Sunrise over a tranquil landscape with golden rays breaking through clouds, symbolizing divine grace and new beginnings.

Embracing Grace: The Transformative Power Of The Doctrine Of Grace In Contemporary Christian Life

By Alice | February 22, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

Have you ever experienced a moment when you felt deeply loved, forgiven, and embraced, even when you knew you didn’t deserve it? That’s grace—unearned, unexpected, and undeniably life-changing. It’s a concept central to the Christian faith, yet its beauty lies in how deeply personal and profoundly transformative it can be in everyday life.

In a world where performance often determines worth, the doctrine of grace stands as a refreshing, countercultural truth. Grace reminds us that we don’t have to earn God’s favor—it’s freely given, no strings attached.

But what does it mean to truly embrace grace, and how does it shape our lives as contemporary Christians?

Let’s explore this cornerstone of faith, uncover its biblical roots, and discover how it can transform our relationships, communities, and personal journeys.

Grace in Scripture: A Thread Woven Through Biblical History

From the very first pages of the Bible, grace is a recurring and powerful theme that defines God’s relationship with humanity. It is God’s unmerited favor at work—a divine force that rescues, restores and renews.

Whether it’s God sparing Noah and his family during the flood, His patience with the Israelites in the wilderness, or His covenantal promises to imperfect people, grace is ever-present, gently shaping history and lives.

In the New Testament, grace takes center stage in the life and teachings of Jesus and the writings of the apostles. It is here that grace is fully revealed as a cornerstone of salvation, redemption, and transformation.

The following scriptures highlight the richness and depth of grace:

1️⃣ Ephesians 2:8-9

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

This verse captures the essence of grace: a gift freely given, unearned, and undeserved. It strips away pride and self-reliance, reminding us that salvation is not something we can achieve on our own.

God’s grace is a profound act of love, ensuring that no one can claim credit for their redemption.

💡 Application: Recognize and rest in the truth that your worth is not tied to your achievements or perfection. This can free you from the pressures of performance, helping you embrace your identity as a beloved child of God.

💡 In Practice: When you feel tempted to compare yourself to others or prove your value, remind yourself that God’s love is not earned—it’s freely given. Show this same grace to others by celebrating their successes without competition or envy.

2️⃣ Romans 3:23-24

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

Here, grace meets humanity in its brokenness. It acknowledges that every person has fallen short but also proclaims the good news: through Christ, grace justifies and restores.

This verse highlights the universal need for grace and the boundless generosity of God in offering redemption to all who believe.

💡 Application: Recognize that everyone, including yourself, makes mistakes. This verse encourages humility and helps us extend forgiveness to ourselves and others, knowing that we all rely on God’s grace.

💡 In Practice: When someone wrongs you, pause before reacting. Instead of holding onto resentment, choose forgiveness, knowing that you’ve been forgiven too. Similarly, when you fall short, allow grace to silence self-criticism and give you the courage to move forward.

3️⃣ Titus 2:11-12

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.”

Grace is not just about saving us, it is also about transforming us. This passage emphasizes that grace equips believers to live differently. It’s a guide that empowers us to resist harmful desires and live in alignment with God’s will.

Grace, in this sense, becomes a daily teacher, shaping how we respond to the gift of salvation.

💡 Application: Let grace shape your daily decisions. This passage reminds us that grace is more than forgiveness—it’s a source of strength to live intentionally and align our lives with God’s will.

💡 In Practice: When facing temptations or difficult decisions, reflect on God’s grace as a motivator to stay true to your values. For example, choose kindness over retaliation, integrity over shortcuts, or generosity over selfishness.

4️⃣ 2 Corinthians 12:9

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”

In moments of vulnerability, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God’s grace is enough. It reassures us that grace is at work even in our weakest and most broken states, sustaining and empowering us through challenges.

💡 Application: Lean on God’s grace during times of struggle. This verse reminds us that God’s grace is enough to sustain us, even when we feel weak or inadequate.

💡 In Practice: When challenges arise—a demanding work deadline, a broken relationship, or a personal failure—take a moment to pray for God’s strength. Trust that His grace will carry you through and use your vulnerability as an opportunity to grow closer to Him.

5️⃣ John 1:16-17

“Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

This passage highlights the abundance of grace available through Christ. Unlike the law, which pointed out humanity’s shortcomings, Jesus embodies and delivers grace, offering it freely and without limit. It’s a grace that continually renews and overflows into every aspect of our lives.

💡 Application: Be a channel of God’s overflowing grace. As recipients of endless grace through Christ, we are called to share it with others in ways that reflect His love.

💡 In Practice: Actively look for ways to extend grace throughout your day. This could mean giving someone the benefit of the doubt, offering encouragement to someone who feels defeated, or showing hospitality to a friend in need.

These scriptures reveal the multifaceted nature of grace—it’s a gift, a teacher, a sustainer, and a reflection of God’s incredible love. From salvation to daily transformation, grace is woven into the fabric of the Christian journey, offering hope, renewal, and purpose at every step.

Living Out Grace in Everyday Life

These scriptures remind us that grace is not just a theological idea—it’s an active force that reshapes how we view ourselves, others, and God.

Applying grace to everyday life means:

✅ Embracing your identity as someone loved and valued by God, apart from performance or perfection.

✅ Offering forgiveness, patience, and understanding to others, even in difficult moments.

✅ Finding strength in grace to make godly choices, resist temptation, and live with purpose.

✅ Allowing grace to sustain you in weakness, trusting that God’s power is enough.

✅ Being a visible reflection of God’s love, spreading kindness and compassion wherever you go.

By choosing grace daily, you create ripple effects of hope and healing in your community. It’s through these small, intentional acts of grace that we reflect God’s heart and invite others into His transformative love.

The Doctrine of Grace: A Pillar of Christian Theology

Grace isn’t just a comforting idea—it’s the cornerstone of Christian theology, shaping beliefs, behaviors, and the understanding of salvation.

At its heart, the doctrine of grace emphasizes that:

📌 Salvation is a gift from God, entirely unearned and undeserved.

This gift is made possible through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who paid the ultimate price for humanity’s redemption.

This transformative truth has shaped the course of Christian history in profound ways:

📌 Theological Contributions:

Augustine championed the idea of grace as essential for overcoming sin and achieving salvation, emphasizing human dependence on God’s mercy.
Martin Luther, during the Reformation, highlighted grace as the foundation of faith, rejecting the notion that human works alone could lead to salvation. His declaration, “justification by faith through grace,” reshaped Christian thought and practice.

📌 Doctrinal Evolution

The emphasis on grace prompted major theological shifts and inspired movements across history, creating a legacy of deeper reflection on God’s generosity.

Although interpretations of grace vary across Christian traditions, its core message remains consistent:

Catholicism often emphasizes grace through sacraments, viewing them as channels of divine favor and a means of receiving God’s grace in a tangible way.
Protestant traditions focus on grace as freely given, received through faith alone, with no reliance on works or rituals for salvation.
Eastern Orthodoxy highlights grace as God’s energy working within us, transforming believers into Christlike beings through divine participation.

Grace also profoundly influences worship and spiritual practices:

A Reminder of God’s Love: In prayer, hymns, and sacraments, believers are constantly reminded of God’s unmerited favor.
A Motivator for Humility and Gratitude: Recognizing grace inspires Christians to approach life with a sense of deep thankfulness and reliance on God.
A Call to Action: Grace motivates service, compassion, and a commitment to reflecting God’s love in daily life.

By embracing grace, Christians are encouraged to:

Align their lives with God’s purpose: Grace inspires a sense of devotion and moral transformation.
Foster grace-filled communities: Compassion, forgiveness, and understanding become guiding principles for building relationships.
Live with humility and dependence on God: Grace reminds believers that their achievements and salvation are not their own doing but a result of divine generosity.

In short, the doctrine of grace isn’t just a theological concept—it’s a living, breathing truth that shapes Christian thought and practice, uniting believers around the unshakable reality of God’s boundless love.

Living Gracefully: Practical Lessons for Today’s Christians

In today’s fast-paced and achievement-focused culture, embracing a grace-filled life offers both a challenge and a gift. Grace calls us to slow down, accept our imperfections, and extend kindness—not just to others, but to ourselves as well.

For many modern Christians, grace isn’t found in grand gestures but in quiet, everyday moments. It’s in forgiving someone who hurt you, finding peace in the face of failure, or choosing understanding over judgment. These seemingly small actions have a profound impact, creating ripple effects of love and healing in a world that craves both.

Personal stories from believers illustrate the transformative power of grace. For some, it’s the moment they finally accept that they are deeply loved, even amid their mistakes.

