How do you get to heaven and avoid the Lake of Fire? Simple. God did the hard part. Man could not. Salvation is never what we do for God. It is what God has done for us in Christ. Jesus Christ bore the judgment we deserved, satisfied divine justice, and accomplished the work in full (John 19:30; Rom. 5:8). Our good works don't save us. His work on the cross does. The issue for the sinner is not effort, reform, ritual, or resolve. The issue is faith. “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). One act of faith. One moment of trust. Eternal life is received as a free gift, not earned by good works (John 3:16; Eph. 2:8–9).
The Warning Passages in Hebrews
The warning passages in Hebrews have been understood in two primary ways. Some read them as threats of losing salvation, while others, especially within Reformed theology, interpret them as evidence that those who fall away were never truly saved. A third reading, which best fits the language, audience, and flow of the book, understands the warnings as real exhortations addressed to believers, with real consequences, but consequences that concern fellowship, discipline, usefulness, and reward, not the loss or proof of salvation. This reading allows the warnings to function with full force without undermining the finality of Christ’s saving work.
Prevenient Grace
The prevenient work of God the Holy Spirit is the divine action that precedes faith and makes a genuine response to the gospel possible. Geisler notes, “Prevenient means ‘before,’ and prevenient grace refers to God’s unmerited work in the human heart prior to salvation, which directs people to this end through Christ.” (N. L. Geisler, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, p. 222). Paul affirms the universal scope of this gracious initiative, stating, “The grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people” (Tit. 2:11). Left to himself, he neither desires nor comprehends the things of God (1 Cor. 2:14). Therefore, God the Holy Spirit must act first. Jesus stated, “And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8). This convicting ministry is not salvation and it is not coercion. It is illumination. The Spirit exposes the reality of sin, clarifies God’s righteous standard, and confronts the unbeliever with accountability before God. In this way, the Spirit makes the gospel understandable and places the issue of Christ squarely before the conscience.
Satan and the Flesh Judged at the Cross
Christ’s death on the cross rendered a definitive judgment against both Satan and the sin nature. Satan’s condemnation is settled, though the execution of that sentence awaits his future confinement and final destruction. Likewise, the sin nature was judicially crucified with Christ, nullifying its authority even though its presence and impulses continue within every believer. God has created a new nature that delights in Him, and the Christian life unfolds amid the ongoing conflict between flesh and Spirit. Victory comes through learning and applying God’s Word, walking by faith, and living under the Spirit’s empowering ministry.
Hebrews and the Struggle of First-Century Jewish Believers
The book of Hebrews was written to first-century Jewish believers who were at a crossroads. They were believers secure in Christ yet deeply shaped by Jewish religious tradition, facing intense social and spiritual pressure to retreat to familiar forms. The writer of Hebrews exhorted the Jewish believers to move forward to maturity by faith in the finished work of Christ rather than drift back into the Mosaic Law.
The Lake of Fire is Forever
Scripture presents the lake of fire as eternal because it is described with the same unqualified duration language used for God’s own life and for the believer’s eternal destiny. Jesus stated, “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (Matt. 25:46). The parallelism is decisive. The same adjective modifies both destinies. If eternal life is unending, eternal punishment must be unending as well. Any attempt to limit the duration of the punishment logically undermines the permanence of life. Scripture gives no contextual indicator that the term shifts meaning within the same sentence.
Eternal Life and the Faithfulness of Christ
The believer’s confidence about possessing eternal life is not grounded in self-effort but in the immutability of Christ’s person and promise. Eternal life is received the moment one believes in Christ, for “whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16b). Once received, eternal life becomes the unbreakable possession of all who trust in Jesus as Savior (John 3:16; 5:24). God’s integrity and righteousness are bound up in the keeping of His Word, and even “if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Tim 2:13). Believers are “sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance” (Eph 1:13–14), guaranteeing their final redemption. This means that eternal life is locked in forever. To doubt the permanence of eternal salvation is to question the reliability of the God who cannot lie (Tit 1:2; Heb 6:18).
