In order to understand the Bible, recognizing important distinctions is critically important. This is especially true in the area of soteriology, the doctrine of salvation. There is a difference Biblically between what we must believe to be born again and what the Savior had to be and do in order for us to be born

John’s Gospel presents Jesus as the Messianic Son of God who was crucified and resurrected to guarantee everlasting life to all believers. Those who view Jesus as an ordinary human being disdain any notion that He could guarantee everlasting life to anyone. Ordinary human beings cannot bestow life everlasting upon others. Does this mean that

The First Thing You Say Is Vital Journalists are trained to put the heart of their story in the first paragraph. That initial paragraph is called the lead and it is considered vital that it draw the reader in and tell him what the story is about. The same is arguably true in evangelism. Your

In Greek mythology, the Hydra was a multi-headed monster. This monstrosity inhabited the marshes of Lerna near Argos, and one of its heads was immortal. Among the daunting labors of Hercules was the task of killing the Hydra, a feat made more difficult by the fact that when one head was cut off, two grew

By Dwight Hunt The following is from Dwight’s commentary on Second Corinthians in the soon-to-be released one-volume Grace NT Commentary that GES is producing. 3:18. Unlike the diminishing glory that characterized the face of Moses after he met with the Lord, we all—all believers, not just one man, Moses—are being transformed as we gaze intently

By Greg Sapaugh *The following is part of Greg’s commentary in the Grace New Testament Commentary. Paul begins his intercession for Onesimus with an appeal based on love rather than command. Paul’s boldness in Christ, perhaps reflecting his apostolic authority, takes a back seat to Christian love and fellowship. Paul’s reminder of his age and

By Shawn Leach *The following is part of Shawn’s commentary on Colossians that will appear in our Grace NT Commentary which we hope to release at the end of this year. Effective discipleship cannot take place without a proper understanding not only of who Christ is but also of who we are in relation to

Okay, I realize this is actually two words in English (and in Greek). However, it still fits as one of the most misunderstood words in the Bible. It is misunderstood in a number of ways. Most Miss It’s Eternality If you talk with a typical churchgoer today, most will tell you that you can lose

Introduction Years ago I debated a Church of Christ pastor. He said to be born again a person must believe in Christ, repent of his sins, obey Christ, confess his sins, and be baptized for the remission of his sins. I asked him, “Is there a passage in the NT that lists all five of

Since the March-April 2008 article on our view of assurance, we’ve had a number of questions that indicate some didn’t understand exactly what was meant. The questions we’ve received concern the second of the two sentences which follow: “Assurance is of the essence of believing in Jesus for everlasting life. That is, as long as