Knowing the Bible is Not Enough to Achieve Salvation

The Universal Church is sometimes criticised for the way it conducts its work and preaches the Gospel. One of the most common claims is that there is no study of the Bible. This however, is a misunderstanding. All messages and guidance are based on the Word of God. What makes the Church different is that it focuses not only on imparting theoretical knowledge of the Scriptures but also on helping people experience their teachings in practice—an approach that truly transforms lives.

Many believe that knowing the Scriptures is enough to achieve salvation or see God’s promises fulfilled in their lives. However, in one of Apostle Paul’s letters to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul says: “…The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Corinthians 3:6). In other words, knowledge without practice does not transform. Therefore, the goal is to work to transmit not only the letter, but the Spirit of the Word – which is what really produces permanent change.

Today’s generation has so much access to knowledge. However, many think that just because they know they already do it. They think theory and practice are the same thing. But they are not. And, if we analyse, most people don’t practice what they know.

The truth is that God seeks those who hear Him and practice what He says. The words of the Lord Jesus remind us, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21). In other words, salvation is not for those who only say what is right, but for those who live what they say.

The Bible is full of guidance showing that knowledge without practice is ineffective:

• “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24)

• “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22)
• “… faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17)
• “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:18)
• “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46)
• “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”  (John 13:17)
• “For not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified.” (Romans 2:13)
• “Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.” (Matthew 23:3)

This principle draws a clear distinction between those who merely know the Word and those who actively practise it.

Those who only know the Word:

• Listen but do not change their lives
• Have a religious faith
• Are like someone who builds on the sand: unstable and easily shaken by adversity
• Speak correctly but do not live according to their words
• Cry out, “Lord, Lord,” but do not obey

Those who practise the Word:

• Fulfil the Word and are transformed (James 1:22-25)
• Demonstrate true faith through actions (James 2:17)
• Are like someone who builds on the rock: firm and steadfast, even in adversity (Matthew 7:24-27)
• Give a genuine testimony through their lives (Matthew 23:3; Matthew 5:16)
• Does the will of God and are saved (Luke 6:46; Matthew 7:21)

Understanding the difference between knowing and practising the Word is essential to separate the myths from the truths:

Myth: Knowing the Bible is the most important thing.
Truth: Knowledge is necessary, but transformation comes only when the Word is practised.

Myth: There is no Bible study at the Universal Church.
Truth: All messages are based on the Bible, and members are encouraged to meditate on it daily, directly from the Source.

Myth: To be a Christian, you just need to attend a church.
Truth: Being a Christian means surrendering your life to Jesus and following Him, living in faith, and submitting to the will of God.

We encourage you to join us every Wednesday for our School of Faith Bible Study and on Sundays for our Empowerment Service, as we study God’s Word together and learn to apply it in our lives.

Take a look at our timetable for the service times and click here to find your nearest Universal Church.