Gender of God?

Question: "Is God male or female?"

Answer: In examining Scripture, two facts become clear. First, God is a Spirit and does not possess human characteristics or limitations. Second, all the evidence contained in Scripture agrees that God revealed Himself to mankind in a male form. To begin, God’s true nature needs to be understood. God is a Person, obviously, because God exhibits all the characteristics of personhood: God has a mind, a will, an intellect, and emotions. God communicates and He has relationships, and God’s personal actions are evidenced throughout Scripture.

As John 4:24 states, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” Since God is a spiritual being, He does not possess physical human characteristics. However, sometimes figurative language used in Scripture assigns human characteristics to God in order to make it possible for man to understand God. This assignment of human characteristics to describe God is called “anthropomorphism.” Anthropomorphism is simply a means for God (a spiritual being) to communicate truth about His nature to humanity, physical beings. Since humanity is physical, we are limited in our understanding of those things beyond the physical realm; therefore, anthropomorphism in Scripture helps us to understand who God is.

Some of the difficulty comes in examining the fact that humanity is created in God’s image. Genesis 1:26-27 says, “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

Both man and woman are created in the image of God, in that they are greater than all the other creations as they, like God, have a mind, will, intellect, emotions, and moral capacity. Animals do not possess a moral capacity and do not possess an immaterial component like humanity does. The image of God is the spiritual component that humanity alone possesses. God created humanity to have a relationship with Him. Humanity is the only creation designed for that purpose.

That said, man and woman are only patterned after the image of God—they are not tiny “copies” of God. The fact that there are men and women does not require God to have male and female features. Remember, being made in the image of God has nothing to do with physical characteristics.

We know that God is a spiritual being and does not possess physical characteristics. This does not limit, however, how God may choose to reveal Himself to humanity. Scripture contains all the revelation God gave to humanity about Himself, and so it is the only objective source of information about God. In looking at what Scripture tells us, there are several observations of evidence about the form in which God revealed Himself to humanity.

Scripture contains approximately 170 references to God as the “Father.” By necessity, one cannot be a father unless one is male. If God had chosen to be revealed to man in a female form, then the word “mother” would have occurred in these places, not “father.” In the Old and New Testaments, masculine pronouns are used over and over again in reference to God.

Jesus Christ referred to God as the Father several times and in other cases used masculine pronouns in reference to God. In the Gospels alone, Christ uses the term “Father” in direct reference to God nearly 160 times. Of particular interest is Christ’s statement in John 10:30: “I and the Father are one.” Obviously, Jesus Christ came in the form of a human man to die on the cross as payment for the sins of the world. Like God the Father, Jesus was revealed to humanity in a male form. Scripture records numerous other instances where Christ utilized masculine nouns and pronouns in reference to God.

The New Testament Epistles (from Acts to Revelation) also contain nearly 900 verses where the word theos—a masculine noun in the Greek—is used in direct reference to God. In countless references to God in Scripture, there is clearly a consistent pattern of His being referred to with masculine titles, nouns, and pronouns. While God is not a man, He chose a masculine form in order to reveal Himself to humanity. Likewise, Jesus Christ, who is constantly referred to with masculine titles, nouns, and pronouns, took a male form while He walked on the earth. The prophets of the Old Testament and the apostles of the New Testament refer to both God and Jesus Christ with masculine names and titles. God chose to be revealed in this form in order for man to more easily grasp who He is. While God makes allowances in order to help us understand Him, it is important to not try to “force God into a box,” so to speak, by placing limitations on Him that are not appropriate to His nature.

Website: www.GotQuestions.org

Where is 'Rapture' in the Bible?

No Mention Of The Rapture?

Q. I just want to thank you and thank the Lord for blessing you with all the devotion you put into studying and teaching his word.

