Did God Use Literal Fire and Brimstone to Destroy Sodom and Gomorrah; or Was the Fire Symbolic?

Answer: Whatever technique God used to destroy the ancient wicked cities of the plain, including Sodom and Gomorrah, it was completely effective and immediate. According to the record in Genesis, “The Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire…out of heaven; and he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the … [Read more…]

What Must I Do to Be Saved?

Question: I believe the correct qualification for immortality is simple faith in Christ, not something we attain through meritorious works. You will recall the Philippian jailer asking the apostle Paul, “What must I do to be saved?” Paul’s response was simply, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,” that is, simply and sincerely place your faith … [Read more…]

Is One “Born of God” Sinless?

Question: Please explain 1 John 3:9, ‘Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.’ How can this be? Answer: Taken at face value, this verse seems to say a believer is wholly incapable of sinning. However, this cannot … [Read more…]

Why did 70,000 Israelites Have to Die for David’s Sin in Numbering Israel?

Question: “Why did 70,000 Israelites have to die for David’s sin in numbering Israel? Was that fair?” Answer: When we think about fairness, we think of impartiality, freedom from self-interest, prejudice, or favoritism. When we think about a punishment being fair or unfair, the most likely criteria would be the issue of whether or not … [Read more…]