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Mike Winger idea 2020-11-02

Objections answered: (1) Jesus's "turn the other cheek" refutes personal vengeance, not governmental justice; (2) David's pardon is a divine exception, not a rule; (3) John 8 (woman in adultery) was a mob, not a court — and the passage is textually questionable.

Responding to objections against the death penalty

John 8 woman adultery Matthew 5 eye for eye death penalty John 8 woman adultery Matthew 5 eye for eye
Mike Winger idea 2019-11-06

Penal substitutionary atonement (PSA) is under attack by influential figures who call it "cosmic child abuse" and "pagan." Isaiah 53 is the key passage they avoid. Winger builds the case that Isaiah 53 clearly teaches PSA.

Introduction to the penal substitutionary atonement series focusing on Isaiah 53

Isaiah 53 Isaiah 53 Isaiah 53 Isaiah 53 Brian Zahnd
Mike Winger idea 2019-11-06

Isaiah 52:15 — "he shall sprinkle many nations" — uses sacrificial terminology (sprinkling blood on the altar). Multiple ancient translations confirm "sprinkle" over "startle." The Septuagint of Isaiah 53 is unreliable in several key places.

Debate over "sprinkle" vs. "startle" in Isaiah 52:15 and the Septuagint problem

Isaiah 52:13-15 Isaiah 52:13-15 Septuagint reliability sacrificial terminology
Mike Winger idea 2019-11-06

Isaiah 53:4-5 is the crux: "he was pierced FOR our transgressions, crushed FOR our iniquities; the chastisement that brought us peace was UPON HIM." The word "chastisement" is ALWAYS affliction from God in the prophets. Isaiah 53:10 confirms: "it was the will of the LORD to crush him."

Detailed exegesis of Isaiah 53:4-5 and 53:10 establishing PSA

Isaiah 53:4-5 Isaiah 53:10 Michael Brown Isaiah 53:4-5 penal substitutionary atonement
Mike Winger idea 2019-11-06

The Hebrew preposition "min" (for/because of) in "pierced FOR our transgressions" — anti-PSA advocates claim it means "because of" (we sinned against him) not "for" (substitutionary). But min is used 7,000+ times with huge variety, and most translations render it "for."

Debate over the Hebrew preposition min in Isaiah 53:5

Isaiah 53:4-5 Isaiah 53:4-5 penal substitutionary atonement penal substitutionary atonement
Mike Winger idea 2019-11-06

Conclusion: Isaiah 53 clearly teaches that Christ suffered in our place as a sacrifice bearing our sin, bringing atonement so we receive his righteousness. Those who call PSA wicked are confused by caricatures — if the doctrine is so bad, why must they misstate it to argue against it?

Summary and Q&A on penal substitutionary atonement

Isaiah 53 Isaiah 53 Isaiah 53 Isaiah 53 penal substitutionary atonement
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-04

About Revelation – New Names/White Stones: What is the "new name" in Revelation 2: 17? Is it the individual's new name that receives the white stone, or is it Jesus' new name?

Q&A question: About Revelation – New Names/White Stones

revelation Revelation 2 Jesus revelation Revelation 2
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-03

About the OT Law & Sacrifices vs. Faith: Why was the old covenant law set up to require animal sacrifice, since we see Abraham was atoned for by his faith in the promise to come of what was Jesus (dimly perceived)?

Q&A question: About the OT Law & Sacrifices vs. Faith

Abraham Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-24

About “Unknown”/ Tongues in 1 Cor.: What do you make of the added word “unknown” in 1 Corinthians 14:2-3, which is not in the original Greek? Could it mean that it is not a different sort of tongues, rather, that no one understands them?

Q&A question: About “Unknown”/ Tongues in 1 Cor.

1 Corinthians 14 1 Corinthians 14 tongues
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-22

About Forgiveness of Unconfessed Sin: Are you forgiven or held accountable for the sins you’re not aware of and don’t repent of? For example: gluttony, laziness, or even getting mad at someone and later forgetting about it.

Q&A question: About Forgiveness of Unconfessed Sin

forgiveness
Mike Winger idea 2021-11-12

About Tongues & God’s Will: If the Holy Spirit gives tongues, how is it that anyone uses it against the will of God, if the Spirit only does what the Father wills? (For example, misusing it in church services.)

