The following articles are related to the topic of PLAN OF SALVATION

Logic and the Plan of Salvation

In his classic work, Biblical Hermeneutics, Milton S. Terry, one-time Professor at the Garrett Biblical Institute, declared there is a "general harmony" which pervades the entire Scriptures. Consequently, "no single statement or obscure passage of one book can be allowed to set aside a doctrine which is clearly established by many passages" (1890, 449). This procedure is called "the analogy ... read more »

God’s Plan of Salvation for His Lost Children

It is truly a tragedy that so many Christian people labor under the illusion that it is impossible for them ever to be lost. Unfortunately, though, the Calvinistic dogma of "once-saved, always-saved," has infected the brotherhood of Christ - at least practically, if not intellectually. It is a grim reality that there may be more lost people in our Sunday ... read more »

Is There No Plan of Salvation for Angels?

"What is the meaning of Hebrews 2:16, 'For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham'?" In order to appreciate the passage (as much as is possible from the limited information available), one has to have a grasp of the argument that the inspired writer has made thus far ... read more »

Malachi 1:2,3 – Jacob Loved, Esau Hated

The initial paragraph of Malachi's writing declares the great love that Jehovah had for the nation of Israel (1:1-5). When that announcement was made, however, the spiritually dull Hebrews asked, in effect, "Oh yeah, how have you loved us?" To illustrate his answer, Malachi calls attention to God's divergent uses of Jacob and Esau - in reality, the nation of ... read more »

The English Standard Version Study Bible – A Review

Shortly after its initial appearance, we published an article reviewing The English Standard Version (2001, Crossway Bibles). In that composition we cataloged what we perceived to be some of the strengths and weaknesses of this translation of the Bible. Generally, I commended the ESV, though I remain of the persuasion that the American Standard Version (1901) is still the best ... read more »

The Role of “Works” in God’s Plan of Redemption

Most Protestants, reacting adversely to the "works system" of Roman Catholicism, have adopted the extreme (and unscriptural) view that works play no role whatever in human salvation. Some allege that salvation is on the basis of "faith alone," while others (e.g., radical Calvinists) argue that God chose the redeemed before the world began, and that redemption, therefore, is entirely unconditional. ... read more »

Genesis 6:6 – Did God Repent?

How does one explain this puzzling verse? "And it repented Jehovah that he had made man upon the earth, and it grieved him at his heart" (Gen. 6:6). First, let us demonstrate what the passage cannot mean.It does not mean that God created the human family, expecting that it would remain loyal to him, but that, eventually, humanity strayed.The Lord ... read more »

Why Does Romans 10:9-10 Not Mention Baptism?

"If baptism in water is an essential condition of salvation, as a number of your articles assert, how do you explain Romans 10:9-10? There is no mention of baptism in this passage." The passage to which our friend refers reads as follows: "[B]ecause if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that ... read more »

Paul’s Experience on the Damascus Road

"I enjoy getting your articles very much. I agree with the fact that we hear from God through his word, but I do not believe that is the only way he speaks to us.If God only speaks to us through his written word, how do you explain the account of Paul's experience [on the road to Damascus]?" When we discuss ... 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 »