The Christian Priesthood
The New Testament teaches that Christians are called to offer “spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Pet 2:5). These sacrifices express the believer’s priestly service in the Church Age and arise from gratitude rather than obligation. Paul urged believers to “present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Rom 12:1), indicating that consecration of the whole person (mind, body, and will) is a central act of priestly devotion. Moreover, believers are called to continual worship and thanksgiving, to “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Heb 13:15).
The Life That Glorifies God
Phase one secures eternal life—a permanent possession guaranteed by the single decision to believe in Jesus as Savior (John 3:16; Eph 2:8–9). That life can never be lost, diminished, or revoked. Phase two, however, determines eternal rewards, which are also permanent but depend on faithfulness in time (2 John 1:8). These rewards are not given for salvation but for service—for living to the glory of God in every sphere of life (1 Cor 10:31), for sacrificially serving others in love (Phil 2:3–4), and for walking by faith as we appropriate divine grace moment by moment (2 Cor 5:7; Heb 11:6). Each decision to obey advances the believer toward spiritual maturity and future reward at the judgment seat of Christ (1 Cor 3:12–15; 2 Cor 5:10). Just as eternal life is secured by one act of faith, eternal rewards are secured through a lifetime of faithful choices aligned with God’s will (Rom 12:1; Gal 6:9).
The Coming Seven Year Tribulation
The seven-year Tribulation refers to the future time of unprecedented distress that will fall upon the earth after the church is removed to heaven at the Rapture (1 Th 4:13–18; 1 Cor 15:51-52). This period is anchored in Daniel’s prophecy of the “seventy weeks” (Dan 9:24–27), where the final “week” (a heptad of years) is reserved for God’s dealings with Israel and the nations (Rev 6–19) before the establishment of Messiah’s earthly kingdom (2 Sam 7:12–16; Isa 2:2–4; Isa 9:6–7; Jer 23:5–6; 30:7; Ezek 37:24–28; Zech 14:3–9; Matt 19:28; 24:21-22; Luke 1:32–33; Acts 1:6–7; Rev 20:1–6). The event that begins this period is the confirmation of a covenant between “the prince who is to come” (the Antichrist) and unbelieving Israel (Dan 9:27). This covenant will likely promise Israel’s security and religious freedom, including the reinstitution of temple worship (2 Th 2:3–4; Rev 11:1–2), but it’s a façade for deception, as the Antichrist’s true character will be revealed in the middle of the Tribulation (Matt 24:15; Dan 9:27; Rev 13:4–7).
The Doctrine of the Hypostatic Union
The doctrine of the hypostatic union is one of the most vital truths in Christology. Jesus Christ is one Person with two natures—undiminished deity and true humanity—inseparably united without mixture or loss of identity. Scripture testifies, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1), and further declares, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14a). Paul states, “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form” (Col 2:9). These passages establish that the eternal Word, God the Son, took on true humanity in time, becoming the God-Man.
The Coming Rapture of the Church
The Rapture of the church is the future event in which Christ will descend from heaven to gather His bride, the church, to Himself. Paul describes it as a mystery previously unrevealed but now made known, declaring, “Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed” (1 Cor 15:51-52). The term rapture comes from the Latin rapio, a translation of the Greek harpazō, meaning to seize or snatch away, as found in Paul’s statement that believers will be “caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Th 4:17). This supernatural catching away involves the bodily resurrection of deceased believers, the transformation of living saints into their glorified bodies, and the collective meeting of the entire church with Christ in the air.
When Believers Celebrate God’s Victory Over the Wicked
Throughout Scripture there are instances where God’s people celebrate the destruction of their enemies, not out of personal vindictiveness, but in recognition of God’s righteous judgment and saving power. When Israel was delivered from Egypt, Moses and the people sang, “The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is His name. Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea” (Ex 15:3-4). This song exalted God’s power and justice in overthrowing those who opposed His people. Similarly, Deborah and Barak sang after the defeat of Sisera and the Canaanite forces, praising God for granting victory (Judg 5:1-31). The psalms also contain imprecatory elements where God’s servants rejoice at His judgment on the wicked. One psalmist wrote, “The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance; he will wash his feet in the blood of the wicked. And men will say, ‘Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth!’” (Psa 58:10-11).
