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The declaration, “The righteous shall live by faith,” is found several times in the Bible. What is the significance of the expression? This essay explores this issue.
Since its release in 2001, the English Standard Version of the Bible has gained popularity. We reviewed the ESV several years back and gave it commendation. Last year the ESV Study Bible appeared. While the study tools frequently are helpful, there are numerous danger spots characterized by doctr...
Christ’s prophecy concerning his approaching kingdom, as recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, is a most controversial theme. In this article we provide a careful study of this declaration.
The Scriptures speak of the “common” faith and the “common” salvation. Does this term allow for the divergent views and practices in today’s world of “Christendom”? Does it permit various modes of “salvation”?
Words are vehicles of information; even the smallest words can be packed with meaning. Such is the case with the term “must.” Often overlooked; more often ignored, this important word must be studied carefully.
The conversion of the persecutor, Saul of Tarsus, is one of the most significant events in the book of Acts. Tragically, the theme is frequently misunderstood. Study this case history with us.
The Bible refers to God as a “Father” in several different senses. Many sincere people are confused about this. One may believe that he is a “child of God”; and he is in one sense, but may not be in another—the most important. It is crucial that we understand this issue.
What is the meaning of that ambiguous expression “the regeneration” that Christ mentioned in Matthew 19:28? Is it a reference to a thousand-year, literal reign of Christ upon the earth? Or does it describe the present Christian regime? Study this passage with us.
It is frequently alleged that “justification” is a process accomplished wholly by God, and any “obedience” on the part of man is excluded. But this theory, sincere as it may be, is seriously erroneous. Study this issue with us.
Some people believe that every human being is a “child of God,” thus no one will be lost. Others allege that any “good” person is God’s child. How is one to view this matter biblically? Study this question with us.
The Bible denies that man is saved by works of human merit. But what about “works of God.” Study this commonly misunderstood issue with us.
If we would emulate our God, we will cultivate kindness. This one moral attribute can work wonders on both friends and enemies.
A recent news item highlighted a case where an inmate was refused the privilege of being immersed for the remission of his sins. A chorus of sectarian voices argued that “hard cases” like this negate the belief that baptism is a necessary condition for salvation. Is this quibble valid?
Members of the Lord’s church are sometimes erroneously referred to as “Campbellites.” What exactly is behind such appellation?
Many sincere people labor under the illusion that “works” play no role whatever in Heaven’s plan of redemption? Is this a correct view? Actually, it is not. Study this theme with us in this week’s Penpoints article.
Did Jesus receive a fair trial? Part 1 of this study examines the nature of the Lord’s path through the legal system of the time.
Does God grant pardon to the “alien sinner” by means of prayer? Some suggest that the case of Cornelius (Acts 10) supplies an affirmative answer. This week’s question explores this issue.
A sincere student wants to know how one can read Romans 10:9-10, which mentions only faith and confession, and then contend that baptism is essential to salvation. Wayne Jackson discusses the “analogy of faith” principle.
All of us who profess to following Jesus Christ would like to think we are “spiritual” people. But are we? There can be a vast chasm between merely being a member of the church, and being genuinely spiritual.
In a previous article, I inadvertently mischaracterized Professor Daniel Wallace’s religious affiliation. He kindly corrected the matter. Here is my response.