Are You Feeling the Breeze?

In general, when the New Testament writers used the word “sanctify” (hagiazo in Greek) they did not use it in the present tense. They generally used it to signify something that occurred in the past, like “God has sanctified you.” The author of the book of Hebrews decided to use it differently on two...

Another possible view of the word “saved” in Romans 10:9

The text:  8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart...

Which Bible is Best?

  On occasion, a Christian will ask me, “Which translation should I use?” In the past, I usually responded by saying that while some are better than others in my opinion, virtually all of the English versions of the Bible contain the message from God that is useful for our spiritual nourishment....

All Followers of Jesus Christ are Called to Share in His Sufferings

Preface note: Below is a collection of New Testament verses that teach about God’s plan for followers of Jesus to suffer unjust treatment and hatred from the world. If a person finds it difficult reading through them all, it may be that these verses are just not comfortable for him to think...

Reason to Have Strong Hope

The Apostle Paul firmly believed that when Jesus comes back, he would be resurrected and would dwell with Jesus forever. Therefore, he possessed GREAT HOPE! But while he was still physically alive on earth, he did not merely assume that he would receive this salvation. Rather, his faith caused him to run...

The Assurance of Salvation

Are you sure beyond a shadow of doubt that when Jesus comes back you will be saved? The Bible teaches that we are to have a firm hope of salvation when Jesus comes back. At the same time, it warns against assuming that we will be saved. Having a hope of salvation is not the same as assuming that we will be...