Is there an unpardonable sin? What is it?
The unpardonable sin was rejecting the Holy Spirit’s clear work in Jesus’ ministry, something only His contemporaries could do. For us today, the only unpardonable state is dying without accepting Christ’s gift of salvation.
When the Bible says God remembered something, what does that mean?
When Scripture says that God “remembered,” it is using anthropomorphism to describe the moment He chooses to act (or not act), not to mean He literally forgot something as human beings do. God is omniscient, knowing all things perfectly at all times.
What does it mean that Jesus is interceding for us in heaven?
Jesus intercedes for us in heaven as our perfect High Priest. Jesus understands our struggles and constantly advocates on our behalf, allowing us to approach God at all times.
Can we speak things into existence?
Human beings cannot speak things into existence. Scripture teaches that only God has creative power when speaking.
What is sanctifying grace?
Sanctifying grace is God’s power at work in believers, setting us apart and transforming us into holy people through the Holy Spirit. While we’re made right with God the moment we trust Christ, His Spirit continually shapes us to live for Him throughout our lives.
How does systematic theology work?
Systematic theology is the study of what the entire Bible teaches, organized into categories. Systematic theology compares all relevant passages on a topic to present a unified and consistent understanding of biblical truth.
What are the differences between Shia and Sunni Muslims?
Sunni and Shia Muslims split over who should lead Islam after Muhammad’s death, resulting in different leadership, traditions, and practices. The Bible emphasizes following the one true God.
Reprobation – What is it? What is a reprobate?
Reprobation is God’s eternal decision to pass over some sinners, leaving them in their sin and condemning them for their rebellion. While God actively elects some to salvation, He passively reprobates others, judging them righteously for their unbelief.
Is there evidence for answered prayer? Does God answer prayer?
God does answer prayer when we ask with sincere hearts and align with His will, but prayer is a personal relationship with Him, not a formula. Countless believers testify to prayer’s powerful impact in their lives.
What is the story of the history books in the Old Testament?
The story of the history books starts right when Moses died, Joshua took over, and the Israelites were ready to move into Canaan. Even though the historical books overlap quite a bit, they give different perspectives and details that highlight God’s faithfulness, the challenges Israel faced, and how their obedience or disobedience shaped their journey and relationship with Him.
Does ISIS have anything to do with the end times?
While we cannot pinpoint ISIS as a specific catalyst for a new level of the end times, ISIS exemplifies all the elements of darkness that point to the end times and the need for Jesus to return. Believers’ focus, though, should be staying ready for the return of Christ.
Is eternal security a license to sin?
Eternal security is not permission to sin, but a call to live as new creations in Christ. God’s love and Spirit transform us to desire obedience rather than rebellion.
How is a cult different from a sect?
Cults twist a religion’s core teachings to control members and block salvation, while sects simply differ in minor beliefs but remain faithful to the main faith. Knowing the difference between cults and sects protects your faith and helps you discern truth from deception.
How can heaven be good if there won’t be marriage or sex there?
While marriage and sex are good, heaven will surpass every earthly pleasure, including marriage and sex. Our ultimate delight will come from perfect, unbroken fellowship with God, where every longing is fully satisfied.
How should Christians respond to someone who leaves the faith?
When someone walks away from the faith, Christians should respond with both biblical discernment and personal compassion. Scripture warns that not all who profess Christ are truly saved but also urges us to pursue the wandering and encourage them back to the truth.
Can general revelation be enough for a person to be saved?
General revelation shows everyone that God exists and points them toward Him, but it isn’t enough on its own for salvation. Those who respond to what they see and seek God will be guided to know Christ and receive salvation.
How much of the end-times prophecy has been fulfilled?
Many end-times prophecies began to be fulfilled with Jesus’ first coming, and modern events like Israel’s return and global alliances seem to align with biblical predictions. Since there is still end-times prophecy to be fulfilled, Christians should focus on living faithfully for God, reflecting Him to others, and being ready for His return.
Is Hanukkah (Christmaskah) something Christians should celebrate?
Christians are neither commanded nor restricted from celebrating Hanukkah. Whether we celebrate Hanukkah or not, our focus should be honoring God and reflecting the Light of Christ in our lives.
What does righteousness mean?
Righteousness is the quality of being right before God, measured by His perfect standard. Righteousness is both the definition of God’s character and the gift He gives to believers through faith in Christ.
What is the Neviim? How are the "prophetic books" classified in the Hebrew Bible?
