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What are some Bible verses about abstinence?
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Answer
1 Corinthians 7:2
But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.
Hebrews 13:4
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
1 Thessalonians 4:3\-4
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,
1 Corinthians 6:18
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
2 Timothy 2:22
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
1 Peter 2:11
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.
Genesis 39:7\-10
And after a time his master's wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, “Lie with me.” But he refused and said to his master's wife, “Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except yourself, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” And as she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not listen to her, to lie beside her or to be with her.
1 Corinthians 6:19
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,
Colossians 3:5
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Galatians 5:19\-21
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Romans 13:13
Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.
2 Corinthians 12:21
I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced.
Jude 1:7
Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Ephesians 5:3
But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
1 Corinthians 9:27
But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self\-control.
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about favoritism?
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Answer
James 2:9
But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
Romans 2:11
For God shows no partiality.
Acts 10:34
So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,"
James 2:1
My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.
Genesis 37:4
But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him.
Deuteronomy 10:17
For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe.
Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 6:9
Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.
James 2:5
Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?
Leviticus 19:15
You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.
Genesis 37:3
Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors.
Colossians 3:25
For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.
Genesis 29:31
When the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.
1 Timothy 5:21
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.
1 Corinthians 13:13
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
James 2:8\-9
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Genesis 27:6\-17
Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “I heard your father speak to your brother Esau, ‘Bring me game and prepare for me delicious food, that I may eat it and bless you before the Lord before I die.’ Now therefore, my son, obey my voice as I command you. Go to the flock and bring me two good young goats, so that I may prepare from them delicious food for your father, such as he loves. And you shall bring it to your father to eat, so that he may bless you before he dies.”
Deuteronomy 1:17
You shall not be partial in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God’s. And the case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.
Job 34:19
Who shows no partiality to princes, nor regards the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of his hands?
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about habits?
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Answer
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 6:12
“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything.
Hebrews 10:25
Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Mark 7:20\-23
And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
Ephesians 5:1
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.
Jeremiah 13:23
Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to do evil.
Acts 20:35
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
2 Peter 2:19
They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.
Ephesians 4:28
Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self\-control.
1 Corinthians 11:1
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
Matthew 7:12
So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Job 31:5\-6
If I have walked with falsehood and my foot has hastened to deceit; (Let me be weighed in a just balance, and let God know my integrity!)
2 Timothy 2:26
And they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing,
Romans 6:15\-16
What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about profanity?
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Answer
Matthew 12:36
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,
Exodus 20:7
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.
James 3:10
From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
2 Timothy 2:16
But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Psalm 34:13
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.
Matthew 15:11
It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
1 Peter 3:10
For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;"
1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from every form of evil.
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober\-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
James 1:19
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Proverbs 12:16
The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.
Deuteronomy 30:19
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live,
Revelation 9:18
By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed, by the fire and smoke and sulfur coming out of their mouths.
James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
2 Peter 3:3
Knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about riches?
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Answer
Luke 12:15
And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
1 Timothy 6:17\-19
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
Matthew 6:19\-21
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
Matthew 6:24
No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
1 John 3:17
But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?
Mark 4:19
But the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.
Luke 16:13
No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Proverbs 11:4
Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
1 Timothy 5:8
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Proverbs 10:22
The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
Proverbs 11:28
Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.
James 5:1\-5
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth\-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days. Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self\-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.
Proverbs 16:8
Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.
Luke 18:22\-26
When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?”
Proverbs 27:24
For riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations?
Luke 12:33\-34
Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Proverbs 15:6
In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about seeking?
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Answer
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Matthew 7:8
For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Psalm 9:10
And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
Deuteronomy 4:29
But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Proverbs 8:17
I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.
Psalm 27:8
You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.”
Psalm 63:1
A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
1 Chronicles 16:11
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!
Psalm 34:10
The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Colossians 3:1
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Psalm 14:2
The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Psalm 119:2
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,
Psalm 105:4
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!
Matthew 7:7\-8
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Luke 11:9\-10
And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about wrath?
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Answer
Psalm 37:8
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
Romans 12:19
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
James 1:20
For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Ephesians 4:26\-27
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
Romans 13:4
For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.
Ezekiel 25:17
I will execute great vengeance on them with wrathful rebukes. Then they will know that I am the Lord, when I lay my vengeance upon them.
Matthew 26:52\-54
Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
Colossians 3:8
But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
1 Thessalonians 5:9
For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Romans 2:5
But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
Proverbs 25:26
Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Ephesians 4:31
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
Romans 1:18
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Deuteronomy 28:47\-48
Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joyfulness and gladness of heart, because of the abundance of all things, therefore you shall serve your enemies whom the Lord will send against you, in hunger and thirst, in nakedness, and lacking everything. And he will put a yoke of iron on your neck until he has destroyed you.
Revelation 4:1
After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”
1 John 2:27
But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about apostasy?
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Answer
1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,
2 Thessalonians 2:3
Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,
2 Peter 2:20\-22
For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”
Hebrews 3:12
Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.
2 Peter 3:17
You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.
Hebrews 6:4\-8
For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.
Luke 8:13
And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.
Galatians 1:8\-9
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
Matthew 24:10
And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.
2 Timothy 3:1\-9
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self\-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
1 Timothy 4:1\-3
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
1 John 2:19
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.
Hebrews 10:26\-29
For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?
John 6:66
After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.
2 Chronicles 15:13
But that whoever would not seek the Lord, the God of Israel, should be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman.
Matthew 24:12
And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
2 Timothy 4:3
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,
Hebrews 10:25\-31
Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?
John 15:6
If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.
2 Timothy 4:10
For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
|
What are some Bible verses about burial?
|
Answer
Genesis 49:29
Then he commanded them and said to them, “I am to be gathered to my people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite,"
Romans 6:3\-4
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Revelation 21:4
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
Revelation 11:9
For three and a half days some from the peoples and tribes and languages and nations will gaze at their dead bodies and refuse to let them be placed in a tomb,
Colossians 2:12
Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.
Acts 8:2
Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him.
John 19:38\-42
After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy\-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.
Romans 6:4
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
John 11:38
Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it.
Mark 16:1
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him.
1 Samuel 25:1
Now Samuel died. And all Israel assembled and mourned for him, and they buried him in his house at Ramah. Then David rose and went down to the wilderness of Paran.
1 Peter 3:21
Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
Luke 7:14
Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.”
Ezekiel 39:13
All the people of the land will bury them, and it will bring them renown on the day that I show my glory, declares the Lord God.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Acts 8:36\-38
And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
2 Chronicles 32:33
And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the upper part of the tombs of the sons of David, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honor at his death. And Manasseh his son reigned in his place.
2 Chronicles 16:14
They buried him in the tomb that he had cut for himself in the city of David. They laid him on a bier that had been filled with various kinds of spices prepared by the perfumer's art, and they made a very great fire in his honor.
2 Kings 21:26
And he was buried in his tomb in the garden of Uzza, and Josiah his son reigned in his place.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
|
What are some Bible verses about circumcision?
|
Answer
1 Corinthians 7:19
For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God.
Jeremiah 4:4
Circumcise yourselves to the Lord; remove the foreskin of your hearts, O men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem; lest my wrath go forth like fire, and burn with none to quench it, because of the evil of your deeds.
Genesis 21:4
And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.
Romans 2:25\-29
For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.
Galatians 6:15
For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
Genesis 17:10\-14
This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you. He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations, whether born in your house or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring, both he who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money, shall surely be circumcised. So shall my covenant be in your flesh an everlasting covenant. Any uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant.
Romans 4:11
He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well,
Galatians 2:3
But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek.
Galatians 5:6
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.
Luke 2:21
And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Philippians 3:3
For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—
Deuteronomy 10:16
Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn.
Romans 2:28
For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical.
Leviticus 12:3
And on the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.
1 Corinthians 7:18
Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision.
Romans 2:29
But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.
Genesis 17:12
He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations, whether born in your house or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring,
Ephesians 2:11
Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—
Deuteronomy 30:6
And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.
Colossians 2:11
In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
|
What are some Bible verses about exhortation?
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Answer
1 Thessalonians 5:16\-18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
James 1:22
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
1 Timothy 4:13
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.
2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
Matthew 4:4
But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
1 John 2:18
Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.
Proverbs 15:29
The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
Luke 8:13
And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.
1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Titus 1:9
He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Luke 6:46
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?"
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
2 Timothy 2:15
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
1 Corinthians 6:18\-20
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Romans 12:8
The one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Job 19:25
For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
Hebrews 3:13
But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
|
What are some Bible verses about moderation?
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Answer
1 Corinthians 6:12
“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything.
Proverbs 25:27
It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory.
1 Corinthians 9:25
Every athlete exercises self\-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
Philippians 4:5
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;
Ephesians 5:18
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
Galatians 5:13
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Titus 2:7
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,
Proverbs 25:16
If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.
Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
1 Timothy 5:23
(No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.)
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober\-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Proverbs 23:20\-21
Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.
Titus 2:3
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good,
Colossians 2:20\-23
If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self\-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.
Romans 14:21
It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.
Psalm 104:15
And wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man's heart.
1 Timothy 3:8
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double\-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.
Ephesians 5:18\-20
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
Matthew 7:12
So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
|
What are some Bible verses about paradise?
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Answer
Luke 23:43
And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
1 Corinthians 2:9
But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—
Revelation 2:7
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Revelation 21:4
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
Romans 10:9
Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Luke 12:33\-34
Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Revelation 21:1
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
Acts 2:31
He foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Corinthians 12:2
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.
1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Revelation 1:18
And the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.
Revelation 20:11\-15
Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Psalm 37:11
But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.
Jude 1:7
Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.
Matthew 25:46
And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
1 John 3:1\-3
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 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. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
Revelation 14:13
And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”
Philippians 1:23
I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
|
What are some Bible verses about rebellion?
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Answer
1 Samuel 15:23
For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.
Proverbs 17:11
An evil man seeks only rebellion, and a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
Psalm 68:6
God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.
Deuteronomy 28:47\-48
Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joyfulness and gladness of heart, because of the abundance of all things, therefore you shall serve your enemies whom the Lord will send against you, in hunger and thirst, in nakedness, and lacking everything. And he will put a yoke of iron on your neck until he has destroyed you.
Matthew 5:19
Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Romans 12:19
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Acts 5:29
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men."
John 14:15
If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Ephesians 6:1\-3
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”
Matthew 4:7
Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Isaiah 30:1
“Ah, stubborn children,” declares the Lord, “who carry out a plan, but not mine, and who make an alliance, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin;"
John 8:44
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Nehemiah 9:17
They refused to obey and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them, but they stiffened their neck and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them.
Deuteronomy 31:27
For I know how rebellious and stubborn you are. Behold, even today while I am yet alive with you, you have been rebellious against the Lord. How much more after my death!
2 Peter 2:4
For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment;
Jeremiah 28:16
Therefore thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will remove you from the face of the earth. This year you shall die, because you have uttered rebellion against the Lord.’
2 Thessalonians 2:3
Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,
Isaiah 65:2
I spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices;
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
|
What are some Bible verses about sloth?
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Answer
Proverbs 13:4
The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.
Proverbs 12:24
The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.
2 Thessalonians 3:10
For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
Proverbs 15:19
The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.
Ecclesiastes 10:18
Through sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks.
Proverbs 24:30\-34
I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.
Romans 12:11
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Proverbs 21:25\-26
The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.
Proverbs 19:15
Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.
Matthew 25:26
But his master answered him, “You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed?”
Proverbs 18:9
Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.
Proverbs 22:13
The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!”
Proverbs 20:4
The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.
Proverbs 10:4
A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
Proverbs 6:6\-8
Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.
Proverbs 20:13
Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.
Proverbs 6:9
How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Proverbs 26:16
The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
|
What are some Bible verses about stubbornness?
|
Answer
Proverbs 29:1
He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
Psalm 81:11\-12
But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.
Romans 2:5
But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
John 5:30
I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.
Galatians 5:19\-21
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Samuel 15:23
For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober\-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Proverbs 12:1
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
Acts 7:51
You stiff\-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.
Zechariah 7:11
But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear.
Psalm 78:8
And that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.
Matthew 13:23
As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.
Jeremiah 7:24
But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward.
Isaiah 48:4
Because I know that you are obstinate, and your neck is an iron sinew and your forehead brass,
Psalm 32:9
Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.
Exodus 32:9
And the Lord said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiff\-necked people."
Isaiah 46:12
Listen to me, you stubborn of heart, you who are far from righteousness:
Matthew 28:20
Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Psalm 46:10\-11
Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about abandonment?
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Answer
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Psalm 27:10
For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Isaiah 49:15\-16
Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.
Romans 8:38\-39
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Hebrews 13:5\-6
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
Psalm 142:4\-5
Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul. I cry to you, O Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Habakkuk 2:3
For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.
Matthew 27:46
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Mark 15:34
And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Psalm 23:1
A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 46:1
To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A Song. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Malachi 2:16
“For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.”
Luke 18:28\-31
And Peter said, “See, we have left our homes and followed you.” And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.” And taking the twelve, he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished."
Matthew 28:20
Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about affliction?
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Answer
Psalm 34:17\-20
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Romans 5:3\-4
More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
Romans 8:18
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Psalm 119:71
It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.
2 Corinthians 4:16
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
James 5:11
Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
2 Corinthians 4:17
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
Psalm 22:26
The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord! May your hearts live forever!
James 1:2\-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Psalm 22:24
For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him.
Psalm 10:17\-18
O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.
John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Psalm 9:13\-14
Be gracious to me, O Lord! See my affliction from those who hate me, O you who lift me up from the gates of death, that I may recount all your praises, that in the gates of the daughter of Zion I may rejoice in your salvation.
2 Corinthians 4:7\-12
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
Psalm 9:18
For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about consequences?
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Answer
Galatians 6:7\-8
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
James 2:10
For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.
Hebrews 12:11
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Romans 13:4
For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.
Jeremiah 17:9\-10
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Isaiah 59:2
But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.
Proverbs 29:15
The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
1 Timothy 5:8
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Proverbs 25:26
Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
Exodus 22:1\-4
If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him, but if the sun has risen on him, there shall be bloodguilt for him. He shall surely pay. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. If the stolen beast is found alive in his possession, whether it is an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double.
Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 6:18\-20
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Exodus 22:7\-9
If a man gives to his neighbor money or goods to keep safe, and it is stolen from the man's house, then, if the thief is found, he shall pay double. If the thief is not found, the owner of the house shall come near to God to show whether or not he has put his hand to his neighbor's property. For every breach of trust, whether it is for an ox, for a donkey, for a sheep, for a cloak, or for any kind of lost thing, of which one says, ‘This is it,’ the case of both parties shall come before God. The one whom God condemns shall pay double to his neighbor.
Matthew 27:3\-5
Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself.
Daniel 12:3
And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about coveting?
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Answer
Exodus 20:17
You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.
Romans 7:7
What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.”
Deuteronomy 5:21
And you shall not covet your neighbor's wife. And you shall not desire your neighbor's house, his field, or his male servant, or his female servant, his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.
1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
Romans 13:9
For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Ephesians 5:3
But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
Luke 12:15
And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Ephesians 5:5
For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Colossians 3:5
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Mark 7:20\-23
And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
Proverbs 4:23
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
Ephesians 4:28
Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.
James 4:3
You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.
Matthew 6:19\-21
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Micah 2:2
They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them away; they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance.
James 1:14\-15
But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Matthew 5:27\-28
You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Acts 20:33\-35
I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
1 Timothy 6:6\-10
Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about dishonesty?
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Answer
Proverbs 6:16\-19
There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
Proverbs 20:17
Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.
Colossians 3:9\-10
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
Proverbs 11:3
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
Luke 16:10\-12
One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own?
Exodus 20:16
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Luke 16:10
One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.
Proverbs 16:28
A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.
Proverbs 20:23
Unequal weights are an abomination to the Lord, and false scales are not good.
Proverbs 11:1
A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.
Proverbs 12:22
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
Hebrews 13:18
Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.
Colossians 3:9
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from every form of evil.
Romans 13:1
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
Ephesians 4:25
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
Hosea 4:2
There is swearing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed.
Philippians 4:8\-9
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Revelation 21:8
But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about immorality?
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Answer
Hebrews 13:4
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
Galatians 5:19\-21
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 6:18
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
Mark 7:20\-23
And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
Matthew 5:28
But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Matthew 5:32
But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Ephesians 5:3
But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
Revelation 21:8
But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.
Colossians 3:5
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
1 Thessalonians 4:3\-5
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;
1 Corinthians 6:13
“Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.
1 Corinthians 7:2
But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.
Matthew 5:27\-28
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
2 Corinthians 12:21
I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced.
Leviticus 20:13
If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.
Galatians 5:19
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,
Revelation 22:15
Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
Jude 1:4
For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:11
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about trustworthiness?
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Answer
Colossians 3:9\-10
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
Proverbs 11:13
Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
Proverbs 6:16\-19
There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
Proverbs 28:26
Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.
John 17:17
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
Matthew 15:18\-20
But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.
Romans 12:17\-21
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Luke 8:15
As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.
Exodus 20:16
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
1 Kings 8:56
Blessed be the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, according to all that he promised. Not one word has failed of all his good promise, which he spoke by Moses his servant.
Numbers 23:19
God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:1
Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.
John 8:43\-47
Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.
2 Peter 1:16
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
Ephesians 4:15\-16
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Isaiah 26:3
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Psalm 9:10
And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
Luke 16:10
One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.
Titus 2:7
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about stewardship?
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Answer
1 Peter 4:10
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
Genesis 1:28
And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Genesis 2:15
The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.
2 Corinthians 9:6\-7
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
Luke 16:11
If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?
Proverbs 16:3
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
Titus 1:7
For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick\-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,
Malachi 3:10
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.
1 Corinthians 4:2
Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.
Luke 14:28
For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?
John 3:27
John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven."
Luke 12:42\-46
And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful."
1 Timothy 6:17\-19
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous.
1 Timothy 6:7\-8
For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
Proverbs 21:20
Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.
Psalm 24:1
A Psalm of David. The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,
Proverbs 3:9
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
Deuteronomy 8:18
You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about appearances?
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Answer
1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
Matthew 23:28
So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
John 7:24
Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.
1 Timothy 2:9
Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self\-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire,
1 Corinthians 6:19\-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Revelation 1:1
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,
1 Peter 3:3\-4
Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.
James 1:23
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.
Psalm 139:14
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
John 8:15
You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one.
Genesis 1:26
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from every form of evil.
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
2 Corinthians 10:7
Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ's, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ's, so also are we.
Colossians 3:12\-14
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Matthew 7:20
Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
1 Peter 3:3
Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about idleness?
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Answer
1 Timothy 5:13
Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.
Ecclesiastes 10:18
Through sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks.
Proverbs 19:15
Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.
Proverbs 13:4
The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.
2 Thessalonians 3:10
For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.
2 Thessalonians 3:11
For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.
Proverbs 31:27
She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 12:24
The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.
Proverbs 24:30\-34
I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.
Ezekiel 16:49
Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.
Proverbs 20:13
Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.
Proverbs 18:9
Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.
Proverbs 20:4
The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.
Proverbs 10:4
A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
Proverbs 14:23
In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.
Proverbs 21:25
The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.
1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.
Matthew 12:36
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,
2 Thessalonians 3:6
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.
Proverbs 6:6
Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about justification?
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Answer
Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Titus 3:7
So that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Romans 3:28
For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
Galatians 3:24
So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.
1 Corinthians 6:11
And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Romans 5:9
Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.
Philippians 3:9
And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—
Galatians 2:16\-17
Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not!
Romans 4:25
Who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.
Romans 8:30
And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Galatians 2:16
Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
2 Corinthians 5:21
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Romans 4:3
For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.
Genesis 15:6
And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.
Romans 4:2
For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.
Romans 3:20
For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
1 Corinthians 1:30
And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,
Galatians 3:11
Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Romans 3:24
And are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
Romans 2:13
For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
|
What are some Bible verses about need?
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Answer
Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Luke 12:31
Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:8
Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Psalm 23:1
A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.
Psalm 37:25\-26
I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.
Exodus 6:6\-9
"Say therefore to the people of Israel, ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the Lord.’” Moses spoke thus to the people of Israel, but they did not listen to Moses, because of their broken spirit and harsh slavery.
1 Peter 3:8\-12
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:24
He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
1 Corinthians 6:19\-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Acts 2:38\-39
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
John 16:23\-24
In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
John 10:11
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
John 4:10
Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”
Psalm 37:3\-5
Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.
James 1:2\-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
John 5:44\-46
How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope. For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me.
Luke 17:19
And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
|
What are some Bible verses about ambition?
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Answer
Luke 9:25
For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?
Matthew 23:12
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
1 Timothy 6:9
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.
James 4:1\-2
What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.
Philippians 2:4
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
John 5:44
How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
Romans 15:20
And thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation,
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
James 4:2
You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.
Matthew 16:26
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
Matthew 23:5\-7
They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others.
Matthew 4:8\-10
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”
Jeremiah 45:5
And do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not, for behold, I am bringing disaster upon all flesh, declares the Lord. But I will give you your life as a prize of war in all places to which you may go.
1 Timothy 3:1
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.
Luke 22:26
But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.
James 1:22
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
Romans 2:8
But for those who are self\-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
|
What are some Bible verses about backstabbing?
|
Answer
Matthew 5:44
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Proverbs 16:28
A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.
1 Peter 2:1\-25
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 23:6\-8
Do not eat the bread of a man who is stingy; do not desire his delicacies, for he is like one who is inwardly calculating. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. You will vomit up the morsels that you have eaten, and waste your pleasant words.
Psalm 110:1
A Psalm of David. The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”
Ephesians 4:26
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
John 8:32
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
2 Corinthians 4:16
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
1 Thessalonians 5:21
But test everything; hold fast what is good.
1 Corinthians 6:9\-11
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
1 John 4:8
Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
James 3:14\-16
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
Psalm 104:33\-34
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.
2 Corinthians 12:20
For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.
Romans 1:30
Slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,
John 8:7
And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Proverbs 20:20
If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.
Romans 1:18
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
|
What are some Bible verses about confrontation?
|
Answer
Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
Matthew 18:15\-17
If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
Galatians 2:11\-14
But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”
2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
Luke 17:3
Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him,
2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
Matthew 7:3\-5
Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
Titus 3:10
As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,
Ephesians 4:15
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
Leviticus 19:17\-18
You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
2 Thessalonians 3:14\-15
If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
James 5:19\-20
My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
Titus 2:15
Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
Galatians 6:1\-2
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Philippians 2:3\-4
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Matthew 7:1
Judge not, that you be not judged.
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:5
Better is open rebuke than hidden love.
Proverbs 19:11
Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
|
What are some Bible verses about foreigners?
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Answer
Leviticus 19:33\-34
When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
Exodus 23:9
You shall not oppress a sojourner. You know the heart of a sojourner, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.
Exodus 22:21
You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.
Deuteronomy 10:19
Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.
Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Malachi 3:5
Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts.
Leviticus 19:34
You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
Psalm 146:9
The Lord watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
Matthew 25:35
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
Leviticus 24:22
You shall have the same rule for the sojourner and for the native, for I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 23:22
And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.
Deuteronomy 27:19
‘Cursed be anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
Leviticus 19:10
And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.
Ephesians 2:19
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
Deuteronomy 10:18\-19
He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.
Jeremiah 22:3
Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place.
Romans 12:13
Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
1 Peter 2:11
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.
Deuteronomy 24:14
You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your brothers or one of the sojourners who are in your land within your towns.
Exodus 12:49
There shall be one law for the native and for the stranger who sojourns among you.
Colossians 3:11
Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about kingdom?
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Answer
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Romans 14:17\-18
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.
1 Corinthians 4:20
For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.
1 Corinthians 6:9\-10
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
Psalm 145:13
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. \[The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.]
Matthew 10:7\-8
And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.
Matthew 16:19
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Hebrews 12:28
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,
Luke 1:33
And he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.
Luke 12:32
Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
John 18:36
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”
Luke 17:20\-21
Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”
Matthew 18:1
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Matthew 12:28
But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Matthew 6:10
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
John 18:36\-37
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”
Matthew 4:17
From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Daniel 2:44
And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever,
Colossians 1:13\-14
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about pagans?
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Answer
Deuteronomy 18:9\-12
When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you.
1 Corinthians 6:9\-11
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Acts 8:9\-13
But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.
Ezekiel 13:18
And say, Thus says the Lord God: Woe to the women who sew magic bands upon all wrists, and make veils for the heads of persons of every stature, in the hunt for souls! Will you hunt down souls belonging to my people and keep your own souls alive?
2 Thessalonians 2:9
The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders,
Jeremiah 10:1\-5
Hear the word that the Lord speaks to you, O house of Israel. Thus says the Lord: “Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are vanity. A tree from the forest is cut down and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman. They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move. Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good.”
2 Peter 2:15
Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing,
2 Kings 23:7
And he broke down the houses of the male cult prostitutes who were in the house of the Lord, where the women wove hangings for the Asherah.
Leviticus 19:28
You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.
Romans 13:4
For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.
Proverbs 25:26
Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
Psalm 103:2\-4
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
Proverbs 21:21
Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.
Matthew 5:47
And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?
2 Kings 23:5
And he deposed the priests whom the kings of Judah had ordained to make offerings in the high places at the cities of Judah and around Jerusalem; those also who burned incense to Baal, to the sun and the moon and the constellations and all the host of the heavens.
Matthew 18:17
If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Proverbs 21:24
“Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.
Psalm 104:5
He set the earth on its foundations, so that it should never be moved.
Matthew 6:7
And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about bribery?
