Written answers
Questions & answers
Letters from around the world, answered from Scripture. Names are withheld. Search a topic — election, baptism, Israel, free will, and more.
100 articles
Pre-wrath Rapture
Although I have occasionally been asked about my thoughts concerning the pre-wrath rapture of the church, I have never written or spoken on the topic. Of all the eschatological positions, we share…
Aug 31, 2015
Reconstructionists
Q – What can you tell me about the Reconstructionist Movement? Jim – Briefly, the Reconstructionist Movement probably got its start with the Barmen Declaration in 1934, among the Confessing Church in…
Dec 4, 2014
Head Coverings
Q – Alright, time to turn to “da man.”. Jim – Well, I’m certainly “a” man, if I’m not “the” quintessential man. However, as frequently as I slap the palm of my hand against my balding forehead and…
Dec 4, 2014
Zadok and The Millennium
Q – Dear Sir, I just finished reading and studying Is The Church Israel. I have been watching the Dallas seminary, Moody Bible, Biola, Loyola University and others that are now teaching this type of…
Dec 4, 2014
Questions From Indonesia
Q – Dear Jim Let me introduce myself. I am a Christian from Indonesia. Actually I am the brother in law of (a man) who wrote to you some time ago. He shared with me your reply to him and I am…
Dec 4, 2014
Grace and Freewill
Q – What would you say to someone who said this: “God’s grace is extended to all men, but not all men respond. That is because those who do not are so hardened by their own sin that they choose not…
Dec 3, 2014
Women Preaching
Q – Here is a question that is constantly swimming around in the churches and theological seminaries. I imagine you have answered this repeatedly as well and I would love to hear your answer.…
Dec 3, 2014
Questions During Sermons
Q – I recently started listening to your messages on your website. Now I’m reading your articles. Thank you for making so much teaching available. I’m learning so much that I never knew before. But,…
Dec 3, 2014
Free Will and False Doctrine
Q – Regarding last week’s message that I downloaded [“Arguments Against The Perseverance of the Saints” Dated: August 25, 2002]. If I understand this correctly, you’re saying that the Bible says that…
Dec 3, 2014
Why Did God Choose To Make Salvation Secure?
I was recently asked to submit an article to an on-line theological journal that should be available this summer. The entire journal is devoted to the question of eternal security, with some 75…
Dec 3, 2014
Questions About Election
Q – I recently read through By Grace Alone and I liked it a lot. I grew up in Nashville and attended a United Methodist Church. I loved Sunday School and our youth group but I could not stand going…
Dec 3, 2014
First And Last
Q – What does the verse “Many are called, but few are chosen” mean? Jim – Ok, admittedly this is one of Jesus’ more cryptic statements. So, it has to be understood within its context. Of the four…
Dec 3, 2014
Whom To Pray To
Q – Pastor Jim, Hi! This e-mail has been so long in coming, but I wanted to let you know that I thoroughly enjoyed your church when I was able to visit. A quick question that should probably be…
Dec 3, 2014
Questions about Calvinism
Q – Did you grow up Calvinistic? Jim – No. I was completely unfamiliar with the whole Calvin/Arminian debate prior to attending the church in Franklin. I was having lunch with the pastor and telling…
Dec 3, 2014
Filled With the Spirit
Q – My question is: would you elaborate on Luke 1:5-46 and Ephesians 1:3-13, as far as the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit? Please consider: 1. Being Filled with the Spirit, and 2. Being…
Dec 3, 2014
What You Believe
Q – I recently had a conversation with a person who said, “I believe that God wants everyone to be saved. That’s what is says in the Bible.” What do you say to that? Jim – Not to sound unkind, but…
Dec 3, 2014
Proving the Resurrection
In April of 2001, Jim preached a message containing the central arguments that brought him back to Christianity in the early 80’s. A transcription of that sermon served as the outline for the…
Dec 3, 2014
Evolution
Q – I watch Animal Planet all the time and there was a story about chimps that gave me a thought about evolution. My roommate had just recently gone over it in class and remarked how easy it is to…
Dec 3, 2014
What is the Gift in Ephesians 2:8-9?