Q&A question: About Tongues & God’s Will

tongues
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-03

About the Evidence of the Spirit: In Acts 8, how did they know when the Samaritans had and had not received the Holy Spirit? Pentecostals teach that it must have been tongues. Is there another explanation?

Q&A question: About the Evidence of the Spirit

Acts 8 Acts 8 tongues
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-03

About Limited Atonement: If the extent of Jesus’ death was for all, but the application of His death was only for His sheep, why does Jesus say that He lays down His life for His sheep in John 10: 15 (v. 16 clarifies extent, right?)?

Q&A question: About Limited Atonement

John 10 Jesus atonement John 10
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-10

About the Extent of the Atonement: Do the two different stances on the extent of the atonement (unlimited and definite) ultimately represent two different gospels? This is a fear of mine.

Q&A question: About the Extent of the Atonement

atonement
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-10

If we Confess our Doubts, Are We Still Saved?: I was having doubts about the atonement, and I was questioning if I really believed it. I had thoughts about me not believing. Am I still saved if confessed those and do believe now?

Q&A question: If we Confess our Doubts, Are We Still Saved?

atonement
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-14

Were OT Sacrifices Purely Symbolic?: Did Levitical sacrifices really do anything beyond point people to Jesus? Hebrews 10:4 and Romans 3: 25 tell us that Jesus' atonement was applied retroactively to Old Testament saints, so were their sacrifices only symbolic?

Q&A question: Were OT Sacrifices Purely Symbolic?

Hebrews 10 Romans 3 Jesus atonement Hebrews 10
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-14

About the “Tongues of Angels”: 1Corinthians 13:1 refers to "speaking in the tongues of men and of angels." The tongues of men are just different languages, but what are tongues of angels?

Q&A question: About the “Tongues of Angels”

tongues angels
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-28

Discerning Extrabiblical Prophecies: When should extrabiblical prophecy be accepted or rejected? I don’t know how to discern or “test the spirits,” and I don’t want to be overly dismissive, even if the claims seem astonishing.

Q&A question: Discerning Extrabiblical Prophecies

prophecy
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-28

Could Only God Atone for our Sins?: What role did the divinity of Christ play in His ability to atone for the sins of the world? i.e., could Adam, before the fall, have chosen to die for the sins of all (hypothetically)?

Q&A question: Could Only God Atone for our Sins?

Mike Winger idea 2022-03-04

Tongues: Heavenly or Earthly Language?: When we pray in tongues in private prayer time, is this a heavenly language, or an earthly language?

Q&A question: Tongues: Heavenly or Earthly Language?

prayer tongues
Mike Winger idea 2022-04-01

Understanding Jesus’ Atonement: Is it more accurate to say that Jesus' death was sufficient for all rather than that He paid for all? Otherwise, wouldn't there be people in Hell right now for sins that Jesus already paid for?

Q&A question: Understanding Jesus’ Atonement

Jesus atonement hell
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-06

Struggling with Repeated Sin: There are sins listed in 1 Corinthians 6 that seem to send people to Hell. I struggle often with gluttony and anger. I repent, but I fall back into it often. What’s the difference?

Q&A question: Struggling with Repeated Sin

1 Corinthians 6 1 Corinthians 6 hell
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-13

Resolving a “Contradiction”: Does Ezekiel 18: 20 contradict the stoning of Achan and his family in Joshua 7: 24-26 (the idea of original sin passed down through Adam) and 2 Samuel 12: 13-15?

Q&A question: Resolving a “Contradiction”

Joshua 7 Ezekiel Samuel Achan Joshua 7
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-22

Does God Need Death to Atone for Sins?: In Isaiah 6, sin is taken away by hot coals. Does God need death to forgive something or atone for sin (i.e. Jesus on the cross)? If so, how was Isaiah forgiven? If not, what’s the point of sacrifices?

Q&A question: Does God Need Death to Atone for Sins?

