Q: Why don't we see more spiritual gifts in the Church of God today?

Published: June 23rd, 2006

It depends what is meant by "spiritual gifts."

Q: Would you please explain the procedure for conflict resolution between brethren, as set forth in Matthew 18:15-20?

Published: June 30th, 2006

If there is one command by Christ which has been more often violated in the Church than most others, it is perhaps the procedure for conflict resolution between brethren, as set forth in Matthew 18. We might think that in a given situation this procedure might not apply, or that there are other ways to deal with a perceived or real problem. However, experience has shown time and again that circumventing the godly-inspired procedure for the purpose of resolving problems between members has ALWAYS caused unnecessary harm.

Let us therefore carefully and prayerfully review the procedure, and let us make every effort to apply it, as instructed in God's Word:

Q: Who is the bride? When the Bible speaks of the “bride,” is it only in reference to the saints who will be in the first resurrection?

Published: November 17th, 2006

The answer is that the bride will ultimately involve many more than those who are given eternal life in the first resurrection. A review of this topic will reveal just what the Bible means when it refers to the “bride.”

First of all, Jesus Christ is presented as the bridegroom in many examples. Even at His appearance as a human and before His death, Jesus spoke of Himself as the “bridegroom” (Luke 5:34-35). In this account, Jesus taught that He would be taken away and that no “marriage” would be consummated at that time.

Q: What does the Bible mean when it says that we are to grow in the grace of God?

Published: July 6th, 2007

The Scriptural passage in question is found in 2 Peter 3:17-18, which reads:

"... beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Grace has been commonly understood as unmerited pardon--especially in connection with the forgiveness of sin. God forgives us our sins, not because we deserve to be forgiven, but because of Christ's sacrifice. However, the Greek word for "grace" conveys a much broader concept than just the "unmerited pardoning of sins."

Q: We understand that when we are sick, we can ask for an anointed cloth, in order to be healed. When, exactly, should we ask for a cloth, and when, exactly, does God perform the healing? Does God heal when we ask for the cloth, when the minister prepares the cloth, when he places the cloth into the mailbox, or when we receive and apply the cloth? Should we ask for a cloth for the same sickness more than once?

Published: July 13th, 2007

Let us, first of all, understand that the Bible clearly teaches that God HEALS our sicknesses and diseases. To quote from a prior Q&A:

"He tells us in Exodus 15:26, 'If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.'

"We are also told how healing from sickness has been made possible. We are healed by the stripes of Jesus Christ who gave His life for us, and who was tortured and beaten so that we can obtain forgiveness of our sins and healing from our sicknesses and diseases (Psalm 103:1-3; Matthew 8:16-17; 1 Peter 2:21-25; Isaiah 53:5).

Q: The Bible reveals that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Why is He also referred to as a "Father" in the Old Testament? Shouldn't the term "Father" apply only to the One who is said to be Christ's Father?

Published: July 27th, 2007

It is true that the Old Testament contains references to God using the term "Father." It is also true that, most generally, the One who dealt DIRECTLY with Israel was the same Personage who was the Son, Jesus Christ--not the One known today as "the Father."

However, in Isaiah 9:6, we find a notable prophecy about Jesus Christ that includes several of His "names" or "designations":

"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Q: Is God really omnipresent, that is, everywhere at all times? Scriptures like Genesis 3:8-11 seem to suggest the opposite!

Published: August 17th, 2007

The question of God's omnipresence has puzzled men for centuries and millennia, and diverse and sometimes incredible answers have been proposed.

One common idea in Orthodox Christianity is that God, as a Spirit being, is everywhere, as allegedly, Spirit has no form or shape--no limitations--no "parts." God is understood to be--even though proponents of that idea would oppose such wording--a formless or shapeless "blob"--permeating everything.

Q: Would you please explain Matthew 18:20. Is it correct, as some teach, that this verse permits members to cut themselves off from the Church of God; to stay at home; and to neglect or dispense with fellowshipping with the membership of the Church?

Published: August 24th, 2007

In Matthew 18:20, Christ said: "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." It is important to note the context. Christ's comments in verse 20 follow the description of the proper procedure for conflict resolution between brethren. At least two of our Updates address this issue, including the fact that Christ gave the final authority to the ministry, to disfellowship or excommunicate an unrepentant brother or sister --and not to the entire membership. Verse 20 must be read in this context--it does not address at all the question of Church attendance.

The Nelson Study Bible explains:

Q: Would you please explain Matthew 7:6? Who, especially, is Christ addressing here, and how are we to apply this Scripture in our daily lives?

Published: August 31st, 2007

Matthew 7:6 reads as follows:

"Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces."

We need to state, first of all, that the Bible compares the truth about the Kingdom of God with a precious pearl (Matthew 13:45-46). At the same time, "dogs" or "swine" describe debased and quarrelsome people, filled with anger and hostility toward God and His Law (Philippians 3:2; 2 Peter 2:22; Revelation 22:15).

Barnes has the following insightful comments regarding the meaning of this passage:

Q: I understand that you teach that Christians, serving on a jury, can only convict an accused if at least two eye witnesses testify against him. But doesn't modern science, such as evidence based on DNA or fingerprints, render that ancient Biblical command obsolete, which was given at a time when people had no concepts of modern scientific advancements?

Published: September 14th, 2007

First of all, our stance against serving on a jury is based on many Biblical passages, not just on the requirement of two eye witnesses. Even if two honest eye witnesses were available to testify against an accused, a true Christian should still not participate in the jury system of this world. For a further in-depth discussion of this vital question, please read our Q&A's in Updates #289 and #66.

In Update #66, we state, indeed, the following, after having discussed numerous additional principles prohibiting true Christians to serve on a jury:

Q: What did Jesus mean in John 17, verses 14 and 16, when He spoke to the Father, saying that His disciples "'...are not of the world, just as I am not of the world'"?

Published: October 12th, 2007

This statement by Jesus Christ highlights a misunderstood truth that very few have comprehended, about the purpose and message of Jesus Christ, as well as the conduct of His followers--those who would claim to be Christians.

In an earlier account, Jesus pointedly contrasted His origin to that of the Jews who heard His preaching (Compare John 8:21-30). What He addressed were their actions, their lifestyle--their very way of living. He plainly said that they were "'...OF this world'" (John 8:23); while, on the other hand, He emphatically stated that He was "'...NOT OF this world'" (Same verse).

Q: In a recent Q&A (Update #311), you said that the Bible requires the testimony of two eye witnesses to convict a person, but this seems to be incorrect. The Scriptures talk about witnesses who are testifying before the judge--not persons witnessing a crime with their eyes. Therefore, it seems that two witnesses could testify to scientific evidence or circumstances to establish a connection with a crime, including DNA, fingerprints, blood stain or similar evidence. What do you think?

Published: October 19th, 2007

To clarify, our stance against serving on a jury is based on many Biblical passages and principles, not just on the requirement of two witnesses. For an in-depth discussion on this issue, please read our Q&A in Update #289.

Q: Does Galatians 3 teach that the Law of the Ten Commandments is abolished?

Published: November 16th, 2007

Even though many professing Christians believe that the Ten Commandments are no longer binding on us today, and although some Biblical "scholars" quote, amongst other Scriptures, the book of Galatians as evidence for such assumptions, the Bible totally rejects and disproves such ideas.

Q: Would you please explain the apparent inconsistency of Christ's sayings in Mark 9:40 and Luke 11:23?

Published: December 7th, 2007

Christ's statements are not inconsistent, but they complement each other. Please understand that Christ was addressing two different sets of circumstances.

In the passage in Mark 9:40, we read the following, beginning with verse 38: "Now John answered Him, saying, 'Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.' (verse 39) But Jesus said, 'Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. (verse 40) For he who is not against us is on our side.'" Compare, too, Luke 9:49-50.

Q: Does God require an individual to tithe on the gross or on the net? Also, is an individual required to tithe on the sale of investments, such as real property, including a house or a condominium?