For others, it’s the courage to release long-held grudges and extend forgiveness. Time and time again, grace shows itself as a force that restores relationships, heals broken hearts, and inspires acts of selfless service.

Practical Ways to Live Out Grace Daily

1️⃣ Practice Gratitude

Reflect on God’s generosity in your life. Start your day by naming three things you’re thankful for, grounding yourself in the abundance of His grace.

2️⃣ Forgive Freely

Offer forgiveness even when it’s difficult. Remember, extending grace doesn’t excuse wrongdoing but frees you from bitterness.

3️⃣ Show Unconditional Kindness

Perform small acts of kindness—without expecting anything in return. Whether it’s helping a stranger or encouraging a friend, let your kindness reflect God’s love.

4️⃣ Choose Compassion Over Judgment

When someone frustrates or offends you, pause and try to understand their perspective. Seeing others through the lens of compassion creates opportunities for connection and reconciliation.

5️⃣ Be Patient with Yourself

Embrace your own imperfections and lean on God’s grace to grow. Permit yourself to fail, knowing that His love remains constant.

These practices, though simple, align our lives with the heart of God. They allow His grace to flow through us, touching the lives of those around us.

By living gracefully, we become a reflection of God’s boundless love in a world that desperately needs it.

The Ripple Effect of Grace: Transforming Lives and Communities

Grace is more than a theological concept; it’s an invitation to live differently. When we truly embrace grace, we are not only recipients of God’s boundless love and forgiveness but also transformed into conduits of that love, spreading it in practical and tangible ways.

Living out grace creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond individual experiences.

Imagine a world where:

✅ Patience replaces anger

Instead of snapping at others in frustration, we pause and choose understanding.

✅ Compassion takes the place of criticism

Rather than focusing on someone’s flaws, we empathize with their struggles and offer support.

✅ Forgiveness heals wounds

Old grudges lose their grip as grace inspires us to extend the same forgiveness we’ve received from God.

This vision may seem lofty, but it starts with small, intentional acts. Every time we choose grace, we contribute to a more loving and compassionate world. Grace isn’t passive, it’s active, transformative, and contagious.

For contemporary Christians, the challenge is to allow grace to guide our lives in a world that often prioritizes judgment, division, and self-interest.

This means:

📌 Making grace a daily choice: Embracing grace isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a continual commitment to let God’s love shape our thoughts, words, and actions.

📌 Responding with kindness, even in difficult situations: Grace reminds us to see others through God’s eyes, even when they challenge us.

📌 Fostering grace-filled relationships: By extending forgiveness, understanding, and unconditional love, we create stronger, healthier connections with those around us.

When grace becomes our guiding principle, it transforms not only our hearts but also our communities. It compels us to build bridges instead of walls, to seek unity over division, and to reflect God’s love in every interaction.

Final Thoughts: Living a Life Shaped by Grace

Grace isn’t just something we receive; it’s something we embody and share. It reminds us of our shared humanity and our divine connection to a loving God. By living a grace-filled life, we echo the heart of the Gospel—God’s unmerited love freely given to all.

In a world that often feels harsh and unforgiving, grace stands as a beacon of hope. It offers a way forward, not through striving or perfection, but through humility, compassion, and faith.

As you go about your daily life, remember this:

Grace is already at work within you, softening your heart, inspiring your actions, and reminding you that you are deeply loved.
Every time you extend grace to others—whether through patience, kindness, or forgiveness—you become a reflection of God’s transformative power.

Ultimately, a life shaped by grace isn’t just about receiving; it’s about giving. It’s about creating a ripple effect of love, compassion, and understanding that transforms not just individuals, but entire communities.

So, the next time you face a challenge, big or small, let grace be your guide. Let it remind you that you are part of something greater—a divine story of redemption, love, and purpose.

And in doing so, you’ll discover the true power of grace: its ability to not only change your life but also inspire a world that desperately needs its touch.

A split image of Jesus where one side shows Him in radiant light, depicting His divinity, and the other as a humble man walking among people, depicting His humanity.

Exploring The Humanity And Divinity Of Jesus Christ

By Alice | February 4, 2025 | Comments 2 comments

Like many others, do you often find yourself pondering the dual nature of Christ? How frequently do you encounter people, even fellow Christians, questioning or struggling to grasp this profound truth? What does understanding Christ’s divinity and humanity mean for our salvation and daily walk of faith?

In my more than twenty years of journeying in the Christian faith, I have wrestled with and reflected on these questions. I’ve also faced numerous conversations and debates surrounding Jesus’s divine identity.

By God’s grace and through diligent study of His Word, I’ve come to appreciate the beauty and necessity of Jesus being both fully God and fully man.

This post is for you—whether you’re a seasoned believer or someone newly exploring the depths of Christianity. I hope to equip and encourage you to understand, celebrate, and defend this foundational truth.

The Profound Mystery of Christ’s Dual Nature

The conversation about Jesus often stirs a blend of curiosity, reverence, and sometimes skepticism. He stands as the central figure of Christianity, claiming both an earthly and divine identity—a marvel that continues to captivate theologians and everyday believers alike.

What’s truly astounding is how Jesus embodies two complete natures: His humanity and divinity. These aren’t mixed or diluted, but rather perfectly united in one person. Understanding this isn’t just a theological exercise; it’s a journey that brings us closer to the heart of God and helps us grasp the depth of His love for us.

Let’s delve deeper into this truth and see how the dual nature of Christ beautifully unfolds in the story of our redemption.

The Divinity of Christ: Unveiling His Divine Nature

Unpacking the mystery of Jesus’ divinity reveals the grandeur of God’s plan. The Bible provides overwhelming evidence that Jesus is far more than just a wise teacher or prophet—He is God in the flesh.

Biblical Evidence of Christ’s Divinity

The Scriptures affirm Jesus’ divine nature. Let us look at these 3 Scriptures:

1. John 1:1

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

This verse is foundational to understanding the divinity of Christ and His eternal nature.

Here’s a deeper exploration:

A. The Word’s Eternal Existence

The phrase “In the beginning was the Word” mirrors the opening of Genesis 1:1. It highlights that Jesus (the Word) existed before creation, emphasizing His eternal nature.

B. Relationship with God

“The Word was with God” signifies a distinct relationship between the Son and the Father, indicating both unity and distinction within the Godhead.

C. Divine Identity

“The Word was God” clearly asserts Jesus’ full divinity. Unlike some translations that distort this phrase (e.g., claiming “the Word was a god”), the original Greek text uses the structure to affirm unequivocally that Jesus is God.

Yes, sadly, some groups attempt to twist this verse to fit their doctrines. However, understanding the original Greek text reveals the correct meaning: Jesus is God, not merely a subordinate or lesser deity.

D. The Word Became Flesh

Later in John 1:14, this divine Word is revealed to have become human in the person of Jesus Christ. This underscores His unique role in salvation—fully God and fully man.

John 1:1 invites us to reflect on the mystery of the incarnation and the grandeur of God’s plan for humanity. It calls believers to worship Jesus not merely as a wise teacher but as the eternal, divine Savior.

2. John 10:30

“I and the Father are one.”

This verse is one of the most profound declarations Jesus made regarding His divine identity.

This statement is not merely symbolic but highlights the essential unity between Jesus and God the Father.

To understand this verse in its full context:

A. Divine Unity

Jesus is declaring that He shares the same divine essence as the Father. The original Greek word for “one” (ἕν, hen) refers to unity in essence or nature rather than unity of purpose alone. This implies equality in divinity.

B. Context of Controversy

At this point in John’s Gospel, Jesus was being confronted by Jewish leaders. When He made this statement, they immediately sought to stone Him for blasphemy (John 10:31-33) because they understood His words as a claim to be God.

C. Relevance to Believers

For Christians, this verse affirms Jesus’ deity and His oneness with the Father, a cornerstone of Trinitarian belief. This understanding assures us of Christ’s authority and divine nature in providing salvation.

This declaration continues to be a foundational point in defending the divinity of Christ against theological misunderstandings or distortions.

3. Colossians 2:9

“For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”

This verse reveals a profound theological truth about Jesus Christ.

Key Insights:

A. “In Him dwells”

The word “dwells” (Greek: katoikei) implies a permanent, continual presence. This emphasizes that Christ doesn’t just temporarily or partially possess divine qualities. He embodies them fully and permanently.

B. “All the fullness”

The phrase signifies completeness. It’s not just a portion of God’s nature but the totality—the entire essence of the Godhead—that resides in Jesus.