Isaiah Isaiah 6 Isaiah Jesus Isaiah 6
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-29

Why are Tongues Only Prevalent in Some Denominations?: Why is speaking in tongues so common in specific church denominations, but virtually never happens in others? What does this say about other spiritual gifts?

Q&A question: Why are Tongues Only Prevalent in Some Denominations?

spiritual gifts tongues
Mike Winger idea 2022-08-13

Safeguarding Ourselves While Witnessing: I have felt God call me to minister to the JWs, and He has opened doors for me to do so. What should I do to make sure my faith is not endangered when I am doing ministry? I meet with them tonight.

Q&A question: Safeguarding Ourselves While Witnessing

evangelism
Mike Winger idea 2022-09-30

Will the Father Not Forgive Us?: Matthew 6: 14-15 says we should forgive others of their trespasses or our Father will not forgive us of ours. But the Bible also says that all of our sins have been atoned for on the cross. Can you explain?

Q&A question: Will the Father Not Forgive Us?

Matthew Matthew 6 Matthew Matthew 6
Mike Winger idea 2022-10-21

Should I Date a Hyper-Charismatic?: I've been on a few dates with a great girl, but I've realized she's in a church that over emphasizes prophecy, tongues, possibly NAR things. Any advice on how to approach this?

Q&A question: Should I Date a Hyper-Charismatic?

prophecy tongues charismatic movement
Mike Winger idea 2023-01-13

Did Jesus’ Atonement Require His Divinity?: Why was it necessary for Jesus to be fully divine in regard to our salvation? Wayne Grudem states, “Only someone who is the infinite God could bear the full penalty for all the sins of all those who would believe in Him..." Do you agree, and are there any other reasons stated in Scripture?

Q&A question: Did Jesus’ Atonement Require His Divinity?

Wayne Grudem Jesus salvation
Mike Winger idea 2023-01-27

When Will Every Tongue Confess?: When do you think Philippians 2: 10-11 will be fulfilled? At the end of the millennium, at Armageddon, or throughout the future at different stages? I think Romans 14: 10-12 gives us some insight.

Q&A question: When Will Every Tongue Confess?

Romans 14 millennium Romans 14 Philip
Mike Winger idea 2023-03-03

Biblical Guidelines – Speaking in Tongues: 1 Corinthians 14: 27-28 says that someone should not speak in tongues unless there is an interpreter, but how are they supposed to know if there is an interpreter present?

Q&A question: Biblical Guidelines – Speaking in Tongues

1 Corinthians 14 1 Corinthians 14 tongues
Mike Winger idea 2023-03-17

Do our Prophecies Create Reality?: Kris Vallotton cites Ezekiel 37:1-6 to claim that our prophecies create reality, rather than just foretelling the future. Is there merit to this?

Q&A question: Do our Prophecies Create Reality?

Ezekiel Kris Vallotton prophecy Ezekiel
Mike Winger idea 2023-05-05

Why was Achan’s Household Punished?: Ezekiel 18: 20 says that the son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father. How do you explain the story of Achan in Joshua 7: 25 where he and his household were stoned and burned because of his sin?

Q&A question: Why was Achan’s Household Punished?

Joshua 7 Ezekiel Achan Joshua 7 Ezekiel
Mike Winger idea 2023-05-26

1 Jn. 2:2 & Limited Atonement: Doesn't 1 John 2:2 blow the Calvinist doctrine of Limited Atonement straight out of the water?

Q&A question: 1 Jn. 2:2 & Limited Atonement

1 John 2 1 John 2:2 atonement Calvinism 1 John 2
Mike Winger idea 2023-06-09

How to Reach a Wiccan: What can or should I say to a Wiccan relative who wants to have seances to reach her dead son? She’s not a believer, so should I just hold my tongue?

Q&A question: How to Reach a Wiccan

Mike Winger idea 2023-07-07

Hellfire & Brimstone Preaching: What are your thoughts on the "Hellfire and Brimstone" style of preaching? Is there any truth in it?

Q&A question: Hellfire & Brimstone Preaching

hell
Mike Winger idea 2023-12-16

Proof of Virginity Required?: In Deuteronomy 22: 13-21, why were the women to be stoned to death if they didn’t present proof of virginity? Was it the same for the men?