I have listened to all your messages and read your articles on the rapture. The Holy Spirit has lead you to doing a great job of studying the scriptures and coming up with your reasoning on the rapture coming at pre tribulation. You left no doubt in my mind as to agreeing with you fully, until I was listening to a pastor that was being interviewed about the rapture and his point of view was how he didn’t believe in any rapture of the church, and that even the scriptures don’t come right out and mention the word rapture in them. I even looked up rapture in the bible dictionaries, and the word rapture is not listed.

The pastor being interviewed did not convince me to change my mind, but I was just wondering why God left such a grey area when writing about his church being raptured from ones way to interpret it to another’s?

A. The timing of the Rapture of the Church is part of God’s secret wisdom that has to be kept from His great adversary for strategic reasons, and therefore it has to be kept from us as well. But although it is impossible for any man to know the exact day of its arrival in advance, we have been told clearly of its existence. (1 Cor. 15:51-52, 1 Thes. 1:10, 1 Thes. 4:16, Rev 3:10)

Any one who teaches that the word Rapture doesn’t appear in the Scriptures is counting on our ignorance. He hopes we don’t know that Rapture is a Latin word, whereas the New Testament was written in Greek . The Greek word from which it comes is harpazo, found in 1 Thes. 4:16 where it’s translated “caught up.” The Latin word for caught up is Rapture. You might tell him that Lucifer, another Latin word, doesn’t appear in the original Bible either, but no one would be silly enough to use that as an excuse to deny the devil’s existence.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Water Baptism

Is Baptism Necessary For Salvation?

Q. My intention here is not to be insulting, but you are cherry-picking. Jesus established the minimum requirement when he said in Mark 16:16 that you must believe and be baptized. So what gives with your explanation? Belief is to be active; you must apply some action for faith without works is dead! I’m glad you mention John 3:16 because it flows from what Jesus said in 3:5 “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. This “water” birth Jesus speaks of is baptism. None other!

A. By saying I’m cherry picking, I assume you’re referring to my use of John 6:28-29 to support my view that belief is the only requirement for salvation. Do you realize that you’re also implying that Jesus was less than honest with the people who had asked the question “What is the work that God requires?” If ever He had an opportunity to lay out clearly everything that God needs from us, that was it. All He said was, “The work of God is this. Believe in the One He has sent.” If you’re right about the necessity for baptism to assure salvation, then Jesus didn’t tell them the full story, the thief on the cross didn’t go to paradise, and Paul was also wrong in Romans 10:9-10, 13 and in 1 Cor. 1:13-17 when he said the Lord didn’t call him to baptize people but to preach the Gospel.

You’ve misinterpreted James on the issue of faith without works being dead. He was saying that true faith will manifest itself in works, not that works must be added to faith to make it real.

I also think you’ve interpreted John 3:5 incorrectly. Remember the context is being born again. Being born of water is our first birth, the physical birth from our mother’s womb and the birth water that surrounded us. Being born again is when we’re born of the Spirit. It’s our second birth. Baptism is not in view in this passage.

Don’t get me wrong. I support baptism as the public confirmation of a private decision, but I don’t believe the Lord intended it to be essential for salvation.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

How is it that Jesus is called as 'the Son of David'?

The House And Lineage Of David

Q. Since Joseph & Mary were not a married yet & God said that Jesus would come from his (Joseph) lineage, wouldn’t that mean that it had to be Mary’s lineage? or did Joseph & Mary really get together to fulfill what God said? Also I did watch a documentary that said Mary was a virgin when the two got married, but then did their wedding thing that would fulfill what God said? Thank you for this chance to ask a question.

A. The complete phrase is “house and lineage of David”. Comparing the genealogies of Matthew 1 (Joseph’s) and Luke 3 (Mary’s), you can see that both Joseph and Mary were descended from King David. Therefore both were of the House of David. But Matthew’s account shows that unlike Mary, Joseph was also in the royal line of succession through King Solomon and therefore of David’s lineage as well. (Luke 2:4) Mary was a descendant of Solomon’s brother Nathan.

