks of faith” and faith lacking in fundamental Christian ideals. Perhaps the answer lies in a part of the question, “…because I have/want to believe…” When one finds that he is impelled to believe or has a strong desire to believe, then he needs to realize the source of that impulsion and desire. There is hope for such a one even with a weak faith. It is not wrong to question God when such desire is in the heart, for answers come to those who seek. We are reminded of the man who came to Jesus seeking help for his son: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief” (Mark 9:24).

There are no ultimate answers to this problem apart from full trust in Christ, but as long as one is still clinging to Christ, regardless of the personal struggles that he has, he is doing the right thing and Christ will not abandon him. If he continues to claim to be a Christian, he indicates the work of the Spirit in his life (1 Cor. 12:3). I would not say that he is “fundamentally at odds” for such cannot be the case when there is even a small flame of faith. Where should he go? To Christ. Still the great question is “What do you think of Christ? Whose Son is He? (Matt 22:42). In the answer to this question lies the germ of the answer to all the concerns of this student. I pray God will grant to him or her such a faith as to overcome these doubts.