Category: Difficult Bible Questions

Biblical studies addressing doctrinal questions, disputed passages, and common religious questions.

  • If Falling Away Is Impossible, Why So Many Warnings?

    Suppose someone told you it is impossible for a Christian to lose his salvation. If that were true, perhaps this question should naturally follow: Why then does the New Testament contain so many warnings about falling away? Not just one or two difficult passages, but warning after warning addressed to Christians, churches, elders, and even the apostles. If apostasy is impossible, these repeated exhortations become difficult to explain.

    Far from teaching that salvation can never be lost, Jesus repeatedly warned His disciples about the danger of falling away. While describing the persecution His followers would endure, He warned that many would be offended, betray one another, and allow their love to grow cold. His conclusion was straightforward: “But he who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13b, New King James Version). The promise of salvation is given to those who endure faithfully until the end, not to those who abandon their faith.

    The Parable of the Sower raises an equally important question. Jesus spoke of those who “receive the word with joy,” who “believe for a while,” and then “in time of temptation fall away” (Luke 8:13). These are not described as unbelievers pretending to have faith. Jesus said they believed. If they only appeared to believe, then the warning loses much of its force. Instead, Christ presents a belief that does not endure because the heart was never deeply rooted.

    The same emphasis appears in John 15. Jesus compared Himself to a vine and His disciples to its branches. A branch cannot be cut off from a vine unless it was first attached to it. Yet Jesus warned, “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch… and they gather them and throw them into the fire” (John 15:6). Rather than assuring His disciples that departure was impossible, He urged them to continue abiding in Him.

    The apostles preached the same message. After Judas died, the disciples described him as one who “by transgression fell” from his ministry (Acts 1:25). Paul warned Gentile Christians not to become arrogant because unbelieving Jews had been cut off. “Toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off” (Romans 11:22). The condition is difficult to miss. Continue, or be cut off.

    Perhaps even more striking is Paul’s attitude toward himself. After preaching the gospel to countless people, he wrote, “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest… I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27). Paul did not believe his own apostleship placed him beyond spiritual danger. If the apostle saw a real need for vigilance, why should modern Christians believe they are exempt?

    Paul immediately illustrated his point by turning to Israel’s history. The Israelites had experienced God’s deliverance, passed through the sea, and received His blessings, yet many fell because of unbelief. Those events, Paul says, “were written for our admonition.” His conclusion is not, “Do not worry because you cannot fall,” but exactly the opposite: “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). Warnings have meaning only when the danger is real.

    This same pattern continues throughout Paul’s letters. The Corinthians were reminded that the gospel saves them “if you hold fast” to it (1 Corinthians 15:2). The Colossians would be presented holy and blameless before God “if indeed you continue in the faith” (Colossians 1:23). Scripture repeatedly attaches promises to diligence, not because salvation is earned, but because faith is meant to endure.

    No New Testament book contains stronger warnings than Hebrews. The writer tells fellow Christians, “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12). He urges them to be diligent “lest anyone fall” (Hebrews 4:11). In Hebrews 6, he describes people who had been enlightened, tasted the heavenly gift, become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and then “fall away” (Hebrews 6:4-6). Whatever difficulties that passage presents, one fact remains obvious: the writer believed falling away was a danger serious enough to warn Christians about, repeatedly.

    Peter does the same. He urges Christians to “make your call and election sure,” adding, “if you do these things you will never stumble” (2 Peter 1:10). Later he speaks of people who had “forsaken the right way” (2 Peter 2:15). John likewise calls Christians to ongoing repentance (1 John 1:9-10), while Jesus tells the church at Ephesus that they had “fallen” and must repent (Revelation 2:4-5). He promises the overcomer that his name will not be blotted from the Book of Life (Revelation 3:5), a promise that would seem unnecessary if overcoming were guaranteed.

    None of this diminishes God’s grace. Christians are not kept saved by flawless obedience, nor do they earn salvation by their own merit. Every faithful disciple continues to depend completely on the mercy of God and the blood of Christ. At the same time, the New Testament never treats faith as a one-time event, disconnected from the rest of a person’s life. Instead, it consistently instructs us to continue, remain, abide, endure, overcome, and hold fast.