Just before the Babylonian captivity God had cursed the royal line, saying that no King would ever come from them again (Jere. 22:28-30) and yet He had promised David that descendants of Solomon’s would rule over Israel forever. (1 Chron. 17:11-14)

Jesus was a blood relative of Mary’s, and therefore of the house of David. When Joseph married Mary, Jesus became his legal son and therefore entered the Royal line. Now He was of the house and lineage of David. But since He and Joseph were not biologically related, He escaped the blood curse. Thus Jesus became the only man since 600 BC qualified to become the King of Israel and sit on David’s throne, something Gabriel had promised to Mary (Luke 1:32-33) and that will be fulfilled in the Millennium.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Contradiction?

A Contradiction Or Not?

Q. Genesis 6:6 says, “And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.” But in Numbers 23:19 it says, “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” I know and I believe in my heart that there isn’t any contradiction in the Word of God. But I would really appreciate any explanation on why there seems to be one here. The verbs in both verses are the same in Hebrew.

A. This is more of a problem in English than in Hebrew. Although the verb nacham is used in both verses, it has several meanings depending on the context in which it’s used.

In Genesis 6 the context is regret, one meaning of nacham. God regretted creating man because of the way man had become following the introduction of sin into the world. Numbers 23 says that God doesn’t change His mind after deciding something. The English word repent means to change one’s mind, and is another meaning of nacham.

So while God felt regret over creating man, He didn’t change His mind about doing it. There is no contradiction.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Bible Questions

Casting The Stones?

Q. I recently heard that the stones on the breastplate that the priest wore, were taken out, and cast down, much in the way (for those who practice it) chicken bones are thrown down, to see what God wanted them to do. I was told, “that is the only way they heard from God”.

This, I just don’t believe! I have never read anywhere in God’s word of the Preist throwing down the stones out of the breast plate. Surely, if God can speak to Moses, and Abraham, He spoke to those High Priests.

Also, on tithing. Study the word “storehouse”. A lot of people think “money” If it was only money, then why did Paul need all that help carrying it with him? Anyway, just some of my thoughts.

A. There’s no merit to the idea that the High Priest took the stones out of the breast plate and cast them down. He received answers from God with the Urim and Thumim, two lots kept in a hidden pocket behind the breastplate. One meant yes and the other meant no. Which ever one He pulled out of the pocket was God’s answer. (Exodus 29:30, Numbers 27:21)

According to some, the reason Paul needed help to carry the offering was that they converted it to gold coins and had them sewn into their clothing. They did this to avoid being robbed on the highway. Had they not done so it would have required a wagon to haul all the silver coins and that would have drawn the attention of highway robbers.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Bible Questions

Why Did God Go To Sodom And Gomorrah?

Mr. Kelley,

Thanks as always for your time and teaching.

Q. I have a question about Psalm 33 and Genesis 18. In Psalm 33 it states that God sees all of mankind from Heaven. He is able to view and know every man and woman’s thoughts, feelings, etc. There are a number of other places that say as much as well, this is just the one I remembered the Book and chapter for.

In Genesis 18:20-21 He says that He is going down to look at Sodom and Gomorrah to see if the sin and wickedness is as bad as the outcry that has reached Him.

Why? Why would He need to go and see in person when He can see from Heaven?

A. You’re right. God knows and sees everything, so there has to be another reason for His visit. While He used the situation in Sodom and Gomorrah to explain His sudden appearance on the road by Abraham’s home, several important things happened while He was there. First there was the promise of a son for Abraham and Sarah. Then there was the institution of the fellowship meal, a tradition that continues in the Middle East to this day. And finally there was the fact that for the sake of the righteous, God will withhold judgment of the wicked.

All three of these are important to us today. Isaac was called the child of the promise, who was supernaturally born, and later became a model of the Lord’s sacrifice for us (Genesis 22). Jesus used the tradition of the fellowship meal to explain that the Church consists of sinners who are saved by Grace, not because of their meritorious behavior (Matt. 13:33) And in removing Lot from Sodom before destroying it, God created a model of the Rapture of the Church, which has to be removed removed from the time and place of judgment ahead of time. (Luke 17:28-29)

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Bible Questions?

