The book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible offers profound wisdom about the meaning of life. One particularly insightful verse is Ecclesiastes 4:9, which states: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.” This verse teaches an important truth – that there are great benefits when two people join together in a common purpose. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind Ecclesiastes 4:9 and explain why two are better than one according to the Bible. We will look at how two people can support each other, provide accountability, increase productivity, find safety, and…
Author: Aaron Chin
The phrase “pride of Jacob” appears in Amos 8:7, which says: “The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob: “Surely I will never forget any of their deeds.” This verse is part of a passage in which God declares judgment on Israel for their social injustice and lack of regard for Him. But what exactly is meant by the “pride of Jacob”? Here are some potential interpretations: Jacob’s Descendants One possibility is that “pride of Jacob” refers collectively to the descendants of Jacob, who was later renamed Israel. The nation of Israel traced its origin back to Jacob and…
The Book of Life is mentioned several times in the Bible, primarily in the book of Revelation. It is described as a record containing the names of all who have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches about the Book of Life: It Contains the Names of the Righteous The Book of Life contains the names of all who have been declared righteous through faith in Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:3, Revelation 3:5, Revelation 13:8, Revelation 17:8, Revelation 20:12, Revelation 20:15). Being written in the Book of Life signifies eternal life in…
The practice of communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist, holds great significance for Christians. It serves as a remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and a celebration of the new covenant established through His blood. The specific method by which communion is practiced, however, has been a source of debate throughout church history. One particular method – intinction – has raised questions about whether it aligns properly with Scripture and tradition. Intinction refers to dipping the communion bread into the wine before consumption. Rather than drinking from a shared cup, the bread acts as a vehicle…
The phrase “outer darkness” appears only three times in the Bible, and all three uses are by Jesus himself in the Gospel of Matthew. Many scholars believe Jesus uses this cryptic phrase as a way to describe the experience of those who are excluded from God’s kingdom and presence. The first reference is in Matthew 8:12, where Jesus says this to some Jews who doubted his authority: “While the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Here, Jesus contrasts outer darkness with the “kingdom” and…
The Bible teaches that all people have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). As a result of sin, humanity is separated from God and subject to death and condemnation. However, God loves us and desires reconciliation. Out of His great love, God sent His Son Jesus to pay the ransom for our sins through His sacrificial death on the cross. A ransom is a price paid to redeem someone or something. The concept of Jesus paying a ransom for humanity is found throughout the New Testament: Jesus stated that He came to give His life as a…
The phrase “today is the day of salvation” comes from 2 Corinthians 6:2 which says, “For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” This verse, written by the apostle Paul, refers to the truth that today, the present day, is when people can receive salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. What does it mean then that today is the day of salvation? Here are several key points: 1. Salvation is available…
The topic of blasphemy in the Old Testament is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, there are clear injunctions in the Mosaic Law that specify the death penalty as punishment for blasphemy. However, there are also examples and principles that point to mercy, repentance, and forgiveness. Gaining a balanced perspective requires a nuanced understanding of the biblical texts in their proper context. Old Testament Passages on Blasphemy and Death There are three primary passages in the Pentateuch (the five books of Moses) that prescribe the death penalty for blasphemy: Leviticus 24:10-16 – The instance of a man blaspheming the name…
John Owen (1616-1683) was an important English theologian and pastor during the 17th century. He was a leading figure among the Congregationalists and has been called the “Prince of the Puritans”. Owen played a key role in the development of Calvinist theology in England in the post-Reformation era. John Owen was born in 1616 in Stadhampton, Oxfordshire, England. He studied at Queen’s College, Oxford, and was ordained as a priest in the Church of England in 1635. However, Owen became dissatisfied with the Church of England and joined the Congregationalists, who emphasized local church autonomy and the priesthood of all…
What did Jesus mean when He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6)? This statement from Jesus in John 14:6 is packed with meaning. Let’s break it down phrase by phrase: “I am the way” Jesus is claiming exclusivity here. He is not merely showing the way, but claiming that He alone is the way to God. There are not many paths that lead to God, but only one – and Jesus is it. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but…