The Bible has a lot to say about when and how God will judge humanity. There are references throughout Scripture about the final judgment as well as present judgments that God enacts. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical teachings on this topic: The Final Judgment The Bible is clear that there will be a final day of judgment for all people after death. Hebrews 9:27 declares, “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” This final judgment will occur after Jesus Christ returns at his Second Coming. Matthew…
Author: Matt Primack
Populism is a political approach that appeals to “ordinary” people who feel their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups. Populists claim to represent the will and interests of the common people against the elites. The Bible does not directly address populism, but it contains principles relevant to populism and populists. The Bible warns against putting faith in human leaders over God (Psalm 146:3). It condemns prideful leaders who exploit people for personal gain (Ezekiel 34:1-10). Jesus criticized religious elites who burdened people with legalism (Matthew 23:4). The apostle James denounced rich oppressors and called caring for the poor an…
John Duns Scotus was a Franciscan friar and philosopher who lived in the 13th century. He made significant contributions to medieval philosophy and theology, earning him the title “Doctor Subtilis” for his penetrating intellect. Scotus’ work had a profound impact on Christian thought in several key areas: The Immaculate Conception One of Scotus’ most influential ideas was his defense of the Immaculate Conception – the belief that Mary was conceived without original sin. Though it had been debated for centuries, Scotus offered compelling philosophical arguments in favor of the Immaculate Conception, helping to popularize the doctrine. In 1854 it was…
The Bible contains several commandments related to killing, specifically the commandments “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13) and “You shall not kill” (Deuteronomy 5:17). Understanding the differences between these two similar but distinct commandments is important. The original Hebrew word used in Exodus 20:13 is “ratsach” which refers to intentional, premeditated murder. This commandment prohibits unlawfully taking a human life with malice aforethought. Murder is the unjustified, intentional killing of another human being. This is considered a grievous sin. In Deuteronomy 5:17, the Hebrew word used is “harag” which has a broader meaning of killing or taking a human life,…
Speaking life is a biblical concept that refers to using our words to impart blessing, encouragement, and positivity into the lives of others. The Bible has a lot to say about the power of our words and how we should use our speech to build others up, rather than tear them down. Here are some key principles from Scripture about what it means to speak life: Our Words Have Power The Bible emphasizes that our words are not empty, but rather they have real power and effects. Proverbs 18:21 states “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”…
The story of the fall of humanity begins in Genesis 3, where we see Eve tempted by the serpent and eating the forbidden fruit, before giving some to Adam who also ate. It is often asked why Adam seems to receive more blame for the fall when Eve ate the fruit first. The Bible offers several insights that help explain this. First, it is clear that Eve was deceived by the serpent but Adam was not (1 Timothy 2:14). Genesis 3:1-6 describes how the serpent cunningly twisted God’s command and deceived Eve into eating the fruit. She believed the lie…
The short epistle of Jude contains a powerful doxology in verse 24 that speaks to God’s ability to keep believers from falling. This verse says, “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy…” (Jude 1:24 ESV). Let’s explore the meaning and significance of this verse. 1. God is powerful and able to keep us from falling The first thing Jude 24 affirms is that God is powerful and “able to keep you from stumbling.” The word translated “able” here connotes having the power,…
Annihilationism is the belief that unbelievers will not suffer eternal conscious torment in hell, but will instead be totally destroyed or annihilated after death. This view stands in contrast to the traditional doctrine of eternal conscious punishment in hell. Annihilationism has gained some popularity in recent years among certain evangelical groups. So what does the Bible have to say about this subject? Let’s take a closer look. Old Testament References There are several passages in the Old Testament that seem to support the annihilationist perspective. For example, the wicked are often described as being destroyed or perishing: “For behold, the…
In 2 Peter 1:10, the apostle Peter encourages believers to “be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election.” This verse has led many Christians to wonder what exactly Peter means by “make your calling and election sure.” Based on the context of 2 Peter and other relevant biblical passages, we can gain some helpful insight into the meaning of this important exhortation. The broader context of 2 Peter First, it’s important to consider the broader context of the book of 2 Peter. Peter is writing this letter towards the end of his life (2 Peter 1:13-15), and…
Black holes are one of the most fascinating and mysterious phenomena in our universe. As modern science has advanced, we’ve learned that black holes are regions in space with gravity so intense that nothing, not even light, can escape their pull. Their existence raises many profound questions about the nature of reality. This article will explore what the Bible may have to say, if anything, about the existence and nature of black holes. It’s important to note upfront that the Bible does not directly mention black holes. The ancient biblical authors could not have conceived of these cosmic objects, as…