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Answer
Exodus 23:8
And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear\-sighted and subverts the cause of those who are in the right.
Proverbs 15:27
Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.
Proverbs 17:23
The wicked accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the ways of justice.
Proverbs 17:8
A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it; wherever he turns he prospers.
Ecclesiastes 7:7
Surely oppression drives the wise into madness, and a bribe corrupts the heart.
Amos 5:12
For I know how many are your transgressions and how great are your sins— you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and turn aside the needy in the gate.
Deuteronomy 16:19
You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous.
Proverbs 21:14
A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.
Psalm 26:10
In whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes.
Isaiah 5:23
Who acquit the guilty for a bribe, and deprive the innocent of his right!
Isaiah 1:23
Your princes are rebels and companions of thieves. Everyone loves a bribe and runs after gifts. They do not bring justice to the fatherless, and the widow's cause does not come to them.
Proverbs 10:2
Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.
Job 15:34
For the company of the godless is barren, and fire consumes the tents of bribery.
1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
Matthew 28:12\-15
And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.
Proverbs 28:21
To show partiality is not good, but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.
1 Samuel 8:3
Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. They took bribes and perverted justice.
Judges 16:5
And the lords of the Philistines came up to her and said to her, “Seduce him, and see where his great strength lies, and by what means we may overpower him, that we may bind him to humble him. And we will each give you 1,100 pieces of silver.”
Micah 7:3
Their hands are on what is evil, to do it well; the prince and the judge ask for a bribe, and the great man utters the evil desire of his soul; thus they weave it together.
Ezekiel 22:12
In you they take bribes to shed blood; you take interest and profit and make gain of your neighbors by extortion; but me you have forgotten, declares the Lord God.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about budgeting?
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Answer
Proverbs 3:9
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
Luke 14:28\-30
For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’
Proverbs 22:7
The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.
Proverbs 15:22
Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.
Proverbs 27:23
Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds,
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Proverbs 6:6\-8
Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.
Proverbs 21:20
Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.
2 Corinthians 9:6
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
1 Corinthians 4:2
Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.
1 Timothy 6:17\-19
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
Matthew 6:19\-21
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Proverbs 21:5
The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
Haggai 2:8
The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts.
Proverbs 23:4\-5
Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.
1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
Proverbs 27:23\-27
Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations? When the grass is gone and the new growth appears and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered, the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field. There will be enough goats' milk for your food, for the food of your household and maintenance for your girls.
1 John 2:15\-17
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
1 Corinthians 16:2
On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
Proverbs 27:12
The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about busyness?
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Answer
Ephesians 5:15\-17
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Haggai 1:5\-9
Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes. Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord. You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? declares the Lord of hosts. Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house.”
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
1 Corinthians 10:31
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Matthew 11:28\-30
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Psalm 127:2
It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
Isaiah 55:1\-2
Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Psalm 39:6
Surely a man goes about as a shadow! Surely for nothing they are in turmoil; man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
Deuteronomy 8:18
You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
James 1:21\-25
Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two\-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Luke 16:10
One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.
Matthew 6:25
Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about chastity?
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Answer
1 Thessalonians 4:3
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;
Matthew 5:28
But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
1 Corinthians 6:18\-20
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Colossians 3:5
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Ephesians 5:3
But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
Romans 13:13
Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.
Exodus 20:14
You shall not commit adultery.
1 Corinthians 7:7\-9
I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am. But if they cannot exercise self\-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
1 Thessalonians 4:7
For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.
Hebrews 13:4
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
Galatians 5:19\-21
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Proverbs 6:25
Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes;
1 Corinthians 6:13\-19
“Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.
1 Peter 2:11
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.
1 Corinthians 7:2
But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.
Job 31:1
I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?
Psalm 119:9
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self\-control.
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about dignity?
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Answer
Proverbs 31:25
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Titus 2:7
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,
1 Timothy 2:1\-4
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Genesis 1:26
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
Matthew 7:12
So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Jeremiah 1:5
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.
Genesis 9:5\-6
And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man. Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.
Genesis 2:7
Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.
1 John 3:17
But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?
Romans 5:8
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
John 13:16
Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
Luke 6:36
Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
Exodus 20:13
You shall not murder.
Exodus 3:14
God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I am has sent me to you.’”
John 13:34\-35
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 8:32
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
John 1:14
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Mark 2:16
And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about unbelief?
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Answer
Mark 9:23\-25
And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”
John 3:18\-19
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.
2 Thessalonians 2:11\-12
Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
John 12:48
The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.
Mark 16:16
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Jude 1:22
And have mercy on those who doubt;
John 20:27\-29
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
2 Timothy 3:5
Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
1 John 2:15\-17
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
Matthew 7:21
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."
James 1:6
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
Matthew 17:20
He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 22:14
For many are called, but few are chosen.
Isaiah 66:2
All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Hebrews 3:19
So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.
Luke 7:23
And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.
2 Corinthians 6:14\-18
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”
John 3:36
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about vows?
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Answer
Ecclesiastes 5:4\-6
When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. Let not your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands?
James 5:12
But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.
Deuteronomy 23:21\-23
If you make a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay fulfilling it, for the Lord your God will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin. But if you refrain from vowing, you will not be guilty of sin. You shall be careful to do what has passed your lips, for you have voluntarily vowed to the Lord your God what you have promised with your mouth.
Numbers 30:2
If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.
Psalm 76:11
Make your vows to the Lord your God and perform them; let all around him bring gifts to him who is to be feared,
Psalm 61:8
So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day.
Job 22:27
You will make your prayer to him, and he will hear you, and you will pay your vows.
Psalm 61:5
For you, O God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
Matthew 5:33\-37
Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.
Proverbs 20:25
It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,” and to reflect only after making vows.
1 Samuel 1:11
And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”
Psalm 66:13
I will come into your house with burnt offerings; I will perform my vows to you,
Psalm 66:14
That which my lips uttered and my mouth promised when I was in trouble.
Psalm 56:12
I must perform my vows to you, O God; I will render thank offerings to you.
Genesis 28:20\-22
Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father's house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”
Nahum 1:15
Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, O Judah; fulfill your vows, for never again shall the worthless pass through you; he is utterly cut off.
Psalm 116:14\-19
I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. O Lord, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant. You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people,
Psalm 50:14
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High,
Numbers 29:39
These you shall offer to the Lord at your appointed feasts, in addition to your vow offerings and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your grain offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about apathy?
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Answer
Romans 12:11
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Zephaniah 1:12\-13
At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the men who are complacent, those who say in their hearts, ‘The Lord will not do good, nor will he do ill.’ Their goods shall be plundered, and their houses laid waste. Though they build houses, they shall not inhabit them; though they plant vineyards, they shall not drink wine from them.
Revelation 3:2
Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.
2 Timothy 4:3\-4
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
Ephesians 6:10\-12
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Revelation 3:15\-16
I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
Ephesians 5:16
Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
Romans 12:9\-13
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Proverbs 15:19
The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.
John 5:39\-40
You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.
James 4:17
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
Mark 14:38\-41
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.”
1 John 3:17\-18
But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Hebrews 5:11\-12
About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food,
Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Proverbs 18:9
Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.
Proverbs 21:13
Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.
Proverbs 18:1
Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about celibacy?
|
Answer
1 Corinthians 7:7\-9
I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am. But if they cannot exercise self\-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
1 Corinthians 6:18\-20
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
1 Corinthians 7:2
But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.
1 Timothy 3:2
Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober\-minded, self\-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
Matthew 19:10\-12
The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.”
1 Corinthians 7:26
I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is.
1 Timothy 4:1\-3
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
1 Corinthians 6:9
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 9:5
Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?
Matthew 19:12
For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.”
Revelation 14:1\-5
Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb, and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless.
1 Corinthians 7:1
Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.”
Matthew 19:11\-12
But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.”
Genesis 1:28
And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
1 Timothy 4:3
Who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
1 Timothy 1:9\-
Understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine,
1 Corinthians 7:25
Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy.
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Hebrews 13:4
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about confidentiality?
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Answer
Proverbs 11:13
Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
Proverbs 25:9
Argue your case with your neighbor himself, and do not reveal another's secret,
Proverbs 17:9
Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.
James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Proverbs 12:23
A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
1 Timothy 5:13
Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.
Titus 2:7
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,
James 4:11\-12
Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?
Proverbs 20:19
Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.
Proverbs 16:28
A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.
Psalm 44:21
Would not God discover this? For he knows the secrets of the heart.
Psalm 101:5
Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure.
Psalm 90:8
You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.
Matthew 7:12
So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Deuteronomy 29:29
The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.
Luke 8:17
For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.
Mark 4:22
For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light.
Matthew 6:6
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Hebrews 4:13
And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
|
What are some Bible verses about firstfruits?
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Answer
Romans 8:29
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Romans 8:23
And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
Proverbs 3:9\-10
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
1 Corinthians 15:20
But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
James 1:18
Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
1 Corinthians 15:22\-23
For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.
John 20:17
Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
John 11:25
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,"
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Leviticus 27:30
Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord's; it is holy to the Lord.
Exodus 34:22
You shall observe the Feast of Weeks, the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering at the year's end.
Exodus 23:19
The best of the firstfruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God. “You shall not boil a young goat in its mother's milk.
Exodus 23:16
You shall keep the Feast of Harvest, of the firstfruits of your labor, of what you sow in the field. You shall keep the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in from the field the fruit of your labor.
Revelation 14:4
It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb,
Revelation 1:18
And the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.
Philippians 3:20\-21
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
1 Corinthians 15:26
The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
Hebrews 12:23
And to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about grumbling?
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Answer
Philippians 2:14
Do all things without grumbling or questioning,
Exodus 16:7\-8
And in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your grumbling against the Lord. For what are we, that you grumble against us? And Moses said, “When the Lord gives you in the evening meat to eat and in the morning bread to the full, because the Lord has heard your grumbling that you grumble against him—what are we? Your grumbling is not against us but against the Lord.”
James 5:9
Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.
1 Peter 4:9
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
John 6:41\-43
So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” Jesus answered them, “Do not grumble among yourselves.”
Numbers 14:27
How long shall this wicked congregation grumble against me? I have heard the grumblings of the people of Israel, which they grumble against me.
1 Corinthians 10:8\-11
We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty\-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.
Numbers 14:2
And all the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness!"
Exodus 15:24
And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?”
John 6:61
But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this?"
James 4:1\-3
What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Timothy 2:8
I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;
Philippians 2:14\-15
Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Luke 1:37
For nothing will be impossible with God.
Philippians 2:12
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
John 6:41
So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.”
Psalm 106:25
They murmured in their tents, and did not obey the voice of the Lord.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about philosophy?
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Answer
Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:13
And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
1 Timothy 6:20
O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,”
Titus 3:9\-10
But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,
1 Corinthians 2:1\-5
And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:21
For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.
1 Corinthians 2:6\-10
Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
Acts 17:18
Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.
Proverbs 25:2
It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.
Colossians 2:16\-19
Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.
James 2:19
You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!
1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Romans 1:19
For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.
1 Corinthians 1:22
For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Corinthians 1:19
For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
Matthew 10:28
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Genesis 1:1
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
John 3:18
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about godliness?
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Answer
2 Peter 3:11
Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,
2 Peter 1:5\-8
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self\-control, and self\-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 3:12
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
Psalm 1:1\-3
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Romans 12:1
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
2 Timothy 3:5
Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
2 Corinthians 7:1
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
Micah 6:8
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
1 Timothy 6:6\-7
Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.
Jude 1:4
For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Jude 1:20\-21
But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
1 Timothy 6:17\-19
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
1 Timothy 4:7\-8
Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
1 Corinthians 6:19\-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
1 Timothy 2:10
But with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.
Galatians 5:14
For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Matthew 5:48
You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
1 John 3:2
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.
2 Corinthians 10:5
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about inerrancy?
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Answer
2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
John 17:17
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
Psalm 12:6
The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.
2 Peter 1:21
For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Titus 1:2
In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began
John 10:35
If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken—
Matthew 5:18
For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
Matthew 4:4
But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
1 Thessalonians 2:13
And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.
Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Psalm 119:160
The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.
Hebrews 6:18
So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.
Romans 3:4
By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.”
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Psalm 19:7
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
2 Peter 1:20\-21
Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
John 14:26
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
Isaiah 40:8
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
Luke 24:44
Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What are some Bible verses about insults?
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Answer
James 1:26
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.
James 4:11\-12
Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?
Proverbs 12:16
The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.
Proverbs 12:18
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Ephesians 4:31\-32
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Proverbs 11:12
Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.
Proverbs 20:22
Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.
Romans 14:10\-12
Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Ephesians 4:26
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
Matthew 5:43\-45
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
Leviticus 19:18
You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
Matthew 7:1\-5
Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
Romans 14:1
As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Luke 6:31
And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
1 Peter 4:14
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Matthew 5:21\-22
You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 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.
Titus 3:2
To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
*Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.*
Special thanks to [OpenBible.info](https://www.openbible.info/topics/) for the data on the most well\-known Bible verses.
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What is the fullness of the Gentiles (Romans 11:25)?
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Answer
In Romans 11 Paul makes a compelling observation—an affirmation he refers to as a mystery—that a partial hardening has happened until “the fullness of the Gentiles has come in” (Romans 11:25, ESV). The context helps us understand the meaning of the partial hardening and what is the fullness of the Gentiles.
In the first eleven chapters of Romans, Paul catalogs the mercies of God in God’s provision of righteousness through the gospel. First, in Romans 1:1—3:20 Paul considers the universal human need for God’s righteousness, as all are unrighteous and separated from God. Then in Romans 3:21—4:25 Paul lays out how God applied righteousness through faith to all who believe in Jesus, outlining three different and significant types of [descendants of Abraham](sons-of-Abraham.html): 1\) ethnic Israel (Romans 4:1\), 2\) believing Gentiles (Romans 4:11\), and 3\) believing Jews (Romans 4:12\). These three sets of descendants of Abraham are especially important for understanding the partial hardening and the fullness of the Gentiles that Paul talks about in Romans 11\.
Romans 5—8 discusses the implications of that righteousness applied in freeing believers from the penalty and bondage of sin (Romans 5—7\) and assuring them of a present and future of reconciliation and peace with God (Romans 8\). At the end of Romans 8 is a powerful affirmation of the believer’s [eternal security](eternal-security.html)—God will keep His promises to those who have believed in Jesus Christ, and they will never be separated from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35\).
While discussing these mercies of God, Paul seems to anticipate that his readers might wonder why, if God is so faithful to restore those who believe in Jesus, God’s promises of restoration to Israel do not seem to be fulfilled yet. Simply put, if [God is faithful](faithfulness-of-God.html), and if His promises to believers are trustworthy, then why is He not keeping His promises to Israel? It is to answer this concern that Paul writes Romans 9—11, as he introduces the ideas of a partial hardening of Israel and the fullness of the Gentiles (Romans 11:25\).
In Romans 9 Paul expresses his love for his Jewish brethren (Romans 9:1–5\) and recognizes that the covenant promises are to be fulfilled to a specific group of Abraham’s descendants. Paul shows the distinct groups by highlighting God’s choosing of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and affirms that God’s blessing would be for those descendants who believe in the Messiah (Romans 9:33\). Salvation would not only be for believing Jews, though, as Gentiles could also call upon the name of the Lord for salvation (Romans 10:12–13\). While there are believing Jews and Gentiles, Paul explains that the nation of Israel as a whole has not yet received her Messiah (Romans 10:18—11:10\), but they will one day be saved through believing in their Messiah (Romans 11:26\).
In the meantime, Paul explains that there is a partial hardening of the nation—that many will refuse the Messiah—until the fullness of the Gentiles occurs. Israel’s hardening will continue until the divinely set number of Gentiles are saved: “Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ” (Romans 11:25, NLT).
Paul recognized that Israel’s failure to accept the Messiah when He came offering the kingdom represented blessing for the Gentiles because, instead of setting up that kingdom on earth at that time, Christ died to pay for the sins of all. In so doing, Christ fulfilled the promise God made to Abraham that in Abraham’s seed all the peoples of the earth will be blessed (Genesis 12:3b). That partial hardening of Israel also represented a shift in focus to the announcement of salvation to the Gentiles. Paul acknowledged himself as an apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13\) and sought that many Gentiles would come to know Christ so those promises could be fulfilled and then the Jewish people might return to their Messiah (Romans 11:14–15\). Paul alluded to this in 2 Timothy 4:17 when he expressed gratitude for God’s sustaining him so that Paul might fulfill his ministry and that all the Gentiles might hear.
Even though God’s promises to save the nation of Israel are not presently being fulfilled, Paul recognizes that God will keep those promises after the fullness of the Gentiles. Paul seems to be building on the foundation of Daniel 9, in which is revealed a 490\-year prophetic timeline after which God will accomplish His covenant blessings for Israel. After the first 483 years of the timeline, the Messiah was cut off (Daniel 9:26a), signaling a shift in the focus away from Israel as Gentiles (Rome) would dominate, and there would be wars and desolation. But one day in the future, the ruler who would be known as [the Antichrist](what-is-the-antichrist.html) would make a seven\-year agreement with Israel. That last seven years of the timeline would begin to return the focus back to Israel and would conclude the times of the Gentiles of which Jesus spoke in Luke 21:24\.
The fullness of the Gentiles in Romans 11:25 reminds us of God’s global focus (with the universal proclamation of the gospel of salvation) and chronology (with the times of the Gentiles not yet complete). One day, the fullness of the Gentiles will be complete, and God will deliver the nation of Israel. Anyone who might have doubts about God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises can consider these passages as important reminders that God has a detailed plan that He is fulfilling patiently and carefully.
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What is the meaning of “waters of Noah” in Isaiah 54:9?
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Answer
Isaiah’s prophecies address not only God’s judgment but also God’s grace. In them God often refers to His earlier promises, as He does in Isaiah 54:9, saying, “For this is like the waters of Noah to me.” Though Israel had broken God’s (Mosaic) [covenant](Mosaic-covenant.html) and would soon undergo judgment (see chapters 1—3, for example), there would be a remnant and those who would see God’s restoration afterward (Isaiah 14, 27, for example). Isaiah 54:1–3 speaks of the nation having many descendants, enlarging their tent, spreading abroad, possessing nations, and resettling cities that had been desolate. The people would forget the shame of their former disobedience (Isaiah 54:4\), because God has redeemed and called them (Isaiah 54:5\). The people would not be restored because of their righteousness, but in spite of their unfaithfulness God would deliver them (Isaiah 54:6\).
God had judged the people briefly but would with great compassion restore them (Isaiah 54:7\). The nation had been judged for a moment but would see God’s everlasting kindness and compassion (Isaiah 54:8\). Because of the temporality of God’s judgment and the eternality of His blessing, in this case God says that “this is like the waters of Noah to me” (Isaiah 54:9\). In the days of Noah, human wickedness had reached such an apex that God would tolerate it no further and would bring judgment (Genesis 6:5–7\) through a [worldwide flood](Noah-flood.html). But even in the midst of that judgment God would show His mercy as He chose to protect the line of Noah because of Noah’s righteousness (Genesis 6:8; 7:1\). God brought Noah, his family, and representatives from the various animal families through the judgment (Genesis 7:17–24\).
After the judgment through the flood, God made a covenant with Noah and with every living thing that He would never again destroy the earth with a flood (Genesis 9:11\). Because of that earlier promise, God said in Isaiah 54:9 that the current judgment would be “like the waters of Noah to me.” God had sworn that waters of Noah (or judgment) would not flood the earth again (Genesis 9:11; Isaiah 54:9\), and in the same way God was now telling the people that after the judgment they would encounter, He would no longer be angry or rebuke the people (Isaiah 54:9\). Even though the mountains may be removed and the hills shaken, God would not remove His lovingkindness or allow His covenant of peace to be broken (Isaiah 54:10\).
God is a holy, holy, holy God (Isaiah 6:3\) who does not ignore His people’s sin. He had promised that if Israel would obey the covenant He gave them through Moses that they would dwell peacefully in the land (Exodus 19:5–6; Deuteronomy 28:1–15\). But if they disobeyed God, they would be judged and removed from the land (Deuteronomy 28:16–66\). Yet even after that judgment took place, God would restore the people (Deuteronomy 30\). The judgment would not last forever. God’s judgment of Israel would be “like the waters of Noah” to God (Isaiah 54:9\) in that it would be temporary and the people would be ultimately delivered.
In a similar way, we see [God’s grace](grace-of-God.html) poured out on those who believe in Jesus Christ—even though we are worthy of an eternal penalty (death), God loves us and sent His Son Jesus to die as a substitution in our place. He took on Himself the penalty for Israel’s sin and for ours (Isaiah 53:4–12\)—in fact, He died for the whole world (1 John 2:2\) so that all who believe in Him can have eternal life (John 6:47; 20:31\). For those who believe in this Savior, God’s judgment is “like the waters of Noah”—we were by nature children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3\), but God has saved us by His mercy (Ephesians 2:4\).
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What is the mushroom Jesus theory?
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Answer
For those hard\-set on denying the resurrection of Christ, there are few palatable options. Some alternative explanations are nevertheless sincere, if wrong. An example is [mythicism](Mythicism.html): a conspiracy theory claiming Jesus of Nazareth didn’t exist at all, but even secular atheists almost universally reject mythicism. Other counterproposals are so bizarre and provocative they’re not likely taken seriously even by the people who suggest them.
Among the more outrageous suggestions is that the Bible’s claims about miracles—and even the resurrection of Jesus—were the result of hallucinations triggered by psychotropic drugs. That is, people did not see a resurrected Jesus. They did not see miracles. They were merely delirious from ingesting things like mushrooms, chemicals, or drugs.
This suggestion makes zero sense of available information. The historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus is extremely strong. It’s impossible to deny that, immediately after His crucifixion, people believed they’d seen Jesus alive. Further, those making these claims were willing to suffer social rejection, persecution, torture, and even [death](apostles-die.html) as a result. These beliefs predate the writing of the Gospels themselves. Whether one chooses to believe in the resurrection, he or she can’t reasonably deny that contemporaries of Jesus in Jerusalem believed in it enough to sacrifice their lives.
The wider “[hallucination theory](hallucination-theory.html)” cannot be true. Historical belief in the bodily resurrection of Christ does not begin with the Gospels; it begins with the earliest believers, far too early for myth to overrun recent history.
Of particular importance to claims about mushrooms and other drugs is the nature of hallucinations themselves. The idea that hundreds, even thousands of people would imagine the same minute details at the same time and think they were real is simply absurd.
It’s important to note the early eyewitnesses were [convinced](why-believe-resurrection.html) enough for willing martyrdom. People who hallucinate almost always recognize the event as imaginary, either during or after. Persons who have eaten “magic mushrooms” or taken other substances know full well they did so—or others would tell them as much. Those who can’t distinguish hallucination from reality, even after the fact, show noticeable signs of psychological disturbance. The biblical eyewitnesses did not. Further, hallucinations are generally specific to a particular sense, such as sight or hearing. Even more critical is that hallucinogenic experiences are purely internal, meaning they’re produced by a person’s own psychology and physiology.
If the “mushroom Jesus” hypothesis were true, everything in the following three paragraphs would have to be literally true:
On multiple occasions, people with no other instances of psychosis experienced vivid illusions of a resurrected Jesus. Each event involved at least three separate, simultaneous hallucinations: visual, auditory, and tactile. Every delusion began and ended so seamlessly that those experiencing it never realized they were hallucinating. These hallucinations corresponded to each other so perfectly that the appearance seemed to be real and not imaginary.
During most events, several people experienced a hallucination at the exact same moment in time, such that it appeared they were each seeing, hearing, and touching the same person at the same moment. These independent visions were also perspective\-adjusted, such that everyone in the room thought they were seeing the same event, but from their own physical location. Groups of hundreds experienced these coordinated hallucinations in various times and places, without any contradictions in details, such as Jesus’ general appearance, voice, specific words, and so forth. All these events occurred precisely within a few weeks of the execution of Jesus, then abruptly stopped.
These hallucinations were so perfectly timed and so perfectly coordinated that those who experienced them were willing to suffer persecution, imprisonment, torture, and death rather than change their story. They did not claim to have been chemically altered, they did not claim to have conspired, and they did not claim to have merely seen similar “spiritual” visions or mirages. They were utterly and absolutely convinced what they’d seen was real. This included people who had travelled and studied personally with Jesus for more than three years.
Such is the perspective one would have to adopt to claim early believers were high on psychotropics. The “mushroom Jesus” theory suggests a cosmically improbable, historically unique, and scientifically inexplicable string of psychotic episodes, which convinced thousands of otherwise normal people that they had seen, touched, and spoken to a dead man—so convinced that they literally sacrificed everything to tell other people about it. It also implies that such a naturally occurring event had never happened before or since.
That these events just so happened to match millennia\-old [prophecies](prophecies-of-Jesus.html) would be yet another layer needing to be unpacked and explained.
Some will never accept anything other than naturalistic explanations for the Bible’s resurrection accounts. Even so, most skeptics put no stock whatsoever in suggestions about mushrooms, drugs, or hallucinations. Those promoting such ideas are most likely being provocative for the sake of attention, not seriously attempting to examine faith.
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Who was St. John of the Cross?
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Answer
Juan de Yepes y Álvarez, better known to history as St. John of the Cross (1542—1591\), was a Catholic mystic, theologian, and poet in Spain. He was also a friar in the Carmelite order and an influence in the [Counter\-Reformation](Counter-Reformation.html), the Catholic revival following the Protestant Reformation. His most famous works are *Spiritual Canticle* and [*Dark Night of the Soul*](dark-night-soul.html) , both exploring the joys and pains of the soul’s journey toward union with Jesus Christ. Christian mystics such as John of the Cross sought out and prized experiential knowledge of God and pondered the “mysteries” of spirituality.
