Problem: Some interpreters argue that this passage supports the view that Christians can eventually become perfectly holy and lose their sin nature. Is this the case?
19
Jul
2021
petra1000
I am a born again christian who loves the Lord and I am taking bible classes online
I am a born again christian who loves the Lord and I am taking bible classes online
17
Jul
2021
Rom 6:3-4 – Is this passage describing water baptism? –or something else?
Problem: Some interpreters argue that Paul is referring to water baptism in this passage. For example, John Stott argues that this refers to water baptism:
16
Jul
2021
Rom 5:20 – Is Paul saying that the Law makes us want to sin more?
Problem: Paul writes, “The Law came in so that the transgression would increase” (Rom. 5:20). This seems to imply that the Law actually caused us to sin more. However, many commentators disagree:
Everett Harrison writes, “The law also serves to restrain evil in the world.”[1] [Citing Romans 6:15 and 1 Timothy 1:9-11]
F.F. Bruce writes, “Law increased the trespass by providing opportunities for violating a multiplicity of specific commandments.”[2]
Grant Osborne writes, “The point is not so much an increase in the number of sins but in the seriousness of sin. The law showed people that moral sin transgresses the laws of God.”[3]
Douglas Moo argues that this verse refers to greater judgment for sin: “As we commented on verse 4:15, Paul believes that the Mosaic law, by making people accountable to a specific and detailed series of commandments, brings greater judgment on those sins.”[4]
Does this passage teach that the Law causes us to sin more or less?
15
Jul
2021
Rom 5:19 – If all are made righteous by Christ why aren’t all saved?
Problem: It is agreed by scholars that in Paul’s contrast between the “one” and the “many” here, that “many” means all. For the “many” were “made sinners” by the “one” (Adam’s) sin, and Paul had already concluded that “all have sinned [in Adam]” a few verses earlier (Rom. 5:12). But if all were “made sinners” means all actually became sinners, then why doesn’t all “will be made righteous” in the same verse mean that all will be saved? (Rom. 5:19)
14
Jul
2021
Rom 5:15-19 – Is Paul saying that everyone will be forgiven in the end?
Problem: Universalists argue that Adam’s sin affected everyone on Earth, and Jesus’ work on the Cross will also make everyone righteous. After all, Paul writes, “As through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous” (Rom. 5:18-19). Does this mean that all people will be saved in the end?\
13
Jul
2021
Rom 5:14 – Is it fair to judge all people because of Adam’s sin?
Problem: Death came to all people because of the sin of Adam (Rom. 5:12), but Romans 5:14 says, “Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam.” But, if they did not sin like Adam, why are they held accountable?
12
Jul
2021
Rom 5:13 – Did God not judge people before the time of the Law?
Problem: Paul writes that “sin is not imputed where there is no law.” Does this mean that God did not judge sin before the law was given?
11
Jul
2021
Rom 5:12 – Does this statement imply that we were only potential humans before we were born, not actual human beings?
Problem: According to this text, “all [human beings] sinned [in Adam].” But, we were not yet even conceived, let alone born, when Adam sinned. Therefore, we could not possibly have been actual human beings. Hence, we must have been merely potential human beings.
10
Jul
2021
Rom 5:8 – Does God hate people or love them?
The Bible tells us that God both loves people and hates people. Whether we like it or not the Scriptures teach that God hates those who love violence and love evil. God is too holy to approve of those who love what is opposite to God’s character and nature. But on the other hand, generically speaking, God loves the whole world (John 3:16). Also, he lets the sun shine on the good and the bad. He let’s the rain fall upon all people. So, in this context, he loves all (Matthew 5:43-48).
09
Jul
2021
Rom 5:1 – Are we saved by faith or by baptism?
Are we saved from our sins by faith or by faith and baptism? Though the Bible says that baptism is a very important part of the Christian life, it is not necessary for salvation. The truth is that we are saved by faith alone in Christ alone. Let’s take a look at scriptures used for both sides.
08
Jul
2021
Rom 5:1 – Do we have justification in the past tense, or are we supposed to seek justification in the future tense?
Problem: Textual critics debate which manuscripts to prefer in Romans 5:1. One set prefers the indicative mood (“we have”), while others prefer the subjunctive mood (“let us have”). Some of our manuscripts use the Greek term echōmen (subjunctive), which means “let us have.” Others contain echomen (indicative), which means “we have.” The subjunctive reading exists in the Byzantine Text, Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Alexandrinus, Codex Bezae, and others. The difference between the two is a single letter in Greek. To add to the confusion, the church fathers quote both versions. Which should we prefer?
07
Jul
2021
Rom. 4:9-12 – Is Paul teaching that the church has fulfilled the Abrahamic covenant?
Problem: Amillennial interpreters argue that the church fulfills God’s covenant with Abraham.
06
Jul
2021
What is wrong with our churches today?
The following applies to professing Christians in The West
The Bible
63% – God is not the provider of truth and the Bible cannot be trusted to fully
represent God-given principles
13% – Read their Bible regularly [which means 87% are open to man’s interptation]
41-43% – consider scripture to be “accurate in its teaching”
06
Jul
2021
Rom 3:25 – What does “propitiation” mean? (pronounced pro-PISH-ee-ae-shun)
This comes from the Greek word hilastērion (pronounced hill-iss-TARE-ee-on), which some translations render “propitiation” (NASB). In pagan culture, people would offer vegetables, animals, and even human sacrifices to propitiate the wrath of the gods. If you were going on a sea voyage, you would offer propitiation to the god Poseidon, asking him to be propitious of your voyage. If the offering wasn’t good enough, your boat would get into a wreck. Because this word was used by pagans, Christian translators tried to translate it differently: Continue reading →
05
Jul
2021
Rom 3:22 – Is this verse about the “faithfulness OF Jesus” or is it about “our faith IN Jesus”?
Problem: Greek grammarians debate whether or not this passage should be rendered as “faith in Jesus Christ” or “the faithfulness of Jesus Christ.” The first rendering is the objective genitive (“faith in”), while the second rendering is the subjective genitive (“faithfulness of”). Which is it?