Category Archives: Bible

The “Broader Framework” of Salvation at the Heart of the Apostle Paul’s Teaching

Posted on 02/13/2021 by Paul Pavao

Today I wrote on Facebook that I would pay my entire retirement account if by doing so I could magically impart an understanding of the preface of Matthew J. Thomas’ new edition of Paul’s “Works of the Law” in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Early Christianity, Evangelicals, Gospel, Holiness, Modern Doctrines, Rebuilding the Foundations | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 23 Comments

Are We “Sinners Saved by Grace” or “Formerly Sinners, But Now Saved by Grace”?

Posted on 02/09/2021 by Paul Pavao

“Sinner” or “sinners” is used 67 times in the Bible and, in almost every case, sinners are contrasted with the righteous. An excellent example is Psalm 1:5: “Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Evangelicals, Gospel, Holiness, Modern Doctrines | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Past Tense Salvation by Faith and Future Tense Judgment by Works

Posted on 01/20/2021 by Paul Pavao

In the comments of my video on 2 Peter 1:3-11, I wrote this. I just don’t get you guys. You wrote, “To clarify, faith grants us salvation.” That is not clarification. Did you watch the video? Do you know that … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Dealing with Scripture Honestly, Evangelicals, Gospel, Modern Doctrines, Verses Evangelicals Ignore | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Righteousness Is from the Lord

Posted on 12/13/2020 by Paul Pavao

Hosea 10:12 Orthodox Study Bible (based on Septuagint*): “Sow to yourselves in righteousness; Gather in the fruit of life; Light for yourselves the light of knowledge; Seek the Lord till the fruits of righteousness come upon you.” NASB (1995 version): … Continue reading →

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The Tabernacle and Solomon’s Temple as Figures of the New Covenant

Posted on 11/20/2020 by Paul Pavao

I know I’m probably late to the party and sharing something most of you know, but I got a great picture this morning of how the tabernacle (and Solomon’s temple) reveal salvation in Christ. First, all the furniture is in … Continue reading →

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Wisdom in Proverbs, Daniel’s Son of Man, the Trinity, and Jesus the Messiah and Son of God

Posted on 09/08/2020 by Paul Pavao

This article argues for the early Christian/Nicene concept of the Trinity (still held among the Eastern Orthodox), that Wisdom in Proverbs should be understood throughout as referring to the Son of God, who is also called the Word, and provides … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Dealing with Scripture Honestly, Early Christianity, Modern Doctrines, Roman Catholic & Orthodox, Teachings that must not be lost | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Difficult Verses and Bible Interpretation

Posted on 08/25/2020 by Paul Pavao

Perhaps the best Bible interpretation advice I can give has to do with difficult verses. There are verses that are actually difficult. For example, no one knows who Paul is talking about in 1 Corinthians 15:29. Who was “baptizing for … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Dealing with Scripture Honestly, Modern Doctrines | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

The Uniqueness of John’s Gospel and Letters

Posted on 05/15/2020 by Paul Pavao

In John 4 today, I am reminded of how unusual John’s Gospel is. When Jesus is talking with the Samaritan woman, he comes right out and says that he is the Christ (v. 26). In the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, … Continue reading →

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Bible Contradictions: Copyists’ Errors or the Word of God?

Posted on 05/09/2020 by Paul Pavao

There are contradictions in the Bible. The reason that most churches’ statement of faith says that the Bible is “free from error in the original manuscripts” is because they know that the Bible is not free from error in the … Continue reading →

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Aphiemi: Release or Forgive?

Posted on 05/03/2020 by Paul Pavao

It is hard to forgive someone who did not repent. It is hard to understand even why we should. In fact, some who have wronged us are happy to have wronged us and are not looking to be forgiven. We … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Holiness | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments