Trusting A.I. to Tell You the Truth is a Serious Error

SRB 29 Jan 2026​

Will you belief that a computer program will always provide a total and complete true response? As you can see in the following responses to six questions that I posed to A.I. at Grok.com, the “truth” in scripture is blended with the opinions of man.

If I had not asked the other questions, I would not have received the important truths it finally provided.

What must I do to have everlasting life with God?

According to the Bible (primarily in the Christian New Testament), everlasting life with God is received as a gift of God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not earned through human effort or good works alone.

Your question closely echoes inquiries posed to Jesus in the Gospels, such as the rich young ruler's: “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get everlasting life?” (Matthew 19:16 NIV). Jesus first directs him to the ten commandments (do not murder, commit adultery, steal, give false testimony; honor parents; love neighbor as yourself). The man claims compliance, but Jesus tells him: “Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” The young man leaves sad because of his great wealth. This illustrates the impossibility of perfectly fulfilling God's requirements through personal merit or wealth-reliance; Jesus later notes it's hard for the rich to enter God's kingdom, but “with God all things are possible.”

In a parallel account (Luke 10:25-28), a lawyer asks the same question, and Jesus affirms loving God fully (heart, soul, strength, mind) and loving one's neighbor as the summary of the law that leads to life—but this points to the need for heart transformation beyond rule-keeping.

The clearest direct response from Jesus to “What must we do to do the works God requires?” is in John 6:28-29 (NIV): “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

The foundational promise is John 3:16 (NIV): “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”

The New Testament consistently teaches salvation by grace through faith, not works: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast”

(Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV). Verse 10 adds that believers are “created in Christ Jesus to do good works,” which God prepared in advance—meaning works are the fruit/outcome of genuine faith, not the root or means of salvation.

In practice, according to Christian teaching (especially Protestant/evangelical emphasis on sola fide or “faith alone”):

Recognize your need: All have sinned and fall short (Romans 3:23); no one is good enough on their own (echoing Jesus' reply that only God is good).

Repent: Turn from sin and self-reliance toward God.

Believe/trust in Jesus: Accept His death on the cross as payment for your sins and His resurrection as victory over death; believe He is the Son of God and Lord.

Confess: Romans 10:9 (widely cited) links confessing “Jesus is Lord” with heartfelt belief in His resurrection to salvation.

Receive the gift: Everlasting life begins now in relationship with God through Christ (John 17:3) and continues forever.

Genuine faith produces good works, obedience, love for God and others, and perseverance (James 2:14-26 emphasizes that “faith without works is dead,” meaning dead or nonexistent faith lacks evidence; works demonstrate living faith).

Christian traditions differ slightly: Many Protestants stress faith alone (grace + faith, works as evidence).

Catholic and Orthodox teachings often describe justification as involving faith cooperating with works/grace and sacraments (e.g., baptism, Eucharist) as channels of grace. The core across orthodox Christianity remains: everlasting life is in Christ, not self-achieved merit.

This is not about religion or ritual checklists but a personal relationship restored through Jesus. Pray directly to God, confess your need, ask for forgiveness through Christ, and commit to following Him (reading the Bible—start with the Gospel of John—prayer, fellowship with believers). Many recommend talking with a pastor or trusted Christian mentor for guidance. If exploring, other faiths (e.g., Islam emphasizes submission to God, five pillars, good deeds weighed on Judgment Day) have different paths to the afterlife.

The biblical Christian answer centers on faith in Jesus as the way to God (John 14:6)

Can one who is not a disciple of Christ Jesus have everlasting life?

According to the Bible and mainstream Christian teaching, eternal life with God is exclusively through Jesus Christ, and no one can have it apart from Him. Jesus Himself declared: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NIV). This is reinforced in Acts 4:12: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

These passages emphasize that Jesus is not merely a way but the way—His atoning death and resurrection provide the only basis for forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God. Without connection to Christ (through faith in Him), there is no everlasting life with God; instead, Scripture describes separation from Him (e.g., John 3:18, where unbelief leads to condemnation already).

Key Biblical Principles

Faith in Christ is required for everlasting life (John 3:16; Romans 10:9–10).

All people are sinners and fall short (Romans 3:23), so no one earns everlasting life through good works, moral living, or other religions apart from Christ's work.

Those who reject or do not believe in Jesus remain under God's wrath (John 3:36).

Variations in Christian Interpretation

Christian traditions differ on exactly how this exclusivity applies, especially for those who never hear the gospel (e.g., people in remote areas or before Christ's coming):

Exclusivism (common in evangelical Protestant circles): Salvation requires personal, conscious faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Hearing and responding to the gospel is necessary. Those who never hear face judgment based on their rejection of general revelation (God's existence shown in creation and conscience—Romans 1:18–20; 2:12–16), but they are not saved without explicit faith in Christ. No one is saved apart from Christ, even unknowingly.