    Scripture leaves no doubt that God is faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). Yet the New Testament also addresses another reality: Christians are warned not to turn away from Christ. If it were impossible for a believer to fall away, we would expect the inspired writers to say so plainly. Instead, they consistently warn Christians about the danger of abandoning the faith—the very possibility that the doctrine of “once saved, always saved” denies.

  • Echoes of the Sadducees: When Sincerity Lacks Truth

    In Jesus’ time, the Sadducees were part of a distinct class system within Judea, aligned with beliefs that often led to conflict with the Pharisees. The Sadducees were known for rejecting faith in the resurrection and the existence of angels (Acts 23:8). When they tested Jesus about the resurrection, Jesus did not accept their ignorance. Instead, He rebuked them for “not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God” (Matt. 22:23-33; Mk. 12:18-27; Lk. 20:27-40). Likewise, there are some today who are missing the mark on vital aspects of truth. May we reflect on various points that can and should be affirmed (even those espoused by counterparts)? 

    Nowhere in the Bible did Jesus rebuke anyone for striving to faithfully keep all of God’s Law to the best of their ability. Some equated their man-made traditions with God’s word and, as a result, cast aside the true meanings of various passages of Scripture (Mk 7:1-13). Many also had hypocritical and hypercritical attitudes (Matt. 7:1-5; Mk. 7:10-24; Lk. 18:9-14), and Jesus was swift to condemn such sinful attitudes. But the Lord expects much from His followers, and while good intentions are necessary, so is the truth (Jn. 17:17, 20-21). If we constantly hear warnings against one extreme without any against the other, I encourage you to pray, reflect, and exercise discernment.

    9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 

    10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 

    11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

    ~ Philippians 1:9-11

  • No Other Doctrine

    Many perceive Bible study as dull, which often coincides with the notion that Bible doctrine holds little significance. Is this how you view it? Does God truly care about our treatment of His word? Furthermore, can plain Bible truths convey different meanings to different individuals? 

    Paul advised Timothy that by instructing others based on his letters (1 Tim. 1:3-11), he would be a good minister of Jesus, flourishing in the words of faith and the sound doctrine he had followed so closely (4:6). He urged Timothy to prioritize reading, encouragement, and doctrine until he arrived (4:13). Paul also cautioned Timothy to pay close attention to himself and his teaching, emphasizing that perseverance in these matters would lead to his and his listeners’ salvation (4:16). He affirmed that elders who govern effectively deserve double honor, especially those who diligently work in the word and doctrine (5:17). Timothy was instructed that bondservants should honor their masters to prevent the name of God and His doctrine from being blasphemed (6:1), and the seriousness of doctrine is highlighted by Paul’s warning that if anyone teaches differently and disagrees with wholesome words, including Christ’s teachings, they are proud and lacking knowledge (6:3-5). 

    Everyone who desires to fulfill God’s word should seek to be nourished by faith (Rom. 10:17). We must diligently follow what God imparts through Scripture. And like Timothy, we should read and reflect on how we live in light of God’s teachings. Adhering to God’s doctrine is so crucial that it leads to our salvation! Moreover, our fidelity or failure to God’s teachings will influence how others perceive Him. 

    For those who believe God is indifferent to how we handle His word or view “doctrine” as tedious or unimportant, I ask—what about these Scriptures? So many today discuss “my truth” versus “his or her truth,” relating to personal perspectives… However, God’s word is presented as absolute (John 17:17). Thus, plain Bible truths cannot be interpreted subjectively. 

    Consider this: if you see a sign that warns of a bridge out ahead, would you take it to mean anything other than — that there’s a bridge out? If you encounter a stop sign, does it imply that you should either slow down or speed up?? Of course not—a stop sign means stop! Similarly, when God communicates through His word, He truly means what He says. Those who find the Bible uninteresting or deem doctrine trivial likely have not engaged deeply. God does care about how we honor His word; do we share that same reverence?

    “As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.” (1 Timothy 1:3-4, New King James Version)

  • What Does God Really Want?

    Imagine you are walking along the way and suddenly fall into a puddle of muck. There you are, stained and yucky – what a mess. What if someone came along and said they could clean you right up? Would you take them up on that offer? I know I would.