Published: December 14th, 2007

The answer to this question depends on many different circumstances.

As a general statement, God makes it very clear that His tithing laws are still in force and effect today, and that He commands us to tithe to Him. For a full explanation and discussion of this vital question, please read our free booklet, "Tithing-Today?"

In our booklet, we also discuss how to calculate God's tithe. We state the following, which sets forth the teaching of the Church of God for many years:

Q: Should Christians participate in New Year's Day celebrations on December 31 and January 1?

Published: December 21st, 2007

They should not.

New Year’s Day celebrations are linked to pagan customs and even demonic activities. Professor Philippe Walter’s book, “Christianity—the Origins of a Pagan Religion,” copyright 2003, 2006, makes several startling statements about the real origins of New Year’s Day, as well as its customs.

Walter explains the pagan belief that by the end of December and on “New Year’s Day” (January 1), “fairies… enter the homes of those who worship them… One must take pains to prepare the meal that should be offered to them in a clean and isolated room…”

A German magazine, PM, wrote the following about New Year’s Day, and the customs associated with New Year’s Day, in an article, titled, “What is special about New Year’s?”:

Q: Does the New Testament say that we should not swear, but that we are allowed to affirm? Is it advisable to raise our right hand, when affirming?

Published: January 25th, 2008

Even though the ancients in Old Testament times did swear, the New Testament tells us that we should not do so today.

We read Christ's words in Matthew 5:33-37: "Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.' But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one."

Q: Please explain Jesus' sayings in Mark 9:43-48.

Published: March 7th, 2008

This particular passage has caused great confusion for many readers, and has prompted some Christians to adopt wrong and unbiblical teachings.

This is what Jesus said in Mark 9:43-48:

Q: Should we eat a Passover meal in Church on Passover evening, before we partake of the New Testament Passover symbols of bread and wine?

Published: March 21st, 2008

We find that, in New Testament times, certain local congregations apparently had a Passover meal in Church before partaking of the Passover symbols of bread and wine, as can be seen in the passage in 1 Corinthians 11:17-22 (Authorized Version):

Q: Is it correct to refer to the New Testament Passover as the Lord's Supper?

Published: March 28th, 2008

The use of the term "Lord's Supper" for our observance of the New Testament Passover is not biblical--and it only adds to the confusion surrounding the CORRECT observance of the New Testament Passover.

We pointed out the following in a previous Q&A (Update #88; compare also Update #189, under "Feasts"):

Q: Why does the Bible say that Christ's body was broken, when we read that not one of His bones was broken?

Published: April 4th, 2008

The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 11:23-24: "For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He BROKE it and said, 'Take, eat; this is [meaning "represents"] My body which is BROKEN for you; do this in remembrance of Me.'"

John 19:31-37 reports that at the time of Christ's crucifixion, a soldier pierced His side with a spear and killed Him. When other soldiers came to break the legs of Christ and the two robbers, they noticed that Christ had already died. Therefore, they did not break His legs. Verse 36 informs us that "these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, 'Not one of His bones shall be broken.'"

Q: Would you please explain Matthew 19:12. Does Jesus teach the concept of compulsory celibacy; that is, that ministers or priests must not marry?

Published: April 11th, 2008

When the disciples heard that marriage was for life, and that it can only be dissolved under very limited circumstances, they responded, "If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry" (Matthew 19:10). Jesus answered that "all cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given" (verse 11). He continued, in verse 12:

"For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother's womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it."

Q: Would you please explain Christ's saying in Matthew 26:26-28? Didn't Jesus clearly say that the wine and bread "are" His blood and body; therefore, aren't those correct who believe in the dogma of "transubstantiation"--that is, that every time when we eat the sacrificial bread and drink the sacrificial wine, that bread and wine change into the body and blood of Christ?

Published: April 18th, 2008

First of all, we need to understand that the Bible commands God's disciples to eat a piece of unleavened bread and drink a small portion of red wine ONCE a year--at the annual festival of Passover. When Jesus instituted the new symbols of bread and wine, replacing thereby the Old Testament Passover lamb, He did so during the evening of Passover (Matthew 26:18-20; compare Luke 22:11-20). Christ did not teach that we should partake of the symbols of bread and wine, in memory of His Sacrifice, any time we please. It is to be observed annually--once a year (compare Leviticus 23:4-5).

Q: Please explain Christ's sayings in Matthew 23:8-10.

Published: April 25th, 2008

Let us read the entire context of Christ's sayings. Christ introduced the topic in reference to the scribes and the Pharisees (verse 2), but His application of His words were obviously much broader. He said, beginning in verse 6:

Q: You explained in a previous Q&A (in Update #341) that Christ said to His disciples that they should only call Him their Teacher. But does not the Bible refer to ministers as teachers on numerous occasions?

Published: May 2nd, 2008

The Scripture in question is Matthew 23:10, which reads: "And do not be called teachers, for One is your Teacher, the Christ."

However, as you rightly point out, there are several passages, which speak of ministers as teachers.

For instance, 1 Corinthians 12:28-29 reads:

"And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers... Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers?..."

Ephesians 4:11-13 confirms:

"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith..."

Q: Would you please explain Christ's sayings in Luke 14:26? I thought we were not to hate others?

Published: May 9th, 2008

Let us note and review carefully what Christ said in Luke 14:26: "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple."

However, Christ also commanded us to love even our enemies (Luke 6:27), and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). As the Bible does not contradict itself (John 10:35), it is therefore obvious that Jesus' sayings in Luke 14:26 cannot mean that we actually are to HATE our fellow man. But what DO they mean?

Q: Would you please explain Matthew 8:21-22. Isn't it rather inconsiderate of Jesus to prohibit His disciple from burying his father?

Published: May 16th, 2008

Let us read Christ's sayings in Matthew 8:21-22 in context, beginning with verse 19:

"Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, 'Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.'... Then another of His disciples said to Him, 'Lord, let me first go and bury my father.' But Jesus said to him, 'Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.'"

The parallel passage in Luke 9:59-60 reveals that Christ was calling this man into the ministry, challenging Him to "Follow Me... [and to] go and preach the kingdom of God."

Q: How, exactly, did Jesus Christ die? Why did a soldier pierce Him with a spear when He was already dead?

Published: May 30th, 2008

The answer to this question might be quite surprising to some who have never heard the truth before. The fact is, a Roman soldier KILLED Christ by piercing His side with a spear. Notice what happened.

The following is excerpted from our free booklet, "Jesus Christ--A Great Mystery," pages 78 and 79:

"How Did Christ Die?

"... Christ died by shedding His blood (Mark 14:24), and it is through His precious shed blood that we can be saved (1 Peter 1:18–19).

Q: Should we have and use crosses or pictures or statues, depicting Jesus Christ?

Published: June 6th, 2008

The answer to all of these questions is a resounding, "No."

Regarding pictures, images or statues of Christ (including those which picture Him on the cross), we clearly read that we are not to have images of God (Exodus 20:4). Since Jesus is God (John 1:1; Hebrews 1:8; Titus 2:13), the creation and use of images or pictures of Christ violates this express prohibition.

Q: Would you please explain the "image of the beast," as described in Revelation 13:14?

Published: June 13th, 2008

In the thirteenth chapter of the book of Revelation, John sees two "beasts.” These are symbolic descriptions of powerful world empires.

Beginning with Revelation 13:1, John sees in a vision a fantastic beast rising out of the sea, which has seven heads and ten horns. This beast received a deadly wound, but was healed. We explained in previous Q&A's and some of our booklets, that this beast describes the Roman Empire at the time of John, its subsequent fall and its ten revivals or resurrections throughout history until the time of Christ's return. The last and tenth resurrection is unfolding in Europe right now before our very eyes. (For more information, please read, for example, our free booklet, "Europe in Prophecy.")

Q: Do you believe that the "Virgin Mary" has appeared to children and others with messages from God?

