The Spirit and Christians

It has been aptly and truthfully said, “No importance can be attached to a religion that is not begun, carried on and completed by the Spirit of God.” That the Christian is led, guided and strengthened by the Spirit cannot be denied by any Bible reader. To deny the fact that the Spirit dwells in us is to deny the Bible. However, it is asserted with equal clearness in the inspired, inerrant Word that the Father dwells in us. The apostle Paul wrote, “And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, ‘I will dwell in them and I will walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.’” (2 Cor. 6:16; Lev 26:12; also similar to Jer. 32:38, Eze. 37:27) This not only says that God will dwell in us, but that he walks in us. It is also clearly taught that Christ dwells in us. Paul wrote, “So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love.” – Ephesians 3:17.

Thus, we see that Scripture clearly teaches that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit dwell in us. The question before us is this, is there anything within Scripture that says the Holy Spirit dwells in us in a different sense from that in which the Father and the Son dwell in us? The apostle quoted from Leviticus 26:12 in our Scripture above at 2 Corinthians 6:16, where he explained what the Father meant by his words in Leviticus,

2 Corinthians 6:16 Updated American Standard Version (UASV) 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them and I will walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Leviticus 26:12 Updated American Standard Version (UASV) 12 And I will also walk among you and be your God, and you shall be my people.

The Greek word enoikeso literally means, “I shall indwell” en autois “in them.” We learn from Paul’s quote of Leviticus 26:12 that God had promised to be in communion with Israel. However, there is nothing in Leviticus 26:12 to show God’s personal “indwelling” in any one person.

How does Christ dwell in us? Ephesians 3:17 quoted above says, “Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;” the Greek literally reading ho pisteos, “the faith” or the gospel. How does the Spirit dwell in us? Paul asks the Galatians, “Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by the hearing of faith?” In other words, ‘Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by the hearing of the gospel?’ The above Scriptures clearly teach that when the words, thoughts, and Spirit of God are controlling in our lives, God dwells in us; that when the gospel controls us, Christ dwells in us; that when we receive the gospel by the hearing of faith, the Spirit dwells in us.

Now, what reason has any man for declaring that the Spirit dwells in us in any other way unless he can point to an explicit declaration of God’s word defining and explaining that other way? This cannot be done, for there is no such passage. However, some might argue, “I do not have to depend upon the Word. I know it by my own consciousness.” It is a principle as old as metaphysics that consciousness does not take cognizance of causes, but of effects. You may be conscious of an effect within you, but you cannot be aware of the cause that produced the effect.

Suppose you are lying asleep on the ground; a severe pain suddenly awakens you in your lower limb; consciousness tells you that you are suffering pain, but it does not tell you what produced that pain. This must be decided by reason or faith. If you find a thorn in the grass where your limb was resting, reason says the thorn stuck you. On the other hand, if you find a bumblebee mashed in the grass, reason will say the insect stung you; or, if someone near you says, a boy with a pin in his hand ran away from you, faith will say the boy stuck you.

However, in either case reason or faith decided the cause of your pain. Now, when a man says, “I am conscious of the presence of the Holy Spirit within me,” he simply means, “I am conscious of a feeling within me which I have been taught was caused by the Holy Spirit.” If the man has been taught wrong, he assigns a wrong cause for the feeling. What is the feeling usually assigned for the presence of the Holy Spirit’s personal indwelling? It is a feeling of joy, peace and love. However, cannot such feeling be excited by other causes?

We know there are dozens of causes that will produce such feelings. In the absence of clear testimony, what right has anyone to attribute such feeling to the personal presence of the Holy Spirit? A man is found murdered. The testimony shows that any one of a dozen men could have killed him. Is there an intelligent jury in the land that would convict anyone of the men of being the murderer? What would you think of a jury that would render such a verdict?

“Well,” says one, “what of the great numbers who pray for a ‘Pentecostal revival’? Are they all wrong?” Not wrong in what they want, but wrong in what they call it. All that those people desire, is to be filled with a genuine revival of religious enthusiasm. Their mistake is in calling it a “Pentecostal shower.” A Pentecostal shower would lead every preacher under its influence to say, with the apostle Peter, to inquiring sinners, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins …” This is what they are careful not to say. It is clear evidence that the Spirit, which guided Peter, is not guiding them. I assert it to be a fact that the Spirit acting through the word of God as clearly accomplishes everything that is claimed to be affected by a personal indwelling of the Spirit.

I do not wish to rest content with asserting that statement, but I wish to prove it. What are the things that might be accomplished by a direct personal indwelling of the Spirit in us?

