Based upon a misunderstanding of Ephesians 2:8, some argue that “faith” is a gift from God, and that it is not, therefore, a condition of salvation. This theory is the offspring of Calvinism. This week’s question explores this issue.

The sacred historian Luke once declared that some of the Jews “justified God” when they accepted the immersion administered by John the Baptist (Lk. 7:29). How could this possibly be? Can a man “justify” God?

A sincere reader wants to know whether or not Judas was “predestined” to betray Christ. He feels that certain New Testament passages suggest that he was. This week’s Question discusses this issue.

Some claim that Jesus, in his conversation with the rich, young ruler (Mk. 10:17-18), denied that he possessed the nature of deity. What is the truth of this matter? Study this controversial passage with us.

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 “Author” of “our faith.”

Does the Bible sanction a speaking in “tongues” that involves the utterance of “ecstatic” sounds that are understood only by the speaker and God? Sincere Pentecostal folks answer in the affirmative. They contend that these indiscernible sounds are the “tongues of angels” (1 Cor. 13:1). This article demonstrates that there is no support for such a view in the Corinthian text.

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul refers to Christ as “the firstborn of all creation.” Does this phrase suggest that Jesus was a “created” being? The “Jehovah’s Witnesses” so allege, but what is the truth of the matter? Study this intriguing question with us.

In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul mentions those who, when speaking in tongues, utter “mysteries.” Does this phraseology support the idea that these tongues are not human languages, but, instead, special “ecstatic” tongues?

What is the meaning of the phrase, “the destruction of the flesh,” in 1 Corinthians 5:5? Did it sanction the use of capital punishment in the church for immoral and/or heretical people?

A critic writes that if human beings have true “free agency,” then God could not punish them for their “sins.” He sees a conflict between the ideas of freedom and responsibility. Let us briefly consider this matter.

“How does this man [Jesus] know letters, since he has never learned?” (John 7:15). This text has puzzled many Bible students? How could Christ have so amazed the multitudes with his teaching if he had “never learned”? Study this passage with us.

Is the baptism in Mark 16:16 a baptism in water or is it of some other sort?

Why did Jesus appear only to his disciples following his resurrection? Would not an appearance to the Jewish or Roman authorities have been more effective?

Paul once wrote that the Holy Spirit “searches” the mind of God. Some have misused this text to suggest that the Spirit is not deity Himself. But the argument is invalid. Explore this issue with us.

Why does the Catholic Church place such great emphasis upon Mary, the mother of Christ? Is this proper?

Is has been said that at the marriage feast in Cana of Galilee, Mary made a request of Jesus, and that he obeyed. This is supposed to show that she is worthy of praise and worship due to the influence she exercises over her Son. What are the facts?

The article discusses the controversial interpretation of Jephthah’s vow in the Old Testament where it is debated whether he sacrificed his daughter as a burnt offering or devoted her to the service of Jehovah.

Sincere Roman Catholics, and some Protestants, allege that Paul uttered a prayer on behalf of a deceased brother in Christ. Is there merit in this allegation. There is not. Study this with us.

After the return from Babylonian captivity, Ezra commanded certain men to put away their foreign wives. A professor in a Christian college has criticized the man of God for this action. Is the censure justified? Let’s take a look.

A Christian lady has suggested that Paul was mistaken when he recommended benevolence, first to Christian, then to non-Christians. Is the criticism reasonable?