Pastor Olson
By: Pastor Olson
Answers From The Bible prints weekly in the Sunday Detroit Lakes Tribune newspaper. If you have any questions, write Pastor Olson at First Baptist Church, 300 Central Street East, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 or email mjolson77@gmail.com.
Q. Pastor Merrill, how would you account for the predictions of Nostradamus?
A. He was not a Christian prophet. He was a sixteenth-century French astrologer and physician who relied heavily on horoscopes and occultic methods of divination. His predictions are clearly condemned in Deuteronomy 18:9-14. Also, his prophecies are in total contrast to biblical prophets. Biblical prophecies are straightforward and precise. An example of this is in Micah 5:2 when the prophet predicted, centuries before, that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Isaiah 7:14 prophesied that He would be born of a virgin (Matt. 1:23). But with Nostradamus, his predictions are vague, esoteric, and open-ended. Therefore, they can be interpreted in many different ways by his enthusiasts. At times when there is some semblance, it was either good guessing but mostly Satan’s influence. His goal is always to deceive people. Just remember, God’s prophets are one hundred percent accurate (Deut. 18:23). Anyone else is not of the LORD.
Q. Pastor, what does the Bible say regarding male-female equality?
A. The Lord Jesus had a very high view of women. For instance, some Jewish Rabbis taught that a man should not speak to a woman in public. However, Jesus not only spoke to a Samaritan woman but drank from her cup in a public place (John 4:1-30). In the Jewish culture women were discouraged from studying the law. But the Lord taught women alongside men as equals (Matt. 14:21; 15:38). When He illustrated the character of the kingdom of God, He often used women’s activities such as grinding corn (Luke 17:35), baking bread (Luke 13:20f), and sweeping the house in search of a lost coin (Luke 15:8-10). Not only Jesus had a high view of women but there were others. For example, the apostle Peter taught that both men and women are fellow heirs of grace (1 Peter 3:7). In God’s eyes men and women are spiritually equal. Yet, we must also note that the Scriptures speak of male leadership in the family and the church (Eph. 5:22; 1 Cor. 11:3; 14:34; 1 Tim. 2:11).
Q. Pastor Merrill, I have a good question for you. When were the angels created?
A. They were created prior to the creation of the earth. For example, Job 38:7 gives reference to the “sons of God shouted for joy” at the time the earth was created. They “shouted for joy” to God. We know they are angels because the term “sons of God” is used elsewhere in Job in reference to angels (Job 1:6; 2:1). Angels are “sons of God” in the sense that they were created directly by the hand of God. Therefore, the phrase “sons of God,” when used of angels simply means spirit beings who were brought into existence by a creative act of God. Their number is vast. The Bible describes them as “ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” (Rev. 5:11). This is also translated as “myriads of myriads.” The word means “vast number,” “innumerable.” Praise God!
Q. Pastor Olson, what is original sin? Someone said that babies are not born sinful. How do I answer this?
A. We find in the Scriptures that when Adam and Eve sinned, it didn’t just affect them but the whole human race that would come from them. No person would be exempt. The Bible says, “Therefore, just as through one man [Adam] sin entered the world, and [physical] death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12). Death became the common lot for all of Adam’s descendants because they had all sinned in him. In Psalm 51:5 David says, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.” He is saying, “Surely, I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” This is original sin. Are babies then born into sin? Yes! They have a sin nature from conception that soon bears evidence after birth!
Q. Pastor Olson, I have an interesting question. Is it okay for a believer in Christ, one professing saving faith in Him, to be a Mason?
A. No! It is absolutely not! For instance, Mason’s teach that the Bible is one of many sacred books, holy books. That is false! Jesus expounded to the two men on the road to Emmaus in “all the Scriptures” (Acts 24:27). This is the Old Testament. The apostle Peter even said Paul’s writings, that include most of the New Testament, are “Scriptures” (2 Peter 3:16). The Bible alone is God’s Word. Masons teach that there are many ways to God. There is only one way and that is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5). They teach that God is known by many names such as Jehovah, Buddah, and Allah. That is false because God is Jehovah who has only revealed Himself through the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:1, 14; 10:30; Heb. 1:4-13). Masons believe in salvation by works which is counter to Scripture (Eph. 2:8, 9). Rituals in the Masonic Lodge are connected to occultism, pagan and mystery religions. These factors alone prohibit true believers to be involved in Masonry.
Q. God commanded Abraham in Genesis 22:2 to sacrifice his own son as a burnt offering. Why did God do this?
A. As we look at the context of Genesis 22, it is quite clear that ultimately God never intended Abraham to do this. He restrained Abraham’s hand just in the nick of time: “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son” (v. 12). Therefore, God was testing him. Yet, this test truly revealed that Abraham loved God more than he loved his own son. There are two statements that reveal the emphasis of this passage: “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering” (v. 8). And, “Jehovah–jireh” (v. 14), which means, “The Lord will see to it,” that is, “The Lord will provide.” God did just that by providing a ram that was caught in a thicket (v. 13). As Abraham climbed Mount Moriah with his son, he was confident that God would meet every need. He depended on the promise and provision of the Lord.
Q. Pastor Merrill, does God punish children for their parents’ sins?
A. There are many who believe this according to Numbers 14:18: “The LORD is …abundant in mercy…but He by no means clears the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the the third and fourth generation.” Yet, Ezekiel 18:14-20 teaches that children will not die for the sins of their parents. What is this telling us? It is saying that parents often pass on to their children sinful patterns of behavior. A home environment of yelling or alcoholism may produce a child who verbally abuses others or one who ends up drinking. Scripture bears examples: Ahaziah “did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of his father and in the way of his mother” (1 Kings 22:52). Jeremiah 9:14 speaks of those who went “after the Baals, which their fathers taught them.” Therefore, Numbers 14:18 speaks of sinful patterns of behavior passed on from one generation to another. However, coming to saving faith in Jesus breaks it (Eph. 2:1-10).
Q. Pastor Merrill, I lack assurance of my salvation. What can I do?
A. To answer your question, do you realize first that you are a sinner and in need of God’s grace to save you because you can’t save yourself (Eph. 2:8-9)? Do you realize that Jesus alone, who died for your sins on the Cross and rose again, is the only one who can save you? Have you embraced His saving work for your life and have asked Him to save you (Rom. 13:9-13)? If you can answer these questions with an affirming “Yes,” that is where assurance begins. They are the ABC’s of the gospel (1 Cor. 15:3-4). Now, do you have a desire to follow the Lord Jesus as your Lord and Savior and live for Him? When you fall short, do you feel conviction and confess it before Him (1 John 1:9)? If your answer is again “Yes,” that should assure you, too, because that desire comes from the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. He came into your life when you were born again (John 3:3). Remember, don’t go by feelings but by God’s Word for assurance and it will come as you seek to follow the Lord.