1. The Holy Spirit might give us faith.

This is accomplished through the Word of God.

Romans 10:17 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

¹⁷ So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

2. The Holy Spirit might enable us to enjoy a new birth.

This is accomplished through the Word of God.

1 Peter 1:23 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

²³ having been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

3. The Holy Spirit might give us light.

This is accomplished through the Word of God.

Psalm 119:130 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

¹³⁰ The unfolding of your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.

4. The Holy Spirit might give us wisdom.

This is accomplished through the Word of God.

2 Timothy 3:14-15 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

¹⁴ You, however, continue in the things you have learned and were persuaded to believe, knowing from whom you have learned them, ¹⁵ and that from infancy^[1] you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through trust^[2] in Christ Jesus.

This is accomplished through the Word of God.

Psalm 19:7 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

⁷ The law of Jehovah is perfect,
restoring the soul;
the testimony of Jehovah is sure,
making wise the simple

5. The Holy Spirit might convert us.

This is accomplished through the Word of God.

Psalm 19:7 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

⁷ The law of Jehovah is perfect,
restoring the soul …

6. The Holy Spirit might open our eyes.

This is accomplished through the Word of God.

Psalm 19:8 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

⁸ The precepts of Jehovah are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of Jehovah is pure,
enlightening the eyes.

7. The Holy Spirit might give us understanding.

This is accomplished through the Word of God.

Psalm 119:104 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

¹⁰⁴ From your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.

8. The Holy Spirit might preserve or give us life, i.e., quicken us.

This is accomplished through the Word of God.

Psalm 119:50 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

⁵⁰ This is my comfort in my affliction,
that your word has preserved me alive.^[3]

9. The Holy Spirit might save us.

This is accomplished through the Word of God.

James 1:21 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

²¹ Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and abundance of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.^[4]

10. The Holy Spirit might sanctify us.

This is accomplished through the Word of God.

John 17:17 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

¹⁷ Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

11. The Holy Spirit might purify us.

This is accomplished through the Word of God.

“Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth

1 Peter 1:22 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

²² The souls of you having been purified by obedience to the truth, for an unhypocritical love of the brothers, intensely love one another from the heart,^[5]

12. The Holy Spirit might cleanse us.

This is accomplished through the Word of God.

John 15:3 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

³ Already ye are clean because of the word which I have spoken unto you.

13. The Holy Spirit might make us free from sin.

This is accomplished through the Word of God.

Romans 6:17-18 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

¹⁷ But thanks be to God that you were slaves of sin, but you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, ¹⁸ and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

14. The Holy Spirit might impart a divine nature.

This is accomplished through the Word of God.

2 Peter 1:4 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

⁴ By which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

15. The Holy Spirit might fit us for glory.

This is accomplished through the Word of God.

Acts 20:32 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

³² And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

16. The Holy Spirit might strengthen us.

This is accomplished through the Word of God.

Psalm 119:28 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

²⁸ My soul weeps^[6] because of grief;
strengthen me according to your word!

In the above cases, we have covered all the possible things a direct indwelling Spirit could do for one, and have shown that all these things the Spirit does through the word of God. It is not claimed that a direct indwelling of the Spirit makes any new revelations, adds any new reasons or offers any new motives than are found in the word of God. Of what use, then, would a direct indwelling Spirit be? God makes nothing in vain. We are, therefore, necessarily, led to the conclusion that, in dealing with his children today, God deals with them in the same psychological way that he deals with men in inducing them to become children. This conclusion is strengthened by the utter absence of any test by which we could know the Spirit dwells in us if such were the case.

What the Spirit Does for the Christian

1. The Holy Spirit is active in our birth.

John 3:5 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

⁵ Jesus answered, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless someone is born from water and spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God.

Here is a distinct statement of radical change, so radical as to be likened to a new birth in order that we may enter the kingdom of God. What is it that is born? Christ says, “A man.” However, what is a man? We regard a man as having a mind, heart and a body. There is no perfect man where any of these elements is lacking. If, therefore, a man is born again, he must be born in mind, in heart, and in body. How is this birth accomplished? Let us see what the Word says,

John 1:12-13 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

¹² On the other hand, as many as received him, he gave authority to them to become children of God, to the ones trusting in his name; ¹³ who were born, not of blood,^[7] nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

God gives all things–sometimes directly, sometimes through an agent. The Holy Spirit is the agent, i.e., “Born of water and the Spirit.” However, an agent often works through an instrument. What is the instrument? It is the Word of God. “The souls of you having been purified by obedience to the truth, for an unhypocritical love of the brothers, intensely love one another from the heart, having been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” (1 Pet. 1:22, 23).

