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In this world of technological achievement, the human family is confronted with numerous life-and-death decisions that are taxing indeed. Frequently we struggle with such issues. The Scriptures—divinely given and perpetually relevant—can guide us in these heart-rending decisions if we will seek t...
God determines who is to be identified as a Christian; he has not assigned that responsibility to us.
"Gospel" derives from the Greek euangelion, literally "good tidings" (see Lk. 2:10, where it is fully translated). The gospel is mentioned more than 75 times in the New Testament. It is the good news of a plan of redemption for fallen man. Much can be learned about the gospel by a consideration o...
The term "brother" is from the Greek adelphos. It technically signifies "from the same womb." The word is used in different senses in the New Testament. • It is employed literally to identify siblings of the same parents (Acts 12:2). • It can denote those of the same nation (Acts 2:29; 9:17; 22:5...
Explore Paul’s first sermon in Antioch of Pisidia. (See the picture of the archaeological ruins.) His message is still relevant to the debate over predestination and salvation through baptism.
In dealing with a contentious element in the Corinthian church, and in anticipation of a visit to this congregation, Paul admonished: “Examine yourselves.” Those who are conscientious regarding their own souls will appropriate this principle to their personal beliefs and practices.
The Old Testament contains many references to the burning of incense. What lessons does this hold for us today? Let us meditate upon this theme together.
When we contemplate who God is, what he has done, and what we will be, we will know exactly for what we should praise.
The apostles Paul’s final epistle to Timothy, contains a passage that is so brimming with meaning that it scarcely can be exhausted. Study it with us.
Does the Bible teach that a Christian cannot ever fall away from grace?
It is commonly alleged that Jesus, in John 6:37, endorsed the idea of “predestination” as popularized by John Calvin in the 16th century. Did he? Study this question with us.
The appellation of “Christian” is widely used as a category of people. But who, in fact, is (and who is not) a Christian?
What will be the ultimate fate of those who never have a chance to hear the gospel of Christ? This is a question with which every sensitive soul struggles.
Borrowing from the legal terminology of the first century, the New Testament writers used the figure of a “last will and testament” to characterize that body of doctrine to which mankind is obligated in the Christian age, i.e., that era of time from the day of Pentecost until the Lord’s return. I...
Is “faith” a gift of God that is bestowed independent of man’s freedom of choice? In a recent article we argued that such is not the case. In view of our dispute of the Calvinistic position, a courteous critic asks for an explanation of Hebrews 12:2, and the divine affirmation that Jesus is the “...
In 2003, we published a review of Dr. Thomas West’s book, Jesus and the Quest for Meaning. West is a Professor of Theology at the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota. In our review, we censured Professor West for his unorthodox ideas relative to the resurrection of Christ. The Profess...
God calls every person who is saved. Not only does God pardon the sinner (cf. Rom. 3:26), but he also teaches him about the need and means of forgiveness. The Lord Jesus said, ““No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him: and I will raise him up in the last day” (Jn. 6:44).” O...
Will there be different “degrees” of reward and punishment in the eternal order of things? The concept of “justice” — together with scriptural declarations — suggest there will be appropriate judgements.
Was the church of Christ established on the day of Pentecost? Or was it established at some earlier time in human history?
The book of Romans is magnificent in that it reveals so many aspects of the “righteousness of God” (1:16-17).