Q. Is it possible to grow into a relationship with the Lord and be a genuine Christian without having known when the change took place?
A. First of all, people do not grow into a relationship with the Lord. Otherwise, Jesus would not have said that a person needs to be “born again” (John 3:3). However, it is possible for a person to be “born again” without knowing when this took place. Yet, the believer knows that it has happened in one’s life. Secondly, the person’s life bears evidence to it. He or she loves Jesus and has a deep desire to serve Him and make one’s life count for Him. The Bible says, “Now by this we know that we know Him if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:3-4). This speaks of the desire to obey Him. When we are born again, we receive a new knowledge in our minds and a new desire and passion in our hearts to serve the Lord Jesus. To live for Him is not a burden. It is a blessing!
Q. Pastor Merrill, Are the heathen really lost without hearing the Gospel?
A. If they are not lost, then many of the teachings of Jesus become absurd. For instance, John 3:16 would not make sense. Or Luke 19:10 when He said of Himself, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and save that which was lost.” “…but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18). There are other statements that the Lord made that are worthless if the heathen are saved without Him. But the New Testament itself is very specific on this, too. “For the wages of sin is [eternal] death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23). “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). The New Testament tells us to go out and share the good news of the Gospel. But if the heathen will be saved without hearing, then let’s not tell them. That type of thinking goes counter to God’s Word and the purpose for missions!
Q. Is there any biblical evidence expressed that we shall know our friends and loved ones in heaven?
A. One thing that we can be sure of is that we shall not know less in heaven than we know here on earth. The Bible says, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know as I am also known” (1 Cor. 13:12). In this life we only see in part of what is going to be but in heaven we will have perfect vision. In this life we only understand dimly. Yet noting, heaven is only inhibited by saved people, those who have been redeemed in Jesus through saving faith. The Thessalonian believers were very concerned about their loved ones who had died. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, the apostle Paul writes about the “dead in Christ” and assures the Thessalonian believers that there will be a wonderful reunion. Yes, we can confidently say by Scripture that believers will recognized their saved loved ones in the eternal state.
Q. Pastor Olson, can you give me some insight from Scripture about the Coronavirus?
A. Yours is a good question. To handle it briefly might be a little difficult but I’ll try. Pestilences, plagues, famines, different diseases have ravaged human lives throughout history. The reason is that we live in a fallen world because of sin; but when the Lord returns, that will change (Rom. 8:18-23). In the meantime, these epidemics will occur as they have in the past. But after the Rapture (1 Thess. 4:13-18) and during the first half of the tribulation period, these events will multiply and intensify. In fact, Matthew 24:1-14 gives them in detail. And if we compare them with Revelation 6:1-17, we will see a parallel. The Coronavirus is a warning of what the future holds for people without Christ. It is really a wake-up call for us to realize how fragile life is. Dying without Christ is a horrifying thing. Yet, dying with saving faith in Him is a blessed thing (2 Cor. 5:8).
Q. My grandmother passed away a few months ago. She professed Jesus as her Savior. The pastor spoke of her being in heaven. Can you briefly explain to me about heaven?
A. I’ll try to do it briefly. First, she went to be with Jesus (2 Cor. 5:8). Secondly, we know she is very much alive and in a place where there is no more sorrow, pain, death, or crying (Rev. 21:4). All that causes hardship and misery associated with this world does not exist. Therefore, heaven is so dramatically different from this present world that to describe it the Bible uses negatives. It is totally beyond human understanding that it requires pointing out how different it is from this present world. I have read this verse often at funeral services for believers because it gives so much hope and assurance. Heaven is for all who come to God through saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6). When a believer enters heaven, we cannot imagine, while on this earth, the wonderful experience it must be.
Q. Did the Lord Jesus actually come forth bodily from the dead in His resurrection?
A. Yes! Otherwise, there would be no resurrection at all. He even predicted His resurrection (John 2:18-22). If He spoke falsely, He could not be our Savior and there is no hope of eternal life. But He is the eternal Son of God and His words are true! What He said would happen happened! Scripture is filled with passages dealing with the importance of the resurrection. Even though He was raised physically from the grave, yet that body was a glorified body. Luke 24:1-48 is a wonderful passage of Scripture. It speaks of the actual resurrection, Christ’s appearance to two men on the road to Emmaus, and to His disciples. This passage reveals that it was the Lord’s actual body that had been raised. It was capable of conforming to any reality, physical or spiritual. Easter is therefore a time of celebration for all true believers! It guarantees their own resurrection (1 Cor. 15:35-58).
Q. Pastor Olson, did Christ go to Hell when He died?
A. No! The Apostles Creed, which the Apostles never saw, is wrong in the statement that “He descended into hell.” The Lord descended into Hades. They are not the same. “Sheol” in the Old Testament is “Hades” in the New Testament. They refer to “the place of departed spirits.” Before Christ died, everyone went to “Sheol/Hades.” There was a great gulf separating the saved from the unsaved. The unsaved were in torment and the saved were in a peace called “Abraham’s bosom” (Luke 16:22-26). When Jesus died, His spirit entered there, called “Paradise.” (Luke 24:43). When He arose, He took all the saved to heaven (Eph. 4:7-10). “Paradise” is now heaven (2 Cor. 12:4) where believers enter at death (2 Cor 5:8). Unbelievers still enter Hades where they await their final judgment and eternal abode which is Hell.
Q. Pastor Merrill, does Scripture say anything about the Coronavirus? I would like an answer if you can give me one?
A. Jesus did speak of “famines and pestilences” that will occur during the future Great Tribulation that precedes His return (Luke 21:11). Yet, “famines and plagues” have been part of human history. Various diseases have occurred throughout human history. In recent years, we have experienced such things as SARS, bird flu, and AIDS. SARS was a real scare just like the Coronavirus. However, when we search the Old Testament we find God’s judgment connected with pestilences (Jer. 14:12; Ps. 78:50). But regarding this present pandemic, we need to realize that God in His sovereignty controls it and desires that people repent of their sins and turn to the Lord Jesus. Life is short. Death can come at anytime. Only in Jesus can people experience salvation and eternal life (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).