God as Israel’s King, Lawgiver, and Judge
Israel was the only true theocracy to have ever existed, a nation uniquely governed by God Himself. Scripture reveals the Lord as Israel’s ultimate Judge, Lawgiver, and King. Isaiah declared, “For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our Lawgiver, the LORD is our King; He will save us” (Isa 33:22). Though this verse anticipates the future Messianic reign when the Lord will personally rule in righteousness and peace, it also encapsulates the divine ideal that shaped Israel’s national life from the beginning. God alone was to be the source of all authority—judicial, legislative, and executive—directing the nation through His revealed Word and His appointed servants. Israel’s existence under this system demonstrated what it meant for a people to live under direct divine rule.
Faith, Obedience, and the Lord’s Approval
Paul’s central ambition in life was to please the Lord. He wrote, “Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him” (2 Cor 5:9). The conjunction “therefore” (dio) ties this to the preceding discussion about the believer’s confidence in the future resurrection body (2 Cor 5:1-8). Because Paul knew he would one day stand before Christ (2 Cor 5:10), his present motivation was shaped by eternal realities. The word translated “ambition” (philotimeomai) means “to have as one’s ambition, consider it an honor, aspire to” (BDAG, 1059). For Paul, the driving goal of life was not wealth, status, or comfort, but the honor of pleasing Christ. His phrase “whether at home or absent” refers to being alive in the body or departed from it, showing that Paul’s desire to please the Lord was not bound to earthly circumstances but transcended life and death. The expression “to be pleasing to Him” (euarestos autō) conveys the idea of living in such a way that the Lord delights in His servant’s conduct.
Balaam the Prophet Who Loved Unrighteous Gain
The story of Balaam is recorded in Numbers 22–24 (cf. Num 31:8, 16; Deut 23:4–5; 2 Pet 2:15; Jude 11; and Rev 2:14). It recounts how Balak, king of Moab, fearing Israel’s advance, summoned Balaam—a prophet from Mesopotamia—to curse God’s people. Though Balaam knew the true God and received divine revelation, his heart was corrupted by greed and ambition. Forbidden to curse Israel, he instead counseled Balak to ensnare them through idolatry and immorality. His life stands as a sobering paradox: a man who spoke profound truth and even foresaw the coming Messiah (Num 24:17), yet perished for loving “the wages of unrighteousness” (2 Pet 2:15).
The Word, Not Wonders, Produces Maturity
Throughout Scripture, God has revealed Himself in ways both dramatic and ordinary. Mighty acts, visible glory, audible voice, and miraculous signs all testify to His reality and power. Yet the consistent testimony of the biblical record is sobering: supernatural experience, no matter how powerful, does not produce faithful obedience. The problem is not with the clarity of God’s revelation but with the condition of the human heart. Negative volition resists divine truth, explains it away, or substitutes human viewpoint in its place. From Israel’s wilderness generation to Christ’s own ministry, from the apostolic witness to the judgments of the Tribulation, the pattern repeats. Miracles may astonish, experiences may terrify or thrill, but apart from faith in God’s Word, they leave no lasting spiritual change.
Why Grace and Works Don’t Mix
The content contrasts two fundamental paradigms: works-based and grace-based systems. While the former leads to death due to human failure, the latter offers eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ as a free gift. Jesus lived the perfect life we could not live, died the death we deserved, and rose victorious over sin and death (2 Cor 5:21; Rom 4:25). Now He offers us what we could never earn—eternal life. And it is offered freely, paid in full, and received by faith alone in Christ alone. Eternal life is not found in self-reformation, law-keeping, or moral merit (all works-based systems). It is found only in Jesus, our Savior (Acts 4:12).