The Neviim, or “Prophets,” is the middle section of the Hebrew Bible divided into Former and Latter Prophets, grouping historical and prophetic books differently than the Christian Old Testament. Though arranged uniquely, the Hebrew Bible contains all the same books found in the Protestant Old Testament, revealing God’s story and pointing to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment.
Healing - What does the Bible have to say?
God can still heal supernaturally today, sometimes instantly, sometimes through a process, or even by working through medicine. Though God may not always choose to heal in this life, we can trust His perfect wisdom and timing in all circumstances.
Why do people die?
: Death came into the world through sin, separating us from God and making it the destiny of all people. But through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are offered forgiveness, eternal life, and hope that conquers even the grave.
Who or what is Krampus and what does it have to do with Christmas?
Krampus is a fear-based folklore figure with pagan roots that distracts from the true meaning of Christmas. Unlike Krampus, who embodies punishment, Christmas points us to Jesus, who came to bring forgiveness, joy, and hope.
What does the word ‘hallelujah’ mean?
The word “hallelujah” is a call to praise the personal and covenant-keeping God of Israel. Hallelujah is a deeply meaningful expression of worship that reminds us to give God the glory due His name.
Is God immanent? What is the significance of the immanence of God?
Immanence refers to God’s personal nearness—His presence within creation and His active involvement in the world. While God is transcendent, He is also immanent and intimately involved in our lives.
What is the difference between the first resurrection and the second resurrection?
The first resurrection refers to the raising of believers to eternal life and reward. The second resurrection involves the wicked being raised to face final judgment and eternal separation from God.
Why didn’t people always recognize the resurrected Jesus?
After His resurrection, Jesus was not always recognized right away, whether because of natural circumstances or because God chose to withhold recognition. Jesus revealed Himself in His timing, making it clear that He was truly alive.
What were Jesus' desert temptations and what can we learn from them?
Jesus’ temptations offer a close look at both the humanity and deity of Jesus. However, His temptations also reveal important truths concerning how we can respond to temptations today, relying upon God and His Word to stand firm against Satan’s attacks.
The "church of Oprah"—What is it? Is Eckhart Tolle's A New Earth consistent with biblical Christianity?
Oprah’s influence is huge, but there’s no actual “church of Oprah.” Eckhart Tolle’s book A New Earth, promoted by Oprah, blends New Age ideas that conflict with biblical Christianity.
True religion – What is it?
True religion is not about rituals or human traditions but about a genuine relationship with God through Jesus Christ. True religion expresses itself in worship, obedience, and care for others as the outworking of faith.
Why should a Buddhist consider becoming a Christian?
Buddhism teaches self-effort to escape suffering, but the Bible shows we cannot fix our brokenness on our own and need God’s grace. By trusting in Jesus Christ, we receive forgiveness, eternal life, and a personal relationship with God that gives us assurance beyond this life.
Is there any Bible prophecy about the United States of America?
The Bible does not specifically mention the United States, and its role in end-times prophecy is uncertain. Christians are called to live faithfully and trust God’s sovereign plan, regardless of any nation’s future influence.
Was Jesus a pacifist?
Jesus was not a pacifist. True peace will only be established when Jesus reigns eternally.
Is the Holy Spirit God?
Yes, the Holy Spirit is fully God, a distinct Person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is not a distant force, but God’s personal presence, guiding, empowering, and dwelling within every follower of Jesus.
Who was Brigham Young?
Brigham Young was the nineteenth-century leader of the Mormon Church who led the migration to Utah and expanded the church’s settlements, but he taught doctrines that contradict the Bible, including polygamy and the idea that humans can become gods. While Mormons elevate Brigham Young as a prophet, the Bible warns against false prophets and emphasizes salvation through faith in Jesus alone.
What is theodicy?
Theodicy is the study of why a perfectly good and all-powerful God allows evil to exist. The Bible shows that God permits evil temporarily for His purposes, ultimately displaying His glory, love, and justice.
Why was slavery allowed in the Old Testament?
The Old Testament does not present slavery as God’s ideal situation but as a regulated reality in a fallen world. The laws given to Israel restrained abuse, protected dignity, and pointed to God’s deeper purpose of redemption and freedom.
Does God have a physical body?
God doesn’t have a physical body—He is spirit: invisible, infinite, and uncontainable by space or matter. While Scripture uses human language to describe Him, these are metaphors to help us understand His power, presence, and care.
Is salvation by faith or works or both?
Salvation is by faith alone, but real faith always shows itself through good works. Works don’t earn salvation; they prove that faith is real.
Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus – What are they?
: Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus are two of the oldest complete or nearly complete copies of the New Testament in its original Greek language.
How is Jesus the first-born over Creation? What does it mean for Jesus to be the first-born?
