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The correct interpretation of this passage depends on four things — the meaning of “law,” the significance of “faith,” and a consideration of these terms in both the immediate and remote contexts of scripture. We must note at the outset that respectable scholars hold slightly different views on c...
First of all, the midwives may have told the truth. It may have been that the Hebrew women, fearing the king’s commandment, did not call for the midwives in a timely way. Second, one is not obligated to disclose everything one knows. Withholding information is not necessarily a falsehood (cf. Luk...
This is a good question, but the alleged problem is not of serious import. Let us consider the following factors. General Principles First, it has long been recognized that when referring to another's audible use of language or written words, it is not necessary to quote verbatim to accurately re...
Let's review the text from which this question comes. “And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the s...
The pagan myth charge, often applied to the birth of Christ, is frequently made by the uninformed. Here is a classic example: “The idea of a supernatural or virgin birth is pagan, and it must have found its way into the story of Jesus through Gentile-Christian channels (Bundy, p. 11).” The truth ...
There are many ideas that people have about who will be in Heaven. Since no one on Earth today has ever personally experienced going to Heaven, all we have to go on is what has been revealed and confirmed through the Scriptures. What Does the Bible Actually Say About Who Will Go to Heaven? First,...
As a general rule, we refrain from commenting on specific problems congregations or individuals may be having. Regardless, I must say that an individual who teaches what this question represents is incorrect in their views regarding Christ and the Holy Spirit. Let us consider each of the proposit...
Could anxiety be sinful? Yes, if we accept the testimony of Jesus and respect Paul's apostolic command. But the Bible certainly acknowledges that life’s complications can be depressing. The words "depressing" and "depressed" are flexible in their meaning and cover a broad spectrum of mental state...
My first impression is that such a suggestion reflects the disposition of a carnal mind that is seeking justification for worldliness! I must observe, however, that such a view of this passage is not uncommon, even among Bible commentators. For example, C. H. Waller wrote: "From this it is clear ...
The short answer to your question is this: psychics have no power, either to predict future events or to cause what they predict to come to pass. You are wise to avoid them. To flesh out the answer further, I’d like to point your attention to Isaiah 40-48. In this entire section, the Lord sets Hi...
It will first be important to observe the larger context in which this puzzling text is found. Beginning in 1 Timothy 5:17, Paul provides instructions regarding certain matters relating to the elders of a local congregation. He states that they may be financially supported in their work. If neces...
There are several factors to consider when responding to this excellent question. Reflect upon the following: Salvation is wonderfully described in the New Testament as a free gift. This terminology is used to emphasize that God is under no compulsion to offer it. Man, by his choice, has rebelled...
The solution to this problem lies in the sense in which Israel's great king uses the language. There is no question that David's transgression caused widespread damage. He sinned against the woman with whom he committed this act of vileness. He sinned against Uriah, Bathsheba's husband. He sinned...
No, it wouldn't. Note the following factors: 1. The term "unknown" is not in the original text. The King James translators added it. It is unwarranted and unnecessary. 2. In 1 Corinthians 14, the nature of the "tongues" must match those defined earlier in the New Testament (i.e., human languages;...
We must be very careful about trying to use Old Testament passages as proof-texts for what we may or may not practice in the Christian age. It is a fundamental aspect of Bible doctrine that the Mosaic system was abrogated by the death of Christ (Ephesians 2:14ff; Colossians 2:14ff). The law of Mo...
Before we obey the gospel, we are dead in sin (Eph. 2:1). But the question is, to what does this refer: the physical body or a spiritual condition? It refers, of course, to our spiritual condition. The passages cited in the question (Rom. 6:3-8; Col. 2:11-12) discuss the spiritual life we can hav...
As is often the case, our Bible questions touch on some important fundamental issues: • What actually constitutes marriage in God's eyes? • What role does civil authority play? Let's examine what Scripture reveals. What Makes a Marriage Valid Before God? God's foundational design for marriage can...
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...
First, let me point out that the term "swear," as employed in our modern society, has two distinct senses. It is used as an equivalent for profanity, which, of course, no Christian should ever use. The term "swear" may also refer to a legal oath. The question above concerns this latter usage. Is ...
First, no evidence shows that anyone other than the apostles received the baptism of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. They had been promised that blessing (see Acts 1:5, 8). The only other exception was to the household of Cornelius, in fulfillment of Joel's prophecy, as a divine token th...