Please explain John 20:23, "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." Has this verse been changed through translation?
Jesus gave only the apostles the authorization to “forgive or retain sins” (John 20:23) and to bind or loose things in heaven and on earth (Matthew 18:18). But what do these words mean? Many misunderstand the nature of these commissions, forgetting that God alone can forgive sins (Isaiah 43:25).Some who read these scriptures believe they [...]
An acquaintance believes salvation is through belief in Jesus. But he also thinks a person will have a second opportunity to believe in heaven. He believes God wants to save everyone. I believe people must be saved now in order to go to heaven.
In Matthew 19:17-30, Jesus instructed that to be “saved” we need to give up our earthly possessions and follow him. Following Jesus requires the sacrifice not only of earthly things but of our wills to obey God’s will. A heavenly resurrection is a reward for obedience during this present, evil world. (Revelation 2:10.) “If we [...]
Why was Saul jealous of David?
God chose the strong, capable Saul as Israel’s first king. Saul began his reign humbly and reverently. However, over time, King Saul put his desires before God’s will and over Israel’s well-being. Saul’s reverence for God gradually diminished.Once, Saul was instructed to wait seven days for the prophet Samuel to offer a sacrifice. But Saul was [...]
Who made God?
It may be hard to understand, but nobody made God. Psalms says, “Before the mountains were born, or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” “Everlasting” means that God was always there. He has existed forever. He had no beginning and has no end. As imperfect human [...]
What is the difference between paying tithes and giving offerings?
In Leviticus 18, God commanded Israel to set aside one tenth of all they had to be offered to Him. When Israel began to inherit the promised land, God designated different geographical locations for each tribe. The tribe of Levi, however, was not given their own land and therefore had no way to provide for [...]
Knowing that Jesus has made away the law of Moses at the cross, is stealing, murder or killing, fornication or adultery still a sin? If yes, how do you know they are sin without the law?
When God created Adam and Eve, they were created in His image. (Genesis 1:26, 27.) They had God’s perfect laws of love and justice written in their hearts. The Apostle Paul explains that all mankind (including Gentiles) knows right from wrong. “Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law (Mosaic Law), do by nature [...]