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.
Category: Christian Theology
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.
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 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).
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).
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Walk in Truth and Wait for Justice
As Christians, we live in a fallen world filled with hostility and injustice, and God calls us to a higher standard—one grounded in His persistent grace and governed by His perfect justice. We are never to repay evil for evil, nor allow hatred to fester in our hearts. Instead, we are commanded to love, bless, and pray for our enemies, trusting the Lord to settle all accounts in His time (Luke 6:27-28; Rom 12:17-21). However, biblical love is not synonymous with passivity or gullibility. Like Jesus and Paul, we must walk wisely, discerning when to avoid conflict (John 8:59; 12:36; Acts 9:23-25), and when to take lawful, prudent steps to protect ourselves (Matt 22:15-45; Acts 22:25-29). Love does not erase common sense; it refines it.
Why Regeneration Does Not Precede Faith
Strict Calvinism, particularly in its Lordship Salvation expression, teaches that genuine faith inevitably produces a life of obedience, perseverance, and good works, since regeneration precedes faith and imparts a supernatural ability to believe and obey. However, this view confuses justification with sanctification by making ongoing obedience a necessary proof of salvation. Biblically, all people are spiritually dead and totally depraved (Rom 3:10-12; Eph 2:1), yet God’s prevenient grace and the convicting work of the Spirit enable unbelievers to respond freely in faith (John 16:8-11). Faith precedes regeneration (John 3:16; Eph 1:13), and eternal life is a free gift received by grace through faith alone in Christ alone, apart from works (Rom 4:5; Eph 2:8-9). While discipleship involves lifelong obedience and is rewarded, it is not a condition for salvation (1 Cor 3:12-15; 2 Tim 4:7-8). The Lordship view undermines assurance by tying it to performance, rather than to God’s unchanging promise (John 10:28-29; 1 John 5:13).
The Kingdom Is Not Now
Many Christians today are confused about whether the kingdom of God is a present reality or a future hope. Some claim that Christ is already ruling on David’s throne, and that the Church is the kingdom foretold in the prophets. But a careful examination of Scripture reveals that, while God is always sovereign and Christ is indeed exalted, we are not living in the kingdom now. The promised Messianic kingdom—where Jesus rules from Jerusalem over a restored Israel and the nations—has not yet begun. Today, God governs providentially from heaven, Christ intercedes for us as High Priest, and the Spirit works within us to produce Christlike character. The kingdom is not now—but the King is coming. Until then, we walk by faith, rest in grace, and look forward to the day when “the kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ” (Rev 11:15).
Overwhelmed by God’s Grace
Over the past year, I have experienced an increasing desire to study, write, and share the gospel like never before. It feels as though a fire has been lit within me—a passion that at times seems almost overwhelming. Though I thoroughly enjoy thinking deeply about all of Scripture and discussing its many doctrines, my passion for proclaiming the simple, saving message of the gospel has taken priority in my heart and mind. Alongside this, my desire to think and live according to love and grace has grown stronger, shaping not only my theology but also my daily walk.
A Biblical Critique of Roman Catholic Doctrine
Though the Roman Catholic Church claims to uphold the grace of God in salvation, its official doctrines—particularly regarding justification, authority, the papacy, purgatory, the sacraments, priesthood, and Marian devotion—introduce theological errors that fundamentally distort the gospel message, adding human works, tradition, and ecclesiastical authority to what Scripture declares is received by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (Rom 3:28; Gal 2:16; Eph 2:8-9).
Repentance for Unbelievers and Believers
Repentance (Greek metanoeō) always refers to a change of mind. It is a mental shift—a reorientation of one’s thinking in response to divine truth. This change of mind may produce emotion or lead to action, but its essence is internal and volitional. Scripture uses the concept of repentance for both unbelievers (Acts 17:30; 20:21) and believers (Rev 2:5, 16; 3:3, 19), though the object and outcome of the change differ depending on context.
When Grace Met Betrayal
When Judas came to betray Jesus, the Lord looked at him and, in a final act of grace, called him “friend” (Matt 26:50). Amazing. It was one of the most tender and tragic moments in all of Scripture. Jesus wasn’t blind to Judas’ intentions—He had already told the disciples that one of them would betray Him, and He knew exactly who it was (John 13:21-27). Yet when the traitor came with a kiss, Jesus met him not with anger, but with grace.
If You Died Today, Would You Go to Heaven?