C. “Godhead bodily”

This speaks to the incarnation, the mystery of God becoming man. The divine nature did not stay distant or abstract but became tangible and accessible through Christ. God revealed Himself fully in Jesus’ human form.

Practical Implications for Believers:

✅ Christ is sufficient: He is not merely a prophet or moral teacher; He is God incarnate, fully capable of saving us and meeting our every spiritual need.

✅ The completeness of salvation: Because Jesus is fully divine, His sacrifice on the cross is fully sufficient for our redemption.

✅ Relating to God: Jesus bridges the gap between humanity and God, allowing us to know God personally.

This verse encourages believers to recognize that in Christ, we encounter nothing less than the fullness of God Himself, made accessible and relatable to us in human form.

The Miracles and Authority of Jesus

Jesus’ divine identity is also revealed through His miraculous works:

✅ Power over nature — Calming the storm (Mark 4:39)

✅ Authority over life and death — Raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:43-44)

✅ Forgiveness of sins — A prerogative reserved for God alone (Mark 2:5-7)

Through these divine acts, Jesus didn’t just display power—He revealed His true nature. His words and actions affirm that He is God actively engaging with humanity.

The Humanity of Christ: Recognizing His Human Experiences

While Jesus was fully divine, He was also fully human.

This aspect of His nature is what makes Him relatable and approachable, offering us a God who truly understands our struggles.

Jesus’ Human Life and Experiences

The Bible highlights numerous aspects of Jesus’ humanity:

✅ Born of a woman — Through Mary (Galatians 4:4)

✅ Experienced physical needs — Hunger (Matthew 4:2), thirst (John 19:28), and exhaustion (John 4:6)

✅ Expressed emotions — Weeping at Lazarus’ death (John 11:35) and feeling anguish in Gethsemane (Luke 22:44)

These experiences show that Jesus walked the same path we do. He faced temptations, challenges, and pains, yet remained without sin (Hebrews 4:15). This makes His example all the more powerful—He understands our hardships firsthand.

Why Jesus’ Humanity Matters

The humanity of Christ is not just a theological concept but a truth with profound implications:

A. Sympathy in our struggles

Jesus knows what it means to suffer (Hebrews 2:18)

The phrase “He Himself has suffered, being tempted” emphasizes that Christ didn’t remain distant from the trials of human life. He faced hardships, pain, rejection, and temptation just like we do, but without sinning.

This firsthand experience of suffering allows Him to empathize with us in our weakness, making Him the perfect comforter and advocate when we face life’s challenges. When we bring our burdens to Him, we can trust that He genuinely understands and walks with us in every struggle.

B. The foundation for our salvation

He had to be human to die for our sins (Philippians 2:7-8)

Christ’s humanity made it possible for Him to fully represent us and bear the punishment for sin on our behalf. As Paul writes, He “emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.”

This humble act of incarnation and His obedience to death on the cross were essential steps in God’s redemptive plan. Through His perfect life and sacrificial death, Jesus fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law, offering us forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

C. Dignifying human life

God Himself lived as one of us, affirming our worth and demonstrating the profound value He places on humanity.

When Jesus chose to walk among us, He sanctified every aspect of human existence, showing that our daily lives, joys, and struggles are not trivial but meaningful in God’s eyes. His presence on earth highlights that no part of our human experience is beneath God’s notice.

This act of divine solidarity uplifts and dignifies every person, reminding us that we are created in His image and deeply loved.

Intertwining Natures: How Christ’s Dual Nature Aids Salvation

Jesus’ divinity and humanity are not opposing forces; they work together perfectly in God’s plan for redemption. His dual nature is essential for bridging the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity.

The Necessity of Christ’s Two Natures

A. As a human

He represented us and died in our place (Romans 5:8).

Jesus did not merely appear to be human; He truly took on flesh and fully participated in the human condition. He walked the dusty roads of this world, faced hunger, pain, and rejection, yet lived a perfect life without sin.

By becoming one of us, He qualified to be the perfect substitute for our sins. His sacrificial death on the cross wasn’t just a historical event—it was the ultimate demonstration of God’s love for us, as Paul reminds us (Romans 5:8).

This profound act of love and obedience underscores His complete identification with humanity, making Him the only one who could bridge the gap between sinful man and a holy God.

B. As God

His sacrifice had infinite value, sufficient to cover the sins of all (Hebrews 9:12).

This passage emphasizes the infinite value of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice due to His divine nature. Being God, Jesus was able to offer a sacrifice that transcended all limitations, making it sufficient to atone for the sins of all humanity.

Hebrews 9:12 highlights this truth by explaining that Christ entered the holy place not with the blood of animals but with His own precious, divine blood, securing eternal redemption.

Expanding further, the uniqueness of Christ’s divinity lies in the fact that only a sacrifice of infinite worth could satisfy the requirements of divine justice. Human beings, burdened by sin, could never achieve this.

Jesus’ dual nature as both fully God and fully man enabled Him to serve as the perfect bridge between a holy God and fallen humanity. His deity gave His sacrifice infinite significance, while His humanity allowed Him to be the representative substitute for mankind.

This profound truth reassures believers of the permanence and completeness of salvation. No additional sacrifice is needed, and no sin is beyond the scope of Christ’s redemptive power. His divine authority guarantees that His victory over sin and death is final, offering believers confidence in their eternal security.

C. Through His Resurrection

He conquered death and offers eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

Through His resurrection, Jesus demonstrated His victory over sin and death, solidifying the promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

The resurrection is not just a historical event but a triumphant declaration of God’s power to redeem and restore. It assures believers that death is not the end, offering hope and a glimpse of the glorious life to come in God’s presence.

By rising from the grave, Jesus paved the way for our future resurrection, giving us the confidence to face life’s trials with the assurance of everlasting life.

Some misconceptions suggest that Jesus was only divine or that His humanity diminished His divinity. Yet Scripture affirms that He was fully both, fulfilling the role of Mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).

Conclusion: Embracing and Reflecting on the Mystery of Christ

Understanding Jesus’ dual nature is no small task, but it’s a journey worth pursuing.

Recognizing that He is both fully God and fully man deepens our faith and enriches our relationship with Him.

Practical Implications for Believers

✅ Jesus understands our struggles — We can confidently approach Him in prayer (Hebrews 4:16).

✅ He has divine power to guide and strengthen us — His presence is constant (Matthew 28:20).

✅ His sacrifice secures our salvation — Our faith rests on His finished work (John 19:30).

As believers, we must hold fast to this truth and share it with others. Misconceptions may arise, but by diving into Scripture and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can gain clarity and confidence.

In your walk of faith, remember this: Jesus, fully divine and fully human, understands you, loves you, and walks alongside you. This remarkable union of God and man makes our relationship with Him not just transformative but deeply personal.

Let’s celebrate and proclaim this beautiful mystery—Christ with us, Christ for us.

God’s Decretive and Preceptive Will

By Admin | August 10, 2023 | Comments 4 comments

When it comes to the will of God, we must distinguish between His decretive and preceptive will. This is because some argue that there are apparent contradictions within the will of God.

A proper understanding of the two aspects of God’s will helps solve these contradictions.

What is God’s Will?

Everything depends on the will of God.

In creation and preservation (Psalm 135:6; Revelation 4:11; Jeremiah 18:6) and regeneration (John 1:13; James 1:18). We read God’s will in the suffering of Christ in Luke 22:42; Acts 2:23; 4:27-28. These are just a few of the clarity of God’s Word regarding the will of God in everything.

But what is God’s will? It is God’s perfect determination and sovereign ordination of all things, all unto the magnification of His utmost glory. When we say, “all things,” it pertains to both God Himself (including His decrees and actions) and His creation.

Two Aspects of God’s Will

As Bible-believing Christians, we acknowledge the importance of knowing God’s will in our lives. But how do we know if we are living under the will of God or not? By knowing His Word! We cannot say that we know God’s will without knowing His Word because the will of God is the Word of God.

However, we also need to make a clear distinction between the two aspects of God’s will.

Decretive Will

Some have called God’s decretive will His “secret will.” Yet, while the full extent is hidden, aspects of it are revealed. Take for instance predictive prophecy, in which we will never know the full extent of it but there are clues to some of its aspects.

God’s decretive will is God’s pleasure, his eternal, unchangeable counsel, or decree in which He has foreordained all things. It characterizes all of God’s essence, so it is eternal, immutable, independent, and omnipotent.

This does not mean that He is the immediate or efficient cause of all things. But that all things exist or occur by His eternal sovereign decree. God’s decretive will makes everything certain, but He does not coerce His creatures to do anything. He ordains the free choices of men.

