Is It Bad If the Message of God’s Grace Causes People to Doubt Their Salvation?
Over the years I’ve heard that some of my writings have caused some people who believe 1 Cor 15:3-4 to doubt their salvation. Before I get into the details, let’s first consider whether it is good or bad for someone to doubt their salvation. If a person is not convinced that he is saved once […]
Six Signs You’re Saved, According to John MacArthur
In a 2018 message titled, “The Christian’s Assurance of Salvation” (available here), Dr. John MacArthur lists six signs that you are saved: You’ve been taught the Word of God by the Holy Spirit. You’ve been led by the Holy Spirit. You’ve been comforted by the Holy Spirit. You’ve been filled with the Holy Spirit. You’ve […]
Romans: An Evangelistic Book?
GES takes the Biblical view that Romans is not an evangelistic book. Instead, it is written to believers and teaches us how to avoid the deadly consequences of sin through the power of the Holy Spirit who indwells the believer. This kind of life will be rewarded in the coming kingdom of Christ. Probably everybody […]
Does Once Saved, Always Saved Destroy the Fear of God?
A group of pastors and Bible scholars put out a documentary film opposing Once Saved, Always Saved (OSAS). They suggest that the fear of the Lord includes being scared that He will send you to hell if you fall away (see here). Is that true? Should we be afraid that God will send us to […]
Powerful Final Words (2 Peter 3:14)
Most people find the last words of others interesting. When an important person leaves a powerful position, he gives a final address. When people die, we often ask, “What were his final words?” Even criminals, when they are executed, are asked if they have any final words. Those words are faithfully reported in the press. […]
How Often Does the Bible Refer to Good Work?
As I was proofing and editing Ken Yates’ new commentary on Mark’s Gospel, I came across the expression good work (Mark 14:6). When Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with costly oil, the Lord Jesus defended her saying, “She has done a good work for Me.” I knew that was a fairly rare expression. So, I went […]
Spiraling Down in Spiritual Blindness
In Luke 5:17–6:11, the Lord has five consecutive encounters with Jewish religious leaders. They clearly see Him as a threat. He does not accept their rigid, legalistic, man-made rules. His teaching is a threat to everything they hold dear. Will they be able to see the error of their ways and realize that He is […]
“Students Are Less Interested in ‘Beliefs’ Than in a Faith That Works”
In the March 2024 issue of Christianity Today, Kevin Brown, president of Asbury University in Wilmore, KY, wrote an article titled “What the Asbury Revival Taught Me about Gen Z.” The subtitle is, “A year ago, I saw the cure for casual Christianity.” Two sentences in particular grabbed my attention: “Students are less interested in […]
Rewards Are Logical
In 2000, the movie Gladiator came out. Set at the end of the second century, it starred Russell Crowe as Maximus Meridius, who becomes a tragic hero after being a highly successful general in the Roman army. The movie begins at the height of his success. Maximus leads his soldiers in a battle against the […]
What Does 2 Corinthians 5:17 Mean?
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (NKJV). Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (NIV). So if any one [be] in Christ, [there is] a new creation; […]