Jesus, as the firstborn over all creation, holds preeminence and authority over everything in heaven and on earth. Jesus’ supremacy assures us that we can trust Him completely, finding hope and security in His sovereign rule.
Does the Bible say anything about overcoming grief / processing and handling grief?
: Grief occurs in many instances, such as when our plans are derailed, when our feelings are hurt, and when a loved one dies. God also experiences grief and grieves with us. By placing our hope in Him, we can navigate grief’s pain and find strength to heal and move forward.
What are some popular illustrations of the Trinity?
Common illustrations like water, the sun, or an egg attempt to explain the Trinity but all fall short. Scripture reveals the Trinity—God as one in essence and three in persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—but no earthly analogy can fully capture it.
Will the Antichrist be a Muslim?
The Bible does not specifically identify the Antichrist as a Muslim. While some speculate the Antichrist may be hailed by Muslims as the Twelfth Imam, his role of making peace with Israel makes a Muslim identity unlikely.
Fat Tuesday / Mardi Gras - What is it?
Mardi Gras is traditionally a Catholic holiday marked by excess before the season of Lent. Since Scripture clearly warns against indulging sinful desires, Christians should be cautious, and if participation leads to temptation, it is best to avoid the holiday altogether.
Is the Trinity really tritheism?
Tritheism is the belief in three separate gods. The Trinity is the biblical teaching that the one true God exists eternally in three distinct Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who share the same divine essence.
Chreasters – Who are they?
Chreasters are a term people use for those who attend church only on Christmas and Easter. Christians can use such holidays to preach the Gospel, clear up unbiblical beliefs, and explain the true purpose of being a part of a church family.
What did Jesus look like?
The Bible gives no detailed description of Jesus’ physical appearance, suggesting He looked like an average Jewish man of His time. Jesus’ true impact came from His words, actions, and character, not from striking looks or cultural ideals.
How do exegesis and eisegesis differ?
: Exegesis is an objective, systematic method to understand the original meaning of a passage. In contrast, eisegesis is a subjective, selective approach where the reader imposes their own ideas on the text.
Why does God allow sickness?
Sickness exists because we live in a fallen world, but God uses even sickness for our good and His glory. Even when we don’t understand why God allows sickness, we can trust that He is sovereign, good, and with us in our suffering.
How old is God?
God has no age because He is eternal. God always was, is, and will be.
What is “tentmaking” in ministry?
Tentmaking in ministry is the practice of supporting oneself financially through secular work while actively serving God, following the example of Paul, who made tents while preaching in Corinth. Ministry isn’t limited to church walls—every job, relationship, and daily opportunity can be a way to glorify God.
The Critical Text – What is it?
: The Critical Text is a Greek text of the New Testament compiled through modern text-critical methods.
What do Taoists believe? What is Taoism / Daoism?
Taoism teaches harmony with an impersonal “Way” through balance, simplicity, and flow, but it offers no personal God or assurance of salvation. The Bible points us to a personal God who offers true peace, guidance, and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
Why is idol worship so tempting?
Idol worship is tempting because it appears to offer control and immediate satisfaction without the moral demands of the true God. At its root, idol worship is a heart-level exchange: people trade the truth of God for a lie that promises much but delivers death.
Is it a sin to engage in cyber sex / phone sex?
While cyber sex (sexting or online pornography) did not exist in biblical times, the Bible is clear regarding the principles involved. Cyber sex goes against God’s design for sexuality, which is meant to be expressed within the marriage of one man and one woman.
Why does God require faith?
Faith is necessary because sinful people cannot earn righteousness or please God through their own efforts. God established faith as the means by which we receive righteousness through Christ and enter into relationship with Him.
How many times did Jesus predict His death?
Jesus clearly predicted His death three times, preparing His disciples for the suffering and resurrection to come. Though they struggled to understand, His words proved true and confirm His mission to be the Savior through the cross and the empty tomb.
The Synoptic Gospels—What are they?
The Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—offer a unified view of Jesus’ life, sharing much of the same content but written for distinct audiences: Jewish, Roman, and Gentile. Together, they reveal the good news of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection from three complementary perspectives.
What is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit?
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is God giving His Spirit to indwell and empower all who believe in Jesus. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit began at Pentecost and continues today as people give their life to Jesus, empowering us to live lives that reflect God to the world.
Ascension Day – What is it?
The ascension points to the completed and the coming work of Christ. In it, believers discover the joy of the risen Lord and the anticipation of His return, which can inspire us to holy living characterized by loving and serving believers and unbelievers.
