Category: Righteousness/Justification

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

Eternal life is knowing God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son (John 17:3). Knowing God and being known by him is Christianity. If we are going to know him, we must go to him by faith not by religion. This relationship that starts at the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ is fulfilled as Christ the Risen Lord comes to live inside of us. It is him working in us that which is pleasing in his sight. It's a win-win situation. We get to know God and through that relationship we know what His will is for our lives.

• Martin called to ask about the scripture "seek his kingdom and his righteousness" found in Matthew 6:33.
• Jeremy asks about Romans 11:29. Does it mean that salvation is irrevocable.
• Jacqueline asks if 2 Chronicles 7:14 is speaking only to Israel?
• Shiro asks about a message he heard that taught that any death is the appointed time to die.

Categories: Righteousness/Justification Salvation Bible

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

One of the areas that religion has it all wrong is righteousness. Righteousness is God's to give and not ours to earn. Religion claims that we can earn it. But that's not how righteousness works. Aren't you glad? "But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, but it is the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; ..." Romans 3:21-26

• Could you explain Romans 11:19-24 to me?
• Does every born again person have the Holy Spirit? If so why do some say "you are saved but now you need to be baptized in the Holy Spirit"?
• How significant are "feelings" in a Christian relationship/marriage?

Categories: Righteousness/Justification Bible Holy Spirit Marriage

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

God has taken the initiate to reach out to us through his love and grace. We have a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. But we see religious practices - man trying to reach up to God - all over the world. However what we learn in Scripture is that God has taken the initiative towards us and provides His righteousness to us. No longer in the flesh, we now live in the spirit.

• Is it a sin for a husband and wife to cross-dress?
• A writer asks about mothers being called "pregnant people".
• I got a divorce and remarried - that means that I'm committing adultery, right? Will God forgive me of this if I repent?
• Is it proper to celebrate the Lord's supper outside of a church setting?
• What is the proper way to understand 1 John 1:9?
• What is wrong with the statement, "God helps those who help themselves"?

Categories: Righteousness/Justification Bible Christian Living Marriage Hard Passages

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

Pleasing God is a beautiful adventure of trusting God and walking with Him. When I put my confidence in the finished work of Christ I am pleasing to God. We take all His promises by faith.

• "Is anyone in this room as righteous in the sight of God as Jesus Christ? Raise your hand." Is this an accurate way to show our redemption and the righteousness we have in Christ
• How can children and babies go to Heaven if we were all born sinners?
• Who was the Lord's prayer directed to?
• Did Sarah have any knowledge of God telling Abraham to sacrifice Isaac before the event took place?

Categories: Faith Righteousness/Justification Apologetics Prayer Bible

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

Where did these manmade religions come into being? We need to go back to the beginning... to the story of Adam and Eve and the fall. Upon finding themselves naked they sewed fig leaves together and made loin cloths. They were trying to cover their shame from God. But it didn't work. Only God was able to make the provision for their sin and for ours.

• The people who were baptized by Philip in water in "the name" of Jesus Christ, were they saved? Or, were they saved only after John and Peter laid their hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit?
• J argues against "once saved, always save". He writes: "we can't take it to the extreme and say that once we're saved we can't forfeit our salvation."
• UNITED October 15-17, 2021 https://basicgospel.net/united/
• Are there two Gospels? One for the Jew and one for the Gentile? Where do people come up with this idea?

Categories: Righteousness/Justification Bible Salvation Baptism

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

Manmade religions can't provide the things we need. It can only make us restless. "For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: ... as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. ... the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith..." Philippians 3:3-10

• Robert calls to say thanks for the ministry and asks why did the Lord allow Satan to infiltrate His churches?
• How does the New Covenant change the way God deals with nations as well as individuals?
• UNITED October 15-17, 2021 https://basicgospel.net/united/
• I have told my enemies I love them, shown them kindness, helped them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They haven't responded. What can I do?

