When considering the necessities for salvation presented in the gospel, and the defense of such, the skeptic will often turn to hypothetical logic – Since the gospel message must be heard to receive salvation there must be exceptions for those who never hear. Yet, the inconsistency of such a thought is seen in the thought …
Continue reading Article: The Deserted Island Question
What occurs after death? – A question answerable only via Bible consultation. Does there remain a consciousness after death? Despite the clarity of the Holy Script some do not subscribe to the idea of eternal consciousness in hell. Concerning Thayer’s definition of “olethros,” translated “destruction” in 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Homer Hailey wrote, “Thayer defined the …
Continue reading The Patternists: Posthumous Consciousness
I have always considered an old Bible to be interesting. An old Bible can speak of experience, and diligence. The worn edges tell stories of battle preparation. The wrinkled pages manifest quenched thirst, and satisfied hunger. A worn Bible represents a daily necessity, of which her owner knew well. Yet, even further, an old Bible …
Continue reading Article: An Old Bible
Ancient Babylon is alluded to in order to refer to Rome. The reason is evident, for Babylon and Rome share despicable qualities. Both were world-ruling cities filled with ungodliness, and a haughtiness which ignored impending doom. Thinking herself invincible, Babylon fell. The same would be true for Rome. Rome did not stand alone in indecency, …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Revelation 18:1-8
2 Peter 1:2-4 The knowledge of Him. A knowledge that gives, and is itself given. The Word which was in the beginning with God, and was God became flesh, and His glory was beheld. That glory – full of grace and truth as the only begotten of the Father – and that virtue – the …
Continue reading Article: “Add to your faith…” Jude’s original topic of consideration changed. “Our common salvation” is a wonderful topic to consider. It is beneficial to discuss and ponder our “like precious faith” (2 Peter 1:1) and its eventual reward. By such conversation we are edified, and encouraged. But what if we lose the hope of such salvation? Being deceived and falling …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Jude 3-4
One of the wonders of the revelation of God’s will is His immutable nature. It is unchangeable, and thus impervious to self-contradiction. Hence the wonder of His consistent justice existing with His loving mercy. How can God be both “just and the justifier” (Romans 3:26) of sinful man? The answer lies within the Biblical concept …
Continue reading Article: Propitious by Means of Propitiation
Without the Creator in mind creation has no genuine purpose. Men who “[do] not like to retain God in their knowledge” (Romans 1:28) seek fulfillment in physical substance. The failure to realize mankind are spiritual beings in a physical tent is an ignorance which leads to immense destruction. Men foolishly attempt to make a home …
Continue reading Article: From Rags to Riches Despite the plain teaching of the gospel – “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:48) – several standards of judgment exist. Driven by obstinacy and ignorance, men continually refuse the flawless standard of …
Continue reading The Patternists: Suffering – An Ambiguous Standard of Judgment The first half of this short epistle acknowledged righteous living. Gaius was one who was walking in truth. He eagerly housed brethren, and as such became a fellow worker for the truth (v. 8). This section presents a stark contrast to the commendable character Gaius displayed. Diotrephes had the audacity to arrogate any position of …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 3 John 9-12