Is belief that the Bible is inerrant a requirement to be saved?
Salvation simply requires putting our faith in Jesus, not understanding and believing in the inerrancy of Scripture. With that being said, understanding and believing that God’s Word as absolutely true is integral to our growth in Christ.
Do Christians have three gods? What is the Trinity?
Christians do not worship three gods. The Bible teaches the doctrine of the Trinity, that the one true God exists eternally as three distinct Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each fully God and united in one divine essence.
What is the conscience?
The conscience is the inner awareness of right and wrong that God has placed within each person. While the conscience can guide us toward good, it must be informed and aligned with God’s truth to function properly.
What is the Jewish Talmud?
The Jewish Talmud is a collection of oral laws, which developed hundreds of years before the birth of the Messiah. While often confusing to the reader, the Talmud and its various parts are of value in understanding post-temple Judaism.
What is the Noble Eightfold Path in Buddhism?
The Noble Eightfold Path teaches Buddhists to overcome desire and suffering through self-effort. The Bible reveals that true freedom and transformation come not from emptying ourselves but from trusting in Jesus Christ, who changes hearts and gives eternal life.
What happens in a papal conclave?
The papal conclave is a centuries-old tradition of electing a pope, but the office of pope itself is not found in the Bible. Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ alone is the head of the Church and its foundation.
What are some signs of authentic, saving faith?
Authentic, saving faith is shown by ongoing trust in Christ, repentance from sin, love for God and others, and endurance in the gospel. A life increasingly transformed by the Holy Spirit is evidence of genuine faith.
Is Jesus actually Michael the archangel?
Jesus is not actually Michael the archangel. The Bible clearly describes Jesus as the Son of God, the Son of Man, and our Savior.
What must I do to become a child of God?
Becoming a child of God is simple—put your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and believe He rose from the dead. When you trust in Jesus, God adopts you into His family, grants eternal life, and covers you with His unconditional, everlasting love.
What does the Bible say about false guilt? How can I avoid false guilt?
False guilt tricks us into feeling condemned even when God has fully forgiven us. By remembering Christ’s sacrifice and trusting His grace, we can live free from unnecessary guilt and walk confidently in His love.
What is a Christian's inheritance in Christ?
A Christian’s inheritance in Christ includes the blessings God gives to all who belong to Him—eternal life, adoption, forgiveness, and a future with Him. Our inheritance is secured through faith in Jesus and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus saves – What does this mean?
Jesus saves by taking the penalty for our sins, thereby giving us forgiveness, freedom, and new life. Because Jesus saves, we can be restored to God, which impacts us now and for eternity.
What does it mean to be the seed of Abraham?
The seed of Abraham includes both physical descendants and spiritual followers, but true relationship with God comes through faith in Him. Salvation and God’s promises are inherited not by ancestry, but by living in faith like Abraham.
Is repentance necessary for salvation? What is repentance?
Repentance is not about earning salvation through works but about changing your mind—turning from sin and trusting Jesus. True repentance is the first step in receiving God’s grace, leading to a transformed life that flows naturally from faith.
What is a seared conscience?
A seared conscience is a moral sense numbed by persistent sin, deceit, or hypocrisy until it no longer feels guilt or responds to God. A seared conscience can gradually lead to a hardened heart, but if we come to Jesus, He cleanses and renews our conscience so we can serve Him with discernment and obedience.
What is meant by being in Christ?
Being in Christ means being united with Him through faith. Being in Christ is the basis for the believer’s salvation, identity, and hope.
What role does Israel play in the end times? Do the events in Israel indicate the end times are close?
Israel plays a prominent role in the end times predictions of the Bible. Several factors reveal that Israel will endure into the end times and play a primary part in God's plan for the final days.
Are there errors in the Bible?
The Bible, written over 1,500 years by 40 authors, remains remarkably accurate without change to its core message. Far from containing true errors, the Bible proves trustworthy, unified, and divinely inspired—standing as God’s enduring Word of truth.
What does the Bible say about corporate prayer?
Prayer connects us to God both personally and as a community, deepening our relationship with Him and with one another. Corporate prayer unites believers in purpose and humility, empowering the church to support, encourage, and grow together in faith.
Holy Saturday—What is it?
Holy Saturday is the day after Good Friday and before Easter. Churches that celebrate it reflect on the darkness of the world had Jesus never been resurrected.
What is a trespass in the Bible?
: A trespass in the Bible is simply any sin—any way we overstep God’s boundaries or fall short of His perfect standard. God provides forgiveness for our trespasses through Jesus’ death and resurrection, freeing us from sin’s power and enabling us to live by His Spirit.