How can the word of God accomplish the new birth?

Paul tells us, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be fully competent, equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17) The apostle Peter tells us, “For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men carried along by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” (2 Pet 1:21) The apostle Paul tells us, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) The Word of God is inspired, literally God-breathed; as the Bible authors were carried along by Holy Spirit, meaning the words are is living and active. Let us listen in as New Testament Bible scholar Thomas D. Lea writes about Hebrews 4;12,

This vivid expression of the power of God’s message provides the explanation for the strong warning of verse 11. Because God’s message is alive, active, sharp, and discerning, those who listen to God’s message can enter his rest. Two questions are important in this verse. First, what is the word of God? Second, what does this passage say about it?

Although the Bible sometimes refers to Christ as God’s Word (John 1:14), the reference here is not speaking of Jesus Christ. Here we have a general reference to God’s message to human beings. In the past God had spoken to human beings through dreams, angelic appearances, and miracles. He still can use those methods today, but our primary contact with God is through his written Word, the Bible. God’s Word will include any method God uses to communicate with human beings.

This verse contains four statements about God’s Word. First, it is living. God is a living God (Heb. 3:12). His message is dynamic and productive. It causes things to happen. It drives home warnings to the disobedient and promises to the believer. Second, God’s Word is active, an emphasis virtually identical in meaning with the term living. God’s Word is not something you passively hear and then ignore. It actively works in our lives, changes us, and sends us into action for God.

Third, God’s Word penetrates the soul and spirit. To the Hebrew people, the body was a unity. We should not think of dividing the soul from the spirit. God’s message is capable of penetrating the impenetrable. It can divide what is indivisible. Fourth, God’s message is discerning. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. It passes judgment on our feelings and our thoughts. What we regard as secret and hidden, God brought out for inspection by the discerning power of his Word. (Lea, Holman New Testament Commentary: Vol. 10, Hebrews, James 1999, 72)

George Washington put his spirit into the sentence, “United we stand, divided we fall.” As long as the American people are faithful to the above words, the spirit of George Washington will live in them. However, make the same words read, “Divided we stand, united we fall,” and the spirit of Washington is removed from them. The only way to take the Spirit of God from the word of God is to add to, take from or transpose the Word so it will not say what the Spirit said in it.

“Well,” says one, “if we are born of the Spirit operating through the Word, must we not understand all the Word in order that we may be born again?” No, the apostle limits the part of the Word we must understand in verse 25 of this same chapter, “This word is the good news that was preached to you.” Let us now endeavor to learn how the gospel, good news produces this change. How is the mind born again! In order to learn this we must understand what is the normal condition of the mind of those who are not reborn spiritually and not repentant (unregenerate). In general, we may say it is in a state of unbelief. Now, the proclamation of the great facts of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ according to the Scriptures will break up that condition of unbelief and produce a conviction of the truth of the gospel. When the mind is changed from a state of unbelief to one of hearty belief, the birth of the mind is complete.

However, the mind is only a part of man. The heart must be born again. What is the normal state of the unregenerate heart? It is one of either indifference or hatred. The latter is the former fully ripened. It is said that Voltaire carried a seal ring upon which were engraved the words, “Crush the wretch,” and every time he sealed a letter he impressed his spirit of hatred upon that letter. Now, the gospel sets forth the love of God in Christ and the loveliness of Christ’s sacrifice for us in such a manner as to change the indifferent or malignant heart into one of supreme love to Christ. When the heart has thus been changed from hatred to love, it is born again.

However, man has also a body, and upon this spirit cannot act. If the body is to be born again, some element must be used that can act upon the body. Hence, our Savior says, “born of water and the Spirit,” because water can act upon the body. Now, the only use of water in the new birth is in the act of baptism. All scholars of note in the religious world agree that Christ’s use of water in the new birth has reference to baptism. Paul also speaks of “having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:22) Thus, with mind and heart changed by the Spirit through the gospel, and the body solemnly consecrated to God in baptism, the entire man is born again. This is all accomplished by the Spirit of God working in and through the gospel.