Q – Does the Greek designate what the “it” is that is being referred to in Ephesians 2:8-9? I know that “it” is supplied by the translators, so maybe the better thing to ask is: what is “the gift”…
Dec 3, 2014
Progressive Parallelism
Q – Are you familiar with William Hendrickson’s interpretive approach to Revelation (perhaps not originating with him) called “progressive parallelism”? Jim – Yes, I’m familiar with Hendrickson. His…
Dec 3, 2014
Equity In Punishment
Q – If those of us who are saved for heaven all get the same reward, regardless of our works (except for the rewards of crowns that we’ll throw down before the throne), then does that mean that…
Dec 3, 2014
Was Naomi Bitter?
Q – Was Namoi a bitter person? I have heard so many preachers/teachers and they all seem to say the same thing, that she was very bitter. But then I read how Orpah and Ruth clung to her, did not want…
Dec 3, 2014
Prayer and Reverence
Q – At the beginning of the summer, I took a study course on the tabernacle by Beth Moore. When I was going through this study, I came to realize how completely irreverent I am in prayer to God. I…
Dec 3, 2014
Ephraim and the Rapture
Q – Are you familiar with Ephraim the Syrian? And, if so, what is the controversy surrounding him and the rapture? Thank you for taking my question. I really like the Q and A section of your website!…
Dec 3, 2014
Was John Calvin a Murderer?
Q – Was John Calvin a Murder? Jim – This is a question that shows up in my email from time to time. It’s a claim that is leveled by those who seek to besmirch Reformed Theology. Usually, the claim…
Dec 3, 2014
Philippians 3:3 and the True Circumcision
I was recently listening to an online broadcast where the host was taking questions from callers. The subject of the New Covenant came up and the caller asked the host — a self-identified amillennial…
Dec 3, 2014
Election and Reprobation
Q – I was listening to Sovereignty 101 … now I have another question. Why would God create the people that are not chosen to be part of his elect? If they are not chosen, then they are destined…
Dec 3, 2014
Visions of Jesus Weeping
I recently received an email from Singapore that read: Hi Pastor Jim, How are you? I hope all is well and good with you by the grace of GOD … truly I am so blessed by your ministry and I want…
Dec 3, 2014
Paul and Tentmaking
Q – A friend asked me if Paul was always a tentmaker. After training under Gamaliel, did he continue to make tents while teaching the law? And after his conversion, was he in “full-time” ministry…
Dec 3, 2014
Divorced Pastors
Q – What is your opinion of someone being a pastor who is divorced? I want to hear your input on this whole “man of one wife” thing because one church we’ve been visiting will allow an elder to be…
Dec 3, 2014
Understanding a Hina Clause
Q – I am having a tough time harmonizing Particular atonement with the following verse: Romans 11:32 – For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all. Here does…
Nov 26, 2014
Passion Week of Christ
Jesus did not die on “Good Friday” – despite the popular tradition. He did spend three days and three nights in the “belly of the earth,” just as He said He would. The following links will take you…
Nov 26, 2014
Discussing Torah Observance
Due to the popularity of the GCA website, I receive a large amount of email. I always enjoy hearing from folk who have been helped or encouraged by our teaching. But, also receive my fair share of…
Nov 26, 2014
Trusting Scripture
Q – The Book of Mormon. Nothing conjures up the idea of HERESY in my mind more readily. But I’m having trouble putting the pieces together about my belief concerning the Bible related to other…
Nov 26, 2014
Parable of the Wineskins
Q – In Luke 5:33-39, Jesus offers the wineskins parable when asked about fasting. As hard as I strain to understand this parable, I feel I’m missing something – or wind up craving a really mellow…
Nov 26, 2014
Discussing Reconstruction
This is the first part of a hopefully ongoing conversation that arose from a recent Q and A regarding the Reconstructionist Theology. You can read that article here – Reconstructionists Despite its…
Nov 26, 2014
Tithing and The Pharisees
Q – I know it doesn’t say in the Bible but do you know about the Pharisees and how they tithed in vain? Jim – Actually, Jesus did make reference to how the Pharisees were very careful to tithe…
Nov 26, 2014
Parable of the Two Sons
Q – Hi! I have a question. One of the passages of Scripture I have never understood came up for my quiet time today. It makes no sense to me whatsoever. I thought maybe you would know. So, the…
Nov 26, 2014
Discussing Limited Atonement
