Approved to God

Questions and Answers

You have questions. We have answers – direct from God’s Word!

  • Suffering and God’s Goodness

    Why does a good God allow suffering?

    Suffering is one of those things that challenges our concept of a good and wise God. This is because we fail to understand just who God is. He is infinite in all His attributes. That means infinite goodness, infinite wisdom and infinite sovereignty. A God like this cannot help but do things (and allow things) that are the very best, for the very most number of people and for His own glory. As created creatures we cannot know the mind of God so we cannot understand how a certain tragedy fits into His sovereign plan and will. Even when we do hold this high view of God suffering is hard to accept, but He promised that He works all things for the good of those who love Him. Through suffering He refines our faith, deepens our hope, and advances the gospel all for His glory. What others mean for evil, God can turn for good. One day He will wipe every tear, and the present pain will not compare with the coming glory. See Romans 8:18–30; 1 Peter 1:6–9; Genesis 50:20.

    How can I trust God in my suffering?

    Start with who God is. This is important. God is infinitely good, infinitely wise and infinitely sovereign. He knows what He is doing in your pain. Trusting Him requires knowing that even when it feels like He is against us He is indeed on our side. This is the struggle Job had after God allowed everything to be taken from Him. We can morn faithfully and we can lament as Job did. God may never tell us why, but He is worth of our love and devotion at the end of the day. Teach His promises to your soul. Open His word daily. Pray honestly – telling God what and how you feel. Remember the cross. If He gave His Son for you, He will not abandon you. See Psalm 56:3–4; Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:31–32; 1 Peter 5:7. I have been here. I know the pain. The article “When Your World is Turned Upside-down” tells the story of my own suffering and pain and how God brought me through it.

    How does Christ comfort us in trials?

    Jesus is our merciful High Priest who knows our weakness. He suffered, was tempted as we are. He knows how frail we are as humans. That is why he draws near us in pain and trials with real help, not mere sympathy. By His Spirit He comforts us so that we may eventually comfort others. Through Him we have access to the throne of grace, where we find mercy and help in time of need. See 2 Corinthians 1:3–5; Hebrews 4:14–16.

    Can suffering grow my faith?

    Yes. God uses trials like a refiner’s fire. As metals are heated impurities surface. This is the dross and it is skimmed away. What remains is purer – in the case of our Christian life it is a stronger and steadier faith. Pressure reveals what we have been trusting besides Jesus. Control. Money. Approval. Comfort. Suffering shakes our life and we feel it. That shaking is God’s mercy. It shows those idols cannot hold us, and it turns us back to Christ. As we endure, the Spirit pours God’s love into our hearts. God is not trying to crush you. He is purifying you so your faith will shine at the revelation of Jesus. See James 1:2–4; Romans 5:3–5; 1 Peter 1:6–7; Malachi 3:2–3.

  • Spiritual Warfare

    What is spiritual warfare and what are our weapons?

    Spiritual warfare is the daily struggle to stand firm in Christ against the devil, the flesh, and the world. Our enemy is real, but our Lord is greater. We fight in the Lord’s strength. We put on the whole armor of God. Truth guards our minds. Righteousness protects our hearts. The gospel readies our feet. Faith shields us from flaming darts. Salvation steadies our hope. The word of God is our sword. Prayer keeps us alert and dependent. See Ephesians 6:10–18; 2 Corinthians 10:3–5.

    How do we resist the devil?

    Submit to God first. Then resist. The devil will flee. Draw near to God with clean hands and a humble heart. Be sober and watchful. The enemy prowls and lies. Stand firm in the faith, not in feelings. Use Scripture to answer temptation. Standing together with an accountability partner in life helps us to remain faithful to God and worthy of our calling. Stay close to your church family. Isolation makes you vulnerable. See James 4:7–8; 1 Peter 5:8–9. Read the article “How Now Shall We Live”

    How do we discern false teaching?

    Test every spirit by Scripture. Ask what a message says about Jesus: His deity, His true humanity, His cross, and His resurrection. False teachers twist the gospel and feed pride or license. False teaching often combines some truth with the lie. Compare teaching with the apostolic word. Search the Scriptures daily like the Bereans did as mentioned in the book of Acts. Look for fruit that matches sound doctrine and holy living. See 1 John 4:1–3; Acts 17:11; Matthew 7:15–20.