Sin is in God’s overall plan. He does not condone His creatures’ disobedience, nor is He the immediate or efficient cause of sin (James 1:13). Also, God does not delight in the existence of sin, but He ordains it by His decree to accomplish the most wise and holy end of bringing ultimate glory to Himself (Romans 5:20-21; 9:17-24).

One should bear in mind two cautions about God’s decretive will. First, whenever God’s decretive will includes sin, that sin is certain to occur. But it will be initiated by the volition of the sinner.

Second, God’s meticulous providence includes Him upholding the various natural processes and even crafting the circumstances of an individual’s decision to sin. Of course, God does this without compromising His holiness.

Preceptive Will

God’s preceptive will consists of God’s precepts in the law and the Gospel for man’s conduct (Matthew 7:21; John 7:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; 1 John 2:17). This is often called God’s “revealed” or “signified” will.

At times, God’s decretive will and His preceptive will coincide, but often as part of His decretive will. God ordains that the creature disobeys His preceptive will. The Lord reveals His preceptive will through Scripture’s commands, prohibitions, warnings, chastening, and judgments.

The preceptive will of God is God’s will only in a prescriptive sense, His decretive will is the perfection that results in actual occurrences. The preceptive will reveals not what God will do but what He demands of His people.

Conclusion

God has included sin in His plan, forbidding man to sin yet using sin as a means of bringing the greatest amount of glory to Himself. See Genesis 50:20 and Acts 2:23.

In both His decretive will and preceptive will, God does not take pleasure in sin, nor does He determine to save all people. God executes His decretive will through His preceptive will.

The decretive will and preceptive will of God must be held in tension. To deny His preceptive will is to commit injustice against God’s holiness and to ignore the gravity of sin. But to deny God’s decretive will is to deny His omniscience, wisdom, omnipotence, and sovereignty.

Reference:

Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth by John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue

Long-Awaited Systematic Theology by Well-Known Pastor, Author, and President of the Master’s Seminary

Doctrine isn’t just for theologians―it’s important for every Christian because it shows us who God is and how we should live.

Systematizing the robust theology that has undergirded John MacArthur’s well-known preaching ministry for decades, this overview of basic Christian doctrine covers topics such as God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, salvation, and more.

Comprehensive in scope yet written to be accessible to the average reader―with non-technical vocabulary, minimal footnotes, and a helpful bibliography―this volume offers Christians a solid foundation for what they believe and why.

Finding True Peace in God

By Michael Heilman | December 25, 2022 | Comments 2 comments

Everybody wants peace to reign here on earth, especially during the Yuletide season. But what we need to understand is that we only find true peace in God.

It’s true; the world also offers some kind of peace. Isn’t that the theme of the Miss World and the Miss Universe beauty pageant? That’s why one of the common questions asked is how a contestant would help to achieve this should they win the crown.

Bible Verse: Luke 2:14, NKJV

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

The Jewish word shalom (“peace”) means much more than a truce in the battles of life. It means well-being, health, prosperity, security, soundness, and completeness. Peace has to do more with character than circumstances.

Life was difficult at that time just as it is today. Taxes were high, unemployment was high, morals were slipping lower, and the military state was in control.

Roman law, Greek philosophy, and even Jewish religion could not meet the needs of men’s hearts. Then God sent His Son.

Jesus, God’s Greatest Gift

We all love gifts, don’t we? Gift-giving on Christmas day isn’t just for kids anymore but for adults too. This is why all over the world, exchanging gifts is a tradition that doesn’t seem to be going away.

Did you know that even people who claim to not believe in Christ enjoy Christmas as much as Christians do?

But as followers of Christ, we must never forget what Christmas is all about. More than 2 thousand years ago in Bethlehem, God’s greatest gift came down to save mankind from sin (John 3:16). Jesus, the eternal God, came to dwell among us and became the ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of man.

So you see, gift-giving started with God. But He did not give us the most precious gift because we deserve it. We don’t, but He gave anyway.

We may never be able to out-give God. But knowing what God sacrificed for you, what are you willing to give to Him as a sign of your gratitude? If God asks for your time and talent, are you willing to say yes?

Celebrating Christ

Is it just me or is the Christmas season the busiest time of the year? Is it just me or is it also a very stressful time of year as well? Why do we make it so stressful?

Instead of meditating on the greatest gift that we received from God, we are so occupied with all the preparations. We spend so much time shopping for Christmas presents and delicious food to serve.

I see nothing wrong with celebrating Christmas with family and friends. But if our excitement for the festivities overshadows our gratitude to God then we need to reevaluate our priorities.

Aren’t we supposed to be celebrating the Creator of the universe giving humanity peace?

What are you celebrating every Christmas season?

Peace from the Prince of Peace

Throughout history, humanity has always fought with each other for their own fleshly sinful desires (James 4:1). And they continue to reject the Lord’s principles. Yet despite that, God still loves us anyway (Romans 5:8).

That is why the Lord sent peace down from above. Yeshua is the only one who could bring peace to this world and our hearts since He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

Only Yeshua can bring reconciliation and peace between the Lord and humanity (John 14:6).

Conclusion

Are you seeking peace on earth and goodwill to men? Peace comes only from Christ. The peace that is from above is not only peace to be reconciled to God. It is also enough peace to overcome the stressful times of our lives (John 16:33).

If you want peace, ask God and He will give it to you (Philippians 4:6-7).

Do you believe that the Lord can give you peace with God? Then you have to act like He can give you peace in all stressful circumstances just as He promised.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission when you use any links on this page to make a purchase, but at no additional cost to you.

Recommended Resource:

One Perfect Life: The Complete Story of the Lord Jesus by John F. MacArthur

Read the best news the world has ever been given about the most significant life in all history—Jesus Christ. In One Perfect Life, Dr. John MacArthur shares with us the complete story of the Eternal Christ from Genesis to Revelation.

Using Matthew as the base text, Dr. MacArthur blends the gospels and other biblical material about Jesus into one continuous story that will help you better understand Scripture and grow stronger in your faith.

No other harmony of the Gospels includes such extensive study notes to help you unpack the meaning of each verse.

Features include:

Verse-by-verse explanations from one of the most important pastor-teachers of our time
Every verse connected to Christ from Genesis to Revelation
A harmony of the Gospels that demonstrates the inerrancy of Scripture
New King James translation

Do You have to Go to Church to Go to Heaven?

By Alice | December 15, 2022 | Comments 0 Comment

In this post, let us answer the question, “Do you have to go to church to go to heaven?” In other words, do you have to go to church to be saved? Is church attendance a requirement for salvation?

This question is just one of the issues Protestants or born-again Christians and Roman Catholics disagree on. Catholics say that one needs to go to church to be saved while born-again Christians say you don’t. Interestingly, both groups use the Bible to justify their beliefs.

So, who is right?

Salvation by Faith Alone?

A couple of weeks ago, I landed on a website that claims the church is vital for salvation. Matthew, the author, went on to explain with several Bible verses why going to church is a requirement for entering heaven.

Here is part of what he wrote:

“Protestant Christianity believes in the principle of salvation by faith alone. Many Protestants interpret this to mean: ‘I don’t need the church to get me to heaven. All I need to do is believe in Christ. End of.’

Catholics and Orthodox Christians think differently here. In fact, there are probably a lot of Protestant groups that also disagree with this attitude toward the church.

For the Catholic and Orthodox mindsets, we believe that the Church is VITAL for salvation. And so, in conclusion, do we have to go to church to go to heaven?

ABSOLUTELY!

The only exceptions to this strict rule would be people who cannot get to Church, because of illness or other important matters.

The Church offers the world the holy sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist, plus others. We cannot get to heaven without the Church.

The Church is so important, that Catholics are bound – on pain of mortal sin – to attend Mass every Sunday and every holy day of obligation (of which there is about 5 yearly).

God loves us so much that he commands this of us with the highest kind of force: we must go to Church weekly if we want to be saved and go to heaven.”

Refuting a Catholic on Salvation

First of all, I have yet to hear a Protestant or born-again Christian interpret salvation by faith alone the way Matthew did in his article.

My comment on his article:

“I appreciate your boldness in tackling this very controversial topic.

Indeed, many people are asking this question: Does one need to go to church to go to heaven?

The only place where we could find the answer to these questions is the Bible itself. If we believe that the Bible is the sole authority then there shouldn’t be any problem and we will arrive at the same answer.

Nowhere in the Bible does it say that one needs to go to church to go to heaven.

If there’s any verse, please quote it to me.

