Question 1

Who is the Holy Spirit in Christian theology?

Accepted Answer

In Christian theology, the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, co-equal with God the Father and God the Son (Jesus Christ). The Holy Spirit is fully God, possessing the same divine nature, power, and eternity as the other persons of the Trinity. He is not merely a force or impersonal energy but a personal being who interacts with humanity through guidance, conviction, and empowerment.

The Holy Spirit's role is multifaceted: He inspired the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16), convicts the world of sin (John 16:8), regenerates believers at salvation, and indwells them as a seal of their redemption. He also equips Christians for service by granting spiritual gifts and producing fruit in their lives, such as love, joy, and peace. Additionally, the Holy Spirit intercedes for believers in prayer and guides them into truth.

In mainstream evangelical thought, the Holy Spirit is essential for Christian living, empowering believers to fulfill God’s mission. Key scriptures include John 14:26, where Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as a Helper who teaches and reminds, and Acts 1:8, where the Spirit empowers witnesses for Christ. Thus, the Holy Spirit is central to both personal faith and the church’s mission.

Question 2

Is Jesus truly good according to biblical teaching?

Accepted Answer

According to mainstream evangelical Christian theology, Jesus is indeed considered truly good, as affirmed by biblical teachings. This perspective is grounded in the understanding of Jesus as the incarnation of God, who is inherently good. In the Gospels, Jesus himself emphasizes his divine origin and goodness, saying, "No one is good—except God alone" (Mark 10:18, NIV). This statement implies that Jesus, being one with God, is inherently good.

Jesus' actions and teachings throughout the New Testament further exemplify his goodness. He consistently demonstrates compassion, healing, and forgiveness. For instance, in Matthew 9:36, Jesus is described as having compassion on the crowds, "because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." His sacrificial love is epitomized in his willingness to lay down his life for humanity's salvation, as stated in John 15:13: "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends" (NIV).

Thus, from an evangelical Christian perspective, Jesus embodies perfect goodness through his divine nature, compassionate actions, and sacrificial love, aligning with the biblical portrayal of him as the ultimate moral exemplar.

Question 3

What does the Bible say about women serving as pastors?

Accepted Answer

The question of women serving as pastors is a debated topic within evangelical Christianity, often centered around differing interpretations of Scripture. The Bible presents passages that both challenge and support the idea of women in pastoral roles. Key scriptures often cited include 1 Timothy 2:12, where the Apostle Paul states, "I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet" (NIV). This verse is interpreted by some as a prohibition against women serving as pastors or elders, emphasizing traditional gender roles within church leadership.

Conversely, other passages highlight prominent female leaders in the early church. For example, Romans 16:1-2 refers to Phoebe as a "servant" (often translated "deacon") of the church in Cenchreae, suggesting that women held significant roles in ministry. Additionally, Galatians 3:28 asserts, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (NIV), which some interpret as supporting gender equality in church leadership.

Thus, while traditional interpretations often restrict pastoral roles to men, many evangelical denominations increasingly recognize women as pastors, reflecting a broader hermeneutical approach that considers cultural context and the overarching biblical narrative of equality and service.

Question 4

What does the Bible teach about homosexuality and God's design for sexuality?

Accepted Answer

The Bible's teachings on homosexuality and God's design for sexuality are rooted in the broader context of creation and moral law. According to mainstream evangelical Christian perspectives, the Bible presents marriage as a covenantal union between one man and one woman, intended for companionship, procreation, and reflecting God's relationship with His people (Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:31-32). In this view, sexual relations are to be confined within this marital bond.

Scriptures such as Leviticus 18:22 and Romans 1:26-27 address homosexual acts, describing them as contrary to God's design. Leviticus 18:22 states, "Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable." Similarly, Romans 1:26-27 discusses how men and women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones, indicating a departure from God's intended order.

Evangelicals believe that while the Bible identifies homosexual behavior as sin, it also emphasizes God's love and grace. Passages like 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 highlight that transformation and redemption are available through Jesus Christ. The overarching biblical message calls for love, compassion, and the pursuit of holiness, urging believers to uphold biblical sexual ethics while extending grace to all individuals.

Question 5

What does James 4 teach about resisting temptation and drawing near to God?

Accepted Answer

James 4 offers practical and spiritual guidance on resisting temptation and drawing near to God, emphasizing humility and submission. The chapter begins by addressing the source of conflicts and temptations, pointing to worldly desires and pride within us (James 4:1-3). To resist temptation, James urges believers to submit to God and resist the devil, promising that the devil will flee (James 4:7). This resistance is not merely willpower but a deliberate choice to align with God’s will over personal desires.

Drawing near to God is central to this process. James instructs believers to approach God with humility, cleanse their hands, and purify their hearts, acknowledging their sinfulness (James 4:8). This act of drawing near is reciprocal—God promises to draw near to those who seek Him. Humility is key; James warns against pride and calls for repentance, assuring that God exalts the humble (James 4:10). By rejecting worldly friendships and embracing God’s grace, believers can overcome temptation and grow in intimacy with Him. Ultimately, James 4 teaches that resisting temptation and drawing near to God require intentional submission, humility, and reliance on His strength.