Published: June 20th, 2008

We don't believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, appeared to anyone after she had died in the first century. Mary is dead and buried, sleeping the sleep of death in her grave, and awaiting her resurrection to eternal life at the time of Christ's return. The Bible makes it very clear that all who died in Christ will be resurrected when Christ comes back to this earth--not before then (compare 1 Corinthians 15:22-23, 50-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). As we explain in our free booklet, "Do We Have an Immortal Soul?", those who die sleep a dreamless sleep of death, without any knowledge, activity, consciousness or thought. For this reason alone, Mary could not have really appeared to anyone after she had died.

Q: Did Jesus violate His own words, when He first said to His disciples before His crucifixion that He would drink no more wine, and when He later drank wine before His death?

Published: July 11th, 2008

Actually, this question has puzzled quite a few people. It is important to read all the relevant passages in context.

We read in Matthew 26:27-29 that Jesus gave wine to the disciples, symbolizing His shed blood for the forgiveness of sins. The entire passage reads (Authorized Version throughout, unless otherwise mentioned):

"And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament [covenant], which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."

Q: Why did Jesus ask John just prior to His death to take care of His mother Mary?

Published: July 18th, 2008

Some have concluded that Jesus was Mary's only child, and that He therefore asked John to take care of His mother after His death, as there was nobody else in His immediate family who could have done so. However, this is not what the Bible teaches.

We read in John 19:25-27:

"Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother... When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, 'Woman, behold your son!' Then He said to the disciple, 'Behold your mother!' And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home."

Q: Since God has already qualified His people to be in His kingdom, isn't their salvation a fait accompli?

Published: August 1st, 2008

It most certainly is not, even though some within orthodox Christianity teach this false idea. The biblical teaching, however, is altogether different.

It is true that God WANTS those to be in His Kingdom whom He calls to salvation. And as we explain in our booklet, "Are You Predestined to Be Saved?", God is confident that His disciples WILL "make it" into His kingdom (compare Philippians 1:6). He knows that all those whom He has called now CAN make it. We even read that God has already "glorified" them (Romans 8:30), even though their glorification is still in the future. God is so confident that they will be glorified that He speaks of that future event as something which has already occurred (compare Romans 4:17).

Q: Would you please explain Hebrews 10:25. Why does Paul warn against "forsaking the assembling of ourselves together"?

Published: August 8th, 2008

Hebrews 10:24-26 reads, in context:

"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. For if we sin willfully, after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins."

We can clearly see from this passage that Paul warns us not to forsake the "assembling of ourselves together," as the consequence of doing so could lead to our committing the unpardonable sin.

What is meant by, "assembling of ourselves together"?

Note the following renderings, which make the intended meaning clearer:

Q: Would you please explain the "Vision of the High Priest," as recorded in Zechariah 3:1-10?

Published: October 10th, 2008

As is the case with all the visions given to Zechariah, the vision of the high priest relates foremost to our days--even though it might also refer to an initial and preliminary fulfillment at the time of Zechariah.

Zechariah 3:1-10 reads as follows:

Q: What is meant by the statement in Matthew 16:27 that refers to us being rewarded according to our works? What works are Christians supposed to perform?

Published: October 31st, 2008

Understanding the true application of what Jesus stated is vitally important, and far too many people misapply what is meant.

The exact quote from Matthew 16:27 is as follows: “‘For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.’”

This statement is amplified by Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”

The implication of Paul’s teaching points to how Christians fulfill their calling as members of the body of Christ—the Church of God (compare Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:24).

Q: Would you please explain 1 Timothy 2:1-2? How are we to pray for governmental leaders?

Published: November 28th, 2008

To properly understand what Paul is saying--and what he is not saying--let us read the entire passage of 1 Timothy 2:1-7, in context:

Q: Are Bible translations valid, and how can we really trust that we are able to understand the original meaning of Scripture?

Published: December 12th, 2008

Bible translations are most certainly the way we can understand the Word of God in our own language. The Bible offers proof of this fact, and it further reveals additional keys that will determine whether or not we have true understanding of what is written.

On the Day of Pentecost, miraculous events took place that included the giving of God’s Holy Spirit. Note what occurred:

Q: When reading the book of Zechariah, we find that God will bring terrible punishment on the modern descendants of the ancient houses of Israel and Judah. Why is God so angry with them?

Published: January 2nd, 2009

As it is rightly pointed out in the question, the punishment, as described in the book of Zechariah, deals foremost with the MODERN descendants of the ancient houses of Israel and Judah. It will be inflicted on them just prior to the return of Jesus Christ.

We understand that the modern descendants of the houses of Israel and Judah include the peoples of the USA, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, as well as the modern Jews (who live inside and outside the state of Israel). For more information, please read our free booklet, "The Fall and Rise of Britain and America."

Q: Was Rahab really a harlot?

Published: January 9th, 2009

The famous woman Rahab who helped the spies at the time of Joshua, is clearly identified in the Bible as a harlot or a prostitute. This is the obvious conclusion, when we just accept the relevant Scriptures on their face value.

Q: Would you please explain the meaning of the coronation of the High Priest Joshua, as reported in Zechariah 6:9-15.

Published: February 6th, 2009

We mentioned in a prior Update, when discussing the vision of the High Priest Joshua in Zechariah 3:1-10, that Joshua is a type of Jesus Christ. This fact becomes even more obvious in the passage, which describes the coronation of Joshua.

Zechariah 6:9-15 reads:

Q: Would you please explain James 1:14-15?

Published: March 20th, 2009

The passage reads:

"But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."

When and how does sin start? Does death only await us when sin is "full-grown"?

Vincent's Word Studies explains that the terms "drawn away" and "enticed" "are metaphors from hunting and fishing." It continues: "Drawn away, as beasts are enticed from a safecovert into a place beset with snares. Note the present participle, as indicating the progress of the temptation: 'is being drawn away.' Enticed-- As a fish with bait. Also the present participle."

We see, then, that a PROGRESSION is described.

Q: Are Christians subject to the command to not wear mixed fabrics as specified in Leviticus 19:19 and Deuteronomy 22:11?

Published: March 27th, 2009

As a first step in answering this puzzling question, we must understand that all of God’s commandments were given for the good of mankind! King David extolled God and continually praised Him for His Way: “…For all Your commandments are righteousness” (Psalm 119:172).

Very specifically, God chose the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, for a unique relationship with Him. Note what He offered to Israel:

“‘Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation…’” (Exodus 19:5-6).

Q: Why do some Christians eat fish on "Good Friday"?

Published: April 10th, 2009

It is a Catholic custom to abstain from eating meat on "Good Friday" and to eat fish instead. Where did this custom originate?

First, let us examine the precise nature of this custom.

We are quoting from an Internet Website:

Q: Does the Bible have anything to say about the way men and women should dress?

Published: April 24th, 2009

In fact, the Bible presents some very specific guidelines for the kinds of clothing and style that should be worn. In this Q&A, we are addressing the topic in a more general way. Subsequent Q&A's will address this topic, and related topics, in more detail.

While some may consider the Bible as being archaic, with little relevance for our day, quite the opposite is true! At the very outset, God gave man responsibility to care for the earthly realm (Compare Genesis 1:26-28). In particular, Adam was told to “tend and keep” the specially prepared Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15).

Q: What are the biblical principles regarding hair length and dress for men and women?

Published: May 1st, 2009

In last week's Q&A, we addressed some general principles regarding the kinds of clothing and style that should be worn. We emphasized the importance of right balance and modesty.

Paul also instructed the Church of God regarding the length of hair that both men and women should wear:

“Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering. But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God” (1 Corinthians 11:13-16).

Q: Would you please explain Mark 13:27?

Published: May 8th, 2009

Some have used this passage to teach a secret rapture just before or at the beginning of the Great Tribulation. However, that is not what Christ was referring to in this Scripture.

