The Bible teaches that men and women are both created in the image of God and are equal in value and dignity. However, it does prescribe some different roles and responsibilities for men and women. This has led some to charge that the Bible promotes sexism. A careful examination of key biblical passages provides a more nuanced perspective. Equality in Creation and Redemption The Bible affirms that God created both men and women in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). This means that both genders reflect God’s nature and attributes. The New Testament reinforces this by stating that in Christ…
Author: Kristal Wheatley
The phrase “visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children” in Exodus 34:7 has been the source of much discussion and debate over the years. At first glance, it seems to suggest that God punishes children for the sins of their parents. However, a closer examination of the verse in its biblical context reveals a more nuanced meaning. Exodus 34 recounts when Moses asks to see God’s glory on Mount Sinai, and God passes before him, proclaiming His name and attributes (Exodus 34:5-7). Part of this proclamation includes the statement that God “will by no means clear the guilty,…
The Bible describes God as a jealous God in several passages, most notably in Exodus 20:5 and Exodus 34:14. But what does it mean for God to be jealous, and why would He be described this way? To understand God’s jealousy, we first need to recognize that the word “jealous” has different meanings depending on the context. When referring to God’s jealousy, it does not mean He is envious or insecure like human jealousy. Rather, God’s jealousy reflects His desire for His people’s exclusive love, worship, and obedience. In Exodus 20:5, God commands His people not to worship idols or…
Has Anyone Ever Seen God? The question of whether anyone has ever seen God is an interesting one that the Bible addresses in several places. While the full glory and essence of God is unseen and beyond human comprehension, there are instances recorded in Scripture where people have some type of direct encounter with or vision of the divine. Examining the biblical accounts of these experiences can give us insight into how and when God chooses to reveal Himself to humanity. God’s Appearance Unsafe for Humans In Exodus 33, Moses asks to see God’s glory, and God responds that no…
Throughout the Bible, there are countless examples of God directly intervening in human affairs through various miracles, signs, wonders, and direct communication. In contrast, many people today feel that God is distant or hidden from their lives. This article will examine 9 key reasons why God may seem more hidden in modern times compared to Biblical eras. 1. Lack of Major Public Miracles In the Bible, God frequently performed public supernatural miracles as a sign of His power and presence. For example, at the Exodus from Egypt, God sent 10 dramatic plagues, parted the Red Sea, and led the Israelites…
The words of Jesus in Matthew 28:20, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” carry profound meaning and significance for all believers. This statement comes at the end of Matthew’s gospel after Jesus’ resurrection and just before His ascension back into heaven. By asserting “I am with you always,” Jesus is promising His continuous presence and fellowship with His followers until His return. This brings great comfort, assurance, and encouragement that He will never leave or forsake His people even though He would no longer be with them physically on earth. Let’s explore the…
This is a complex theological question that has been debated amongst Christians for centuries. At the core is an apparent tension between God’s universal love for all people and his unique love for those who follow Christ. Let’s explore what the Bible has to say on this important topic. On the one hand, there are numerous verses that speak of God’s love extending to all humanity. Perhaps the most well-known is John 3:16, which declares that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal…
Nathanael is a figure mentioned in the Gospel of John in the New Testament. He was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Here is a comprehensive overview of what the Bible tells us about Nathanael: Nathanael’s Initial Skepticism The first time Nathanael is mentioned is in John 1:45-46: “Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”” So when Philip…
How do beliefs about creation impact the rest of theology? The creation story is foundational to the Christian faith. What Christians believe about how the universe and humankind came into being shapes their understanding of God, humanity, sin, salvation and more. There are different perspectives among Christians regarding creation, but some key beliefs unite them. God as Creator All Christians affirm that God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 states, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” The divine act of bringing the universe into existence from nothing displays God’s awesome power. Creation reveals God’s…
The story of Noah getting drunk after the flood is found in Genesis 9:18-29. Here is a detailed explanation of this passage and why Noah got drunk: After the flood, Noah and his family exited the ark and God blessed them saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.” (Genesis 9:1). God established a covenant with Noah and told him that never again would he destroy the earth with a flood. As a sign of this covenant, God set a rainbow in the sky (Genesis 9:8-17). Noah’s family then began to repopulate the earth. Genesis 9:18 states, “The sons…