The doctrine of penal substitution is a biblical teaching that Jesus Christ died as a substitute for sinners, taking the punishment for their sin upon himself. This doctrine has been a cornerstone of evangelical Protestant theology for centuries. Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches about penal substitution: Definition of Penal Substitution The term “penal substitution” refers to the concept that Christ bore the penalty for sin in place of sinners. The word “penal” means relating to punishment for breaking laws. “Substitution” means the act of substituting one thing for another. So penal substitution is the act of…
Author: Kristal Wheatley
The Bible has a lot to say about pettiness, which is the tendency to focus on small or unimportant matters in a way that is annoying or unproductive. While the word “petty” itself may not appear often, Scripture frequently condemns attitudes and behaviors that could be described as petty. One key teaching is that Christians should avoid being petty or quarrelsome with others. We see this in 2 Timothy 2:23-24: “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently…
At first glance, there appears to be a contradiction between the Gospel accounts regarding how many blind men Jesus healed as he left Jericho. Matthew 20:29-34 describes Jesus healing two blind men, while Mark 10:46-52 and Luke 18:35-43 only mention one blind man being healed. However, when the passages are examined more closely, a plausible explanation emerges that resolves this apparent discrepancy. The Passages in Question Let’s look first at the specifics of what each Gospel says about this healing miracle: Matthew 20:29-34 As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were…
The issue of Christians participating in protests and demonstrations is complex. There are various factors to consider from a biblical perspective when determining whether or not this type of activism aligns with Christian values. On one hand, the Bible encourages Christians to be good citizens and respect governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17). Organized protests often involve some level of civil disobedience or public disruption which could contradict these principles. Additionally, protests frequently escalate to violence, property damage or other illegal activities which Christians are called to avoid (Romans 12:17-21). However, that does not mean believers should never participate…
Fellowship with God refers to the intimate, personal relationship believers can have with God through faith in Jesus Christ. It speaks to the spiritual connection and communion we experience with God when we become children of God through faith (John 1:12). Fellowship with God is made possible by Christ’s atoning work on the cross that reconciled us to God and restored our relationship with Him (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). When we enter into relationship with God by grace through faith, we are brought into fellowship with Him. This fellowship allows us to experience closeness with God, to walk in agreement with…
The question of whether Jesus is the only way to heaven is one that has been debated for centuries. Let’s examine what the Bible says about this important topic. Jesus’ Own Words In John 14:6, Jesus declares “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This seems to suggest that faith in Jesus is the exclusive path to heaven. Jesus doesn’t present it as one option among many, but rather as an exclusive claim. This theme is echoed in other passages like John 10:9 where Jesus says “I am…
Actual grace is defined in Catholic theology as a supernatural help from God that enables a person to perform salutary acts that lead to sanctification and salvation. It is a free and undeserved gift from God to enable a person to do good and avoid evil. The Bible teaches that humans are sinful by nature after the fall, and no one can save themselves by their own merits (Romans 3:23). We are dependent on God’s grace to overcome sin and do what is pleasing to Him. Actual grace is this enabling power of God that allows people to respond positively…
The Martyrdom of Polycarp is an important early Christian text that describes the death of Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, as a martyr in the middle of the 2nd century. Polycarp was a disciple of the apostle John and an important early Church Father who helped link the apostolic age to the generations that followed. His martyrdom was one of the first major persecutions under the Roman Empire and helped set the tone for how the early Christians embraced martyrdom in the face of intense persecution. Polycarp’s martyrdom is important for several reasons: 1. It provides a firsthand account of early…
The Bible touches on the topic of braided hair in a few different passages, specifically calling it out as something that should be avoided or cautioned against. There are a few potential reasons the Bible seems to speak against braided hair: 1. Braided hair was associated with pride and vanity In 1 Timothy 2:9, Paul instructs women to dress modestly, “not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire.” The concern here seems to be that elaborate hairstyles and excessive jewelry can promote vanity and draw attention to outward appearance rather than inner spirituality. Braiding and styling hair…
The word “cult” often carries negative connotations, conjuring images of sinister religious groups with strange beliefs and practices. However, the technical definition of a cult is simply a new religious movement or group that has splintered off from an established religion and emphasizes the teachings of a particular leader. Cults also tend to be closed, high-demand groups that use manipulative techniques to recruit and retain members. While every religion begins as a cult, not every cult becomes an established mainstream religion. So what does the Bible say about cults and how can Christians identify and respond to them? Characteristics of…