Search — Theology Explorer

Should Incarcerated Parents be Involved?: My 2-year-old adopted son’s birth mom is in prison for 15 years for using/selling meth. Biblically, should we let her be involved in his life? My wife thinks they should have an active relationship.

Q&A question: Should Incarcerated Parents be Involved?

marriage

Is “Spiritual Attack” Legitimate?: Is "spiritual attack" really a thing? Is that biblical? (i.e., during some notable season as a Christian, if we have intensified doubt, hopelessness, illness, etc. why's that not just, y'know, life?)

Q&A question: Is “Spiritual Attack” Legitimate?

doubt and faith

About OT Prophet Credibility: Why were many of the prophets who wrote books included in the Old Testament if they didn't perform miracles and their prophecies didn't come true until the New Testament? What made them stand out from false prophets?

Q&A question: About OT Prophet Credibility

prophecy miracles

Romans 4 Abraham Romans 4 Enoch

Why is Abraham our Spiritual Father?: Why is Abraham our spiritual father (Romans 4: 16-25) if people before him also had faith in God: Abel, Enoch, Noah, etc.? Were they not "counted righteous" through faith the same way Abraham was?

Q&A question: Why is Abraham our Spiritual Father?

What is a “Clear Conscience” Before God?: I'm getting baptized soon, and one of the questions my church asks is basically, “Do you promise to follow God with a clear conscience?” I deal with a condemning conscience. Would this break the promise?

Q&A question: What is a “Clear Conscience” Before God?

baptism

When did the Holy Spirit Come?: My question is about the Spirit. Jesus spoke of the Spirit coming after Him in John 14, but He is there in Luke 1 before Jesus’ birth. When did the Spirit actually come?

Q&A question: When did the Holy Spirit Come?

Jesus

Isaiah Isaiah 6 Isaiah Jesus Isaiah 6

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?

Minimal Facts vs. Maximal Facts Arguments: Is a minimal facts argument or maximal facts argument better in presenting the truth of the Resurrection of Jesus?

Q&A question: Minimal Facts vs. Maximal Facts Arguments

Jesus resurrection

Acts 8 Peter Acts 8 Jesus

About the Samaritans Receiving the Spirit: How were the Samaritans in Acts 8: 14-17 baptized in the name of Jesus, but only received the Holy Spirt when Peter and John came?

Q&A question: About the Samaritans Receiving the Spirit

How to Decide What to Read in Scripture: Do you have any advice for reading the Bible? How do I decide what to read?

Q&A question: How to Decide What to Read in Scripture

About the Difference between Heaven & Eden: What is the ontological difference between Heaven and pre-sin Eden? If Heaven is greater than Eden, then doesn’t it follow that Adam & Eve’s sin led to a greater eternity than they would’ve had otherwise?

Q&A question: About the Difference between Heaven & Eden

heaven

Is Baptism Purely Symbolic?: Is baptism just a symbolic representation of our faith, or does it have a deeper value?

Q&A question: Is Baptism Purely Symbolic?

baptism

About Gene Editing Technology: Suppose that a gene editing technology like CRISPR could change the cells of a zygote to change the sex of the individual. Would there or should there be a secular question as to the eventual sex?

Q&A question: About Gene Editing Technology

salvation Philip Philippi

How Do We “Work Out Our Salvation?”: What does it mean to "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling" in Philippians 2: 12?

Q&A question: How Do We “Work Out Our Salvation?”

What Will We Do With our Time in Heaven?: I've been feeling a little anxious about Heaven. What will we do with our time for eternity? Will we have actual bodies, or just be spirits?

Q&A question: What Will We Do With our Time in Heaven?

heaven

Isaiah Isaiah 54:1 Isaiah marriage prophecy

About Prophecy & Marriage in Heaven: How will Isaiah 54:1 be fulfilled if there is no marriage in heaven?

