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).
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.
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?
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.
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”
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 →
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?
Rom 3:20, 28 – Are we saved by grace or works?
Many people in false religions teach that salvation and forgiveness of sins are obtained by faith and good works. Many appeal to Scripture to support this idea. But, when these verses are examined in context, they do not teach that works of any kind save us. In fact, the Bible clearly teaches that were saved without the works of the law. This is because nobody can keep the Law perfectly. God requires holiness (1 Pet. 1:16), nothing less.
Rom 3:11 – Do humans seek for God or not?
Problem: The Bible teaches that we do and should seek for God (Acts 17:27; Mt. 7:7-8; Jer. 29:13). However, Paul says that “none seek for God.” Likewise, Jesus taught, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” (Jn. 6:44). However, he also taught, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself” (Jn. 12:32). Are these passages of Scripture contradictory?
Rom 3:10 – Have all people sinned or not?
Have all people sinned or not? The Bible seems to suggest that some people never sinned. So, what is the answer?
Rom 2:28-29 – Does this passage teach that Christians inherit the Jewish promises of the Old Testament
Problem: Some amillennial interpreters argue that the church inherits the promises of Israel. Is Paul reinterpreting the concept of being a Jew to apply to Christian believers?
Rom 2:22 – What does it mean to “rob temples”?
Paul writes, “You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?” (Rom. 2:22). What does this mean?
Rom 2:14–15 – How can those who are by nature sinners keep God’s laws of nature?
Problem: Ephesians 2:3 asserts that all humans are “by nature children of wrath.” But Paul speaks here of unbelieving Gentiles who “by nature do the things contained in the law” (Rom. 2:14). These two things seem mutually opposed. Continue reading →
Rom 2:7 – Does this verse teach that good works can get us into heaven?
Problem: Ephesians 2:8-9 claims that we cannot earn salvation through good works, but here, Paul writes that good works can earn us salvation. Which is true?
Rom 2:7 – Is immortality acquired or possessed?
Problem: Paul speaks here of “seeking” immortality. He also refers to acquiring it at the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:53). However, Jesus taught that the soul is immortal, that is, it cannot be destroyed by death (Luke 12:5). Paul also insists that the soul survives death (2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23; cf. Rev. 6:9). But which is it—do we already possess immortality or do we only acquire it at the resurrection?
