Blog | Grace Evangelical Society

What Adam and Eve Knew on Their First Day

April 29, 2019 by Bob Wilkin in Blog - Genesis 2-3, Literal Adam, The creation account

Most people do not believe that the account of Adam and Eve in Genesis is historically true. Among Evangelicals, some think that there was no actual Adam and Eve. But many if not most Evangelicals believe that Adam and Eve existed. Yet a growing number of Evangelicals believe that they were born like any other mammal, but when they were young adults God

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Can You Jump Out? (John 10:28-29)

April 26, 2019 by Shawn Lazar in Blog - Eternal Security, John 10:28-29

Question Most of our pastors say a believer can jump out of God’s hand, based on John 10:28. How can I refute such a claim? Answer I’m sorry to say your pastors are wrong (or, actually, I’m happy to say they’re wrong): 1.) John 10:28-29 does not say anyone can jump out of the Father

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We Are All Looking for a Sign (Mark 8:11-13)

April 25, 2019 by Kenneth Yates in Blog - generation, heavens, Second Coming, sign

I was recently studying Mark 8 in which the Pharisees ask Jesus for a “sign.” They wanted it to come from “heaven” (8:11). They wanted Him to do something that would show He was the Christ. I have to admit that I am not really sure what they were looking for. Jesus had performed many signs for them as recorded in the Book

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Figurative Versus Literal Uses of Circumcision in the Bible

April 24, 2019 by Bob Wilkin in Blog - circumcision, Judaizers, Justification by circumcision, Those of the circumcision

A reader asked, For a long-time circumcision in the Scriptures has annoyed me—not because it’s there—but because I don’t think I fully understand its meaning, though I’m clear on the meaning in relation to the anatomy. Am I correct to think that in some places, it is referring to the literal/physical procedure only? Am I correct to think that in

Fellowship with God and One Another

April 23, 2019 by Shawn Lazar in Blog - 1 John, Biblical separation, Fellowship, Lord’s Supper

Fellowship with God depends, in part, on fellowship with other believers. Let me offer two short proofs for the claim, one positive and one negative. First, the positive proof is that John says that fellowship with the apostolic circle implies fellowship with God: “that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship

Pastors Who Give Several Different Salvation Messages

April 22, 2019 by Bob Wilkin in Blog - evangelism, Evangelistic preaching

The good questions keep on coming. One reader asks, “Have you ever come across pastors who are well known that give differing salvation messages? It seems that sometimes they’ll give the correct, Biblical salvation, but at other times they will give salvation by works. I don’t understand. If they give the Biblical, faith-alone salvation, why

Assurance and Belief in Predestination

April 19, 2019 by Bob Wilkin in Blog - Ephesians 1:5, Predestination and assurance, Romans 8:29-30

I received a letter asking a great question: “Does the doctrine of predestination destroy one’s assurance of salvation? How can he ever have assurance if he is not sure he is predestined to be saved?” The short answer is that he can’t be sure he has everlasting life. Predestination to salvation is a doctrine held

Supporting Ministries Is Rewardable (2 John 8-11)

April 18, 2019 by Shawn Lazar in Blog - giving, rewards

Be careful what ministries you support. I am sure you know the Bible teaches God will reward you based on the works you’ve done: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad (2

The Role of Dreams and Visions in Muslims Coming to Faith in Christ

April 17, 2019 by Bob Wilkin in Blog - Missions, Muslim coming to faith in Christ via dreams, Muslim evangelism

Pastor Bob Vacendak and I were talking on the phone the other day. The subject of Muslims reportedly seeing Jesus in dreams and visions came up. We had a nice discussion. The next day Bob sent me an article by Sam Martyn (a pseudonym) entitled, “The Role of Pre-Conversion Dreams and Visions in Islamic Contexts: An Examination

Grace vs Permissiveness

April 16, 2019 by Shawn Lazar in Blog - Grace, Sanctification

I was recently chatting with an Episcopal priest about grace. He was very nice, and it was a pleasure talking to him. I asked how the message of grace was received in the Episcopal church. He suggested that while the Episcopal church is not very theological—in that people are not talking about and debating theology—he thought