Q: Paul writes many times about "Jews" and "Greeks" or "Gentiles." Compare, for example, Romans 2:9-10, 14, 17, 24. Does this mean that the term "Jew" only refers to the house of Judah, while all other tribes of the house of Israel are "Gentiles"?

Published: January 28th, 2005

The Bible distinguishes between the house of Israel (also referred to as the lost ten tribes) and the house of Judah, or the Jews. At the time of Paul, the house of Judah was politically composed of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, and part of Levi. A careful study of Paul's writings reveals that he uses the term "Jew" many times as a SUMMARY TERM, which also includes all the tribes of the house of Israel; for instance, Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh), Simeon, Levi, and Reuben.

Q: What is the significance of the "firstfruits" as referred to in 1 Corinthians 15:20 and James 1:18?

Published: November 25th, 2005

1 Corinthians 15:20 says that "...Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the FIRSTFRUITS of those who have fallen asleep." James 1:18, however, refers to Christ's true disciples, in this day and age, calling THEM firstfruits: "Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of FIRSTFRUITS of His creatures."

We also read in additional passages that true Christians, who are called to the truth and to salvation in this day and age, are referred to as "firstfruits":

Revelation 14:4 says: "These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being FIRSTFRUITS to God and to the Lamb."

Q: I noticed that you use the expression, "We must accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior." This expression is used by many Protestant churches, to say that Christ accepts us as we are, without any need on our part to change. I know that you don't teach that, but wouldn't it be better to avoid using the expression to "accept Christ as our personal Savior"?

Published: August 23rd, 2003

It is, of course, true that the Bible teaches that we must change, and that Jesus Christ does not accept us "as we are." Our new booklet, "Baptism -- a Requirement for Salvation?" explains in detail that we must repent BEFORE Christ accepts us -- and, before we can properly "accept" Him.

The mere fact that some misuse and misapply a certain Biblical term is not enough reason for us not to use it. For instance, many preach a wrong gospel message (compare Galatians 1:6-9), or even a false "Jesus" (compare 2 Corinthians 11:4). This does not mean, however, that God's Church should therefore refrain from using the terms "gospel" or "Jesus."

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).