Israel’s Land Not Fully Possessed
God promised to give the nation of Israel a specific territory as an everlasting possession. The Lord said to Abram, “For all the land which you see, I will give it to you and to your descendants forever” (Gen 13:15). This unconditional covenantal grant of land was reaffirmed to Isaac and Jacob (Gen 26:3; 28:13), encompassing a vast region “from the river of Egypt as far as the great river, the river Euphrates” (Gen 15:18). Historically, Israel has never possessed the full extent of this promised territory. Though God fulfilled His promise in bringing Israel into the land, the narrative of Joshua makes it clear that large portions of territory remained unconquered. The Lord said to Joshua, “You are old and advanced in years, and very much of the land remains to be possessed” (Josh 13:1).
Grace for the Worst
A compelling example of divine mercy and grace is found in the life of King Manasseh of Judah—arguably one of the most stunning cases in Scripture of radical evil followed by radical grace (2 Chr 33:1-20). If ever there were a poster child for undeserved favor, Manasseh qualifies. He ascended the throne at the age of twelve and reigned for fifty-five years, the longest of any king in Judah. But his legacy was not longevity—it was depravity. He did “evil in the sight of the Lord” beyond measure (2 Chr 33:2).
Free Gift, Costly Road, Eternal Prize
This article affirms that salvation is entirely by God’s grace through faith in Christ alone, apart from works, and is permanent the moment one believes. Good works neither save nor keep a person saved, and no sin can undo the finished work of Christ. While eternal life is a free gift, discipleship is costly and requires daily obedience, reliance on the Spirit, and application of God’s Word. Believers may choose carnality, which damages testimony, brings divine discipline, and forfeits eternal rewards, but never results in loss of salvation. The Christian’s calling is to live purposefully for God’s glory, pursuing righteousness out of gratitude and with the goal of hearing Christ’s commendation at His judgment seat.
Judicial and Familial Forgiveness with God
In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus instructs His disciples to petition, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matt 6:12). Following the prayer, He clarifies the principle: “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father … Continue reading Judicial and Familial Forgiveness with God
Fullness in Christ
Salvation is entirely the work of God through Jesus Christ, who, as the sinless Son of God, bore our sins at the cross and secured eternal life for all who believe. Once received, eternal life is secure, sealed, and irrevocable. However, the abundant life Jesus promised is experienced in phase two of the Christian life—daily fellowship with Him—through humility, obedience, faith, and sacrificial service to others. God has supplied everything necessary for life and godliness, leaving no excuse for spiritual failure. As believers grow toward maturity, they walk by faith, depend on the Spirit, live by the Word, and cultivate a life that glorifies God and edifies others. Disobedience brings God’s discipline and forfeits present and eternal blessings, but a faithful walk overflows with joy, spiritual fruit, and eternal reward.
The Sufficiency of Scripture
The doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture affirms that the written Word of God is entirely adequate for all matters of faith and practice, providing the divine information necessary for salvation (2 Tim 3:15; John 3:16), spiritual growth (1 Pet 2:2), and righteous living (2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:3). Paul wrote, “all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:16-17). To say that all Scripture is inspired by God affirms its divine origin and authority. It is profitable for teaching truth, exposing error, correcting wrong, and training in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16), with the goal of making the child of God spiritually competent, fully equipped for every good work that honors the Lord (2 Tim 3:17). No other source of revelation is needed to meet the believer’s spiritual needs, for God has already disclosed His will sufficiently in the sixty-six canonical books. This sufficiency does not imply that Scripture answers every curiosity of human inquiry, but rather that it provides the full counsel of God necessary for knowing Him, serving Him, and walking faithfully in the world.
Overview of Future Prophetic Events
The prophetic Word of God unveils a majestic and ordered panorama of future events, from the imminent Rapture of the Church to the eternal state in the new heavens and new earth. Each stage—whether the Tribulation, Christ’s return, the Millennial Kingdom, or the final judgment—demonstrates God’s sovereign control over history and His faithfulness to fulfill every covenant and promise. For the Church, prophecy is about prediction and preparation. It reminds us that history is moving steadily toward divine consummation, and that our hope is anchored not in the shifting sands of this world, but in the unshakable promises of our returning Savior. As we await that blessed hope, we do so with confidence, vigilance, and joy, knowing that the same God who keeps His Word about the future is the same God who sustains us in the present. Come, Lord Jesus (Rev 22:20).
