“It was of the Lord” is often used to pin responsibility on God for actions that do not reflect a God of love. Even when the Bible itself says that, we must consider idiomatic expression, the context and what the Bible says elsewhere about God’s character. Traditional Legal Model: “It was of the Lord” or God’s […]
A jealous God (as we understand jealousy) implies a need or desire in God that He cannot fulfill. In many verses that emotion in God is connected to idolatry: “For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:” (Exo 34:14) Traditional Legal Model: God wants to […]
Hiding the face – God hiding His face – is mentioned by Isaiah: “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” (Isa 59:2) Traditional Legal Model: God is so offended by our sins that He cannot tolerate them and […]
The accuser of the brethren. The meaning of “accuser” is one who charges another with (in the spiritual context) a sin. In this study, we will look at who “the accuser of the brethren” is and whether God is ever an accuser. Traditional Legal Model – While Satan is called “the accuser,” God also keeps […]
The rich man and Lazarus story in Luke 16 is a very misunderstood parable. It is important to understand it correctly. Note that this page is also a supporting page for the glossary definitions of the words “hell“, “punishment” and “torment.” This parable has many mistakenly believing that hell is a literal place where people […]
The Unforgiving Servant was a parable Jesus told that might be easily misunderstood if one does not realize that it has a spiritual application. Note that this page is also a supporting page for the glossary definitions of the words “hell,” “mercy,” “punishment” and “torment.” The parable of the unforgiving servant, Matthew 18:23-35, ends with […]
Hell, as described in the Bible, is a place only for people worse than myself, right? Or is it a place at all? We should know what the Bible says about hell. This is critical in relation to the character of God because the common concept of hell is a place where God sends people […]
What is sanctification? Is it even required of me? Why would I want it? Sanctification has been described as both being set apart for a holy use and as becoming holy, more God-like. A major difference between the two gospel models is how the sanctification process works and how God regards us through the process. […]
Is the chastening of the Lord the same as the chastening man would do? Traditional Legal Model – God personally chastens, in whatever way He deems necessary, to prevent man from sinning. The chastening of the Lord is distinct from punishment in that it is remedial rather than simply retributive. Biblical Healing Model – chastening involves God […]
The definition of repentance. Repentance is something that happens in a person’s mind. It can be shallow or deep; surface or heartfelt. What is Biblical repentance and where does it fit within those ranges? Traditional Legal Model – Sorrow for sinful deeds done with the expectation or hope of then being free from punishment. Biblical […]