Praticantes Homossexuais Podem Ir para o Céu?
Esta é uma questão complicada que envolve muitos aspectos da teologia, e os cristãos nem sempre respondem da mesma forma. Mas, na minha opinião, é essencialmente uma versão específica da pergunta…
Is the NIV a good translation?
The NIV is a very good translation. It is, however, a "dynamic equivalent" translation. That is, they translate "thought for thought" rather than "word for word." That makes it more "readable" than…
Which Version of King Saul's Death is Correct?
Every person looking at the Scripture has a presupposition. It is impossible to look at the Scripture with a tabula rasa (clean slate) approach. One thing to keep in check is that a Christian should…
Calvinism and Matthew 23:37?
Your question is referring to universalism, and there are several texts of Scripture that appear to speak to this: Ezekiel 18:23, 32; 33:11; I Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9. However, when properly…
Can Catholics be Saved?
I believe the article you refer to is addressed below. I would agree with you that there are quite a number of significant differences between Calvinism and Roman Catholicism. Ra McLaughlin…
The Apostle Formerly Known as Saul
I keep coming across a “sticky” misconception that God (specifically, Jesus) changed the name of an important figure we now typically refer to as “Saint Paul.” In a recent sermon, I heard: “Just like…
What is Reprobation?
Thank you for your question, which really addresses two things: election and reprobation. While studying these doctrine one will realize that on the one hand election brings joy to the heart and the…
Does God Use Evil to Accomplish His Purposes?
I understand your concern about the way the text is phrased. In the Hebrew it could be phrased something like: "LORD, thou hast persuaded me, and I was persuaded." However, even if we phrase it this…
Errors in the Bible
In every religion there is some variation of opinion as to what particular ideas really mean, as to interpretation, and sometimes even as to textual accuracy of preserved sacred manuscripts. A scribe…
Infralapsarianism, Supralapsarianism, and the Problem of Evil
Reformed theologians have argued both sides of this issue. The Puritans were largely supralapsarians, believing that God predetermined the salvation of man before he decreed the Fall. Most modern…
Pre-Apostolic Succession ???
There was an exchange of numerous e-mails regarding this topic. This one somewhat summarizes what has been discussed "so far." This is actually an edited (spelling, formatting, etc., not content)…
Literal Interpretation
Preliminary Issues First, I'm afraid I will have to mix my answers with theology in order that my responses to specific examples will make sense. You clearly approach the Bible from a particular set…
The Bible vs. The Book of Mormon
Answering your question is a little difficult because I'm not sure where or from whom you're getting your understandings of Mormonism. We already have one answer online ( Inerrancy and Canonicity )…
Covenants, Vows, Promises and a False Gospel?
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds like you are wrestling several issues. I'll try to address two of them specifically. The Gospel The first issue is the question of what the gospel…
The Trinity or the Truth?
I'm afraid that you will indeed find that many academic reference works oppose the doctrine of the Trinity. This is often true because many of these reference works are written by people who are more…
Apocrypha Accounts?
Most Protestant churches do not recognize the inspiration or authority of these books. However, they are still used in many churches today (such as Episcopal churches). The authority and authenticity…
Could Jesus Sin?
This answer is covered in a series by IIIM called the, " Apostles' Creed," (APC - 3rd Lesson) and the "We Believe in Jesus," (JES 2nd Lesson) video series. Here is a brief summary. The word…
What is Presuppositional Apologetics?
Apologetics is a field of study concerned with the defense of Christianity. The term "apologetic" comes from the Greek word apologia , which means " in defense of ." Therefore a person involved in…
Cosmological Argument
The cosmological argument attempts to prove that God exists by showing that there cannot be an infinite number of regressions of causes to things that exist. It states that there must be a final…
Is Strong's Concordance a good Bible dictionary?
Yes, Strong's concordance is an excellent dictionary of sorts. It is good to know the meaning of words when studying anything. However, we also must remember that the Bible is more than just words…
VanTil and the Ligonier Apologetic
My time is limited, so I'll send you along some things I have written that may help answer your questions. You should also look at my Apologetics to the Glory of God (P&R, 1994) and the discussions…
What is Annihilationism?
Annihilationism teaches that when a person dies they are annihilated (destroyed). Normally this doctrine is applied to an attempt to negate the biblical doctrine of eternal punishment. But Matthew…
Supra or Infra?
On Infralapsarianism and Supralapsarianism There is no single Reformed stance on infra- and supralapsarianism, although it is probably true that infralapsarianism has been the dominant view. Both of…
What is truth?
Pilate asked, "What is truth?" prior to condemning Christ (John 18:38; 19:16). This, of course, includes a multitude of things of which there is not time, space, or adequate knowledge or wisdom for…