Several questions and comments have been recently received relative to some of our material dealing with the purpose of “water baptism,” as that theme is set forth in the New Testament. Accordingly, in this Feature article, we wish to address a reader’s obviously sincere concerns.

What role does the nation of Israel play — past and present — in the plan of God? Does their illustrious past have any relevance today or in the future?

Genesis 6:6 indicates that “it repented Jehovah that he had made man.” Does this mean that God regretted his creation?

Exactly what is “baptismal regeneration”? Is this doctrine scriptural?

Ministers frequently tell lost people that they need to “pray the sinner’s prayer.” Exactly what is this “sinner’s prayer”? Is this prayer biblically based? If not, what is its origin?

Based upon a misunderstanding of Ephesians 2:8, some argue that “faith” is a gift from God, and that it is not, therefore, a condition of salvation. This theory is the offspring of Calvinism. This week’s question explores this issue.

There is much confusion in the community of “Christendom” as to what constitutes “conversion.” There need not be. A collective consideration of those cases in the book of Acts wonderfully clarifies the matter. Study this theme with us.

The Hebrews writer appeals to the profane attitude of Esau in order to teach us something about the nature of irreversible consequences. If we treat lightly the promises of God and forfeit the Christian inheritance, it will be too late for tears come judgment.

Did the apostle Paul teach that baptism was not necessary for salvation from sins? By no means. Study this passage with us.

An in-depth study of two contrasting ideas: what we’ve earned through sin and the free gift God has offered to humanity.

Does the fact that God did not require water baptism for the remission of sins under the Mosaic system indicate that baptism must not be obligatory under the New Covenant? Does this compromise the Lord’s “immutability”? Study the question with us.

A study of the word “belief” as it is utilized in the book of Acts.

In a micro-exclamation of praise, Paul has captured the whole of redemptive history — Heaven’s operations on behalf of Adam’s fallen children. It yet leaves us stunned!

The book of Ruth is one of the beauty spots of the Old Testament. It is a delightfully “romantic” narrative. Aside from that, it contains some very wonderful truths that pertain to God’s great plan of redemption.

Romans 5:1-2 is a beautiful text, so filled with meaning. Unfortunately, it has been terribly misunderstood by many. Study this sacred passage with us.

The Bible is not an ordinary book. It is the only revelation of God’s nature and will; it alone is “profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteous” (2 Timothy 3:16). It can make us wise unto salvation, and the word is able to save our souls (2 Timothy 3:15; James 1:21). In this article, Jason Jackson discusses the importance of reading God’s word, and he offers some proven methods to boost your Bible reading.

Every spiritual blessing that God the Father gives, he gives to those who are in Christ. Paul identifies in Ephesians 1:3-14 that Christ is the sphere in which God the Father blesses. How important it is to understand how one enters the redemptive relationship with Christ.

Obadiah is the shortest Old Testament book. This small book has, amazingly and providentially, survived more than 2500 years, and while it contains a message of judgment for an ancient neighbor of Israel, it has many relevant messages for us today.

A topical study of this Psalm reveals the gospel in miniature.

On October 31, 1999 in Augsburg, Germany, representatives of Roman Catholicism and Lutheranism met to sign a “peace treaty” of sorts.