Mark 13:24-27 discusses the VISIBLE return of Jesus Christ (verse 26), AFTER the Great Tribulation and the heavenly signs (verse 24). Verse 27 reads: "And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of the earth to the farthest part of heaven."

In the past, we discussed at length the false teaching of a secret rapture. For more information, please re-read our Q&A on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

In that Q&A, we also wrote regarding Mark 13:27:

Q: What is your position on the death penalty?

Published: May 22nd, 2009

We find in the ninth chapter of the book of Genesis that, following the great flood by which God wiped out all existing mankind, save Noah and his family, God made a covenant with Noah. In that covenant, God emphasized the sanctity of human life.

Genesis 9:5-6 reads: “Surely for your lifeblood I will demand a reckoning… from the hand of man. From the hand of every man’s brother I will require the life of man. Whoever sheds man’s blood By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man.”

Q: Is there any validity to the claim that we can only be saved if we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior?

Published: June 5th, 2009

Although the biblical answer to this question is highly controversial, the Bible teaches very clearly that there is no other way to eternal salvation than through Jesus Christ. Non-christian religions reject this claim outright, and even many Christian organizations and denominations feel uncomfortable about this and think that they must apologize for the Scriptures and offer "alternatives," such as, "as long as we follow our conscience," or, "as long as we believe in someone or something," we are or will be saved.

Since we are not interested in humanly devised fables and interpretations, let us focus strictly on the clear teaching of the Bible.

Q: I have noticed several times in your literature that you say "Spiritual Israel" is the Church of God. How do you come to this conclusion, and are you saying that we must become an Israelite or a Jew to be accepted by God? If so, how do I become one if I am a “Gentile”?

Published: June 12th, 2009

The Bible does state that we can become part of the Israel of God in the following manner: “And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God” (Galatians 6:16).

If we choose to follow the Way of God, completely and fully, by following the lead of God's Holy Spirit dwelling within us, then we are the Israel of God or, in other words, Godly Israel or Spiritual Israel.

Q: What does it mean to bless our enemies and those who curse us?

Published: July 17th, 2009

Actually, the command to bless others even though they may not seem worthy of our blessing is to be found throughout the Bible.

We read in Matthew 5:44: "But I say to you, love your enemies, BLESS THOSE WHO CURSE YOU, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." (Compare, Luke 6:27-28).

Romans 12:14-20 adds:

"BLESS THOSE who persecute you; BLESS AND DO NOT CURSE... Repay no one evil for evil... If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves... If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Q: Does the Bible say anything about man's character development?

Published: July 24th, 2009

Actually, the Bible has quite a bit to say about this topic.

(1) To give a good definition of righteous character, as we want to apply this term in this Q&A, we would like to quote from several of Herbert Armstrong's writings, the late Pastor General of the Worldwide Church of God.

In "What Science Cannot Discover About the Human Mind," copyright 1978, he wrote about righteous character as "the ability in a single entity to come to comprehend and distinguish the true values from the false, the right way from the wrong, to choose the right and reject the wrong, and, with power of will, to do the right and resist the evil."

In "Mystery of the Ages," copyright 1985, he elaborated, as follows:

Q: You make continual reference to accomplishing “the work of God” in your publications and sermons; however, doesn’t the scripture in John 6:29 show that simply believing in Jesus Christ fulfills doing the work of God?

Published: August 7th, 2009

Understanding our part and responsibility regarding the work of God is a pivotal issue for those who claim to follow the Christian faith! The fact is that there is great confusion about exactly what the work of God means.

To truly comprehend what Jesus taught about the work of God, we must consider not only the verse in John, but, additionally, we need to compare other references in God’s Word. First, here is the text in question:

“Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent’” (John 6:29).

Q: Why was there slavery in the Old Testament? Why didn't the early apostles condemn slavery? Will there be slavery in the Millennium?

Published: August 14th, 2009

We can safely say that it was never God's intent for man to engage in the kind of slavery which has brought so much misery and pain on others. We can also say that it was never God's original intent that there should be any form of slavery. And we conclude that it will be very unlikely that there will be any slavery in the Millennium.

To give an overview of the ORIGIN of slavery in the Bible, let us quote from The Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics, by James Hastings:

Q: Would you please explain your understanding on healing, and what specific procedures do you apply in your Church for anointing and public prayer requests?

Published: August 21st, 2009

We have discussed the issue of physical healing in several of our Q&As, http://eternalgod.org/qa/4963, http://eternalgod.org/qa/3221, http://eternalgod.org/qa/3749, http://eternalgod.org/qa/2842 , and also at length in our free booklet, "Sickness and Healing--What the Bible Tells Us."

The following issues will be discussed in this Q&A:

--OUR BELIEF ON PHYSICAL HEALING
--WHAT TO DO WHEN WE ARE SICK
--WHY ANOINT WITH OIL?
--THE USE OF AN ANOINTED CLOTH
--DOES GOD HEAL ONLY BAPTIZED MEMBERS OF HIS CHURCH?

Q: In John 2:13-16 Jesus drove the money changers out of the Temple. Isn’t this an example when violent civil disobedience is acceptable?

Published: August 28th, 2009

First of all, let us read these verses in the book of John:

"Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. And He said to those who sold doves, 'Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!'”

Q: Would you please explain the meaning of Colossians 2:16-17?

Published: September 4th, 2009

We have explained this passage, in detail, in our booklets, "Is That in the Bible?--Man's Holidays or God's Holy Days," and "God's Commanded Holy Days." In these booklets, we show from Scripture that Colossians 2:16-17 does not teach--as many have erroneously concluded--that the weekly Sabbath and the seven annual Holy Days are no longer binding; in fact, correctly understood, that particular passage teaches the exact opposite.

Q: Would you please explain James 2:2?

Published: September 11th, 2009

James 2:2 contains a statement which, at first sight, may be difficult to understand, as it seems to contradict other biblical passages. A careful analysis of the Scripture shows, however, that there is no inconsistency, and that James addresses an important principle related to our Christian way of life.

James 2:1-6 reads, in context:

Q: Please explain John 7:39. Why was it necessary that Christ be glorified in order for man to receive the Holy Spirit?

Published: September 18th, 2009

In John 7:38, Christ spoke of the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the apostle John added in verse 39: "But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom [better: which] those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified."

Q: Could you give us some guidelines as to how to properly dress at Church services and social functions during the Feast of Tabernacles, especially at pool or beach parties?

Published: September 25th, 2009

We will be trying to answer this question as best as we can. In the past, the Worldwide Church of God attempted to strike a proper balance as to what is appropriate and inappropriate clothing, but in the process, some might have gone overboard at certain times by leaning too much to the "right" or to the "left." Occasionally, the Church was even accused of promoting a yard-stick religion, while at other times, it was perceived to allow for appearances which were clearly not in line with biblical standards.

Q: Philippians 2:5 states, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Does this mean that Christians no longer exercise free moral agency?

Published: October 23rd, 2009

Just the opposite is true! Christians still have to make a continuing choice to obey God and to reject the wrong way, and the Bible fully explains this most remarkable and foundational truth!

As a beginning point, we need to understand that God’s intentions have always been that mankind would ultimately be given the sustainable option to choose a path leading to life and reject the one leading to death. Chapters two and three of Genesis recount the epic account of how Adam and Eve chose to disobey God. From this record we see very clearly that God gave man an opportunity to choose for himself (compare verses 16-17).

Q: What does Paul mean when he says in Romans 13:8 that we must "owe no one anything except to love one another"?

Published: October 30th, 2009

Let us read the passage in context, beginning in Romans 13:8:

"Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not bear false witness,' 'You shall not covet,' and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does not harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment [better: fulfilling] of the law."

The Amplified Bible gives the following rendering, with the brackets in the original:

Q: Are there sins which are more serious than others? Are all of God's laws equal in importance?

Published: November 6th, 2009

We need to understand that Christ died for our sins, and sin is defined as the transgression of God's law (1 John 3:4, Authorized Version). In that sense, all of God's spiritual commandments are of equal importance, as Christ died for each and every one of our sins.

