Resources by Topic: Doctrine and Theology

The popular “name it and claim it” teaching—also called the health and wealth gospel—is not limited to certain congregations, but has worked its way into mainstream evangelical churches where it gets subtly woven into many Christians’ worldviews.

Question from a reader: If God created all things, then doesn’t that mean he created evil? Isaiah 45:7 “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.”

Randy answers the question “What is unique about Christianity?” during an interview on Moody Radio in June, 2014, marking the paperback release of his If God Is Good book.

Randy answers the question “What are your thoughts on prosperity theology?” during an interview on Moody Radio in June, 2014, marking the paperback release of his If God Is Good book.

Using the Logos Bible Software Text Comparison Tool, Randy's research assistant examined the KJV, NASB, ESV, and NLT texts of Genesis 1, Psalm 1, Ezekiel 36, Matthew 2, Romans 8 and Revelation 21. The results show an average variation of 30% from the KJV by the NASB and 32% by the ESV, meaning a correspondence of 70% and 68% respectively.

Question from a reader: I’ve heard some up-and-coming Christian pastors say they believe in the One True God, but also other gods. Is this biblical?

Question from a reader: In The Goodness of God you wrote: “It’s misleading to say, ‘God created Satan and demons.’ Rather, God created Lucifer and other righteous angels, who later chose to rebel against God, and in so doing became Satan and demons… The great archangel who rebelled against his Creator is called the devil...” It seems you believe that Lucifer/Satan is or was an angel. Where in the Bible is Satan called an angel? 

I don’t consider myself an expert on the details of the end times. It’s not my thing and I think there is too much that is highly speculative. 

Jesus said, “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life” (Matthew 25:46). Here in the same sentence, Christ uses the word “eternal” (aionos) to describe the duration of both Heaven and Hell. 

Question from a reader: In Heaven Randy writes that it appears that neither animals nor people ate meat until after the flood. But Genesis 4 says Abel kept flocks and gave fat offerings, which suggests he ate meat. What are your thoughts?

Question from a reader: Are the men and women we read about in the Old Testament saved and going to Heaven because of their keeping of sacrificial requirements of the law? Today we know we must believe in his death on the cross for forgiveness of our sins and salvation, but what about the people born before Jesus came to earth?

Question from a reader: Are people born in Israel automatically saved and going to Heaven (Romans 11:26), or do they still have to accept Jesus as their personal Savior to be truly saved?

Question from a reader: Will babies and those with impaired mental abilities be saved and go to Heaven even though they aren’t able to understand asking Jesus to be their personal savior?

Question from a reader: Many people say there is only one way to Heaven by accepting Jesus Christ as personal Savior, but then they default to several other ways (young age, mental illness, being born in Israel, keeping sacrificial requirements of the law) and make excuses when cornered. Is believing in Jesus really the ONLY way?