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It is not an uncommon thing that a Bible verse, which seems so simple, can be so deep and brimming with meaning. Such surely is the case with the apostle John’s tender message in 1 John 2:1-2. In this week’s Penpoints, we contemplate this thrilling passage.
Christ is our attorney, pleading our case before the Father. What a thrilling concept!
Because of who God is, what He has done, and what He continues to do, we can walk in the light, being confident as Christians and sure of salvation. This is part 1 of a two-part study on John’s first epistle.
Because of who God is, what He has done, and what He continues to do, we can walk in the light, being confident as Christians and sure of salvation. This is part 2 of a two-part study on John’s first epistle.
Can man know that God exists? Is humanity the result of divine creation, or merely the consequence of impersonal evolutionary forces?
A golden lamp stand with seven lights was placed in the ancient tabernacle of Jehovah. In the book of Revelation, we find the “seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God” (Rev. 4:5)—the number seven symbolizing the perfect Spirit of God. What do you know abo...
How can a fallen away Christian be restored to fellowship with Christ and his church?
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.
The article explores the concept of re-baptism, discussing its validity from a scriptural perspective, and the circumstances in which it might be considered necessary, such as a lack of understanding or faith at the time of the original baptism.
If you want to liven up a conversation, introduce the subject of sin. Is sin a reality or a figment of our imagination?
The Catholic Church teaches two errors with reference to Mary’s alleged sinlessness: 1. It argues that the mother of Jesus was conceived "immaculately," meaning she did not inherit, as others supposedly do, the guilt of Adam's "original sin." 2. The Roman Church also contends that Mary never comm...
The eastern mystic religions are growing in popularity. But are all religions created equal?
When Jesus came to Nazareth, Mark says at that time, “And he could there do no mighty work” (Mark 6:5). If Jesus was truly the Son of God, why does it say he could not perform miracles in his hometown?
There are three kindred words in the Greek N.T. that represent the idea of "propitiation." Two are nouns -- hilasmos (1 Jn. 2:2; 4:10) and hilasterion (Rom. 3:25; Heb. 9:5), and the third is the verb hilaskomai (Lk. 18:13; Heb. 2:17). The terms are designed to provide an explanation as to how God...
John's first epistle is a defense against the "gnostic" doctrine that alleged that Jesus Christ was not a real, flesh-and-blood human being. This sect claimed a special "knowledge" received directly from God. Contrary to this false claim, it is the Christian who can "know" (some thirty-five times...
This word comes directly from the Greek blasphemeo, which is believed to derive from blapto (to injure) and pheme (speech), hence injurious speech. Scripture speaks of those who blaspheme God (Rom. 2:24; 1 Tim. 6:1). It is also possible to blaspheme Christ, as certain hateful ones did at the cros...
The apostle John affirms that Jesus functions as an "Advocate" on behalf of his people (1 John 2:1). The Greek word for advocate is parakletos, literally suggesting "to call to one's side." The term denotes "one who appears on behalf of another." While Satan is the adversary who is ever ready to ...
The Holy Spirit was promised by Christ to his apostles for their special work.
Do Christians today receive the Comforter as promised by Christ in the gospel of John?
This article explores the meaning of Hebrews 10:26 and whether deliberate sin after becoming a Christian can lead to someone becoming lost. Wayne Jackson considers the context of the letter’s original recipients who were contemplating leaving Christianity and God’s willingness to forgive all sin.