Q: Did Noah need oxygen on the Ark?

A: Why would someone ask this question? Let’s back up and look at this from a big picture. Consider what the Bible says about the voyage of the Ark:

The water prevailed more and more upon the earth, so that all the high mountains everywhere under the heavens were covered. The water prevailed fifteen cubits higher, and the mountains were covered. (Genesis 7:19–20)

People then look at the earth today and note that the highest mountain is Mt. Everest, which stands just over 29,000 feet above sea level. Then they put two and two together and say that Noah’s Ark floated at least 15 cubits above Mt. Everest—and at such high altitude, people need oxygen!

It sounds like a straightforward argument, doesn’t it? But did you notice that I emphasized the word today? In light of this, the solution is quite simple: the Flood did not happen on today’s earth, but rather on the earth of nearly 4,300 years ago (according to Ussher).

The world today is not the same as it was before the Flood, or even during the Flood. For instance, if the mountains, continents, and oceans basins of today’s earth were more leveled out (as would be expected in a global Flood), the planet’s surface water alone would cover the earth an estimated 1.66 miles deep—about 8,000 feet. Yet when I visited Cusco, Peru, which is around 11,000 feet above sea level, I didn’t need an oxygen tank.

Furthermore, atmospheric air pressure is relative to sea level. So as rising sea levels pushed the air column higher, the air pressure at sea level would stay the same.

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Continue reading as Bodie Hodge answers the question Did Noah Need Oxygen on the Ark?

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Website: www.answersingenesis.org

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Bible's Mysterious Questions

Joseph’s Dreams

Q. I have a question about Genesis 37:9-10. Joseph has a dream that his brothers and father and mother will bow down to him. Later on when Joseph is in Egypt it appears that his mother did not come to bow down to Joseph because she died. What can this moon be referring to and how was it fulfilled?

A. Joseph had two dreams in Genesis 37. When the brothers bowed down before Joseph (Genesis 42:6) they were fulfilling his first dream of the 12 sheaves of wheat (Genesis 37:5-8). Notice how Jacob was guessing at the meaning of the second dream (Genesis 37:9-10), not really interpreting it.

From Rev. 12:1-6 we see that in the second dream, the woman (Rachael) is a type of Israel giving birth to the Messiah (represented in the dream by Joseph) who will rule the nations with an iron hand. Before Him every knee will bow.

Some have counted over 100 instances in the life of Joseph where he serves as a type of the Messiah. In fact, the Essenes, who believed in two Messiahs, named the first one Messiah son of Joseph.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Answers From Billy Graham

Q: I know Christians say Jesus was divine, but how could He be divine and still be a human being? After all, we're all imperfect, and we can mess things up pretty badly. But God can't do that, can He? — G.L.

A: Dear G.L.,
No, God can't "mess things up" or commit sin of any kind. He is absolutely pure and holy, and there isn't even a hint of sin within Him. The Bible says, "Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong" (Habakkuk 1:13).

Nor, the Bible says, did Jesus commit any sin. I know that's hard for us to understand; if we're honest, we know we sin every day. But Jesus was both fully human and fully divine - He was God in human flesh. Centuries before His birth, the prophet Isaiah foretold that "'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' - which means, 'God with us'" (Matthew 1:23).

And because Jesus was divine (as well as human), He never sinned. That doesn't mean He wasn't tempted - because He was (see Matthew 4:1-11). But He resisted the most intense temptations Satan could devise - and because He did, Jesus remained sinless to the end. The Bible says that He was "tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). This is a profound mystery - but it's true.

Why is this important? The reason is because only a sinless, divine Savior could save us. He was without sin, but on the cross all our sins were placed on Him, and He took the judgment we deserve. He did this because God loves us. Are you trusting Christ alone for your salvation?