Position and Performance
As Christians, our position and performance are not always the same. We are all saints—not because we are perfect, but because we are in Christ. Our sainthood is rooted in our position, which was secured the very moment we believed in Jesus Christ as our Savior (1 Cor 1:2; Eph 1:3). Yet, despite our perfect … Continue reading Position and Performance
A Simple Life, A Rich Spirit
I loved my grandmother. I knew her only for a short time when I was a young boy growing up in southern California, but she left a lasting impact on my life. Though she had her flaws, she was to me a model of godliness. My grandmother was financially poor, yet she was rich in her daily walk with the Lord. She delighted in the study of God’s Word, worshiped the Lord, fellowshipped with growing Christians, loved others genuinely, shared the gospel, gave of herself so others might be edified, and practiced the discipline of living simply. She was not burdened by what she lacked but was content with what the Lord had provided. Though her means were modest, her spirit was abundant, for her walk with God shaped her outlook far more than her circumstances ever did. Her life demonstrated that happiness flows not from possessions but from a heart that rests in the Lord.
When the Gospel Becomes a Burden
Lordship Salvation has left a trail of wounded believers in its wake. It burdens the sinner with front-loaded demands that God never required for salvation. It subtly shifts the spotlight from Christ’s finished work to the sinner’s ongoing commitment. The result? Endless introspection, nagging fear, and a gospel of probation rather than pardon. Instead of proclaiming the cross as the place where sin was dealt with once and for all, Lordship theology makes it the starting line of a lifelong test. “Did I repent enough?” “Did I truly surrender?” “Did I truly turn form my sin?” “Have I made Jesus Lord enough?” These questions don’t lead to peace. They lead to paralysis. The wounded sit in the pews wondering if they ever really got saved—because their performance hasn’t lived up to the fine print someone added to the gospel.
God’s Faithfulness to Israel
God uniquely created Israel as a chosen nation, highlighting His sovereignty and covenant love. Despite their unfaithfulness and rejection of Jesus as Messiah, God’s promises to Israel remain irrevocable. Their future restoration is assured, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the significance of Israel's existence in His divine plan. Christians are encouraged to support and pray for Israel.
Holiness, Righteousness, and the Sin Unto Death
God calls His people to live lives marked by holiness and righteousness—not as a condition of salvation, but as a reflection of their relationship with Him—and when believers persist in defiance of His revealed will, divine discipline may follow, including, in some cases, physical death as a solemn expression of His holiness and justice, particularly during critical moments of redemptive history (1 Pet 1:15–16; Rom 6:13; 2 Cor 7:1).
What is the Kingdom of God?
The phrase “kingdom of God” is not a strict synonym for heaven; its meaning depends on context. Many New Testament references—especially those involving inheritance—point not to heaven as God’s dwelling, but to the future, earthly Millennial Kingdom of Christ. It’s called the kingdom of God because it’s God’s rule—on earth. The authority is heavenly, but the reign is earthly. Jesus will bring divine government down to Jerusalem, fulfilling the prayer: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt 6:10). That kingdom will be a literal, thousand-year reign of Jesus Christ from Jerusalem (Rev 20:1-6), where He will rule the nations with righteousness and justice (Isa 2:2-4; Zech 14:9, 16-17; Luke 1:32-33). This is not symbolic—it’s global, political, economic, and centered in real geography.
Support for Ministry
Since 1990, the author has balanced a full-time case management job with volunteer ministry, inspired by Paul's example. Valuing both financial and prayer support, the author sees such generosity as partnership in the gospel. Believers' contributions reflect active participation in God's work, fostering mutual encouragement and spiritual growth.
The Gospel, the Walk, the Reward
The gospel addresses the issue of sin, highlighting humanity's inherent guilt and separation from God. Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection provide the means for salvation by grace through faith. While salvation is a free gift and eternal, believers are called to grow spiritually and live in obedience, ultimately accountable for their service to God.