Salvation is by grace through faith alone in Christ Jesus, not by works so that no one could boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). What Christ has accomplished was all that’s needed to redeem sinful man.

I am not saying that the church is irrelevant. We go to church for fellowship, listen to the Word of God, and edify and encourage other believers.

Also, we are exhorted not “to forsake our gathering together, so much more as we see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).

We go to church, get baptized, obey God’s command, and live according to God’s will. But we do all these not to gain passes to heaven or to be saved. God has already done the work for us to be saved.

Unfortunately, the author chose not to accept and publish my comment and noted the following reasons for rejecting it.

“God bless you, but I’m not happy to accept this comment on my site. I don’t wish to get into debates on my site between Protestants and Catholics in the comments, take care.”

Avoiding Debates

I do not mean to rant about him rejecting my comment. But when you publish a post like this on your website, you are already opening it up to debates. And you are not getting away with this that easily!

Just like when I published an article on the Difference between the Sabbath and the Lord’s Day. Using Scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments, I pointed out bluntly why Sabbatarians are wrong in their belief.

I received a comment from a Sabbatarian telling me how I am gravely mistaken for saying we do not have to keep the Sabbath. She also said that she doubts if I would even accept and publish her comment as it could be damaging to my site. But I approved her comment and explained further why I do not agree with her.

Going back to Matthew’s rejection of my comment, I wrote another comment saying that if he is confident in what he and his church are teaching, there’s no need to shy away from opposing views.

Again, he refused to publish it. I guess, he just wanted comments that agree with his views. After all, his target audience is Roman Catholics based on his website’s name and URL.

I understand that as the owner of his website, he has full control over what people can read either in the posts or comments. I just wish he’d be more open to differing views and then explain why he is correct and the other party is wrong. It would have been an opportunity for him to defend his views and shed light on some of the supposed misconceptions about Catholic beliefs.

How Do We Get Saved?

If going to church does not save, how then does one get saved? How do you know you are going to heaven? As I said in my comment on Matthew’s article, the only place where to find the answer is the Word of God.

So, let us look at what the Scriptures say about salvation, receiving eternal life, or going to heaven.

Be Born Again to Enter Heaven

I think we all know the story of Nicodemus, a Pharisee, and ruler of the Jews, who came to Jesus by night. Without Nicodemus asking directly how to get to heaven, Jesus plainly said he had to be born again (John 3:1-7).

Think about this for a moment; Nicodemus was a Pharisee and as such he strictly observed traditional rabbinic laws. Yet he had no assurance of salvation. In essence, he was asking Jesus what else he had to do or stop doing to earn a ticket to heaven.

Jesus’ statement was imperative; there is nothing Nicodemus or you and I could do to gain entry to heaven. What we need to do is get born again and become a follower of Christ. But what did Jesus mean exactly when He said, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”?

May I refer you to these articles on this site:

Born Again: A New Religion
Nicodemus Transformed by Jesus

Salvation is by Grace through Faith

Ephesians 2:8-9 is just one of the passages that make explicit the truth of salvation by grace through faith alone in the Lord Jesus. Salvation is a gift from God; we do not deserve it nor can we earn it. I am pretty sure you have already heard many times that grace means “undeserved favor.”

The verse says salvation is not by works which simply means there is nothing you can do to earn it. Let me say it again; salvation is a gift from God through the Lord Jesus Christ.

And since it is a gift, all we have to do is receive it just like we do any gift that other people give to us.

For more on this, you can check out Romans 3:20, Galatians 2:16, and Titus 3:5.

Jesus is the Way to the Father in Heaven

Jesus’ statement in John 14:6 is also explicit. Thomas said they didn’t know where the Lord was going and asked how would they know. In response, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

God’s dwelling place is in heaven and Jesus said He was going back to the Father. If we can get to heaven by going to church, why did Jesus have to lead the way? Why did He have to leave His throne above, suffer and die at the hands of His creation just to redeem us from sin?

My Conversation with a Muslim

I am reminded of my conversation with a former colleague who was a Muslim while I was based in the Middle East. Muslims believe that your final destiny after your life here on earth depends on your works. In other words, they believe in work-based salvation.

To qualify for heaven where Allah is, your good deeds would have to outweigh your bad deeds. This means you’ll never know while you are alive if you are going to heaven when you die or not. All they can do is keep earning good points by following strictly the five pillars of Islam.

I said to my colleague that there are only two places where man will go after life on earth – heaven or hell. If she wanted assurance into heaven she would have to confess Christ as her Lord and accept His gift of salvation. This is because Jesus is the way to heaven; not one of the ways but the only way.

She got mad and started yelling, “So, you are sending me to hell?” To which I replied, “Going to hell is a choice and a personal decision. It’s not God’s will that anyone should perish in hell that is why He sent His Son to suffer and die for us. Would you accept His gift of salvation?”

She got pissed all the more so I had to shut up.

The Role of the Church

If going to church does not save, what then is its role in the Christian life?

First of all, the church can refer to the building where we gather for worship or the people of God. That’s right; you, me, and we are the “church.” But for this particular post, I will be referencing the building as the church.

As I said to Matthew, going to church is necessary because this is where we serve God and our fellow believers in Jesus. The church is where we are trained for service and ministry (Ephesians 4:12). We go to church to praise and worship the Lord and hear God’s Word. The church is where we learn the fundamental doctrines of Christianity and also where we observe the Lord’s Supper.

When we got born again, we were adopted into God’s family and became part of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). As members of God’s family, we are to encourage and edify one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11-15).

So I say the church, our spiritual family, plays a vital role in our spiritual growth. Perhaps, it’s also in the church where you first heard the Good News of salvation. Praise the Lord for the church!

Conclusion

Just as baptism does not save, going to church does not contribute to one’s salvation.

It is only through the finished works of Christ that salvation became available to anyone. The Bible makes it clear that we are not saved by doing good works.

Rather, we gain entry to heaven because of what Christ has accomplished on the cross. Jesus, who is God, came to live as a perfect human being, submitted to the will of God and redeemed us from sin.

This is why when Jesus breathed His last, He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30). In essence, Jesus signaled the end of the Jewish sacrificial system and paid for all our sins.

But this does not mean we are to neglect to go to church. Just because we are already enjoying God’s gift of eternal life, we don’t need the church.

The church is our spiritual family and we are to care for it even more than our physical family.

Have you received God’s gift of eternal life by acknowledging you’re a sinner in need of salvation? Why don’t you do it right now? Confess your sins to God, receive His forgiveness, and surrender your life to Him as your Lord and Savior.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission when you use any links on this page to make a purchase, but at no additional cost to you.

Recommended Resource:

The Doctrine of Salvation: By Grace Through Faith, the Gift of God by Dave Hunt and T. A. McMahon

GUARANTEED to be OUT OF THIS WORLD—Salvation is truly “the gift that keeps on giving”—not only in this life but for all eternity.

It is called “the gift of God,” but what did it really cost? How can we possibly receive so rich a reward? And is there any danger that such an invaluable treasure can be lost or stolen?

This delightful little volume features 50 daily readings on the Doctrine of Salvation—a wealth of Scripture knowledge describing God’s invaluable gift to the world.

Mined from the media vault of Search the Scriptures Daily radio broadcast and condensed into a convenient devotional format, this treasure chest of biblical insights by Dave Hunt and T. A. McMahon is artfully arranged as a string of precious pearls, interspersed with devotional prayers, hymns, and heartfelt reflection.

In these pages, readers will find genuine hope of their blessed assurance and discover (or rediscover) the joy of their salvation in this life—sealed by God’s Solid Rock guarantee. “The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.” —2 Samuel 22:47

The Difference between Tithes and Offerings

By Alice | December 5, 2022 | Comments 0 Comment

Most Christians know the difference between tithes and offerings. But for the sake of those who do not know or are not aware, we will tackle this topic in this article.

If you go to a Christian church that believes in the principle of tithing, you must be familiar with the Bible verses that they use. If your church does not believe that Christians today should tithe, you must be accustomed only to the offerings.

But you must know that there are different kinds of offerings as we read in the Bible (Leviticus) namely:

Burnt offering (Leviticus 1:1-9)
Grain offering (Leviticus 2:1-16)
Peace offering (Leviticus 3:1-17)
Purification or Sin offering (Leviticus 4:1-35)
Guilt or Trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14-19)

In the New Testament, an offering could just be love, special, or simply a freewill offering.

Whether or not I believe that Christians today are commanded to tithe is not the scope of this post. There’s a separate article I wrote years ago on the Biblical Truth About Tithing. Should you want to read it, just follow the link.