Recently, I received an email from a fellow who was distressed to hear that I preached Limited Atonement, or Particular Redemption. His concerns were typical of many who have grown up hearing only…
Nov 26, 2014
Tithing
To Our Readers: On the Grace Christian Assembly website, and particularly in this Q and A section, I try to discuss ideas, not people. I am committed to what I call “laying down straight sticks.” In…
Nov 25, 2014
Once Saved… & Rome
Q – I am again browsing the internet and trying to disprove different beliefs. I do not believe in Catholicism; however this article is very interesting. [NOTE: The article is no longer available…
Nov 25, 2014
Did God Elect People or a Plan
Q – Dear Sir, I overheard a conversation you had with Phil Valentine on WTN radio on Monday of this week. I really appreciated the things you had to say and got interested in your web site. Jim –…
Nov 25, 2014
Three Works
Q – I am not clear about the three works of Grace and also about the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Please, send me your reply at your earliest. Jim – Let me say right at the top that I do not adhere to…
Nov 25, 2014
Once Saved Always Saved
Regular readers to this Q and A section recognize that I am willing to vigorously defend the faith and doctrines we promote and teach. But, I am not prone to enter into debate. There are plenty of…
Nov 25, 2014
Debating the Sabbath
Is it necessary for a New Covenant Christian to observe the seventh day rest in accordance with the Fourth Commandment? Or, is that commandment fulfilled by our faith in the finished work of Christ?…
Nov 25, 2014
The Unjust Steward
Q – Do you have any thoughts on the parable of the “unjust steward”? It came up as part of an online discussion group. I see the contrasts all over the place, and I think the point of it is that we…
Nov 25, 2014
New Covenant Theology
Q – I was wondering if you could clear something up for me. Jim – It goes with the gig. Fire away. Q – A while back I was doing some research into Theological systems (trying to see if there was one…
Nov 25, 2014
Communion Frequency
Perhaps the most controversial decision Jim ever made as a pastor is his conviction that the ordinance knows as the Lord’s Supper is a once-a-year activity. He has addressed various aspects of this…
Nov 25, 2014
The Unforgivable Sin
Q – Recently, I got into a discussion regarding Matthew 12:32. I think I have the essence of Jesus deliberately telling the Pharisees that their theology is whacked and they are literally watching…
Nov 25, 2014
New Covenant and Torah
Q – Dear Pastor Jim, I was very impressed recently after reading a portion of your Hebrews commentary and have a question for you. My question is regarding the New Covenant. I agree with your…
Nov 25, 2014
Communion
Q – I have a friend who’s considering coming with me on Sundays in the future. We got to talking about stuff last night, and he mentioned how important communion seemed to be in the Bible, and he…
Nov 25, 2014
The Trinity
Q –I have a question. For some reason, I can’t explain why, I am having a hard time understanding the Trinity. Now is it one person? Or is it Three? I know that it is the Father, Son and the Holy…
Nov 25, 2014
Nebuchadnezzar & Nabonidus
Q – A professor of Aramaic at the Hebrew Union College emailed me trying to disprove Daniel’s book. She claims that there are problems with it such as Daniel mistaking Nebuchadnezzar with Nabonidus…
Nov 25, 2014
Church Counseling
Q – Dear Pastor Jim, I just returned from a weeklong Biblical Counseling Seminar with NANC in Lafayette, IN. The sessions were such a blessing to my heart, and the Lord certainly did a work of grace…
Nov 25, 2014
The Rapture and the Gospels
Q – I have been studying Matt 24 and I came to a conclusion that is not popular – the rapture is after the tribulation. I compared Luke and Mark to Matt 24 – same conclusion. All have the same…
Nov 25, 2014
Musical Instruments and the COC
Q – I need your assistance please. I have tried searching and have had no success. I have a co-worker who attends a “Church of Christ” and they only sing acappella style. They believe that since…
Nov 25, 2014
Christmas
Q – What do you think about Christmas? Is it okay to have a Christmas tree? And, what about Santa Claus? I heard that he was connected with Baal worship. Is that right? Jim – I purposely tabled these…
Nov 25, 2014
The Meaning of Israel
The assertion I made that started this conversation was that the word “Israel” has not lost its meaning. “Israel” continues, even during the New Covenant era, to identify the particular descendants…
Nov 25, 2014
Music In Church
