What Name Would You Give to Free Grace People Who Disagree with the Focused Free Grace Perspective?
GES is sometimes charged with being divisive when we point out differences among Free Grace groups. Several organizations that have Free Grace in their names disagree with GES on the saving message. There is a seminary with Grace in its name that advertises it teaches from a Free-Grace perspective. They not only disagree with GES, but […]
Good News on the Spanish-Speaking Front
GES recently conducted two regional conferences aimed at Spanish-speaking people. One was held in the Dominican Republic (DR). The other was in Tallahassee, FL. The theme of the conference in the DR was the book of Hebrews. The theme in Florida was the book of Romans. Each explained how the focus book teaches Free Grace […]
Israel, 1948, and the Fig Tree (Mark 13:28)
When I was a younger, I remember hearing how important 1948 was. That was the year Israel returned to the land and became a nation. I was told that this event was a fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus spoke about this event in the Olivet Discourse. The Lord said that when the fig tree has tender […]
Do Bible Scholars Really Say That There Are Different Saving Messages in the Bible?
In a recent YouTube video, I mentioned that when I was in the doctoral program, I wrote a paper evaluating a chapter by an NT scholar who said that there were different saving messages in the NT. A comment and question by SR caught my attention: “You mentioned a professor who supported the belief that […]
Our Understanding Lord (Luke 7:18-28)
John the Baptist was a rising star on the religious scene. He proclaimed to the nation of Israel that its long-awaited King was about to come. He was fearless. The nation recognized him as a prophet, and crowds of people came to the wilderness to hear him. His message was that they needed to turn […]
Is Heaven the Eternal Home of Christians?
Near the end of our first year of seminary, Sharon and I were walking with another seminary couple, Will and Sue Nece. I remember saying, “I’m really looking forward to heaven.” Will said, with a note of alarm in his voice, “Why would you look forward to heaven? Our eternal destiny is the new earth.” […]
What Will “Heaven” Be Like? (Isaiah 65:17-25)
Today, most churchgoers have a pathetic idea of what eternity will be like. They think it will take place in a faraway heaven, above the clouds. Those in that place will sit on a cloud playing the harp or singing in a choir forever. Few people look forward to such an eternity. In Isaiah 65, […]
Why Do Most Think Hell Will Be Worse Than Any Torment in This Life?
The Bible says very little about what we call hell. That has resulted in lots of misconceptions. In this blog, we will focus on a massive misconception: The eternal experience of unbelievers will be intolerable torment, worse than any torment in this life. Pastor, author, and theologian John Piper wrote: “I know of no one […]
Filthy Rags
In Isaiah 64, the prophet wrote these familiar words: “All our righteousnesses are like filthy rags” Isa 64:6. It is common to hear these words in discussions regarding eternal salvation. For example, in a blog titled “Not by Works,” John MacArthur makes this comment: “Scripture is perfectly clear on this. No good work of any kind contributes anything meritorious […]
Why Eternal Rewards Are Selfish
Did you know that in one sense of the word, it is selfish to be born again? Here are some things that are selfish in the sense of being “intent on personal gain,” which is one of the primary meanings of the word: Marrying a godly spouse. Selfish. Buying a reliable used car. Selfish. Buying […]