God Desires Eternal Salvation for Everyone
God desires eternal salvation for everyone. Scripture declares that He “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:4), that “the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men” (Tit 2:11), and that He is “not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Pet 3:9). Nearly 2,000 years ago, God the Son took on humanity and entered the world on a rescue mission—“to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). He accomplished this mission at the cross, where He died in our place, bearing the judgment we deserved. Jesus “gave Himself as a ransom for all” (1 Tim 2:6; cf. Mark 10:45), offering “one sacrifice for sins for all time” (Heb 10:12). As Peter affirms, “Christ died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God” (1 Pet 3:18). He was buried and raised on the third day, never to die again (1 Cor 15:3–4; Rom 6:9). His resurrection proved the success of His work, for “He was handed over to die because of our sins, and He was raised to life to make us right with God” (Rom 4:25).
Living the Sanctified Christian Life
Eternal salvation unfolds in three tenses. Phase one is justification—past tense. That’s the moment you trusted in Jesus Christ as your Savior. You were saved from the penalty of sin (John 3:16; Rom 5:1; 8:1). It’s instantaneous, permanent, and entirely by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9). Eternal life is a free gift from God (Rom 6:23). You didn’t earn it (Rom 4:5), you don’t maintain it (Gal 2:16), and you can’t lose it (John 10:28-29; Eph 1:13-14; 1 John 5:11-13). Phase two is sanctification—present tense. It’s the daily battle: learning doctrine (1 Pet 2:2), renewing the mind (Rom 12:2), being filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18), walking by the Spirit (Gal 5:16), walking by faith (2 Cor 5:7; Heb 10:38), and saying “no” to the flesh (Rom 13:14). It’s not about staying saved—you’re already secure. It’s about growing up spiritually and living like a child of God (1 Pet 2:2; Eph 4:1). Rewards are at stake (1 Cor 3:12-15). Fellowship is on the line (1 John 1:6). Phase three is glorification—future tense. It’s the finish line. No more sin nature. No more death. You get a resurrection body, custom-fit for eternity (1 Cor 15:53; Phil 3:20-21). Face-to-face with Christ. No struggle, no failure—just perfect conformity to His image forever (1 John 3:2, 5). That’s your guaranteed future. All three phases are part of God’s gracious plan, but they must be kept distinct. Confuse them, and you’ll either fall into legalism or question your salvation. Get them clear, and you’ll live with confidence, freedom, and focus.
Genesis 6 and the Sons of God
This article examines the meaning of the phrase “sons of God” in Genesis 6:1–4, presenting three major interpretations. The first identifies them as the godly line of Seth intermarrying with the ungodly line of Cain. The second sees them as demon-possessed men. The third—and most strongly supported—view holds that the “sons of God” were fallen angels who took on human form and cohabited with women, producing a hybrid offspring. This view is reinforced by consistent usage of the Hebrew phrase bene ha-Elohim in reference to angels, supporting biblical texts (Job, 1 Pet 3:19-20; 2 Pet 2:4; Jude 6–7), and longstanding Jewish and early Christian interpretation.
Why and How I Pray for Israel
God’s faithfulness to Israel is rooted in His eternal covenant with Abraham, not in Israel’s performance or worthiness. Though the nation is currently under divine discipline for rejecting the Messiah, Scripture assures that God has not cast them off. His promises remain intact, and Israel’s future restoration is guaranteed by His unchanging character and covenant love (Gen 12:1–3; Rom 11:25–29). The pattern of Moses’ intercession in Exodus 32—appealing to God’s ownership of His people, His reputation among the nations, and His sworn promises—serves as a model for prayer today. Those who understand God’s plan for Israel are moved to pray, not merely for their safety, but for the fulfillment of God’s purposes, the vindication of His name, and the coming day when all Israel will turn to Messiah in faith (Zech 12:10; Rom 11:26).