Inclusivism (held by many Catholics, some mainline Protestants, and others): Salvation is only through Christ's redemptive work—no other means exists. However, God can apply Christ's atonement to those who, through no fault of their own (invincible ignorance), never hear the gospel but sincerely seek God, follow their conscience, and respond to the light they have (e.g., Vatican II teachings; some appeal to Romans 2). They are saved by Christ without explicit knowledge of Him in this life, though all who are saved are ultimately united to Him.

Pluralism (less common among orthodox Christians): All religions lead to God equally—this view is generally rejected as incompatible with Scripture's clear claims about Jesus' uniqueness.

The core across nearly all orthodox Christianity (Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox) is that no one has everlasting life with God apart from Jesus Christ—His is the only name and work that saves. Even in inclusivist views, people are not saved by their own religion or goodness but by Christ's grace extended in ways known only to God.

Ultimately, the Bible urges response to the gospel: everlasting life is offered freely through faith in Jesus. If someone asks this question sincerely, the invitation remains open—repent, believe in Christ, and receive everlasting life (John 5:24). For those wrestling with the fate of the unevangelized, Scripture stresses God's justice, mercy, and desire for all to be saved (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4), while calling believers to share the good news.

Must a person have God's spirit within in order to be saved?

Yes, according to the Bible and mainstream Christian teaching (especially in evangelical Protestant traditions), a person must have God's Spirit (the Holy Spirit) dwelling within them to be truly saved. The presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer is not optional or a later "second blessing"—it is an essential mark and reality of genuine salvation.

The clearest statement comes from the Apostle Paul in Romans 8:9 (NIV): "You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ."

This verse draws a sharp line:

If the Spirit of God (also called the Spirit of Christ) lives in you → you belong to Christ (you are saved).

If anyone does not have the Spirit → they do not belong to Christ (they are not saved).

Paul equates lacking the indwelling Spirit with not belonging to Christ at all.

Supporting Scriptures

Ephesians 1:13-14 (NIV): "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance..."

The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee given at the moment of believing—proof and assurance of salvation.

1 Corinthians 12:13 (NIV): "For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink."

This "baptism" by the Spirit unites believers into Christ's body at conversion.

Titus 3:5 (NIV): "...he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit..."

Salvation involves regeneration (being born again), accomplished by the Holy Spirit's renewing work (echoing John 3:3-8, where Jesus says one must be "born of water and the Spirit" to enter God's kingdom; spiritual birth requires the Spirit's agency).

The Holy Spirit's role is central: He convicts of sin (John 16:8), enables faith, regenerates the heart (making spiritual life possible where there was spiritual death), and indwells permanently as God's presence in the believer (1 Corinthians 6:19—"your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit").

Important Clarifications

The indwelling Holy Spirit is universal for every true believer from the moment of salvation—not something earned later through works, deeper commitment, or a separate experience (though being "filled" with the Spirit is an ongoing command for obedience and power—Ephesians 5:18).

No one can be saved without the Spirit's work: He draws people to Christ, regenerates them, and seals them. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9), but that faith and new life are applied by the Spirit.

Evidence of the Spirit's presence includes conviction of sin, love for God and Scripture, growing fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and assurance (Romans 8:16—"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children").

In short, you cannot separate true salvation from having God's Spirit within. If someone has genuinely trusted in Christ for forgiveness and everlasting life, the Holy Spirit has already come to dwell in them. If you're questioning this in your own life, the Bible invites simple, sincere faith in Jesus—He promises the Spirit comes with that faith. Pray, confess your need, trust Him, and rest in His promise. Many find assurance grows as they walk with Him through Scripture, prayer, and fellowship.

Who are the "Elect" of God?

In the Bible, the "elect" (or "chosen") of God refers to those whom God has sovereignly selected for salvation, relationship with Him, and everlasting life. The Greek word eklektos (and related terms) means "chosen," "selected," or "picked out," often implying a purposeful divine choice. This concept appears throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament (where Israel as a nation is frequently called God's chosen people—e.g., Deuteronomy 7:6-8; Isaiah 42:1) to the New Testament (where it applies to believers in Christ).

Key Biblical Descriptions

Ephesians 1:4-5 (NIV): "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will."

This highlights election happening "before the foundation of the world," rooted in God's will and love, not human merit.

Romans 8:28-30 (NIV): This "golden chain" links foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification—showing God's initiative in salvation for the elect.

1 Peter 1:1-2 (NIV): Peter addresses believers as "elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father," emphasizing God's advance knowledge and purpose.

Other references: Jesus speaks of "the elect" in contexts like end-times deception (Matthew 24:24—"if possible, even the elect") and prayer (Luke 18:7—"his own elect who cry out to him"). Paul endures hardship "for the sake of the elect" (2 Timothy 2:10), and they are described as those who will obtain salvation in Christ.