Q&A question: Proof of Virginity Required?

Deuteronomy 22 Deuteronomy 22
Mike Winger idea 2024-01-26

Speaking in Tongues: When did “speaking in tongues” change from being real human languages that the speaker didn’t naturally know to being a non-human/Spirit language?

Q&A question: Speaking in Tongues

tongues
Mike Winger idea 2024-04-19

Tongues/Prophecy for Believers or Unbelievers?: Can you please explain 1 Corinthians 14: 22-24? Verse 22 states that tongues are a sign for unbelievers, and prophecy is for believers. But vv. 23 and 24 then go on to, seemingly, describe the exact opposite.

Q&A question: Tongues/Prophecy for Believers or Unbelievers?

1 Corinthians 14 prophecy 1 Corinthians 14 tongues
Mike Winger idea 2024-04-26

A Difficult Bible Contradiction: Can you please explain 1 Corinthians 14: 22-24? Verse 22 states that tongues are a sign for unbelievers, and prophecy is for believers. But vv. 23 and 24 then go on to seemingly describe the exact opposite.

Q&A question: A Difficult Bible Contradiction

1 Corinthians 14 prophecy 1 Corinthians 14 tongues
Mike Winger idea 2024-04-26

Are Eating Challenges Sinful?: Could you talk a little on what is and is not gluttony? Is it just eating more than you need to, or is there more involved (i.e., eating challenges)?

Q&A question: Are Eating Challenges Sinful?

Mike Winger idea 2024-05-31

Did Jesus’ Deity Die?: Did Jesus' deity die on the cross, and if not, then how could He be an atoning sacrifice for sin? If it died, then how could He be God without affirming the kenotic heresy?

Q&A question: Did Jesus’ Deity Die?

Jesus heresy
Mike Winger idea 2024-07-05

Preston Sprinkle & “Side B” Christianity: What's your take on Preston Sprinkle? Some Christians like him, but others call him a heretic or "side B Christian.” The issue seems to be about him not thinking same-sex attraction is a sin when not meditated/acted on.

Q&A question: Preston Sprinkle & “Side B” Christianity

heresy
Mike Winger idea 2024-07-12

Applying PSA on Earth?: If the doctrine of Penal Substitutionary Atonement is just, would it be just for an earthly judge to impute the guilt of a murderer to an innocent volunteer and sentence the volunteer to death instead of the murderer? If not, why?

Q&A question: Applying PSA on Earth?

atonement
Mike Winger idea 2024-09-14

Tongues = Vain Repetition?: Would it be fair to consider the way some churches use tongues in opposition to 1 Corinthians 14 as a form of "vain repetition" (Matthew 6:5-8)?

Q&A question: Tongues = Vain Repetition?

1 Corinthians 14 Matthew Matthew 6 1 Corinthians 14 tongues Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2024-12-20

No PSA = OK?: Is it possible to not believe in Penal Substitutionary Atonement without being a Progressive?

Q&A question: No PSA = OK?

atonement
Mike Winger idea 2025-01-10

Interpretations for Private Tongues?: When the gift of speaking in tongues is in operation, do the same requirements and standards exist for private/smaller ministry gatherings as they do the corporate gatherings of a church service? For example, if someone in the background is praying in tongues while you are praying for someone at a hospital, does that still demand an interpretation?

Q&A question: Interpretations for Private Tongues?

tongues
Mike Winger idea 2025-01-17

The Upside-Down Kingdom Bible: What are your thoughts on the newly released Zondervan NIV Upside-Down Kingdom Bible, edited by Dr. Preston Sprinkle?

Q&A question: The Upside-Down Kingdom Bible

Mike Winger idea 2025-02-21

Passover vs. Yom Kippur: Why was Jesus' atoning sacrifice on Passover instead of Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement)? I've looked everywhere but can't find an answer.

Q&A question: Passover vs. Yom Kippur

Jesus atonement
Mike Winger idea 2025-03-21

PSA – Contradicting Proverbs?: If Penal Substitutionary Atonement is an accurate doctrine, then isn't it contradicting Proverbs 17: 15?

Q&A question: PSA – Contradicting Proverbs?

atonement