Q. My boyfriend is a great guy but has never trusted Christ as personal Savior. We would like to be married but I’m having some doubts because he is not a believer and I am. What do I do?
A. When it comes to a believer and unbeliever seeking marriage, the Scripture clearly forbids it. It says, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial [Satan]? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever (2 Cor. 6:14-15)?” There are four rhetorical common-sense contrasts here, and each one is in the form of a question that assumes a negative answer. Also, “righteousness” characterizes a believer because of the imputed righteousness of Christ and “lawlessness” describes an unbeliever. There can be absolutely no spiritual union. The only outcome is spiritual frustration and how each looks at life and marriage! Therefore, the Bible is clear on this. Yet, be careful that he does not make a false profession of faith just to marry you.
Q. Pastor Olson, what are your thoughts on Gay pastors?
A. My thoughts are based on God’s Word. The Scriptures are very specific about this in both the Old and New Testament: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination” (Lev. 18:22). “If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination” (Lev. 20:13). “…Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites…will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor. 6:9-10). The Word of God speaks of women with women and “men…burned in their lust for one another…men with men committing what is shameful…God gave them over to a debased mind” (Rom. 1:26-28). There’s the answer! It is not even up for debate.
Q. You mentioned last week that Dungeons and Dragons deals with the occult. I’ve played it for years and sense nothing wrong with it. What do you say about that?
A. Whether you sense anything or not, that is not what is important. We cannot base on what is right or wrong by how we feel. The game does involve the occult and witchcraft. When the players take on identities of medieval warriors who battle their way through monster filled mazes and are capable of infecting flesh, poisoning, whipping and immolation, that is occultism. It is a game of evil and considered “sorcery.” The monsters also cast insanity curses on one another. This involves the demonic world of darkness. I say it again, “Any occult practice gets people involved in a world influenced and controlled by the powers of darkness. In Acts 19:19 people burned their books dealing with the occult. The same should be done with any object of darkness. It is dangerous to have in our homes.” Therefore, my blunt advice to you is burn it!
Q. I saw “Dungeons and Dragons” in a game store. What is your thinking on it as relates to Scripture?
A. The game deals with the occult and witchcraft. Any form of occultism is condemned in Scripture as an abomination to God. It is considered “sorcery” and the Bible warns that “…those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:20-21). The players take on the identities of medieval warriors who battle their way through monster-filled mazes. These monsters are capable of infecting flesh, poisoning, whipping and immolation. They also cast insanity curses on one another. It deals with the demonic world of darkness. Any occult practice gets people involved in a world influenced and controlled by the powers of darkness. In Acts 19:19 people burned their books dealing with the occult. The same should be done with any object of darkness. It is dangerous to have in our homes.
Q. Someone said that if God wants him to be a believer, he won’t have a choice. What God wants, He gets. What do I say?
A. Even though God is sovereign and predestination is a a biblical fact (Eph. 1:4-6), a person is still responsible to receive the gift of eternal life which is being extended. God’s sovereignty and mankind’s free will are still in complete harmony even though our finite minds cannot see things from God’s perspective. The Bible’s many references to “he who believes” makes it clear that God offers the gift of salvation to everyone who will make the choice to trust Christ Jesus. Whoever does, will be saved. But, whoever does not will be lost. Therefore, “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18).
Q. Pastor Olson, my church seems to follow tradition over the Bible. I’m having a hard time with this. I need your thoughts.
A. We must realize that if tradition goes counter to God’s Word, tradition must be laid aside even though people value it. If tradition is opposed to Scripture, it is worthless. Jesus condemned the tradition of the Pharisees in Matthew 15:1-9 because it went counter to the Word of God. The Lord said, “And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (v. 9). Traditions can help us to remember and cherish things that are beautiful and noble. But when they distract or distort from God’s Word, they are an offense to God. When man’s precepts are taught as doctrines, they are elevated above God’s truth. Satan did this with Adam and Eve, and it brought severe consequences (Genesis 3:1-19).
Q. My sister lost her baby and she never had him baptized. Now this bothers her. Do unbaptized babies go to heaven?
A. Most definitely! Infant baptism is not the means for salvation. King David lost his unbaptized son, but he knew he would see him again (2 Sam. 12:23). The thief on his cross turned to Christ and shortly after he died. He was not baptized but Jesus promised him that he would be with Him in eternity (Luke 23:43). Therefore, no one is saved by baptism. Babies are covered by God’s grace until the age of their accountability. At that time, they are capable of understanding the need to exercise saving faith in Jesus and receive Him as their Savior (Matt. 19:13-15). So, encourage others with this truth in the death of infants.
Q. What is the Rapture? I hear about it and people mention it, but is it in the Bible?
A. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 speaks directly about it. When Jesus returns for His redeemed church, the Bible says that “the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” Both groups are born again believers. The Greek word for “caught up” is “harpazo” and denotes being “snatched” or “taken away.” When the New Testament was translated into Latin, the word “rapto” means “to seize, to carry off.” This is where we get the English word “rapture.” This miraculous event is imminent. It can happen at any moment “in the twinkling of an eye” (1 Cor. 15:52). It is the next event in God’s prophetic calendar. When will it happen? No one knows but God! But the Bible does tell us that we are to live our lives in readiness for the Lord’s return (1 John 3:2-3).
Q. Is the Holy Spirit a force?
A. The Holy Spirit is not a force. He is God (Acts 5:3-4), for He is the “Spirit of God” and the “Spirit of Christ” (Rom. 8:9). He has all the attributes of God and the characteristics that constitute personality. He has understanding and wisdom (1 Cor. 2:10), and He can be tested by us (Acts 5:9). He speaks (1 Tim. 4:1); He teaches (Luke 12:12); He commands (Acts 13:2; and He loves (Rom. 15:30). He initially draws people to Christ (John 6:44) whereby they become born again (John 3:6) through His regenerating power (Titus 3:5). He makes intercession for believers (Rom. 8:26). He gives believers the strength and unction to live the Christian life (Rom. 8:4). He transforms them into the image of Christ (Gal. 5:22-23). He guides them into all truth (John 16:12-14) and bears witness with their spirits that they are children of God (Rom. 8:16). He also convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). No force could ever be characterized in this manner.
