The heart is central to understanding what the Bible teaches about human nature and God’s plan of salvation. At a basic physical level, the heart is an organ that pumps blood throughout the body. But in the Bible, the heart refers to much more than just the physical organ. It is the center of a person’s inner, emotional, and spiritual life. The condition of a person’s heart determines their moral character and relationship to God. The heart as the center of human thought and will In the Bible, the heart is the source of a person’s thoughts, desires, and choices.…
Author: Nicole Sands
Molinism is a theological system that seeks to reconcile God’s sovereignty and human free will. It is named after Luis de Molina (1535–1600), a Spanish Jesuit theologian who first put forth the ideas. At its core, Molinism holds that God’s omniscience includes middle knowledge (scientia media), an understanding of what free creatures would choose in any set of circumstances. With this knowledge, God is able to sovereignly direct humanity toward His desired ends while still allowing for genuine human freedom. Here is a brief overview of some key aspects of Molinism: God’s Knowledge Molinists posit three types of divine knowledge:…
The topic of mission boards and their biblical basis is an important one for Christians to understand. At its core, this issue centers around how the church should carry out the Great Commission that Jesus gave his followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Are mission boards a legitimate and effective way to organize and facilitate this work? Or do they introduce extra-biblical structures and practices that inadvertently undermine biblical principles? There are good-faith arguments on both sides of this issue. Those who support mission boards point to the need for strategy, coordination, and accountability in…
The story of the sun standing still is found in Joshua 10 in the Old Testament. This event occurred as the Israelites were conquering the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. The armies of five Amorite kings came together to attack Gibeon, which had made peace with Israel. The Gibeonites sent word to Joshua and asked for his help. Joshua led the Israelite army on an all-night march and took the Amorite armies by surprise with a sudden attack the next day. As Joshua and the Israelites were pursuing and destroying the armies of the Amorite kings, Joshua prayed…
The story of the rich man and Lazarus is found in Luke 16:19-31. Here is a brief summary: There was a rich man who was dressed in fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate lay a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. Eventually, the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw…
Redaction criticism and higher criticism are two approaches biblical scholars use to study and analyze the text of the Bible. Redaction criticism focuses on how the biblical texts were edited and compiled, while higher criticism examines the historical origins and development of the biblical texts. Redaction Criticism Redaction criticism looks at the Bible as a work of literature that has been intentionally edited and compiled by authors, editors, and redactors. The term “redact” means to edit, revise, or put materials together. Redaction critics study the seams within biblical books where different sources or traditions seem to have been brought together.…
The Bible describes a magnificent city called the New Jerusalem that will come down out of heaven from God in the future (Revelation 21:2). This city will have high walls around it, and the purpose and meaning of these walls is important to understand. The walls around the New Jerusalem will serve several key purposes: 1. Protection The walls will provide protection for the city and its inhabitants (Revelation 21:12). Though there will be no more evil in the new creation, the walls stand as a symbol of God’s enduring protection for His people. Just as ancient cities were protected…
The Hebrews are the ethnic group that the Old Testament focuses on. According to the Bible, God chose the Hebrew people to be in a special covenant relationship with Himself. God promised to make them into a great nation and gave them the land of Canaan. The Hebrews are also called the Israelites or the Jewish people. Here is an overview of the origins, history, and significance of the Hebrew people according to Scripture. Origins of the Hebrew People The Hebrews trace their ancestry back to Abraham. Abraham was a descendant of Shem, one of the sons of Noah (Genesis…
Acts 22:16 says, “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” This verse is sometimes used to argue that baptism is required for the forgiveness of sins and salvation. However, based on the broader context of Scripture, baptism does not actually cleanse us from sin or save us. Rather, baptism is an outward picture of the inward cleansing we have by grace through faith in Christ. There are several reasons why Acts 22:16 does not teach baptismal regeneration (the view that baptism is necessary for salvation): 1. Salvation is…
The question of why God allows birth defects is a difficult one, and Scripture does not give a direct answer. However, the Bible does provide some perspectives that can help us think about this issue. First, we live in a fallen world corrupted by sin (Genesis 3). When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, sin entered the world and brought destruction, disease, and death. All creation was affected, including the processes of human conception and birth. Birth defects are one result of the brokenness of our world. Second, God is sovereign over all things, including birth defects (Psalm 139:13-16). He could…