Approved to God

Paul is not claiming a blank check for any achievement. He is testifying that Christ gives strength to be content in every circumstance while he follows God’s call. Hungry or full. In prison or free. He can endure and obey because Christ sustains him. The verse is about contentment and faithfulness, not personal success on demand – any attempt to use it that way misrepresents God’s intent. See Philippians 4:11–13.

This verse has become the golden child of those who choose to practice sin in all forms as they remind Christians that Jesus said we should not judge. The context of the passage is critical, as is other verses about passing judgement on others. Christ’s concern here is hypocritical judgment. Accusing your brother of a minor offence when your own life is unrighteous. A complete reading of the passage shows that He does not forbid discernment. First remove the plank from your own eye. Then you will see clearly to help your brother with his speck. Elsewhere Jesus commands “judge with right judgment.” We must reject a condemning spirit and practice humble, biblical evaluation for restoration. See Matthew 7:1–5; John 7:24.

This verse is frequently misused as an encouragement about small groups gathered in Christ’s name. These are not condemned as they are most certainly one of the ways we grow as saints of the Lord. However this promise sits inside Jesus’ teaching on church discipline. When a church follows the process He explains to correct and, if needed, bind or loose, He is present to affirm their faithful action. It is not mainly about small-group prayer, though Christ is with us always in these settings. It is His assurance that He stands with His church as it seeks purity and restoration. See Matthew 18:15–20.

God spoke these words to people of Judea as they faced exile in Babylon. They follow some very dire proclamations to the Children of Israel through Jeremiah regarding God’s discipline of the people. This promise was a corporate and time-bound assurance God was giving His people. Specifically after seventy years of exile in Babylon, He would bring them home and restore His mercy and love to them. The verse reveals God’s covenant faithfulness and His heart to give true hope. It is not a guarantee of immediate success or an easy path for Christians today. In Christ we share the deeper hope behind it: God’s good purposes that lead to ultimate restoration. See Jeremiah 29:10–14.

Like Jeremiah 29:11 this verse is not a promise of success or painless outcomes from life’s struggles. It is God’s pledge that every event, sweet or bitter, serves the lasting good of those who love Him. The next verse defines that good: being conformed to the image of His Son and brought to final glory. God weaves suffering, waiting, and joy into Christlikeness now and resurrection joy later. That is better than easy comfort. See Romans 8:28–30.

Yes. Jesus claimed exclusive authority to reconcile sinners to the Father. He is the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Him. This is not arrogance; it is grace. God provided a real Savior who lived the life we failed to live keeping the entire law of God. He died for our sins, and rose again. Many paths may claim to lift us up, but only Christ bears our guilt and gives His righteousness. The apostles preached the same message: there is salvation in no one else. Trust Him and live. See John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5–6. Read more in our article “What is the Gospel and Why it Matters”

Many level an accusing finger at God as there are plenty of people who will never hear the Gospel. Scripture teaches that all people can know God from creation and conscience. Most do not because we suppress the truth and therefore are without excuse. General revelation leaves us accountable but does not save. God saves through the gospel of Christ, which is why He commands us to go and tell. We also trust His perfect justice and mercy. He does right because he is all righteousness. Our duty is clear: pray, send, and speak so that all may hear of the Savior who welcomes every repentant sinner. See Romans 1:18–25; Romans 10:13–17; Acts 17:30–31.

No. A proper understanding of the three works of salvation (Justification, Sanctification and Glorification) makes clear we can trust Him for our security. Those whom God saves, He keeps. The Good Shepherd knows His sheep and holds them fast. The Father completes the good work He began. True believers persevere because God preserves them and seals them with His Spirit. They may stumble, but they will not finally fall away. Those who depart from Christ show they were never truly of us. Our confidence rests in God’s promise and the Spirit’s seal, not our grip. See John 10:27–29; Philippians 1:6; 1 John 2:19; Ephesians 1:13–14.

Jesus warned of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. The context of the warning regarded hardened leaders who attributed His clear, Spirit-empowered works to Satan. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a settled, willful rejection of known truth and the only Savior. Those worried they have committed such a sin show they have not embraced that hardness. The call remains: repent and believe the gospel. All who come to Christ He will never cast out. Do not trifle with grace; come while it is still day. See Matthew 12:31–32; Mark 3:28–30; John 6:37.

God is holy and just. Hell is the righteous judgment for unrepentant sin and refusal of His Son. Those rejecting Christ do not want to be held accountable to Him. They willfully choose to reject God. He is not sending them to Hell – he is granting their desire to exist in separation from Him. Scripture speaks of eternal punishment as the sober counterpart to eternal life. God does not delight in the death of the wicked but calls on all to turn to Him and live. The cross shows both God’s justice and His mercy. Christ bore wrath for all who will trust Him. No one who comes to Him will face condemnation. See Matthew 25:46; John 3:36; Romans 2:5–8; Ezekiel 33:11. Read more in the article “How can God Condemn Good People to Hell”

Scripture does not give a single proof text, yet it points to God’s mercy and justice. David expressed hope that he would go to his deceased child. God judges with perfect knowledge, and Christ’s saving work is sufficient for all He will redeem. Many Christians conclude that God receives infants and those without moral capacity into His presence through the merits of Christ. We entrust our little ones to the Judge of all the earth who always does right. See 2 Samuel 12:22–23; Genesis 18:25; Mark 10:14.

God is fully capable of eradicating evil whenever he would choose to. This begs the question why He has not. War continues, Famine continues, Godless, evil rulers continue. People die senselessly. Without faith we may question whether God cares or loves His creation. John 3:16 assures us He does. In His time he will eradicate evil, but he permits it today. It is the crucible through which His people are refined. God permits what He hates to accomplish what He loves. He is never the author of sin, yet He wisely permits evil for His glory and our good. The cross is the clearest example: the worst evil became the greatest good. In the meantime, He is patient, giving time for repentance, and He comforts His people in their pain. One day He will judge evil, wipe every tear, and make all things new. Until then we trust His character and cling to His promises. See Genesis 50:20; Acts 2:23; Romans 8:28; Revelation 21:4.

God created all things and they were very good. Angels included. Lucifer rebelled and fell because of his great pride. Why would God allow this, knowing the cost? Scripture does not answer every “why,” but it shows God’s wisdom and sovereignty at work even over evil. God permits what He hates to accomplish what He loves. Through Satan’s opposition, God displays His justice in judgment, His mercy in redemption and His love in the cross. God paid the highest price for Lucifer’s rebellion in what Christ did on the cross. What the enemy meant for destruction, God used to save sinners and in the end defeat the evil and the devil. When time is concluded and the final judgement is made God will be seen as perfectly holy, wise, and good for all that He has done – even creating Lucifer. See Genesis 50:20; Job 1–2; Luke 10:18; Colossians 2:15; Romans 16:20; Revelation 20:10.

The tree set a clear boundary that taught Adam and Eve to trust and obey God’s word. God gave them every good gift and one command for their good. Their choice would be personal and moral, not mechanical. Obedience to God was not built in – I had to be a choice. God was not trapping them. He was giving a real opportunity to love and submit to Him. He knew they would fall, and He also purposed a greater plan: to reveal the glory of His grace in Christ, the last Adam. Since He was without sin He obeyed where the first Adam failed. Through the fall, God’s justice, mercy, and redeeming love shines bright. He will one day restore paradise in a better garden where sin and death are no more. See Genesis 2:15–17; 3:1–6; Romans 5:12–19; 1 Corinthians 15:21–22, 45; Revelation 22:1–5.