Q. What does Philippians 2:6 mean? It says, “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.”
A. The NAS Bible is very clear on this verse: “Who, although He existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God a thing to be grasped.” This verse means first of all, that Jesus is in essence and by nature God. Because of this, He did not regard equality with God as a thing in which He had to fight for or hold onto. It was already His because of who He is. Secondly, “being” means prior existence. Therefore, “being in the form of God” states that in eternity past before His incarnation, He was what He really is, the eternal God. The Bible is very clear on this verse that before Jesus became a Man, He was God. Equality with God was not something He had to grasp for or hold onto even in His incarnation. Also, being of the same nature as God He did not think of this as something to be exploited to His own advantage but came to this earth and took on humanity.
Q. Pastor Merrill, why does God allow evil to exist?
A. This is one of the haunting questions people ask today. Many assume the existence of evil disproves the existence of God. However, Scripture makes it clear that God did not create this world in the state it is in now (Gen. 1:31). Instead, evil came into being when the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, chose to disobey God. The Lord did not create them as robots but with the ability to choose. They chose to disobey Him (Gen. 3:1-24). This, in turn, caused all people, except Jesus, to be born with sinful natures whereby they can do bad things (Rom. 3:23). Even all of creation came into a fallen state (Rom. 8:18-23). This is the reason for the cancer, sicknesses etc. But, evil is only temporary. Someday things will all be changed after the Lord’s Second Coming. “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD” (Is. 11:9). No longer will nature be twisted (Is. 11:1-9). And heaven will be perfect for all Christ’s redeemed (Rev. 21: 4).
Q. Is the doctrine that Jesus was born of a virgin an important and vital part for the Christian faith?
A. Yes! The Lord’s virgin birth is demanded in the Old Testament Scriptures and declared by the New Testament (Is. 7:14; Matt. 1:18-25). This is a marvelous truth, a pregnant virgin. But what is also marvelous is that He shall be “God with us” (Matt. 1:23). If the Lord’s birth was not a virgin birth, His birth would be no different than any other baby boy born at that time.
Yet, the truth of it is that it was prophesied to happen centuries before by the prophet. In fact, the prophet Micah gave the exact place of His birth in Bethlehem 700 years before and stated this One who was to be born was eternal, He was “from everlasting” (Micah 5:2). Therefore, to deny the virgin birth is to deny who Jesus is and places one’s eternal soul at risk!
Q. I suffer from from guilt over something I did shortly after I was saved and came to know Jesus as my Savior. I have confessed it over and over and asked for forgiveness but the guilt remains. How can I have victory?
A. God’s answer to guilt is found in 1 John 1:9 that says, “If we confess our sins, He [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleans us from all unrighteousness.” When we fail and sin as a believer, our salvation is not jeopardized, but our fellowship with the Lord is broken. We will feel guilty because the Holy Spirit is dealing with us. But, when we confess our sin to Him and ask for forgiveness, He cleanses “us from all unrighteousness.” If your sin involved hurting someone else (Matt. 5:23-25) or doing something illegally, these have to be settled and made right. Otherwise, live by the promise and believe the Lord that you are cleansed “from all unrighteousness.” Don’t let Satan bring guilt upon you either because you are forgiven. Go on living for Jesus.
Q. Pastor Olson, why are there four Gospels instead of one?
A. The reason is that it pleased the Holy Spirit to present four unique presentations of the Lord Jesus. Matthew is the Gospel of the Messiah-King in which the Lord offers Himself to the Jews as their Messiah-King. Mark is the Gospel of the Lowly Servant in which emphasis is on the activity of Jesus. Luke is the Gospel of the Ideal Man. Luke tells of Christ’s manhood. As the Son of Man, He comes to share and sympathize. John is the Gospel of Divine Sonship. Jesus is seen as God manifest in the flesh. John said, “In the beginning was the Word [Jesus], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…And the Word became flesh and we beheld His glory” (John 1:1, 14). We need to look at each book separately so we get a clear understanding of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Q. Has Satan been judged or is there a future judgment for him?
A. Satan has been judged, but he will be judged again. In Scripture we read of at least six judgments which he has experienced or will experience. They are: (1) He has been barred from the original privileged position he once held in heaven (Ezek. 28:16). (2) A judgment was placed upon him in the Garden of Eden after the temptation of Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:14-15). (3) The central judgment, the basis for all judgments, was at the Cross (John 12:31). (4) He will be barred from all access to heaven during the Great Tribulation Period upon this earth (Rev. 12:13). (5) At the beginning of Christ’s Kingdom reign on this earth in the Millennium, Satan will be confined to the abyss (Rev. 20:2). (6) At the conclusion of the Millennium, he will be cast into the lake of fire where he will be forever (Rev. 20:10).
Q. My pastor says things at times that I know aren’t according to Scripture. Yet, many believe him. Is this right? Do I believe him, too?
A. Believe the Word of God by all means! Pastors are people and not infallible. Their teaching must come from Scripture; and if they say anything that is counter to it, you must believe the Bible. God will hold pastors accountable for anything they teach that is against His written Word (James 3:1). Therefore, those who teach the Word of Truth will be held to a higher judgment. God will also hold people accountable who follow a man instead of His Word. A pastor that is a true servant of God will always seek to preach from Scripture with correct application for peoples’ lives. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
Q. Pastor Merrill, I have a strange question but very relevant. Is there anything in Scripture to justify us in carrying life insurance policies or sick and accident policies?
A. 1 Timothy 5:8 covers this matter when it says, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” The words “for his household” include all people who in any way form part of his household. The verb “provide” means “to think beforehand” and then prepare for the need. It is the duty of a person, who professes Christ, to foresee and provide for one’s dependents. If we have those who are dependent upon us for support, we must do our utmost to provide for them. This includes not only while we are on this earth to help them but also after we are gone or are disabled and not able physically to care for them. The Bible stamps the person who fails to fulfill this obligation as “worse than an unbeliever” because the unbeliever does what the child of God fails to do with his greater knowledge of God’s grace.
Q. You often speak about knowing Jesus as your personal Savior. How does this happen?
A. It comes through the Gospel of Christ (1 Cor. 15:3-4). In very simple terms, it is known as the ABC’s of the Gospel. A. Admit you are a sinner and need Jesus to save you (Rom. 3:23; 6:23). B. Believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins and that He is the only One that can save you (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8-9). C. Call upon Him to save you and confess Him (Rom. 10:9-13). A suggested prayer may be: “Lord Jesus, I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. You died on the cross for me. Please save me. I put my trust in You as my Savior and Lord. Amen.” Words are not important. It is what is in your heart. Now seek to walk with Him. A good place to start is by thoughtfully reading the gospel of John in the New Testament.