Q: Was Jesus married?

Published: November 13th, 2009

There is more to this question than first meets the eye!

To begin, there is no statement in the Bible which says or implies that Jesus was married to anyone. In fact, if He had exchanged vows with someone, the absence of any supporting Scripture would be strange, especially considering it was not out of the ordinary for the ordained men of God to have a wife. Paul points out in 1 Corinthians 9:5 that other apostles as well as the brothers of the Lord had wives that traveled with them. Matthew 8:14 also mentions Peter's wife in passing. In addition to this, the Bible also takes the time to mention Christ's brothers and sisters, some by name; His mother and step-father, who raised Him; His cousin, aunt and uncle; but never mentions a wife.

Q: 1 Timothy 6:10 says, in the Authorized Version that the "love of money is the root of all evil." Other translations say that it is "a" root. Which rendering is correct, and what does this passage mean?

Published: November 20th, 2009

It is true that many translations say that the "love of money is a root of all evil" (compare the New King James Bible; the New International Version; the Living Bible; the New Revised Standard Version; and the Amplified Bible). Other translations, besides the Authorized Version, maintain that it should say that "the love of money is THE root of all evil" (compare the Revised Standard Version; the Revised English Bible; the New American Bible; the New Jerusalem Bible; Moffat; Scofield; and Lamsa).

The Interlinear Literal Translation states that the original says, "For a root of all evils is the love of money," but it continues to render the phrase as: "For the love of money is the root of all evil."

Q: What, exactly, are the mansions in John 14:1-3, which Christ is preparing for His disciples?

Published: November 27th, 2009

Christ said the following in John 14:1-3:

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

First of all, please notice that after Jesus has prepared these "mansions," He will come again to the earth and receive His disciples to Himself so "that where I am, there you may be also." When Christ spoke these words, He was here on earth. That is where His disciples "may be also"--here on earth, not in heaven.

Q: You teach that Christians should not keep man's holidays, such as Christmas, but rather, they need to observe God's annual Holy Days. Why can't we do both? And what, exactly, are those annual Holy Days, and how are they different from days such as Christmas?

Published: December 11th, 2009

We are indeed close to the time of the year when people get all excited in anticipation of the Christmas season, complete with the hustle and bustle of shopping and, far too often, excesses both in over-spending, over-eating and over-drinking.

Far too many never seem to stop and think about the consequences of these excesses. Are people considering the fact that what is charged and overspent has to be paid back and sometimes at high interest rates, and that for a long time; also, that there are long range effects of excesses in eating and drinking to one's health; and finally, that there are terrible consequences for family relationships; especially, when arguments break out, leading to violence to the degree that someone loses his or her life?

Q: When Christ returns to set up the Kingdom of God, will He return visibly and bodily?

Published: January 1st, 2010

This seems to be a relatively simple matter to determine from the Bible, but there are myriads of different ideas that exist about this question. Let us look at some basic Scriptures.

In Matthew 24:26-30, Jesus Himself said:

Q: Could you explain the concept of "laying on of hands"?

Published: January 8th, 2010

The ceremony of "laying on of hands" is mentioned as one of the basic doctrines of God's Church (Hebrews 6:2). However, when reading quite a few commentaries, the very existence of that doctrine is commonly denied--nor is there any understanding as to what this doctrine contains.

Q: I was reading in Matthew tonight and came across Matthew 11:12: "‘And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.’" Can you shed any light on what this means?

Published: January 22nd, 2010

As a beginning point in answering your question, first consider these comments from the NASB Study Bible regarding “suffers violence,” as translated in Matthew 11:12: "The Greek here is taken in a passive sense. In this context its passive meaning is, ‘suffers violent attacks.’ The verse emphasizes the ongoing persecution of the people of the kingdom.”

The statement by Jesus in Matthew 11:12 reflects the violence of persecution against representatives of the Kingdom of God. Specifically, those in the forefront of proclaiming the future establishment of God’s Kingdom on the earth are targets of mortal violence.

Q: What is meant in John 1:14 that Jesus was "full of grace?"

Published: January 29th, 2010

John 1:14 says that ".. the Word [the "Logos," that is, Jesus Christ the Spokesman] became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory... full of grace and truth."

The Greek word "charis," which is commonly translated as "grace," has a variety of meanings. It can and very often does refer to God's forgiveness of our sins--His "unmerited pardon"--and to our justification. We read in Romans 3:24 that we are "being justified freely by His grace" (compare also Titus 3:7).

Q: Please explain what Jesus meant in His statement found in Luke 16:16—especially, regarding the Kingdom of God, when He said, “‘…and everyone is pressing into it.’”

Published: February 5th, 2010

In the context of this verse, the account shows that Jesus was reacting to the rejection of His teaching by the Pharisees (compare verse 14). In Luke 16:13, Jesus concluded a parable with this admonition, “‘…You cannot serve God and mammon’”—a statement that challenged the Pharisaical practices!

Continuing in Luke 16:15-16:

“And He said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

“‘The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it.’”

Q: What was the exact hour of Christ's crucifixion (compare Mark 15:33-37)?

Published: February 12th, 2010

At first glance, it might appear that the accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John gave inconsistent times pertaining to Christ's crucifixion. However, this is not the case. Apparent inconsistencies are explained when we realize that Matthew, Mark and Luke used the Jewish reckoning of time, while John gave the Roman reckoning.

(1) According to the JEWISH reckoning, a day of 24 hours duration begins at sunset and ends at sunset, and the (approximate) twelve hours of the daylight portion BEGIN WITH SUNRISE, while the (approximate) twelve hours of the night portion BEGIN WITH SUNSET.

Q: Would you please explain what Paul meant in 1 Corinthians 5:5, saying that a sinner in the Church should be delivered to Satan for the destruction of the flesh?

Published: February 19th, 2010

Although the correct answer can be easily ascertained from the Scriptures, many commentaries are actually confused regarding the meaning of this passage. Paul said, in context, in 1 Corinthians 5:1-5:

Q: Why does the Church of God keep the annual Passover one day earlier than the Jews?

Published: March 19th, 2010

It is indeed correct that the Church of God keeps the Passover one day earlier than the Jews do today. The reason is that based on the Bible, the Jews keep the Passover one day too late.

This year, the Church of God keeps the annual Passover on Sunday evening, March 28, after sunset. However, the Jews keep the Passover, beginning on Monday evening, March 29, after sunset. As we said, they keep it one day too late. They keep the Passover when the Bible commands to keep the "Night to Be Much Observed"--two totally different and separate occasions.

Please notice our comments in our free booklet, "The Meaning of God's Spring Holy Days":

Q: Would you please explain Revelation 12:17?

Published: March 26th, 2010

Reading Revelation 12:17 in context, it shows that in the future, just prior to Christ's return, some in God's Church will be protected from the Great Tribulation and Satan's wrath, while other Christians will have to go through that terrible time of martyrdom.

Revelation 12:17 reads: "And the dragon [Satan the devil] was enraged with the woman [the Church of God], and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."

We begin our discussion of this passage by quoting from chapter 13 of our free booklet, "Is That in the Bible?--The Mysteries of the Book of Revelation":

Q: Would you please explain Matthew 24:20?

Published: April 2nd, 2010

In Matthew 24, containing the famous "Olivet prophecy," Jesus Christ explained the "sign of His coming and the end of the age" (verse 3). After discussing the "beginning of sorrows" (verse 8), He pointed at the worldwide preaching of the gospel (verse 14), followed by the Great Tribulation (beginning with verse 15). In that context, Jesus said, in verses 19-22:

Q: Would you please explain Zechariah 13:3?

Published: April 9th, 2010

The passage in question refers to the time of the Millennium, after Christ's return, when the Kingdom of God will be established here on earth.

