Category Archives: Holiness

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

Leaving Nominalism Behind: How to Become a Disciple

Posted on 12/17/2020 by Paul Pavao

This was shared 7 times on Facebook. That’s a lot for me. I thought I would share it here too. I got an email today from a man who wants to stop living a nominal Christian life, and his initial … Continue reading →

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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 →

Posted in Bible, Holiness | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

A Good Understand Have All Those Who Do (Psalm 111:10)

Posted on 11/28/2020 by Paul Pavao

This morning I wrote on Facebook: As I think through my list of Christians I admire, both in the present and over the last 2,000 years—both the ones close to me and the ones I only hear about or hear … Continue reading →

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How the Church Was One: The Only True Source of Unity

Posted on 11/11/2020 by Paul Pavao

The early churches were united as God’s family. Jesus was Lord and the Father was, well, the Father of the family. The one thing to do in that family was to love and obey the Father through the Lordship of … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Christianity, Holiness, Unity | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Romans 8:13: Putting the deeds of the body to death by the Spirit

Posted on 07/10/2020 by Paul Pavao

I got an email asking how we put the deeds of the body to death by the Spirit. My answer got a lot of positive response on Facebook, so I am sharing it here too: In my experience, drawing strength … Continue reading →

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

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

The Sufferings of Christ

Posted on 04/22/2020 by Paul Pavao

I already published a quick post this morning, but I have to add this as well. Last night and this morning both, I told God that while I understand the cross mentally and theologically, I do not feel it like … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Evangelicals, Gospel, Holiness, Protestants | Tagged , , , , | 15 Comments

Why It Matters That You Can Lose Your Salvation

Posted on 04/12/2020 by Paul Pavao

Sometimes my blogs put me in awkward position. I almost don’t want to write this post because I am tacking on to the sermon of a friend. His sermon was great, his exhortation timely, and his delivery of the sermon … Continue reading →

Posted in Holiness, Modern Doctrines | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment