Bible Questions with Andrew Farley

The imagery of crowns is used in different ways in the New Testament. However, crowns are never presented as heavenly rewards for good works. The crown of life, the crown of righteousness, and the crown of glory all refer to Jesus Himself and what He means to us.

While it’s sad to lose a household pet, there’s no passage of Scripture that directly states they’ll be in Heaven. However, the Bible is clear that there’ll be no tears or sorrow for us in Heaven (Revelation 21:4). This means there will be no regrets or emotional pain over our pets.

While some deny the existence of Hell, the concept is present in Scripture. Hell is described as the place reserved for fallen angels and those who have rejected the Gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:9; Matthew 25:41; Revelation 14:10).

Contrary to some popular teaching, God has chosen that everyone be invited to the Gospel message. He wants none to perish and everyone to believe (2 Peter 3:9).

The idea of predestination (God pre-planning something) often causes debate among Christians. However, the Bible makes it clear that predestination is simply God’s secret plan (now revealed!) to unleash the Gospel on the Gentiles and not just the Jews. This becomes obvious as one examines the “we” (we Jews) and “you also” (you Gentiles also) in Ephesians. This is why predestination as a doctrine is only explained in letters written to Gentiles. The Jews already knew they were God’s “chosen people.” The big newsflash through the ministry of the Apostle Paul was that the Gentiles were being included in the Gospel invitation. This accurate view of predestination does away with the false notion of God pre-selecting some to believe and not enabling (or allowing) others to believe. It also affirms the pervasive New Testament truth that Jesus died for everyone (2 Corinthians 5:19; John 3:16) and God wants everyone to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4; John 12:32).

If so, what is free will anyway? The term “free will” is problematic. While we humans have the obvious ability to make choices, including the choice to believe the Gospel, we are always under the influence of something. Before Christ, we were under the influence of sin (Romans 6:20). After we are born again, we are then under the influence of righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 6:18).

Colossians 3:2 encourages us to set our minds on “things above.” We do this by making the conscious decision to think truth-filled thoughts and take every idea captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:8-9). The more we set our minds on truth, the more we will enjoy the reality of our new identity in Christ and God’s love for us (Romans 12:2).

While some claim Satan is only a symbol, the Bible is clear that he, along with a host of fallen angels, are real enemies waging war on God’s creation. This is the meaning of “spiritual warfare.”

While the Bible is largely silent as to the precise nature of demons, a little analysis seems to reveal that demons are fallen angels who were cast out of Heaven along with Lucifer when he rebelled against God (Isaiah 12:12-15; Revelation 12:4, 9).

The armor of God represents who Jesus Christ is to us and how He is our defense against the fiery darts of the enemy. The belt of truth? Jesus is the Truth. The breastplate of righteousness? Jesus is our righteousness. Feet shod with the gospel of peace? Jesus is the Prince of Peace. The helmet of salvation? Jesus is our salvation. Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God)? Jesus is the living Word! The bottom line is that Jesus Himself is our greatest defense and offense in spiritual battle.

It’s this sort of teaching that can really paralyze a person. What is God’s will for your life? Scripture actually tells us! God’s will is that we give thanks, talk to our Heavenly Father, and bear the fruit of the Spirit. In short, God’s will is knowing and expressing Jesus. And there’s no falling in and out of God’s will either. God never intended us to fall prey to such an idea. God’s will is Jesus, and since you’re always in Him, you’ll never fall out!

While some claim to hear audibly from God, the New Testament never says we’ll hear from Him in this way. Instead, it encourages us that we are in union with Christ and can walk by faith in Him (1 Corinthians 6:17; Galatians 2:20). God’s Spirit communicates with us through the new, obedient heart and new spirit He has given us (2 Peter 1:3-4; Hebrews 8:8-12; John 4:24).

Some believe that being “filled with the Spirit” is about having a certain spiritual gift like tongues or prophecy. They imagine being “filled with the Spirit” to mean getting more of God’s Spirit, a second blessing, or an extra anointing. But Ephesians is clear that being “filled with the Spirit” is simply knowing the love of Christ and being inspired by His great love (Ephesians 3:19; 5:18-21).

No, all believers are baptized into the Spirit at salvation when we believe. At that time, we are blessed with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3), and we have everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4). We are complete in Christ, and we do not need anything more than what we already have in Him.

Walking by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) is simply trusting Christ in you to produce the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Walking by the Spirit should not be confused with being “in” the Spirit, which refers to salvation. All Christians are always in the Spirit (Romans 8:9), even though we don’t always walk by the Spirit.

Some believe we can get more of God’s Spirit over time. However, God has given every believer the Holy Spirit in full (John 14:23). This means there is no need for a second portion or second blessing from the Holy Spirit. We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus, and we have everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4; Ephesians 1:3).

Some believe the gift of tongues involves a heavenly prayer language for the purpose of talking to God and/or edifying one’s own self. But Scripture teaches us that tongues involves sharing the Gospel in foreign (human) languages for the purpose of evangelism (Acts 2:8). 1 Corinthians 14 is actually encouraging believers not to abuse their missionary gift of tongues by bringing it into the church service and speaking in a mysterious way that only God understands.

The gift of prophecy is one of the most misunderstood topics in Christianity. Many believe prophecy is future-telling or speaking secret truths of God. However, Scripture defines the gift of prophecy as God equipping someone to share the truths of the Gospel for the purpose of “edification, exhortation, and consolation” (1 Corinthians 14:3).

Some teach the decision to abide (live) in Christ is ongoing for Christians. They say we must work or try to abide in Christ every day. However, Scripture is clear that believers always abide in Christ (1 John 2:24; 2:27; 3:6, 9). Sure, we are learning and growing in our understanding, but we don’t have to try to abide (live) more in Christ. We live in Him forever!

Perhaps you’ve heard the teaching that you need to “get closer” to God through various spiritual practices. But this is not Scripturally accurate! When we believed in Jesus, we became one with Christ. We were made one spirit with the Lord. In fact, the entire Trinity comes to take up residence inside of us (1 Corinthians 6:17; Ephesians 1:14; Romans 6:5; John 17:23). You can’t get any closer to God than that! So, while we’re still learning and growing in our understanding, we’re in union with Christ and as “close to God” as we’ll ever be!