Q. I want you to answer this: Let’s say a young man is killed by a robber who later comes into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. But, the young man never received Jesus as his Savior. Now, why is it that the robber will be in heaven and this nice young man will not? This doesn’t make sense!
A. The reason is that the robber, maybe through someone’s witness or something he had read, realized his need to be saved from his sins through the Lord Jesus. He therefore turned to Him for this (1 Cor. 15:3-4; Rom. 10:9-13). On the other hand, the young man was still under condemnation when he died (John 3:18). He died in his sins without Christ. Just because he was a good and nice young man never earned him eternal life (Eph. 2:8-9). That’s the difference!
Q. Pastor Merrill, many people today do not believe that Satan is a real being. I believe he is and I would like your comments on it.
A. I believe Satan is real as I also believe God is real. The Bible shows him to be a personal being with personal attributes. It mentions Satan by name 66 times and calls him”devil” 34 times. Then, too, he is often referred to in Scripture in places where his name is not used. Wherever Satan is mentioned, whether with a name or without it, he is shown to be a being that seeks to turn people away from God. He is a deceiver and seeks to deceive people. One deception is to get them to not even believe in him as a real being. If they do not believe in him, then he is more able to take control of their lives. Also, he is better able to deceive them about God, sin, and their need for a saving relationship with the Lord Jesus. The Bible says that he “blinds” their minds “lest the light of the gospel of Christ…should shine on them” (2 Cor. 4:3-4).
Q. James 4:14 uses a vapor or mist for human life. Why does it do this?
A. This verse is using the vapor or mist metaphor as a reminder of the brevity of life. If we stand outside on a cold day, we are able to see our breath. But, we also realize how quickly the mist of our breath vanishes. This is what life on this earth is like. It is short, ephemeral, quickly appearing, and quickly vanishes. Therefore, compared with eternity, our presence on this earth is incredibly short. So, if we make plans for the future for these very short lives without considering the Lord and His will for us, we are arrogant and sinful. Jesus said in Mark 8:36-37, “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” And many people do it for a mere short life on this earth that is soon gone.
Q. Is the Book of Jonah an historical event? Some pastors refer to it as a parable.
A. In spite of what some pastors say, the Book of Jonah is not a parable or an allegory. This is evident in 2 Kings 14:25 that identifies Jonah as a real person. He is a Jewish prophet that prophesied in the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II (793-753 BC). The Lord Jesus also considered him to be an historical person (Luke 11:32). In fact, He used Jonah as a type of His own death, burial, and resurrection (Matt. 12:40-41). Therefore, to deny the Book of Jonah as an historical fact but a mere parable is to consider Scripture and the Lord as not being truthful. That is serious business! If I was visiting a church on a Sunday and heard the preacher refer to it as a parable, I would immediately get up and walk out! That person has nothing further to teach me!
Q. The world has a lot of people that do good things. Therefore, this does not agree with Romans 3:12 that says, “There is none who does good, no, not one.” What about this?
A. This verse does not mean that people are not capable of doing good things. There are many involved in doing good deeds for others. However, this verse means that there is nothing good a person can do, from God’s viewpoint, to acquire salvation. The Bible clearly states that salvation is “not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Eph. 8:9). Thus, there will not be any people in heaven boasting about how they got there by their good works. The truth is that any dependence upon our good works for salvation makes them “like filthy rags” in God’s sight (Isaiah 64:6). It is only through saving faith in Christ Jesus alone that we are justified (Gal. 2:16). Then, good works for Christ’s glory should come out of our relationship with Him. These God honors!
Q. Is there a difference between mortal sins (deadly sins) and venial sins (lesser sins)?
A. No! The Bible makes no distinction between the two. Now, some sins are worse than others (Proverbs 6:16-19), but Scripture never says that only certain kinds of sin leads to spiritual death. In fact, all sin leads to spiritual death and not just a certain category. This is true because Romans 3:23 says, “For all [people] have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” But what is also true from the Bible is that every single sin someone commits, whether small or huge, is a mortal sin because all sin leads to spiritual death. God’s Word is clear: “For the wages of sin is [spiritual] death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Jesus is the answer for our sin problem. People need to turn to Him alone to be forgiven and receive eternal life.
Q. Someone said to me, “It is wrong to judge another person as to whether he or she is a Christian or not.” I did not know what to say.
A. First, we need to understand what Jesus meant by judging others (Matt. 7:1-6). He was speaking about judging fellow believers. True believers have to be careful that they don’t point their fingers against other believers when they, themselves, may have something in their own lives that is in need of repentance (vv. 4-5). Secondly, Jesus was not speaking against our responsibility to discern between truth and error in doctrine and those who teach fallacies (1 John 4:1). He said, “By their fruits you shall know them” (Matt. 7:20). Sin in anything, whether it be in belief or lifestyle, is exposed by the Bible. The true believer must not condone what is contrary to God’s Word. A true believer will bear evidences of being born again (1 John). Therefore, the Bible give us the right to be fruit inspectors.
Q. Is there anything in the Bible about the equality of the races?
A. There definitely is! The apostle Paul affirmed, “And He [God] has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and boundaries of their habitation” (Acts 17:26). Therefore, all human beings are equal as far as their creation because God “has made from one blood every nation.” They are all equal as far as their sin problem: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). There is equality as far as God’s love: “For God so loved the world [sinful humanity] that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever [from every tribe and person] believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Thus, there is no place for racial discrimination because all races are equal in God’s sight!
Q. Pastor Merrill, how important is it to be born again? This is seldom mentioned today among people. They seem afraid of it.
A. It is so important that if a person dies without being born again, he or she will never see heaven. Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Again He stressed: “Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again'” (v. 7). Therefore, it is eternally crucial to know whether you have been born again because it determines where you will spend eternity, either in heaven or hell. It does not make any difference whether you or anyone else has been a church member or lived an upright moral life. Without being spiritually born again, there is no hope of heaven. This is a truth that many people do not want to face today. But, it is a truth spoken by the Lord Jesus Himself! Being born again changes people inwardly. This is what our sinful world desperately needs!
Q. Pastor Olson, why do you put so much emphases on Jesus? There are founders of other religions that are just as important.