2. Another work of the Spirit is to “bear witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs.” (Rom. 8:16) It does not say, “bear witness to our spirit,” but “with our spirit.” Many people gauge the witness of the Spirit by feelings within themselves. If they feel good, it is evidence to them of the Spirit’s testimony, but they frequently feel bad also; whose testimony is that? The testimony of the Spirit should be clear testimony, and not fluctuating; it should be in words, and not in feelings. Feelings, impressions and emotions come and go as the waves of the sea, but words remain forever the same. “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not pass away,” said the Lord. The idea of the conscious testimony of the Spirit is not sustained by either the Word of God or a correct psychology. It is the testimony of metaphysicians, from Sir William Hamilton down to the writer, that consciousness does not take cognizance of causes, but effects. Feelings are effects and not causes. Consciousness tells us when we feel good or bad, but it does not tell us what makes us feel good or bad. When a man has been taught that a certain feeling in the heart is produced by a certain agency, his faith and reason may decide that that agency produced the feeling, but consciousness has nothing whatever to do with the cause of the feeling. Likewise, a certain feeling in the heart may be attributed to the Spirit because one has been taught that the Spirit will produce such a feeling, but consciousness cannot trace that feeling to the Spirit himself. A man should feel right because he knows he is right, and not know he is right because he feels right.

In deciding whether we be children of God, we have two witnesses: first, the Spirit himself, and, second, our spirit. The Spirit testifies as to who is a child of God; our spirits testify as to what we are. If our spirits testify that we are the character, which the Spirit says belongs to a child of God, then we have the testimony of the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirits that we are children of God. The testimony of the Spirit, in the nature of the case, must be general. He testifies that whosoever believes in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized into him, is a child of God. This is the whole of his testimony. Your spirit, likewise, must bear witness to your position on all of these points.

No one but your own spirit can testify that you believe in Christ; you may profess to, and the whole world may believe that you do, but your own spirit knows that you are a hypocrite in making the profession. Likewise, no one can testify but your own spirit that you have repented; you may make professions of repentance, and the world may believe you thoroughly sincere, but your own spirit may tell you that your profession is false. In a similar manner, no one but your own spirit can testify that you have been baptized; your father and mother may say so, the church record may so testify, and yet it is possible for them to be mistaken. To be certain you are a child of God you must have the testimony of your own spirit that you believe, that you have repented and that you have been baptized. If, in the judgment day, God should ask such people, “Have you obeyed me in the act of Christian baptism?” they would not have the testimony of their spirit that they had so obeyed; they would have to fall back upon the church record or that of their father and mother. Others may be satisfied with such testimony, but, as for myself, if I did not have the testimony of my own spirit that I had obeyed the Lord in Christian baptism, I would obtain that testimony before the going down of the sun.

“Well,” says one “is that all the witness of the Spirit mentioned by the apostle?” Yes, that is all; absolutely and unqualifiedly all. What more can you desire? “Well,” says another, “I want something more than the mere word; I want to be saved like the thief on the cross.” How do you know that the thief on the cross was saved? “Oh, the Bible says he was.” True, but that is the testimony of the “mere word;” so you have as much testimony to your own salvation as you have for the salvation of the thief on the cross, and it would be impossible for you to have any more. Suppose the Lord were to come down and take you up bodily and set you down before his throne in heaven, and, in the presence of all the angels and archangels, say to you: “My child, your sins are all forgiven.” “Now,” says one, “that would be testimony indeed.” Yes, it would be testimony, but no more testimony than you have in the word of God now; you would then have only the testimony of the “mere word” of God that you were forgiven. All such criticisms arise out of infidelity as to the truthfulness of God’s word.

3. The Spirit make intercession for us. This is not a work done neither in us nor upon us, but is something done for us before the throne of God. We cannot dogmatize as to how the Spirit maketh intercession, but Paul says he does it “according to the will of God.” This is a fact that appeals to our faith and not to our Christian experience. It “cannot be uttered.” We can rest upon it and draw comfort from it as a child draws strength from its mother’s breast. We can also draw comfort from the fact that Christ “always lives to make intercession” us, though we have no knowledge as to how he does it.
4. Another work of the Spirit is to “change us from glory to glory.” “But we all, with unveiled face, reflecting as a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit.” (2 Cor. 3:18) The figure used here by the apostle is taken from the process of mirror-making among the ancients. They had not the glass mirrors of our day, but a mirror of highly polished metal. A piece of coarse metal would be placed upon a stone and the workmen would begin to polish it. At first, it made no reflection at all, but when polished for a while would give a distorted and perverted reflection; but in the process of polishing, that reflection would grow clearer and clearer, when finally a man could behold his face in it perfectly reflected. And so, the same holds true with us. When taken into the great spiritual laboratory of Christianity we are blocks in the rough, but in the polishing process of the church and spiritual surroundings we begin to reflect the image of our Master, and when we have completed the work, we reflect him as perfectly as an imperfect human being can. Take, for illustration, the brothers Peter and John. At first they were called Boanerges, sons of thunder; they wanted to call down fire from heaven to destroy men who differed from them; but in the great laboratory of the Christian life they grew more and more Christlike, transformed by the Spirit of God, until at last we see the old apostle John at Ephesus, beautified and ennobled, sitting in his chair and lifting up trembling hands, and saying to the young disciples: “Little children, love one another, for love is of God.” We see the transforming power of the spiritual atmosphere of the church and the Christian life upon human nature. Christian, with this illustration before you, how can you excuse yourself for keeping out of the spiritual atmosphere of God, for staying away from the communion and the spiritual convocation of God’s people? Is it a burden and a duty to attend the house of God, or is it a pleasure gladly and joyfully anticipated? When you rise on the Lord’s Day morning, do you say, “Must I go to church today?” or do you say,

