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Mike Winger idea 2020-08-14

Hyperdispensationalism claims OT saints were saved by faith plus works. Refuted by Romans 4: Abraham was justified by faith alone, not works. Romans 11:6: grace and works are philosophically unmixable — if by grace, then not works; if by works, then not grace. These categories can't be blended. This applies to every era, not just the NT.

OT salvation by faith alone — Romans 4 and 11:6

Romans 11:6 Romans 4 Romans 11:6 Romans 4 faith alone
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-14

Romans 5:12-21 and sin nature: Mike disagrees with the Augustinian doctrine that we inherit guilt from Adam's sin. Augustine was influenced by a mistranslation in the Latin Vulgate ("in whom all sinned" vs "because all sinned"). Romans 5:14 says some "had not sinned according to the likeness of Adam's transgression" — challenging the idea that we literally sinned in Adam. Mike's view: we inherit sinful inclination (sin nature) but not personal guilt until we individually sin. Babies have no actual guilt.

Sin nature — inclination vs inherited guilt (Romans 5)

Romans 5:12-21 Romans 5:14 original sin Latin Vulgate infant salvation
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-21

Are tongues overrated? Yes, in many circles. Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:1: tongues without love = noisy gong. 1 Corinthians 14: tongues should be limited in gatherings, require interpretation, and if an unbeliever enters they'll think you're crazy. Paul explicitly says prophecy is BETTER than tongues because it edifies the whole church. Tongues as a status symbol or proof of salvation is completely unbiblical.

Tongues overrated — 1 Corinthians 13-14

1 Corinthians 13:1 1 Corinthians 14 tongues speaking in tongues 1 Corinthians 13:1 speaking in tongues
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-31

Zechariah 9:9-10 is the key OT prophecy behind the entry — the messiah comes humble on a donkey bringing salvation through service, not military conquest. The donkey vs. war horse contrast is central.

Old Testament prophetic background for the Triumphal Entry

Zechariah 9:9 Mark 10:45 Zechariah 9:9-10 Zechariah 9:9 Mark 10:45 Zechariah 9:9-10
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-31

Psalm 118:24-28 contains a compressed gospel narrative: Hosanna (save now), the festival sacrifice bound to the altar (Christ crucified), and then "You are MY God" — relationship through sacrifice.

Continued Psalm 118 exposition with gospel typology

Psalm 118:24-28 songs of ascent Psalm 118:24-28 festival sacrifice hosanna
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-15

Argument 4 — "Religion is desperation, fear of reality" (Nietzsche) — is circular (assumes atheism is reality) and actually describes Buddhism more than Christianity. Atheism itself denies key realities.

Fourth argument from Nietzsche: religion as escapism

Daniel Dennett circular reasoning atheism Sam Harris
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Mountain-moving is a euphemism for what is humanly impossible but possible for God. Faith is weak (mustard seed), not strong — the emphasis is that you don't earn miracles; God does everything, you just believe.

Correct interpretation of the mountain-moving promise in Mark 11

Mark 10:25-27 Galatians 3:5 Mark 10:25-27 Galatians 3:5 faith and prayer
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-26

The Mirror Bible by François Du Toit is the worst Bible translation Winger has ever seen — not just inaccurate but anti-gospel, inverting Scripture to teach that humans are already divine and don't need to be born again.

Introduction to review of the Mirror Bible translation

Bible translations Mirror Bible Mirror Bible
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-26

Du Toit changes "forgiveness" to "I am-ness" and teaches that the Trinity has four circles (Father, Son, you/me, Holy Spirit). Jesus didn't die to save us from sin but from a wrong mindset. Hell is "just a pathway to heaven."

The Mirror Bible's broader theological distortions

John 17:7 Mirror Bible Mirror Bible François Du Toit
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-26

The Mirror Bible is endorsed by John Crowder ("toking the holy ghost") and William Paul Young (author of The Shack, later a universalist). It's part of a broader movement: progressive Christianity, hyper-charismatic theology, and universal salvation all pushing the same direction.

