But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. Recently I received a letter from a pastor who wondered about the meaning of this verse. The following is an expansion of my response.

What does assurance of salvation mean? To me assurance of salvation means absolute certainty that I am saved. I know without a doubt that I have eternal life. Why? Because Jesus said that “He who believes in Me has everlasting life” (John 6:47). That and many other promises in Scripture affirm that Jesus guarantees eternal

“There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.” Isaiah 48:22 Those who disobey God, whether they are believers or unbelievers, are not “getting away with” anything. There is no peace for the wicked. We should never envy people who are walking in rebellion against God because, no matter how things may seem, such

… through whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name. … and by the prophetic Scriptures [the mystery] has been made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith. The expression translated for obedience to the

In his latest book Dr. John MacArthur gives The GES News backhanded praise when he says that it is “the leading no-lordship fraternity’s [bi]monthly newsletter.” No-lordship is the cumbersome and pejorative label he has given the Free Grace position. Why he doesn’t simply call our position the Free Grace position, the term we use of

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Many people interpret the word salvation in this verse to refer to eternal salvation from hell. This, I feel, is improper. Some have interpreted Phil

Many theologians say that saving faith has three elements: understanding, acceptance, and trust. Unless all three elements are present, they say, a person does not have saving faith. This is sometimes illustrated by means of a chair. A person can understand that a chair claims to support a person who sits in it. The person

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. According to the Westminster Confession of Faith, there are three pillars of assurance of salvation: the promises of God’s Word, the works which the Holy Spirit produces, and the inner witness of the Spirit to the believer. All three of these

Nine of the ten commandments are repeated in the NT. The one which isn’t is the fourth commandment which deals with remembering the Sabbath and keeping it holy. The Sabbath is the seventh day, Saturday. Believers today are not required to refrain from work on Saturday or to worship on Saturday. This is clear from