“You may sing of the beauty of mountain and dale, The water of streamlet and the flowers of the Vale, But the place most delightful this earth can afford, Is the place of devotion, the house of the Lord”?

The last work of the Spirit, which the Word of God mentions, is “giving life to our mortal bodies.” “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” (Rom. 8:11) This Spirit, which has ever been with us, watching over us, will never leave us until he raises our bodies from the dead and fashions our vile bodies like unto the glorious body of our Lord. It matters much where we now live; it matters little where and how we die. Our bodies may be buried in the unfathomed caves of ocean; they may lie upon some mountain-peak or be placed in a crowded cemetery of some great city. No stone may mark our resting-place, no friend may be able to find the spot and place a flower of love upon it; but the infinite Spirit of God knows that abiding-place, and from our ashes, he will give life to our bodies and present us faultless before the throne of God.

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A clean conscience brings us inner peace, calmness, and a profound joy that is seldom found in this world under the imperfection of fallen flesh that is catered to by Satan, the god of the world. Many who were formerly living in sin and have now turned their life over to God, they now know this amazing relief and are able today to hold a good and clean conscience as they carry out the will of the Father. WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD, has been written to help its readers to find that same joy, to have and maintain a good, clean conscience in their lives. Of course, it is incapable of covering every detail that one would need to consider and apply in their lives …

WIVES BE SUBJECT TO YOUR HUSBANDS How Should Wives Treat Their Husbands?

This book is primarily for WIVES, but wives will greatly benefit from it as well. WIVES will learn to use God’s Word to construct a solid and happy marriage. The Creator of the family gives the very best advice. Many have been so eager to read this new publication: WIVES BE SUBJECT TO …

HUSBANDS LOVE YOUR WIVES: How Should Husbands Treat Their Wives?

This book is primarily for HUSBANDS, but wives will greatly benefit from it as well. HUSBANDS will learn to use God’s Word to construct a solid and happy marriage. The Creator of the family gives the very best advice. Many have been so eager to read this new publication: HUSBANDS LOVE …

Christian Apologetics

DEFENDING OLD TESTAMENT AUTHORSHIP: The Word of God Is Authentic and True

How true is the Old Testament? For over two centuries Biblical scholars have held to the so-called documentary hypothesis, namely, that Genesis-Deuteronomy was not authored by Moses, but rather by several writers, some of whom lived centuries after Moses’ time. How have many scholars …

UNDERSTANDING ISLAM AND TERRORISM: A Biblical Point of View

Islam is making a significant mark in our world. It is perhaps the fastest-growing religion in the world. It has become a major obstacle to Christian missions. And Muslim terrorists threaten the West and modern democracies. What is the history of Islam? What do Muslims believe? Do Christians and Muslims worship the same God? Why do we have this clash of civilizations? Is sharia law a threat to modern democratic values? How can we fight terrorists in the 21st century? These are significant questions that deserve thoughtful answers …

IS THE QURAN THE WORD OF GOD?: Is Islam the One True Faith?