Endorsers and broader context of the Mirror Bible

John Crowder Mirror Bible Mirror Bible John Crowder
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 2020-11-16

Jesus agreed with the Pharisees on 4 points (supernatural worldview, resurrection, Scripture authority, messianic focus of OT) but disagreed on 3 (traditions as doctrine, authority claims, works-righteousness). Jesus agreed with the Sadducees on NOTHING.

Summary: Jesus vs. Pharisees vs. Sadducees mapped to modern groups

Roman Catholicism sola scriptura resurrection
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-14

The Gospel of Thomas is a mid-2nd century Gnostic forgery, not a legitimate alternate gospel. It's a sayings collection borrowing from Matthew/Luke with added Greek philosophical content inconsistent with a 1st-century Jewish teacher.

Q1: Thoughts on the Gospel of Thomas?

Matthew Philo salvation Thomas
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-14

The Salvation Army replacing water baptism with wearing a uniform and not practicing communion is a serious mistake — baptism and communion are commanded by Jesus, not optional denominational choices.

Q2: Can the Salvation Army replace baptism with a uniform?

Jesus salvation baptism
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-14

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are in the kingdom (Luke 13:28) despite not having the indwelling Holy Spirit — being "born again" isn't identical to Spirit-indwelling but includes it. OT saints had real relationship with God through different means.

Q5: If born again requires the Spirit, how are OT saints in the kingdom?

Luke 13 Abraham Isaac Jacob
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-28

Does Modalism Jeopardize Salvation?: Does modalism lead to other fallacies? If someone believes in Christ except they don’t believe that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are each distinct, could their salvation be in jeopardy?

Q&A question: Does Modalism Jeopardize Salvation?

salvation
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-28

Are man-made Covenants Biblical?: Are man-made covenants for pastoral ordination biblical (specifically, covenants binding oneself to denominational doctrines and principles)? The Salvation Army requires this for their pastors.

Q&A question: Are man-made Covenants Biblical?

salvation pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

Witnessing to Mormon Family Members: I'm a Christian who is married to a non-practicing Mormon who still bases his beliefs on LDS doctrine. I think I want to go into apologetics (largely inspired by you), but I don't think my husband will approve. I also feel called to evangelize my Mormon in-laws, but I struggle to get past their feelings-based testimony and their beliefs about who Jesus is and salvation. Any advice on my apologetic aspirations in my specific circumstances, and on the best way to surmount these LDS hurdles?

Q&A question: Witnessing to Mormon Family Members

marriage Jesus salvation
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-18

Wrestling with Doubts: I've studied the evidence for Christianity & it's amazing. But I struggle with doubts of “what if I'm wrong?” Does this affect my salvation? Will God help me?

Q&A question: Wrestling with Doubts

salvation
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-25

Assurance of God’s Love & Salvation: Does God really love me, and am I really saved? I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but I am still sinful and I struggle with sin. However, it seems that God answers my prayers. Am I really saved?

Q&A question: Assurance of God’s Love & Salvation

Jesus salvation prayer
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-16

How to “Work out our Salvation”: I read a commentary on Philippians 2:12 and it was implied that salvation is not complete, what does that mean? Are we not fully saved?

Q&A question: How to “Work out our Salvation”

salvation Philip Philippi
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-16

About John the Baptizer/Baptist’s Salvation: Was John the Baptizer born saved? Luke 1: 15 says he would be filled with the Holy Spirit "even from his mother's womb.”

Q&A question: About John the Baptizer/Baptist’s Salvation

salvation baptism
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

What does it Mean that God has a Plan?: I always hear "God has a plan for your life." What does this mean? Is this about salvation, gifting/calling, or about God's overall will for believers? Is this specific or general?

Q&A question: What does it Mean that God has a Plan?

salvation
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-07

Is the Parable of the Talents Works Based?: How do you separate the Parable of the Talents from a works-based Salvation?