John of the Cross’s writings, his poetry in particular, are considered the height of Spanish Christian mystic literature (www.britannica.com/biography/Saint\-John\-of\-the\-Cross, accessed 12/7/21\). *Spiritual Canticle* was mostly written in a small, dark prison cell, where he was being kept by other Carmelites for his attempts to reform the order. He and Teresa of Avila, a nun who mentored him, spent decades working to return the order to its original values of austerity and [asceticism](Christian-asceticism-monasticism.html). John regularly took long fasts and practiced self\-flagellation in an attempt to further his spiritual growth, which he believed must come through suffering.
In the *Canticle*, John tries to describe the joy of finding and needing only Christ:
“My soul is occupied,
And all my substance in His service;
Now I guard no flock,
Nor have I any other employment:
My sole occupation is love.”
Through his writings, John of the Cross promoted a mystical path to the true [union](union-with-Christ.html) of one’s soul with Christ. According to John of the Cross, union with God requires quietude and meditation and an experience of suffering along with Christ—a spiritual crucifixion, of sorts. He placed an emphasis on love, which he taught comes through detaching oneself from everything in the world and suffering for Christ. He sought to travel from the “dark night” to what he called “the Deification of the soul” (*Canticle*, Stanza XXVI).
John of the Cross was [beautified](beatification.html) by the Roman Catholic Church in 1675, canonized in 1726, and declared to be a [doctor of the church](doctors-of-the-church.html) in 1926\. His feast day, honoring his life and work, is December 14\.
By its very nature, [mysticism](Christian-mysticism.html) implies that there is a mysterious part to our relationship with Jesus Christ, that to truly know Him requires an individual experience and esoteric knowledge usually born out of heavenly visions, extreme hardship, and asceticism or self\-denial. Mysticism seeks a supernatural encounter with God and often takes an extremely metaphorical approach to Scripture.
For all his sincerity and lofty poetry, John of the Cross was not a promoter of truth. It’s true that Christians may at times have solitary and unique experiences with God, but this is not the focus of Scripture or the example of the first\-century church (Acts 2—6\). In the Bible, we see the church living in community and fellowship, not in isolation. Their focus was on the apostles’ teaching about Christ, not personal visions. They did not seek out suffering as a means to further their union with God.
As a Catholic, John of the Cross pursued a works\-based salvation and expressed devotion to Mary. Br. Martin of the Assumption, who knew John of the Cross personally, testified that John would often sing hymns to Mary and “was so devoted to Our Lady that every day he prayed the Office of Our Lady on his knees.” As he was dying, John heard the bell for [midnight prayer](morning-prayer-evening-prayer.html), and he said, “And I, too, through the goodness of the Lord, will have to say them with our Lady in heaven” (quoted by Br. John\-Mary of Jesus Crucified, OCD, in “The Mariology of Saint John of the Cross,” https://discalcedcarmel.org/the\-mariology\-of\-saint\-john\-of\-the\-cross, 12/4/18, accessed 12/7/21\).
John of the Cross’s idea of a step\-by\-step process of self\-denial and affliction culminating in glory is not taught in Scripture. A believer has God’s peace *now*; he doesn’t have to experience a “dark night” first (Romans 5:1\). The child of God is seated “in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” *now* (Ephesians 2:6\). We have union with Christ *now* (Ephesians 1:7\). Neither Jesus nor the apostles ever taught a “dark night of the soul.”
John of the Cross was not able to get closer to Jesus than we ourselves are. The way to God is not to be found through whipping ourselves, isolating ourselves, or seeking ecstatic visions. In Christ, we have the grace of God. God has given us everything we need to live a godly life and abide in Him as adopted children in His family (2 Peter 1:3–8\). We should be careful not to add anything to the work of Christ on the cross as a means of reaching God.
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Where did the Bible come from? How did we get the Bible?
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Answer
Over centuries of inspired composition, the people of God received certain texts as Holy Scripture, without manufacturing or mandating them. The modern Protestant Bible, comprised of 66 books, is typically divided into two sections: the [Old Testament](Old-Testament-Survey.html) and the [New Testament](New-Testament-canon.html). Because these two sections are distinct (they were written several centuries apart!), it is helpful to discuss their formation and inclusion in the Bible separately. We will start with the Old Testament, then turn to the New Testament, before offering some closing thoughts on the transmission of the Bible.
**Where did the Old Testament come from?**
The Old Testament is a combination of historical books, prophetic writings, and poetry, centered on ancient Israel. The [Pentateuch](Pentateuch.html), starting with the book of Genesis, was initially written sometime between the 15th and the 13th centuries BC. The book of Malachi was written in the 5th century, marking the close of the Old Testament period. The rest of the Old Testament was developed between the Pentateuch and the book of Malachi, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The Old Testament books themselves refer to a variety of sources, including Moses (Deuteronomy 31:24–26\), the official records of Israelite kings, and proverbial writings from wise individuals (Proverbs 31:1\).
During the transmission process, ancient editors occasionally updated linguistic details or small sections of the biblical books. The apparently parenthetical comments in the book of Deuteronomy are a famous example (Deuteronomy 2:20–23\), potentially added by an inspired editor to clarify the original material for later generations (which itself points to the ancient, original nature of the Deuteronomic material). These updates were not materially substantial, and Christians believe that they were done under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Old Testament was considered a complete canon around the time of Malachi, when prophetic activity largely ceased. The focus of Jewish scholars transitioned from preserving God’s revelation to translating and copying the Old Testament canon. Between the conclusion of Malachi and the birth of Jesus, the Old Testament was translated into other languages, [including Greek](septuagint.html). By the time of Jesus, the Old Testament canon was fully received and established, though there was some debate about the [Apocrypha](apocrypha-deuterocanonical.html).
**Where did the New Testament come from?**
In the early years of the Christian church, the [apostles](what-is-an-apostle.html), living witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection and bearers of divine authority, traveled among the churches, teaching and exhorting Christ’s followers to live consistently with their faith (Acts 1:21–22\). As the church expanded, the apostles began to write letters to the churches, which carried the same authority as their spoken word. These letters were read aloud and circulated among the churches, so that everyone could benefit from the apostolic teaching. Early on, some people within the apostolic community recorded the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, writings that became the four Gospels we have today. Near the end of the first century, the apostle John received a revelation from Jesus Christ, which he recorded in a massive letter to seven churches. This work, known today as Revelation, marked the end of the apostolic era and the close of the New Testament canon.
The process of acceptance in the New Testament church involved ensuring that a book carried apostolic authority. Many of the books within the New Testament were written directly by apostles, and some, such as Mark and Luke, were written by those in the apostolic inner circle and based on the testimony of apostles. There is evidence that the church received the Gospels extremely early, and Paul even quotes the Gospel of Luke as Scripture, alongside the Old Testament (1 Timothy 5:18\). A collection of Paul’s writings was also circulating among the churches extremely early, and Peter refers to them as Scripture (2 Peter 3:15–16\). Because the apostles could not perpetually be present in every church, their writings served as inspired and authoritative teaching for the early church. These writings perform the same function for us today: by the grace of God, when we read the New Testament, we are reading the authoritative teachings of the divinely commissioned apostles, [inspired](Bible-inspired.html) by the Holy Spirit to write for our edification. The Word of God is amazing!
**Where did my Bible come from?**
The early church regarded the Old Testament as the revelation of God and received apostolic writings with the same authority (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 3:15–16\). Amid persecution, they painstakingly copied and circulated apostolic works. Sometimes, works claiming to be written by an apostle crept in, and sometimes churches were skeptical of certain New Testament books. However, over time, the pretenders were rooted out, and the church faithfully received the apostolic books. At first, these “books” were maintained as separate works, generally written in Greek, and copied thousands of times. As literary technology and the economic status of churches improved, Christians could compile their readings into codices, and eventually books. The Bible was translated into [Latin](Latin-Vulgate.html), [Aramaic](Peshitta.html), and other languages. Eventually, the Bible was translated into English, the same language as this article, so that anyone who understands English can read God’s revelation, given over thousands of years. Modern English Bibles are translated from early manuscripts of the Hebrew Old Testament and Greek New Testament. Thanks to the judicious copying work of ancient scribes and the providence of God, we can receive His revelation today through the Bible, even though they record events and words spoken thousands of years ago.
**Conclusion**
The people of God acknowledged that certain texts were Holy Scripture, without creating or mandating them. The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew, and the New Testament was originally written in Greek. Both were copied and translated by faithful scribes, preserving the inspired text for us today. About two thousand years ago, Paul told Timothy that the “Holy Scriptures” were “able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:14–15\). Those same Scriptures are available to you today. Pick up a good translation in your native language and start reading it! You will not regret it.
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Who was Saint Nicholas?
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Answer
Saint Nicholas of Myra (AD 270—343\) was a Christian church leader in Asia Minor who died in the middle of the 4th century. Almost everything known about Nicholas comes from secondary sources and legends. The few consistent claims made about Nicholas include his notable generosity and humility. These traits influenced the development of legends about him, ultimately inspiring the modern\-day character known as Santa Claus or Father Christmas.
Nicholas seems to have become a priest at an early age. His parents were likely wealthy; when they died, Nicholas used his inheritance to support the poor. Among his common practices was slipping coins into the shoes of needy people when they left them out. Nicolas might have participated in the [Council of Nicea](council-of-Nicea.html). However, historians disagree over lists of attendees, some of which don’t include his name. Nicholas served as the Bishop of Myra. This city was where Paul changed ships during one of his trips to Rome as a prisoner (Acts 27:1–6\).
The most famous legend about Nicholas foreshadows modern traditions about Santa Claus. According to the story, Nicholas heard about a man who had become destitute. The man was now unable to provide his three daughters with a [dowry](purpose-dowry.html). Because of this, they had no hope of marriage and were considering prostitution to survive. Nicholas—trying to avoid any publicity for his help—dropped money down the family’s chimney on three separate occasions, relieving the young women’s desperation. Other versions of the story have him distributing the money through a window or the father waiting to catch Nicholas in the act to express gratitude.
Artistic [depictions](religious-iconography.html) of Saint Nicholas were extremely common in the centuries after his death. Some historians believe he is the second\-most depicted Catholic saint, after Mary. Of course, any single image simplifies the event it depicts. That lack of context led to misinterpretations. For example, one of Nicholas’s supposed miracles was resurrecting three children. In that story, the youths had been murdered and left in a barrel of brine by an evil butcher. Some scholars attribute the origin of this legend to icons that featured Nicolas and three purses, which people mistook for the heads of children.
Images and icons based on those secondary legends themselves might have led to other misconceptions. For example, the inclusion of images of barrels—based on the butcher miracle—led people to associate Nicholas with sailors or brewers. Representations with gold coins, mistaken as fruits, led people to associate him with oranges. Officially or unofficially, this has made Nicholas the [patron saint](patron-saints.html) of a great many categories.
Other disputed stories about Nicholas include his striking an [Arian](arianism.html)—or possibly Arius himself—at the Council of Nicea. The uncharacteristic violence was a reaction to heresy. Supposedly, Nicholas was removed from his clergy position as a result of this aggression. According to Catholic legends, he was freed from prison by a visit from Mary and Jesus and given back his church.
Nicholas’s death, on December 6, 343, quickly became associated with a celebratory feast. For many hundreds of years, associated traditions involved gift\-giving. In Dutch\-speaking areas of Europe, the legend of *Sinterklaas* included children leaving out their shoes overnight. The shoes would be filled with candy and small gifts by a red\-clad, white\-bearded, priestly man—but only if the children had been well\-behaved. These traditions combined celebrations about Nicholas of Myra with pre\-Christian traditions such as [Yule](Yule-Christmas.html), which included a white\-bearded, cloaked Odin distributing gifts.
Immigrants to the United States brought *Sinterklaas* traditions with them. These were relatively obscure until the early 19th century. Washington Irving, a popular American writer, included references to St. Nicholas in his work. In 1823, the character was depicted in Clement Moore’s poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” more commonly known by its first line, “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” By the 1850s, that version of Santa Claus began to reach Europe, where it blended with similar traditions about Father Christmas. Thomas Nast drew an illustration for the famous poem in 1881, further popularizing many of Santa’s physical features.
An advertising campaign in the 1930s depicted the version of [Santa Claus](Santa-Claus.html) that has since become standard: a fat, happy, red\-nosed, white\-bearded man in a red outfit with white fur trim.
Modern legends about Santa Claus have their own origins, but many ultimately trace back to Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra. Controversy over those traditions is nothing new. Early Protestant leaders discouraged celebration of any saint, including Nicholas. Atheist regimes such as in early\-20th century Russia dismissed anything connected to religion. Some modern Christians—even entire denominations—object to commercializing Christmas and emphasizing Santa to a more prominent place than Jesus.
Of course, those concerns have little to do with who Nicholas of Myra really was or what he did. As far as parents choose to teach their children anything about Santa, the basic facts about Nicholas are good to mention. According to the Bible, all born\-again believers are “[saints](saints-Christian.html).” In that way, “Saint” Nicholas of Myra shouldn’t be held to a different standard than any other Christian. Nor should the positive things he did be ignored.
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What is the Legacy Standard Bible (LSB)?
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Answer
The *Legacy Standard Bible* (LSB) is a newly released (late 2021\) translation of the Bible. A reference edition, including footnotes and [Strong’s numbers](Strongs-Exhaustive-Concordance.html), is scheduled for publication in the first part of 2022\. The LSB New Testament, with the Psalms and Proverbs, was released in February 2021\.
The *Legacy Standard Bible* is not a completely original translation; rather, it is a direct update of the [*New American Standard Bible*](New-American-Standard-Bible-NASB.html) (NASB) of 1995\. As such, it shares the NASB’s roots in the *American Standard Version* (ASV) of 1901 and the *Revised Version* (RV) of 1885\.
The *Legacy Standard Bible* was produced jointly by the Lockman Foundation, Three Sixteen Publishing, and the John MacArthur Charitable Trust. Translation work was done by the faculty of the Master’s University and Seminary and reviewed by an international team of scholars and pastors (https://lsbible.org/faqs, accessed 12/14/21\).
Using the NASB as a guide, the translators of the *Legacy Standard Bible* went back to the original languages and double\-checked the accuracy of the wording in the NASB. Sometimes, the English wording was changed to match the 1977 edition of the NASB; other verses required no change from the 1995 edition, and still other verses were changed in accordance with the translating guidelines followed by the LSB committee. According to the translators, “Any changes made strictly revolved around providing greater consistency in word usage, accuracy in grammatical structure, and tightening phrasing” (ibid.). The result was intended to be an accurate, consistent translation of the Bible that improves upon the NASB while honoring the NASB’s legacy of readability and literalness—saying what the original manuscripts actually say, without coloring the text with the translators’ preconceptions.
**Legacy Standard Bible \- Translation Method**
The *Legacy Standard Bible* holds to formal equivalence in its translation. The goal of the LSB is to be as literal as possible. According to the LSB’s official website, the translation “seeks to ensure that each word and phrase in English corresponds to each word and phrase in the original languages relative to meaning and grammar. . . . It also seeks to ensure that the same words and phrases correspond to each other within the translation as much as possible” (ibid.).
Examples of the precision of the LSB include the use of *Yahweh* for God’s name in the Old Testament, and the translation of *doulos* as “slave” (rather than “servant”) in the New Testament.
**Legacy Standard Bible \- Pros and Cons**
Probably the greatest strength of the *Legacy Standard Bible* is its precision in regards to wording and grammar. The LSB seeks to take what was originally said in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek and say the same thing in English. The LSB might share the NASB’s weakness in not being as smooth and free\-flowing as some of the less literal translations. Overall, though, the *Legacy Standard Bible* is an excellent and trustworthy Bible translation.
**Legacy Standard Bible \- Sample Verses**
John 1:1, 14 — “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
John 8:58 — “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.’”
Ephesians 2:8–9 — “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves, *it is* the gift of God; not of works, so that no one may boast.”
Titus 2:13 — “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,”
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Who were the Pilgrims, and what were their beliefs?
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Answer
The Pilgrims were about 100 people who arrived at Cape Cod in what is now Massachusetts in 1620 and became the first permanent European settlers in New England. The Pilgrims were Puritan Separatists from England who believed that the Church of England was hopelessly corrupt and sought the freedom to practice their religion apart from government interference. They established the famous Plymouth Colony upon their arrival in the New World, but their story began nearly a century earlier.
The story of the Pilgrims traces back to the decision by King Henry VIII to seize control of the English church in 1534\. The king’s action sparked decades of deadly conflict between [Roman Catholics](Roman-Catholicism.html) and [Protestants](what-is-a-Protestant.html). King Edward VI, son of Henry VIII, took the side of the Protestants and continued to drive Catholicism out of England. However, upon his death as a teenager, he was replaced by [Mary I](Bloody-Mary.html), who brutally attempted to reestablish Catholicism as the dominant religion in England. Mary’s half\-sister Elizabeth I succeeded her as queen and strove to stabilize Christianity in England. Elizabeth I redesigned the Church of England as a compromise between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, granting it the full backing of the state.
This compromise calmed the fires of religious conflict in England but was not acceptable to everyone. A group of Protestants known as [Puritans](Puritans-Puritanism.html) believed that the [Church of England](Church-of-England.html) retained too many elements of the Roman Catholic Church. They strongly disagreed with the governance and liturgy of the Church of England. While all the Puritans agreed there was a need to “purify” the Church of England, they attempted to achieve this goal through different methods. Some Puritans chose to operate within the Church of England and work to achieve change from the inside. Others, believing that the Church of England was beyond hope of reform, chose to withdraw and form their own congregations. A group of these Separatists, as they were called, would later come to be known as the Pilgrims. Under English law, it was illegal for the Separatists to practice their faith outside of the Church of England. In 1607 a congregation of Separatists, seeking to escape persecution, moved from England to Holland, which was more religiously tolerant. These Separatists established a successful community in Holland, and for several years were happy with their newfound religious freedom.
However, as the years passed, the Separatists became concerned that their children were becoming secularized and losing their English heritage. They began to face economic struggles and were concerned that their small community would collapse. They could not return to England, where they faced persecution, but they did not believe they could stay in Holland. Therefore, believing that it was the will of God, they consolidated their resources and set sail for North America, purchasing passage aboard the *Mayflower*. They set out to join the already\-established Virginia Colony, but storms and rough seas forced a landing in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where they established the Plymouth Colony. It is worth noting that a sizable portion of the *Mayflower*’s passengers were not Pilgrims; in order to finance and facilitate the journey and the new settlement, the Pilgrims needed to bring a considerable number of non\-Separatist Puritans, indentured servants, and sailors with them.
The Pilgrims were [Calvinists](Calvinist.html) and [Congregationalists](congregationalism.html). They were radical Puritans and held mostly Puritan beliefs about God, the Bible, church government, morality, and the world around them. The difference between the Pilgrims and the non\-Separatist Puritans who remained in England was their perspective on the Church of England. The Pilgrims were unwilling to compromise with what they believed were the Church of England’s unbiblical doctrines and practices. The Church of England was just as unyielding and had the force of law on their side. The Pilgrims chose to flee persecution and establish a new community, governed by their religious ideals.
As some of the first English settlers in North America, their beliefs and actions had an enormous impact upon the United States of America. Their self\-reliance, resistance to authoritarianism, and love of freedom are woven into the American fabric. The *Mayflower Compact* they drafted laid the foundation for the U. S. Constitution. And their harvest celebration in 1621 set the standard for our modern\-day Thanksgiving holiday. “The General Society of Mayflower Descendants has identified more than 82,000 Pilgrim descendants,” including nine American Presidents, astronaut Alan Shepard, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and actor Clint Eastwood (Reid, R. “How much do you know about the Pilgrims and their legacy?” *Stars and Stripes*, 11/25/15\).
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What is Christian psychology?
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Answer
Robert Roberts and P. J. Watson describe [Christian psychology](psychology-Christian-counseling.html), in part, like this: “We wish to develop a psychology that accurately describes the psychological nature of human beings as understood according to historic Christianity” (“A Christian Psychology View,” *Psychology \& Christianity: Five Views* 2nd ed., IVP Academic, 2010, p. 155\). This is meant to be accomplished both by understanding Scripture and historical Christian thinkers and by engaging in empirical scientific study in a distinctly Christian way, as opposed to the naturalist view that undergirds most of modern scientific study.
Those who support a Christian psychology approach to engaging with modern psychology would call attention to the fact that psychology “as a discipline of careful observation and reflection about human psychic well\-being and dysfunction, and how to go about promoting the former and correcting the latter, has been around for twenty\-five centuries or so” (ibid., p. 150\). Secular psychologists have recognized contributions of thinkers well before Freud, such as [Plato](Plato-Platonism.html) and [Aristotle](Aristotelianism.html), but modern psychology does not often consider those thinkers. A Christian psychology approach would, of course, lean on Christian thinkers like [Augustine](Saint-Augustine.html), [Aquinas](Saint-Thomas-Aquinas.html), [Pascal](Blaise-Pascal.html), and [Kierkegaard](Soren-Kierkegaard.html). Christian psychology would also look directly to the Bible for truth about human nature. This is a search not only for the understanding of sin and salvation, but also for things directly related to “psychology,” like how commended virtues relate to well\-being. A Christian psychology approach would then ask how these things are developed, how to help those who do not have them, and what things go wrong when they are lacking. “The way to answer these questions may be a combination of conceptual\-historical and empirical research” (ibid., p. 160\).
Rather than seek to promote a view of humanity that would be accepted by any person of any tradition, a Christian psychology view seeks one that is distinctly Christian—distinctly biblical. Those with a Christian psychology view are not simply abandoning the modern field of psychological study to create something of their own, however. Rather, they are seeking to work within and contribute to the field. Roberts and Watson argue, “A Christian empirical psychology can and should take its place as a worthy intellectual competitor to the secular psychologies (whether naturalistic, humanistic or postmodern) with their usually unacknowledged metaphysical assumptions about human nature and flourishing” (ibid., p. 165\). The Christian psychology approach would begin with a biblical understanding of human nature as the normative factor in research and interpretation. The approach would also seek to develop new methodologies for empirical investigation that accurately measure distinctively Christian things.
The Christian psychology view is both a call back to history and a movement toward the future. Roberts and Watson explain, “The chief impetus behind the Christian psychology model is that we cannot, in faith, simply leave our psychological thinking to be done by non\-Christians, or even to be done by Christians according to the canons and methods of the establishment psychologies” (ibid., p. 174\).
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What is integrated Christian counseling?
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Answer
The term *integrated Christian counseling* describes an approach to [counseling](questions_counseling-related.html) that seeks to be grounded in a biblical worldview and include aspects of modern psychology that are compatible with that worldview. Integration is spoken of in regard to the theoretical stance of the counselor and his or her techniques, Christians in the academic field of psychology, and even the roles of counselors and the church. Stanton Jones gives this as a working definition: “Integration of Christianity and psychology (or any area of ‘secular thought’) is our living out—in this particular area—of the lordship of Christ over all of existence by our giving his special revelation—God’s true Word—its appropriate place of authority in determining our fundamental beliefs about and practices toward all of reality and toward our academic subject matter in particular” (“An Integration View,” *Psychology \& Christianity: Five Views*, 2nd ed., IVP Academic, 2010, p. 102\).
Jones proposes that modern psychology, both academically and in practice, engages with existential questions such as where humans came from, what we are, and where we are going. Of course, Christians believe the Bible gives us the answers to these questions. Thus, our engagement with modern psychology should be grounded in biblical truth. However, Jones states that an integrationist view does not think that the Bible gives us everything to fully understand humans. The study and practice of psychology are seen as legitimate for growing our intellectual understanding of human functioning as well as providing practical tools to help humans function better (ibid., p. 101–102\). In short, an integrationist views the Bible as the standard of truth. At the same time, he or she is willing to accept verified truth claims from sources outside the Bible. The maxim “All truth is God’s truth” comes to mind.
An [integrationist approach](psychology-Christian-counseling.html) recognizes that there are inherent biases in scientific fields. Data and facts can be derived by using the scientific method, but the interpretation of that data and those facts is often subjective. Psychology also touches on many things that cannot be determined by the scientific method, such as life purpose or the definition of *health*. Thus, integrated Christian counseling does not simply accept the teachings and findings of the modern psychological field; rather, it critically evaluates them through the lens of a biblical worldview. This would apply both to the research coming out of psychological fields and to the theoretical structures of certain forms of psychology. Where something in modern psychology conflicts with a biblical truth, the Bible is chosen as the authority. Where something in modern psychology is compatible with biblical truth and helpful to the client, it can be adopted. Integrationist counselors are seeking to avail themselves of all the tools they can to help ameliorate the effects of living in a fallen world.
The concept of integration includes not only how much of modern psychology can be integrated into Christian counseling, but how much Christian spiritual practice should be part of counseling. For example, is it appropriate to assign a client spiritual disciplines like daily Bible reading as “homework”? Should the counseling sessions include prayer?
Clearly, the degree of integration will vary among counselors based on their specialty, their biblical training, and their psychological training. There is vast difference in theory and practice among secular counselors, as well. It is always wise to talk with any potential counselor about his or her approach to counseling, and the counselor should broach this subject in the initial meeting during the informed consent process, as well as throughout any remaining sessions.