…IS THE QURAN THE WORD OF GOD? Is Islam the One True Faith? This book covers the worldview, practices, and history of Islam and the Quran. This book is designed as an apologetic evangelistic tool for Christians, as they come across Muslims in their daily lives, as well as to inform …

REASONS FOR FAITH: The First Apologetic Guide For Christian Women on Matters of The Heart, Soul, and Mind

If you have the desire to become better equipped to reach others for the lost or to strengthen your faith, Judy Salisbury’s guide—written specifically to meet the needs of Christian women today—offers you a safe, practical, and approachable place to start. In her lively, …

BIBLICAL CRITICISM: What are Some Outstanding Weaknesses of Modern Historical Criticism

Historical Criticism of the Bible got started in earnest, known then as Higher Criticism, during the 18th and 19th centuries, it is also known as the Historical-Critical Method of biblical interpretation. Are there any weakness to the Historical-Critical Method of biblical interpretation …

BIBLICAL CRITICISM: Beyond the Basics

Biblical criticism is an umbrella term covering various techniques for applying literary historical-critical methods in analyzing and studying the Bible and its textual content. Biblical criticism is also known as higher criticism, literary criticism, and historical criticism. Biblical …

CHRISTIAN APOLOGETIC EVANGELISM: Reaching Hearts with the Art of Persuasion

APOLOGETICS: Reaching Hearts with the Art of Persuasion by Edward D. Andrews, author of seventy-two books, covers information that proves that the Bible is accurate, trustworthy, fully inerrant, and inspired by God for the benefit of humankind. The reader will be introduced to Christan …

CONVERSATIONAL EVANGELISM, [Second Edition]

Evangelism is the work of a Christian evangelist, of which all true Christians are obligated to partake to some extent, which seeks to persuade other people to become Christian, especially by sharing the basics of the Gospel, but also the deeper message of biblical truths. Today the …

THE CHRISTIAN APOLOGIST: Always Being Prepared to Make a Defense [Second Edition]

MOST Christian apologetic books help the reader know WHAT to say; THE CHRISTIAN APOLOGIST is HOW to communicate it effectively. The Christian apologist words should always be seasoned with salt as we share the unadulterated truths of Scripture with gentleness and respect. Our example …

THE EVANGELISM HANDBOOK: How All Christians Can Effectively Share God’s Word in Their Community, [SECOND EDITION]

…THE EVANGELISM HANDBOOK is a practical guide (for real-life application) in aiding all Christians in sharing biblical beliefs, the Good News of the kingdom, how to deal with Bible critics, overturning false beliefs, so as to make disciples, as commanded by Christ. Matthew 24:14; …

YOUR GUIDE FOR DEFENDING THE BIBLE: Self-Education of the Bible Made Easy [Third Edition]

The reader will receive eight small introductory books in this one publication. Andrews’ intention is to offer his reader several chapters on eight of the most critical subject areas of understanding and defending the Word of God. This will enable the reader to lay a solid foundation for …

THE CULTURE WAR: How the West Lost Its Greatness & Was Weakened From Within 

…The Culture War. How the West lost its greatness and was weakened from within outlines how the West lost its values, causing its current decline. It is a forceful attack on the extreme liberal, anti-religious ideology which since the1960’s has permeated the Western culture and …

EARLY CHRISTIANITY IN THE FIRST CENTURY Jesus’ Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth

EARLY CHRISTIANITY IN THE FIRST CENTURY will give its readers a thrilling account of first-century Christianity. When and how did they come to be called Christians? Who are all obligated to be Christian evangelists? In what way did Jesus set the example for our evangelism? What is the …

CRISIS OF FAITH Saving Those Who Doubt 

Inside of some Christians unbeknownst to their family, friends or congregation, they are screaming, “I doubt, I doubt, I have very grave doubts!” OURS is an age of doubt. Skepticism has become fashionable. We are urged to question everything: especially the existence of God and the …

INVESTIGATING JEHOVAH?S WITNESSES: Why 1914 Is Important to Jehovah?s Witnesses

The intention of this book is to investigate the biblical chronology behind Jehovah’s Witnesses most controversial doctrinal position that Jesus began to rule invisibly from heaven in October 1914. This biblical chronology of the Witnesses hinges upon their belief that the destruction of …

Translation and Textual Criticism

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO BIBLE TRANSLATION: Bible Translation Choices and Translation Principles [Second Edition] 

…THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO BIBLE TRANSLATION (CGBT) is for all individuals interested in how the Bible came down to us, as well as having an insight into the Bible translation process. CGBT is also for those who are interested in which translation(s) would be the most beneficial to use.