Website: www.billygraham.org

Fallen World and its Consequesnces

Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?

Q. I just finished reading your article, “Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?, and it left me with two questions. Having been born disabled from Cerebral Palsy, (I’m now 64 years old) if I say, think, or feel, “Hey, I didn’t deserve to be born with this disability”, am I not questioning God’s Fairness and Justice as Job did? If, however, I ask, “Why was I born in this fashion?, am I instead seeking to know God’s Purpose in allowing such to happen?

By the way, the only Biblical passage that seems to address my “why” question is in the Gospel of John, 9:1 - 7

A. The answer to your first question is yes. Whenever we try to justify ourselves we’re really condemning God. As for the second question, I think it is both appropriate and Biblically mandated to want to learn what God’s plan is for your life. (Romans 12:1-2)

But there’s also a third thing to consider that I addressed in part one of the article you referenced. 1 John 5:19 says that even though we’re children of God, the whole world is under the control of the evil one. To me that means that sickness and disease can not be attributed to God and are not always directly related to behavior. With Satan in control, We’re stuck in a sin infested world where things are simply not fair and where people suffer consequences they didn’t earn.

But even that leads us back to your second question. Satan’s goal is to make you hate God enough to reject Him. Seeking and then following God’s purpose for your life is the best way to heap coals on your real enemy’s head. And as it did for the man born blind in John 9, your life will also bring great glory to God.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Living Sacrifice

What Do I Do Now?

Q. First off I would like to say that I have recently found your website and have enjoyed reading it a lot! I have been searching your site for answers and have found many, however, I still have questions.

At one point not long ago, I was convinced that you could lose your salvation. However, after finding your site I have read numerous posts and verses that state to the contrary and now am convinced that you can not lose your salvation (PRAISE GOD!) My question now is: even though I am eternally secure and will go to Heaven, I feel as if I am at a loss at what I am expected to do on Earth. My issue is that I don’t feel as if I am grateful enough. Don’t get me wrong, I am glad that I will be spending eternity with Jesus in Heaven, but I feel that I should be more than just glad. To me, grateful means having the desire to go WAY out of your way to do something for someone even if it is a HUGE inconvenience. I truly want to serve God, I just don’t feel I know how. Any insight would be appreciated.

A. God looks at the attitude of your heart, not the extent of your works, in evaluating your level of gratitude. If He calls you to go “way out of your way” for Him that’s one thing. But you don’t have to come up with something on your own to demonstrate your gratitude because He already knows how you feel. Just the fact that you don’t feel like you’re doing enough shows how grateful you really are.

In Romans 12:1-2, Paul said that rather than conforming to the standards of this world, we’re to to present our whole lives as living sacrifices to God. In other words to offer our lives to God to do with as He wishes. Then we let the Holy Spirit guide us to live a life pleasing to the Lord. If He calls us to do something special for Him, then we respond. It will work much better for everyone. One of the worst things we can do is try to prove that we’re worthy of the Lord’s blessing, because we aren’t.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

The Book of Ezekiel

Ezekiel And The Fall Of Judah

Q. Why did God have Ezekiel prophesy the destruction of Israel and Judah? I thought Israel and Judah were already destroyed before the days of Ezekiel because, Ezekiel said in the beginning of his book that he was in the midst of captivity. Where was Ezekiel located (where did he live) during the time he was prophesying?

A. The northern Kingdom, called Israel, was conquered by the Assyrians around 722BC. Babylon conquered Judah over a 19 period that included three sieges about 130 years later. In the first siege, which took place in 605 BC, Daniel was taken to Babylon along with a number of others from the royal family, to serve as hostages. Ezekiel became a hostage along with 10,000 others who were carried off to Babylon in the 2nd siege, in 597. Finally, in the 3rd siege, 586 BC, the Temple and city were destroyed, all the remaining Jews were taken to Babylon, and the Promised Land was left unoccupied for 70 years. The firsrt 32 chapters of Ezekiel were written before the 3rd siege.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Three days during Jesus Death!