Q&A question: Is the Parable of the Talents Works Based?

salvation
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-20

Discussing Theology Without Focusing on Death: My 14 y.o. does not like the subject of death (her father/my husband died suddenly 4 years ago). How can I talk about salvation and other biblical things in a way that doesn’t make her anxious?

Q&A question: Discussing Theology Without Focusing on Death

marriage salvation
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-20

When Married Couples Disagree on Theology: What is your view of a husband and wife having differing opinions on eschatology or matters of salvation and particular biblical verses? Is it best to just agree to disagree?

Q&A question: When Married Couples Disagree on Theology

marriage salvation eschatology
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-27

About Natural Revelation & Salvation: You've said people who've never heard of Jesus need to respond to natural revelation to be saved. Can you give an example of how a woman growing up in Saudi Arabia would respond to natural revelation?

Q&A question: About Natural Revelation & Salvation

revelation Jesus salvation revelation
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-03

About Giving Everything for the Lord: If salvation is a free gift and not by works, then why does Jesus say those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples? How do we know when we have given up everything?

Q&A question: About Giving Everything for the Lord

Jesus salvation
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-03

Help During Trying Times of Doubt: Why can’t I trust Christ for complete forgiveness even though I fully believe every word in the Bible? Why won’t my heart allow me to enter salvation? Why doesn’t God seem to want to help me?

Q&A question: Help During Trying Times of Doubt

salvation forgiveness
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-10

About the Vine & Branches, Eternal Security: Just wanted clarity on John 15:1-8. Is Jesus talking about people losing their salvation? Or people walking away from Him and the faith?

Q&A question: About the Vine & Branches, Eternal Security

John 15 Jesus salvation John 15
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-15

About Assurance of Salvation: How can I be sure that I am going to Heaven when I die?

Q&A question: About Assurance of Salvation

salvation
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-15

About Salvation by Grace vs. Our Efforts: If we don't have to do works to get saved, why does Jesus tell us to "make every effort to enter through the narrow door" in Luke 13: 24?

Q&A question: About Salvation by Grace vs. Our Efforts

Luke 13 Jesus salvation Luke 13
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-15

Help for Anxiety over Unsaved Loved Ones: How do I combat anxiety about my newborn daughter’s salvation? It’s a difficult topic for me due to my younger brother walking away from the faith as a teenager.

Q&A question: Help for Anxiety over Unsaved Loved Ones

salvation
Mike Winger idea 2021-11-05

Is Baptism Required?: Why does the Bible sound like baptism is required for salvation in some places (eg. Mark 16: 16)? Does Acts 1:5 answer what KIND of baptism IS required (Holy Spirit baptism)? And what did Jesus mean by “to fulfill righteousness”?

Q&A question: Is Baptism Required?

Mark 16 Acts 1 Jesus salvation baptism
Mike Winger idea 2021-11-05

Should We Ever Hate People?: Should we hate the evil doer (e.g., those who promote or perform abortion) or should we just keep their salvation in mind? Or can we do both at the same time?

Q&A question: Should We Ever Hate People?

salvation abortion
Mike Winger idea 2021-11-05

How to Repent When We’re Not “Feeling” It: How do I repent unto salvation (repent and be saved) when I do not want to? I am asking from the current place of being unsaved.

Q&A question: How to Repent When We’re Not “Feeling” It

salvation
Mike Winger idea 2021-11-12

About Jews, Prophecy, & Baptism: Did the Jews (ex. Nicodemus) understand the prophecies of a future cleansing as involving literal water (ex. Ezekiel 36: 25-27)? A colleague thinks so (she believes baptism is necessary for salvation).

Q&A question: About Jews, Prophecy, & Baptism

Ezekiel salvation baptism prophecy
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-10

About Separation from Bishops: How is separation from all bishops okay when all “early church fathers” (especially Cyprian & Ignatius) taught that separation from your bishop can call into question your salvation (Cyprian Epistle 26, Ignatius Phil.)?

