"I know what the Bible says about hell, but don't you think hell is the grave?" What does the Bible, the Word of God, say? "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matthew 10:28). "Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:14-15). That settles it!
"I know what the Bible says about truth, but don't you think truth is relative because truth cannot really be known?" What does the Bible, the Word of God, say? "The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever" (Psalm 119:160). "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth" (John 17:17). That settles it!
"I know what the Bible says about righteous living, but don't you think situation ethics dictate morality?" What does the Bible, the Word of God, say? "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). That settles it!
"I know what the Bible says about forgiveness, but don't you think some things simply cannot be forgiven?" What does the Bible, the Word of God, say? "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matthew 6:14-15). "So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses" (Matthew 18:35). That settles it!
"I know what the Bible says about wives being submissive to their husbands, but don't you think that idea is totally archaic/outdated in this day and age?" What does the Bible, the Word of God, say? "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything" (Ephesians 5:22-24). That settles it!
"I know what the Bible says about children and their relationship with their parents, but don't you think children should be allowed to make their own decisions?"What does the Bible, the Word of God, say? "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother,' which is the first commandment with promise: 'that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth'" (Ephesians 6:1-3). That settles it!
"I know what the Bible says about personal responsibility for our actions, but don't you think some behavior and their consequences must be blamed on others?" What does the Bible, the Word of God, say? "If you say, 'Surely we did not know this,' does not He who weighs the hearts, consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?" (Proverbs 24:12). "Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:9-10). "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work" (Revelation 22:12). That settles it!
"I know what the Bible says about obeying His commandments, but don't you think the books written by men on religious beliefs and practices are just as valid?" What does the Bible, the Word of God, say? "Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He reprove you, and you be found a liar" (Proverbs 30:6-7). "Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations--'Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,' which all concern things which perish with the using--according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgences of the flesh" (Colossians 2:20-23). That settles it!
In follow-up to the article in January 2006, several more commonly asked questions about God and his word will be addressed. We live in a world that is bombarded daily with teachings and philosophies based on the commandments and doctrines of men. However, the bottom line is, whether we believe it or not, whatever the Bible says on any issue--that settles it!