The Tithe

Whenever we hear the word tithe, it simply refers to a tenth (10%) of all that we earn (Leviticus 27:30). Deuteronomy 14:22 commands, “Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.”

Wait a minute, what about Christians who do not have any field, how are they supposed to tithe? There have been a lot of debates and arguments about tithing. What’s interesting is that both sides (pro and anti) use the same Bible verses to justify their claim. So, whose right???

Law of Tithing in the OT

In context, Leviticus 27:28-30 talks about the devoted offering that is holy to the Lord. These are the things that God has especially “set apart” for Himself such as the spoils of war at Jericho (Joshua 6:17-18; 7:11-15).

Both objects and people could fit under this command. This means God put them under a ban so that they wholly belonged to Him. The major lesson is that God expects us to keep our commitments to Him and be honest in all our dealings with Him.

Deuteronomy 14:22 is one of the Bible verses that is often quoted when exhorting people to tithe. But while it specifically talks about setting aside a tenth, this verse is specific to that of agricultural produce that the land would provide.

This was a second tithe to be used for the celebration of convocations of worship at the sanctuary (Deuteronomy 14:23-26). The first is the Levitical tithe to support the priests and Levites who served the people (Leviticus 27:30-33; Numbers 18:21-32). A third welfare tithe was also offered every three years.

In contrast, the NT does not command us a specific amount to give. However, it urges us to give an amount that is in proportion to the blessings we are receiving. We are encouraged to give generously but our motive must always be to glorify God.

Testing God in Tithes

Another verse that is often used to exhort tithing is Malachi 3:10 wherein the Lord challenges the people to “test Him.” What does it mean to test God?

There are several examples in the Bible of both acceptable and unacceptable kinds of testing God. But what is acceptable and unacceptable? When doubt leads us to demand something from God to prove Himself to us, that is unacceptable. For instance, when the Israelites tested God in the wilderness. Regarding tithes and offerings, it is acceptable to “test” God.

The difference between these two kinds of testing is faith. By definition, faith takes risks (Hebrews 11:1). When true faith is present, obedience follows. It is that faith-inspired action of obedience that God desires.

When we give to God based on our faith in who He is, He proves Himself to be just that – faithful. In contrast, when we view God through our doubt and demand something of Him to see if He is trustworthy, we are in danger of testing God.

Are you testing God in a way that is acceptable to Him?

Special/Love/Free Will Offering

On top of the tithes we bring to God, Christians are encouraged to give offerings for special needs. Many ministries such as missionaries, pastors, relief organizations, refuge centers, church buildings, and Christian legal action groups depend on generous donations.

We give generously in support of our local church. This is where we are fed (spiritually) and it is our responsibility to help and support it. Can we help other ministries too? Of course! But let us not neglect the local church we are a part of.

We are also encouraged to give special offerings from a thankful heart. You see, God is interested in your heart, not just your actions (2 Corinthians 9:7). However, be warned not to give as a financial transaction to get rich.

The Bible tells us that God rewards generosity. But if our primary motive for giving is self-interest, we are making a major mistake.

We give generously to acknowledge God’s love.

Conclusion

Many Christians view tithes differently from offerings. The tithe is a tenth of all that we receive from God. On the other hand, an offering is any amount that we give in addition to the tithe.

Do we often find ourselves struggling to give in support of the Lord’s work? The key here is giving ourselves first to the Lord the way the Macedonian churches did. They gave amid their extreme poverty (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).

You may ask, “Do I need to separate them?” No, you don’t have to. You can give them at one time. God knows anyway how much you gave as your tithe and your offering.

When we give our tithes and offerings to the Lord, God promises to meet our needs and often rewards our generosity financially. But other times the refreshment God gives is something much more than money.

Let us not think only of blessing in terms of money and other material blessings. We may find ourselves lacking in material things but having a deeper relationship with God is more important.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission when you use any links on this page to make a purchase, but at no additional cost to you.

Recommended Resource:

Tithing: Test Me in This (The Ancient Practices Series) by Douglas Leblanc (Author) & Phyllis Tickle (Foreword)

Stories of people who live a generous and happy life (and why you’ll want to live that way too).

Journalist Douglas LeBlanc travels the nation to talk with believers whose lives have been enriched by the ancient spiritual discipline of tithing.

He discovers people along the way who do not understand the practice as an onerous law but as God’s call to a life of generosity and compassion. The effect on their lives is dramatic.

LeBlanc talks with a variety of believers-from a pastor in the south side of Chicago to progressive Episcopalians, from an Orthodox rabbi to an Eastern Orthodox priest and his wife.

By holding their gifts with open hands, they are drawn deeper into a life of joy and sharing that begins in the very heart of God.

What’s the Truth about God?

By Michael Heilman | November 30, 2022 | Comments 0 Comment

Who is God? What’s the truth about Him? Many people have asked this question.

With so many opinions, how is anyone able to figure out what the truth is since we have not spoken with or seen God? The reason we have not spoken with or seen God is that we are spiritually dead and God is holy.

Jesus is God

We read this in John 5:25, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live.”

In so many words, the only way man could find out who God is would be if God became a Man. In the above-mentioned verse, Jesus uses the title Son of God as a way to communicate the truth. And that He is the only one that has seen and spoken with God and was God Himself.

God the Son who is from all eternity had the right to grant life. The distinction involves Jesus’ deity versus His incarnation. In becoming a man, Jesus voluntarily set aside the independent exercise of His divine attributes and prerogatives (Philippians 2:6-11).

Jesus here affirmed that even in His humanity, the Father granted Him the “life-giving” power, i.e, the power of resurrection.

The truth about Jesus being God is confirmed by John 1:1, 14. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

These verses further elaborate on the fact that all of reality was spoken into existence by the Word.

The Word Created Everything

The Word had all the essence or attributes of a deity. Jesus the Messiah was fully God and He was the Father’s agent involved in creating everything in the universe (Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:2), including you and I.

While Christ as God was uncreated and eternal, the word “became” emphasizes Christ’s taking on humanity (John 1:14). This indicates that the infinite became finite and the eternal was conformed to time. The invisible God became visible and the supernatural One reduced Himself to the natural.

Since we were created by the Word, wouldn’t that mean we are accountable to Him? John 1:14 is saying that Jesus, who is God, became Man: the only begotten Son of God became the Son of Man. Why would the God of the universe become a Man?

John 3:16 gives us the reason why. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

The Supreme Love of God

The Son’s mission is bound up in the supreme love of God for the evil, sinful world of humanity that is in rebellion against Him. The word “so” emphasizes the intensity or greatness of His love. The Father gave His unique and beloved Son to die on behalf of sinful men (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Because of rebellion, man became the enemy of God. But through the work of Christ on the cross, He brought man and God together again. God has been reconciled with man and has turned His face in love toward the lost world

Since God loves us and our sin has already condemned us, Jesus did not need to condemn us. We need salvation from our own sinful choices and attitudes. No matter how righteous anyone thinks they are, they are nothing compared to God, since we all have broken God’s law.

God Redeemed Sinful Man

Lust is adultery to God. Little white lies are still lies to God. Stealing is still wrong to God. Hatred is the same as murder to God. Being fanatical toward anything other than God is idolatry. All of these and many more are sins toward God.

In spite of all of our sins, Jesus came to save us and clean us up so that we could spend eternity with Him. Jesus loves everyone enough He does not want anyone to go to hell and be separated from Him for eternity. He loves us so much that He suffered, died, and rose again so that we would have a way to become right with God.

Christ died that we might die and He died that we might live. But He also died so that we might share in the new creation. Our new relationship with Christ has brought about a new relationship with the world and the people around us.

Jesus is the Truth of God

Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

This is the sixth “I am” statement of Jesus in John (see John 6:35; 8:12; 10:7, 9; 10:11, 14; 11:25; 15:1, 5).In response to Thomas’ query, Jesus declared that He is the way to God because He is the truth of God and the life of God.

In this verse, the exclusiveness of Jesus as the only approach to the Father is emphatic. Only one way, not many ways, exist to God, i.e, Jesus Christ (John 10:7-9; Matthew 7:13-14; Luke 13:24; Acts 4:12).

Conclusion

Then the question is, do you believe the truth about God? Do you believe that God became a Man, died, and rose again? God did all these to save you from the punishment of your own sinful choices so you could know who He is. God desires to change you and be right with Him.

The Bible tells us in John 3:17-18, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned. But he who does not believe is condemned already because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

If you sincerely believe these passages, talk to God about it. Repent of your sin and ask for forgiveness offered through the finished work of Jesus Christ and you will be saved.

