Jesus Denounces Moralism (The Most Respectable False Gospel)

Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the publican is one of the clearest denunciations of moralism in all of Scripture. The shocking point is that the religious moralist went home unjustified, while the repentant sinner went home justified. The issue was not that God approves of sin. The issue was that God rejects self-righteousness and gives mercy to sinners who humble themselves before Him.

Moralism is one of the most dangerous religious errors because it often looks clean, disciplined, respectable, and biblical. It talks about good behavior, strong families, clean living, moral standards, religious Continue ReadingJesus Denounces Moralism (The Most Respectable False Gospel)

Divorce and Remarriage (The Biblical Question of Abandonment)

Marriage is a holy covenant that should not be broken. But the sin of abandonment can separate what God has joined.

Few subjects require more biblical care, pastoral tenderness, and spiritual honesty than divorce and remarriage. Marriage is holy because God designed it. Divorce is grievous because it tears apart what Continue ReadingDivorce and Remarriage (The Biblical Question of Abandonment)

Don’t Overemphasize the Wrong Word in Romans 12:1-2

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:1-2 is one of the clearest and most searching calls to Christian discipleship in the New Testament, but we must consider the whole verse and not overemphasize one word Continue ReadingDon’t Overemphasize the Wrong Word in Romans 12:1-2

Did Jesus Suffer in Hell at the Crucifixion? (Understanding Death, Hades, Gehenna, the Lake of Fire, and the Finished Work of the Cross)

He took your verdict, carried your curse, absorbed your wrath and walked out of the grave undefeated so you don't have to go to hell.

Some Christians have heard the phrase, “Jesus descended into hell,” and have wondered what it means. Did Jesus go to hell after He died? Did He suffer under Satan? Did Continue ReadingDid Jesus Suffer in Hell at the Crucifixion? (Understanding Death, Hades, Gehenna, the Lake of Fire, and the Finished Work of the Cross)