Vertical and Horizontal Confession
Biblically speaking, there are two kinds of confession: vertical confession to God and horizontal confession to people. Both vertical and horizontal confession play crucial roles in the believer’s life, but they serve different purposes and yield different outcomes. Vertical confession restores our fellowship with God and secures forgiveness, as it is based on His unchanging faithfulness (Psa 32:5; 1 John 1:9). This process is always certain, for God’s forgiveness is not contingent upon our feelings or external circumstances. Horizontal confession, however, is a relational matter that seeks reconciliation with others and healing within the body of Christ (Matt 5:23–24; Jam 5:16).
Walk in Righteousness
To walk in righteousness means to live each day according to God’s revealed standards, reflecting His character through our attitudes, words, and actions. It’s not a self-righteous strut but a Spirit-led stride—a humble, faithful journey that begins with our standing in Christ and extends to our daily conduct. Scripture states, “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way” (Psa 37:23). Righteousness is not merely a theological category—it’s a lifestyle that aligns us with God’s will and purposes. And as we pursue this path, we become living testimonies of God’s grace in a world darkened by sin (Matt 5:14-16).
Does the Spirit Draw Everyone?
Over the past year, I’ve been asked more than once, “Does the Holy Spirit draw everyone?” The answer, biblically, is yes. The Spirit draws all people, but not all respond positively. The drawing is universal in scope, but resistible in nature. Jesus declared, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself” (John 12:32). The Greek verb helkō (ἑλκω)—translated “draw”—means to strongly attract, not to override the will. Christ’s crucifixion launched a global outreach consistent with God’s desire that “all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:4) and His unwillingness for “any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Pet 3:9). Paul reinforced this same message, writing, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men” (Tit 2:11).
Five Reasons Calvinism is Wrong
Calvinism has long exerted theological influence over many branches of the Church, offering a systematic framework known by the acronym TULIP—Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints. While the system seeks to uphold the sovereignty of God and the seriousness of sin, its rigid formulations often depart from the plain teaching of Scripture and, in doing so, distort key doctrines of salvation. Each point in the Calvinist construct contains embedded assumptions that collapse vital biblical distinctions—between depravity and inability, between God’s love and arbitrary election, between provision and application, and between faith and performance. This article aims to examine each of the five points, not out of theological sport, but out of a pastoral concern for the clarity of the gospel, the character of God, and the assurance of every believer. The truth of God’s Word is not merely to be systematized but rightly divided—and when Calvinism’s claims are laid alongside Scripture, it is evident that its conclusions must be graciously but firmly rejected.
Christians Under the Law of Christ
The Bible teaches that Christians today are not under the Mosaic Law but are governed by the Law of Christ (Gal 6:2). The apostle Paul states, “you are not under law but under grace” (Rom 6:14), and again, “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Rom 10:4). The Mosaic Law was given exclusively to the nation Israel as part of a covenant made at Sinai (Ex 19:5-6; Deut 5:1-3). Moses wrote, “These are the statutes and ordinances and laws which the Lord established between Himself and the sons of Israel through Moses at Mount Sinai” (Lev 26:46). The Mosaic Law was never intended as a universal code for all people or for all time. With the death of Christ, that covenant—and the law that sustained it—was rendered inoperative (Eph 2:15; Heb 8:13). Though the Law remains part of inspired Scripture and is valuable for teaching (2 Tim 3:16), it no longer functions as the rule of life for those who are in Christ.
The Ideal Man
Biblically, the ideal man is not autonomous but God-dependent. He is not ruled by selfish pride but shaped by humility, truth, and obedience to God. He devotes himself to the study of God’s Word (Psa 1:2; 2 Tim 2:15)—not merely to gain knowledge, but to know the Author and live wisely. He chooses wise friends and avoids fools (Prov 13:20). With a heart inclined toward obedience, he treasures Scripture as a lamp to his feet and a light to his path (Psa 119:105). He doesn’t separate theology from life but seeks to apply biblical truth to his thinking, relationships, work, and worship (Jam 1:22-25). For him, Bible doctrine is fuel for devotion, direction, and transformation. His convictions are rooted in truth, and his worldview is shaped by divine revelation, not cultural trends. If he leads in business, sports, or the military, he does so as a servant-leader—exercising authority with integrity, humility, and a view to the good of others (Mark 10:42-45).