    We have all fallen at some point in our lives. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Yet, everyone can be cleaned up spiritually. The apostle Peter spoke plainly of this when he wrote “There is also an antitype which now saves us–baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.” (1 Peter 3:21-22) If the Lord sees you on your back, wallowing in the mud, what would He tell you to do? Get up out of the mire!! You must hear (Rom. 10:17), believe (Heb. 11:6), repent (Acts 17:30), confess Jesus as the Christ (Matt. 10:33), and be baptized – and you will be cleansed spiritually (Acts 2:38, 22:16).

    Now that’s a big deal to us as sinners, but it’s not the biggest deal to God. Don’t get me wrong – these elements are essential to salvation (John 3:3-5, Mark 16:15-16). The bigger deal for God, however, is for us to commit our lives to Him! Once He cleanses us – if we then happen to stumble and get a little stained – God can clean us up again if we confess, repent, and pray (1 John 1:9; Acts 8:22)! But what do you suppose God will think if we get cleaned up – only to continue jumping right back into the mire? The Lord has indeed spoken of this, “For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.” (2 Peter 2:21-22)

    Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Peter exhorts the Christian, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul…” (1 Peter 2:9-11) Let us remember what the Lord has done for us, and therefore live in such a way as to glorify and honor Him.

  • The Philippian Jailer & Faith Only

    Those who teach salvation by faith alone often appeal to the conversion of the Philippian jailer in Acts 16. When he asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” they answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:30–31).

    Does this mean that belief is the only thing necessary for salvation? We need to consider the entire account, not simply one verse.

    What Must I Do to Be Saved?

    The jailer’s question came under extraordinary circumstances. Paul and Silas had been imprisoned in Philippi, yet at midnight they were praying and singing hymns to God. Suddenly, an earthquake shook the prison, opening its doors and loosening the prisoners’ chains.

    Assuming the prisoners had escaped, the jailer was about to take his own life when Paul cried out, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here” (Acts 16:28).

    Trembling, the jailer fell before Paul and Silas and asked what he must do to be saved.

    Their answer was straightforward: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 31). But what did that belief involve? And what happened next?

    What Happened After the Jailer Was Told to Believe?

    Notice the sequence of events recorded by Luke:

    First, Paul and Silas preached the word of the Lord. Acts 16:32 says, “Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.” The jailer needed to hear the gospel in order to believe it (Rom. 10:17).

    Second, the jailer responded to what he heard. That same night, he washed the wounds of Paul and Silas. His actions demonstrated a change in attitude toward the very men who had been placed in his custody.

    Third, he and his household were baptized immediately. Luke records, “And immediately he and all his family were baptized” (Acts 16:33).

    Why was baptism so urgent? Why did they not wait until morning?

    The answer becomes clearer when we consider what the apostles taught elsewhere. Peter commanded his hearers to repent and be baptized “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Jesus likewise connected belief and baptism in Mark 16:16.

    Finally, Acts 16:34 tells us that the jailer rejoiced, “having believed in God with all his household.”

    Notice that Luke describes the jailer’s belief after recording his response to the gospel, including his baptism. The account does not present belief as an isolated mental acknowledgment, but as faith that responded to God’s word.

    Does Faith Exclude Obedience?

    The Bible certainly teaches the necessity of faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). But does the necessity of faith mean that repentance, confession, and baptism can be excluded?

    Jesus taught the necessity of repentance (Luke 13:3, 5). He also spoke of confessing Him before men (Matt. 10:32–33). Paul connected confession with salvation in Romans 10:9–10, and Peter commanded baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).

    These teachings do not contradict the command to believe. Rather, they help us understand what responding to the gospel involves.

    James makes an important distinction when he writes, “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (James 2:24). He concludes, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (v. 26).

    James is not teaching that sinners earn salvation through their own merit. His point is that genuine faith is not inactive. It responds to what God has said.

    We should not confuse obedient faith with an attempt to earn salvation. Nor should we separate faith from the obedience God requires.

    Consider the Whole Account

    The Philippian jailer was told to believe in Jesus Christ. He then heard the word of the Lord, responded to what he heard, and was baptized that very night. Only then does Luke conclude the account by describing his rejoicing as one who had believed in God.

    It is a mistake to stop reading at Acts 16:31 and overlook what follows.

    The question is not whether faith is necessary for salvation. It most certainly is. The question is whether saving faith can be separated from obedience to the gospel.