CHOOSING YOUR BIBLE: Bible Translation Differences

There are more than 150 different Bible translations in the English language alone. Some are what we call literal translations, which seeks to give the reader the exact English equivalent of what was written in the original language text, thus allowing the reader access to the actual Word …

THE TEXT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT: The Science and Art of Textual Criticism

…THE TEXT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT was copied and recopied by hand for 1,500 years. Regardless of those scribes who had worked very hard to be faithful in their copying, errors crept into the text. How can we be confident that what we have today is the Word of God? Wilkins and Andrews …

MISREPRESENTING JESUS: Debunking Bart D. Ehrman’s “Misquoting Jesus” [Third Edition]

Edward D. Andrews boldly answers the challenges Bart D. Ehrman alleges against the fully inerrant, Spirit-inspired, authoritative Word of God. By glimpsing into the life of Bart D. Ehrman and following along his course of academic studies, Andrews helps the reader to understand the …

Biblical Studies

HOW TO STUDY YOUR BIBLE: Rightly Handling the Word of God

A comprehensive book on HOW TO STUDY YOUR BIBLE by observing, interpreting, and applying, which will focus on the most basic Bible study tools, principles, and processes for moving from an in-depth reading of the Scriptures to application. What, though, if you have long felt that you are …

THE NEW TESTAMENT: Its Background, Setting & Content

…the author’s intended meaning to his original readers and how that meaning can then apply to us. Marshall gives you what you need for deeper and richer Bible study. Dr. Lee M. Fields writes, “‘Deep’ study is no guarantee that mature faith will result, but shallow study guarantees …

THE LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST: What Do You Know About Jesus? [Updated and Expanded] 

The life of Christ is an exhaustless theme. It reveals a character of greater massiveness than the hills, of a more serene beauty than the stars, of sweeter fragrance than the flowers, higher than the heavens in sublimity and deeper than the seas in mystery. As good Jean Paul has …

THE LIFE OF THE APOSTLE PAUL: The Apostle to the Nations [Updated and Expanded] 

Stalker’s Life of St. Paul became one of the most widely read and respected biographies of the Apostle to the Gentiles. As an insightful compendium on the life of Paul, this work is of particular interest to pastors and teachers who desire to add realism and vividness to their account of …

INTERPRETING THE BIBLE: Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics

Delving into the basics of biblical interpretation, Edward D. Andrews has provided a complete hands-on guide to understanding what the author meant by the words that he used from the conservative grammatical-historical perspective. He teaches how to study the Bible on a deep, scholarly …

HOW TO INTERPRET THE BIBLE: An Introduction to Hermeneutics

…Linguistic and literary factors are analyzed so that the various genres of Scripture are examined for their true meaning. The importance of having sound principles of interpretation cannot be overstated as to ignore them will result in all manner of erroneous assumptions. Beville presents …

THE CHURCH COMMUNITY IN CONTEMPORARY CULTURE: Evangelism and Engagement with Postmodern People

Once upon a time, Postmodernism was a buzz word. It pronounced Modernism dead or at least in the throes of death. It was a wave that swept over Christendom, promising to wash away sterile, dogmatic and outmoded forms of church. But whatever happened to postmodernism? It was regarded …

DEVELOPING HEALTHY CHURCHES: A Case-Study in Revelation

…church. It offers an appointment with the Great Physician that no Christian can afford to ignore. Developing Healthy Churches: A Case-Study in Revelationbegins with a well-researched outline of the origins and development of the church health movement. With that background in mind the …

DYING TO KILL: A Christian Perspective on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide

…liberties in a multi-cultural society that is becoming increasingly secular. This work provides an ethical framework in which euthanasia and assisted suicide can be evaluated. These issues are on the radar indicating a collision course with Christian values. It is time for Christians to be …

JOURNEY WITH JESUS THROUGH THE MESSAGE OF MARK

…Journey with Jesus through the Message of Mark is an insightful and engaging survey of Mark‘s Gospel, exploring each major section of the text along with key themes. It is a work that can be enjoyed by laypersons as well as pastors and teachers. Pastors will find the abundant use …

ANGELS & DEMONS The Bible Answers

What are angels & demons? Can angels help us? What does the Bible say about angels? What is the truth about angels? Can Angels affect your life? Who were the “sons of God” in Genesis 6:2? Who were the Nephilim in Genesis 6:2? Who is Michael the archangel? Can Satan the Devil control …

Bible Doctrines

WHERE ARE THE DEAD? Basic Bible Doctrines of the Christian Faith

What is the Bible’s viewpoint? Without delving into an endless stream of what man has said, Andrews looks at what the Bible says about death and the like. Why do we grow old and die? What happens at death? Is there life after death, or is this all there is? Do we have an immortal soul? …

IDENTIFYING THE ANTICHRIST: The Man of Lawlessness and the Mark of the Beast Revealed