Counting My Blessings
God has blessed me far beyond what I deserve, and I’m accountable for how I handle it. I don’t own these blessings—I manage them. My time, talents, and treasures belong to the Lord, and I’m called to use them for His glory and the good of others (1 Cor 10:31; 1 Pet 4:10–11). I want to enjoy what God has given, but never with entitlement. Gratitude is the right attitude. I reject both the hoarding mindset that clings to wealth and the guilt-ridden view that despises prosperity.
Biblical Thinking and Emotional Balance
The spiritual life is fundamentally rational, rooted in God’s Word rightly understood and applied (2 Tim 2:15; 3:16-17; 1 Pet 2:2; Jam 1:22). The Holy Spirit enables the believer to think clearly and act consistently with divine truth (1 Cor 2:12-16), producing a life aligned with the character and will of God (Rom 8:5-6; Gal 5:16, 22-23). When God’s Word governs the mind and positive volition directs the soul, the believer becomes spiritually stable. In this setting, emotion plays a legitimate, supportive role. It is healthy when subordinated to truth—enhancing joy, gratitude, courage, or compassion—but becomes dangerous when detached from doctrine and driven instead by the sin nature or worldly thinking (1 John 2:15-17). Emotion should follow truth, not lead it. When it leads, it distorts perception, fuels instability, and misguides decision-making.
Where You Look Determines How You Live
Spiritual maturity and mental health don’t happen by accident. It results from intentional focus—looking in the right direction. Far too many believers get tangled in introspection, endlessly examining themselves for signs of progress or failure. But Scripture calls us to a different orientation: upward toward God, outward toward others, and forward into the future God has promised. This tri-directional focus reflects a biblically grounded and grace-driven model for the Christian life.
Is Marijuana Spiritually Harmful?
Someone recently asked, “Do you think marijuana is harmful spiritually?” Yes, marijuana can be spiritually harmful—especially for believers who seek to live under the influence of the Holy Spirit and maintain a clear mind for godly thinking and decision-making. While Scripture doesn’t mention marijuana specifically, biblical principles give us solid footing for evaluating its spiritual impact. Discernment in areas not directly addressed in Scripture requires us to align our choices with God’s revealed will for righteousness and spiritual alertness (Rom 12:1-2).
Justification & Sanctification
Distinguishing between justification and sanctification is not a minor theological nuance—it’s a doctrinal dividing line with profound implications for how we understand our salvation, assurance, spiritual growth, and the Christian life. When we confuse these categories, we either burden ourselves with works to keep or prove our salvation, or we rob ourselves of the very motivation for obedience. We must keep the line sharp. Justification addresses our eternal position before God, while sanctification concerns our temporal condition in the world. When that boundary gets blurred, grace is either corrupted by legalism or rendered inert by license.
Pray for Israel, God’s Chosen People
Israel is God’s covenant nation, uniquely chosen out of all the peoples of the earth to serve His redemptive purposes in history. This divine selection was not based on national merit or numerical strength but solely on God’s sovereign love and fidelity to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Deut 7:6-9). The Abrahamic covenant—unconditional and everlasting (Gen 17:7)—established Israel as the vehicle through which God would bless the world. Though Israel’s national history has been marked by cycles of rebellion and judgment, God’s covenantal commitment to them has never been nullified. Even in their present condition of unbelief, they remain “beloved for the sake of the fathers” (Rom 11:28).
Humility Is Hard, But Worth It
Humility, expressed by the Hebrew word ʿānāw, refers to a lowly, dependent spirit that trusts in God rather than self. Moses is called very humble (Num 12:3), not because he was weak, but because he submitted fully to God’s authority. The Lord treasures this virtue, saying, “But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word” (Isa 66:2). Humility opens the heart to God’s instruction, grace, and favor—it is the soil in which spiritual growth takes root.