Free grace is the biblical teaching that salvation is completely a work of God’s free and unmerited favor. By grace we are saved, not by our own works but by faith alone in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). This doctrine emphasizes that we contribute absolutely nothing to our salvation – it is entirely the work of God’s grace in Christ. The term “free grace” contrasts with erroneous ideas that salvation is earned through good works or human merit. Scripture clearly teaches that no one can earn salvation or merit God’s favor through their own righteousness (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:10, 23). We…
Author: Matt Primack
There is a big difference between knowing about someone and truly knowing them personally. This is especially true when it comes to knowing Jesus Christ. Many people know facts and details about Jesus. They may know that He was born in Bethlehem, grew up in Nazareth, traveled around preaching and healing, was crucified on a cross, and rose from the dead. But this is very different from personally knowing Jesus in a relationship. Knowing about Jesus means being aware of biblical facts about His life, ministry, and teachings. But knowing Jesus goes much deeper—it means having a personal relationship with…
In Matthew 5:22, Jesus warns, “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.” In this verse, Jesus refers to insulting someone by calling them “raca.” So what is the meaning and significance of this word? The Meaning of “Raca” “Raca” is an Aramaic word meaning “empty-headed” or expressing contempt for someone’s intelligence. It was an offensive, derogatory term that was an insult to someone’s character and dignity.…
The Bible verse 1 John 3:2 says “Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” This verse contains a profound and exciting promise for believers – that one day we will see Jesus face to face and be transformed to be like Him. Let’s explore the meaning and significance of this verse. The Context of 1 John 3:2 First, it’s important to understand the context of this verse. 1 John was written by…
What is the Origin of Christmas? The celebration of Christmas has deep roots in Christian tradition and biblical history. Though many customs associated with Christmas have evolved and changed over time, the core reason for the holiday is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure of the Christian faith. The Date of Christmas The exact date of Jesus’ birth is not stated in the Bible. However, early Christians chose December 25 to celebrate His birth based on the dating of His conception. According to the Gospel of Luke, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her…
Romans 8:19 says, “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.” This verse speaks to the anticipatory state of all creation as it awaits the full redemption and restoration that will come with the return of Christ and the establishment of the new heavens and new earth. There are a few key things to understand about this verse: Creation is personified as waiting expectantly – Creation is described as having human attributes of eager longing and waiting. This emphasizes that all of creation is in a state of anticipation. “Waits with eager longing”…
Proverbs 12:4 states, “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.” This proverb highlights the immense value and blessing that a virtuous wife brings to her husband. A crown represents honor, glory, and triumph. By comparing a virtuous wife to a crown, the verse conveys that a godly wife magnifies her husband’s leadership and enhances his reputation. She is his most prized possession, bringing him joy, satisfaction, and a sense of achievement. She Builds Up Her Husband A virtuous wife builds up her husband with her words and…
The Easter season is a time when Christians reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This pivotal event in human history provides us with hope and assurance of God’s love and salvation. As part of an Easter reading plan, the 32nd day falls right in the midst of the season and offers rich Biblical passages to meditate upon. Old Testament Reading – Isaiah 53 Isaiah 53 is one of the most well-known Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. Written approximately 700 years before the birth of Jesus, this chapter contains vivid details…
The Easter season is a time when Christians reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. On this fourth day of the Easter reading plan, let’s explore what the Bible teaches about the events surrounding Jesus’ death and resurrection. The Plot to Kill Jesus As Jesus’ ministry gained influence, opposition against Him also grew. The Jewish religious leaders were threatened by Jesus’ teachings and popularity. They plotted to have Him arrested and killed. The Gospel accounts describe multiple attempts by the Pharisees and chief priests to trap Jesus or have Him arrested, but these plans were unsuccessful until Judas…
Easter is the most important holiday on the Christian calendar. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead after his crucifixion. This proved that Jesus was truly the Son of God and paved the way for the salvation of mankind. As we approach Easter, it is valuable to spend time reflecting on the events surrounding Jesus’ death and resurrection. Here are some key Bible passages that give insight into what happened during that pivotal time: Jesus Prophesies His Death One of the most striking aspects of the Easter story is that Jesus repeatedly told his disciples ahead of…