The verse that contains this statement is 2 Peter 3:9, which says “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” This verse gives us insight into the heart and character of God. Here are a few key things we can understand from this verse: 1. God desires all people to be saved This verse makes it clear that it is God’s desire for every single person to repent and be saved. God takes no pleasure in anyone perishing…
Author: Kristal Wheatley
The Bible has a lot to say about rebuke and correction. Here is an overview of some key Bible passages that discuss rebuking others: Proverbs The book of Proverbs contains many verses about rebuke and correction: “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.” (Proverbs 12:1) “Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue.” (Proverbs 28:23) “Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.” (Proverbs 9:8) “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds…
Covenants are a central theme in the Bible. A covenant is a solemn agreement between two parties that involves promises on behalf of each party. The Bible records covenants between God and man (Genesis 6:18; Genesis 9:9; Genesis 15; Exodus 19-24; Jeremiah 31:31-34), covenants between men (Genesis 21:22-34), and covenants between tribes and nations (Joshua 9:6-15). Here are some key Bible verses about covenants: Covenants between God and man “I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you.” (Genesis 6:18) “Behold, I establish my…
The 613 commandments, also known as the Law of Moses, refer to the commandments and laws that God gave to the Israelites through Moses after their exodus from Egypt. These laws and commandments are found scattered throughout the first five books of the Bible (known as the Torah or Pentateuch). While the exact number of commandments is subject to some debate, a traditional count puts it at 613. These cover a wide range of topics, including moral laws, ceremonial laws, civil laws, and more. Some key aspects of the 613 commandments include: Moral Laws These relate to fundamental ethical and…
Testing and trials are a common theme throughout the Bible. God often uses difficult times and circumstances to refine His people, build their character, and draw them closer to Himself. Here are some key Bible verses about testing and what the Bible says about God’s purposes in allowing trials: God tests and refines His people “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (James 1:2-3) “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,…
Influence is a powerful force that can shape lives and destinies. As Christians, we are called to be discerning about the influences in our lives and to live in a way that positively impacts those around us. Here is an extensive look at what the Bible says about influence: Being an example and lighting the way for others Christians are exhorted to live in a way that sets a positive example and shines the light of Christ, so that others may see their good works and glorify God (Matthew 5:14-16). We are to exercise care and wisdom in how we…
The Catholic Church is the largest Christian church in the world, with over 1.3 billion followers. As such, it has a rich history and complex theology that can raise many questions for both Catholics and non-Catholics alike. In this article, we will attempt to shed light on some common Catholic questions by examining what the Bible has to say on these topics. What is the purpose and origin of the Pope? The Pope is the bishop of Rome and head of the worldwide Catholic Church. Catholics believe the Pope is the successor to Saint Peter, whom Jesus appointed as the…
Shepherds play an important role throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament prophets who likened God to a shepherd leading his flock, to Jesus who called himself the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. Here is an overview of some of the key Bible passages that mention shepherds and what they teach us: 1. God as the shepherd of His people One of the most common metaphors in the Bible is comparing God to a shepherd who cares for his flock. For example: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1) “He is…
The Gnostic gospels refer to a collection of ancient texts dating back to the 2nd century AD which contain alternate accounts and perspectives about Jesus Christ and early Christianity that differ from the New Testament gospels. Gnosticism was an early Christian movement which held that salvation came through secret knowledge, or gnosis in Greek. The Gnostic gospels are not part of the standard Biblical canon and their authorship and origins remain uncertain. Some key points about the Gnostic gospels: They include texts such as the Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Mary, Gospel of Judas and others discovered later like the…
The Catholic Church teaches that in addition to faith, good works are necessary for salvation. Good works are actions done out of love for God and neighbor. The Bible affirms the necessity of both faith and works: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10) “What good is it, my brothers,…