    What role does prayer and Scripture play in battle?

    Both prayer and the scriptures are central in spiritual warfare – they are not optional. Jesus answered Satan with “It is written.” quoting scripture each time. So should we. For this reason we hide God’s word in our hearts. Memorize it. Pray it. Speak it when tempted. Pray at all times in the Spirit. Ask for strength, boldness, and endurance. Spiritual battles are often fought on holy ground so pray for your pastors and your church. The word gives light. Prayer gives power. Together they keep us standing. See Matthew 4:1–11; Psalm 119:11; Ephesians 6:18.

  • The Ordinances

    What is baptism and what does it signify?

    Baptism is a public act of obedience for those who repent and believe in Jesus. It signifies union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Going under the water pictures dying to sin. Rising from the water pictures new life in Christ. It also marks entry into the visible church and identifies us with the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. See Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:38–41; Romans 6:3–4. See the article “Understanding Baptism and Salvation”

    Is baptism required for salvation?

    No. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ, not by works or rituals. Baptism does not earn forgiveness. It follows salvation as a commanded sign and seal of our discipleship. The thief on the cross was saved without baptism, yet baptism is still important as an act of obedience and a public confession of faith. See Ephesians 2:8–9; Luke 23:42–43; Acts 10:44–48. See the article “Understanding Baptism and Salvation”

    What does the Lord’s Supper signify?

    The Lord’s Supper is a memorial and a proclamation. We remember Christ’s body given for us and His blood shed for us as a sign of the new covenant. Christ was faithful to do His Fathers will and become a sacrifice for all sin. His body was crushed and his blood ran freely. The price paid was monumental. Before He died He asked us to both remember Him and to proclaim His death until He comes again. See 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Luke 22:19–20; 1 Corinthians 10:16–17.

    How should we prepare to partake worthily?

    We must examine yourself in light of the gospel – are we right with God? Have we confessed sin to Him. Are we reconcile with other believers where possible. Come in faith, discerning the Lord’s body and remembering His sacrifice. Do not come lightly or carelessly. Come with reverence, gratitude, and love for Christ and thankfulness for His sacrifice. Scripture warns that careless or hypocritical participation brings discipline from the Lord – He does not want His table dishonored. Therefore it is better to judge ourselves and offer honest repentance than to be judged later. If you are not trusting Jesus, refrain from partaking and seek Him first. See 1 Corinthians 11:27–32; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Matthew 5:23–24.

  • False Teachings and Common Errors

    What is the prosperity gospel and why is it dangerous?

    The prosperity message promises health and wealth now if you have enough faith or give enough money. It trades the cross for comfort and treats God as a means to our desires. This teaching reduces God to a genie who grants your every wish and promises you success in all that your do. Scripture warns that some will accumulate teachers who tell them what they want to hear. These teachers preach a gospel that is easy to live with and requires no cross to bear. When we read scripture we find that Christ calls us to deny ourselves, trust His wise providence, and treasure Him above all. The true gospel gives eternal life, not guaranteed luxury. See 1 Timothy 6:9–10; 2 Timothy 4:3–4; Luke 9:23.

    Is universalism biblical?

    No. Universalism says that God loves everyone so much that all will be saved and go to heaven in the end. Jesus spoke plainly of eternal life and eternal punishment. He painted a picture of two paths – a wide and easy path leading to eternal destruction and a narrow one leading to salvation. He told us that few would chose the narrow path. Those who reject the Son remain under God’s wrath. Salvation is offered to all but it is only truly received by those few who repent and believe. God’s mercy is wide and real, but it does not cancel His justice. See John 3:36; Matthew 7:13-14; 25:46; Revelation 20:15. Read the article “Hell is a Real and Terrible Place” to further explore this subject.

    How do we test prophets and teachers?