Counselors who wish to integrate should be diligent in their study of God’s Word as well as in their study of modern psychology. Being in close contact with other believers, other counselors, and other believing counselors is extremely beneficial both personally and professionally. Every Christian should be actively following God and seeking His will and His glory in everything. Counselors or not, we are all called to grow in our relationship with God and to [love others](loving-others.html). This often happens through the study of God’s Word (the Bible), regular time in prayer, and fellowship with other believers. The more we know Him and the more we submit all of our lives to Him—including our work—the more we will reflect Him in all that we do. The better we know God, the better we can truly love and help others, something counselors seek to do.
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Who was Boethius, and what was his impact on Christianity?
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Answer
You have probably never heard of him, but Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius (c. 477—524\) influenced thousands of people in many different ways over the course of his life as a politician, philosopher, and academic. His legacy lives on through the success of his writings, which helped shape the direction of medieval philosophy.
Boethius was born sometime between AD 470 and 480 in medieval Italy. He was born into a politically influential Christian family, part of the broader Anicii family. His father died when Boethius was an adolescent, leaving his son in the care of Quintus Aurelius Memmius Symmachus, another Roman statesman. Boethius married Symmachus’ daughter Rusticiana, leading to a lifelong friendship between the two men. This upbringing destined Boethius for political influence, which he achieved under King Theodoric the Great, ruler of the Ostrogoths in Italy, becoming consul in AD 510 and rising to one of the highest positions within the king’s palace by 520\.
Tragically, Boethius was accused of treason shortly after his promotion and imprisoned. The exact charges levelled against Boethius are unknown, but they likely had to do with the ongoing conflict between the Orthodox [Byzantine](Byzantine-Period.html) emperor Justin I and King Theodoric, who held to [Arianism](arianism.html). Boethius had publicly supported his fellow senator Albinus when the latter was accused of treason, and that support may have soured his relationship with King Theodoric. Boethius’ father\-in\-law, Symmachus, made a futile attempt to protect Boethius and was himself imprisoned for treason. Both men were executed in 524\.
Boethius was a Greek philosopher at heart, and his contributions to Western philosophy were substantial and far\-reaching. He was apparently well\-trained in logic and classical Greek, endeavoring to translate numerous works of Greek philosophy into Latin. Over his relatively short life, Boethius produced translations of and commentaries on Aristotle and Porphyry. He wrote treatises on logic and attempted to apply Greek philosophy to Christian doctrine, using principles of [Platonic](Plato-Platonism.html) and [Aristotelian](Aristotelianism.html) logic to provide explanations of the Trinity and the deity of Christ. Through his translations and commentaries, he helped to bring Greek philosophy into the medieval world.
Boethius wrote one of his most famous works, *The Consolation of Philosophy*, while in prison. *The Consolation* imagines philosophy as a woman who comes to comfort Boethius as he awaits execution. Using a Platonic framework, ultimate good is defended against injustice. According to *The Consolation*, good will prevail, despite man’s evil choices. God’s providence is reinforced using the language and logic of Greek philosophy.
What was Boethius’ impact on Christianity? Most of his extant works on philosophy, including *The Consolation*, do not contain explicitly Christian material. This has led some scholars to argue that Boethius gave up his faith in prison or that he only feigned Christian belief earlier in life. However, a biography by Boethius’ friend Cassiodorus, discovered in the 19th century, reaffirmed Boethius’ Christian faith. Boethius was an example of someone who believed in the integration of “secular” [philosophy](Christian-philosophy.html) and Christian doctrine, allowing both fields to inform and complement each other.
*The Consolation* was an incredibly popular medieval work and served to expand the influence of Platonic thought on medieval theology. According to *The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church*, “Despite the absence of specifically Christian teaching the moral of the *Consolation* was clear to the medieval commentator: through philosophy the soul attains to knowledge of the vision of God” (Cross, F. and Livingstone, E., eds., Oxford University Press, 2005, p. 220\). A century\-old biography summarizes the impact of this enigmatic theologian well: “Boethius was the last of the Roman philosophers, and the first of the [scholastic](Scholasticism.html) theologians” (Stewart, H., and Rand, E., *Boethius: The Theological Tractates and the Consolation of Philosophy*, Harvard University Press, 1918, p. x).
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What is the gospel of Paul?
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Answer
Other than our Lord Jesus, [Paul](life-Paul.html) is probably the most prominent character in the New Testament. Born in Tarsus shortly after the birth of Jesus, Paul, then known as Saul, was a Benjamite brought up in the strict manner of the Pharisees. Early in life, he demonstrated a keen intellect and a zeal for the traditions of Judaism. Though afforded the rights of a Roman citizen, Paul was an ardent Jewish nationalist who despised the ways of the Gentiles. Prior to his dramatic conversion during a journey to Damascus, Saul was a fiery persecutor of the church. After his conversion, he became the New Testament’s most prolific writer and Christianity’s most tireless missionary.
Paul speaks of the message he proclaimed as “my gospel” in Romans 2:16 and 16:25\. What, then, is the “gospel of Paul”? Does it differ from the true gospel, [the gospel](what-is-the-gospel.html) the other apostles preached? Or does he call it “my gospel” for a different reason?
During his long ministry, Paul’s apostolic authority was repeatedly questioned (1 Corinthians 9:2; 2 Corinthians 11\) despite his acceptance by the church (Acts 9:19–25; Galatians 1:18–20\). Even today, there are cultic groups that deny the legitimacy of Paul’s ministry. Those who question Paul’s apostolic authority ignore the testimony of Peter, James, and John, recognized [apostles](what-is-an-apostle.html) of Christ and pillars of the early church, who extended “the right hand of fellowship” to Paul and his companion Barnabas (Galatians 2:9\). Let us set aside any foolish belief that Paul was a counterfeit apostle who preached a spurious message, for the plain teachings of Scripture proves otherwise.
The gospel of Paul was not a different or a counterfeit gospel; the “good news” or “good announcement” he preached conformed in every way to the teachings of the Old Testament writers, the other apostles of the faith, and, most importantly, to the gospel message according to Jesus Christ. If there is a difference in the apostle Paul’s treatment of the gospel, it is not in the essence of the message but in the meticulous detail of the gospel. Indeed, most notably in Romans and Galatians, the apostle Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit, delves into the lofty heights and unfathomable depths of the gospel unlike any other New Testament writer. Even Peter, the Apostle to the Jews, was moved by the “weightiness” of Paul’s writings (2 Peter 3:15–18\).
With that said, let us explore the question “What is the gospel of Paul?”
*Whose gospel is this?*
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:1–6, ESV)
Is this Paul’s gospel? By his own words,
• the message he preached is the gospel of God (verse 1\)
• the good news Paul preached, the gospel of God, was foretold by the holy prophets long before Paul lived (verse 2\)
• the gospel message focuses on Christ Jesus, a descendant of King David according to the Scriptures (verse 3\)
• though born of a woman and, thus, being fully man, Jesus was also fully God and divine in nature; His Sonship was indisputably established by the Holy Spirit through His bodily resurrection (verse 4\)
• Paul’s authority as an apostle, being called to preach the gospel of God, was granted to him by none other than the Lord Jesus Christ (verse 5\)
• those called of God, having heard and believed the gospel of God, now belong to the Lord Jesus (verse 6\)
The gospel focuses on the Lord Jesus (Romans 1:9\) and His sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1–4\). Paul unashamedly devoted himself to broadcasting this thrilling message, for the gospel reveals the power of God—a mighty force capable of transforming sinners into saints (Romans 1:16\). Knowing we are incapable of saving ourselves, we trust the gospel, which reveals the righteousness of God, who saves all who simply believe (Romans 1:17\).
Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. (1 Corinthians 15:1–4, ESV)
According to this passage,
• there is only one gospel: it is the gospel of God that Paul preached and in which the redeemed have taken their stand (verse 1\)
• this is the gospel that saves, the gospel Paul delivered, and the gospel that must never be forgotten or discarded (verse 2\)
• according to the Scriptures, the Lord Jesus died for our sins. His sacrifice paid our sin debt (verse 3\)
• after His lifeless body was taken from the cross and laid to rest in a borrowed tomb, Jesus miraculously walked away from where He lay, as foretold by the holy prophets, proving His absolute power over sin and death (verse 4\)
How can this be? Dead men do not rise from their graves. A jeering mob had witnessed our Lord’s mangled body hanging lifeless on a cruel Roman cross. To counter those who would say the Lord’s bodily resurrection is no more than a fanciful tale, He appeared to His disciples and to a company of more than five hundred eyewitnesses. The [resurrection](why-believe-resurrection.html) did not take place in a dark, hidden corner; the evidence of Jesus’ bodily resurrection is a verifiable fact beyond dispute (1 Corinthians 15:5–8\).
*The Gospel of Antiquity*
The gospel did not originate with Paul, nor did Paul preach a new or novel message that was hitherto unknown:
And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. *He was foreknown before the foundation of the world* but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you. (1 Peter 1:17–20, ESV, emphasis added)
In His perfect knowledge, God knew, even before He spoke the earth into existence, that mankind would need a redeemer. It is rightfully said Christ was slain before the foundation of the world.
The Lord God said to the serpent,
“Because you have done this,
cursed are you above all livestock
and above all beasts of the field;
on your belly you shall go,
and dust you shall eat
all the days of your life.
*I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head,
and you shall bruise his heel*.” (Genesis 3:14–15, ESV, emphasis added)
The gospel was first preached by God in the Garden of Eden; the future Messiah, called the “Seed” of the woman (NKJV), would suffer an injury by the hand of Satan, but, in the end, our conquering Savior would deliver a fatal blow to our infernal enemy. As our Savior suffered on the cross, it appeared victory belonged to Satan, but the victory was short\-lived. Jesus conquered death and, in doing so, set the stage for Satan’s ultimate doom (Revelation 20:10\).
The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge. Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. *Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day. He saw it and was glad*.” (John 8:48–56, ESV, emphasis added).
High atop a mountain in the land of Moriah, Abraham told his son Isaac that [God would provide](Jehovah-Jireh.html) the sacrificial lamb (Genesis 22:8\). Though Abraham lived some two millennia before the Lord Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, the patriarch was well familiar with the gospel message, and, in fulfillment of Abraham’s prophetic utterance, God indeed provided the perfect, unblemished sacrificial Lamb (John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:17–20; Revelation 5:8–10\).
Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:4–6, ESV)
Eight hundred years before Roman guards nailed iron spikes into the hands and feet of our Lord Jesus, Isaiah peered into the future and foretold of the Messiah’s sacrificial death, which is foundational to the gospel. The gospel according to the prophet Isaiah is the same gospel preached by the apostle Paul, who wrote, “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14, ESV).
*The New Testament Gospel*
Pulling back the curtain of time, the Holy Spirit allowed the prophets and patriarchs of old to see the future coming of the Messiah; then, in the fullness of time, the Son of God clothed Himself in human flesh to fulfill His role as Redeemer (John 1:14; Luke 19:10\).
The next day \[John] saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’” (John 1:29–30, ESV)
[John the Baptist](life-John-Baptist.html) testified that Jesus was the long\-awaited sacrificial Lamb sent by God according to the words of the holy prophets. To fulfill this role, Jesus had to be sinless and willing to die for the sin of the world. Had Jesus been born with a sin nature, there would be no gospel message.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. (John 3:16–18, ESV)
This most familiar passage gives us the essence of the gospel. God sent His Son, the One who shared in His divine nature, to save a lost world. Those who receive Him by faith are granted everlasting life. Conversely, those who reject Him are already condemned. Later, the apostle Paul wrote, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:4–9, ESV). It is obvious the message of Paul agrees with the gospel according to Jesus.
Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost,
“Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,
‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.”’
Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:29–38, ESV)
From Peter’s powerful sermon, we learn
• Christ Jesus was a descendant of King David (verse 30\)
• Christ Jesus was raised from the dead (verse 31\)
• Peter and many others were eye\-witnesses of our Lord’s bodily resurrection (verse 32\)
• now that Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father, the Holy Spirit of God begins His ministry (verse 33\)
• God the Father promises God the Son that His enemies will be defeated (verses 34–35\)
• the One crucified is both Lord and Christ (verse 36\)
Convicted by the Holy Spirit, Peter’s audience asked what they were to do. By faith, they believed Peter’s gospel message, so what was next? Peter instructed his audience to [repent](repentance.html), that is, to renounce the rites and rituals of mere religion by turning to the living Savior. Repentance involves a change of heart and a change in direction. Peter also instructed the new believers to publicly acknowledge their newfound faith through water baptism. Believers are not saved by the [ordinance of baptism](baptism-salvation.html), but believers willingly choose to be baptized because they have been saved.
Again, the gospel focuses on the person of Jesus and His death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus is the unique, unblemished, and uncompromised Anointed One, fully God and fully man, who overcame death and the grave so that all who believe in Him will receive the gift of everlasting life. This is in accordance with the inspired teachings of both the Old and New Testament writers.
*Warning against counterfeit gospel messages*
Just as our Lord Jesus warned against false christs (Matthew 24:23–24\), the apostle Paul warned against perversions of the gospel. Satan understands that false christs and false gospel messages are incapable of saving lost sinners, so for two thousand years, our enemy has been counterfeiting phony messiahs and advancing spurious gospel messages.
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:6–9, ESV)
Paul’s warning to the church in Galatia says
• those who follow a different gospel have, in truth, deserted our Lord Jesus and have turned their backs on His loving grace (verse 6\)
• there is only one gospel, and all others are worthless distortions of the truth (verse 7\)
• those who preach counterfeit gospel messages are heretics worthy of damnation (verses 8–9\)
Obviously, those who proclaim there are many ways to God are the [false teachers](false-teachers.html) Paul warned against.
*Conclusion*
Despite the false charges levied against Paul, his gospel teachings are in harmony with the Old Testament patriarchs and prophets, his New Testament contemporaries, and, most importantly, the teachings of Jesus. Those who accuse Paul of having strayed from the gospel stand on shaky ground; Scripture proves that, rather than teaching a “different gospel,” he gave the church greater insight into the only true gospel, the gospel of God (Romans 1:1\). The following passage gives ample evidence that Paul’s prime motive was not in making a name for himself, but in furthering the cause of Christ:
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. (1 Corinthians 1:10–17, ESV)
What is the gospel of Paul? Quite simply, the gospel Paul preached is the same gospel proclaimed by the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and the Lord Jesus. The gospel of Paul is the gospel of God. He refers to it as “my gospel” because it was the message he had devoted his life to proclaiming.
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What is the meaning of the 153 fish in John 21:11?
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Answer
After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to the disciples on a number of occasions. John 21 records the third of those instances and includes the notable mention of 153 fish. Peter and the others had just witnessed another miracle of Jesus involving a large catch of fish, and “Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn” (John 21:11\).
On this occasion Jesus appeared to His disciples on the shore of the [Sea of Tiberius](Sea-of-Galilee.html), as they were in their boat returning from an unsuccessful night of fishing (John 21:1–3\). Jesus, whom they had not yet recognized, called to the disciples from the shore, asking them whether they had caught any fish (John 21:4–5\). After the disciples responded that they had not, Jesus instructed them to cast their nets on the right (starboard) side of the boat. They did, and they caught so many fish in the net that they couldn’t bring the nets in (John 21:6\). John quickly realized the man on the shore was Jesus, and he told Peter. Peter jumped in the water—presumably to swim to shore to see Jesus (John 21:7\). The other disciples, meanwhile, came in the boat, being only about 200 cubits (or 100 yards) from the shore (John 21:8\). When they arrived at shore, Peter went back into the boat to help them collect the fish, and they counted 153 fish—and large fish, at that. While there were so many fish, the net did not break (John 21:11\).
The meaning of the 153 fish in John 21:11 is evident from the context. As career fisherman, the disciples would not have been strangers to the process of tallying their catch. These were apparently big enough fish to put strain on the fishermen and the nets (though, miraculously, the nets were not torn). That John mentions the number of 153 fish emphasizes the fact that something extraordinary had happened, because Someone extraordinary was there. The 153 fish provided further evidence to the disciples that the resurrected Jesus had power over nature just as He had demonstrated before His crucifixion.
Earlier, John had recorded that Jesus turned the water into wine (John 2\), healed an official’s son (John 4\), healed a lame man (John 5\), fed 5,000 people from five loaves of bread and two fish (John 6\), walked on water (John 6\), healed a man who had been born blind (John 9\), raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11\), and rose from the dead Himself (John 20\). The 153 fish in John 21:11 might seem insignificant compared to these [magnificent signs](miracles-of-Jesus.html), but to an audience of fisherman who had failed to catch even one fish during an entire night of work, this remarkable catch provided more evidence that their belief in Jesus was well placed.
Just a few verses before John records the catching of the 153 fish, John explains that his purpose in writing was so that people would believe in Jesus and have life in His name (John 20:30–31\). There were many signs and works of Jesus that John could have recorded, but he chose to record those included in the Gospel of John so his readers could have confidence that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (John 20:31\), and that He is indeed equal with God (John 5:18\).
There is no reason to understand the number of fish caught that morning as anything but 153 literal fish. They have no hidden meaning or symbolic significance. The meaning of the 153 fish in John 21:11 is straightforward: their appearance in the disciples’ net was important to these fishermen by trade and also to every reader of John’s Gospel, as we have 153 more reasons to believe in Jesus the Christ.
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What is transformational psychology?
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Answer
Transformational psychology describes a Christian approach to [psychology](Christian-trust-psychology.html) with a heavy spiritual formation focus. Authors John Coe and Todd Hall describe it as “an attempt to both rediscover and redesign our traditional way of thinking of psychology in relation to Christianity, as well as rethinking the very nature of science itself. The bottom line will be that doing science, and in this case, psychology is ultimately an act of love” (“An Integration View,” *Psychology \& Christianity: Five Views*, 2nd ed., IVP Academic, 2010, p. 199\). The authors speak of doing psychology both within the tradition of psychology and “anew in the Spirit.” A transformational psychology approach emphasizes the centrality of the person doing psychology (i.e., a counselor, a researcher, a student).
Transformational psychology views modern science as unnecessarily limiting avenues of knowledge. Transformational psychology seeks to build on all legitimate ways of knowing, grounded first in faith. This means that spiritual realities are important in psychological work. A transformational psychologist is encouraged to “be willing to observe and reflect on whatever is relevant from (1\) Scripture, (2\) creation, particularly the study of persons, and (3\) preexisting psychological/scientific/theological reflections and theories” (ibid., p. 207–208\). Coe and Hall describe their approach as not so much a combining of two distinct fields—psychology and theology or the natural and the spiritual—but “a single, unified—though complex—science and psychology of reality” (ibid., p. 207\).
Transformational psychology views psychology as both descriptive and prescriptive—describing human nature as well as informing how to live. While a transformational psychology approach relies on the psychologist’s faith and spiritual formation, it is open to dialogue with unbelievers. This has to do with general revelation. A transformational psychologist sees the wisdom of God reflected in nature. Unbelievers should be able to observe and learn from that wisdom as well, and thus have helpful contributions. “Of course, their wisdom will be truncated in part, for only the believer has the possibility to know and live out these principles as one ought in relation to God” (ibid., p. 211\).
Because the person studying psychology or performing counseling is viewed as central to the process, much of the emphasis of transformational psychology is given to personal [spiritual growth](spiritual-growth.html). Coe and Hall write, “Doing science or psychology . . . is a means to the goal of love through union with the Holy Spirit, by which one loves God and neighbor and glorifies God” (ibid., p. 212\). A competent psychologist would be one who is increasingly Christlike by the filling of the Holy Spirit, observing and reflecting correctly on reality, and producing corresponding knowledge and wisdom that benefits others as well as leads to his or her own continued transformation (ibid., p. 212\). The transformational psychology approach argues that the goal of the Christian life is relational (loving God and others) and that doing psychology, being relational, is a means to relationship and to personal transformation (ibid., p. 213\). Beyond the methodology of study and formulation of theories, transformational psychology, in practice, would look like soul care or spiritual direction.
Coe and Hall call attention to Christians who “are looking into more holistic, relational and experiential models for relating psychology to faith” (ibid., p. 220\) in areas like neuroscience, attachment theory, historical Christian traditions, and spiritual formation. “We believe this movement toward a more holistic, embodied, existential model is a *predictor* for the next stage in developing a distinct transformational model for doing psychology in the Spirit that specifically addresses how the personal\-spiritual informs the conceptual and the very process of doing psychology” (ibid., p. 220\).
In short, the transformational psychology view does not see science and faith as separate. It seeks a unified vision in which psychology is done in faith with the end goal of love. It recognizes the person doing psychology as central and thus challenges current training models, emphasizing “spiritual and relational growth” as the foundation (ibid., p. 225\).
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What does 1 Timothy 4:12 mean by, “Let no one despise your youth”?
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Answer
First Timothy 4:12 is a personal message to [Timothy](life-Timothy.html). Paul exhorts, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12, NKJV). Timothy was likely in his 30s at the time Paul sent this letter, but he was a “youth” in comparison to Paul and likely to many in the congregation in Ephesus.
The words to Timothy are also an encouragement to all younger believers everywhere. It’s natural for people to look down on younger generations just because they are young and inexperienced. Paul says that young people can counter that tendency in their elders by paying attention to their own character. A young Christian can and should set an example for others and point them to God. In that way, no one will “despise” their youth.
Paul’s command to Timothy, “Let no one despise your youth,” is followed by further instructions to prevent such attitudes in the church. To despise is to show contempt toward, to scorn, or to disregard. Timothy could avoid being despised by being an example to others in his speech, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity and by devoting himself to the public reading of Scripture, exhorting, and teaching (1 Timothy 4:13\). All Christians, especially young Christians in ministry, still have the same calling.
Christians should live such that they are not despised as callow, naïve, or immature. We can stave off such contempt by being an example in everything and doing what is good: “In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us” (Titus 2:7–8\). Our conduct matters. What we do and say either reflects Christ well to the world or misrepresents Him. Regardless of our stage in life, our goal should be to “let no one despise your youth.”
Paul gives Timothy specific areas where he can represent Christ well: in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity. A Christian has surrendered his life to the lordship of Christ and continues submitting to the Word and work of the Spirit to grow in [godly character](Christian-character.html). A wise young Christian desires to submit to Christ’s lordship in all areas so that no one will despise his or her youth. God’s Word has much to say in each of these areas, and wise youths will prayerfully examine their lives to see if they reflect God well:
1\. **Word:** “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21, ESV), so we should pray like the psalmist that the “words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14\).
2\. **Conduct:** “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12, ESV).
3\. **Love:** “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35\).
4\. **Spirit:** “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16\) and “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self\-control” (Galatians 5:22–23\).
5\. **Faith:** “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20\).
6\. **Purity:** “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God” (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5\).
As part of the preventative against people despising his youth, Timothy was also to devote himself to the public reading of Scripture, preaching, and teaching (1 Timothy 4:13\). God’s Word transforms us, sanctifies us, and gives us the opportunity to see and know God. By focusing on these disciplines and growing in godly character, Timothy would be a powerful influence for Christ. No one would look at his ministry and despise his youth. Timothy would be advancing in spiritual maturity and being the salt and light that God called him to be (see Matthew 5:13–15\).
In a time when many youth seem to be falling away from the faith, young believers can stay encouraged to shine brightly for Christ and be an example to all believers, regardless of age. Youthfulness need not be a stigma. A young Christian’s character and priorities can point people to the salvation Christ offers. The best way to “let no one despise your youth” is to “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16\).
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What impact did Claudius Caesar have on Christian history?
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Answer
Claudius Caesar, the fourth Roman emperor, ruled from AD 41 to 54, providing the political context for some of the New Testament era. His father was a prominent Roman general, and his uncle was Emperor Tiberius. A sickly and unappealing man, Claudius ascended to the throne with the support of the military elite after the assassination of his nephew Caligula. He was apparently a prolific writer, but none of his works are extant. Claudius is something of an enigma to modern scholars: ancient sources remember him as frail, gullible, and unimpressive, yet he was apparently a highly capable leader. His reign included a great expansion of Roman territory, reforms within the Roman legal system, and substantial building projects.
Claudius’s rule as emperor also saw the [spread of Christianity](history-Christianity.html), which he indirectly influenced. He appears two times in the New Testament, both in the book of Acts. Acts 11:28–30 mentions a famine that occurred during the reign of Claudius. This famine is historically attested (see Josephus, *Antiquities of the Jews*, Book XX, Chapter 2\.5\), and the emperor was apparently successful in alleviating its effects. More significantly, Claudius’s forcible expulsion of the Jews from Rome is mentioned in Acts 18:2\. This event is also corroborated by sources outside the New Testament. One of the most famous references is from Suetonius, who writes that Claudius expelled the Jews due to conflict surrounding someone named Chrestus (*Lives of the Caesars*, Vol. 5, *De Vita Caesarum—Divus Claudius*, § XXV). The majority of scholars believe that “Chrestus” is a reference to Jesus Christ.
Claudius Caesar had several unintended effects on Christian history. First, his scattering of the Jews in Rome led directly to Paul’s encounter with [Priscilla and Aquila](Priscilla-and-Aquila.html). These two became faithful partners in Paul’s gospel ministry, helping to establish several churches and guide the sincere but misguided [Apollos](who-Apollos.html) (see Acts 18\). Second, if conflict over Jesus was the reason for the expulsion, Claudius inadvertently provided more historical evidence for the existence of Jesus and the spread of Christianity. Finally, some of Paul’s earliest letters were written under the reign of Claudius Caesar, so Claudius provided the political context for at least some of Paul’s writings and travels. God sovereignly used the reign of Claudius Caesar, as He did every other Roman emperor, to continue spreading the [gospel](what-is-the-gospel.html) of Jesus Christ across the world.