Categories: Righteousness/Justification Bible New Covenant Christian Living

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

We've been talking about all the things religion can't do for us. We can't find rest in religion. We only find it in Christ. We can't find forgiveness in religion. We only find forgiveness in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Religion can't cleanse our consciousness. Only the sacrifice offered by Jesus can do that. "The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death,so that we may serve the living God!" Hebrews 9:13-14

• UNITED October 15-17, 2021 https://basicgospel.net/united/
• Clay comments about pastors who claim believers will be judged by their tithe.
• Was Jesus put to death on a cross or a tree?
• Regarding Jesus' baptism, what does it mean that he did it to "fulfill all righteousness"?
• What is your opinion on seminary school? Is it worth it? Is it necessary?
• Who are the true disciples? Matthew 7

Categories: Forgiveness/Repentance Righteousness/Justification Jesus Christ Christian Living Bible

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

In 1 Corinthians 2 we see Paul defending his ministry. "For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." The message is Jesus Christ and Paul wanted that to be understood. "And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."

• UNITED: Message | Purpose | Mission https://basicgospel.net/united/
• Righteousness? Can you explain what that means for a Christian in the New Covenant?
• Does Luke 9:49-50 mean what it says- those who are not against us are for us? Does this mean anyone, no matter who?
• My bible study participant are asking about physical blessings how are they different from spiritual blessings in Christ?
• Why does Jesus say in the Lord's Prayer to pray "...forgive us our sins as we...". Aren't our sins already forgiven if we are born again Christians? Is he talking about the sin of unbelief here?

Categories: Jesus Christ Righteousness/Justification Bible Christian Living Forgiveness/Repentance

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

Paul started every letter the same way. Grace and peace to you... Paul had learned that the peace of God - the common greeting Shalom - was only available when you experienced the grace of God. The grace of God ushers the peace of God into your lives.

• Jeremiah 7:23 "children of Israel". Were the people of Israel considered God's children before Jesus, or were the scriptures pointing forward to the future?
• Do we receive the promises of the New Covenant by faith?
• Thanks for Simple Gospel, Simply Grace.
• Sharon says, "I finally got it. I'm experiencing the love of God like never before."
• "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
• UNITED: https://basicgospel.net/united/

Categories: Righteousness/Justification Bible New Covenant Testimonies/Thanks

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

We search for joy, contentment, and peace in all kinds of things in this world. But true joy, contentment, and peace is only found in Christ. And nothing can separate you from the love of Christ Jesus. Paul writes: "I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. ... I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:10-13

• Can you give me some insight on Colossians 1:23 in which Paul says "if they continue in the faith"?
• When Jesus says "Be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect" in Matthew 5:48, He's telling people to receive the gift of grace (and righteousness) through faith in Him, right?
• UNITED: https://basicgospel.net/united/
• How can I explain to my friend that Jesus is God in the flesh?

Categories: Faith Bible Righteousness/Justification Jesus Christ

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Andrew Farley

The message of Paul is joy and contentment in Philippians. Throughout this he weaves the story of the Gospel. " But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." Philippians 3:20-21

• UNITED: https://basicgospel.net/united/
• My church has been teaching that it's up to us to maintain our salvation.
• How do you know when you've received the Holy Spirit once you have been baptized?
• Is there a difference between righteousness and holiness?
• Joe asks for an explanation of 1 Corinthians 2:2. "For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."
• Is sinless perfection possible in your life on earth?

Categories: Christian Living Baptism Righteousness/Justification

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

When we're trying to fight against the things of the world they will try to consume us. That's why the understanding of law and grace is so important. " ... For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ ... " Philippians 3:8-9

• It seems like Jesus was teaching two covenants. How do we reconcile this?
• Kat continues to struggle with trusting Jesus.
• Is it biblical for a woman to baptize a man in the church?

Categories: Righteousness/Justification New Covenant Christian Living Baptism

Andrew Farley, Bob Davis

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" Romans 8:31-32

• As Gentiles we were never under the law, so how do we understand the difference between law and grace?
• Michael calls to disagree with Andrew about the law's role.
• Steve asks for clarification on Acts 8:14-17 concerning receiving the Holy Spirit.

Categories: Christian Living Law Righteousness/Justification Holy Spirit

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

The Bible tells us we've been freed form sin. "So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" John 8:31-32

• Patty asks about the "Bema seat" and its ramifications for us today.
• Harold asks about Revelation 3:16.
• New YouTube video: https://basicgospel.net/video/can-believer-bounce-and-out-fellowship
• When we die are we resting in our bodies until the Lord takes us ... or does our spirit go immediately to heaven or hell?