Q&A question: About Prophecy & Marriage in Heaven

James Romans 14 James Romans 14

About Following our Conscience: I Grew up in a KJVO (King James Version Only) Independent Fundamental Baptist church. I have thought about reading the NKJV, but my conscience feels like this is wrong. Does Romans 14 mean I must defer to my conscience in this situation?

Q&A question: About Following our Conscience

John 20 Jesus resurrection John 20

When did the New Cov. Begin?: Did the New Covenant officially begin at Jesus’ last supper, death, burial, and resurrection…or at His ascension (alluded to in John 20: 17)?

Q&A question: When did the New Cov. Begin?

Does God Get Angry When We Sin?: Does God ever get angry with believers when we sin? If not, why did God get so angry with the Israelites when they sinned?

Q&A question: Does God Get Angry When We Sin?

Israel

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

Matthew 5 Matthew Ephesians 2 Jesus Matthew 5 Matthew

Did Jesus Come to Abolish the Law?: Does Ephesians 2: 15 contradict Matthew 5: 17? In Matthew, Jesus says that He did not come to abolish the law, but it looks like Paul in Ephesians says the opposite.

Q&A question: Did Jesus Come to Abolish the Law?

About Gun Laws, Usage, & Violence: Which bible passages do you think should shape how we think about gun laws, gun violence, gun usage etc? Are there any passages that are misused in this debate?

Q&A question: About Gun Laws, Usage, & Violence

Did People Evangelize in the OT?: Why wasn’t evangelism a focus in the Old Covenant? How were Gentiles far away from Israel supposed to learn about Yahweh, and what opportunities for salvation did they have?

Q&A question: Did People Evangelize in the OT?

salvation angels

Is “Inner Healing Prayer” Biblical?: Is “inner healing prayer” as a form of trauma relief biblical? This practice involves a prayer leader asking the patient to picture vivid images and hear direct statements from Jesus.

Q&A question: Is “Inner Healing Prayer” Biblical?

Jesus prayer healing

Are Only Jesus’ Words Authoritative?: Can we only use Jesus' words and not the rest of the Bible? Does Jesus teach against homosexuality? My friend claims that he isn't against it and she doesn't consider Paul's letters authoritative.

Q&A question: Are Only Jesus’ Words Authoritative?

Jesus homosexuality

Can I Trust that my Faith is Sincere?: I sincerely believe Jesus is my Savior, but if my sincerity can’t be trusted (just like the rich young ruler’s), how can I truly 100% know that I actually do have a saving faith in Jesus Christ?

Q&A question: Can I Trust that my Faith is Sincere?

Jesus Christ Jesus

Matthew Matthew 4 Jesus second coming rapture

About Eschatology/The Second Coming: In Matthew 4: 42 Jesus warns believers to be ready for a second coming. Does this point to a partial rapture of only those actively practicing their faith, with others having to endure tribulation?

Q&A question: About Eschatology/The Second Coming

Is it Wrong to Handle Ungodly Items?: I work in a warehouse handling every item imaginable. How should I handle satanic/"magic" items? Should I refuse to handle such things?

Q&A question: Is it Wrong to Handle Ungodly Items?

Satan

About “Preferred Pronouns”: My niece wants to be male, but she was born female. She gets upset when she's not referred to her as male. I've been just avoiding any conversation at all with her, so as not to compromise. Any advice?

Q&A question: About “Preferred Pronouns”

Ephesians 2 salvation Ephesians 2

About Spiritual Death: Can you explain spiritual death as referenced in passages such as Colossians 2: 13, Ephesians 2 and 5: 18, and what part it plays in the process of salvation?

Q&A question: About Spiritual Death

About Fossils, Evolution, & the Gap Theory: What are your thoughts regarding humanoid fossils which scientists claim are part our human evolution? Are they people from Noah’s time, offspring of angels, or part of the Gap Theory?

Q&A question: About Fossils, Evolution, & the Gap Theory

evolution angels

What is the True Mission of the Church?: What is the mission of the Church? I have recently been told that it is worship and not evangelism. Therefore, we cannot worship fully without a diverse local church. I'm a bit confused!

