The following articles are related to the topic of GRACE

The Value of Persecution

Persecution is a reality of the Christian life. Paul ominously warned that "all who would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12). We expect persecution from the world. After all, Jesus said: "A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you" (Jn. 15:20). The more lamentable reality is ... read more »

Did Mary, Jesus’ Mother, Ever Sin?

"A friend of mine teaches that Mary, the mother of Jesus, never committed a sin. Would you comment on this?" The Catholic Church teaches two errors with reference to Mary's alleged sinlessness: - It argues that the mother of Jesus was conceived "immaculately," i.e., she did not inherit, as others supposedly do, the guilt of Adam's "original sin." - The ... read more »

Numbers 14:11-12 – The Disinheritance of a Rebellious Child

There are some religionists, in the tradition of John Calvin, who argue for the doctrine of the impossibility of apostasy. What these folks believe - and their sincerity is not in question - is this. It is utterly impossible for a child of God to so sin as to fall from grace and thus finally be lost. They ask: "Is ... read more »

1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 – Election through the Gospel

The theology of John Calvin contends that before the foundation of the world, God elected certain ones (both angels and men) to be saved, and others to be lost. There is no biblical basis for this. In the opening remarks of his first letter to the brethren at Thessalonica, Paul makes an interesting comment which helps put this topic into ... read more »

1 Timothy 1:16 – Believe unto Eternal Life

Many denominationalists are strong opponents of the concept that baptism is a divine condition for the remission of past sins. However, the Bible explicitly teaches that immersion is "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). The term "for" in this passage is a translation of the Greek word eis, a preposition which means unto, in order to, to obtain (see ... read more »

I Want What You Have

The word "covetous" is translated by three words in the Greek New Testament. Epithumeo means "to fix the desire upon."Zeloo is translated "covet earnestly" in 1 Corinthians 12:31(KJV - used in a good sense).Orego means "to stretch after," thus "covet after" is the way it is rendered in 1 Timothy 6:10 (Vine's Expository Dictionary, p. 254-55). The word "covet" usually ... read more »

Is Faith the Gift of Ephesians 2:8?

"A friend says that salvation is solely of God's 'sovereign grace,' and that not even 'faith' is essential for justification. He argues that believing is not something that we do of our own accord; instead, it is a 'gift' from God. He cites Ephesians 2:8 as proof that faith is a 'gift.' Would you comment on this?" With all due ... read more »

Was Paul’s Theology Consistent on “Conversion”?

J. Carl Laney is a Professor of Biblical Literature at Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Laney is a respected scholar but in some serious particulars his theology is flawed. For example in his book, Answers to Tough Questions From Every Book in the Bible, he raises the issue of whether baptism is essential to salvation. In response to ... read more »

What About the “Sacraments”?

"Do you know the actual history of 'Seven Sacraments'? Were all of these brought about at the same time?" The term "sacrament" derives from the Latin sacramentum, the meaning of which is "a thing set apart as holy." The New Testament never isolates certain acts of obedience from others by designating them as "sacraments." However, as the early church (late ... read more »

Is the Holy Spirit Worthy of Worship?

Is the Holy Spirit God in nature? If so, is it appropriate to worship him? There is a controversy that appears to be swirling about the Christian community these days, and it is this: "Is the Holy Spirit a proper object of Christian worship?" Some adamantly claim he is not. They challenge for a passage that specifically commands: "Worship the ... read more »