Q – I recently read a message on Acts 2:42 that commented, “Only the activities outlined in Acts 2:42 are valid for things to do in church. Teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer.”…
Nov 25, 2014
Christianity and Celebrities
Q – I have been listening to your recent sermons on how there is not such thing as a Christian “celebrity,” or at least there shouldn’t be such a thing. Well, I was flipping channels tonight and I…
Nov 25, 2014
The Great Commission
Q – I have a question. It’s on the Great Commission. Here is the question: why did God give us the Great Commission if it’s all already decided for us: either we are chosen or not. I first looked on…
Nov 25, 2014
More on Women Preaching
This Q and A concerns an article on Women Preaching Q – I just read your answer on women preaching. I have to admit I don’t agree with it (women preaching), even though I am a woman. But, I don’t…
Nov 25, 2014
Christian Commands
Q – Jim, God bless you for your faithful teaching of the Bible. My wife found your explanation of Matt 5:17-18 on the internet and it is an answer to my prayers. I’ve been struggling with the law vs.…
Nov 25, 2014
The Elect
{Note: This conversation is a continuation of a Q&A called “Revealed Doctrine.” You may find it helpful to review that exchange prior to this one. Jim. } Jim – It’s me – take two. Thank you for…
Nov 25, 2014
Matthew 24:34
Q – Hey Jim, I was reading Matthew and I hit 24:34 and I was having trouble with that verse. In context it seems that Christ is telling the disciples that he would return before the end of this…
Nov 25, 2014
Children And Faith
Q – Assuming the ‘substance of faith’ is true, and assuming that all children are born wicked, are children ever saved…or do they automatically perish? Jim – I’m not really sure what you mean…
Nov 25, 2014
The Color Purple
Q – Hello! I am teaching a class to children and will be doing a project regarding the last week of Christ. Why is purple associated with Jesus and the Passion Week? We are making little cloth drapes…
Nov 25, 2014
Many And Few
Q – Hey Jim – Do you think if Matthew 7:13 is true that it ties in and explains particular atonement? Jim – Mat. 7:13,14 reads – “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is…
Nov 25, 2014
Body And Bride
Q – I have heard preachers say that the Church is the “body of Christ.” But, they also say that the Church is the “bride of Christ.” How can we be both? I mean, I can’t be my own mate and myself at…
Nov 25, 2014
Temptation
Q – On page 80 of your book By Grace Alone,” you say that the elect are forever secure from any temptations of Satan. To me, it seems like such a hard concept to visualize. In this day and age there…
Nov 25, 2014
Love And Holiness
Q – It seems people get so sold on the idea of God being love that they can’t accept that God’s justice and holiness are also part of his character. Jim – Exactly. It is a matter of misplaced…
Nov 25, 2014
Blotting Out
Does God, has God, or will God ever blot names out of the Lamb’s book of life? And if He does, what does that do to our concept of eternal security? What Biblical evidence can be produced to decide…
Nov 25, 2014
Taking Communion
Q – I read what you wrote about communion and I have a question. You said in your answer that communion taken incorrectly can be REALLY BAD. Does that mean we could end up in hell if we take…
Nov 25, 2014
Living By The Law
Q – Dear Jim, I was wondering when you had the time if you would answer this question as in-depth as you can. I go to you because I believe you take the bible literally. I believe that if you don’t…
Nov 25, 2014
Blood Sacrifices
Q – I never knew that God required blood to be shed in order to relieve himself of his punishment. If God created everything why would he demand blood sacrifices? It seems to be pretty awful and…
Nov 25, 2014
Spiritual Battles
Q – I only want to know how you reconcile ‘our battles are not against flesh and blood’ with ‘when Christ is in you, the evil one touches you not.’ Jim – The passage you are referencing is from…
Nov 25, 2014
Limited Choice
Q – You say that God guides the steps of man, or some wording similar to that. We do still have limited choice, right? God ‘hedges us in’ but we still get to choose to some small degree, correct? Jim…
Nov 25, 2014
Blood On Our Hands
Q – Hi Pastor Jim! In addition to listening to your messages, I’ve been reading your “blog.” I really enjoyed the e-mail you sent out today. It’s ironic because I was just praying about investments…
Nov 25, 2014
Speaking In Tongues
Q – I have a question for you. I have been tempted to visit this fairly large (actually huge) Church of God. I bet there at least 1,000 or 2,000 (if not more) members – which I think is too large,…
