Leviticus 5:17 – Ignorance and Accountability
Is “ignorance bliss” with regard to sin? Not according to the Scriptures.
The Last Will and Testament of Jesus Christ
Borrowing from the legal terminology of the first century, the New Testament writers used the figure of a “last will and testament” to characterize that body of doctrine to which mankind is obligated in the Christian age, i.e., that era of time from the day of Pentecost until the Lord’s return. In this article, we examine several important features of a “last will and testament.”
Are We Under Law or Grace?
A significant group of misguided souls alleges that the “grace” of Jesus Christ has dispensed with the need for “law.” This “antinomian” ideology is designed to throw the mantle of fellowship around those who have not obeyed the Lord in the process of becoming a Christian. The adversarial conflict that some see between “grace” and “law” is false.
Fellow Workers for the Truth
How were some “fellow workers” (3 Jn. 8) received who had a commendation from the apostle John? While the “beloved apostle” commended Gaius, who “received” the church workers, others were censured for snubbing their noses, and treating the endorsed Christians like itinerate church cons.
Luke 1:41 – Baby or Fetus?
Those who support the practice of abortion do so based on the notion that a pre-birth “fetus” and a post-birth “baby” are two entirely different things. Yet neither the word of God nor common sense allows for such a distinction.
Did Matthew Err Regarding “Judea”?
Critics of the Bible allege that the apostle Matthew made a mistake when he suggested “Judea” was “beyond the Jordan” (Mt. 19:1). Is there any way to legitimately exonerate the apostle from this charge? Study this problem with us.
John Shelby Spong: Anglican Nightmare
John Shelby Spong, a retired bishop of the Anglican Church, has made a career of being a rogue “priest” who assaults almost everything that is sacred within the Christian religion. His outrageous ideology has been an embarrassment to many of his Anglican kinsmen. This week’s Penpoints focuses upon some of Spong’s theological aberrations.
Exodus 7:3 – The Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart
Who bears responsibility for the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart?
A Historian’s Assessment of Ancient Christianity
Edward Gibbon’s monumental work of history provides great insight into early Christianity.
Does the Expression “the Eleven” (Luke 24:33) Constitute an Error?
Some claim there is a mistake in Luke’s record of Christ’s initial post-resurrection appearance to his apostles. The historian mentions “the eleven,” when there were only ten. Judas was dead, and Thomas was not present. How is this problem to be resolved?
Is It Wrong to Dispute Religious Error?
Is it wrong to disagree about religious doctrine?
Mark 11:20 – Jesus Curses a Fig Tree
Does Jesus’ cursing of the fig tree in Mark 11 reveal a “dark side” to the Savior? Not at all. Wayne Jackson explains this curious passage.
Are We Resurrected from the Dead When We Obey the Gospel?
A question was submitted about the resurrection. The inquirer concluded that “made alive” (in passages like Romans 6:3-8 and Colossians 2:11-12) is parallel in thought to Paul’s discussion of the resurrection of the body in 1 Corinthians 15. In response, we consider a number of points concerning the New Testament doctrine on the resurrection.
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.
Genesis 1:1-2 – The Gap Theory
Some point to Genesis 1:1-2 as a biblical basis for the Gap Theory. Yet a brief study of the grammar of this passage shows there is no such basis.
Isn’t Christ the Author of “Our” Faith?
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.”
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.
Penetrating Questions from the Book of Job
The Book of Job is one of the most magnificent documents of literary history. This treatise may be studied from several vantage points. One of these is to examine some of the penetrating questions that are posed in the book. In this month’s Feature, Wayne Jackson explores some of these queries.
What About a Saturday night Observance of the Lord’s Supper?
Is a Saturday-night observance of the Lord’s Supper just as good as observing it on the Lord’s Day?
Making Merchandise of the Gospel
The world is constantly looking for flaws in those who set themselves forth as teachers of the Christian cause. It is not uncommon to observe that some religious leaders have exploited the “gospel” for their own financial interests.
This brief article addresses this issue.