The following articles are related to the topic of REPENTANCE

Jonah 1:1-2 — The Prophet’s Commission

The prophet Jonah lived in the city of Gath-hepher (four miles north of Nazareth) in the reign of Israel's king, Jeroboam II (2 Kings 14:25). Jonah was instructed by the Lord to go to Nineveh, a thriving city 500 miles to the east. There, he would proclaim the destruction of that metropolis on account of its wickedness. Nineveh was the ... read more »

Nahum 1:1 – The End of Nineveh

The book of Nahum begins with a somber tone - "the burden of Nineveh" - which suggests that a pronouncement of judgment is imminent. The name "Nineveh," of course, brings memories of the book of Jonah. Nineveh was the capital city of Assyria. This great metropolis is first mentioned in Genesis 10:11,12; it was founded by the mighty hunter, Nimrod. ... read more »

Acts 15:9 — Hearts Cleansed by Faith

In Acts 15 at the conference in Jerusalem, Peter testified as to how God had used him as an instrument for the conversion of the Gentiles. In connection therewith, he declared that the Lord "made no distinction between us [Jews] and them [Gentiles], cleansing their hearts by faith" (15:9). Some religious folks assume this means that salvation is given upon ... read more »

How to Go to Heaven — Sincere, but Wrong

Two ladies walked up the driveway. They handed me a small, tri-folded brochure that contained the service times of their church group. It advertised the religious group as being "independent of any denomination, Bible-based in every part of ministry, soul-winning and missions minded, and distinctively Christian." The tract claimed that the religious body is "an old fashioned, independent, Baptist Church ... read more »

A Dispute About the Purpose of Baptism

We receive a great number of questions dealing with a variety of biblical issues. It simply is not possible to deal with all of them. Some are impertinent, trivial, seemingly bereft of any semblance of sincerity and, therefore, in our judgment, warrant no response. We give very little, if any, attention to unsigned correspondence. Some questions, however, though reflecting erroneous ... read more »

10 Great Lessons from the Book of Jonah

The prophet Jonah lived in the Galilean city of Gath-hepher (about four miles north of Nazareth) during the reign of Jeroboam II (793-753 B.C.), king of Israel (cf. 2 Kings 14:25). Jeroboam II was northern Israel's most powerful king, and during his administration the borders of the nation were expanded to their greatest extent since the time of David and ... read more »

Back to Kindergarten

Generally, when a child is off to kindergarten, it is an exciting time in his life. A new pencil and tablet, learning the first steps in reading-all of these experiences are memorable indeed. It is hardly the case, however, that we long to return to that environment-as adults! The envisioned humiliation of such a circumstance reminds one of a text ... read more »

What Is the Baptism of Fire?

"In Matthew 3:11, John the Baptist said: 'I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire.' A Christian brother recently identified this 'fire' with the outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost. Would ... read more »

Acts 4:32 – The Jerusalem Church of Christ

One of the most thrilling passages in the book of Acts is recorded as follows: "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and soul..." (4:32). Several important points from this passage must be noted. The Church, a MultitudeThe church had come to consist of a "multitude."It started on Pentecost with at least 3,000. "They then that ... read more »

Does the ESV Translation Promote “Faith Alone” Salvation?

"Does the English Standard Version of the New Testament promote the doctrine of 'salvation by faith alone' in Romans 10:9-10?" This text, in the ESV (2001) reads as follows: "because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart ... read more »