Q&A question: About Separation from Bishops

salvation Ignatius
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-17

Surrendering to God when it’s Difficult: I'm double-minded and depressed. I want real salvation but have a hard time fully surrendering. Good works and prayer feel like pushing a boulder up a hill. Any advice?

Q&A question: Surrendering to God when it’s Difficult

salvation prayer
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-28

Does Romans Teach Works for Salvation?: Does Romans 6: 22 preach salvation by works? John Piper claims that this verse suggests that at final salvation, our works coming from sanctification result in eternal life.

Q&A question: Does Romans Teach Works for Salvation?

John Piper Romans 6 John Piper salvation sanctification
Mike Winger idea 2022-02-04

Intellectual Agreement vs. Faith in Christ: I believe I'm trusting in Jesus' death and resurrection for salvation, but I have OCD and can't control my thoughts. So how do I know if I'm really trusting, or just agreeing with facts intellectually?

Q&A question: Intellectual Agreement vs. Faith in Christ

Jesus salvation resurrection
Mike Winger idea 2022-02-04

Do Salvation Numbers = Biblical Practices?: Should we always see new souls coming to Christ as a sign/indicator that the Lord was with us in a particular event, service, or mission field?

Q&A question: Do Salvation Numbers = Biblical Practices?

salvation
Mike Winger idea 2022-03-04

Is Modalism Heresy?: Why is modalism considered such heresy? I think it’s incorrect, but many people question the very salvation of those who hold to this doctrine. How vital to salvation is the correct understanding of the Trinity?

Q&A question: Is Modalism Heresy?

Trinity salvation heresy
Mike Winger idea 2022-03-04

About the Law, Works, & Salvation: I've watched both of your videos on the Old Testament law. I get that we don't need to keep the law, as we are now under grace, so how do I understand 1 Corinthians 6:9 which says adulterers won't inherit the Kingdom?

Q&A question: About the Law, Works, & Salvation

1 Corinthians 6 1 Corinthians 6:9 salvation 1 Corinthians 6 1 Corinthians 6:9
Mike Winger idea 2022-03-11

Does Regeneration Precede Faith?: Is it first that you are born again and by that you confess Jesus as Lord and get Salvation, or you confess Jesus as your Lord first, and by that you get born again and will be granted Salvation?

Q&A question: Does Regeneration Precede Faith?

Jesus salvation
Mike Winger idea 2022-03-11

Is the Trinity Clearly Taught in the OT?: Is there a reason why a doctrine as important as the Trinity isn't EXPLICITLY declared in the Old Testament, especially the Torah, seeing as belief in the second person is paramount for salvation?

Q&A question: Is the Trinity Clearly Taught in the OT?

Trinity salvation
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-13

Can God Give Commands when He Forced us to Exist?: Is it fair for God to demand our everything when we are forced to exist? I know Christ died for us, but it seems unfair to go through such suffering and sacrifice to receive salvation and avoid Hell.

Q&A question: Can God Give Commands when He Forced us to Exist?

salvation suffering hell
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-20

About the Treasure/Pearl in Matthew 13: Is Matthew 13: 44-46 about us finding salvation in Jesus, OR is it about Jesus giving all for us? Is the treasure/pearl our salvation in Jesus? Or is it our value to Him?

Q&A question: About the Treasure/Pearl in Matthew 13

Matthew Matthew 13 Jesus salvation Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-03

Does Infant Salvation Conflict w/Original Sin?: How can we believe in the doctrine of Original Sin and also believe that if a child dies they go to Heaven? Inheriting Original Sin from Adam makes every child that dies unredeemed.

Q&A question: Does Infant Salvation Conflict w/Original Sin?

salvation
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-24

Saved while Believing Heresy?: Can someone be saved without affirming certain correct propositions? If someone holds a believe that is heretical (to believe it would prevent salvation) but they are ignorant, are they saved?

Q&A question: Saved while Believing Heresy?

salvation Mormonism heresy