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Who were the Zamzummim?
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Answer
As the Israelites, free from Egyptian bondage, journeyed through the wilderness to the Promised Land, the Lord God gave clear instructions to His people as to their actions, behavior, and conduct. On their journey, the Lord warns His people not to demonstrate aggressiveness toward the people of Ammon, who were descendants of [Lot](Lot-in-the-Bible.html):
The Lord said to me, “Today you are to cross the border of Moab at Ar. And when you approach the territory of the people of Ammon, do not harass them or contend with them, for I will not give you any of the land of the people of Ammon as a possession, because I have given it to the sons of Lot for a possession. (It is also counted as a land of Rephaim. Rephaim formerly lived there—but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim—a people great and many, and tall as the Anakim; but the Lord destroyed them before the Ammonites, and they dispossessed them and settled in their place, as he did for the people of Esau, who live in Seir, when he destroyed the Horites before them and they dispossessed them and settled in their place even to this day” (Deuteronomy 2:17–22, ESV).
From this brief narrative, we learn the [Ammonites](Ammonites.html) had dispossessed the territory from a people known as [Rephaim](Rephaim.html). The Ammonites referred to Rephaim as Zamzummim, for reasons that will presently be discussed. Like the [Anakim](Anakim.html) or Anakites, the Zamzummim were giants, many in number, who were defeated because of God’s favor toward the ancestry of Lot. Lot was a close relative of the Hebrew patriarch Abraham.
The name *Zamzummim* (זמזומים) originates from the Hebrew word *Zimzum* (זמזום), which means “buzz” or “hum” (www.hebrewversity.com/rephaim\-emim\-zamzummim\-hebrew\-meaning\-mysterious\-ancient\-nation\-giants, accessed 12/14/21\). Quite possibly, *Zamzummim* is onomatopoeic, that is, the word itself phonetically imitates or suggests the sound associated with the thing being named. (Commonly used onomatopoeic English words are *meow*, *oink*, *sizzle*, *pop*, *chirp*, *snap*, etc.). The conquerors of the Zamzummim, the Ammonites, may have likened the Rephaim’s language to buzzing. In a similar way, the ancient Greeks labeled foreign tribes “barbarians” because of the unintelligible nature of their speech, which the Greeks mocked as nothing more than a babbling of “barbar.”
It is also possible the name *Zamzummim* indicates these people practiced [necromancy](Bible-necromancy.html) and fortune telling, evil practices strictly forbidden by God. The “humming” or “buzzing” could have been associated with various occult rituals:
And when they say to you, “Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,” should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living? (Isaiah 8:19, ESV).
It is reasonable to conclude the name *Zamzummim* is based on a peculiarity of the language of the Zamzummim, their idolatrous religious practices, or both.
Despite their great size and number, these giants were defeated by the Ammonites, a people of normal stature, because the Ammonites went into battle with God’s favor. Herein is a lesson for us: no enemy, regardless of strength or number, can stand against those who are shielded by God’s divine protection. Even giants like the Zamzummim cannot stand against Almighty God.
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Why does Proverbs 12:25 say that anxiety causes depression?
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Answer
Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad” (NKJV). While there are different causes for depression, Solomon identifies an important one, [anxiety](Bible-anxiety.html). “Anxiety weighs down the heart” (NIV).
Proverbs 12 teaches the differences between wisdom and foolishness and goodness and evil in a series of contrastive statements. These proverbs touch many areas of life, including loving discipline vs. hating reproof (Proverbs 12:1\), good vs. evil (Proverbs 12:2\), wickedness vs. righteousness (Proverbs 12:3\), an excellent vs. a shameful wife (Proverbs 12:4\), righteous thoughts vs. wicked counsels (Proverbs 12:5\), wicked words vs. the mouth of the upright (Proverbs 12:6\), the longevity of the righteous vs. the brevity of the wicked (Proverbs 12:7\), insight vs. perverse thinking (Proverbs 12:8\), humility vs. self\-honor (Proverbs 12:9\), righteous treatment of animals vs. cruelty (Proverbs 12:10\), diligence vs. idleness (Proverbs 12:11\), wicked desires vs. righteous fruit (Proverbs 12:12\), and sinful vs. righteous lips (Proverbs 12:13\). Proverbs 12:14 is a capstone to the contrasts in verses 1–13, summarizing that words and deeds bear fruit.
Proverbs 12:15–27 offers another list of contrasts, with Proverbs 12:28 summarizing that the way of righteousness promotes life and not death. It is in this section of contrasts that the Bible tells us that anxiety causes depression (Proverbs 12:25\). The contrasts illustrating the benefits of righteousness over evil include a fool’s quickness to anger vs. a prudent person’s concealing dishonor (Proverbs 12:16\), speaking truth vs. bearing false witness (Proverbs 12:17\), speaking rashly vs. the healing tongue of the wise (Proverbs 12:18\), truthful lips are established forever vs. the temporality of lying lips (Proverbs 12:19\), the deceitful devising of evil vs. peaceful and joyful counsel (Proverbs 12:20\), the trouble of the wicked vs. the protection of the righteous (Proverbs 12:21\), lying lips vs. faithful dealing (Proverbs 12:22\), prudent concealing of knowledge vs. foolish proclaiming of folly (Proverbs 12:23\), diligence vs. slackness (laziness) (Proverbs 12:24\), anxiety causing depression vs. good words causing gladness (Proverbs 12:25\), the righteous guiding of a neighbor vs. the wicked leading astray (Proverbs 12:26\), and laziness vs. diligence (Proverbs 12:27\). All these contrasts show that righteousness is of practical good (Proverbs 12:28\).
The context helps us understand why the Bible tells us that anxiety causes [depression](depression-Christian.html). The path of righteousness is not just the right path to take, but it also offers many practical benefits. For example, anxiety causes depression, but good words make the heart glad (Proverbs 12:25\). Anxiety is worry, a lack of trusting in God and taking on too much responsibility for circumstances. When we are anxious, we tell ourselves (or listen to others who tell us) words that put on us responsibilities that are not ours.
The psalmists dealt with anxiety and the depression it can bring. When the psalmist anxiously says that his foot has slipped, he recalls that God’s lovingkindness will hold him up and God’s encouragements are a delight (Psalm 94:19–20\). Elsewhere, David entreats God to search and discover anxious thoughts within him (Psalm 139:23\). At the same time, he asks God to “see if there is any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way” (Psalm 139:24, NASB). These psalmists recognize that anxiety is fixing one’s attention on trouble rather than on the promises of God, and they look to God to relieve the depression that results.
The Bible tells us that anxiety causes depression, but, in finishing Proverbs 12:25, it also reminds us that a good word can bring gladness. When encouraging the descendants of Abraham, God reminds them that they should not anxiously look about them, but they should focus on God—“I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10\). Paul reminds us that we should be anxious for nothing but rather be prayerful—the result will be that we will enjoy God’s incredible [peace](peace-of-God.html) in our lives (Philippians 4:6–7\), no matter how painful or difficult our circumstances. Instead of bearing the weight of those difficulties ourselves and becoming anxious and depressed, we can cast our anxiety on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7\).
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What is the meaning of, “Today if you will hear His voice, do not harden your heart” in Psalm 95:8?
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Answer
In Psalm 95:8 the psalmist exhorts the reader, “Today, if you will hear His voice: ‘Do not harden your hearts’” (NKJV). Here are two commands: first, recognize and respond to God’s voice, and, then, do not let your hearts harden.
Psalm 95 is a call to worship (verses 1–2, 6\). In Psalm 95:7–9 we read, “Today, if only you would hear his voice, ‘Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness, where your ancestors tested me.’” The psalmist continues to relate God’s punishment on the ancient Israelites: although they had seen God’s mighty works, they strayed in their hearts, and God, grieved for forty years, forbade them from entering the Promised Land (Psalm 95:9–11\).
[Meribah](Meribah-in-the-Bible.html), mentioned in Psalm 95:8, also known as [Massah](Massah-in-the-Bible.html), was a place where the Israelites, after their [exodus from Egypt](exodus-from-Egypt.html), rebelled against God (Exodus 17:2\). Because of their extreme thirst, they grumbled and complained to Moses, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?” (Exodus 17:2–3\). Moses turned to the Lord in prayer, and God responded by having Moses strike the rock so the Israelites would have water and know that the Lord was with them (Exodus 17:4–7\). Even after they saw what God did at Meribah—even after God had freed them from bondage in Egypt—the Israelites still hardened their hearts, distrusted God, and grumbled about their temporary circumstances.
The author of Psalm 95 is saying, in essence, don’t be like that. Don’t harden your heart at the work of God on your behalf. He is speaking to you, if you would only listen. He has done great things for you, if you would only remember. Ascribe to God His due worship. “He is our God and we are the people of his pasture” (Psalm 95:7\). Israel should follow their Shepherd.
The author of Hebrews quotes the words, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion,” three times, in Hebrews 3:7–8, 15, and 4:7\. These quotations from Psalm 95 are meant to exhort people to receive Christ and not have “a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12\). The Israelites rejected their “rest” in the Promised Land, but today Jesus is the “[Sabbath\-rest](Jesus-Sabbath.html) for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9\). Do not harden your heart against Him.
God still speaks today, but we must follow Him to recognize His voice. There are so many voices vying for our attention, especially with the increased use of technology and social media. Yet God’s voice must be the voice we heed. Jesus is our Good Shepherd: the shepherd opens the gate for his sheep, “and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice” (John 10:3–5\). Our Good Shepherd loves us and calls us today to follow Him alone: “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your heart.”
The psalmist warns, “If you will hear His voice, do not harden your heart,” and the author of Hebrews echoes the warning. God’s words demand a response, and, tragically, some respond by hardening their hearts. Some permanently harden their hearts, but even believers can harden their hearts for a period of time. When people ignore who God is and what He has done, like the Israelites did in the wilderness, their hearts harden. When people hold onto sin, their hearts harden. When people allow circumstances to cloud their thinking and let their feelings dictate their actions, their hearts harden. It is God’s Word that keeps our hearts soft and pure: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double\-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12\). We must turn to hear and heed God’s voice.
“Today if you will hear His voice, do not harden your heart.” Sometimes, evangelists use these verses after presenting the gospel. Life is but a vapor (James 4:14\), so if you hear the gospel message today, you need to accept Christ *today*. Do not harden your heart as in the rebellion. We are not guaranteed tomorrow. To permanently harden one’s heart against God and reject the [gospel message](what-is-the-gospel.html) of salvation is to suffer eternal consequences: “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23\). To heed God’s voice and place one’s trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross is to be saved and have eternal life (John 3:16\).
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What does it mean to live for righteousness (1 Peter 2:24)?
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Answer
People live their lives for many things: happiness, pleasure, wealth, relationships. Yet these things do not fully satisfy apart from a relationship with Christ. What good is it for anyone to gain all these things yet to lose his soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26\). God’s people have been saved from sin and death and are called to live for righteousness (1 Peter 2:24\). In doing so, they look forward to an eternal reward that moths cannot destroy and thieves cannot steal (Matthew 6:19–20\).
Jesus bore our sin on the cross and died to pay its penalty: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21\). Those who trust in Jesus are freed from the consequence of sin and from the power of sin to dictate their lives. Jesus took their sin upon Himself. Those who are born again through faith in Christ have righteous standing before God. Thanks to Christ’s suffering, we do not have to live in sin. Instead, we can live for righteousness.
[*Righteousness*](righteousness.html) can be defined broadly as “morally acceptable behavior.” Biblically, those who are righteous are acceptable to God, as made possible by God. *Righteousness* conveys a sense of justice, justness, or divine holiness. God is the standard of righteousness. To be righteous is to be right with God. The righteousness of Christ is [imputed](imputed-righteousness.html) to us when we are saved, yet it is also something we are called to [pursue](pursue-righteousness.html). We are called to live for righteousness.
To live for righteousness means we wholeheartedly realize that sin does not please God. Because of this, we pursue holiness instead of sinfulness in our thoughts, words, and actions. When we live for righteousness, we submit even our thought life to what is righteous: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8\). To live for righteousness means to desire God to transform our minds (Romans 12:2\) and conform us “to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29\).
When believers live for righteousness, they also submit their words to Christ’s lordship. We no longer speak carelessly, realizing that our words have power to reflect Christ well or poorly. Our words should demonstrate the power of God’s grace. For this reason, we are called to “not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29\). What God has done in our hearts should be reflected in what comes out of our mouths (Matthew 12:35\).
Likewise, believers who live for righteousness reveal the Holy Spirit within them and give evidence of the work God is doing in their lives. We no longer live for selfish pleasures, but we desire to live for the things of God. We live for righteousness when we humbly ask God to create in us a clean heart and to renew a right spirit within us (Psalm 51:10\). We spend time in God’s Word and pursue the character of Christ. We want our actions and our entire lives to be molded by Christ alone.
When we place faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit indwells us and empowers us to live for righteousness (Acts 2:28\). As we “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16, 25\), He produces fruit in our lives that reflects His character. We are “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9–11\). God’s people are called and enabled to live for righteousness, which brings glory and praise to God. As Proverbs 15:9 says, “The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness.”
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What is the Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament?
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Answer
Before reading an analysis of the Nestle\-Aland Greek New Testament, one should first become familiar with the topic of [textual criticism](textual-criticism.html). Until the reader has some understanding of textual criticism, a discussion of Greek New Testaments may be of little value.
In short, the [original](original-Bible.html) New Testament manuscripts written by the hand of Paul or Luke or Matthew no longer exist. We have copies (full and partial) of these manuscripts ranging over a long period of time and a wide geography. As with any effort at copying, sometimes the copyist will make mistakes. If the mistakes are not recognized and corrected, they will be reproduced in the next generation of copies.
Some translators believe that one should simply accept the reading that occurs the most often in the manuscripts. They advocate for the [Majority Text](majority-text.html). Others think that the Greek text that is the basis of the King James Version is the best to follow. These advocate the “received text” or, in Latin, the [*Textus Receptus*](Textus-Receptus.html). Finally, most scholars today prefer the eclectic text, such as represented by the Nestle\-Aland Greek New Testament. This is a text that has been reconstructed by careful study of all available manuscripts using textual criticism.
Textual criticism is the art and science of comparing all the places where the copies differ and determining what the original wording must have been—the wording that can best explain all the differences.
While the thought of “mistakes” in the text of the Bible and “reconstructing” the original wording may sound frightening to some believers, we should note that there are relatively few instances where the exact wording is unclear, and, of these instances, there is only a tiny minority where the actual meaning is affected. In no instance is any major doctrine affected. Most of the differences are something like the following:
*Reading 1:* Jesus got into the boat.
*Reading 2:* Jesus got into a boat.
*Reading 3:* The Lord Jesus got into the boat.
Here, while there is a difference in wording, there is no difference in meaning and certainly no difference in doctrine. The fact that the first two readings do not explicitly call Jesus “Lord” does not mean that these readings deny His Lordship.
The Nestle\-Aland Greek New Testament is an eclectic text edited by the German biblical scholar Eberhard Nestle (1851—1913\) and further updated by German scholar Kurt Aland (1915—1994\). The official title is *Novum Testamentum Graece*, which is Latin for “New Testament in Greek.” Having been regularly updated by the Institute for New Testament Textual Research and published by the German Bible Society, the Nestle\-Aland Greek New Testament is currently in its 28th edition. It is often referred to as the NA28\.
The Nestle\-Aland Greek New Testament is the Greek text often preferred by Bible scholars and researchers because of the extensive notes and cross references, including reasons a particular reading was chosen over an alternative reading. (This is known as the critical apparatus or the textual apparatus.) The NA28 runs about 1,000 pages.
The Greek text used in the NA28 is identical to that used in the [United Bible Societies’ Greek New Testament](United-Bible-Societies-Greek-New-Testament.html), which is another popular Greek New Testament.
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What is the United Bible Societies Greek New Testament?
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Answer
There are various Greek New Testaments that translators use to produce Bibles in other languages: the [Received Text](Textus-Receptus.html) (or *Textus Receptus*), the [Majority Text](majority-text.html), and eclectic or [critical texts](textual-criticism.html) such as the Nestle\-Aland and the United Bible Societies’ Greek New Testament.
The [original](original-Bible.html) New Testament manuscripts written by Luke or Matthew or Peter no longer exist. Today, we have copies (full and partial) of the originals ranging over a wide period of time and geography. Sometimes the copyists made mistakes. If the mistakes were not recognized in time, they were reproduced in the next generation of copies. The eclectic text of the United Bible Societies’ Greek New Testament is an attempt to examine all the available Greek texts and determine what is most likely the original wording.
While the thought of “mistakes” in the text and “reconstructing” the original wording of the Bible may sound frightening to some believers, there are relatively few instances where the exact wording is unclear. In only a tiny minority of those cases is the actual meaning affected, and in no case is any major doctrine changed. Some of the copyist errors are self\-evident. For example, in one manuscript, John 1:30 says, “After me comes air” (Codex L). The correct reading, found in other manuscripts, is “After me comes a Man” (NKJV). The difference in Greek is one letter, so it is easy to see how the copyist of Codex L made the mistake.
Another textual variant is found in Philippians 1:14:
*Reading 1:* “. . . bold to speak the word without fear”
*Reading 2:* “. . . bold to speak the word of God without fear”
*Reading 3:* “. . . bold to speak the word of the Lord without fear”
Here, there is a difference in wording, but there is no difference in meaning and certainly no difference in doctrine. Whether we’re speaking of “the word of God,” “the word of the Lord,” or simply “the word,” the meaning of the verse is the same.
The United Bible Societies’ Greek New Testament (often referred to as the UBS Greek New Testament or UBS GNT) is an eclectic text based on the Nestle\-Aland Greek New Testament, published in the United States by the American Bible Society. The UBS Greek New Testament is more user\-friendly than the Nestle\-Aland and is usually the choice of Bible translators, students, and pastors. User\-friendly features of the UBS GNT include fewer words on the page, larger fonts, English subject headings, Old Testament quotations in bold, and only the most important cross references listed.
The United Bible Societies’ Greek New Testament is often published with a glossary in the back. It has a basic critical apparatus, but a more extensive apparatus has been published separately for those who want more information. The UBS GNT has 20 to 25 percent more pages than the Nestle\-Aland, but it is also normally less expensive by about 40 percent. The UBS GNT is the most widely used version of the Greek New Testament.
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Who were Hymenaeus and Philetus?
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Answer
Hymenaus is mentioned along with another man named [Alexander](Hymenaeus-and-Alexander.html) in 1 Timothy 1:18–20\. Hymenaeus and Philetus are mentioned together in only one passage: 2 Timothy 2:15–18\. Although we cannot be sure, it seems likely that Hymenaeus is the same person in both passages.
In 1 Timothy, Paul warns [Timothy](life-Timothy.html) to hold on to the doctrine that he knows to be true and to beware of those who abandon it in favor of other teaching contrary to the gospel, even if it was Christian in name. Paul’s admonition to Timothy is to “fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme” (1 Timothy 1:18–20\).
In 1 Timothy 1:3–7 Paul warns Timothy about a certain kind of false teacher: “As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.”
While there will always be teachers of other religions who may try to win Christians over, most of Paul’s warnings were about false teachers who would arise from within the church. They would pervert [sound doctrine](sound-doctrine.html) and might even offer their teaching as a corrective to Paul’s “inadequate” or “incomplete” teaching. In other words, they would claim to be Christian teachers with a better understanding of the Word and will of God.
In 1 Timothy 1:18–19, Paul charges Timothy to maintain faith and a good conscience and then in verse 20 goes on to say the Hymenaeus and Alexander have abandoned these things. In context, *these things* refers to sound doctrine, which Hymenaeus has abandoned. Paul says he is also guilty of blasphemy.
In 2 Timothy, Hymaneaus is mentioned again. If it is the same man, he has a new partner, Philetus. “But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some” (2 Timothy 2:16–18\). In 1 Timothy, Hymenaeus is associated with “vain discussions,” which are similar to the “irreverent babble” in 2 Timothy. In 1 Timothy, Hymaneaus is guilty of blasphemy, which might also be called irreverent babble.
“Swerving” from the truth would seem to be the same as abandoning the faith in 1 Timothy 1\. Hymenaeus and Philetus are upsetting the faith of the Christians in Ephesus by “correcting” or “supplementing” the sound doctrine they had already received. Paul compares the teaching of Hymenaeus and Philetus to gangrene (2 Timothy 2:17\). Their false teaching was deadly, not just a disagreement over a minor point of doctrine. They were teaching that the resurrection of believers from the dead had already happened.
Probably, Hymenaeus and Philetus were teaching that the resurrection of the Christian was not literal, but merely a spiritual or symbolic resurrection that had already happened. The Christian had no resurrection body to look forward to in a restored [new heavens and new earth](new-heavens-earth.html). This teaching may have also implied that, since the Christian was already living the resurrection life, nothing was sinful for him. (There may have been a similar problem in Corinth, and Paul corrects that in 1 Corinthians 15\.)
Regardless of the specifics of the teaching of Hymenaeus and Philetus, Timothy is to take notice of these two and anyone like them and avoid their errors.
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How was the extremely large number of animal sacrifices in the Old Testament possible?
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Answer
The Law of Moses required animal sacrifices to atone for sin in Israel, and there were a lot of sacrifices made: “the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year” (Hebrews 10:1\). About one sixth of the laws under the [Mosaic system](Levitical-Law.html) pertained to sacrifices and offerings.
There were five main [types of sacrifices](Old-Testament-sacrifices.html) in the Old Testament: the burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offering, the trespass offering, and various types of peace offerings. The God\-appointed feasts of Israel required sacrifices, and there were also the daily burnt offerings: a lamb was sacrificed every morning, and another lamb every evening at the tabernacle/temple (Exodus 29:38–42\).
There were a large number of animal sacrifices offered every year in Israel. All sin had to be atoned for, including sin committed by a common person (Leviticus 4:27\), the priests (Leviticus 4:3\), the leaders (Leviticus 4:22\), and the nation as a whole (Leviticus 4:13\). In addition to the sacrifices made for sin were offerings for ceremonial cleansing, which involved no moral failing, and voluntary sacrifices made in thanksgiving to God.
Given the sheer number of animals required to fulfill the requirements of the Mosaic Law, we may rightly wonder how the Israelites were able to keep up. The key is that, in the agrarian culture of the day, livestock was always near and usually plentiful. There were few occupations besides farming back then, so most Israelite families owned some livestock. The ones who didn’t knew someone who did. Also, since sacrifices were not only a national religious obligation but also a way to support the tribe of Levi, plans were laid to assure a ready supply.
On certain occasions, huge numbers of animals were sacrificed. For example, at the dedication of [King Solomon’s temple](Solomon-first-temple.html), about 960 BC, the celebrants sacrificed 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep over a two\-week period. There were so many offerings that Solomon had to set up additional altars in the temple courtyard (1 Kings 8:63–65\). As large as those numbers seem, they are not at all inconceivable. The previous census by Solomon’s father, David, had put the number of able\-bodied fighting men over age 20 at 1\.3 million (2 Samuel 24:9\), so it would be reasonable to assume a national population in Solomon’s time of over four million. Most of the nation probably would have been present in Jerusalem for at least some of a great historic event such as the dedication of the new temple. The sacrifices made by Solomon were “fellowship offerings” (1 Kings 8:63\), which were partly burned on the altars and partly eaten by the people. Even if only half the population attended, 142,000 animals is a reasonable number to feed two million people during two weeks.
We who live in advanced societies with massive food industries and complex transportation systems that do nearly everything for us but put the food into our mouths may find it hard to imagine the huge amounts of livestock recorded in the Bible. But, most likely, the ancients would find it just as hard to believe how much food modern societies throw away every day.
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Why are church business meetings necessary?
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Answer
The Bible does not address church business meetings per se. Business meetings in a local church today are largely a matter of practicality. Most churches find there is always “business” to take care of regarding finances, building maintenance, groundskeeping, ministry curricula, etc. In most churches with a [congregational style](congregationalism.html) of government, business meetings are a monthly staple, as the church members gather to discuss and vote on various items of business. In other types of churches, *someone* is making decisions affecting expenditures and other business matters, and accountability demands some oversight and/or collaboration, which in turn requires a “business meeting” of some kind among the leaders.
The Bible isn’t explicitly clear on what the [government](church-government.html) of a local church should look like. However, the Bible does specify that there are two biblical offices in the church: pastors and deacons. [Requirements](qualifications-of-a-pastor.html) for these offices are found in 1 Timothy 3:1–13 and Titus 1:5–9\. While the word *pastor* is the most familiar to us, the Bible rarely uses it. More often, the term for the spiritual leader of a church is *overseer*, *shepherd*, *elder*, or *bishop*, depending on the translation. Each of these titles refers to the same position. In Acts 20:17–38, Paul calls the “elders” together and then refers to them as “overseers” and describes their role as “shepherding” a flock. (The word *pastor* is derived directly from the Latin word for “shepherd.”) Some churches have one [pastor](senior-pastor.html); others have a plurality of elders, usually with one pastor who does most of the [teaching](teaching-pastor.html).
[Deacons](deacons-church.html) are introduced in Acts 6 and are mentioned in the Epistles as serving the church. The first deacons were chosen by the members of the Jerusalem church to solve a problem. Some widows in the church were being neglected in the daily distribution of food, so the apostles “gathered all the disciples together”—the whole church (Acts 6:2\). The apostles then gave the congregation the task of choosing seven men to handle the daily responsibilities. The plan “pleased the whole group” (Acts 6:5\), and they chose the first seven deacons. In this instance, the local church as a unit was responsible for making the decision, and there was a meeting convened—one we would probably refer to today as a “business meeting.”