What Happened During Those 3 Days?

Q. I would like to know what Jesus did those 3 days when he died on the cross prior to resurrection. Was there a battle? If so, what was it for exactly? I have had some interpretation on it but not much scripture.

A. Some teach that when the Lord went into the grave it was to endure 3 more days of torment at the hands of the devil, but I don’t buy it, primarily because His last words were “It is finished.” (John 19:30) Remember, the Greek word John used there was very familiar to his early readers. It was a legal term that meant “Paid In Full”. Jesus couldn’t have said that if His torment wasn’t finished yet.

But there are also 2 verses in Peter’s first letter that speak of his time there. 1 Peter 3:19 says that He preached to the imprisoned spirits of those who had disobeyed in the days of Noah. 1 Peter 4:6 says that He also confirmed the gospel to those who had died believing in a coming redeemer. In effect He said that their faith had been justified, and they should get ready to accompany Him to Heaven. He couldn’t have done these things while being tortured as Satan’s captive.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Moses a type

Moses, A Type Of The Messiah

Q. My granddaughter and I are studying “The life of Moses” this year in Bible Study Fellowship. I thought some of it would be something of a slog, but God’s set up of the whole sacrificial system is such a beautiful graphic picture of all that Jesus has done for us, that it is wonderful.

But one thing that I don’t understand is this. When the “stiff necked” people (I love that-aren’t we all?) disobeyed, God became so angry. After the golden calf, He threatened to start all over with just Moses and not lead with His presence. There are many failures that brought on God’s anger. My problem is that I know God knew this would all happen ahead of time and He knew He would not wipe everyone out and start over with Moses. So why such anger? It almost comes across to me that God loses control. And I know that is not true. Can you help me here?

A. You’re right. God knew everything in advance and does not lose control. In a sense He and Moses were acting out a parable of the Everlasting Covenant. God’s anger symbolized His wrath at the end of the age when He will punish the wicked. By offering to have his name blotted out of The Book of Life if God would forgive the people and not destroy them (Ex.32:32), Moses was being a type of the Messiah. Later Jesus fulfilled this model when He actually did give His life as payment for our sins so that God could forgive us and spare ours.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Moslem Antichrist

Could The Anti-Christ Be Moslem?

Q. I know there are differing opinions on who and where the anti-Christ comes from. Is there any indication that he may be a Muslim? Seeing that the whole region was a part of the Roman Empire is it possible. Or do you think he will be of European descent?

A. The only indications that the anti-Christ could be Molsem come from extra-Biblical sources and even those are only inferences, but when combined they form a compelling circumstantial case. Here are the main ones.

1. As the end of the age approaches, Islam is both the 2nd largest and fastest growing religion on Earth. Only Christianity is bigger, but after the rapture will become a distant 2nd to Islam. To me that makes Islam the most likely one-world religion.

2. Islam has a stated goal of taking over the world, by force if necessary.

3. The Roman Empire of Biblical times had both Eastern and Western divisions. Today the countries that made up the Eastern division are largely Moslem.

4. Western Europe is rapidly falling under the influence of Islam, so even a western anti-Christ could be Islamic.

5. Some Moslems expect a coming world leader they call al Mahdi. Their descriptions of him are strikingly similar to our descriptions of the anti-Christ. They say al Mahdi will be a peacemaker who comes in a time of chaos, that he’ll rule the world for 7 years, enforce the practice of Islam worldwide, and that at the end of his reign the world will be judged.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

New Heaven and New Earth

Separated Forever?

Q. I want to thank you for clearing up a lot of questions, but I read one of the articles I get from you and don’t quite understand.

You are comparing the descriptions of the New Jerusalem with Jehovah Shammah. In the last two paragraphs of that article you state that Heaven is the New Jerusalem where we will dwell with the Lord forever, while the Holy City on Earth is Jehovah Shammah where God will dwell in the midst of His people Israel forever.