    The conversion of the Philippian jailer gives us good reason to consider the whole counsel of God rather than build a doctrine upon one verse.

    For further study:

    What Must One Do to Become a Christian? · Passages Concerning Water Baptism into Christ · Looking for Jesus?

  • Nakedness, Clothing, and Modesty (Part 3)

    Though the language is symbolic, God foretold the humiliation of Babylon with vivid imagery (Isa. 47:1-3). Within this context, God is using very vivid imagery to speak about how He will bring Babylon to an open shame. 

    1 “Come down and sit in the dust,

    O virgin daughter of Babylon;

    Sit on the ground without a throne,

    O daughter of the Chaldeans!

    For you shall no more be called

    Tender and delicate.

    2 Take the millstones and grind meal.

    Remove your veil,

    Take off the skirt,

    Uncover the thigh,

    Pass through the rivers.

    3 Your nakedness shall be uncovered,

    Yes, your shame will be seen;

    I will take vengeance,

    And I will not arbitrate with a man.”

    ~ Isaiah 47:1-3

    Let us not negate the value of looking to such passages in our thinking (because the language is symbolic) upon the matter of nakedness, clothing, and modesty. The fact remains, that God is making emphatic points concerning the shame of Babylon’s sins, and how they will, indeed, be exposed. 

    And about symbolism, can the tenderhearted truly remain unconvinced that certain imagery is meant to correlate with standards of propriety (See Ezek. 23:1-49; Prov. 7:10?)?

    While such sins were trying to be covered, God says that when His judgment comes, they will be exposed. And they will be exposed in such a way that will bring shame to those people. After reading such passages, I certainly would not want to inch my way closer to revealing such things in a way that can bring about shame (Cf. Jer. 6:15). 

  • Nakedness, Clothing, and Modesty (Part 2)

    Let us look to the Bible, considering passages that deal with nakedness, clothing, & modesty. Is there a verifiable biblical pattern of public modesty requirements for both men & women alike, regardless of custom or setting?  

    When Noah got drunk, he became uncovered in his tent, and Ham saw the nakedness of his father (Gen. 9:20-27). We may question what more Ham “had done” to Noah (that he looked upon Noah’s nakedness and told his brothers; was he scoffing, etc., ?), but Ham observing Noah naked (even in Noah’s tent), did not bring about a good result! Contrast that with how the other two brothers (Shem & Japheth) were very careful not to look upon their own father’s nakedness. Are there any applications we can make from here? What of bathing in front of children, at home? What about swimming with scant clothing in front of family and friends (e.g., revealing/formfitting bathing suits/swim trunks)? 

    When the Law of Moses was granted to the Israelites, priestly garments are said to have covered their nakedness (See Exod. 28:40-43; Cf. 20:25-26). Notice that their undergarments were to be from the waist to the thighs. First, we want to acknowledge that this was a specific requirement for priests… But we also want to acknowledge – the reason – was to have their nakedness (bare flesh) covered. Certainly, God can see anyone’s nakedness, anytime (Heb. 4:13). But the matter of approaching Him in spiritual service of worship was regulated by God in the OT, and He is the one who defines what was considered “nakedness.” I wonder if the Israelites ever dealt with controversy determining what God meant when He said, “And you shall make for them linen trousers to cover their nakedness; they shall reach from the waist to the thighs.” (28:42). This passage is often referenced to make the case for shorts/skirts reaching to the knee to be a suitable covering. 

    Perhaps that is a good practice, as well as the matter of being mindful of what my clothing may reveal in certain positions (I.e., sitting, bending over, etc.). It is not too difficult of a thing to think through if our number one priority is to honor God – even in the way I choose to dress. 

  • Nakedness, Clothing, and Modesty

    We will be looking to the Bible (this week), considering passages that deal with nakedness, clothing, & modesty. Is there a verifiable biblical pattern of public modesty requirements, for both men & women alike, regardless of custom or setting?   