Zechariah 13:2-3 reads:

"'(Verse 2) It shall be in that day,' says the LORD of hosts, 'that I will cut off the names of the idols from the land, and they shall no longer be remembered. I will also cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to depart from the land. (Verse 3) It shall come to pass that if anyone still prophesies, then his father and mother who begot him will say to him,"'You shall not live, because you have spoken lies in the name of the LORD." And his father and mother who begot him shall thrust him through when he prophesies...'"

Q: If Isaiah 53 prophesies about the first coming of Jesus Christ, why do the Jews reject this understanding?

Published: May 7th, 2010

It is true that most Jews today do not consider the passage in Isaiah 53 as a prophecy pertaining to the first coming of the Messiah. We will discuss their rationale later in this Q&A. First, let us briefly point out that Jesus Christ was and is the Messiah; and that He fulfilled precisely the prophecy in Isaiah 53.

For instance, Isaiah 53:1 ("Who has believed our report?") is quoted in John 12:37-38 in reference to Jesus.

Isaiah 53:3 ("He is despised and rejected by men") finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ (compare John 1:10-11; Luke 19:14; Mark 6:3).

Isaiah 53:4 ("Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows") is quoted in Matthew 8:17 in reference to Jesus.

Q: Why did Sarah lie?

Published: June 25th, 2010

Sarah, the wife of Abraham, is described in Scripture as a faithful and righteous woman (Isaiah 51:1-2; Hebrews 11:11; 1 Peter 3:5-6). Still, we read that she broke the ninth commandment and lied on several occasions. There are mainly two different sets of circumstances, inducing Sarah to lie.

Sarah's first lie is recorded in Genesis 18. God appeared with two angels to Abraham and Sarah and promised them that they would have a son within a year. Genesis 18:11-15 states:

Q: Did the Father really forsake Christ?

Published: July 16th, 2010

When Jesus was dying a terrible death on the cross, He cried out, just before He died, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46). Did He really mean it? Did the Father forsake Him at that moment? If so, why? And if not, why would Jesus have uttered those words?

Some, not understanding the significance and deep meaning of Christ's words, say that He just shouted out these words to fulfill a prophecy from Psalm 22:1. They contend that Jesus repeated the words written down by David in the Old Testament, just to show that He was the Messiah.

Q: Please explain the passage in Habakkuk 1:5

Published: July 23rd, 2010

Even though most scholars feel that the prophet Habakkuk ministered during the "death throes" of the ancient nation of Judah--just prior to their Babylonian captivity--nothing is known about the prophet, including his age or his family.

It is clear, however, that Habakkuk's writings are not limited to the time of ancient Judah. Rather, the book of Habakkuk is a prophecy about our times today. For instance, we read in Habakkuk 2:1-3:

Q: Acts 2:44 describes the beginning of the Church of God, and it states that everyone “had all things in common.” How does this apply, today?

Published: July 30th, 2010

As other Scriptures show, this event was unique to that time in the building of the Church of God; however, this example also reveals the type of commitment that may be needed when the necessity arises.

The context of this account happened surrounding the Day of Pentecost and then the immediate period of time subsequent—perhaps several weeks and months.

Let’s first take a look at the account as recorded in Acts 2:42-47:

Q: If Satan cannot heal, how do you explain "miraculous healings," which apparently do not originate with God?

Published: August 20th, 2010

In our last Q&A, we explained that God did not give Satan or his demons the power to heal human beings. In this Q&A, we want to explain "miraculous healings," "caused" by Satan, which, upon further scrutiny, prove to be not true healings at all.

In our free booklet, "Angels, Demons and the Spirit World," we wrote the following in Part 2, "The World of Demons," on pages 42-44, 51:

Q: How can we have complete or full joy in our lives?

Published: August 27th, 2010

In John 17:13, we read: "But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they [His disciples] may have MY JOY fulfilled in them."

Q: What would have happened if Adam and Eve had eaten from the tree of life? What kind of a world would we have today? Would they still have sinned from time to time? If so, what would have been the consequence?

Published: September 3rd, 2010

First, let us explain what the two trees in the Garden of Eden symbolized.

We are quoting the following excerpts from chapter 2 of our free booklet, "Human Suffering--Why...And How Much Longer?" :

"When God created the first human being, Adam, and his wife, Eve, He placed them in a garden—the Garden of Eden, also called Paradise. God also created two special trees in this garden—the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He told man that he was allowed to eat from all the trees in the garden with the exception of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This means that man could eat, and should have eaten, from the tree of life.

Q: Why don’t you preach the truth door to door?

Published: September 10th, 2010

We realise that some groups approach the preaching of the gospel by going from door to door. But this is not in accordance with Scripture, and it can do more harm than good.

First of all, we have to realise that this is not the only day of salvation. In 2 Corinthians 6:2, it states the following: "For He says: 'In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you..'." We have long understood that this verse is a mistranslation of Isaiah 49:8 where it states that this is "a day of salvation" (Authorized Version). If today was the only day of salvation, then Satan, who has the world in the palm of his hand, would be winning the battle outright. Of course, that is not the case.

Q: Would you please explain Hebrews 13:9? Doesn't Paul teach here that we are free to eat whatever "meat" we want?

Published: October 22nd, 2010

Let us read Hebrews 13:9 in context, including verses 10-16:

Q: Why do you teach that Jesus Christ is God? Others say that He is an angel, or that He is an immortal or glorified man, but not God.

Published: October 29th, 2010

The Bible teaches very clearly that Jesus Christ is God. As we will see in future Q&A's, the Bible also explains that Jesus Christ was God before His birth as a human being; who and what the Father is; and what is the potential of man. In this Q&A, we will address the biblical proof that Jesus Christ is God today.

In our free booklet, "Jesus Christ--A Great Mystery," we are stating the following:

Q: Who was Jesus Christ when He was here on earth about 2,000 years ago?

Published: November 12th, 2010

We have discussed in previous Q&As http://www.eternalgod.org/qa/9508 http://www.eternalgod.org/qa/9483 that Jesus Christ was God before He came to this earth, and that He is God today. From this it follows that He was and had to be God--the "Immanuel" or "God with us"--when He came to this earth during His First Coming. As we saw in the last Q&A, He confirmed this fact to the Jews at His time, when He called Himself the "I am"--the Everlasting One--the God of the Old Testament.

Q: You say that Jesus Christ was God since all eternity, and that He is God today. What about the Father? Isn't He God? How can there be two "Gods"?

Published: November 19th, 2010

As we explained in previous Q&As, (Who Was Jesus When On Earth?, What Was Jesus Before His Birth as a Man?, and Is Jesus God?) Jesus Christ--the Word or Logos or Son of God--was "WITH" God since all eternity, and He also "WAS" God. The difficulty in understanding this fact may be easily resolved when we recognize that the word "God" is a NAME that can refer to both the Father and the Son. It is, in fact, a FAMILY name. Ephesians 3:14–15 confirms this truth, telling us that it is "the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole FAMILY in heaven and earth is NAMED."

Q: What does Christ mean when He refers to the many who are “called” and to the few who are “chosen” as recorded in Matthew 22:14?

Published: December 3rd, 2010

Verse 14 summarizes the Parable of the Wedding Feast spoken by Jesus Christ in which He teaches about the Kingdom of God and about the accountability that people have when God offers them salvation—that is, eternal life (compare Matthew 24:1-14).

Contrary to what many teach and who say that parables were used by Christ to make His teaching more clear, just the opposite is true. The Bible addresses this:

“All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: ‘I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world’” (Matthew 13:34-35).

Q: Would you please explain Mark 2:27-28? In what way is Jesus “Lord of the Sabbath?” Since man was not made for the Sabbath, can we therefore work on the Sabbath?

Published: December 24th, 2010

To answer these and related questions, it is important to explain some of the background and to look at the context of the Scripture.

Q: Why do you teach that God consists of two Persons when the Bible says in Deuteronomy 6:4 that there is only one God?