I recently asked somebody, “If you were to die today would you go to heaven?” He said, “I don’t know.” When I asked him why he was uncertain, he said, “I’m not sure if I’ve been good enough.” His statement exposed the root of his confusion—works-based salvation. Sadly, he’s trying to measure up to God through human effort. That’s religion, not the gospel. Religion is man, by man’s efforts, trying to earn God’s approval. The gospel, in contrast, is God doing all the work, with man simply receiving what He has accomplished through Christ. Religion puts the burden on the sinner. The gospel places the focus on the Savior. Hell is full of religious people—those who trusted in their good works, their morality, or their church involvement to get them into heaven. But heaven is full of unworthy people who understood that salvation is a free gift, received by faith alone in Christ alone (John 3:16; Rom 6:23; Eph 2:8-9). God doesn’t ask us to work for eternal life—He calls us to believe in the One who did all the work. The issue is not what we do for God, but what He has done for us through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus (1 Cor 15:3-4).
The Importance of Jesus’ Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as an indispensable feature of the Christian faith—historically grounded, theologically essential, and personally transformative. It is the Father’s validation of the Son’s work and the believer’s assurance of eternal life, power for daily living, and hope beyond the grave. To deny it is to unravel the very fabric of the gospel; to believe it is to stand firmly in the truth of God’s Word, secured by grace, and anchored in a living Savior who conquered death and lives forevermore. Because He lives, so shall we.
The New Covenant
The Bible outlines key covenants revealing God's plan for humanity: the Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and New Covenants. While the New Covenant offers spiritual blessings to the church, it is primarily directed towards Israel and awaits fulfillment during the millennial kingdom, emphasizing God's unwavering promises to both Israel and the church.
All Babies Go to Heaven When They Die
The belief that all babies and young children go to heaven highlights the age of accountability, when individuals can be held responsible for moral decisions. This doctrine asserts that those incapable of understanding sin or making choices, including infants and the mentally impaired, are graciously covered by God's grace and welcomed into heaven.
Does Acts 2:38 Teach Baptismal Regeneration?
In Acts 2:38, Peter calls his Jewish listeners to change their minds about Jesus and to be baptized as a public testimony of their faith. The passage, when properly interpreted, harmonizes with the broader biblical doctrine of salvation by grace alone through faith alone. Acts 2:38 does not teach baptismal regeneration.
My Eternal Security
Eternal life is free, and once received, it cannot be forfeited or returned. It does not depend in any way on my good works, obedience, or perseverance. While good works are commanded (Gal 6:10) and rewarded (1 Cor 3:10-15), they are not required to validate my salvation. Furthermore, no amount of sin I commit can undo what God has accomplished. My good works did not save me, and my sin cannot unsave me. Salvation is of the Lord, not of me. He alone gets all the credit and glory, for He alone saves.
Confession of Sins for the Christian
The Bible describes two types of forgiveness: judicial, which ensures eternal salvation, and parental, needed for restoring fellowship after sin. While judicial forgiveness is a one-time act at salvation, parental forgiveness involves ongoing confession to maintain closeness with God. Both highlight God's grace and are essential for a believer's relationship with Him.
The Price of Forgiveness
Forgiveness comes at a price. Though it may be offered freely to the offender, it always costs the giver something. The word “forgive” translates the Greek verb aphiemi (ἀφίημι), which means to let go, cancel, send away, or pardon. Forgiveness refers to the act of releasing someone from a debt or offense without demanding payment or retribution.
Walking in the Light
As believers in union with Christ, we are called to walk in the light—operating within the truth, goodness, and righteousness that define our new identity in Him. This position, secured entirely by grace, comes with spiritual blessings that equip us to live lives pleasing to the Lord. The Christian life requires consistent commitment to studying God’s Word, being filled with the Spirit, walking by the Spirit, and living by faith. When God’s Word is actively applied under the Spirit’s power, it naturally bears fruit that glorifies God and serves as a powerful witness to others.
Two Kinds of Righteousness
Christians experience two types of righteousness: positional and experiential. Positional righteousness, granted through faith in Jesus, defines a believer's status before God. Experiential righteousness involves practical living consistent with this status, influenced by spiritual growth. Some Christians, however, fall into carnality, neglecting this righteousness and facing divine discipline, impairing their potential to glorify God.