Herein Andrews will give the reader exactly what the Bible offers on exposing who the Antichrist and the Man of Lawlessness are. If we look at the texts that refer to the antichrist and the man of lawlessness, we will have lines of evidence that will enable us to identify them. Why is it …

UNDERSTANDING THE CREATION ACCOUNT: Basic Bible Doctrines of the Christian Faith

Throughout the Scriptures, God is identified as the Creator. He is the One “who created the heavens (He is the God who formed the earth and made it, He established it.” [Isa 45:18] He is the One “who forms mountains and creates the wind” (Am 4:13) and is the One “who made the heaven and …

The SECOND COMING of CHRIST: Basic Bible Doctrines of the Christian Faith

The information herein is based on the disciples coming to Jesus privately, saying, “Tell us, (1) when will these things be, and (2) what will be the sign of your coming, and (3) of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3) What will end? When will the end come? What comes after the end? Who …

WHAT IS HELL? Basic Bible Doctrines of the Christian Faith

What Really Is Hell? What Kind of Place is Hell? What Really Happens at Death? What Did Jesus Teach About Hell? How Does Learning the Truth About Hell Affect You? Who Goes to Hell? What Is Hell? Is It a Place of Eternal Torment? Does God Punish People in Hellfire? Do the Wicked Suffer in …

MIRACLES – DO THEY STILL HAPPEN TODAY? God Miraculously Saving People’s Lives, Apparitions, Speaking In Tongues, Faith Healing 

Miracles were certainly a part of certain periods in Bible times. What about today? Are miracles still taking place. There are some very important subjects that surround this area of discussion that are often misunderstood. Andrews will answer such questions as does God step in and solve …

HOMOSEXUALITY – The BIBLE and the CHRISTIAN: Basic Bible Doctrines of the Christian Faith

Today there are many questions about homosexuality as it relates to the Bible and Christians. What does the Bible say about homosexuality? Does genetics, environment, or traumatic life experiences justify homosexuality? What is God’s will for people with same-sex attractions? Does the …

Christian Fiction

THE DIARY OF JUDAS ISCARIOT: How to Keep Jesus at Arm’s Length

…desert but none of such significance as a handful of scrolls retrieved from a buried Roman satchel (presumed stolen) at this site. The discovery has since come to be known as ‘The Diary of Judas Iscariot.’ In The Diary of JudasIscariot Owen Batstone relates the observations and feelings …

THE RAPTURE: God’s Unwelcomed Wrath

Kevin Trill struggles with the notion that he may have missed the Rapture. With nothing but the clothes on his back and a solid gold pocket watch, he sets off towards Garbor, a safe haven for those who haven’t yet taken the mark of thebeast. While on his way to Garbor, he meets up …

SEEKERS AND DECEIVERS: Which One are You? It Is Time to Join the Fight!

There grew an element in the valley that did not want to be ruled by the Light of the Word. Over time, they convinced the people to reject it. As they started to reject this Light, the valley grew dim and the fog rolled in. The people craved the darkness rather than the Light because they were evil. They did not want to  …

The Shadow Flames of Uluru: Book ONE in the CHAOS DOWN UNDER 

When an ancestor saddles them with the responsibility to purge Australia of a demon threatening to wipe our humanity with black flames, fraternal siblings Amber and Michael Hauksby lay their lives on the line. As the world crumbles around them into chaos, and ancient marsupials wreak havoc in their hometown, they must journey into …

WRITE PLACE, RIGHT TIME: The Pre-Apocalyptic Misadventure of a Freelance Journalist 

“Write Place, Right Time” follows the pre-apocalyptic misadventures of freelance journalist Don Lamplighter. While on what he expects to be a routine Monday night trip to a village board meeting, Lamplighter’s good nature compels him to help a stranded vehicle. Little does he know that by saving one of the car’s occupants, he sets forth a chain of what to him seem to be unrelated events where he must use his physical and social skills to save himself and others from precarious situations.

[1] Brephos is “the period of time when one is very young–‘childhood (probably implying a time when a child is still nursing), infancy.” – GELNTBSD

[2] Pisteuo is “to believe to the extent of complete trust and reliance—‘to believe in, to have confidence in, to have faith in, to trust, faith, trust.’ – GELNTBSD

[3] Older translations read, quickened me

[4] Or “is able to save you”

[5] Two early mss read a clean heart

[6] Lit drops

[7] Literally “bloods.” This is the only place in the NT that you will find the plural form of blood. It possible that it could refer either to hereditary (that is, blood from one’s father and mother) or to the OT blood sacrifice. Neither is necessary for birth into the family of God.