    When God created Adam & Eve, they were naked and not ashamed (Gen. 2:25). But something concerning their shame changed drastically immediately after their first sin (See Gen. 3:7). Therefore, Adam & Eve made themselves coverings (3:7). But those coverings were not enough to cover them to the extent that they felt comfortable in the sight of God; as when the LORD God called for them in the garden, both Adam and Eve hid (3:8). And, when Adam told God that they were hiding because they were naked, notice that God did not disagree with Adam. Instead, God addressed their sin against Him (first), then, “Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics of skin and clothed them.” (Gen. 3:21). Whatever Adam and Eve thought was covering them, God seems to have clothed them further. Think of that when you consider the culture we’ve grown up with. Our culture deems it acceptable for men to have their bare chests & thighs uncovered. Our culture deems it acceptable for women to have much of their breasts, buttocks, and thighs uncovered, also. Where this used to be acceptable only in certain areas (like at the beach, etc.), it is now becoming more commonplace to see such everywhere in public.  

    To my God and Father in Heaven: Some coverings men and women make are insufficient to cover their nakedness. May I honor You (and my friends and neighbors) by the way I choose to dress.  

  • Can I Be Religious AND Tolerant?

    Many people in our society are quick to point out how Bible-believing Christians are “intolerant.” If you dare present how God plainly condemns homosexuality – then you are “intolerant.” If you speak God’s truth regarding abortion, you again are labeled as “intolerant.” So, the question begs, “Can I be religious – and be tolerant?” That will depend on what definition of the word “tolerant” you use. You see, many people will argue that the “tolerance” they speak of is merely patience and understanding… but is that really their motive? 

    During the Captivity, we read of the young man Daniel who was hand-picked for government service. Daniel was one “in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans. And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king.” (Daniel 1:4-5) Although Daniel was offered the best to eat and drink, he did not partake because he “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” (Daniel 1:8) Daniel was both patient and respectful in his demeanor but would not violate his conscience by going against the laws of God.

    In the Early Church, Peter and John were arrested by the Sadducees for preaching about Jesus’ resurrection. The Sadducees were unable to refute their teaching because they could see the miraculous healing of a man who stood by their side. However, the Sadducees commanded them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Peter and John refused to obey, saying that they could not help but share what they had seen and heard (Acts 4:2-20). Later, when they faced opposition for speaking the truth, Peter and the other apostles declared that they would obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).

    You might be wondering how these examples exhibit tolerance. These are examples that indeed show patience, understanding, and respect. Daniel and Peter weren’t disrespectful in their demeanor… but they were understanding and patient… while standing firm in their convictions. You see, there is a big difference in the tolerance that some demand… and acceptance! People today aren’t asking you to be merely patient, understanding, and respectful in your demeanor. No – they want your approval for their sinful behavior. Asking me to be patient with a homosexual or respectful toward a pro-choice individual is one thing – but demanding acceptance and approval is quite another. About how we speak upon these matters, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)

  • Was It from Heaven or From Men? Answer Me

    Many believe and do things in the name of religion without having proper authority. For instance, some believe that baptism is merely an outward sign of one’s inward faith. However, where is this even mentioned in the Bible? Another example could be the use of the sinner’s prayer. Can we even find the sinner’s prayer in Scripture? If not, then we must ask ourselves whether it is from heaven or men. If we do not have heavenly authority to do something in the name of religion, then we are acting under the authority of men alone, which is dangerous territory. Therefore, if we want to do anything in the name of Jesus, we should ask ourselves: “Is this from heaven or men?” This question could help us evaluate whether our actions are in line with the teaching of Jesus.

    27 Then they came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to Him. 

    28 And they said to Him, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority to do these things?”

    29 But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one question; then answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things: 

    30 The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me.”

    31 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 

    32 But if we say, ‘From men’”—they feared the people, for all counted John to have been a prophet indeed. 

    33 So they answered and said to Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus answered and said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

    ~ Mark 11:27-33

    Holy Father in Heaven. You are the one and only true God. You alone are wise, and I desire to always do what is right in Your sight. I understand that man’s ways cannot direct his steps (Jeremiah 10:23). I am also aware that You desire for me to walk in sincerity and truth (Joshua 24:14-15). So, I humbly ask that You sanctify me and all those who seek to follow You in Your truth (John 17:17). At times, I may be tempted to do things that seem noble but may not align with Your will. I trust in Your abundant mercy and grace for the humble. However, I also understand that Your word is meant to guide me to do things the right way – that is, Your way (Matthew 7:21-27). Therefore, I ask for Your guidance in seeking authority in all the things I say and do. I pray all of this in the name of Jesus. Amen.