A. The reason why I put so much emphases on Jesus is because He is the only way of salvation. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him, as we read in John 1:29, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” The Bible, in both Testaments, is all about Jesus (Luke 24:27; John 5:39-40). He is the eternal Son of God. He came from heaven’s glory and walked this earth as God/Man. He died and rose again (1 Cor. 15:1-8). All other founders are dead and await the judgment. They died in their sins (John 8:24). True Christianity is not a religion. It is a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
Q. Pastor Merrill, my daughter is totally turned off to Christianity. She feels she is just as good as a lot of people who call themselves Christians but don’t act like it. What’s the answer?
A. There are a lot of people who call themselves Christians, but they have a religion without Christ. They do not know the life changing experience of the New Birth from above (John 3:3). They may have been baptized and go to church every Sunday. But, they have never experienced the transforming power of the living Lord Jesus. They have a religion without Him. This is what your daughter sees and says, “If that is Christianity, I don’t want it.” The Bible says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Cor. 5:17). “And you He made [spiritually] alive who were dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1). Therefore, your daughter needs to hear the testimonies of people who bear witness to Christ’s transforming power and show evidence of it in their lives.
Q. What does Hebrews 13:13 mean? I have been told that one should leave the local organized church because that is what is meant by camp?
A. The verse says, “Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His approach.” This verse and its context is not talking about the organized church that is Biblical in doctrine. There is no way that this wrong meaning can be gathered from the context and “rightly divide the word of Truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). It is speaking of Judaism. Jesus, rejected by His people, died outside the walls of Jerusalem. He died “outside the camp” of the Judaism of His day. In the person of Jesus, God had been rejected in the camp. Now God’s presence must be enjoyed outside the camp where Jesus was and one must go outside of Judaism to approach God through Jesus. We must remember, too, that any local church is Biblical if it follows the Bible in doctrine, tradition, and practice. If it does not, then it is apostate and the true believer must come out of it. A person must leave it!
Q. Pastor Olson, I have a friend who believes in the annihilation/destruction of the unsaved. I don’t know the Bible well enough to respond to her belief.
A. This is a belief contrary to Scripture. The Bible clearly teaches that heaven is the everlasting abode of the saved and hell that of the unsaved. Jesus said, “Then He will say to those on the left, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire’…and these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (Matt. 25:41, 46). Those who believe in annihilation say that the punishment is “annihilation” and that punishment is “everlasting” in the sense that the unsaved will be everlastingly annihilated. This could not possibly be true because annihilation would be ended punishment rather than endless punishment. However, the Bible specifically teaches that it is the “punishment” itself that is “endless” for the unsaved person. Just as, the saved will experience “eternal life” or “everlasting life” (John 3:16). It will not end. It is forever. Jesus said that the “righteous,” those redeemed in Him, “will go away…into eternal life” (Matt. 25:46).
Q. How could all the animals fit into the ark?
A. The ark was easily large enough to hold all the animals as God directed. The description and measurements of it are given in Genesis 6:14-16. It was 438 feet long, 73 feet wide and 44 feet high. It was nearly 1 1/2 times the length of a football field and more than four stories high. It had three decks (Gen. 6:16), so the total deck area was nearly 96,000 square feet. The total volume within the decks was about 1,396,000 cubit feet. The carrying capacity of the ark would be equal to 522 standard railroad stock cars. The sheer massiveness of the ark must have staggered peoples’ thinking. Naval engineers have discovered that the shape and dimensions form the most stable ship design known. God did not design it necessarily for maneuverability but stability to protect those within (1 Peter 3:20). Those who have seen a replica of it in Kentucky bear testimony to this massiveness!
Q. Pastor Olson, are Jews saved differently than Gentiles when it comes to eternal salvation?
A. Jews are not saved differently. They also need to experience salvation in Jesus Christ. God’s Word says, “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek [Gentile], for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For whoever calls upon the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Romans 10:12-13). The Book of Romans speaks much about the unsaved condition of all people (3:23). This includes both Jews and Gentiles. It is very clear: “For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. As it is written: ‘There is none righteous, no, not one’” (3:9-10). Therefore, the conclusion is that both need redemption in Christ Jesus. He is the only way without any distinction (John 14:6).
Q. How should I as a follower of Christ treat secular rock music?
A. Avoid it! Much of it is against everything that the Jesus died for. It utilizes words and phrases to promote illicit sex, drugs, and rebellion. It blasphemes God and promotes ungodliness and depravity. It also draws demons to become involved in peoples’ lives. This anti- God influence and all that goes with it is a powerful force upon numerous teenagers. Consequently, drug pushers and users, sexual perverts, and blasphemers are becoming the heroes of young people, rather than godly men and women found in the church, sports, music, etc. Therefore, the Bible speaks to rock music when it says, “Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thess. 5:22). Making heroes out of secular rock stars who push evil through their Satanically inspired music is not in accordance with the commands of God’s Word.
Q. Pastor Olson, my daughter says that because God is a God of love He will not send anyone to hell. How do I answer her?
A. Yes, God is a God of love. He loved the world (sinful humanity) so much that “He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). Christ is God’s gift of love to a sinful world. In Christ God offers salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life to “whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved (Romans 10:13). To reject the Lord Jesus Christ and turn from Him and refuse to commit our lives unto Him for salvation is to reject God’s love. When we do so, we send ourselves to a lost eternity. Hell is the consequences of sin in contrast to the holiness and love of God. To turn our backs on God’s forgiveness in Christ is to turn away from the greatest expression of love that has been given to sinful humanity. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that…Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
Q. Pastor Merrill, is there any truth to reincarnation? I have heard so much about it but have never come across it in the Bible?
A. Reincarnation is the false belief that after death the soul eventually passes into another body (at the birth of a child), and the person is reborn as another individual. The cycle of rebirths gives the person the opportunity to redeem the mistakes of a former life. This process is continued until the person attains spiritual perfection and salvation. Reincarnation and transmigration are essentially the same except the latter is broader. The term includes the re-embodiment of the soul not only in human form but also in an insect or animal. However, Scripture refutes the belief in reincarnation whereby death seals a person’s eternal destiny. The Bible says, “And as it is appointed for man to die once, but after this the judgment (Heb. 9:27).