How could Jesus pray to God if He is God? Was Jesus praying to Himself?
Jesus prayed to God the Father because it was an appropriate, natural, and essential part of His mission on earth. Jesus’ prayers set an example for us to grow in intimacy with our Heavenly Father.
Does the Bible talk about the way Jesus interacted with children?
Jesus warmly welcomed, blessed, and treasured children, holding them up as examples of humility and faith. Jesus’ interactions with them challenge us to honor, nurture, and learn from the young in our own lives.
Why is there often so much suffering in death? Why do so many experience such suffering before death?
Suffering and death are painful realities, but even in the hardest moments, God can use them to strengthen faith, build character, and inspire others. For believers, every trial is temporary, pointing us toward eternal life where pain, sorrow, and death will be gone forever.
What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
To be filled with the Holy Spirit means to live under His influence and control, walking in obedience to God’s Word. Rather than a one-time emotional experience, being filled with the Holy Spirit is a position of continual surrender that results in godly character, bold witness, and spiritual fruit.
Is it possible to 'give back' salvation?
Anyone who is truly saved will be kept by the Holy Spirit, who is daily working to sanctify believers. Those who choose to walk away were never truly saved.
Before Jesus died for our sins, could people be saved? How?
Even before Jesus came, people were saved by trusting God and having faith in His promises, looking forward to the Messiah. Salvation has always been by God’s grace through faith, fulfilled in Jesus Christ for all who believe.
Does the Bible really teach gender equality? Why has gender inequality been the norm?
The Bible teaches that men and women are equally valued by God and equally offered salvation through Christ, even though He assigns distinct roles to each gender. Human sin and cultural distortions have caused gender inequality to persist, but God’s design calls us to honor and respect both genders equally.
Can I discern right from wrong?
Discerning right from wrong begins with knowing God and His Word. A believer grows in discernment through Scripture, prayer, obedience, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Why did Jesus pray 'Father, forgive them' from the cross?
Jesus’ famous phrase seemed to be for His immediate persecutors as well as the Jewish leaders and their followers who betrayed Him over to the Romans. Jesus’ merciful plea still stands today as a powerful example of godliness that we should extend to our persecutors.
What role did the Holy Spirit have in the Old Testament?
In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit created, guided, empowered, and taught God’s people, preparing them for His plans. The same Spirit who worked through leaders like Samson and David, and who raised Jesus from the dead, now lives in believers, empowering us to follow God today.
In Catholicism, what are meritorious works?
Catholics teach that certain good works, called meritorious works, can be rewarded by God without replacing His grace, while Protestants emphasize that salvation is a gift of grace alone and cannot be earned. Our good deeds are important as evidence of faith, but they do not secure God’s favor or salvation.
Is the resurrection of Jesus true? Was Jesus Christ really resurrected?
Scripture presents Jesus’ resurrection, the central tenant of Christian faith, as a real, historical event witnessed by many. The New Testament does not try to prove the resurrection of Jesus; it assumes it and records some of the people, places, and changed lives that were impacted by it.
What is cessationism? What do cessationists believe? Is cessationism biblical??
Cessationism holds that miraculous sign gifts—tongues, prophecy, and healing—ceased with the apostles, as their purpose was to confirm the gospel and establish the early church. While God still works providentially, cessationists believe the completed Scriptures now serve as the sufficient and final authority, making those gifts no longer necessary or normative.
Why does God let good things happen to bad people?
God lets good things happen to bad people, but earthly blessings don’t reflect ultimate moral approval. Instead of getting upset at the temporary fortunes of others, we should remember that God’s justice is eternal, His timing is perfect, and true reward is found in a restored relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.
What does it mean that Jesus is a prophet, priest, and king?
Jesus perfectly fulfills the roles of prophet, priest, and king—speaking God’s truth, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, and reigning with eternal authority. As prophet, priest, and king, Jesus guides, advocates for, and delivers salvation to all who trust in Him.
What does it mean to be saved by grace?
Salvation is God’s gift of undeserved grace, not something we earn. It frees us from sin and empowers us to live transformed lives.
When do we receive the Holy Spirit?
We receive the Holy Spirit the moment we place our faith in Jesus, marking the start of a lifelong relationship with God. While the Spirit can fill and empower us at different times, His indwelling presence is permanent from the moment of salvation.
Does 'Jesus' really mean 'Hail, Zeus'?
The name "Jesus" does not mean "Hail, Zeus"; it comes from the Hebrew Yeshua, meaning "The Lord Saves." Regardless of the language or pronunciation, Jesus is the Savior who saves us from our sins.