Frequently Asked Questions

Sadly, this is a polarizing question among modern Christians today. Due to science embracing evolution and uniformitarianism (see definitions) the predominate 'scientific' belief is that the world is millions (perhaps billions) of years old. But that is not what the Bible teaches (see commentary for the creation account in Genesis). We are told that death began when sin was introduced (see Romans 5:12). In order to have an old earth there would have been a lengthy history of animal death long before humanity sinned! Plus, we know that carbon dating and other dating methodologies are flawed due to what we know to be true with the law of entropy.

So, why is this polarizing Christianity? The Bible is being compromised to fit science. If we take a section out of the Bible, like the "seven-day creation" account and say it was really many years, then we can doubt or question the rest of the book. Several highly respected scientific organizations* have done scientific research to demonstrate that the creation account in the Bible is indeed true and the earth is relatively young, perhaps not even 6,000 years old. (*for example: Institute for Creation Research and Answers in Genesis)

This is a highly debated issue, much of which depends on your definition of 'evil'. Is evil a living entity or force? No, but it does exist as a "mind set" or as a strong 'desire' in people, dark angels, and dark spirits (see discussion on the Nephilim) set on the opposition of God. For a Christian this may be over-simplistic, but if something meets any of the following criteria, then it is likely evil:

• Does it make you take your eyes off Jesus?
• Determined to be of no benefit or value to God's kingdom.
• Any action or idea that is contrary to the Word of God.

First, the word 'trinity' is not a Biblical word, nor does the Bible contain any word that can be translated into 'trinity' or anything similar. However, the idea that God exists in three persons (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit) is what the Bible teaches, but does not give the concept a name. We read how the Father fits the role of the Old Testament God (see Psalm 2:1-12; Isaiah 9:1-7; 63:16; Malachi 2:10), as well as the Father of Jesus in the New Testament (see Matthew 28:18-20; John 5:19-23). The Son can also be observed in the New Testament in the role of the Messiah, the Savior of humanity (see John 1:18; 1 Corinthians 8:6). And the Holy Spirit, the unnamed power of God, is also a member of the Godhead. For example when Jesus said He was going to ask His Father for 'another' Helper (referring to the Holy Spirit) as recorded in John 14:16, the Greek word is 'allon' referring to another of the same kind (both being God), as opposed to the Greek word 'heteros' being a different kind. All three are one God (hence the name 'trinity').

But how does three persons exist as one God? There are many impossible-to-know questions in the Bible, this is one area we need to accept by faith. Think about it, if a created being can fully understand its creator, then that God is probably not big enough, nor powerful enough to be our God (see Isaiah 55:8-9). Or perhaps think of it this way, how can the finite understand the infinite? The Bible clearly speaks of three divine beings but also teaches that there is only One God.

This is another controversial and often debated question. The main issue seems to be whether or not a person was truly a believer, something that only God would know. Since Christianity is about a relationship with Jesus, one cannot 'test' Christianity for a 'trial' period. Plus, we read in the Bible that God protects believers from being 'snatched' out of His hand (see John 10:25-30) and that they are further 'sealed' by the Holy Spirit (see Romans 8:35-39; Ephesians 1:13-14).

So if a true believer changes their mind can they break that seal? Since the Bible doesn't state otherwise, it is unlikely a person could break a seal that God put in place, even on their own heart, so no, they would not lose their salvation. Click here for further discussion.

All of humanity, with the exception of Jesus, are sinners and are therefore condemned to spend eternity in hell (see Romans 6:23). Since mankind cannot save itself this would be the expected reality. But God, knowing that man could not change their destiny for themselves, sent His Son to die on our behalf so that if someone confesses their sins and accepts Jesus as their Savior they will spend eternity with Him in heaven (see John 3:16-18). So it comes down to two conditions when you die, you are either a believer in Jesus, or not (nothing gray here).

If you are a believer you will immediately be in the presence of Jesus in heaven after you die. No further judgment regarding salvation required, but we will be asked about what we did for His kingdom. Depending on what was done for Jesus rewards will be offered (see Romans 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:8-15; 2 Corinthians 5:8-10). Regarding those that did not accept Jesus' free offer of salvation, they will go to a temporary 'holding' location called Hades (click here for more details). After the one-thousand year milennial period is over they will each "get their time in court" where they will have an opportunity to plead their 'case' before Jesus. They will then be sent to the lake of fire (also known as hell) to spend eternity away from God in torment (click here for further information).

Technically, no (for example the thief on the cross next to Jesus was promised Paradise, see Luke 23:42-43), but before we feel that it is okay not to be baptized, we need to realize that Jesus told us we should be baptized (see Matthew 28:18-20). There will be circumstances when baptism is not possible (near death, bad health, etc.) but those should be the exception not the rule! Click here for a brief discussion regarding baptism. See also Appendix 1 of Everything a Christian Should Know About the Gospels.

There are several interpretations of the end times, and yes, there are many (especially Amillennialists) that believe that Jesus filled all of the promises given to Israel, David, and Abraham. Rendering the Jews and the nation of Israel unimportant today. But this is not what the Bible teaches! Many of the promises, like the Abrahamic Covenant (see Genesis 12:1-13; 13:14-17; 15:1-21; 17:1-8), cannot be completely fulfilled by any person (including the Messiah) without a diferent interpretation of the text or some other modification.

Just the subject of Israel’s yet-future restoration alone is obviously very important to God as indicated by the vast number of references in Biblical prophecy. It is a recurring theme in the Biblical books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Micah, Zephaniah, Zechariah, and Malachi. Many believe that since the Jews did not recognize Jesus as their Messiah that they forfeited any blessing promised to them, this is not true, as Israel and the people of Israel are still very important to Him.

The quick answer is no. Referring to when Jesus responded to accusations after He healed a demon-possessed man of blindness and being a mute, He was accused of being in league with Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Jesus then quickly stated what sin could be forgiven and one that was unpardonable (see Matthew 12:22-32; Mark 3:22-30). The sin that could not be forgiven was from speaking against the Holy Spirit.

The unpardonable sin is not a mindless utterance, but an ongoing disbelief in God's plan of redemption. Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit will convict the world so that they can realize that they have sinned against God (see John 16:8) and would then seek forgiveness from Him. But if they remain unrepentant they are 'blaspheming' (Greek word 'blasphēmia' meaning to defame, to injure one's reputation) the work of the Holy Spirit and will remain unforgiven.

Spiritual gifts are probably best described as being supernaturally endowed with knowledge or skill that is needed to serve God in a capacity selected by Him to do. In the Old Testament we read how God provided two men, Bezalel and Oholiab, knowledge and ability to build the Tabernacle (see Exodus 31:1-11; 35:30-35). Later in the New Testament we see that the apostle Paul wrote about a wide variety of spiritual gifts including: prophecy; serving others; teaching; exhorting (to call to one’s side, to admonish, and to encourage); the ability to give money generously; to possess leadership abilities; to show compassion and mercy to others; possess wisdom; have knowledge; have a strong faith; the ability to perform healing; the ability to perform miracles; have discernment; speak in tongues; the ability to interpret tongues; the ability to help others; and the skill to administrate (see Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, 27-31). These would not be 'natural' gifts but those given by God to serve Him. Every believer has at least one gift (note: it doesn't have to be listed here), but they need to be used. If you don't know what gifting you have received, pray and find out. Click here for more information.

Unlike the gifts, the Spiritual Fruit are those things that will manifest in every Christian's life. Again, it is Paul who calls our attention to them. We read in Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." (ESV) Click here for further discussion.

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