Strive to know the real truth about God and live every day to please Him.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission when you use any links on this page to make a purchase, but at no additional cost to you.

Recommended Resource:

Knowing God by J. I. Packer

For over 40 years, J. I. Packer’s classic has been an important tool to help Christians around the world discover the wonder, the glory, and the joy of knowing God.

In 2006, Christianity Today voted this title one of the top 50 books that have shaped evangelicals, and this 20th-anniversary edition is updated with Americanized language and spelling, and a new preface by the author.

Stemming from Packer’s profound theological knowledge, Knowing God brings together two important facets of the Christian faith― knowing about God and also knowing God through the context of a close relationship with the person of Jesus Christ.

Written in an engaging and practical tone, this thought-provoking work seeks to transform and enrich the Christian understanding of God.

Explaining both who God is and how we can relate to him, Packer divides his book into three sections: The first directs our attention to how and why we know God, the second to the attributes of God, and the third to the benefits enjoyed by a those who know him intimately.

This guide leads readers to a greater understanding of God while providing advice to gain a closer relationship with him as a result.

Just Do It: Revisited

By Michael Heilman | November 10, 2022 | Comments 0 Comment

Has someone ever told you to do something and when you asked why, they simply said, “Just do it?” When this happens, I can’t blame you for not wanting to do as you’re told. We all have the freedom to think for ourselves and decide to do what we’re asked to do or not.

How do we know if what someone asked us to do is beneficial to us or not? They can’t just expect us to take them at their word, right? But what if it’s God telling us something and adding, “Just do it.” Will that make a difference?

Bible Verse: Ecclesiastes 12:13, NIV

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”

The book of Ecclesiastes ends where the book of Proverbs begins (Proverbs 1:7), with an admonition for us to fear God. The fear of the Lord is that attitude of reverence and awe that His people show Him because they love Him. Christians also fear the Lord because they respect His power and His greatness.

The Fear of God

When a person fears God, he/she will pay attention to His Word and obey it. He or she will not tempt the Lord by deliberately disobeying or by playing with sin. An unholy fear makes people run away from God. But a holy fear brings them to their knees in loving submission to God.

The fear of the Lord must result in obedient living, otherwise, that “fear” is only a sham. One who is a dedicated believer will want to spend time daily in Scripture, getting to know the Father better and discovering His will.

Doing What is Right

There is a popular company today with the slogan, “Just Do It.” What does that mean? Could it mean we just do it because we think it is right? Or just do it because it feels good? Perhaps we just do it because the government approves of it?

Well, it sounds like “Just Do It” is based on the phrase, “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.” Thus implying that our choices do not have consequences and we are not accountable to anyone but ourselves.

This is just outright unbiblical! Ecclesiastes 12:13 says humanity’s first duty is to fear God and His Word. Our first responsibility is not only to fear God because we are accountable to Him. If we continue reading Ecclesiastes 12:14, it says God will bring every work into judgment. God will judge even every secret thing we have done, whether good or bad.

We need to understand that God created life, therefore, He alone knows how to manage it. He wrote the instruction manual, and wise is the person who reads and obeys.

Final Words

I must reiterate that each of us has the freedom to make decisions for ourselves. When somebody tells you to do something, you have the right to decide whether you will do it or not. Even when the government or somebody in authority orders you to do something, you must think about the possible effects.

I’d say it’s another thing when it’s God telling Christians to just do it. We can trust that God desires what’s best for His children. God will never tell us to do something that would harm us.

God exhorted His born-again children to live in self-control daily (Galatians 5:23). With the help of the Holy Spirit, God will; enable us to make choices that honor Him rather than choices to please ourselves.

Every person, saved or lost, should ask themselves, “Am I living with a Just do it attitude? Or am I living with the fear of God and making biblical choices?”

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission when you use any links on this page to make a purchase, but at no additional cost to you.

Recommended Resource:

Saying Yes to God: How to Keep in Step with the Spirit by Timothy Geoffrion

Saying Yes to God is written to help maturing Christians better recognize the voice of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

The book is a practical resource for those looking for fresh insight to break through barriers and personal limitations in their relationship with God.

In effect, this book offers hope to all those who earnestly want to know God better and to live Christ-centered, Spirit-led lives.

Readers will not feel judged or shamed but will hear a gentle but firm and persistent call to believe that God truly is at work in their lives, calling and leading them.

Not only can they learn to recognize the Spirit’s voice better, but they can learn how to work with God in tremendously satisfying and fruitful ways.

This book’s particular contribution lies in its simple presentation of important spiritual concepts, use of illustrations drawn from the author’s spiritual life coaching practice, and global teaching ministry.

It has a special emphasis on how to love others better as an outflow of one’s faith and personal relationship with God.

Trusting God During Sufferings

By Alice | October 20, 2022 | Comments 6 comments

Being a Christian is easy when everything seems to be going the way we want them to be. But can we still trust God during difficult times? How do you tell the suffering to trust God when you can’t possibly relate to what they’re going through?

God is powerful; He can stop all the evil in the world in just a snap of a finger. I mean, He can do it by the power of His Word because He is omnipotent. Nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37), right? But the question most people ask is, “How can a good God allow suffering?” More importantly, “Why does God allow His children to go through trials and tribulations?”

These are the questions Christians need to learn to answer when dealing with people who do not believe in God. What possible reasons could we tell atheists why we believe in a God who allows suffering?

In this article, we will look at the 7 reasons to believe in God amid difficulties and suffering.

1. Suffering Reveals What is in Our Hearts

The reality is that our suffering often comes as a result of other people’s actions. We hear of families being oppressed by wealthy and influential people. Some even go to the extent of hiring paid assassins to eliminate their enemies. There is no question that these kinds of deeds are evil!

But suffering also has a way of revealing what is in our hearts. How do we respond when we are on the receiving end of these atrocities?

We may never know how much love, mercy, envy, anger, and pride can lie dormant in us until awakened by circumstances. We must understand that the strengths and weaknesses of the heart are not found when everything is going our way. Rather, it is when flames of suffering and temptation test the mettle of our character.

Gold and silver are refined by fire and coal needs time and pressure to become a diamond. In the same way, the pressure we endure as well as the heat of time, and the circumstances we experience reveal and develop the human heart.

You may refer to the following passages to see what the Bible has to say about suffering:

Job 42:1-17
James 1:2-5
Romans 5:3-5
1 Peter 1:6-8

2. Suffering Loosens Our Grip on this Life

Everybody grows old, so they say. No one stays young and vibrant forever. And when we realize we are not as young and relevant to society as we used to be, we start thinking of our future departure.

In time, people will seek our work and opinions less and less. Our bodies inevitably become increasingly worse for the wear and we gradually succumb to obsolescence. Joints stiffen and ache, eyes grow dim, digestion slows down, and sleep becomes difficult. Worse, we face problems that loom larger and larger while options narrow.

These are all signs that we are nearing the end of our earthly existence. Yet, death is not the end but the threshold of a new day and the curse of old age becomes a blessing. As we go through pain and suffering, this world we’re living in becomes less attractive and the next life more appealing.

Pain, suffering, trials, and difficulties pave the way for a graceful exit. See Ecclesiastes 12:1-14.

3. Suffering Comes with the Freedom to Choose

Every loving parent would do anything to protect their children from unnecessary pain. At the same time, wise parents know the danger of over-protection. If parents would lovingly allow their kids to go out of their way and make choices of their own, how much more with our heavenly Father?

The freedom to choose is at the heart of what it means to be human. This is because a world without choice would be worse than a world without pain and suffering. God has given each of us the freedom to choose between good and evil, life and death, blessing and curse, and Him over Satan (Deuteronomy 30:15-20).

Most of the time, our suffering is a result of making the wrong choices. Adam and Eve chose to disobey God and as a result, sin and curse entered the world (Romans 5:12-21).

4. Pain Can Warn Us of Danger

Nobody wants to experience pain. We hate pain, especially in those we love. Yet, without pain and discomfort, the sick wouldn’t go to the doctor. Hard-working people refuse to slow down and rest unless their body signals that things are bad. Without the consequence of facing suffering in jail, criminals wouldn’t fear the law.

Children would laugh at correction if they know they could get away with almost anything. We’ll never know the damage that fire can do if we don’t feel the pain caused by accidentally touching a burning matchstick.

King Solomon is an example of how even the wisest among us tend to drift from good and God. He drowned in pleasure that resulted in pain because of his shortsighted choices. But God used his pain to teach him a lesson and make him realize his mistakes.

See Ecclesiastes chapters 1 to 12, Psalms 78:34-35, and Romans 3:10-18.

