The Thief on the Cross
Whenever a Christian talks to someone in a denomination about the topic of baptism, they are bound to hear a couple of arguments against the essentiality of baptism. The first argument one might hear is that baptism is a work. The denominationalist will quote Ephesians 2:8-9 to try and show that baptism constitutes salvation by […]
Upside Down
In a condemning manner, Paul and those with him were accused of turning “the world upside down” (Acts 17:6). Indeed, the truth being taught by Paul and his fellow laborers were turning false religion on its head. It was turning people away from the power of Satan to God. This did not sit well with […]
Where Does Baptism Appear in God’s Plan?
There are those who say that baptism is not a part of the plan of salvation at all. There is no reason to be baptized, whether for forgiveness, to follow the Lord’s example of an outward sign of an inward grace. However, the Bible clearly shows baptism is a part of God’s plan. “Go therefore […]
Can Muslims Be Saved?
Attention has been given to the religion of Islam, adherents of which are called Muslims. We have seen an attempt to put their faith in an even field with the religion of Christ. The Bible says it is not so! Jesus is emphatic about belief in Him as the Son of God. He said, “I […]
Isn’t It About Time?
Time is inherently finite. There are a beginning and an end. Time began with creation and will end with the return of Christ at the judgment (Genesis 1:1; 1 Corinthians 15:23-24). Man’s sojourn on earth has a beginning and an end as well. It starts at birth and ends at death, or the return of […]
Four Parts of Ephesians 2:16
Paul wrote, “… and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity” (Ephesians 2:16). There are four parts to this verse that answer four questions: Who, What, Where, How? The “who” is Jesus. The “what” is reconciling men to God. It is through […]
Blameless, Yet Not Righteous
Paul’s message to Jews as he preached among the Gentiles was, “And by him, every one that believeth is justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:39). He warned Gentiles who were being lured to seek justification through the law that “by the works of […]
“Morality” and “Visions” Do Not Save
There are those who believe as long as one is “moral” he will go to heaven. In other words, if a man will be a good father, husband, employee, neighbor, and friend, refrain from alcohol, and cursing, he will go to heaven. This is not so! The Bible testifies, “There was a certain man in […]
Salvation by Grace
Man is saved by the grace of God. The scriptures plainly state, “For by grace are ye saved …” (Ephesians 2:8). Grace is “the idea of kindness which bestows on one what he has not deserved” (Thayer’s Greek English Lexicon). Hence, man is saved by the kindness of God; man does not merit salvation through […]
You Must Be Baptized to Be Saved
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19). “He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mk. 16:16). “Repent, and let every one of you […]