In the New Testament, the elect are ultimately believers in Jesus Christ—those redeemed by His death and resurrection, indwelt by the Holy Spirit (as we discussed earlier), and destined for everlasting life. They are God's chosen people, the true "Israel of God" (Galatians 6:16), including both Jews and Gentiles who come to faith.

Main Christian Interpretations of Election

The Bible clearly teaches that God elects/choses, but Christians differ on how this election works, particularly regarding human free will and God's sovereignty:

Calvinist/Reformed view (unconditional election): God sovereignly chooses specific individuals for salvation based solely on His good pleasure and will, not on foreseen faith, works, or merit (Romans 9:11-16 emphasizes this—election before birth, not based on anything good or bad). Faith is the result of God's electing grace; the elect will inevitably believe and persevere.

Arminian/Wesleyan view (conditional election): God elects based on His foreknowledge of who will freely respond to the gospel in faith (1 Peter 1:1-2; Romans 8:29—"those God foreknew he also predestined").

Election is conditioned on foreseen faith; God's grace enables all to respond, but people can accept or reject it. The elect are those who choose to believe.

Other perspectives: Some (e.g., corporate election views) see election primarily as God choosing Christ and then the group "in Christ" (the church), with individuals entering by faith. Catholic teaching often aligns closer to a cooperative view (grace + free response). Across orthodox Christianity, however, the elect are those saved through Christ—no one is saved apart from Him.

Practical Assurance

A common pastoral answer (shared across many traditions) is: If you have genuinely trusted in Jesus Christ alone for forgiveness of sins and everlasting life—repenting, believing in His death and resurrection, and following Him—you are one of the elect.

The doctrine isn't meant to cause endless introspection or doubt but to give glory to God's grace and assurance to believers (Romans 8:33-34: "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? ... Christ Jesus who died... is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us").

The Bible urges focus on responding to the gospel rather than speculating on hidden decrees: Believe in Jesus, and everlasting life is yours (John 3:16; 5:24). If this resonates with your ongoing questions about salvation, the Holy Spirit, and everlasting life, know that God's invitation is open—come to Christ, and He will not cast you out (John 6:37).

Is obedience to the teachings of Christ Jesus necessary to be a disciple of Christ?

Yes, according to the Bible, obedience to the teachings of Christ Jesus is necessary to be His disciple. Jesus Himself ties true discipleship directly to abiding in (continuing in, holding to, obeying) His word and commands, not merely professing belief or initial interest.

Here are the clearest statements from Jesus:

John 8:31-32 (NIV): "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"

Jesus addresses people who already "believed" in Him, yet He qualifies true discipleship with the condition of abiding/continuing in His word. This abiding involves ongoing obedience and perseverance in His teachings—not a one-time decision but a sustained life response.

John 14:15 (NIV): "If you love me, keep my commands."

Jesus links love for Him (a core mark of discipleship) directly to obedience.

John 15:14 (NIV): "You are my friends if you do what I command."

Friendship with Jesus (intimate discipleship) is conditioned on doing His commands.

Luke 14:27 (NIV): "And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."

Carrying the cross symbolizes self-denial, sacrifice, and costly obedience—Jesus says without it, one "cannot be" His disciple.

Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) (the Great Commission): "...make disciples of all nations... teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

Making disciples inherently includes teaching obedience to Christ's commands—discipleship is defined in part by this obedience.

Broader Biblical Perspective

Discipleship is not optional for followers of Christ; Jesus never invited people to a casual belief without commitment. Being a disciple means being a learner who imitates and obeys the Teacher (Luke 6:40; 9:23—"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me").

Obedience is evidence of genuine faith and regeneration, not the means of earning salvation. Salvation remains by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), but true faith produces obedience (James 2:17-26—"faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead"; 1 John 2:3-6—"We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands").

No one obeys perfectly in this life (Romans 7), but true disciples show a pattern of growing obedience, repentance when failing, and reliance on the Holy Spirit's power (Ezekiel 36:26-27; Galatians 5:22-23). Persistent, unrepentant disobedience calls genuine discipleship into question (1 John 3:6-9).

Practical Implications

Obedience flows from love and gratitude for Christ's saving work, not legalistic fear. It's empowered by the Spirit within believers (as we discussed earlier). If someone claims to follow Jesus but consistently rejects or ignores His clear teachings (e.g., loving enemies, forgiving others, making disciples, sexual purity, generosity), Scripture challenges whether that person is truly His disciple.

The invitation remains: Come to Jesus in faith, receive forgiveness and new life through Him, and then follow in obedience as a disciple. If you're examining your own walk, focus on abiding in His word daily (reading the Gospels, praying for strength to obey), repenting where needed, and trusting His grace covers your growth. Many find community with other believers helps in this lifelong journey of discipleship.

One you reach this point, if you still trust A.I., go to Grok.com and ask “Does the Bible Say that Jesus is God?” Did you get the truth or the opinions of man?