5. God Suffers with Us

Whenever we suffer, let us always remember that no one has suffered more than our Father in heaven. If there’s anyone who paid more dearly for the allowance of sin into the world, it’s God.

It’s God who continuously grieved over the pain of a race that had gone bad. And no one has suffered more than the One who, when He stretched out His arms and died, showed us what true love means. In drawing us to Himself, it is this God who asks us to trust Him when we are suffering and when our loved ones cry out in our presence.

Every time you feel alone in your suffering, know that God suffered first. He knows exactly what you’re feeling because He’s been there and suffered more than you can imagine. Christ modeled what it means to suffer (1 Peter 2:21; 3:18; 4:1).

6. We Find One Another in Times of Crisis

I do not know of anyone who would choose pain and suffering. But when faced with such, our consolation is that we are never alone. Natural disasters and times of crisis have a way of bringing us together. Hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, accidents, illnesses, and even riots all have a way of bringing us to our senses.

Who can ever forget Hurricane Katrina in 2005? This was the largest and third-strongest hurricane ever recorded to make landfall in the US. It caused over 1,800 fatalities and $125B in damages, especially in the city of New Orleans and surrounding areas. But it resulted in more than 70 countries pledging monetary donations and other assistance.

When tragedies like this happen, suddenly we remember our own mortality and that people are more important than things. We remember that we do need one another and that, above all, we need God.

7. Suffering Is for Our Good

In many instances in the Bible, God turned suffering around for the good of the people involved.

Through Job’s suffering, we see a man who did not only come to a deeper understanding of God. Also, he became a source of encouragement for people in every generation to follow. Today, many preachers and day-to-day Christians use Job’s example to encourage others that God always has a purpose for allowing suffering.

Through the rejection, betrayal, enslavement, and wrongful imprisonment of Joseph, we see someone who came to realize that his suffering was God’s hands at work. God is sovereign and as one pastor often says, “Nothing happens without God’s permission.”

When everything in us screams at the heavens for allowing suffering, we have reason to look at the eternal outcome and joy of Jesus. Our Lord in His own suffering on an executioner’s cross cried, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me” (Matthew 7:46)?

Conclusion

Why should we trust God during difficult times? It’s because God is God no matter what. The pain and suffering we are experiencing are not reasons to not believe in the God who created everything out of love. God eternally exists regardless of our circumstances and He loves us unconditionally.

We can trust God in suffering because we know that God’s comfort is always greater than our suffering.

The apostle Paul pleaded with the Lord to take away an identified source of suffering. But the Lord declined, saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Since death is not the end of everything, we are assured that the end of this life brings us to the threshold of eternity. And the most fortunate people in the universe are those who discover through suffering that this life is not all we have to live for.

The people who found the eternal God through their suffering have not wasted their pain. Instead, they are the ones who will discover their unending joy in the Lord.

Are you able to say, “I believe in God and trust in Him even during pain and suffering?”

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission when you use any links on this page to make a purchase, but at no additional cost to you.

Recommended Resource:

Walking with God through Pain and Suffering by Timothy Keller

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Prodigal Prophet Timothy Keller comes the definitive Christian book on why bad things happen and how we should respond to them.

The question of why God would allow pain and suffering in the world have vexed believers and nonbelievers for millennia.

Timothy Keller, whose books have sold millions of copies to both religious and secular readers, takes on this enduring issue and shows that there is meaning and reason behind our pain and suffering.

Keller makes a forceful and ground-breaking case that this essential part of the human experience can be overcome only by understanding our relationship with God.

As the pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, Timothy Keller is known for his unique insights into religion and culture. Keller’s series of books has guided countless readers in their spiritual journeys.

Walking with God through Pain and Suffering uses biblical wisdom and personal stories of overcoming adversity to bring a much-needed, fresh viewpoint to this important issue.

Comfort One Another (Scripture Verse)

By Michael Heilman | October 15, 2022 | Comments 0 Comment

There are so many things in this world that could discourage believers in Jesus. Many countries are still suffering economically as a result of the global Covid-19 pandemic. Several schools are still to resume full face-to-face classes and many businesses never got to reopen.

How then are we supposed to comfort one another as the Scriptures say?

Bible Verse: 1 Thessalonians 4:18, NKJV

“Therefore, comfort one another with these words.”

In his letter to the church in Thessalonica, Paul addressed the concern of those whose loved ones have died (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). After hearing Paul teach about the mystery of the Rapture, the people had come to believe it and hope for the reality of their Savior’s return. They were living in expectation of that coming, eagerly awaiting Christ.

Verse 13 indicates they were even agitated about some things that were happening to them that might affect their participation in it. They knew Christ’s return was the climactic event in redemptive history and didn’t want to miss it. The major question they had was, “What happens to the Christians who die before He comes? Do they miss His return?”

They had an imminent view of Christ’s return, and Paul had left the impression it could happen in their lifetime. Their confusion came as they were being persecuted, an experience they thought they were to be delivered from by the Lord’s return.

Christ’s Return – The Blessed Hope

Paul then explained to them in detail the chronology of events that will take place when Christ comes back for His church (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). He exhorted them to comfort one another because there is hope for the believers in Christ. This is the blessed hope that the Lord will “catch away” those who belong to Him before the Day of the Lord comes.

The primary purpose of 1 Thessalonians 4:18 is not to teach a scheme of prophecy. Rather, it is to encourage those Christians whose loved ones have died before the Rapture happens. The comfort here is based on the following:

Christ will resurrect the dead and will participate in the Lord’s coming for His own.
When Christ comes, the believers who are alive will be reunited with their loved ones.
They all will be with the Lord eternally.

Comfort One Another

What is so comforting about these words from 1 Thessalonians 4:13? We have hope that the world cannot offer.

This world has so many different addictions in their search for hope but they are not able to find it. It’s because they refuse to turn to the only One who can give them hope – Jesus Christ. Have you turned to Christ?

Since Jesus conquered death and the grave, those who trust in Him will receive a new and perfect body (1 Thessalonians 4:14). There is coming a day when all the saved, both the dead and alive in Christ will be caught up to be with Jesus forevermore (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17).

It is also comforting to know that God has not appointed the church to endure the wrath of God on this earth (1Thessalonians 5:9). The outpouring of God’s wrath will begin when the seals are opened (Revelation 6:1-17) which occurs after the Rapture.

Be Watchful and Sober

1 Thessalonians 5:6 gives us instructions on how to respond to God’s words. We should not sleep as others do, but let us watch and be sober. What are we watching for?

There are many indicators that Jesus will be returning for His church soon. Two prophecies that are being fulfilled are in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4.

The falling away from Biblical Christianity has already begun. Very few will listen to preaching against sin. On the contrary, many churches endorse sin. Only a few know how to share the Gospel with others. In some cases, many Christians are too afraid to give the Gospel because it might be considered “taboo” in their community.

This is exactly why biblical literacy is at an all-time low. We can cite many examples that there is a visible falling away from Biblical Christianity.

The other prophecy is the rebuilding of the third Temple. Not only is there a political party pushing to rebuild the Temple, but five red heifers just arrived in Israel as a sacrifice in the new Temple.

Israel is also building a railroad to transport people to the Temple from the airport starting in April 2023 just in time for Passover. In so many words, the Jews are planning on having the Temple by April next year.

We all better be watching for the return of Christ; He is coming soon!

Final Words

How strong is your desire to know and obey what God says? Are you comforting others with the words of assurance from God? There may be chaos in this world and many reasons to be discouraged.

But God’s word is true and trustworthy. We can hold on to the blessed hope that the Lord is coming to save us from the wrath of God. We must continue to encourage and comfort one another, especially in times when we see others losing hope.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission when you use any links on this page to make a purchase, but at no additional cost to you.

Recommended Resource:

Can We Still Believe in the Rapture by Ed Hindson and Mark Hitchcock

Christian Fiction … or Biblical Fact?

Today, the hope that all believers on earth will be “caught up” to heaven is being challenged by new waves of criticism.

Is the rapture really taught in the Bible? Can we really expect Jesus to gather up His followers before the Antichrist is revealed?

In this well-reasoned and thorough defense, prophecy authors Mark Hitchcock and Ed Hindson examine the concept, context, and consequences of the important and long-expected event known as the rapture.

Discover the answers to such questions as…

What is the rapture—and is there any historical precedent for it?
Why do some believers object to the idea of a rapture?
Does the timing of the rapture really make a difference?

As you explore what Scripture says about the end times, you’ll get a grander glimpse of your glorious future and the deepest hope of every follower of Jesus.