Bible Q&A: Is There A Difference Between “Good” and “Righteous”?

Romans 5:7 says, “For one will scarcely die for a righteous person — though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die.”  Is there a difference between “good” and “righteous”? “Righteous” in Romans 5:7 comes from the Greek term dikaios.  By contrast, “good” in Romans 5:7 comes from the Greek term agathos. There are… Read More Bible Q&A: Is There A Difference Between “Good” and “Righteous”?

Bible Q&A: Does the Bible Teach “Once Saved, Always Saved”?

Does the Bible teach “Once Saved, Always Saved”? “Once Saved, Always Saved,” or as it’s more formally known in Calvinism as “Perseverance of the Saints,” is the idea that Christians could commit any sin from idolatry to murder and their souls would be fine (as said by Baptist preacher Sam Morris.) The Bible says something… Read More Bible Q&A: Does the Bible Teach “Once Saved, Always Saved”?

When You Want to Have It Both Ways

Christians are commanded in the Bible to not conform to the world (Romans 12:2a), but the temptation to do just that is very strong.  The power of influence is something which cannot be overlooked.  We are influenced by those around us every day in numerous ways.  The clothes we wear, the way we comb our hair, the cars we drive, the food we eat…these choices and more are made by us as a result of the influence of the society around us. … Read More When You Want to Have It Both Ways

Bible Q&A: Are There Different Rankings of Sin?

Is one sin more grievous to God than another?  Is adultery, homosexuality, or murder worse than lying, stealing, or gossiping?  Is there an unforgivable sin? Generally speaking, the Bible does speak of sins being greater than others.  For example, in John 19:11 Jesus told Pilate that Caiaphas’s sin of delivering him over to Pilate was… Read More Bible Q&A: Are There Different Rankings of Sin?

“Rejoice, O Young Man, in Your Youth…”

God does want us to have a good time (11:9a).  He wants us to have joy and do things which please us (9:7-10).  That’s why youth should take advantage of their youthful capacity to enjoy life.  Yet God also wants us to never lose sight of the fact that we will be judged (11:9b) and will give an account of what we do (3:17; 12:14).  That’s why we must be selective in what we choose to do to have fun…something I wish I had realized when I was younger.… Read More “Rejoice, O Young Man, in Your Youth…”