Q. Is heaven a place, say like a planet, or somewhere?
A. Yes, heaven is a place. But I do not see it like a planet. Jesus said to His followers and to us who know Him as our Savior, “I go to prepare a place for you…that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2-3). When Jesus left this earth and ascended to heaven, that is where He is now (Acts 1:9-11). When He returns in His Second Coming, He will come from heaven but first in the Rapture. The Bible says, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven” (1 Thess. 4:16). Until then when all true believers die, they are “absent from the body and present with the Lord” as their spirit leaves the body and enters the Lord’s presence (2 Cor. 5:8).
Q. Is conscience a sufficient guide for our lives?
A. No! It is an unsafe guide. The Bible speaks of the conscience as being of different types. It can be evil (Heb. 10 :22); weak and defiled (1 Cor. 8:7); seared with a hot iron (1 Tim. 4:2); purged (Heb. 9:14); pure (1 Tim. 3:9); good (1 Tim. 1:5, 19); and a conscience void of offense (Acts 24:16). Therefore, conscience is variable and untrustworthy. It is only when it is sensitive to the Scriptures can it be safely followed. But, it needs to be first enlightened by the Holy Spirit through being “born again” (John 3:3) and then made sensitive to God’s Word before it can be trustworthy. Jesus cleanses from the inside which is where the real problem is. By His Holy Spirit He cleanses the inner most thoughts and desires. Because of this, the conscience is made sensitive to the Word of God.
Q. If sincere people hold beliefs about Jesus and salvation that are not according to Scripture, will this keep them out of heaven? I believe God honors sincerity.
A. What we must keep in mind is that sincerity is a good thing when it is directed in the right way. But, sincerity in error is dangerous. Saul of Tarsus was sincere when he held erroneous beliefs regarding salvation and Jesus. Yet, he was eternally lost until he was confronted by the risen Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus and was wondrously converted (Acts 9:1-9; 22:1-21; 26:1-23). Therefore, sincerity does not save! God does not honor sincerity unless it is on the right person or belief. For instance, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). To believe that and to turn to Him for salvation is to be sincerely right!
Q. Does “household baptisms” in the New Testament take in infant baptism?
A. No! Many attempt to use “household baptism” as evidence of infant baptism. Household baptism is mentioned in the New Testament such as Lydia in Acts 16:15; the Jailer in Acts 16:33; Crispus in Acts 18:8; and Stephanas in 1 Cor. 1:16. But these texts in their context mention nothing about infants being baptized. The early church did not practice any baptism except believer’s baptism by immersion in water. Infant baptism came into existence centuries later when people started to believe that water baptism was necessary for salvation. Thus, they began to baptize infants and sick people. Because they could not immerse them, they took on pouring or sprinkling water on them. As we study the previous texts, they reveal in their context that the prerequisite for baptism was saving faith in the Lord Jesus. Baptism has nothing to do with baptismal regeneration.
Q. Pastor Merrill, what does the Bible say about abortion? Are there any verses that speak directly to it?
A. Yes, there are verses. In Psalm 139:13-16 David shares that he was created by the Lord from conception to birth. Therefore, abortion destroys God’s divine work. In Proverbs 6:16-19 there are seven things that are “an abomination” to God. The third one is “Hands that shed innocent blood” (v.17). Abortion does this. We know that we live in a discard society. Society says, “If I do not need it or want it, I will get rid of it.” Consequently, we throw away things we do not want. Tragically, society has also learned to dispose of the unborn. It softens it by calling the unborn a “fetus.” God’s Word never uses that term. The Biblical one is “with child” (Gen. 16:11; Matt.1:18). For those women who have deep guilt and remorse for an abortion, is there any forgiveness? Yes, but it is only through the Lord Jesus Christ who can bring inward peace (Eph. 1:7).
Q. Are there evidences for the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
A. Yes! There are many evidences to the resurrection. Throughout history the testimony of honest eyewitnesses has been considered one of of the most reliable. Even in a court of law, eye witnesses hold strong proof in defending a person. This is the same for the resurrection. Let’s look at five: (1) Jesus first appeared to Cephas (Peter) (1 Cor. 15:5). (2) He appeared to the “twelve,” a reference to the eleven even though Judas was not yet replaced (v. 5). (3) He “was seen by over five hundred brethren at once” (v. 6). (4) Next he was seen by “James” his half brother who was a skeptic before this (v. 7). (5) The Lord appeared to Saul (vv. 9-10) on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9). This persecutor of the church became converted. A total miracle! There are other historical figures who bear testimony to the resurrection Its truth is solid!
Q. Is the Bible authoritative when it deals with facts about history and science?
A. It definitely is! Whenever it deals with certain facts about history and science, it is always correct. For example, Job 26:7 says, “He hangs the earth on nothing.” There is not anything that science can add or take away from this age old statement that God has hung the earth on nothing. Consider this one: “It is He [God] who sits above the circle of the earth” (Isaiah 40:22). The word translated “circle” is the Hebrew “khug” which means “sphericity” or “roundness.” Even though the earth is not perfectly round, its bulge is so small that it still looks like a perfectly round ball. It was not too many centuries ago that people believed the earth was flat. For thousands of years astronomers busied themselves in counting the stars and constellations. But most astronomers would agree today that it is impossible to count all the stars. The Bible made that assertion over 2500 years ago. Jeremiah 33:22 says, “The host of heaven cannot be numbered.” The Bible is an amazing book! It is the inspired Word of God.
Q. Pastor Merrill, do the unsaved have a second chance after death?
A. No! The Bible does not teach such a thing. God has made this life alone the time of salvation for all who will repent of their sins and turn to Jesus Christ for salvation. God’s Word says, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). It is not tomorrow, not next year, not after death but now. If we die without Christ, we die in our sins. Jesus told some very religious people that they would “die in their sins” without hope (John 8:24). He stressed that without Him people are under “condemnation” and will remain under this condemnation (John 3:18-19). Therefore, it is very clear from the truths of Scripture that there are no second chances after death. Death is final!
Q. I know people who have prayed the sinner’s prayer but nothing has changed. They live as they always have.
A. Praying the prayer will not save anyone. Many have prayed it and are not saved. Yet, the sinner’s prayer involves calling upon Jesus for salvation (Romans 10:13). Nevertheless, people must first realize that they are eternally lost, separated from God because of their sins and are in need of salvation that only comes through the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23-24). As they repent of their sins and turn to Him and embrace Him as their Lord and Savior, they can know they are saved. Through it all God’s work of redemption takes place in the human soul that results in a changed life (Romans 6:20-23).
