Recent content by Sipsey

Can one be baptized in water and not be saved?

Was Simon saved? Luke did not specify this clearly, so it is difficult to be dogmatic. But seven facts suggest that Simon probably was not born again: (1) The verb “believe” (pisteuō) does not always refer to saving faith. Simon's faith could have been like that of the demons in Jas 2:19...

We all reach a conclusion based on our personal perspective. No one here is unbiased. What we should all strive for is the correct bias. I prefer Pauls term in describing Christian ‘Liberty.” A Muslim or atheist can tell the world what a verse says. The goal is to interpret a verse in light of...

Wouldn’t your opinion conclude that we are the arbiter of our salvation?

The Bible has been translated into numerous languages to make its message accessible worldwide. As of 2024, the translation status is as follows: • Complete Bible: Translated into 756 languages. • New Testament only: Available in an additional 1,726 languages. • Portions or individual books...

If the ones memorizing Scripture comes across that verse thats says to “study,” maybe they will take it to heart. I remember a few decades back when I ran across a passage in Matthew where Jesus was repeating a few of the 10 commandments and He used the word ”murder” instead of kill. That set me...

It’s basically a Jewish idiom that was given new meaning by Jesus. Jews in the time of Jesus would sometimes shake the dust off their feet when leaving a Gentile (non-Jewish) town—symbolizing that they were leaving behind impurity. Jesus flips this and tells His disciples to do the same to...

The Bible Knowledge Commentary While still in the city of Capernaum, the disciples asked Jesus a question they had undoubtedly been pondering among themselves: Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? The disciples were still anticipating an earthly kingdom and wondering what great...

I am afraid we have both misunderstood each other. No problem. But that’s way too many questions for me to answer. I am just a sinner saved by grace, not a Theologian.

Indeed. I too use the NET version along with a plethora of other tools when digging for the correct meaning. I have often spent weeks and months on a doctrine in order to explain it in laymen’s terms that can be applied to everyday life. We are commanded to study and we are each responsible for...

I suppose there are many ways to say the same thing. As a writer I lean heavily on thesauruses, or thesauri.

I completely agree. The context provides nuanced meanings throughout Scripture. The query was likely the result of a question I directed to another member about belief plus what qualified one for eternal life.

I am afraid you are a little rigid in your use of language. If as Christians we cannot better communicate a teaching in “down to earth” speech, then it will push those that “don’t talk like us” away. What I have posted is not some random attempt to prove a point, but is only an excerpt from a...

Here is an abbreviated discussion from a friend who has spent years of study on this issue: The Doctrine of Imputations 1. Imputation is the function of the justice of God in crediting something to someone for cursing or for blessing. Imputations are the outline of our lives, and these...

I refer you back to post #11 where I actually address most of your points.