This sounds like we will be separated from the Jews forever in eternity . Can you clear this up for me?

A. No one in his or her natural state, whether Jew or Gentile, will be able to enter the New Jerusalem during the Millennium. (Rev. 21:27) But believers in their perfected state, as we will be after the rapture, will be able to visit any place in the universe. This includes Israel and every other location on planet Earth where our loved ones might be.

At the end of the Millennium, all the people of Earth will be perfected too (Isaiah 25:7-8) which would likely remove any restrictions on them as far as visiting us is concerned. So we won’t be separated forever.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Millennium

Food In The Millennium

Q. I have a small question really that I have been asked and I can’t really be definitive in an answer. In the Millenium with Jesus do we eat meat or do we become vegetarians?? Is. 11:8 talks about ‘wolf not being carnivorous’ and also speaks elsewhere about ‘nothing being hurt on His mountain again.

A. Man was created as a vegetarian (Genesis 1:29). After the flood, he was given the go ahead to eat meat, and man’s relationship with the animals changed. (Genesis 9:2-3) On Earth in the Millennium, Isaiah 11:6-10 says that peace will be restored both between different classes of animals and between man and animals. Not much is said about man’s diet, but since much of Earth’s population will be made up of the off spring of natural man, one could assume the diet will be similar to ours, but obviously much healthier. Ezekiel 47:10 speaks of fishermen along the banks of the (no longer) Dead Sea. Ezekiel 47:12 and Rev. 22 say that trees in the Holy City will bear a different crop of fruit each month. Ezekiel indicated the fruit is for food. Micah and Isaiah both mention vineyards and fig trees, and I would not be surprised to find bread in there someplace.

After He was resurrected Jesus asked for food, perhaps to show that he was a tangible being. They gave Him some broiled fish, which He ate. (Luke 24:41-42) He may have also eaten fish and bread with the disciples in John 21:12-13. This is the only information we have about the diet of post-resurrection man, so anything you hear about our diet in the New Jerusalem is speculation. I’m not even sure food will be necessary, although I hope it’s at least optional.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Violation of Ten Commandments

Did The Lord Violate His Own Commandment?

Q. Having just watched a tele movie about Moses, I wondered why God told Moses and his people “Thou shall not kill” as part of the 10 commandments, yet a short time later, in Joshua, God commands his people to kill every one, women and children included?

A. First of all the intent of the commandment is to prohibit murder, not killing in general. Accidental death, warfare, and self defense were treated differently under the Law. But in Genesis 15 :13-21 the Lord gave the promised land to Abraham’s descendants, but said that they couldn’t occupy it for 400 years because the sin of the Amorites who lived there was not complete. That means He had promised to give the Amorites 400 years to repent of their sins. In Deut. 18:9-12 the Lord said He was going to have the Israelites drive out the Amorites because of their detestable ways. That means after 400 years they still hadn’t stopped their sinful ways and so God was using the Israelites as His instrument of judgment. In order to kill every trace of their false religion everyone of them had to die. The adults died as punishment for their sins. The children died because the Lord was taking them unto Himself to be His forever.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Corrupt Leaders?

Should We Follow Corrupt Leaders?

Q. The Bible says to submit to authority because it is established by God. Doesn’t this mean that the American Revolution was wrong? Also, what about governments that are actively committing genocide? Should the Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto not have resisted? Doesn’t this mean that Stalin, Hitler, Mao, Pol Pot, etc. were all put in place by God and that they should have been obeyed even they mercilessly massacred their own people? I am confused.

A. I think you’re confused because you’re not using sound judgment. The same passage (Romans 13:1-7) says that people who’ve done nothing wrong have nothing to fear from their leaders. What we know about the character of God tells us that leaders like the ones you mention rebelled against Him. That means some other power was influencing them and that God will punish them for their actions. Sometimes this punishment begins with a revolt by the people, but in addition Isaiah 14:9-11 says that they will all be there to greet Satan in Hell.


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