If we are covered in the blood of Jesus, cleansed from unrighteousness by faith, how does Revelation 21:8 fit with the overall gospel?

If we are covered in the blood of Jesus, cleansed from unrighteousness by faith, how does Revelation 21:8 fit with the overall gospel?

“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

This verse must be understood by taking into account the verses around it, and the book as a whole. Read the end of Revelation 19 to 21:8. Whole armies are killed and the beast and false prophet ...

I contacted my pastor about using a bulletin insert regarding Sanctity of Human Life Sunday

I contacted my pastor about using a bulletin insert regarding Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. He responded by saying “the Lord has called us to keep things simple, and focus on the Bible.” How would you respond to this?

My friend is questioning the reason and need to speak “in tongues.”

Question from a reader:

The Biblical accounts I have read are of those doing this was at Pentecost, when the Lord distributed (gifted) the Christians with His voice to enable the listeners from different languages to hear in their own language—not gibberish. It was an outpouring to spread the word and testify to Jesus. My friend is questioning the reason and need to speak “in tongues” while praying, etc. I don’t doubt that our Father could allow this to happen, but I just don’t see biblical evidence that God requires His children to “learn a prayer language ...

How do the judgment of faith and the judgment of works differ?

The Bible speaks of two separate judgments: the judgment of faith, and the judgment of works. The judgment of faith determines our inheritance, whereas the judgment of works determines our recompense.

How do you explain the doctrine of election?

I believe in divine election as taught in Scripture. The “elect” are referred to in ten or so passages and the “chosen” in many others. Col 3:12 calls us “God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved.”

“Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies (Romans 8:33). Ephesians 1:11 says “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” Romans 9:10-21 makes clear we are in sin and can do nothing to earn or merit our being chosen by God. His choice of us is unconditional and therefore in no sense is it to our credit.

How can we be with Jesus in an “intermediate” Heaven when He is with God in Heaven at His right hand?

Question from a reader:

When we die we go to be with Christ (II Cor. 5:8) which is wonderful. But we are still incomplete, in a pre-resurrected state, anticipating Christ’s return to earth, and our resurrections. The place we’ll live forever will be where God comes down to dwell with us, on the New Earth (Revelation 21:1-3).

Charles Spurgeon Speaks on Foolish Questions

Our days are few, and are far better spent in doing good, than in disputing over matters which are, at best, of minor importance. The old schoolmen did a world of mischief by their incessant discussion of subjects of no practical importance; and our Churches suffer much from petty wars over abstruse points and unimportant questions. After everything has been said that can be said, neither party is any the wiser, and therefore the discussion no more promotes knowledge than love, and it is foolish to sow in so barren a field.

Questions upon points wherein Scripture is silent; upon ...

But my professors at Fuller don’t oppose inerrancy, just a particular definition of inerrancy. Isn’t this mostly a matter of semantics?

There is far more to this than semantics with the word “inerrancy.” There’s a long and well-documented history involving Fuller and the inerrancy issue that you may not be aware of. 

Abortion in the Bible and Church History

There is a small but influential circle of prochoice advocates who claim to base their beliefs on the Bible. They maintain that “nowhere does the Bible prohibit abortion.” Yet the Bible clearly prohibits the killing of innocent people (Exodus 20:13). All that is necessary to prove a biblical prohibition of abortion is to demonstrate that the Bible considers the unborn to be human beings.

I notice that sometimes you allude to science fiction, including Star Trek and Star Wars. Do you recommend that Christian young people get into the Star Wars movies and books?

I enjoy science fiction and I do like Star Wars, especially the original three movies. However, Star Wars is a very poor place to get a theology, and that’s my biggest problem with its influence on the young, who don’t yet have the filters in place to screen out the heresy. If kids and parents can sit down, like we did with our daughters, and discuss the theological errors with “the Force,” that can be very good for them (and us). Some things are better not to get exposed to, but some our kids will inevitably be exposed ...