    This is a serious question that goes back to the earliest Churches. Paul cautioned against false teachers in almost all of his epistles. In the years that followed the church codified solid doctrine in creeds. There are several going all the way back to the first century, but one of the most comprehensive is the Nicene Creed of 325. This creed encapsulates the teachings of the New Testament in a few succinct paragraphs and can be used to test the message of prophets and teachers against. Of course the authority is Scripture itself. As with the Bereans in Acts 17 – we must test the teachings we receive against God’s word. If their words contradict the Bible or pull hearts from the Lord, reject them. See Deuteronomy 13:1–5; Matthew 7:15–20; 1 John 4:1–3; Acts 17:11.

    What are legalism and license, and how do we avoid both?

    Legalism adds human rules to the gospel or uses obedience to earn favor with God. License twists grace into permission to sin freely. Both deny the power and purpose of Christ’s work. The gospel frees us from trying to earn salvation, and it trains us to say no to sin and yes to godliness. We stand firm in freedom, walk by the Spirit, and keep in step with Scripture. See Galatians 5:1, 13; Titus 2:11–12; Galatians 5:16.

  • Heaven

    What is heaven like according to the Bible?

    Heaven is where God dwells in unveiled glory, the place of His throne and the full display of His holiness. Scripture hints at beauty that outstrips our categories: a city with foundations, whose designer and builder is God; the New Jerusalem with jeweled walls, streets like transparent gold, and the river of the water of life flowing from the throne. More than scenery though. The center is God Himself. In His presence there is fullness of joy; at His right hand are pleasures forever. No curse. No sin. No sorrow. No night. The Bible gives images, not tourist brochures, and it does this on purpose because words strain to carry the weight of that reality. What we know is clear enough to stir hope: to be with Christ is far better. See Revelation 21–22; Psalm 16:11; Philippians 1:23; Hebrews 11:10

    Will we have real, physical bodies in heaven?

    Yes. The Christian hope is bodily resurrection, not a ghostly existence. Jesus rose in a real body; He ate with His disciples and could be touched, yet His body was glorified and no longer subject to death. Scripture calls His resurrection the firstfruits of which we will partake. When Christ returns, the dead in Christ will rise and those still living will be transformed; mortality will put on immortality. Same identity; new glory. No decay, no weakness, no sin. We will be like Him, yet still ourselves, fully redeemed and fit for a renewed creation. See Luke 24:36–43; 1 Corinthians 15; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; Philippians 3:20–21; 1 John 3:2.

    Will we know and recognize each other in heaven?

    The Bible gives strong reasons to say yes. Jesus speaks of many coming to sit with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom, which assumes personal identity remains. On the mount of Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah were recognizable. Paul comforts grieving believers with the promise of reunion; that comfort rings hollow if memory and relationships are erased. Our knowing will be clearer, not dimmer. Sin, misunderstanding, and distance will be gone, yet love will remain and be purified. We will recognize one another as fellow saints gathered around the Lamb, and every relationship will be rightly ordered under Christ. See Matthew 8:11; Matthew 17:1–8; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; 1 Corinthians 13:12.

    What will we do in heaven? Won’t it be boring?

    Not a chance. The dullness we fear is a symptom of a fallen world and restless hearts. In heaven we will worship God with undivided joy, serve Him without fatigue, and reign with Christ over His renewed creation. Work will be a delight, not drudgery. Rest will be satisfying, not an escape. Learning will stretch on as we explore the endless riches of God’s grace in Christ. We will never reach the bottom of His goodness. We will sing, pray, feast, and labor in holiness. Every gift will be used for God’s glory and for the good of others. The ache of boredom will be swallowed up by wonder. See Revelation 7:9–17; Revelation 22:3–5; Ephesians 2:7; Isaiah 65:17–25.

    Who goes to heaven, and how can I be sure I am going there?

    Heaven is for those who belong to Jesus Christ by faith. Not the self-righteous. Not the “good enough.” All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The only door is Christ who died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. Whoever repents and believes in Him is forgiven, born again, and adopted into God’s family. That person is kept by God’s power through His Spirit and will persevere to the end. Assurance rests on God’s promises as well as the finished work of Christ. The inner witness is of the Spirit producing real fruit in our lives. Look to Christ; rest on His Word; walk in obedience. He will not lose one of His own. See John 3:16–18; John 10:27–30; John 14:6; Romans 3:23–26; 1 Peter 1:3–5; 1 John 5:11–13.

