Revelation is a book of symbol, almost nothing within the vision recorded in the book is literal so we should probably operate on the assumption that time periods in Revelation are symbolic unless we have a good reason for supposing otherwise. There are prophecies in the Bible where time periods should be taken literally. For […]
What does Romans 4:8 mean when it says, “blessed is the man to whom God will not impute sin”?
The word “impute” means “count” or “take account of”. So, “blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin” (ESV). Paul here is using Old Testament examples to explanation how we can appear before righteous before God. He cites the example of Abraham, who “believed God and it was counted to […]
Can Christians join the military?
There are a number of reasons why Christians cannot join the military, a few of which are given below. 1. Although Christians are to be subject the the authority of the governments of the countries they live in (Rom. 13:1; 1 Peter 2:13-14), Christians are ‘strangers and pilgrims’ in this world (Heb. 11:13-14) and have […]
How many times did Jesus touch to heal?
Jesus healed people of many different sicknesses and disabilities in many different situations. His healing is sometimes attributed to his words and at other times to his touch. Astonished people said of him in Mark 6:2 Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works […]
Will God forgive those who are not baptised if they ask him to?
There is a series of events recorded in Acts 10 that will help to answer this question. In Acts 10 there is a man called Cornelius who, although he is described as ‘a devout man who feared God’ (v2), isn’t baptised. However, even though he isn’t baptised, God still hears his prayers: About the ninth […]
Who were the people to be defeated by Israel when they entered the Promised Land?
The following nations are mentioned in the Bible as either to be driven out of the Promised Land by God or by the Israelites: Amorites Hittites Perizzites Canaanites Hivites Jebusites Girgashite See, e.g., Ex. 23:23; Deut. 7:1. Other territory and nations are mentioned in Joshua 13:2-6 (including the Philistines and the Sidonians). As it happens, […]
Is a puffer fish ‘kosher’?
(Before answering this question, it’s worth noting that “kosher” rules — which are part of the Law of Moses — do not apply to Christians. For more on this, see the answer to ‘Is it okay for Christians to eat pork and shellfish?‘.) The Law of Moses said: “Of all that are in the waters […]
Did Lot receive salvation?
Lot was saved on two occasions during his life. 1. Lot was saved from captivity by his uncle, Abram: So the enemy took all the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. They also took Lot, the son of Abram’s brother, who was dwelling in Sodom, and his possessions, […]
What is the approximate distance between the desert where Christ was tempted and the city of Jerusalem?
Jesus was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1) which is on the western side of the Dead Sea. It is about 30-50km from Jerusalem depending on which part of the wilderness he was in.
Did Jesus have an immortal soul?
Firstly, “soul” just means “living being”, so people do not have souls, they are living souls. See How is “soul” used in the Bible?. Secondly, Jesus died, so he clearly was not immortal, or he did not die. See Was Jesus really dead for three days? “I was dead” (Revelation 1:18) The Lord Jesus was […]