Q. Do you believe in the real presence of Christ’s body and blood in Holy Communion? I have been brought up to believe this because Christ distinctly said, “Take eat, this is My body” and “Take, drink, this is My blood.”
A. No, I do not believe in the Doctrine of Transubstantiation. When Jesus said, “Take, eat; this is My body” (Matt. 26:26), He did not mean that it was His actual body because at that moment He was seated at the table with His disciples. In a similar way, the wine in the cup could not have been His actual blood because it was still in His veins. The only conclusion based on Scripture is that it symbolically represents His body and blood. In Luke, Jesus added “given for you; do this in remembrance of Me” (22:19). This indicates that He was instituting a memorial of His sacrificial death for His followers to observe.
Q. It is hard for me to believe that good moral people are eternally lost if they do not put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior. How can this be?
A. We need to realize that no matter how good we are we are still sinners (Romans 3:23). The Bible says, “There is none righteous, no not one” (Romans 3:10). Therefore, any goodness that we can present to God to be saved is nothing but “filthy rags” in His sight (Isaiah 64:6). There will also be no boasting in heaven. Salvation is “not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesian 2:9). If we could earn our salvation and save ourselves, Jesus did not need to come and die a horrible death on the Cross for our sins and make a way for salvation (Eph. 1:7). His death would have been useless!
Q. What do I say to someone who says, “I don’t go to church because there are too many hypocrites?”
A. Jesus is the only one in the New Testament to use the word “hypocrite.” He applied it to religious Pharisees who pretended to know God but really did not. Today, they are even in the churches doing religious work but are not true Christians as their lives reveal. They remain unsaved. People need to realize that it is eternally tragic to miss knowing Jesus and His grace because of someone else’s failure. The hypocrite is not worth losing heaven for. It is better to go to church with them instead of going to hell with them. Remember, each person will give an account to God for oneself and not for another. Therefore, tell people to look to Jesus and not on others to be saved (Heb. 12:2).
Q. Will there be any sin in heaven?
A. No! There are a number of reasons for this. Let me give you two: First of all, only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will be there (Rev. 20:15; 21:27). This does not come through baptism or good works (Eph. 2:8-9) but only through being spiritually born again (John 3:3). Secondly, every person in heaven will have their earthly body changed into a glorified body like the Lord Jesus (Phil. 3:20-21). No more will it be humbled by sin, sickness, and death. Instead, God will change it into an incorruptible and perfect one to enjoy the eternal blessings of heaven (1 Cor. 15:53-57; Rev. 21:2-4).
Q. I received Jesus as my Savior a short while ago, but I have guilt feelings concerning the sins I committed before that time. What do I do?
A. When you sincerely came to the Lord Jesus for salvation, He cleansed you from all unrighteousness (Isaiah 1:18). He forgave your sins, and He will no longer hold you accountable for them (Ps. 103:11-12). But if you still have guilt feelings, they may come from one of three sources: (1) By not fully understanding what forgiveness in Christ is all about; (2) By Satan who loves to harass you about your former life without Christ; (3) By feelings of wrong which you actually did against someone that remains undone. Even though God forgives, it still needs to be settled by you if all possible. Always remember: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Q. I find that many people in religious cults view Scripture differently on just about every Biblical truth. Why is this?
A. First of all, people involved in religious cults are influenced by “deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons” (I Timothy 4:1). Satan has blinded them to the truths of the Word of God. Therefore, the true meaning of the Scriptures is foreign to them. Secondly, because of this blindness they bring their preconceived notions and theology to the Bible in an attempt to make it say something it is not. Consequently, the tragic result is that “their message will spread like cancer” and many people will also become deceived whom listen to them and their teaching (II Timothy 2:17).
Q. Is Jesus the only way to heaven?
A. Yes! In spite of the objections by many who feel there are many ways, Jesus is the only way. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). The apostle Peter declared: “Nor is there salvation in any other. For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). In spite of what sinful people and our pluralistic society believe that there are many ways, there is still only one way. Without saving faith in Jesus Christ, no one will enter heaven. He said it and that does away with a lot of false teaching that there are many ways.
Q. Are the days of the Genesis creation 24 hours long?
A. Yes! The Hebrew word for day is “Yom.” It can mean a long period of time in Scripture. Yet, the first and literal meaning of the word is a natural day unless the context brings out another meaning. But, when the Old Testament associates “Yom”, or day, with a definite numeral, a solar day of 24 hours is always meant.
An example of this is in Exodus 20:11: “For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day.” Insisting on six solar days of creation is simply to believe what God actually says in His Word. Nothing has changed since creation.
Q. What does Jesus or the Bible say about separating children from their parents?
A. There is nothing in the Bible or with Jesus about separating children from their parents. But, what the Bible does teach is that children are important to the Lord. They were brought to Him, and the disciples tried to prevent it. “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me…” (Matt. 19:14).
These children were privileged to have Jesus take them in His arms. However, the important concern we should have is for the 60 million babies that have been aborted since 1973. The Bible speaks strongly about the unborn child (Psalm 139:13-16).
Q. There are approximately 2.1 billion Christians in the world. Does this mean that 5.2 billion are going to hell?
A. It is important to first define “Christian.” A Christian is not simply someone who claims to be one, goes to church, or has been baptized. A Christian is a person Jesus calls inwardly “born again” (John 3:3, 7).
Therefore, the Lord only knows how many people are truly “born again.” Yet, He does say that there is a “broad way-a wide gate” that leads to hell and a “narrow-gate-a difficult way” that leads to heaven (Matt. 7:13-14). He stresses that “many” go in by the wide gate and “few” by the narrow. This tells us that the majority will not enter heaven but only the “few.” He knows the number. But it all has to do with what people personally do with Jesus (Rom. 10:9-13).
Q. II Timothy 1:10 says that Christ “has abolished death.” Why do people still die?
A. We must keep in mind that there are three kinds of death: physical death, spiritual death, and the second death.
Physical death is the separation of the body from the spirit and soul. Spiritual death is separation from God. The second death is spiritual death prolonged into eternity in the “lake of fire” (Rev. 20:15).
The Lord Jesus has abolished spiritual death and the second death for all who will come to Him and be saved. This does not come through church affiliation of any kind but through repentance and saving faith in Him. This places them under the shelter of His shed blood. For these, Christ has even robbed physical death of its terror because in death they are “absent from the body” and “present with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8).
There will be those, also, who will never experience physical death if they are alive on this earth when Christ comes back. They will go to heaven without dying (1 Thess. 4:17).