Getting to Know Christ – 1 John 2:4
First John 2:4 is a verse that has often been misunderstood. In the New King James Version it reads like this: He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. Many evangelical Christians today read these words as though they meant that […]
The Ultimate Thirst Quencher John 4:10
I remember once being so thirsty I literally thought I might die. A friend and I had rashly set out on a strenuous mountain climb with what turned out to be too little water. Neither of us were experienced climbers. We picked a hot day to climb. When we started it was in the nineties. […]
Letters to the Editor
Dear Servant of the Lord, Thank you for your generosity in sending me your publications. I praise God for your admirable (and thoroughly Biblical) stand as to what salvation is and is not. Throughout the entire world there is a tremendous need for teaching like yours. Keep going forward. CV Hiawassee, GA Thanks. I needed […]
Periodical Reviews
“Abiding is Remaining in Fellowship: Another Look at John 15:1-6,” Joseph C. Dillow, Bibliotheca Sacra 147 (Jan-Mar 1990): 44-53. Joseph Dillow defends the view that John 15:1-6 is dealing with fellowship, not eternal salvation. He cites three lines of support for his view. 1) “Every branch in Me” most naturally refers to genuine believers. 2) […]
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor, The “debate” (as engaged by GES) seems to be developing into one of “choosing up sides” for the bigger team. Each “side” is sure of its right position as they interpret Scripture. No one seems to listen to what the other is saying—except to pounce upon perceived negatives…. Could Philippians 2:1-3 [which concerns […]
Shall We Pray?
In his first letter to Timothy, Paul wrote these words about prayer: Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men… For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to […]
Does Grace Exclude Commitment?
Recently I received an interesting letter from a GES News reader from big-sky country, Bozeman, Montana. It concerned the relationship between grace and commitment. BH wrote: I was very surprised to see that you used the word “committed” in the chart on page three [of the GES News] in relation to giving [i.e., committed financial […]
Is Following Christ a Condition of Eternal Life? – John 10:27-30
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of […]
Do Born Again People Sin? – 1 John 3:9
Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in Him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. This verse is often cited as teaching that “genuine” believers will not practice sin. They will not sin habitually, 1 John 3:9 is said to teach. Notice how various […]
Are All Believers Disciples?
Many today are saying that the call of discipleship is the call of salvation. They suggest that to be saved one must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Christ. That one must forsake all to be saved. That one must count the cost of becoming a Christian. That there is a price to […]