Trusting God in Unfair Situations
Let’s face it: life is not fair. Sometimes it is unfair to our disadvantage, but at other times, it is unfair to our advantage. It is interesting how we are prone to cry foul when life is unfair to our disadvantage but are more than glad to accept and rejoice when it is unfair to our benefit. This inconsistency highlights the human tendency to be self-centered and myopic rather than God-focused and biblically wise. Scripture reminds us that we are all undeserving of God’s goodness, for “There is no one righteous, not even one... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:10, 23). If God dealt with us strictly based on fairness, we would face His righteous judgment and eternal separation from Him.
The Judgment Seat of Christ
There is a difference between the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev 20:15-20) and the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor 5:10; Rom 14:10). The Great White Throne Judgment is for unbelievers only and concerns their eternal condemnation based on their deeds. It results in their final separation from God in the lake of fire. No unbeliever will be at the Great White Throne Judgment. The Judgment Seat of Christ, on the other hand, is for believers in Jesus Christ and concerns their rewards for faithfulness and service. It does not determine salvation, as all participants are already saved eternally (John 3:16; 10:28; Rom 6:23).
Degrees of Sin and Eternal Punishment
The Bible teaches that some sins are more severe than others and that God administers varying degrees of punishment (Luke 20:47; John 19:11). Consequently, some unbelievers will endure greater suffering in the lake of fire than others.
Christmas is the Most Theological Time of the Year
Christmas is the most theological time of the year. It’s the time when the second member of the Trinity, God the Son, came into this world and took upon Himself humanity (John 1:1, 14). At a moment in time, in the womb of the virgin Mary, by a supernatural act of God the Holy Spirit, the hypostatic union was formed, and Jesus became the theanthropic Person, the God-Man, undiminished deity combined together forever with perfect and sinless humanity. The birth of Messiah accomplished the plan of God the Father from eternity past, as He was the One who planned our salvation and sent the Son into the World (1 John 4:14). Jesus was born at the right time (Gal 4:4), in the womb of a Jewish virgin girl (Isa 7:14), in the royal line of David (2 Sam 7:14-16), in the prophesied city of Bethlehem (Mic 5:2), a Son of Abraham (Matt 1:1), King of the Jews (Matt 2:2), God with us (Isa 9:6).
Prioritizing God’s Call Over Self
Paul’s ministry serves as a model of unwavering dedication to the Lord and living sacrificially for His glory and the benefit of others. Furthermore, it challenges believers to remain steadfast in proclaiming the simplicity of salvation through faith alone, recognizing that grace magnifies the work of Christ and excludes human boasting, as Paul wrote, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Cor 1:31). By the end of his life, Paul had completed the mission given to him by the Lord, as he told his friend, Timothy, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim 4:7).
The Link Between Discipleship and Discipline
The English words "disciple" and "discipline" are linguistically related terms, revealing an important connection between the two concepts. A disciple refers to one who is devoted to learning from another, with a commitment to practice their teachings and example. On the other hand, discipline involves the process of mastering what has been learned, with the goal of internalizing the teachings to the point where they shape character and behavior.
When Jesus was Forsaken by the Father
Jesus, in His humanity, experienced a judicial separation from God the Father for three hours while bearing the punishment for our sins on the cross. Jesus’ judicial separation from the Father was necessary for Him to atone for humanity’s sins.
God the Son Came Down
Sometime in eternity past, God the Father sent God the Son into the world to fulfill a divine mission. God’s Word tells us, “The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world” (1 John 4:14). This was the great mission: to bring salvation to everyone. This act of God was done in love, as it is written, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16), and “He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10).
Propitiation for Sins
Jesus' death on the cross fully satisfied God's righteous demands for our sins, serving as a propitiation - a complete payment for our debt to Him. Through this, we can be reconciled to God and saved from His wrath. This doctrine of propitiation highlights the removal of God's wrath and the satisfaction of His righteousness through Christ's sacrifice.
God’s Love that Saves
God’s love is seen in His voluntary act of offering salvation to lost sinners through His Son. His love is universal, gracious, giving, and salvific. It is based on His unchanging nature and commitment to our wellbeing. As believers, we are called to manifest this love to others and share the gospel.
Justified in God’s Sight
The process of divine justification is a one-time event, not to be confused with ongoing sanctification. Faith in Christ results in the gift of righteousness and a declaration of righteousness before God, not by human works. Justification is a judicial act of God, pardoning and accepting the believer as just through Christ's righteousness. This righteousness is imputed, not imparted, and believers are simultaneously righteous and sinners.