It is not possible to “repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38) unless we first believe. “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed?” (Romans 10:14) So conviction is essential before conversion. However is it possible to be convinced and yet refuse to convert? Judas Iscariot is a notable example. He […]
Why are Cain and Abel more famous than Seth?
Cain and Abel are probably more famous than Seth because they have a particularly graphic and memorable story associated with them (theirs is the story of one brother murdering the other — Cain murders Abel. See Genesis 4). Seth, on the other hand, doesn’t really have a narrative associated with him; he is easier to […]
Would a clone have a spirit that could go to heaven?
No, but not because they are a clone! Nobody has a spirit, in the traditional sense of the idea. See the answers to the following questions: What is the difference between soul and spirit? Do animals have a soul? How is “soul” used in the Bible? Does our soul or spirit go to heaven? Where […]
Who will be raised from the dead? All men or Christians only?
We know from Scripture that not all men will be raised from the dead. The following passages indicate that some people will never come to life again: Psalm 49:19-20 his soul will go to the generation of his fathers, who will never again see light. (20) Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like […]
Why do preachers have to be faithful?
All believers have to be faithful. Jesus words in Matt 24:44-51 make this very clear: “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (45) “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them […]
How exactly does Jesus pay for our sins if he is not God?
It is because Jesus is not God that he can save us from our sins. Jesus was a mortal man who faced the same temptations and weaknesses we face. He was able to relate to what we go through, although unlike us, Jesus never gave in to temptation. Hebrews vividly makes this point. Heb 2:14-18 […]
What happens to those who have died and never had the chance to hear the gospel?
This is a really tough question to answer because I do not think the Bible gives us sufficient information with which to answer it. Certainly Jesus never discusses those who die without hearing the gospel message. Whenever Jesus discusses the judgment he refers to two categories of people: those who did the will of the […]
Was Mary Magdalene the sister of Lazarus?
This is not something that is explicitly stated in the gospels, but many have made this link. An excellent summary of the argument is given by Harry Whittaker in his book Studies in the Gospels. The relevant essay can be found online here.
Why did God choose to bring Jesus into the lineage of David through his mother Mary?
The question continues: “Is there a spiritual connection or reason for this instead of his lineage of David coming through his father Joseph?” Reasons why God brought Jesus into the lineage of David through Mary We know that the Messiah was to be descended from David – 2 Samuel 7:12-14: When your days are […]
In John 14:2 Jesus said he goes to prepare a place for us. Why will we need a place/room/mansion in the Kingdom?
John 14:2: In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? Full Question: In John 14:2 Jesus said he goes to prepare a place for us. My question is: why do we need a place (room; mansion)? When […]