Biblia

An acquaintance believes salvation is through belief in Jesus. But he also thinks a person will have a second opportunity to believe in heaven. He believes God wants to save everyone. I believe people must be saved now in order to go to heaven.

In Matthew 19:17-30, Jesus instructed that to be “saved” we need to give up our earthly possessions and follow Him.  Following Jesus requires the sacrifice not only of earthly things but of our wills to obey God’s will. A heavenly resurrection is a reward for obedience during this present, evil world. (Revelation 2:10.) “If we … Continue reading “An acquaintance believes salvation is through belief in Jesus. But he also thinks a person will have a second opportunity to believe in heaven. He believes God wants to save everyone. I believe people must be saved now in order to go to heaven.”

Please explain John 20: 23, “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Has this verse been changed through translation?

Jesus gave only the Apostles the authorization to “forgive or retain sins” (John 20:23) and to bind or loose things in heaven and on earth (Matthew 18:18). But what do these words mean? Many misunderstand the nature of these commissions, forgetting that God alone can forgive sins (Isaiah 43:25). Some believe these scriptures apply to … Continue reading “Please explain John 20: 23, “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Has this verse been changed through translation?”

Who built the walls around Jerusalem and other walls in the Bible? Should nations build walls today?

Summary: God is not directing the defenses of nations today. Usually, the kings of the cities would conscript people to erect fortifications and walls. 1Kings 9:15 (NIV), “Here is the account of the forced labor King Solomon conscripted to build the LORD's temple, his own palace, the terraces, the wall of Jerusalem…” The Lord supported … Continue reading “Who built the walls around Jerusalem and other walls in the Bible? Should nations build walls today?”

What did Jesus Christ mean went he said, “destroy this temple and I will rebuild it in three days”??

John 2:19-22 (NASB), “Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?’ But He was speaking of the temple of His body. So when He was raised from … Continue reading “What did Jesus Christ mean went he said, “destroy this temple and I will rebuild it in three days”??”

Where was Jesus Christ and what was He doing between the ages of 12 and 30?

The Bible is silent about what Jesus was doing between 12-30 years of age. However, he probably learned the trade of carpentry from his stepfather, Joseph, as was the custom in those days.  He also did not permit himself to stand out and perform miracles.  If he had, he would have become famous and attracted … Continue reading “Where was Jesus Christ and what was He doing between the ages of 12 and 30?”

If Moses killed a person, and is believed to be with God now, is there any truth that even people with sins will sit with our GOD?

Will murderers be with God in heaven? Heaven is only a reward for faithful Christians. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NET), “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived!… Some of you once lived this way. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in … Continue reading “If Moses killed a person, and is believed to be with God now, is there any truth that even people with sins will sit with our GOD?”

Is God the killer of His creation (us) or is Satan?

When God created Adam and Eve, they were perfect. God declared that their creation was “very good”. (Genesis 1:27, 31.) They were placed in the Garden of Eden where the living conditions were perfect and everything necessary to sustain their lives was provided. God had warned Adam not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge … Continue reading “Is God the killer of His creation (us) or is Satan?”

How can I grow in the spirit and bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit?

Growth in the spirit results from obedience. 1 Samuel 15:22 (NASB), “Samuel said, ‘Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.’” ​ What things should Christians do to obey? “Then … Continue reading “How can I grow in the spirit and bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit?”