In Acts 15:22 we have another “business meeting” of sorts, as “the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch.” In Matthew 18 Jesus outlines the process for formal [church discipline](church-discipline.html); in verse 17 He says one step of the process is to “tell it to the church.” Perhaps this reporting was expected to be done at the regular gathering for worship, but many churches today prefer to perform this step in a private, members\-only setting. Either way, the church needs to be gathered together to address various types of business in addition to gathering for worship and teaching.
The existence of business meetings in modern church settings usually necessitates other church offices not found in Scripture: the church secretary and the church treasurer are two common ones. Document creation is also involved, with agendas, minutes, financial reports, etc., to distribute, discuss, and approve. Most churches find that following Robert’s Rules of Order in their business meetings helps keep things organized and on track and limits the potential for unhelpful conflict.
A church business meeting is one way that a church can follow Scripture’s directive that “everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way” (1 Corinthians 14:40\). Whatever style of church government a local body adopts, business should be handled with prayer, orderliness, humility, and with a view to glorify God.
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What is toxic positivity?
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Answer
Toxic positivity is an unhealthy insistence on viewing life from a positive perspective, regardless of the circumstances or emotions a person is experiencing. Toxic positivity goes beyond [optimism](Bible-optimism.html) and “[positive thinking](power-positive-thinking.html)”; it creates a façade of cheeriness and denies all negative emotions. It leads to a false projection of hopefulness and brightness.
Studies and life experience tell us that a positive attitude is beneficial mentally, physically, and emotionally, but a push to *always* “look on the bright side” is harmful. Toxic positivity intentionally overlooks the reality of bad situations and does not allow one’s real emotions to be processed in a healthy way. When emotions are buried, they become bigger, not smaller (www.healthline.com/health/mental\-health/toxic\-positivity\-during\-the\-pandemic, accessed 12/27/21\).
Toxic positivity can manifest in trite sayings like, “It could be worse,” “Everything happens for a reason,” or “Cheer up.” It can cause us to avoid sharing our pain with others or even feeling ashamed that we feel sad or angry to begin with. Toxic positivity refuses to deal with situations honestly and can make us minimize the pain of others.
Scripture teaches that not everything that happens is good. In [Psalms](Book-of-Psalms.html) especially, it also shows us that humans feel a wide range of emotions. Our Creator Himself has emotions. God knows love, joy, anger, compassion, and sadness (Jeremiah 31:3; Luke 10:21; Matthew 21:12; Exodus 33:19; John 11:35\). God Himself does not subscribe to the idea that a continual, forced positivity is healthy or normal.
We see, too, in Scripture that God does not condemn the harder emotions like anger, sadness, or grief. These emotions are a natural part of the human experience, and, rightly handled, there is nothing sinful about them. God calls us to mourn for sin (Matthew 5:4\), weep over disobedience (2 Corinthians 7:10\), fear eternal separation from God (Matthew 10:28\), and be angry at things like injustice (Isaiah 1:17\). Rather than tamp down negative emotions, we are to “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15, ESV).
It is essential that Christians take sin seriously and be rightly grieved by it (Matthew 9:47\). There is no positive spin that can remove sins from us or anyone else. Repentance requires a heart broken by its own sinfulness (2 Corinthians 7:10\). We should never let someone diminish our heartbreak over our sins.
The psalms are a good study in emotion and truth. Various psalmists recount injustices, difficult circumstances, or a hard past, and they express honest words of grief and need; then they move into words of praise for God and who He is (e.g., Psalms 51, 54, 55, 56\). In contrast, toxic positivity seeks to circumvent the process, moving straight to “praise,” skipping the honest dealing with life’s tragedies. The problem is that “worship” based on a false optimism is itself going to be inauthentic (see John 4:24\).
Toxic positivity denies the reality of one’s situation, embraces dishonesty, and suppresses the natural emotions that God Himself experiences and that He created us to experience as well. Our perspective, although hopeful, must be informed by the truth of the Bible and grounded in reality.
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Does the statue outside the United Nations have any connection to the beast of the end times?
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Answer
In December 2021 a statue was placed outside the United Nations building in New York City. The image looks like a kind of lion or leopard with wings and rainbow\-toned coloring. The art piece is said to be “a guardian of international peace and security.” The image is consistent with the style of its creators, Mexican artists Jacobo and Maria Angeles. See below.
For most people, the statue outside the UN is unremarkable. There are many unique sculptures and art installations in public places all over the world. But some Christians are uncomfortable with the odd combination of the piece’s location, features, and name. Separately, those things would be almost irrelevant. Combined, the statue evokes biblical references to the end times. That has led some believers to wonder if the statue is a further sign of the [end times](end-times.html).
Three particular passages of Scripture have been associated with the “guardian of peace and security” statue at the UN building. Daniel 7:2–4 relates a vision of [beasts](Daniel-four-beasts.html), representing governments; one is depicted with a body like a lion and wings like an eagle. Revelation 13:2 symbolically refers to a [beast](beast-of-Revelation.html) given power and authority by Satan. First Thessalonians 5:3 speaks of the end times when people will say, “There is peace and security,” only to experience unexpected ruin.
Obviously, a statue resembling end\-times images, erected at the headquarters of a cooperative world body, named with a phrase directly tied to the Apocalypse, will raise suspicion. It’s not bizarre for Christians to see something like the UN statue and wonder what it means. Or at least wonder what the persons responsible were thinking when the statue was created and installed.
That said, common sense suggests the “guardian for international peace and security” statue by the United Nations building is not likely to be the precise object seen by Daniel and John. Both their writings describe many beasts, many images, and almost all of those descriptions are symbolic representations of something else. Paul’s statement in Thessalonians is not so much about a literal slogan as it is the world falsely thinking they are secure, only to be caught unaware by the return of Christ. It’s also extremely unlikely that the [Antichrist](antichrist.html) will be so clumsy and un\-subtle in his methods.
Most likely, the “guardian of international peace and security” statue at the United Nations has no particular spiritual meaning at all. It’s certainly an unfortunate combination of name, location, and appearance. At the very least, it’s something that probably should have been noticed and addressed before the statue was unveiled. The more unique a set of [coincidences](synchronicity.html), the more reasonable it is to wonder if the connection is deliberate. But coincidence can still be “just” coincidence, all the same.
If the statue at the UN is a vague precursor or literal fulfillment of Bible prophecy, it wouldn’t change anything. Christians are meant to serve, preach, and work faithfully, knowing all end\-times events are fixed and part of God’s unchanging plans. The statute does echo elements of end\-times prophecy—intentionally or ignorantly—and that at least is a reminder of how little the world knows or cares about God’s Word and His plans.
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What is a lectionary? What is the Revised Common Lectionary?
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Answer
A lectionary is a book of Bible readings or list of references to be read from Scripture on certain days of the year. Historically, a lectionary took one year to go through; some modern lectionaries, such as the Revised Common Lectionary, are on a three\-year rotation. They typically follow the liturgical calendar. Some Christian denominations use lectionaries, and some do not. There have been many different lectionaries used throughout church history, at least since the fourth or fifth century.
There are also Jewish lectionaries, which have roots in the Torah and God’s commands to regularly remember certain times in history. Jesus took part in these readings during His ministry, such as in Luke 4:14–21, where He reads from Isaiah. Such readings probably also set the pattern for similar readings in the early church.
A few of the more well\-known Christian lectionaries include those from the Greek Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. There is also the Protestant [Book of Common Prayer](Book-of-Common-Prayer.html), which is set up in a similar fashion.
The Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) is a three\-year lectionary originally designed for Protestant churches in the United States and Canada. It is the product of the Consultation on Common Texts (CCT), which was organized by nineteen different denominations to discuss and consult about worship in North America. In 1983, the group published the Revised Common Lectionary. It was revised to its current form in 1992 and is available for download at the [CCT website](http://www.commontexts.org).
Most Sunday readings include a text from the Old Testament, a Psalm, an Epistle, and a Gospel. For major feast days, such as Easter and Christmas, different readings are included. Each year focuses on a different Synoptic Gospel; the book of John is read through every year.
The readings in the Revised Common Lectionary are meant to coordinate with one another as well as with the Christian calendar, giving church congregations an understanding of the greater context of the Bible and God’s redemptive plan for humanity. Today, the RCL is used worldwide in 24 different countries across several denominations.
A lectionary can also be used for personal or small group study to coordinate with a church’s teaching schedule. If an entire church denomination uses the same lectionary, it unites the entire body in worship and Scripture study from Sunday to Sunday.
The readings in a lectionary will not cover the whole of Scripture; lectionaries were never meant to replace reading the Bible through from cover to cover. In the RCL, each liturgical year begins on the first Sunday of Advent. We are currently in Year C. Year A will start on the first Sunday of Advent in 2022, which is November 27\. The first Sunday’s readings will look like this:
Isaiah 2:1–5
Psalm 122
Romans 13:11–14
Matthew 24:36–44
Year B, which begins December 3, 2023, has the following readings scheduled for the first Sunday:
Isaiah 64:1–9
Psalm 80:1–7, 17–19
1 Corinthians 1:3–9
Mark 13:24–37
In 2024, the cycle will return to Year C.
If you, your church, or small group are looking for a structured way to engage Scripture, a lectionary might be a good resource. A lectionary does not provide commentary or devotions, simply an organized way to move through Scripture in time with the [Christian calendar](Christian-calendar.html) and the seasons that shape our lives.
God gave the Israelites an annual pattern to follow, too. Starting with Passover, He gave them regular times and seasons to remember what He had done for His people in their history (Exodus 12:14\).
Following a routine and pattern such as a lectionary maps out can be healthy for us, especially in our modern, distracted world. Having a daily time with God in His Word is important to our spiritual, mental, and emotional well\-being.
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What is the Berisheet Passover Prophecy?
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Answer
Written by C. J. Lovik and published by Rock Island Books in 2019, *The Berisheet Passover Prophecy* maintains the [seventieth week of Daniel](seventy-weeks.html), also referred to as the tribulation period, will commence in 2023 followed by the establishment of the millennial kingdom of Christ in 2030\. If, as Lovik states, the rapture will take place prior to the beginning of Daniel’s seventieth week, the rapture of the church must occur sometime in 2023\.
Lovik’s calculations in *The Berisheet Passover Prophecy* are based on a symbolic and numeric understanding of the first Hebrew word in Genesis 1, *b'reshit* (בְּרֵאשִׁית) and the pattern of six days of creation followed by the one day of rest. Finding several Hebrew words embedded in the first word of the Bible and using the creation week as a model of God’s timeline, Lovik maps out the history of the world. According to Lovik, the word *berisheet* contains seven prophetic beginnings:
1\) The beginning of creation (4004 BC)
2\) The beginning of sin (3970 BC)
3\) The beginning of the [church age](church-age.html) (the crucifixion of Christ, AD 30\)
4\) The beginning of the church’s time in heaven (the [rapture](rapture-of-the-church.html), date unknown)
5\) The beginning of Daniel’s seventieth week (the [tribulation](tribulation.html), AD 2023\)
6\) The beginning of Christ’s [millennial kingdom](millennium.html) (AD 2030\)
7\) The beginning of the [new heavens and new earth](new-heavens-earth.html) (AD 3030\)
Based on this chronology, the time of Jesus’ death on the cross (Passover, AD 30\) marked exactly 4,000 years from the fall of Adam, and the second coming of Christ to set up His kingdom will take place exactly 2,000 years after His death and resurrection. This gives a total of 6,000 years for mankind’s “work,” and the final 1,000 years is reserved for “rest” in the millennial kingdom—seven prophetic “days” (https://passoverprophecy.com, accessed 5/22/23\).
For *The Berisheet Passover Prophecy* to be credible,
• C. J. Lovik’s elaborate system of numeric and symbolic calculations based on a single Hebrew word must be meticulously accurate.
• the earth must be about [six thousand years old](young-earth-creationism.html).
• Adam must have willfully disobeyed God at the age of thirty\-three years and six months.
• the book’s author must not have violated Jesus’ statement that “concerning that day and hour [no one knows](end-times-date-setting.html), not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” (Matthew 24:36, ESV).
To his credit, C. J. Lovik adheres to the historic essential doctrines of Christianity; his teachings support the deity of Jesus, the triune nature of God, the inerrancy of the Scriptures, and salvation by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. With this said, should the Berisheet Passover Prophecy be taken seriously? Has C. J. Lovik unraveled an eschatological mystery that has eluded Bible scholars for two thousand years? As we are currently in the year 2023—the year of the rapture, according to Lovik—the matter will be settled soon enough.
In the meantime, let us consider this warning against [false prophets](false-prophets.html): “And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the Lord has not spoken?’—when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him” (Deuteronomy 18:21–22, ESV).
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Why are we told to “let your words be seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6)?
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Answer
Our [words](power-of-words.html) and the way we communicate them are important. Believers are exhorted in Colossians 4:6, “Let your words be seasoned with salt.” As believers, our words should reflect to others the truth of the gospel. They should reveal how this gospel has transformed our lives. Our words should impact our conversations for the better as we bring a different “flavor” to our interactions, build others up, and share as well as defend the gospel.
The words we speak reflect what is in our hearts, “for the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Luke 6:45\). When we trust in Christ for the forgiveness of our sins, we become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17\). Our lives are transformed; we have been saved from our sins and brought from death to life (Ephesians 2:6\). The Holy Spirit lives within us (Romans 8:11\). For these reasons, believers’ words should always be “seasoned with salt.”
Jesus called believers to be the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13\). Salt is an important mineral; it preserves food, brings out flavor, soothes and heals, and is necessary for life: it balances fluids in the blood and is vital for nerve and muscle function. The [salt of the earth](salt-of-the-earth.html) metaphor applies to the way believers talk as well as how they live, as Paul indicates: “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:5–6\). The content and tone of our words should impact those around us for the better, especially unbelievers.
A believer’s words are to be seasoned with salt so that we can “know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6\). Sharing the gospel includes knowing it, sharing it accurately, and doing so with a humble and gracious attitude—in a palatable way. Believers are called to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15\). Having an unwholesome, distasteful attitude is not becoming to the gospel of Christ; unsavory motives and attitudes do not produce words “seasoned with salt.”
While not every conversation must specifically be about God, every conversation should be seasoned with salt. We should always be ready to answer others’ questions about our faith, and our words should always reflect Christ, bringing a different “flavor” to what might otherwise be an unsavory conversation. What a Christian says and how he says it ought to add value to a conversation just as salt does for food.
Just the right amount of salt in food brings out flavor and transforms a meal. Our words can be seasoned with salt by speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15\) and being gracious in every circumstance. As Proverbs 16:24 says, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Just as salt has healing properties, our words should bring healing and goodness, encouraging its hearers and pointing them to the One who is vital for life.
Jesus said, “Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other” (Mark 9:50b). What we say and how we say it should always be seasoned with the salt of grace and peace. In order to give a seasoned answer, we must present what we say and how we say it in a way that reflects Christ. May we all prayerfully consider our hearts before we engage our mouths and reflect what the psalmist says in Psalm 19:14: “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
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What is the J. B. Phillips translation of the Bible?
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Answer
John Bertram Phillips (1906—1982\) was an Anglican minister in London. He found that his congregation had difficulty with the language of the [King James Version](King-James-Version-KJV.html). He sought to produce a translation that would be easier to understand, and the result was the *New Testament in Modern English*, often simply called the Phillips translation.
Because of war conditions in 1941 when Phillips started the project, he had few resources to work with other than his own Greek New Testament. (Today, most translations are produced by teams of scholars and editors, but Phillips worked alone.) After using his translations with his congregation for about a decade, his work began to be published:
• 1952 – *Letters to Young Churches* (The Epistles). [C. S. Lewis](C-S-Lewis.html) wrote the Introduction in which he explained the need for a work like Phillips’ and its benefits.
• 1955 – *The Young Church in Action* (Acts)
• 1957 – *The Book of Revelation*
• 1958 – *The Gospels Translated Into Modern English*
• 1958 – *The New Testament in Modern English* (the complete New Testament)
• 1963 – *Four Prophets* (Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah). Phillips never completed the Old Testament.
J. B. Phillips says he was not concerned about “minute accuracy” but rather wanted to convey the “vitality and radiant faith as well as the courage of the early church” (from the Introduction to *The New Testament in Modern English*, Revised Edition, Simon and Schuster, 1972, p. vii).
Today, English\-speaking Christians have dozens of Bible translations as well as paraphrases to choose from. Each one, if done with integrity, is an attempt to communicate the meaning of the original Hebrew or Greek into English. There is no one\-to\-one correspondence of words between different languages, so translation is an art as well as a science. In Phillips’ day, there were very few translation options, and many saw his work as a breath of fresh air compared to the archaic language of the Authorized (King James) Version.
The J. B. Phillips translation can still be used with profit today, although we would recommend a translation done by a team of scholars, like the [NIV](New-International-Version-NIV.html) or [ESV](English-Standard-Version-ESV.html), as the primary Bible for reading and study.
Below are examples of the J. B. Phillips translation compared to the NIV and ESV:
*Ephesians 1:1*
NIV: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:
ESV: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
Phillips: Paul, Special Messenger of Jesus Christ by God’s choice, to all faithful Christians at Ephesus (and other places where this letter is read):
*Romans 5:1–2*
NIV: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
ESV: Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Phillips: Since then it is by faith that we are justified, let us grasp the fact that we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have confidently entered into this new relationship of grace, and there we take our stand, in happy certainty of the glorious things He has for us in the future.
J. B. Phillips wrote a total of 26 books, including his translation work. His *New Testament in Modern English* remains a readable, vivid translation for modern readers. C. S. Lewis gave it high praise: “It is like looking at a familiar picture after it has been cleaned” (www.jbphillips.org, accessed 12/28/21\).
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What does it mean that God chooses the foolish things to confound the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27)?
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Answer
In selecting a team, the criteria used often include a person’s abilities, status, and history of success. However, the world’s measure of success is different from God’s. God does not require intelligence, ability, power, or status to become a believer. Those who come to Christ are on His “team” [by grace through faith](by-grace-through-faith.html) (Ephesians 2:8–9\). In fact, God chooses the foolish things to confound the wise, or, as rendered in the NIV, He “chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:27\).
Previously, Paul reminded the Corinthian believers that the message of the cross unites them (1 Corinthians 1:10–17\). Trusting in Jesus’ death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins brings all believers into the same family, the same team. No other external qualifier—status, wealth, intellect, nobility, fame, or anything else—defines us. Everything else becomes secondary to our status in Christ: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28\). “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing” (1 Corinthians 1:18\), but God, in His infinite wisdom, chooses the foolish things to confound the wise.
While the message of the gospel appears foolish to the world, “to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18\). The unbelieving world sees Christ’s death on the cross as foolish, seeing it as a sign of weakness or a proof of criminality; however, this is where God chooses the foolish things to confound the wise. It is through the death of Christ that we have forgiveness of sin and life eternal. This gospel message is simple enough that a child can understand it. In Matthew 11:25, Jesus praises the Father because He has “hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.” God’s truth is not foolish; it is of infinite value and brings life for all who believe.
God’s plan of salvation is so simple, so surprising, that the learned of this world often miss it. Salvation does not come through mankind’s ability to reason; we cannot think our way to heaven: “Where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:20–21, NLT).
Not only does the *message* of God seem foolish to the unbelieving world, but so do the *people* of God: “Consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:26–27, ESV).
Scripture exhorts us not to be [wise in our own eyes](wise-in-your-own-eyes.html) (Proverbs 3:7\). Rather, we should humbly submit ourselves to the Lord and His truth. We may appear foolish to the world, but this is the path to true wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10\). “God has selected \[for His purpose] the foolish things of the world to shame the wise \[revealing their ignorance]” (1 Corinthians 1:27, AMP). God uses foolish things and foolish people to confound the wise—at least those who *think* they are wise.
“The wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile” (1 Corinthians 3:19–20\). There is a difference between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom (James 3:13–17\). Worldly wisdom is characterized by pleasing oneself or following what one thinks is best in his own estimation. Worldly wisdom is not at all concerned about honoring God. To the world, believers are foolish and weak. Yet God indeed uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and the weak things to shame the strong. A person is not saved by following worldly wisdom but by trusting in what seems foolish to the world (1 Corinthians 1:20–21\).
God uses the foolish things to confound the wise; i.e., He uses what the world deems foolish to show that the so\-called wisdom of the world is not all it is cracked up to be. [God’s wisdom](godly-wisdom.html) through salvation is available to all: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16\). By God’s grace, all who humble themselves and trust in Him will receive the wisdom that lasts for all eternity.
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Who was Joseph Franklin Rutherford?
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Answer
Joseph Franklin Rutherford (November 1869—January 1942\), also known as “Judge” Rutherford, became the second president of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, better known today as [Jehovah’s Witnesses](Jehovahs-Witnesses.html), shortly after the death of the sect’s founder, [Charles Taze Russell](Charles-Taze-Russell.html). Known for his forceful personality and oratorial skills, Rutherford, originally the organization’s chief legal representative, assumed the top leadership role of the Watchtower Society from 1917 until his death at the age of 72\.
Based in Brooklyn, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society is a pseudo\-Christian cult known for their door\-to\-door proselytizing and their long history of failed prophecies. Watchtower doctrine denies the Triune nature of God, the deity of the Lord Jesus and His bodily resurrection, and the personal nature of the Holy Spirit. The Watchtower also promotes a works\-based salvation.
*Millions Now Living Will Never Die*
Like his predecessor, Russell, Joseph Rutherford made many end\-times predictions. A public talk, *The World Has Ended; Millions Now Living May Never Die*, was first delivered In Los Angeles in 1918\. A subsequent book, *Millions Now Living Will Never Die*, was published by the Watchtower in 1920\. Faithful Jehovah’s Witnesses who supported the organization’s work were promised health, prosperity, and everlasting life on the New Earth.
*Beth Sarim*
In his book Joseph Rutherford predicted Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and other patriarchs of old would rise from the dead in 1925 to establish a worldwide theocratic government. To house these Old Testament pillars of the faith, a ten\-room, Spanish\-style mansion, dubbed Beth Sarim (House of Princes), was erected in Kensington, a neighborhood in San Diego. Of course, 1925 came and went without the promised resurrection, so Rutherford made personal use of the mansion and a yellow, sixteen\-cylinder Cadillac, intended for the resurrected patriarchs’ transportation needs (www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/news/a\-mansion\-for\-the\-resurrected\-in\-kensington, accessed 12/29/21\).
In *The New World*, published by the Watchtower in 1942, Beth Sarim was praised as a monument to the faithfulness of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Rutherford still believed the San Diego mansion would become headquarters for the new worldwide government. A later Watchtower publication, *Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom* (1993\), made no mention of the Old Testament patriarchs. Rather, the organization insisted Beth Sarim had been built as a rest home for Rutherford, who suffered from pulmonary issues.
*Changes under Rutherford*
It may be argued that Joseph Rutherford’s organizational and doctrinal policies have proven more influential than those of the sect’s founder, Charles Taze Russell. During Rutherford’s 25\-year reign, over twenty books were published in his name. Also,
• 400 million copies of his books and pamphlets were distributed
• the organization took the name Jehovah’s Witnesses
• meeting houses came to be called Kingdom Halls
• celebrations of birthdays and holidays were banned
• members were forbidden from serving in the military, saluting the flag, and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance
• all members had to engage in door\-to\-door preaching and literature distribution and submit written reports
• weekly training programs were initiated
• 1914 was proclaimed the year of Christ’s invisible return to earth
• the teaching emerged that Jesus died on a [torture stake](cross-pole-stake.html), not a cross—subsequently, Jehovah’s Witnesses consider the cross to be an idolatrous symbol.
*Rutherford’s final prophecy*
Undeterred by his false prophecy concerning 1925, Rutherford made another end\-times prediction. In 1941, as America was preparing for war, he announced the Battle of Armageddon was only months away: Jehovah would destroy all earthly governments and establish His rule upon the earth. A short time later, Joseph Franklin Rutherford died, and his final prophecy remains unfulfilled.
*Conclusion*
Like most cult leaders, Joseph Franklin Rutherford was a charismatic personality who believed he was the sole purveyor of God’s truths. During his tenure as president of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Rutherford stirred his followers to action with outlandish predictions, a steady diet of religious propaganda, and dictatorial policies. Unlike the apostle Paul, who praised the noble\-minded saints in Berea for examining his teachings in the light of the Scriptures (Acts 17:11\), cult leaders like Joseph Franklin Rutherford demand blind obedience and loyalty without question. They mislead multitudes with false christs and false gospel messages.
The apostle Paul warned, “If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain” (1 Timothy 6:3–5, ESV).
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What is tirshatha in the Bible?
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Answer
The word *tirshatha* is probably of Persian origin and references the title of a Persian deputy or governor of an area. The Hebrew word is found five times in the Old Testament: Ezra 2:63; Nehemiah 7:65, 70; 8:9; and 10:1\. The word is found in the King James Version as a transliteration of the Hebrew word.
A transliteration simply reproduces the pronunciation of the word in the source language without making an attempt to give its meaning. Names and titles are often transliterated, as the “meaning” of a name is not as important as its pronunciation. In addition, titles may have no exact equivalent in the target language. Transliteration may also be used when the proper translation of a particular word is in question. For instance, the English word *baptize* is simply a transliteration of the Greek word *baptizo*. (At the time of the KJV translation, as today, there was controversy over the mode of baptism, so instead of translating the word as “immerse” or “dip,” the translators decided on a transliteration that would be ambiguous.)