Published: December 31st, 2010

First, we need to understand from the context what is meant with “one.” Christ said that the Father and He are ONE (John 10:30). Christ was not saying that the Father and He were one being. Rather, He addressed the concept of complete unity between the Father and Him. There was and always will be total harmony between the two members of the God Family. In fact, Christ won a legal argument with the Pharisees by proving that the Father and He, although “one,” were TWO beings (John 8:17–18).

Q: What is the disposition of the tares, mentioned in Matthew 13:24-30, 37-43?

Published: January 7th, 2011

In order to offer an accurate analysis of the fate of the “tares,” we need to look at the entire parable in Matthew 13, in its context. Beginning with verse 24, Jesus states:

Q: It seems that many people are pushing the purchase of gold and silver these days, and their price seems to really be going up and up. But the Bible says that in the end time, it will all be worthless. What thoughts can you offer, please?

Published: January 14th, 2011

The basic economics of what is happening now in the United States is actually in line with prophecy. Gold (as well as silver) has an inverse relationship to the US dollar (USD). There are other factors (such as demand) that contribute to the price of gold going up, but as the value of the USD goes down and becomes weaker, it takes more USD to buy an ounce of gold. Hence we see one of the reasons that this precious metal is going up in price. Many investors see the power of the USD diminishing and are putting their money in gold (or elsewhere) as a hedge in an effort to offset exposure to price changes and to minimize risk.

Q: I understand that the Jewish people, at the Feast of Purim, are allowed and even encouraged to use this day to celebrate and get drunk. Surely this behaviour cannot be right even for just one day a year?

Published: February 4th, 2011

First, let us explain that the Feast of Purim is not one of God’s commanded Holy Days. It is celebrated by the Jews, and observing the Purim Feast by them is, per se, not against Scripture. As a Jew, Jesus would have kept the Feast of Purim, although there is no specific reference in the New Testament that He did. But as it is pointed out in the Question, many times the way in which it is celebrated is clearly against God’s commandments.

The date for Purim in 2010 was February 28th and this year will be on March 20th.

Wikipedia makes the following comments about this festival:

Q: Every splinter group or offshoot of the Worldwide Church of God claims to be God’s true church. What do you say of yourselves?

Published: February 11th, 2011

The importance of this question, and its answer, can be found in the Word of God—in writings that very specifically address what has, what is and what will happen to the people of God in this, our generation!

The Worldwide Church of God was the culmination of the calling and life’s work of Herbert W. Armstrong in re-establishing the Truth of God as it was revealed and practiced in the early New Testament Church. Following his death in 1986, an insidious change infiltrated the Worldwide Church of God through the introduction of another “gospel”—one taught by most of the prevailing churches which claim to be Christian but which neither know God nor obey the gospel of Jesus Christ (compare 2 Thessalonians 1:8; Matthew 7:21-23 and Galatians 1:6-9).

Q: Was Jesus a homeless vagabond or a hippie, wandering around, without a place to live in?

Published: February 18th, 2011

Sadly, many have a totally wrong concept as to how Jesus Christ lived when He was here on earth. They might have read Scriptures saying that even though He was rich, He became poor (2 Corinthians 8:9), not realizing that Paul is using a comparison between the richness of the immortal God who owns everything, and, in contrast, the poverty of man whose insignificant riches might be here today and gone tomorrow (compare Proverbs 23:4-5).

But Jesus Christ was by no means a vagabond or a hippy. Even though some claim, for instance, that He wore long hair, the Bible is very clear that He did not (compare 1 Corinthians 11:14). [For more information, please read our Q&A, Did Jesus Wear Long Hair?].

Q: Who is “that” prophet, mentioned by Moses in the book of Deuteronomy?

Published: February 25th, 2011

The Old and the New Testament speak about the appearance of “THE” or “THAT” prophet. The concept of such a prophet is first introduced in Deuteronomy 18:15, when Moses announces to the people:

“The LORD your God will raise for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear.”

In his speech before the Sanhedrin, Stephen makes reference to this passage, in Acts 7:37.

Q: Would you please explain 1 Timothy 4:1-5? Doesn’t this passage do away with the distinction between clean and unclean animals?

Published: March 4th, 2011

Many try to use this passage to “prove” that we are allowed today to eat whatever man in his twisted mind has decided to devour—including the meat from pigs, dogs, monkeys, rats, cats, squirrels, as well as frogs, snails, ants, scorpions, snakes, lobster, shrimp, shellfish and oysters, just to name a few. However, this is most certainly not what the passage conveys.

1 Timothy 4:1-5 reads, in context:

Q: Would you please explain 1 John 3:9?

Published: March 11th, 2011

The passage in 1 John 3:9 reads, according to the New King James Bible:

“Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.”

Q: What must I do to convert to Christianity?

Published: March 18th, 2011

Many feel it is only necessary to “say” that we accept and believe in Christ. Nothing could be further from the truth. Outside of the fact that this is nebulous and undefined, it is not what the Bible reveals as being required to become a Christian.

True conversion is a spiritual change from sinfulness to righteousness. This does not and cannot happen in an instant. It is a Godly change in our character and actions, from the carnal person we were, to one that God wants us to become. This transformation does not happen by fiat, as many suppose.

Q: Could you provide a list regarding leavened and unleavened products?

Published: April 1st, 2011

As many of our readers know, the Church of the Eternal God and its affiliates, the Global Church of God in the UK and the Church of God, a Christian Fellowship in Canada, as well as the Kirche des Ewigen Gottes in Germany, observe the annual Festival of the Days of Unleavened Bread. God commands us that during the seven days of that Festival, all leavened products have to be removed from our houses, and that only unleavened products are to be consumed during that time.

Q: Did animal sacrifices provide for forgiveness of sin?

Published: April 8th, 2011

We read in the New Testament that animal sacrifices did not forgive sin, nor did they clean or purify the ancient Israelites from an evil conscience. That was never the purpose of the animal sacrifices. Forgiveness of sin and the opportunity to inherit eternal life was only made possible through the supreme Sacrifice of Jesus Christ (John 3:14-17).

Hebrews 10:1-4 makes it very clear that animal sacrifices were just reminders of sins, but that they could not take away or forgive sin. They were foreshadowing the death of Christ. We read:

Q: Would you please explain 1 John 5:6-8?

Published: April 15th, 2011

1 John 5:4-8 reads, in context:

“(Verse 4) For whatever is born [better here: begotten] of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. (Verse 5) Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (Verse 6) This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who [better: which] bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. (Verse 7) For there are three that bear witness (in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. (Verse 8) And there are three that bear witness on earth): the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.”

Q: Does what Jesus said, as recorded in Matthew 26:24, imply that Judas was lost?

Published: April 29th, 2011

The answer is, “No.” In our Q&A published in the Update of April 22, 2011, the question of whether or not Judas committed the “unpardonable sin” is addressed. It was pointed out, among other things, that Judas had never received the Holy Spirit prior to his death. We will now address the specific question that arises from Matthew 26:24, which reads:

“‘The Son of Man goes as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.’” Compare Mark 14:21 and Luke 22:22.

Q: When an offering is taken up at the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the congregations, the members are asked to give their offerings on the first day and also the seventh day of the Feast (the annual Sabbaths of unleavened bread). But we read in Scripture that we are commanded to make an offering made by fire for seven days and not only on the two Sabbaths! Why then do you not require for your members to give a money offering seven times, once on each day?

Published: May 6th, 2011

The Scripture that you are referring to is found in Leviticus 23:6-8, “And on the fifteenth day of the same [first] month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD; seven days you must eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall do no customary work on it. But you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD for seven days. The seventh day shall be a holy convocation; you shall do no customary work on it.' "

It is correct that we should be keeping this Feast as well the other five annual Holy Days mentioned in this chapter. (For more information, please read our free booklet, “God’s Commanded Holy Days.” ). But there are a couple of other points that are noteworthy.

Q: Politicians often have to compromise to achieve their goals. Wouldn’t it be acceptable for Christians to compromise at times, if it is a means of setting a good example or preaching the gospel?

