Article 1 Corinthians 1:17 — Paul Not Sent to Baptize
Did the apostle Paul teach that baptism was not necessary for salvation from sins? By no means. Study this passage with us.
Bible Term Antitype
Though this word is not found in most English translations of the New Testament, the thought is there in the Greek text. It is an anglicized form of the original term antitupos. The term is rendere...
Article Baptism: Essentials and Nonessentials
Baptism is a very important rite in the divine scheme of salvation. But it is imperative that one be able to distinguish between the “essential” and “nonessential” items associated with the command. Study this matter with us in this week’s Penpoints.
Bible Term Grace
The term "grace" occurs about 155 times in the N.T. The word relates to a Greek term, chairo, meaning "to rejoice," and grace itself comes to mean favor, gratification, or gratitude -- depending up...
Article How to Read the Book: Nine Rules for Effective Bible Reading
The Bible is not an ordinary book. It is the only revelation of God’s nature and will; it alone is “profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteous” (2 Timothy 3:16). It can make us wise unto salvation, and the word is able to save our souls (2 Timothy 3:15; James 1:21). In this article, Jason Jackson discusses the importance of reading God’s word, and he offers some proven methods to boost your Bible reading.
Bible Term Accursed
The word "accursed" (KJV) translates the Greek anathema four times in the New Testament. It carries the weighty idea of being "devoted to destruction," a term that should be approached with caution...
Bible Term Backsliding
This is an expression used frequently in the Old Testament to describe those who forsook their loyalty to God and began to serve Satan again.  No fewer than thirteen times, the prophet Jeremiah re...
Bible Term Gospel
"Gospel" derives from the Greek euangelion, literally "good tidings" (see Lk. 2:10 where it is fully translated). The gospel (mentioned more than 75 times in the N.T.) is the good news of a plan of...
Bible Term Romans, Book Of
Paul's letter to the Christians in Rome develops the theme of God's gospel plan of justification for sinful man on the ground Christ's atoning death. The book demonstrates that redemption could not...
Article Does the Grace in Ephesians 2:8-9 Exclude Baptism?
Many have been deceived into believing that grace by definition excludes obedience. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Article JUSTIFICATION: By Faith or Works?
Is justification from sin by faith or works? Does it result from neither, one as opposed to the other, or both?
Article The Preposition “Eis” in Acts 2:38
It has long been known that denominationalists, welded to the theory of salvation by “faith alone,” repudiate the connection between baptism and the forgiveness of sins. Some, formally sound on this issue, now are capitulating to sectarian error. Take a brief look at this issue with us.
Bible Term Jude, Book Of
Jude, a brother of James, and half-brother of Jesus (1:1; Mt. 13:55), is the author of this general epistle. As he was in the process of beginning a letter relative to the "common salvation," he wa...
Article The Corrupt “Incorruptible” Argument Against Baptism
A critic has disputed the biblical position that water baptism is requisite for the forgiveness of sins. He contends that one cannot be saved by a “corruptible” method. But “water” is corruptible. Thus, it has no place in the plan of redemption. Does the argument have merit? Read this article and see.
Article A Dispute About the Purpose of Baptism
Several questions and comments have been recently received relative to some of our material dealing with the purpose of “water baptism,” as that theme is set forth in the New Testament. Accordingly, in this Feature article, we wish to address a reader’s obviously sincere concerns.
Bible Term James, Book Of
This book, authored by the Lord's half-brother (Gal. 1:19), is directed to the "twelve tribes scattered abroad." This is either Jewish Christians, or a figurative designation for "spiritual Israel"...
Article The Role of “Works” in God’s Plan of Redemption
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.
Article Galatians 5:4 – Fallen from Grace
“Once-saved, always-saved” is a convenient way of viewing God’s redemptive plan — but is it biblical? Hear what the apostle Paul has to say about “falling from grace.”
Bible Term Gift
The Bible is filled with affirmations of the generosity of our Creator. Every good and perfect gift is from him (Jas. 1:17). Surely our gratitude must be lavishly expressed for his graciousness. (a...
Article Does Mark 16:16 Involve “Water” Baptism?
Is the baptism in Mark 16:16 a baptism in water or is it of some other sort?