Most modern versions of the Bible translate *tirshatha*, giving an approximate meaning. The NIV, NASB, and ESV all translate the word as “governor.” It is used to refer to [Zerubbabel](Zerubbabel-in-the-Bible.html) and [Nehemiah](life-Nehemiah.html), who were the local territorial rulers over Jerusalem and the surrounding area, appointed by the king of Persia.
The word *governor* will convey some ideas not present in the original if the reader automatically thinks of state governors in the United States. However, it does convey a more accurate picture than the transliteration *tirshatha*, and it makes for much smoother reading than “local territorial ruler.”
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What does the Bible say about bereavement?
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Answer
Bereavement is the condition of having lost a friend or loved one in death. Bereavement usually results in a period of time when we [mourn](Bible-mourning.html). Cultures worldwide differ in their responses to bereavement and the expectations surrounding the circumstance of such a loss. Scripture gives many accounts of bereavement and mourning, the first being Abraham when his wife, Sarah, died (Genesis 23:1\).
God does not prescribe in Scripture how the bereaved are to mourn. However, we can find patterns from the Old and New Testaments that show us that God cares about our [grief](Bible-grief.html). God does not condemn the bereaved for grieving for those they love. Jesus Himself knew bereavement, and the shortest verse in the Bible reflects the heart of God when Jesus’ friend Lazarus died: “Jesus wept” (John 11:35\).
One of the patterns we see in Scripture is that actively mourning the death of a loved one was usually limited to a certain timeframe (see Genesis 38:12 and 2 Samuel 11:27\). Again, a particular time is not mandated by Scripture, and the fact that an official “mourning period” ends does not take away from the ongoing process of grief. Scripture presents people weeping bitterly or grieving deeply at the death of a loved one (Genesis 21:16; 2 Samuel 3:32; 18:33\). It is natural for bereavement to produce an intense emotional state, and it is natural to express that emotion.
Often, the scenes Scripture gives us are of bereaved people lying down or kneeling, face to the ground with many tears. In these accounts, no one is pushing the bereaved to pick themselves up and stop crying. When Abraham grieved for his wife, Sarah, he lay weeping at her side (Genesis 23:1–3\). After a time (we don’t know how long), he arose to take care of her gravesite. Similarly, when Job was mourning the loss of everything he had, his three friends came and sat silently with him for seven days and seven nights “because they saw how great his suffering was” (Job 2:11–13\).
In Scripture, the mourning period after bereavement does not continue for lengthy periods of time. Seven days is often repeated as a time period for this part of grieving (Genesis 50:10; Job 2:13; 1 Samuel 31:12–13\). *Shiva* is Hebrew for “seven” and the basis for the Jewish tradition of “sitting shiva,” shiva also being the week\-long wake observed after the death of a family member (www.shiva.com/learning\-center/understanding/shiva, accessed 12/29/21\).
Our culture today makes it difficult to dedicate time to mourning, but Scripture shows us the wisdom of allowing ourselves a period of grieving after a bereavement. We should not rush ourselves or others through these days.
Another biblical pattern we see, which Job’s friends demonstrated, is that it is natural and needed to allow others into our place of mourning. Times of bereavement should include other people. When Moses died, the entire nation grieved together (Deuteronomy 34\), as did all of Egypt when Joseph’s father, Israel, died (Genesis 50\). There will be times of private grief, but we must also share our mourning as part of the healing process.
Another pattern of bereavement shown in Scripture is the resuming of normal life activities. This doesn’t mean that the pain has stopped or abated, but it does show that God intends for us to [continue on](overcoming-grief.html) after a loss. Abraham took care of his wife’s funeral (Genesis 23:1\); Joseph saw to his father’s last wishes (Genesis 50:3–4\); and David asked God how he should proceed after his close friend Jonathan died (2 Samuel 1—2\).
The intense period of grief right after a bereavement should be protected, honored, and shared. It should also have an ending. We show love to those in mourning through the guarding of our words, the companionship of our presence, and the support of their steps forward, however tenuous. We should allow ourselves these graces, too.
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What is the Bhagavad Gita?
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Answer
Esteemed as one of the holy scriptures of [Hinduism](hinduism.html), the *Bhagavad Gita*, or simply the *Gita*, is a 700\-verse poem contained in the *Mahabharata*, one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. The *Bhagavad Gita*, whose title means “The Song by God,” was penned sometime during the second half of the first millennium. Scholars vary on pinpoint dating, but 500—200 BC is generally accepted.
The *Bhagavad Gita* addresses such Hindu beliefs as righteousness or moral duties, devotion to Hindu deities, and the spiritual, physical, and mental practices of yoga that lead to emancipation. Other topics of the *Bhagavad Gita* include knowledge, Hindu prayer, and selfless action.
In his English language commentary, Hindu scholar Swami Mukundananda provides a brief overview of the *Bhagavad Gita*: “Unable to deal with the immediate problem at hand, Arjun (the tale’s primary character) approached Shree Krishna (an incarnation of a major Hindu deity) for a palliative to overcome the anguish he was experiencing. Shree Krishna did not just advise him on his immediate problem, but digressed to give a profound discourse on the philosophy of life. Hence, the purpose of the *Bhagavad Gita*, above everything else, is to impart Brahma Vidya, the science of God\-realization” (www.holy\-bhagavad\-gita.org).
The *Bhagavad Gita*’s 18 chapter titles are as follows:
Chapter 1: Lamenting the Consequence of War
Chapter 2: The Eternal Reality of the Souls Immortality
Chapter 3: The Eternal Duties of Human Beings
Chapter 4: Approaching the Ultimate Truth
Chapter 5: Action and Renunciation
Chapter 6: The Science of Self Realization
Chapter 7: Knowledge of the Ultimate Truth
Chapter 8: Attainment of Salvation
Chapter 9: Confidential Knowledge of the Ultimate Truth
Chapter 10: The Infinite Glories of the Ultimate Truth
Chapter 11: The Vision of the Universal Form
Chapter 12: The Path of Devotion
Chapter 13: The Individual Consciousness and Ultimate Consciousness
Chapter 14: The Three Qualities of Material Nature
Chapter 15: Realization of the Ultimate Truth
Chapter 16: The Divine and the Demoniac Natures Defined
Chapter 17: The Three Divisions of Material Existence
Chapter 18: Final Revelations of the Ultimate Truth
The following is a sampling of key verses contained in the *Bhagavad Gita*:
“As the embodied soul continually passes, in this body, from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death. The self\-realized soul is not bewildered by such a change” (Chapter 2, verse 13\).
“Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self\-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth” (Chapter 4, verse 34\).
“After many births and deaths, he who is actually in knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to be the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rare” (Chapter 7, verse 19\).
“Men of small intelligence worship the demigods, and their fruits are limited and temporary. Those who worship the demigods go to the planets of the demigods, but My devotees ultimately reach My supreme planet” (Chapter 7, verse 23\).
“But those who worship Me with devotion, meditating on My transcendental form—to them I carry what they lack and preserve what they have” (Chapter 9, verse 22\).
“I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me. The wise who know this perfectly engage in My devotional service and worship Me with all their hearts” (Chapter 10, verse 8\).
“One can understand the Supreme Personality as He is only by devotional service. And when one is in full consciousness of the Supreme Lord by such devotion, he can enter into the kingdom of God” (Chapter 18, verse 55\).
**The Appeal of Hinduism in Western Culture**
Although Hinduism’s stronghold is India, Nepal, and Indonesia, its appeal has spread well beyond the confines of southeast Asia. During the 1960s, the Beatles’ music introduced young listeners to the rudiments of Hinduism. Later, as vegetarianism and veganism grew in popularity, so did the appeal of Hinduism. Additionally, celebrated writers such as T. S. Elliott, William Wordsworth, and John Keats were influenced by Hinduism and the *Bhagavad Gita* (www.newsgram.com/why\-the\-westerners\-are\-attracted\-to\-hinduism\-find\-out, accessed 1/3/22\). As Christianity’s prominence continues to decline in the West, the spiritual void felt among nonbelievers is often filled by whatever is trendy and fashionable. Hinduism makes few demands of its followers; for that matter, there are atheists who practice Hinduism. Hinduism is riddled with contradiction, so devotees are not bound by a strict set of doctrines. Too, some people are drawn to Eastern religious beliefs for no reason other than novelty. Thanks to popular culture, Hinduism is in vogue.
**Conclusion on the Bhagavad Gita**
From a literary standpoint, the *Bhagavad Gita* is not without a measure of appeal, but its teachings should be taken no more seriously than those of any other ancient mythical work. As Christians, we must flatly reject belief in [reincarnation](reincarnation.html), which, in its purest sense, is a form of works\-based salvation. More troubling is Hinduism’s stance on the person and nature of our Lord Jesus. According to some Hindu scholars, Jesus is just one of many [avatars](avatar-hinduism.html), or enlightened messengers, sent from the Divine to earth as a teacher. As Christians, we are to heed the instructions and commandments of our Lord Jesus, but we are to esteem Him as much more than just another teacher or philosopher. We believe He is, first and foremost, the unique incarnation of God and the only Savior of the world. Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith and the author of our salvation (Hebrews 12:2\). In the end, the Bible, not the *Bhagavad Gita*, is our source of truth.
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What are the theological virtues?
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Answer
The theological virtues are faith, hope, and love (sometimes written as “charity”). A virtue is a particular moral excellence (www.dictionary.com/browse/virtue), and the theological virtues are the most excellent qualities that humans can have, as they come only from God and lead back to God. In Catholic theology, the theological virtues are often compared to the cardinal virtues, such as self\-control and courage, which are human virtues developed by knowledge and making right choices.
[Faith](Bible-faith.html) is the virtue of belief in God. [Hope](hope-Bible.html) is the virtue of being confident in our eternal life in Christ. [Love](Bible-love.html) is the virtue of seeking what is best for the loved one. The first person to use the term *theological virtues* was the philosopher Thomas Aquinas (1225—1274\) in his text *Summa Theologica* (Wawrykow, J., “The Theological Virtues,” *The Oxford Handbook of Aquinas*, Davies and Stump, ed., Oxford University Press, 2012\).
[Aquinas](Saint-Thomas-Aquinas.html) and many after him base this grouping of theological virtues on the apostle Paul’s famous treatise on love in 1 Corinthians 13, which ends in verse 13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” In [*Summa Theologica*](Summa-Theologica.html), Aquinas wrote, “These virtues are called Divine, not as though God were virtuous by reason of them, but because of them God makes us virtuous, and directs us to Himself” (Question 62, Article 1, Reply to Objection 2\).
One of the blessings of salvation by grace through faith is having the gifts of faith, hope, and love. Peter does not list the “theological virtues,” but he does refer to the great blessings of God’s gifts: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (1 Peter 1:3–4\).
It is only by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit that we can truly have the “theological virtues” of faith, hope, and love. These gifts truly do come from God.
First Corinthians 13 ends with a focus on the preeminent theological virtue: “The greatest of these is love” (verse 13\). Love is “the climax of \[God’s] nature; it is the fulfilling of all duty; it is the crown and jewelled clasp of all perfection” (MacLaren, A., *Expositions Of Holy Scripture*). The apostle John focuses on God’s love and what that looks like in our lives: “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him” (1 John 4:7–9\).
The ultimate picture of God’s love for us is in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 John 4:10\). Our faith in Him gives us the hope we need, and the result is a love for Him, which ultimately frees us to love others.
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How did the name Jacob become James in the New Testament?
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Answer
In the original Greek of the New Testament, the names *Jacob* and *James* are variants of the same root—both names stem from the same Hebrew name, *Yaaqob* (יַעֲקֹב), which is translated “Jacob” throughout the Old Testament (e.g., Genesis 25:29\).
In the Greek language, the Hebrew name *Yaaqob* becomes *Iakób* (Ἰακώβ) in a straight translation. That word is still translated as the English “Jacob” throughout the New Testament. For example, when Matthew refers to the son of Isaac and to the father of Joseph, Mary’s husband, he uses *Iakób*. Both those men were named Jacob (see Matthew 1:2 and 8:11\).
*Jacob* was a common name in Jesus’ day, and many people named their son after the patriarch. But, since the culture was strongly influenced by Greek language and culture, the name was also given a Greek form, and the result was *Iakóbos* (Ἰάκωβος). In English translations, this becomes “James.”
The transformation of *Iakób* to *Iakóbos* is an example of a word being Hellenized or Graecized—being adapted to Greek structure and spelling. A similar phenomenon occurs in English, as well: a name of foreign origin is often Anglicized for English speakers. For example, the Scottish name *Cailean* can be Anglicized to *Colin*, and the Welsh name *Eoghan* becomes *Owen*. *Eoghan* and *Owen* are variants of the same name—the spellings and pronunciations are all that’s different. The same is true for *Iakób* and *Iakóbos*.
There is still the matter of why *Iakóbos* is translated as “James” rather than “Jacob.” It’s an adventuresome etymology, and we have to follow the Greek word *Iakóbos* through its later development from Greek to English. Before the time of Jerome and the [Latin Vulgate](Latin-Vulgate.html), the [Greek Septuagint](septuagint.html) had been translated into Latin; in that version, *Iakóbos* was transliterated as *Iacobus* (or *Jacobus*)—still very close to *Jacob*. In Late Latin, however, a slight change in spelling and pronunciation occurred, and the name started to be written as *Iacomus* (or *Jacomus*). Early French adapted the Latin name and truncated it to *Gemmes* (or *Jammes*), and from there English took it as *James*.
In the English New Testament, the name *Jacob* is mostly reserved for references to the Old Testament patriarch (24 out of 26 times). *James* is used of any of several men named James, including two of Jesus’ disciples and the half\-brother of Jesus.
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What is the Gemara?
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Answer
The Gemara is a body of literature within the [Talmud](Talmud.html). The Talmud is an expansive work that contains rabbinical teachings from roughly AD 200—600, broadly divided into two parts: the [Mishnah](Mishnah-midrash.html) and the Gemara. After the Mishnah was completed around AD 200, its content was subjected to intense study and debate by scholars for centuries. The discussions and teachings of these later scholars were recorded to form the Gemara, which functions as a sort of commentary on the Mishnah. The content of the Gemara goes beyond simply a commentary, however: it also contains commentaries on the Hebrew Scriptures, parables and explanatory narratives, practical guidance for life, and discussions on Jewish theology. All these different categories are woven into a rich commentary on Jewish faith and practice.
Historically, the Talmud took shape in two different documents, one in Palestine and one in Babylonia. The Palestinian Talmud was likely put together in the first half of the 5th century and is shorter than the Babylonian Talmud. The Babylonian Talmud, compiled and edited in the 6th or 7th century, is more extensive and achieved greater popularity than the Palestinian Talmud. Both were originally written in a combination of Aramaic and Hebrew, but each compilation contains a different version of the Gemara, with different emphases and sources of rabbinical teaching.
The Gemara is incredibly valuable for Jewish studies, as it shows how medieval Jews interpreted rabbinic tradition in light of the [Torah](what-is-the-Torah.html). Some of the traditions contained in the Gemara may extend in some form back to the time of Jesus and may therefore be valuable in understanding the Judaism of Jesus’ time. Caution must be exercised, however, when attempting to draw parallels between the Judaism of the Gemara and the Judaism of first\-century Israel. Several centuries separate these two traditions, and they are unlikely to reflect one another precisely.
The Gemara remains a vital part of modern Jewish life, and it is a bountiful resource for those seeking to understand the development of Jewish faith and practice after the [destruction of Jerusalem](Jerusalem-destroyed.html). While we can learn much from studying the Gemara, Christians would not consider it inspired Scripture but a reflection of medieval Jewish wisdom.
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What is maltheism?
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Answer
*Theism* is from *theos*, the Greek word for “God.” *Mal\-* is from the Latin and means “evil” or “bad.” So, maltheism is the belief that God, if He exists, is really evil. Maltheism would also see praise and worship of God as improper as it simply feeds His egomania.
There are no official maltheist groups or “religions”; however, there may be individuals who believe God is evil or that He has it in for them and has therefore treated them unfairly; some maltheists may even band together unofficially. (As of the date of this writing, there was a Facebook page for “The Universal Church of Maltheism.” The organizers state, “We believe that there is a god and he hates us all. His \[sic] plays with us as a child plays with insects, confusing us, laying traps for us to fail and promoting our suffering.” As of 12/6/2021, that page had 20 followers.)
Maltheism seems to be most often proposed by [atheists](atheism.html) who say that, if God really did exist, He would be an evil God because of all the pain and suffering in the world and because of all the things that they consider to be evil that He does in Bible. For instance, in *The God Delusion*, Richard Dawkins says, “The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control\-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully” (Houghton Mifflin, 2006, p.51\).
There are really three possible responses to this kind of thinking. The first might be to put forward some of the traditional responses to the [problem of evil](problem-of-evil.html) or [theodicy](theodicy.html). These kinds of answers may be helpful to the honest skeptic or to Christians who may have some doubts about what God is doing in the world.
However, there are at least two other ways to address the issue of maltheism. One is to confront it head\-on, much the way that God addressed [Job](life-Job.html) when Job questioned God’s justice. Any time a person accuses God of being evil, that person is making himself the standard and judging God against it. God challenged Job with these words:
“Would you discredit my justice?
Would you condemn me to justify yourself?
Do you have an arm like God’s,
and can your voice thunder like his?
Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor,
and clothe yourself in honor and majesty.
Unleash the fury of your wrath,
look at all who are proud and bring them low,
look at all who are proud and humble them,
crush the wicked where they stand.
Bury them all in the dust together;
shroud their faces in the grave.
Then I myself will admit to you
that your own right hand can save you” (Job 40:8–14\).
This kind of questioning continues through the end of Job 41\. God is God, and He sets the standard. To hold to maltheism—to say that He is evil—is to set ourselves up as God in His place. He made us; He sets the standard of right and wrong, good and evil, and we have to answer to Him. He does not answer to us. It would be normal to expect that we would misunderstand or disagree with many things He tells us. This is the essence of sin—doing our own thing based on our own standards.
Those who hold the view that God does evil things are often hypocritical. Many maltheists are also “pro\-choice” when it comes to abortion. If a woman can kill her child because it is part of or in her body, why cannot God deal with His creation as He chooses? The truth is that God does have absolute rights over creation, and for that reason no human being, man or woman, has absolute rights over their own bodies. No one has the right to kill anyone else except in the situations in which God has allowed or commanded it. God gives life, and He takes it as He sees fit.
Another approach to maltheism is perhaps best used with those who are going through personal hardship that has made them think that God is against them. In these cases, it is good to be God’s representative, providing love and support—emotional, physical, and spiritual. In some cases, this may mean simply being there and meeting needs without trying to explain why the hardship happened.
Whatever God’s reasons for allowing evil and suffering, He is not asking us to do anything that He did not do Himself. In Jesus Christ, He entered the world of evil and suffered with us and ultimately for us. Whatever the reasons that He allows evil to continue temporarily, the cross proves that it *cannot* be because He is evil or that He is uncaring or unloving.
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How can we be rejoicing in hope (Romans 12:12)?
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Answer
In Romans 12, the apostle Paul encourages believers to live together in love, serving one another as members of the [body of Christ](body-of-Christ.html): “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer” (Romans 12:10–12, NASB).
Paul’s charge to be “rejoicing in hope” refers to glad\-hearted, celebratory confidence in an expectation being fulfilled. Such was the experience of [Abraham](life-Abraham.html): “Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations” (Romans 4:18, NLT). Abraham looked forward with joyful expectancy to the fulfillment of God’s promise. King David also rejoiced in hope, steadfastly anticipating the Lord’s salvation: “I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay” (Psalm 16:8–10\).
After Jesus sent out [seventy\-two of His disciples](70-or-72-disciples.html) to minister to the lost, they returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” But Jesus told them not to “rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:17–20\). As Christians, our joy and hope must not be anchored in our accomplishments and victories here on earth but in the future expectation of heaven. Only then will we have the power to persevere through difficult circumstances, persecution, and afflictions in this present life.
Paul informs us that we can be rejoicing in hope even as we endure suffering, looking forward with confidence and joy to the [Lord’s return](second-coming-Jesus-Christ.html) and the glory to follow (Romans 5:1–5\). The nature of our hope is joyful and sure because it rests on the character of Christ, the One in whom we place our hope. In Christ, we can trust that we will receive everything He has promised, even though we must wait for it. For now, we stand by faith in His grace, delighting in the knowledge that one day His glory will be revealed in us.
In Romans 8:16–17, Paul explains that the Spirit of God now [dwelling in us](indwelling-of-the-Holy-Spirit.html) reassures us we are God’s children and thus destined to receive an inheritance that includes participating in God’s glory. We may be suffering now, but we can be rejoicing in hope because “what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are” (Romans 8:18–19, NLT). By His Spirit, “we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope” (Galatians 5:5\).
Paul likens the experience of rejoicing in hope to “groaning as in the pains of childbirth” (Romans 8:22, NLT). An expectant mother endures the agonies of labor, but not without the joyous expectation that, after her travail, she will hold her precious baby in her arms. We “groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently)” (Romans 8:23–25, NLT).
We can be rejoicing in hope as we read Scriptures, which “give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled” (Romans 15:4, NLT). We can look forward “with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed” (Titus 2:13, NLT).
The Bible tells us to rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16; 2 Corinthians 13:11\), even as we wait for the promise of His glorious salvation: “You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8–9, NLT). Like Peter, we can be rejoicing every day in the living hope of eternal life: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3\).
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What is nomism?
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Answer
Nomism comes from the Greek word *nomos*, which means “law.” The term *nomism* refers to a religious system that is strictly governed by rules and regulations with the idea that one can become acceptable to God by such observance. Sometimes nomism may be expressed in mere conformity and sometimes in sincere, heartfelt obedience. Either manifestation can be described as nomism.
Sometimes the word [*legalism*](Bible-Christian-legalism.html) is used in place of *nomism*. *Legalism*, however, can also refer to a mindset that many Christians have that, though they are saved by the grace of God apart from works, they are better than other Christians if they maintain a strict, often extrabiblical, code of conduct. These Christians may be legalists, but they would not be nomists.
In the [book of Galatians](Book-of-Galatians.html), Paul was writing against nomism. The nomists Paul countered were also called Judaizers. They taught that, in addition to faith in Christ, a person must submit to the Old Testament Law in order to be saved. They were not prescribing the law as a code of conduct but as a means of salvation. The law that they were emphasizing was [circumcision](circumcision.html) for Gentile believers. Since circumcision was the rite of conversion to Judaism, the nomists probably had in mind that the circumcised Gentile would then keep all the other laws as well (see Galatians 5:3\).
Paul’s response to that brand of nomism is clear and strong:
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!” (Galatians 1:6–9\).
“We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified. . . . I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” (Galatians 2:15–16, 21\).
“For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.’ Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God. . . . Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:10–11, 13\).
Everywhere Paul encountered this teaching, he opposed it. “Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: ‘Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.’ This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them” (Acts 15:1–2\).
While God does expect Christians to live in a certain way and even keep “rules” (e.g., Ephesians 4:17—6:9\), our ultimate acceptance before Him is based on the [righteousness of Christ](imputed-righteousness.html), not our ability to keep the law and live righteous lives.
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What is androcentrism?
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Answer
Androcentrism is a focus on men. Androcentrism involves behaviors, circumstances, and cultures that focus on or are dominated by a male perspective. Androcentric societies downplay the feminine perspective and minimize the importance of female contributions. If females are recognized at all, their accomplishments are minimized or even trivialized. Androcentric behavior may be intentional or accidental, overt or subtle.
Many today charge we live in an androcentric world, that is, a world in which the accomplishments, interests, and achievements of women have historically taken a backseat in a culture overwhelmingly dominated by men. Most likely, it’s true that our world is androcentric. Modern societies are focused on anything but simplicity, equity, honesty, righteousness, humility, and behavior pleasing to God, leading to an avalanche of societal evils. Androcentrism is one of a long list of symptoms that point to a world that is desperately sick and in need of God.
*What is the biblical view of androcentrism?*
As androcentrism emphasizes male accomplishments and interests at the expense of a female perspective, it is unbiblical. The Bible does not favor, endorse, or encourage androcentrism. On the contrary, women frequently take center stage in biblical narratives—women whose faith, virtue, nobility, courage, and determination are praised, women who were chosen instruments of God and agents for good in an ailing world:
[**Eve:**](Eve-in-the-Bible.html) As the first woman, the first wife, and the first mother, Eve was promised an offspring who would be the redeemer who would ultimately conquer Satan (Genesis 3:15\). This prophecy began its fulfillment when a child was born to a virgin in the town of Bethlehem.
[**Sarah:**](life-Sarah.html) The wife of the patriarch Abraham and the mother of Isaac, Sarah is known for her great faith (Hebrews 11:11\) and the godly commitment she demonstrated toward her husband (1 Peter 3:5–6\).
[**Rahab:**](life-Rahab.html) Many unfamiliar with Scripture would be surprised to learn one of the Bible’s most notable heroines was a prostitute (Joshua 2:1–24\). Despite her ignoble past, Rahab is remembered for her faith and courage (Hebrews 11:31\). She also appears in the genealogy of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5\).