  • Israel: God’s People

    Who is Israel in Scripture, and how does the New Testament speak about Israel?

    In the Old Testament, Israel is the physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, chosen by God to receive covenant promises and serve His purposes in the world. The New Testament affirms this election while also revealing that Gentiles who believe are grafted into the people of God through Christ. There is one olive tree, with Jewish and Gentile branches, but God’s covenant identity for Israel is not erased. We honor Israel’s place in God’s plan while rejoicing that all who are in Christ share Abraham’s blessing by faith. See Romans 9–11; Galatians 3:7–9; Matthew 19:28.

    What is “replacement theology,” and why is it an error?

    Replacement theology says the church has replaced Israel so that God no longer has a distinct future for the Jewish people. Scripture does not teach that. The New Testament affirms one people of God in Christ, yet it also preserves God’s ongoing purposes for Israel. Paul warns Gentile believers not to be arrogant toward the “natural branches.” He calls Israel “beloved for the sake of their forefathers” and says God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable. He also expects a future turning of Israel to Christ. The church is grafted in; it does not erase Israel. We should rejoice that Gentiles share Abraham’s blessing by faith, and we should also expect God to keep His promises to Abraham’s physical offspring. This protects Christian hope, fuels prayer for Jewish salvation, and magnifies God’s faithfulness. See Romans 11:1–2, 17–29; Jeremiah 31:35–37; Zechariah

    What is the Abrahamic covenant, and is it still in effect?

    God promised Abraham land, offspring, and blessing to all nations through his seed. This covenant was unilateral and guaranteed by God’s oath. Its spiritual fulfillment is centered in Christ, the true Seed, through whom salvation comes to Jew and Gentile. Yet Paul also speaks of God’s gifts and calling to Israel as irrevocable. We should expect God to keep every promise He has made, both the worldwide blessing in Christ and His purposes for Abraham’s physical descendants. See Genesis 12:1–3; 15:1–21; Romans 11:28–29; Galatians 3:16.

    How should Christians think about the modern state of Israel?

    With gratitude for God’s providence, with prayer for peace, and with a heart for the gospel. The modern state may raise political questions, but for Christians the priority is spiritual: we pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Our heart should long for Jewish and Arab peoples to know the Messiah. We must condemn hatred and antisemitism, and support the spread of the gospel in the region. God is not finished with Israel; their stumbling is not the end of the story, and Gentile mercy should stir their jealousy unto faith. See Genesis 12:3; Psalm 122:6; Romans 13:1–7; Romans 11:11–15.

    What does Paul mean by “all Israel will be saved”?

    Paul teaches that a partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in. Then God will bring about a future turning of Israel to Christ in mercy. This does not mean every Israelite of all time, but a future, large-scale salvation among Jewish people according to God’s promise. Through it He magnifies grace and assures us that He keeps His covenant even when we cannot see how. See Romans 11:25–27.

    What is the future of Jerusalem in prophecy?

    Scripture speaks of Jerusalem as a focal point of conflict and salvation. The prophets foresee siege and deliverance, mourning and repentance, and the Lord’s reign established. Jesus spoke of times of the Gentiles and a future restoration. Ultimately, our eyes are lifted to the New Jerusalem, where God dwells with His people forever, the fulfillment of every holy promise. See Zechariah 12–14; Luke 21:24; Revelation 21:9–27.

    How should we pray for and witness to Jewish people today?

    Pray for open eyes, soft hearts, and gospel boldness. Ask God to raise faithful witnesses who love Jewish neighbors, understand Scripture, and point to Jesus as the promised Messiah. Share the Scriptures patiently remembering that they recognize the Old Testament as authoritative. The Messiah is clearly revealed in Isaiah and Psalms. Let mercy and truth guide you. Paul’s heart’s desire and prayer was for Israel’s salvation; let it be ours as well. See Romans 10:1; Acts 18:4–6; 1 Corinthians 9:19–23.

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