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Category Archives: resurrection
A Gentle Alternative to Punishment in Hell for Those Who Reject God’s Offer of Eternal Life—Conditional Immortality
Some believers (like me) think it likely that everyone who ever lived will have opportunity, with a clear mind free of confusion and misinformation, to understand God’s love and his offer of eternal life. This might be during their lifetime … Continue reading
Posted in C. S. Lewis, conditional immortality, eternal life, hell, resurrection
Tagged Annihilation, free will, Isaiah 66, Jeremiah 19, John 3:16, Mere Chritianity, Plato, soul, universalism
81 Comments
Was Jesus Omniscient?
Many people seem to think that Jesus had the total mind of God while on earth. But is this true? Should we think that when Jesus was placed in the manger he looked around and thought, ‘Well here I am; … Continue reading
Bishop Spong and the Resurrection that Never Was
Bishop John Shelby Spong has a unique view on the resurrection of Jesus; it was not really a resurrection at all as we understand it. In his book, Resurrection: Myth or Reality (1994), he states repeatedly that he believes in … Continue reading
The Strangest and Most Wonderful Story of All about Jesus–the Resurrection!
Yesterday was Easter, the day we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from death. Today, let’s take one more look at that event with the question: ‘Did Jesus really appear to his followers after his resurrection?’ I say Yes! The Women Visit the … Continue reading
Posted in Jesus, resurrection
Tagged John 20, John21, Luke 24, Mark 16, Mary Magdalene, Matthew 28
42 Comments
How Do We Understand the Resurrection of Many Holy People Associated with Jesus’ Resurrection?
We talked last time about strange stories associated with Jesus’ death. Today we discuss a strange story associated with his resurrection—that being the resurrection of many deceased holy people. We will begin where we left off last time—with Matthew’s unique … Continue reading
Did God Pour Out His Wrath on Jesus During His Violent Death on the Cross?: Angry God Part 3
Many believers align with a God whom they think is angry, violent, and vindictive. Perhaps they identify with the angry god of Old Testament stories, or maybe they create God in their own image. I addressed each of these issues … Continue reading
Posted in God, Jesus, judgment, resurrection, uncategorized
Tagged angry God, Anselm, Christus Victor, crucifixion, Isaiah 53, Penal Substitution
36 Comments
If Most Everyone Will Have Eternal Life with God Anyway, then Why Do We Need to Share the Good News of Jesus?
Recently we discussed whether those who have not heard the good news or who even follow other religions might receive eternal life and live in God’s community after death—even if they never became followers of Jesus during this lifetime. My … Continue reading
Posted in eternal life, fundamentalism, God, hell, Jesus, Kingdom of God, love, resurrection, the Good News, witnessing
15 Comments
Hell? Conditional Immortality? Something Else? What Happens to Those Who Reject God?
I agree with believers who suggest that God offers eternal life after death to everyone — even those who have never heard, and even those of other religions. Thus it is possible that all who ever lived could be part of … Continue reading
Posted in conditional immortality, eternal life, fear, hell, Kingdom of God, resurrection
Tagged Annihilation, Isaiah 66, Jeremiah 19, Plato, universalism
50 Comments
‘I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life’; Is Jesus the Only Way to Life? Yes and No
When we read of the teaching and actions of Jesus, it becomes clear that Jesus is nothing if not inclusive. He is free with forgiveness, healing, and acceptance and is not at all the sort of person who creates barriers. … Continue reading
Posted in Buddha, eternal life, God, Jesus, resurrection
Tagged Acts 4, John 10, John 14, salvation, universalism, World Religions
27 Comments
How Does One Explain the Crucifixion of Jesus to Young Children?
Recently, a reader asked an excellent question. This is our discussion, but I have not used their real name. Joe wrote: I’ve talked with you in the past. The other day, my 3 year old son and I were talking … Continue reading
Posted in atonement, Jesus, resurrection
Tagged children, Christus Victor, crucifixion, Easter
36 Comments
Doubting Thomas Could be My Patron Saint!
Do you have difficulty accepting some things believers claim with certainty as God’s very truth? Do you sometimes question things you were taught in church and Sunday school? Then you might be a doubter. Well I am a doubter too—and … Continue reading
Posted in doubt, hell, inerrancy, Jesus, legalism, resurrection
Tagged angry God, Doubting Thomas, John 11, John 14, John 20
21 Comments
Why Did Jesus Die on the Cross?
We talked last time about three atonement theories that I believe are woefully misguided and miss the point of Jesus’ death completely: The Ransom Theory, the Satisfaction Theory, and the Substitutionary Atonement Theory (Penal Substitution). All three are inadequate to … Continue reading
Posted in atonement, eternal life, Jesus, Kingdom of God, love, resurrection, sin
Tagged Christus Victor, death, John 3:16
79 Comments
Death is Not the End Because Jesus Offers Us Eternal Life and Happiness
The first four aspects of the Good News are very energizing, exciting, and fulfilling; and they impact our lives tremendously. If these were the only benefits we receive from the Good News of Jesus, then they are more than enough. … Continue reading
Posted in eternal life, God, Jesus, resurrection, The Father's House, the Good News
Tagged Isaiah 64, John 11, John 14, John 4, John 6, Luke 14, Mark 10
34 Comments
What is the Good News of Jesus Anyway?
Nearly all fundamentalists and evangelicals promote some concept of the Good News—also called the Gospel. In fact, the words ‘evangelical’ and ‘evangelism’ are taken directly from the New Testament Greek word for good news. But what, exactly, is the Good … Continue reading
Posted in eternal life, God, Jesus, Kingdom of God, love, resurrection, The Father, the Good News
Tagged Dick Ford, John 3:16
50 Comments
What is the Significance of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection?
Recently, a reader asked me a question privately about Jesus’ death and resurrection. I plan to do a series in the future, but that won’t be for a while. But because it is such an important question, I decided to … Continue reading
Why Hope and Vapid Optimism are not the Same Thing
This is one of my favorite blogs in a long time. Nadia Bolz Weber talks about Christian hope in a refreshing and inspirational way. Here is one snippet, It all reminds me of that story at the end of Luke’s … Continue reading
Posted in Jesus, resurrection
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Proposed Explanations for the Resurrection of Jesus
When Jesus lived, his enthusiastic followers anticipated great things of him, but then he was captured and killed. His followers were dejected and demoralized; the great things they anticipated did not happen and now their failed leader was dead, and the … Continue reading
Posted in Jesus, resurrection
10 Comments
Jesus as a Failed Leader
Why do people today follow Jesus when he was a failed leader? For a time, he was a great leader and thousands flocked to see him and hear him. They were so excited about Jesus that they once tried to … Continue reading
Posted in Jesus, resurrection
9 Comments
The Most Important Thing to Know about Jesus
Of all the things we know about Jesus, what is the most important thing? I contend that it is the significance of the resurrection. It is the absolute foundation of my belief; everything else is based on this. And I … Continue reading
Posted in Jesus, resurrection
11 Comments
Jesus Without Baggage 