[**Deborah:**](life-Deborah.html) Israel’s first and only female judge, Deborah led God’s people in a time of peril and was instrumental in bringing about their enemy’s destruction (Judges 4—5\). Because of her strong, nurturing leadership, Deborah was hailed as “a mother for Israel” (Judges 5:7, NLT).
[**Esther:**](life-Esther.html) Beautiful, courageous, diplomatic, and determined, this faithful Jewish girl became queen of Persia and used her influence to stop a heinous plan to slaughter God’s people. Her thrilling story appears in the Old Testament book bearing her name.
[**Ruth:**](life-Ruth.html) A woman of unquestionable character, loyalty, courage, and devotion, this Moabite widow won the hearts of the people in Bethlehem and appears in the genealogy of King David and our Lord Jesus Christ. Her story, which takes place during the time when Israel was ruled by judges, appears in the Old Testament book named for her.
[**Abigail:**](Abigail-in-the-Bible.html) The wife of a wealthy rancher named Nabal, this beautiful woman was as wise as her husband was foolish (1 Samuel 25:3\). When Nabal maliciously smeared the character of David and his men, Israel’s future monarch swore swift, bloody revenge. Knowing such a rash act would have sullied David’s reputation, Abigail quickly intervened and prevented tragedy. After Nabal’s death, Abigail married David. This remarkable woman’s story appears in 1 Samuel 25\.
[**Mary:**](virgin-Mary.html) Of all the young women in Israel, God showed favor to an unmarried virgin and chose her to give birth to and bring up His only Son, Jesus (Luke 1:28–38\). There could be no greater honor than Mary had, to bring God’s Anointed One into the world.
[**Mary Magdalene:**](Mary-Magdalene.html) After Jesus cast seven demons from her (Luke 8:2\), Mary of Magdala became one of our Lord’s faithful followers, an eyewitness of His crucifixion, and the first to see Him after He was raised from the dead (John 20:11–18\). It might be said Mary Magdalene was the first to celebrate Easter.
[**Mary**](life-Mary-Bethany.html) and [**Martha**](Martha-in-the-Bible.html): Along with their brother Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead (John 11:1–44\), these two sisters were beloved friends of Jesus and His disciples. Mary and Martha’s home in Bethany was an oasis of friendship and a safe haven from the hostilities of the Jewish religious establishment.
While this list does not exhaust the women of prominence appearing in Scripture, these champions of the faith are proof the Bible neither ignores nor downplays the achievements of women.
*Is the Bible androcentric?*
The Bible is not androcentric, but it is Christocentric, that is, Christ is the focus. The Bible is His story; each page tells of Him. Despite the false claims lodged by some critics, the Bible is neither anthropocentric, focusing on humankind, nor androcentric. To support this truth, let us turn to Luke 24\. Shortly after Jesus’ crucifixion, two disciples met the resurrected Lord as they traveled to Emmaus. Note how the Lord Jesus related the entirety of the Scriptures to Himself:
That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” *And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself* (Luke 24:13–27, ESV, emphasis added).
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible focuses on our Lord Jesus Christ—His first coming, His second coming, His future reign from His throne in Jerusalem, His ultimate victory over Satan, His incomparable teachings, His supernatural miracles, His unparalleled love for sinners, His deity, His humanity, and, of course, His death, burial, and resurrection that are foundational to the gospel message. Any sincere study of the Scriptures reveals that God’s Word is Christocentric.
Political correctness has attempted to blur the differences between women and men, and this is unfortunate, for God made us male and female for a number of reasons. We can be different yet equal. We can be different, and, together, we are better for the differences. With that said, no man should make a woman feel as though she is inferior or a second\-class citizen. Despite advertising campaigns, the fashion industry, and the illusions of pop culture, a woman’s worth is hardly measured by outward beauty or an ability to draw attention from the opposite sex. In no way does God want women and their accomplishments trivialized.
The Bible calls us not to androcentrism but to humility and service. As the Lord Jesus humbled Himself for our benefit, we should esteem others greater than ourselves while guarding the interests of our brothers and sisters (Philippians 2:1–7\).
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What does it mean that wisdom is justified by her children (Matthew 11:19)?
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Answer
Matthew 11 records a remarkable portrait of [John the Baptist](life-John-Baptist.html) and provides an important reminder of God’s grace and understanding even when we are suffering from doubt. The section concludes with the curious statement that wisdom is justified by her children (Matthew 11:19, NKJV).
John had served faithfully as the forerunner to the Messiah, announcing the coming kingdom of Jesus, yet, instead of enjoying the fruits of his labor and the glories that one might expect in a newly installed kingdom, John was in prison soon to be executed—no kingdom had actually yet arrived. It seems that because of his circumstances he [suffered some doubts](John-the-Baptist-doubt.html) and sent messengers to ask Jesus whether He was the expected One or whether John should look for someone else (Matthew 11:3\).
Jesus responded to John’s query with patience and grace, reminding John of the miracles prophesied of the Messiah that Jesus was accomplishing (Matthew 11:5–6\). After that powerful yet gracious affirmation, Jesus continued, reminding listeners of the importance of John and his ministry. John was a mighty prophet, but he was more than just a prophet (Matthew 11:7–9\)—he fulfilled the prophecy of Malachi 3:1 and faithfully served as the forerunner to the Messiah, announcing the coming kingdom. John would be an important piece in that kingdom even if it wouldn’t come right away.
The response to the message of Jesus and John had been overwhelming: “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matthew 11:12, NKJV). That is, there had been an extraordinary rush of people thronging to hear the gospel, and their eagerness to learn of the kingdom was so overwhelming it was as if they were attacking a city and beating down the doors to enter. Jesus pointed to John as the fulfilment of Malachi 4:6—John was the ”Elijah” to precede the great and awesome day of the Lord (Matthew 11:14\). Jesus then chastises that generation for their inconsistent treatment of John and Himself, and He observes that “wisdom is justified by her children” (Matthew 11:19, NKJV) or “wisdom is proved right by her deeds” (NIV).
That generation was inconsistent in their judgments. They behaved like children who wanted to but couldn’t control other children (Matthew 11:16–17\). They critiqued John for not eating and drinking with other people (Matthew 11:18\), but when Jesus came eating and drinking with people, they criticized Him for doing it (Matthew 11:19\). That generation was prideful, thinking they had the wisdom to judge rightly, but they illustrated the injustice of their judgments. In so doing they failed to recognize the forerunner to the Messiah and thus failed to receive the Messiah and His kingdom.
When Jesus challenged His listeners that wisdom is justified by her children, He was saying that the soundness of wisdom can be judged by the fruit of that wisdom. The people of that generation thought they had sound wisdom and were prideful in their own ability to discern and judge. But Jesus challenged their wisdom by looking at the “children” of their wisdom—what did their “wisdom” produce? Their deeds were woeful, in that they failed to recognize both the forerunner of the Messiah and the Messiah Himself.
It is remarkable that those who had [spiritual pride](pride-Bible.html) and confidence in themselves Jesus rebuked soundly, while the one who was struggling with doubt Jesus affirmed and encouraged. Jesus had reminded John that Jesus was the King and that John was the forerunner, but it was important not to stumble over the King and His methods (Matthew 11:6\). On the other hand, Jesus chastised those who had made arrogant and wrongful judgments against John and Jesus. This is an important reminder that God is patient with His children even when they are doubting, but God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble (James 4:6\). We should never be arrogant in our judgments but should develop our conclusions humbly and by seeking God’s wisdom revealed in His Word, just as Jesus was encouraging John to do.
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Why is Joshua called “Jesus” in Hebrews 4:8 in the KJV?
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Answer
In the King James Version, Hebrews 4:8 says, “For if **Jesus** had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day” (emphasis added).
In the New International Version, the same verse says, “For if **Joshua** had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day” (emphasis added). Most other English translations of this verse also refer to *Joshua* and not *Jesus*.
Hebrews 4:8 is obviously referring to the Old Testament character of [Joshua, the son of Nun](life-Joshua.html). The previous verses had been speaking of Moses and the wilderness wanderings and the Israelites’ entering of the Promised Land (Hebrews 3:16–19\). Despite the passage’s being about Joshua, the KJV uses the name *Jesus*.
But Hebrews 4:8 is not the only New Testament passage in which Joshua is called “Jesus” in the KJV. In Acts 7:45, Stephen speaks of his “ancestors under **Joshua**” bringing the tabernacle into the Promised Land (NIV, ESV, NKJV, NASB, et al., emphasis added). According to the wording of the KJV, however, the tabernacle was “brought in with **Jesus**” (emphasis added).
So, what explains the name switch? Why does the KJV say “Jesus” in the New Testament instead of “Joshua,” when it’s clearly the Old Testament leader Joshua in view?
The answer is that *Jesus* and *Joshua* are really the same name, although in different languages. The Greek form (in English) is *Jesus*. The Hebrew form (in English) is *Joshua*. Both forms of the name mean “The Lord Is Salvation.”
In the [Old Testament Hebrew](Biblical-Hebrew.html), Joshua’s name is יְהוֹשׁוּעַ or, transliterated into English, *Yehoshua*, a form of *Yeshua*. This is where we get the English name *Joshua*. But, when the Hebrew name is translated into [Koine Greek](Koine-Greek.html), the original language of the New Testament, it becomes Ἰησοῦς, which transliterates into Iēsous. And this is where we get the English name *Jesus*. Thus, *Yeshua* and, correspondingly, *Joshua* and *Jesus* all mean “Yahweh Saves” or “The Lord Is Salvation.”
The same type of linguistic metamorphosis occurs today among names. For example, a man with the Spanish name *Jorge* can choose to go by the English form of his name, *George*. Both *Jorge* and *George* are the same name but in different languages. If Jorge were to travel the world, then his name might become *Giorgio*, *Yuri*, *Jurgen*, *Juris*, *Jerzy*, *Gorka*, or *Seòras*, depending on the country he was visiting. Regardless of the form his name takes, he’s still the same person. In the same manner, the Old Testament Joshua remains the same person, even if called by his Greek name, *Jesus*.
For some reason, the translators of the King James Version chose the Greek form of Joshua’s name, *Jesus*, which causes a little confusion in Hebrews 4, since the author of Hebrews is contrasting Jesus with Joshua in that chapter. Other translators have chosen the Hebrew form, *Joshua*, which helps us know who is who. The Old Testament Joshua led God’s people into the Promised Land, giving them a temporary, physical rest, but only Jesus can give us a [permanent, complete, and spiritual rest](Jesus-Sabbath.html).
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Why does Jesus ask, “Who are my mother and brothers?” in Matthew 12:48?
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Answer
We learn who Jesus’ mother and [brothers](Jesus-siblings.html) are from a few separate passages. Of course, Jesus was the Son of God (Matthew 16:16\), and His earthly parents were Joseph and Mary (Matthew 1:16\). Jesus’ brothers are named in Matthew 13:55: James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas (also known as Jude). He also had sisters, but their names are not given (Matthew 13:55\). Not only was Jesus aware of who His family was, but so were those He was talking with in Matthew 12\. At first glance it is curious, then, that He would ask, “Who are my mother and brothers?” in Matthew 12:48\.
In the context Jesus had healed a man who was blind and mute (Matthew 12:22\). The crowds were amazed (Matthew 12:23\), but the [Pharisees](Pharisees.html) were angered, and they credited the work of Jesus to demonic power (Matthew 12:24\). The Pharisees and other leaders had continually rejected Jesus and the gospel He was proclaiming, and this attribution of Jesus’ work to the power of Satan was the breaking point. Jesus pronounced judgment on that generation (Matthew 12:39–45\), and from that point on He stopped teaching the multitudes plainly. He instead began to focus on preparing His disciples for their evangelistic task as He began the march toward His sacrifice on the cross.
While Jesus was explaining the severity of that generation’s failure and accountability, Jesus’ mother and brothers were outside, trying to find a way to speak with Him (Matthew 12:46\). Someone told Jesus that His mother and brothers were seeking to talk with Him (Matthew 12:47\), and He responded by asking, “Who are my mother and brothers?” (Matthew 12:48\).
Of course, Jesus knew who His mother and brothers were, but He took that opportunity to present an important truth to His listeners. Those who had rejected Him had considered themselves worthy to enter His kingdom because of their deeds, which they presumed to be righteous. But from the beginning Jesus explained that they had to change their minds (repent) about how they could gain entrance into His kingdom (Matthew 4:17\). Instead of relying on their own works or their lineage, they needed to rely on Jesus for their righteousness (Matthew 5—7\). Many had assumed that, because they were of Abraham, they were automatically qualified to enter the kingdom (Matthew 3:7–9\). But Jesus taught that neither their lineage nor their deeds were enough to get them into the kingdom. Their family relationships were not the ticket into the kingdom. After Jesus had been rejected with finality by those in leadership, and after Jesus had pronounced judgment on that generation, Jesus asks, “Who are my mother and brothers?” In this question, He challenges once again the view that family relationships are enough to provide entrance into the kingdom of God.
Upon asking the question, “Who are my mother and brothers?” Jesus answers it, pointing out His disciples and telling the crowd that His disciples were His mother and brothers (Matthew 12:49\). While that initially may have puzzled His listeners, He clarified immediately: “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:50\). In other words, the relationships that really matter in the eternal scheme of things are those relationships based on rightly relating to God.
Human family relationships are beautiful and necessary blessings, and God is the one who created and provided those relationships. Jesus is not minimizing the importance of family relationships; rather, He is emphasizing that having a [right relationship with God](relationship-with-Jesus.html) by obeying His will is the most important.
How then does one obey His will? As Jesus explained to Nicodemus in John 3, the will of God is to believe in the Son (the word *believe* occurs 8 times in John 3\). Jesus explains later to His disciples that they should believe in Him, even in God (John 14:1\), because He is the way, the truth, and the life and no one comes to the Father but through Him (John 14:6\). This was the essence of what Jesus had also explained in His [Sermon on the Mount](sermon-on-the-mount.html) (Matthew 5—7\)—that people’s associations do not make them righteous, but rather how they relate to God. By asking, “Who are my mother and brothers?” and by His answer to His own question, Jesus drove the point home.
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What does it mean that where sin abounded grace abounded more (Romans 5:20)?
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Answer
Paul’s [Epistle to the Romans](Book-of-Romans.html) is important in that it explains the mercies of God and what we are expected to do in light of those mercies. In Romans 1—3:20 Paul explains that all people fall short of God’s standards, are unrighteous, and need His grace. In Romans 3:21—4:25, Paul explains how God expressed His grace in His good news (or [gospel](what-is-the-gospel.html)) of righteousness. Romans 5—8 describes the results of that grace applied in salvation through Jesus Christ and what that means for those who have believed in Him. It is in that section that Paul asserts that where sin abounded grace abounded more (Romans 5:20\). Romans 9—11 illustrates God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His salvation promises by using the example of Israel and explaining how one day the entire people of Israel will be delivered. Romans 12—16 underscores the responsibilities believers have to walk in the mercies that God has shown.
As Paul is explaining in Romans 5—8 the results of salvation [by grace through faith](by-grace-through-faith.html), in order to show the magnificence of God’s grace, Paul first illustrates the human need for grace. We have been justified (declared righteous by God), and now we have peace with God (Romans 5:1\). Before that we were helpless (Romans 5:6\), and we were enemies of God (Romans 5:10\). We were in bondage under sin because we were born from Adam, whose sin left a stain on all those who would follow in his line (Romans 5:12–19\). As if sin wasn’t grievous enough, sin was amplified by law or ethics and rules of behavior in general (Romans 5:20\) and was later amplified even further by the Law of Moses, which became a tutor to show people their need for Christ (Galatians 3:17–24\). But in His grace God did not leave us in this hopeless and helpless position. While we were still helpless, Christ died for us (Romans 5:6\), expressing the ultimate gift of grace and providing for our justification by faith in Him. The result is peace with God.
No longer are we enemies of God or children of wrath as we once were (Ephesians 2:1–3\), because where sin abounded grace abounded more (Romans 5:20\). Even when human law and the Law of Moses brought increased opportunity for sin (Romans 7:7–8\), God’s grace still covered all of it through the shed blood of Jesus on the cross, because while we were yet sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8\). Paul explains this later as the essence of the gospel—that Christ died for our sin (1 Corinthians 15:1–3\). Because where sin abounded grace abounded more (Romans 5:20\), we can have [justification](justification.html) and new life through Jesus Christ by believing in Him.
Because of [God’s grace](grace-of-God.html) expressed through the blood of Jesus poured out as a substitute for us, we are no longer in bondage to sin and are now free to live in Christ (Romans 6:6–8\). This is why Paul could exclaim that he was not ashamed of the gospel—it is how God has provided for the salvation of all who believe in Jesus Christ, no matter their past (Romans 1:16–17\). Where sin abounded, grace abounded more (Romans 5:20\), and because of God’s abounding grace, we can now be filled with joy, peace, and hope (Romans 15:13\).
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What does it mean to “remember not the former things” in Isaiah 43:18?
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Answer
As God encourages Israel with the hope of the coming [Messiah](what-does-Messiah-mean.html), He exhorts the people, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old” (Isaiah 43:18, ESV). Something new was going to happen.
The Messianic announcement was made in Isaiah 42:1–4, and God further describes the certainty of His coming reign in Isaiah 42:5–8\. That section concludes with God’s statement that the former things have come to pass and now He is declaring to them new things (Isaiah 42:9\). The reference is contrasting the oldness of the judgment under the [Old Covenant](old-covenant.html) (or the Mosaic Covenant) with the newness of the hope provided by the promise of a coming Messiah who would redeem the people and rule righteously (ultimately fulfilling the [Abrahamic](Abrahamic-covenant.html), [Land](Palestinian-covenant.html), [Davidic](Davidic-covenant.html), and [New](new-covenant.html) Covenants).
After recounting the reasons for the current and soon\-coming judgments Israel would encounter (Isaiah 42:10–25\), God reminds them that He is their God (Isaiah 43:1–3\) and that they are precious to Him (Isaiah 43:4–7\). Because of this, they can remember not the former things (Isaiah 43:18\). While there had to be a judgment and consequences for Israel—they broke the conditional covenant that God had made with the nation—that judgment would not last forever. God announces the coming of a new administration in which Israel’s failures and the resulting judgments would be long past. While there might be those who would continually accuse Israel and proclaim the former things as if they were an ongoing reality (Isaiah 43:8–9\), their witness is false. The former things have passed away as God had promised, and new things are coming.
While some might testify against Israel, the people themselves would be witnesses that their Creator and their Messiah would bring new things to pass just as He promised (Isaiah 43:10–13\). Even as the people would experience God’s judgment at the hands of [Babylon](Babylon-in-the-Bible.html), God would bring judgment to Babylon as well, and Babylon’s might would be extinguished (Isaiah 43:14–17\). Because God is sovereign and faithful, Israel could trust Him and take Him at His word. Thus they would have no need to remember the former things or ponder the trouble of the past (Isaiah 43:18\); instead, they could look forward with anticipation to what God would do and how God would ultimately deliver and redeem them (Isaiah 43:19–21\).
God brought the promised judgment to Judah at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon in 605, 597, and 586 BC, when the people were taken into exile. Less than 50 years later—before Judah’s 70\-year judgment and [exile](Babylonian-captivity-exile.html) was complete, Babylon fell to [Medo\-Persia](Medo-Persian-empire.html). God keeps His word. His people could remember not the former things or ponder what is past (Isaiah 43:18\) because He promised redemption and restoration, and these new things *would come*.
In the same way that Israel was exhorted to trust in God and look toward the fulfillment of His promises, we are encouraged to keep our eyes focused on the [Author and Finisher of the faith](author-perfecter-faith.html) so that we will be able to run the race He has set before us (Hebrews 12:1–2\). God has made commitments, and He always keeps those commitments. Because of that we can read His Word and take it at face value, knowing that what He has said He will bring to pass. Like Israel, we can remember not the former things or consider the things of old. We also have a past riddled with failure and sin (Ephesians 2:1–3\), and, as He will do with the nation of Israel, God has intervened to resolve our past and redeem us for a life of newness, hope, purpose, and joy (Ephesians 2:4–10\).
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What did Jesus mean when He said, “He who is not with Me is against Me” (Matthew 12:30)?
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Answer
Matthew 12 is a pivotal chapter in the narrative of Jesus’ earthly ministry and one that includes Jesus’ notable statement that “he who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad” (Matthew 12:30, NKJV).
Up to the point when Jesus says, “He who is not with Me is against Me,” He had been proclaiming the good news about the kingdom that He was offering, but in Matthew 12 He and His kingdom are rejected—particularly by the leaders of the nation. The situation comes to a head when Jesus heals a blind and mute man (Matthew 12:22\). The crowds were in awe and were wondering whether He might be the [Son of David](Jesus-son-of-David.html), the Messiah (Matthew 12:23\). The [Pharisees](Pharisees.html), on the other hand, quickly rejected Jesus’ healing work as Messianic and instead asserted that Jesus had healed the man by demonic power (Matthew 12:24\). Jesus challenged the absurdity of this critique and the failed logic of a divided kingdom and Satan fighting against Satan (Matthew 12:26–29\). He then presented them with a dilemma, asking in whose power their sons cast out demons (Matthew 12:27\). The point Jesus was making was that, if Jesus was casting out demons in the power of God, as He was claiming to do, then indeed the kingdom He was presenting had come because the King had come (Matthew 12:28\).
Jesus then took it one step further by saying that “he who is not with Me is against Me.” The people had to make a choice. Their [Messiah](is-Jesus-the-Messiah.html) had come, offering to them the prophesied and covenanted kingdom of the heavens (which was ultimately God’s kingdom in the heavens come to earth in fulfillment of [God’s covenant to David](Davidic-covenant.html), with the Messiah ruling on David’s throne in Jerusalem). Jesus was the Messiah, and He was presenting His kingdom to the people. They had to choose—if they were for Him, they would have to change their mind (repent) about how they could gain entrance into the kingdom (Matthew 4:17\). They would have to recognize that they could only enter the kingdom by the internal spiritual righteousness Jesus described, and not by their external obedience to the Law of Moses (Matthew 5—7\). The Pharisees and other leaders were deeply opposed to changing their minds about these things; they could not accept that He was the Messiah, lest they have to submit to what He was telling them. Their rebellion illustrated Jesus’ statement that “he who is not with Me is against Me” (Matthew 12:30\).
Like the Pharisees of that era, we also have a choice to make about Jesus. Jesus famously asked the question of His disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15\). Each one of us has to answer that question for ourselves. Either we acknowledge that He is who He said He is—the Messiah—or we reject that and attribute His words and works to something other than the true ministry of our Creator, Messiah, Savior, and King. With this choice there is no third option. Jesus did not give His listeners the option of avoiding the choice. “He who is not with Me is against Me,” He said. And if we claim to be for Him, then we must come to Him as He prescribes and not as we might prefer. The Pharisees were open to God’s involvement in their lives and the lives of the nation of Israel, but only on their own terms. As creations of the Creator, we don’t get to make the rules; we simply have to decide whether we are for Him or against Him.
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What does it mean that there is a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them (Ecclesiastes 3:5)?
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Answer
“A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them” is the seventh of fourteen couplets of contrasting seasons in life listed by [King Solomon](life-Solomon.html) in Ecclesiastes 3:1–8\. Within these stanzas, Solomon compresses every human “activity under the heavens” (verse 1\), concluding that there is a God\-ordained time for each moment and that God is the ultimate authority over them all.
The meaning of “a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them” (Ecclesiastes 3:5\) is probably the most difficult to decipher of all the pairings. A season of scattering stones most likely refers to the Old Testament practice of a conquering army to throw stones on the enemy’s field to render it unproductive. In 2 Kings 3:25, when the Israelites advanced on Moab, they “destroyed the towns, and each man threw a stone on every good field until it was covered. They stopped up all the springs and cut down every good tree.”
Soldiers used slingshots to launch stones as weapons of war. [King Uzziah](King-Uzziah-in-the-Bible.html) invented engines for Israel’s defense towers, enabling his warriors to hurl great stones at their enemies (2 Chronicles 26:11–15\). Perhaps the most famous stone\-throwing victory in the Bible was when “David prevailed over the Philistines with a sling and a stone” (1 Samuel 17:49–50\).
A season of gathering stones might indicate the clearing of fields to cultivate them, as in Isaiah 5:2, or the preparation of highways for the advance of victorious soldiers, as in Isaiah 62:10\. In the Bible, stones were collected to build altars (Exodus 20:25\), monuments (Genesis 31:45–46\), and temples (1 Kings 5:17\).
One commentator interprets the scattering and gathering stanza to suggest the harmful distribution of stones to destroy crops and soil versus the useful and profitable arranging of stones, as in building a fence or a memorial to God. Another scholar mentions an ancient practice of tossing stones into a grave at the time of burial as opposed to the arranging of stones to build a house for the living.
The Aramaic version of Ecclesiastes perceived “scattering stones” as tearing down an old building and “gathering stones” as preparing to build a new one. One possible explanation for “scattering stones” and “gathering them” may be a simple allusion to demonstrating hostility versus friendship. This interpretation seems to agree with the associated stanza, “a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing” (Ecclesiastes 3:5\).
While it may be challenging to pinpoint Solomon’s specific application of “a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,” we can be confident of its general connotation. There are appropriate times in life to damage and destroy, to conquer enemies and bring about their ruin. Alternatively, there are proper seasons for clearing out harmful and useless things to cultivate, grow, build, and protect.
Looking back on his life, Solomon had come to understand that God has a good purpose in everything. Whether we demolish an enemy or work to build and protect, “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, ESV).
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Top Long Responses
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