Nov 25, 2014
Life’s Toughest Question
Q – How would you go about structuring a message titled: answering life’s toughest questions? Jim – I have a brief answer. Woody Allen said in one of his films (they all run together at some point)…
Nov 25, 2014
Behold, I Stand at the Door and Knock
Q – Hey, I was wondering (look out) would you know which recording it was, where you taught on Rev 3:20? I’ve searched the Q&A’s but found nothing regarding that subject. As you know, this is a…
Nov 25, 2014
Sower Parable
Q – Would you please discuss the parable of the sower a bit? I’ve been thinking about perseverance of the saints. I feel this parable is at least a good place to start in looking for illustrations of…
Nov 22, 2014
Law Vs. Grace
Recently, a good friend of mine was preparing to teach on the Old Testament book of Joshua and we began a discussion of the relationship between the Law and Grace. This is a portion of that…
Nov 22, 2014
Before the Foundation of the World
Q – Hi Pastor Jim. How are you? By the way, great sermon yesterday. It seems as though everyone runs into a brick wall when they start discussing election, doesn’t it? On that subject, I was…
Nov 22, 2014
Sovereignty in Prayer
Q – As a Calvinist, how does prayer work? Jim – Well, you wind it up and then let it go, preferably downhill. It also runs on batteries. Sorry. We’ll come back to this question in a minute. Q – Does…
Nov 22, 2014
Jot and Tittle
Q – Could you please explain Matthew 5:17-18 concerning one jot or one tittle and the Law of Moses? Also the new covenant and how they work together in a Christian’s life, now and during the…
Nov 22, 2014
Baptism for the Dead
Q – Today I’ve been spending time at your Q & A section on the web. Very edifying. Jim – Well, that’s very kind of you. Thank you for saying so. I like that section, too. It’s one of my…
Nov 22, 2014
Sovereignty and Evangelism
Q – Hi Jim, I discovered your site on OnePlace and, like so many others, I have enjoyed your teachings. I have not completely read through your Q&A area so if this subject has already been…
Nov 22, 2014
Job 9:23
Q – I am currently doing a study on the sovereignty of God and have listened to your series on the subject. I am, however, stuck on one verse. Job 9 is a great chapter on God’s sovereignty, but what…
Nov 22, 2014
Abraham’s Promise
Q – I was talking with a friend who is pursuing a music career. She asked me if she should share the vision she had for doing her music with the producers she was meeting with, or if she should keep…
Nov 22, 2014
Seminary And Doctrine
Q – After reading many of your sermons and listening to quite a few of your tapes, I thank God that He is using people, like yourself, to teach His word. I am truly blessed and humbled through your…
Nov 22, 2014
Jesus’ 1st Miracle
Q – I am always intrigued by the first time something happens; the first words a person says, my first bike, first car, first punch in the nose. In John 2 we have Jesus’ first miracle. Is there a…
Nov 22, 2014
About John 3:16
Q – Whenever I’m discussing salvation and “free will” with someone, they always seem to retreat to John 3:16. They say, “Look right there! It says ‘whosoever’ believes will be saved! That means that…
Nov 22, 2014
Saved, Not Saved, or a Third Choice?
[A person I have been corresponding with recently sent this question, along with a reply received from a newsgroup discussion.] Q – Does not being saved mean you are damned to hell? Or does it have a…
Nov 22, 2014
James 5:19-20
Q – Please explain the following from James 5:19-20 – “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his…
Nov 22, 2014
About Baptism
Q – I want your take on Baptism. Is it essential for salvation? Is this a two part series or is it truly believing Christ died for my sins enough? I have been baptized, but I want to know how this…
Nov 22, 2014
Satan’s Limitations
Q – Is there anything in the Bible to indicate that Satan and Co. try to drag us down, despite our salvation, thus rendering us temporarily ineffective as ministers/witnesses? From what I’ve read…
Nov 22, 2014
Is There No Hell?
Q – I recently visited the church I attended in high school. Well, I walked in and could cut the tension with a knife. I thought it might be money troubles or something. Then, this week, I was…
Nov 22, 2014
A Submissive Wife
Q – I know that Ephesians 5:22 and other passages say a wife should obey her husband in all things. I went to the Q&A section but you don’t seem to have a section devoted to the wife’s…
Nov 22, 2014
Sanctified Believers
Q – I am really curious about this passage from 1 Corinthians 7 – [12] But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let…
Nov 22, 2014