Question 6

Why is lying considered a sin in Christianity?

Accepted Answer

In Christianity, lying is considered a sin because it contradicts the nature of God, who is truth (John 14:6). Scripture emphasizes that God detests falsehood and values truthfulness, as seen in Proverbs 12:22: "The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy." Lying undermines the foundational relationship of trust between individuals and disrupts communal harmony, which is contrary to God's desire for His creation to live in love and truth. Moreover, lying is associated with the devil, who is referred to as "the father of lies" (John 8:44). This association highlights that lying aligns one with forces opposed to God’s will and character. In the Ten Commandments, the directive against bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16) underscores the importance of truthfulness in maintaining justice and righteous relationships. From an evangelical perspective, followers of Christ are called to emulate Jesus, who is the embodiment of truth, aligning their lives with God’s principles. Thus, lying is not merely a moral failing but a spiritual issue that distances believers from God and His truth, disrupting the transformative work of sanctification in a believer's life.

Question 7

Is it biblically acceptable to tell a white lie?

Accepted Answer

From a mainstream evangelical Christian perspective, telling a white lie—intentionally deceiving someone, even with good intentions—is generally not considered biblically acceptable. The Bible emphasizes truthfulness as a reflection of God’s character, who is truth itself (John 14:6). Lying, even in small matters, contradicts the call to integrity and honesty. Ephesians 4:25 instructs believers to “put away falsehood” and “speak the truth” to one another, highlighting the importance of truth in relationships within the body of Christ.

While some might argue that a white lie could be justified to avoid harm or protect someone, the Bible does not explicitly endorse deception, even for seemingly noble reasons. Examples like Rahab’s lie to protect the Israelite spies (Joshua 2) are descriptive, not prescriptive, and her faith, not her deception, is commended (Hebrews 11:31). Evangelical theology typically holds that trusting God to provide a way to uphold both truth and love is the better path, as God’s commands are not to be compromised. Thus, while motives matter, the biblical standard prioritizes honesty, encouraging believers to seek alternatives to deception in all circumstances.

Question 8

Is lying considered a sin according to the Bible?

Accepted Answer

In mainstream evangelical Christian theology, lying is considered a sin according to the Bible. This perspective is grounded in several scriptural references that emphasize truthfulness and the moral imperative to avoid deceit. One of the Ten Commandments explicitly instructs against bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16, ESV), which has traditionally been interpreted as a prohibition against lying. Additionally, Proverbs 12:22 (ESV) states, "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight," highlighting the divine disapproval of falsehood. The New Testament also upholds this standard; Ephesians 4:25 (ESV) advises believers to "put away falsehood" and to "speak the truth with [their] neighbor." In the context of Christian ethics, lying is seen as contrary to the nature of God, who is characterized by truth (John 14:6, ESV). Thus, lying is not only a breach of divine law but also a distortion of the believer's call to emulate God's truthfulness. While lying is forgivable through repentance and grace, it remains an act that Christians are encouraged to avoid in their pursuit of a life that reflects God's holiness.

Question 9

Is lying ever justified to save a life according to the Bible?

Accepted Answer

In mainstream evangelical Christian theology, the question of whether lying is justified to save a life is complex and often debated. The Bible emphasizes truthfulness, as seen in the commandment "You shall not give false testimony" (Exodus 20:16, NIV) and the assertion that God detests lying lips (Proverbs 12:22, NIV). However, some biblical narratives depict situations where deception appears to be used for a greater good, such as the Hebrew midwives lying to Pharaoh to save Hebrew infants (Exodus 1:15-21) and Rahab misleading the king of Jericho to protect Israelite spies (Joshua 2:1-6). These instances suggest that God may sometimes work through human actions that deviate from moral norms to fulfill His purposes.

While these examples are not explicit endorsements of lying, they indicate a tension between absolute truthfulness and the complexities of a fallen world. Evangelical interpretations vary, with some arguing that these narratives reflect God's grace in flawed human actions rather than a prescriptive moral guideline. Ultimately, many evangelicals emphasize seeking God's wisdom and guidance in complex ethical dilemmas, prioritizing a heart aligned with God's will over rigid rule-following. Thus, while lying is generally condemned, exceptional circumstances may call for a nuanced approach, always seeking to honor God’s overarching principles of love and justice.

Question 10

Is stealing something small ever justified in a Christian perspective?

Accepted Answer

In mainstream evangelical Christian theology, stealing, regardless of the item's size or value, is not justified. The Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal," found in Exodus 20:15, underscores the principle that stealing is inherently wrong. This commandment reflects God's desire for justice and respect for others' property. Additionally, in the New Testament, Ephesians 4:28 advises, "Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need." This verse emphasizes transformation through honest labor and generosity, contrasting with the act of taking what does not belong to oneself.

The ethos of Christian teaching advocates for trust in God's provision (Matthew 6:25-34) and encourages believers to act with integrity and love. While certain situations may evoke empathy, such as stealing out of dire need, this does not alter the moral imperative against stealing. Christians are encouraged to seek alternatives that align with biblical teachings, such as seeking assistance from the church community or engaging in honest work. Ultimately, the call is to uphold the sanctity of God's commandments while trusting in divine provision and support.

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