Categories: Righteousness/Justification Bible Heaven

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

Our hearts and prayers go out to those in the building collapse in Miami. We pray that many will be found alive.

• "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. .... For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe." 1 Corinthians 1:18-21
• Tom struggles with worthiness and measuring up to receive God's blessings.
• Please explain your take on the passage from Mark 9:13. Also, when asked if John was Elijah, he said that he was not (John 1:25). Please explain.

Categories: New Covenant Righteousness/Justification Bible

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

Every time spring comes around hope abounds in us. And the resurrection is the message from God that there is always hope. Why? Because Jesus Christ is alive. He overcame sin and death. When we believe this good news we are born again. This truth keeps us grounded in all that life confronts us with. "That is why his faith was 'counted to him as righteousness.' ... It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification." Romans 4:22-25

• B asks: [are] the newer translations are actually based on manuscripts that are OLDER than those the KJV is based on?

Categories: Righteousness/Justification Bible

Andrew Farley, Bob Davis

I've been reflecting today about losing my dad a few years ago. So often things are just out of our control. But what is the answer to that? Do we surrender? Let your requests be known to God. Ultimately the only thing we're guaranteed in Jesus Christ. He is permanent and we can look to him as our rock, our stability, and our strength. He is an anchor for our soul. He is our life.

• How do we answer those who say we're to respect all religions? If Jesus is the way, how far does our respect go?
• Were does it talk about Moses' two silver trumpets?
• Jesus said ,"why do you call me good? Only God is good." Jesus is God, why wouldn't he just say , "yes I am"?
• So, why does Paul call himself a bond servant and tell us we are slaves to righteousness? Is it an analogy for how we should commit ourselves to Jesus?
• Al asks what he should do with a brother in Christ who took advantage of him. Does he apply 2 Corinthians 5:11 to him?
• Robert from Texas says Andrew is the real deal. Wants others to know that.

Categories: Jesus Christ Bible Righteousness/Justification Christian Living

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

The New Covenant is guaranteed to us by a better promise and an oath made by God. We read about this in Hebrews 6:13-20 "For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, 'Surely I will bless you and multiply you.' And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. ..."

• How are the laws written on our hearts in Hebrews 8:10?
• Mark follows up with a question about Titus 3:5 "he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit".
• Hanna argues that we should practice all the Old Covenant laws.
• Simple Gospel, Simply Grace https://simplegospelsimplygrace.com

Categories: Hope New Covenant Righteousness/Justification Old Covenant

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Andrew Farley

One of the claims Jesus made about himself is in John 8:12 - "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life". There are a lot of implications to that statement. Jesus turned the light on for you; you saw your core problem (you were dead in sin), shined the light of forgiveness on you and took your sins away, and his light brought you righteousness. It's a beautiful thing to live in the light. You are no longer in darkness, you are in the light as a child of light.

• Col. 2 Our growth is from God
• Hear it, Believe it, Live it
• What do you say about cremation? Absent from the body, present with the Lord
• Am I praying right?
• Righteousness is real and made you real
• Is prayer the correct way to understand the Bible?
• Why does the Lords prayer tell us to ask for forgiveness?

Categories: Jesus Christ Freedom Prayer Righteousness/Justification Bible Forgiveness/Repentance

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

Romans 6:14 is a great passage for us: "For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace." So what distinguishes us from the world? We're under grace, not the law. When we walk this true and begin to walk the way of grace you will stand out as someone different.

• Could it be that "the faith of Abraham" which "credited righteousness" to one man has now been communicated to all the world through Christ with the forgiveness of sins?
• Is it OK to watch programs with homosexual characters?
• Why do pastors always use 1 John 1:9? It seems that every time you sin, you will go to hell unless you confess your sin.
• In the Old Testament did only Jews go to Heaven before Jesus' death? Did non-Jewish people go to Heaven?
• Katlego says: thanks. "I'm 21 and feel like I'm going in cycles, I feel stuck. I struggle with smoking, my grades are bad and it seems like sometimes I'm overwhelmed. How do I still focus on God?"

Categories: Grace Righteousness/Justification Christian Living Hard Passages Heaven