Published: July 15th, 2011

The short answer is that it most certainly is not acceptable for a true Christian to compromise his or her Christian beliefs for any reason whatsoever.

What is compromise? A compromise is an agreement (or proposed agreement) to accept a situation in which the parties get variations from what they originally sought, to achieve a compatible outcome. It can also be defined as an amicable agreement between parties in controversy, to settle their differences by mutual concession.

Q: I have heard three or four different explanations of Luke 16:9 but none of them completely marry up with all the other Scriptures in the Bible. What would be the correct interpretation of it?

Published: August 12th, 2011

In the parable of the “unjust steward,” as recorded in Luke 16:1-13, we find the overseer for a rich man's business in trouble for mismanaging the day to day affairs. When called on the carpet, the steward then mounts a campaign to quickly settle some of the debts he has been remiss in and is subsequently commended for being so shrewd (compare verses 1-8).

Q: Do you have any guidelines for preparing and giving a sermonette?

Published: August 26th, 2011

As we pointed out in a previous Q&A, discussing opening and closing prayers, the Church of the Eternal God in the USA and its corporate affiliates, the Global Church of God in the UK, and the Church of God, a Christian Fellowship in Canada, trace their roots to the Worldwide Church of God under the late Herbert W. Armstrong (who died in 1986). During his lifetime, Mr. Armstrong established the way in which Church of God services should be conducted, and we have substantially adopted these procedures. As a consequence, our weekly and annual Sabbath services include opening and closing prayers, a song service, announcements, occasional special music presentations (especially during the Feast of Tabernacles), and a sermonette and a

Q: Jesus instructed His disciples to make their requests to the Father in His name. What does that actually mean, and how should this be done?

Published: September 2nd, 2011

Specifically, in the book of John, Jesus instructed His disciples about prayer. In the hours before His death, He revealed that they would now have access to the Father—but that He, Jesus, was the means by which that would be possible.

Here are the relevant verses:

“‘And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it’” (John 14:13-14).

“‘You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you’” (John 15:16).

Q: You recently wrote in one of your Q&As that Arabs were present in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost in 31 AD, when the Holy Spirit was given. This seems to be incorrect as Gentiles were only admitted much later to the Church of God, beginning with the Roman centurion Cornelius.

Published: September 16th, 2011

You seem to be referring to our Q&A on Saudi Arabia, where we wrote the following:

“Turning to the New Testament, we find that Arabs were present in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost when God poured out His Holy Spirit on the New Testament Church (Acts 2:11), and that Paul, after his conversion, went to Arabia (Galatians 1:17) and stayed there for a while, perhaps, as Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible suggests, to associate with those Arabs who had been converted on the Day of Pentecost.”

Q: As we are commanded to give offerings on God’s annual Holy Days, how much should we give?

Published: October 7th, 2011

No specific amount in regard to Holy Day offerings is mentioned, but God’s Word includes guidelines and principles that can help us to decide how much to give.

Firstly, we must keep in mind that we cannot out-give God. Secondly, those of us who have been in the Church of God for a while know about the existence of the annual Holy Days and God’s command to give an offering on those days. We have time to prepare and save for these offerings so that we do not have to make a last minute decision as to how much we may want to give on a particular Holy Day.

In a recent Editorial in Update #484 (for the week ending March 18, 2011), titled, “Offerings,” we said the following:

Q: Are we born with an evil “human nature” that we are bound by throughout the days of our lives?

Published: December 16th, 2011

In looking at mankind in the past and present, we see a commonality throughout cultures for a disposition towards the same attitudes, feelings and emotions. Of more concern are the baser inclinations of man that have led to all evils that have existed in the world. Some may conclude that mankind is born this way.

As discussed in a previous Q&A, Adam and Eve were not created with this nature, but rather had it shaped and influenced by Satan (Also, please see our second Q&A on the subject). But once they had acquired it, it did not mean that their descendants would automatically have it as well.

Q: Can you please elaborate on what is meant by the phrase “in the likeness of sinful flesh”?

Published: January 6th, 2012

In a recent Q&A ("Bound by Human Nature?") we mentioned the following in the context of the false concept that we are born with an evil human nature:

“Also, if it was passed on genetically, then Christ could not have lived a sinless life, having been born of Mary - but He did (Hebrews 4:15). Of course, we read that Christ came in the likeness of sinful flesh (Romans 8:3), as He was begotten in Mary's womb and born of her. He had human nature, but He never sinned, showing that His nature or flesh did not automatically force Him to sin.”

While many do not recognize this truth, they are willing to concede the fact that Christ was not born into a sinful situation though they believe that the rest of mankind was.

Q: Is the true Church of God a Sect?

Published: January 13th, 2012

A “sect” may be defined as “a body of persons agreed upon religious doctrines usually different from those of an established or orthodox church from which they have separated; non-conformist or other church as described by opponents.”
 
The terms “cult” and “sect” are often used interchangeably; a sect is usually connected with religion and a cult may be – but many things outside the religious arena can also be classified as cultish. Certain television programmes may have a cult following – never a sect following.
 

Q: What does the Bible say about Christ’s battle with hostile armies at the time of His return?

Published: February 3rd, 2012

In previous Q&A’s, discussing the seventh plague of the seventh trumpet, mentioned in the Book of Revelation http://www.eternalgod.org/qa/11097 , and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, http://www.eternalgod.org/qa/11159 we described the resurrection and the change of the saints. As immortal beings and born-again members of the Family and Kingdom of God, they will meet the returning Christ in the air and descend with Him on the Mount of Olives, where Christ’s decisive battle against the evil forces of this world will take place.

Q: What will Jesus do after Satan has been banished?

Published: February 24th, 2012

In a previous Q&A on Daniel 9, we explained that Jesus, the Messiah, would be cut off after His public ministry, but not for Himself (verse 26); and that He will confirm a covenant for a week; but that in the middle of the week, He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering (verse 27). We explained that Jesus Christ was killed quite literally in the middle of the week—on a Wednesday—in 31 A.D. In addition, we showed that He began His public ministry of one prophetic week [of seven prophetic days or seven literal years, applying the principle of “one day for one year” (Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:3-6)], but that He was killed or cut off after 3 ½ years of His public ministry. He began preaching publically in the year of 27 A.D., and He

Q: Does Ezekiel 38 describe events before, during or after the Millennium?

Published: March 2nd, 2012

The events described in Ezekiel 38 and 39 will occur after Christ’s return, at the very beginning of His rule over mankind—not 1,000 years later. In a previous Q&A, we discussed the fact that Jesus Christ will have to complete 3 ½ years of His public ministry to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, before His rule over all nations in the Millennium can really begin to flourish. We saw that Christ will free the modern descendants of the houses of Israel and Judah from captivity and bring them into the Promised Land. They will build the waste cities and inhabit them, live in peace and safety, and God will forgive all their iniquities and enter with them into the conditions of the new covenant.

Q: What exactly did Christ do for us, and what can and should we do in return?

Published: March 9th, 2012

As we approach the Passover season, it might be a good time to analyze exactly what Christ did for mankind, and how we can reciprocate, and what we ought to do for God.

Q: Why will there be animal sacrifices in the future? Did not Christ abolish them when He died?

Published: March 16th, 2012

The Bible shows that at the beginning of the Millennium, after Gog’s armies were destroyed (compare Ezekiel 38 and 39), God will reinstitute animal sacrifices at a newly built temple in Jerusalem. It is possible that the Jews will build a third temple PRIOR to Christ’s return, which will survive the partial end-time destruction of the city of Jerusalem and which will be identical with the millennial temple, described in the book of Ezekiel (compare our Q&A http://www.eternalgod.org/qa/5352 , answering the question whether the Jews will build a temple in Jerusalem prior to Christ’s return. Compare also another Q&A on the same topic, http://www.eternalgod.org/qa/782 ).