Q&A question: What is the True Mission of the Church?

worship angels

Examples of Faith-Driven Works: What counts as “works”? Since faith without works is dead, what are some examples of works that a woman can do? Please help!

Q&A question: Examples of Faith-Driven Works

What Should Godly Dating Look Like?

Q&A question: What Should Godly Dating Look Like?

dating and relationships

Overcoming Negativity & Responding to “Church People” Behaving Badly: How can I overcome bitterness & negativity? I have been disappointed in friends, family, and "church people" a lot and I found out it has a big impact in my life.

Q&A question: Overcoming Negativity & Responding to “Church People” Behaving Badly

Could Satan Repent?: Would God forgive Satan if he repented?

Q&A question: Could Satan Repent?

Satan

Revelation 20:6 revelation Revelation 2 Revelation 20:6 revelation Revelation 2

One Death or Two in Scripture?: How do we reconcile Hebrews 9: 27 with there also being a “second death” (as in: Revelation 2:11, Revelation 20:6,14, & Revelation 21:8)? Is there one death or two?

Q&A question: One Death or Two in Scripture?

Is it Wrong to Honor a DNR?: What do you think about DNR (do not resuscitate) orders? If I can’t perform CPR on a patient when it could save their life because the order forbids it, am I committing murder by honoring it?

Q&A question: Is it Wrong to Honor a DNR?

Genesis 2 Genesis Genesis 2 Genesis

Does Breath Determine Life?: I've heard people quote Genesis 2:7 (usually from the KJV) to show that a soul can't live or exist without both body and breath. Is this an accurate understanding, and if not, why?

Q&A question: Does Breath Determine Life?

Why Did God Call a “Chosen People”?: Why did God decide to have a “chosen people”? Was this due to His will to have a “people” that His Son would come from?

Q&A question: Why Did God Call a “Chosen People”?

Are We All Lying on the Internet?: Is it a sin to tick a box that says "I have read and accepted the terms and conditions..." without having read them first (e.g. when installing software)? Key word being "read.” That would be lying, yes?

Q&A question: Are We All Lying on the Internet?

Are Pictures of God in Movies or School Biblical?: Is Christian entertainment like The Chosen a violation of the 2nd Commandment? Are things like Sunday school lessons hurting our theology by using pictures of things or people?

Q&A question: Are Pictures of God in Movies or School Biblical?

About the Doctrine of Election: How do you interpret 2 Thessalonians 2: 13 in light of the debate on the doctrine of election?

Q&A question: About the Doctrine of Election

hermeneutics

Is Jesus in Human Form in Heaven?: My question is about the incarnation of Christ. Since He was bodily raised from the dead, does that mean He is still the incarnation in Heaven?

Q&A question: Is Jesus in Human Form in Heaven?

Jesus

Who did God Purchase Us From?: 1Corinthians 6: 19 says "You are not your own, you were bought with a price.” Are the buyer and the seller the same person (e.g., Is God buying the people from Himself)?

Q&A question: Who did God Purchase Us From?

Are Altar Calls Biblical?: Are altar calls biblical? Hard to find much of this in the New Testament. Hard to think this through without preconceived notions.

Q&A question: Are Altar Calls Biblical?

Overcoming Nervousness in Evangelism: I’m starting high school soon, and I feel very nervous to share the Gospel in person. Is it wrong for me to just stick to sharing it online where I don’t feel nervous at all?

Q&A question: Overcoming Nervousness in Evangelism

angels

Can we Trust Paul’s Writings?: I was wondering how you combat the claims against the Apostle Paul if you have heard of the claims against him, such as preaching a different Gospel than Jesus and the 12.

Q&A question: Can we Trust Paul’s Writings?

Jesus

About Egypt’s Sacrifices in Isaiah: Isaiah 19: 21 speaks of Egypt repenting and offering Jewish sacrifices. How can this be, since we no longer have those sacrifices?

Q&A question: About Egypt’s Sacrifices in Isaiah

Isaiah Isaiah