John Gerstner and Gehenna
I am researching the topic of eternal conscious torment (ECT) for a series of blog posts, and a possible book(let). While there are many modern books defending annihilationism and universalism, there are few defending ECT. And none (that I know of) are written from a Dispensational, Free Grace perspective. One popular ECT book is John […]
The Dead Still Exist — Revelation 20:12-15
Annihilationists agree with the eternal conscious torment view (ECT) that some people will be forever separated from God. However, annihilationists say that separation involves being put out of existence. They strongly deny the wicked will be tormented forever. Which view is true? I have been exploring this question in a series of blog posts. Consider […]
What Should We Learn from the Rich Man’s Preaching in Hell? — Luke 16:19-31
A friend at church told me that he has been asked to explain the rich man and Lazarus. Another friend overhead and said that he too has been asked about that passage several times. Summary of the account: A rich man and a poor man named Lazarus both die. Lazarus ends up in the […]
Is Eternal Security the Gospel?
Bob and I were discussing the centrality of eternal security to the saving message. I have heard Yankee Arnold say “The gospel is eternal security.” He’s right. As readers of this blog know, Jesus promised believers eternal life: This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life (1 John 2:25). Paul urged […]
Does Fire Always Consume? — Revelation 19:20 and 20:10
The unhappy flipside of the promise of life is that if you do not believe in Jesus, you will perish (John 3:16). In fact, Jesus said unbelievers are condemned already (John 3:16, 18). Traditionally, that is known as “going to hell.” Most of what we think concerning hell comes to us from Roman Catholic art […]
Is the Object of Faith Jesus or His Promise?
A week ago (March 20) I received this excellent email question: I am re-reading The Ten Most Understood Words in the Bible. I am having a problem reconciling a statement you make in the book with the stance you have on grace alone for everlasting life. On page 22 you state, “If people have never […]
Is Free Grace Universalist?
A Grace in Focus reader alerted us to the following bad quote. It comes from an Assemblies of God pastor named David Kowalowski. He wrote it for a website called www.apologeticsindex.org. As a Pentecostal, his main concern seems to be the hyper-grace movement. But along the way, he says this about Free Grace Theology: “Though […]
Is the Gift of Faith Necessary for People to Become Open to God’s Word?
In a recent blog about the broken-record approach to evangelism, I said that “the truth of God’s Word will win out to anyone who is open.” I then received the following question via email, “Now, to be open doesn’t one have to be first given the gift of faith? What about 1 Cor 2:14, […]
Where Is Omniscience Taught in the Bible?
I received the question that is the title of this article from a blog reader. He indicated he leans toward Open Theism. After I responded to that, he asked, “Where is omniscience taught in the Bible?” Good question. While the term omniscience is not found in the Bible, the concept is found in many […]
The Anti-Altar Call
Someone asked whether we should practice altar calls. It’s a question I’ve asked myself, especially since starting to pastor a new Baptist church plant. Do I continue the tradition of doing altar calls? I am inclined against it. Asking people to come up front for prayer, or to join the church, is a good thing. […]