I heard a sermon recently based on the premise that mankind’s soul is not immortal (that we were created immortal but by choosing to sin, we died and could only be resurrected by God thru Jesus) and that hell was permanent – not ongoing. The pastor gave several Bible references to bolster his understanding.

I’ve always envisioned hell as an everlasting (meaning ongoing) fire – not just a fire or judgment that completely destroys us and that there is no chance to reverse our path once we are there. The last part, he embraced – no second chances. He quoted John 3:16 – that believers in Jesus would not perish ( not suffer eternally, consciously). He also spoke from Rev. 20 where God would send the fire to devour, (not just make it a continuing punishment for) the wicked. I would appreciate your understanding of this concept.

I want to thank you for this site and for your wisdom. I deal a lot with the final expense market. I find it very interesting the percentage of people that opt for cremation vs. traditional burial. Today I visited with a lady who wanted to research in her Bible what was the right way. What does scripture say about this issue?

Does mankind have true free will to make a conscious choice to become a born again Christian, to believe In Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior, and that Christ came to this world and suffered and died on the cross to save us from our sins and to seek salvation? Or, does God solely choose the elect via His grace to be saved?

Why are so many Protestant churches doing Ash Wednesday when this is a sacrament instituted by the Catholic church. Does it have a bigger meaning than we Protestants know about?

Ezekiel 33:12 says, “The good works of righteous people will not save them if they turn to sin, nor will the sins of evil people destroy them if they repent and turn from their sins.” Does this passage go as far to say you can lose your salvation?

I read an article this morning about a new book on the Temple location. I have been studying the temple Mount and other prophetic things mentioned in the Bible. However I am not even close to have the knowledge of this man’s research. The question I have is this; Has this guy discovered something others have missed?

My husband is an unbeliever. I tithe from my income (which is a small amount from social security, an “allowance” from my 401K and babysitting money). This is a second marriage, and while my husband is very good to me personally, his god is his money. He does not like that I tithe even though it is not from our overall income. Since the Bible instructs wives to submit to their husbands, I am willing to stop all giving if this is what I am supposed to do, but I’ll be honest, it makes me sad.

My father and I agree with dispensationalism and recently were discussing how those born before the Law were saved. For example: Adam and Eve. We understand that they had a personal relationship with God, having physically walked with Him, there would be little doubt to His existence. We know that when they first sinned they basically “confessed” to God and God then killed an animal, representing the first sacrifice.

My question would be: Is this how they were allowed into Heaven? That they “knew” Him and believed in their hearts even though the Law wasn’t written yet? Or is there a better way of understanding their salvation? Could you offer passages that we might read in reference to this?

Thank you for the teaching and word you have been blessed with. I enjoy many of your articles when I get an opportunity to visit your site.

Question: What would you say is the main reason for the replacement theology that seems to be spreading and taught by many good men of God.?

You’ve written that the Bible is 25-30% prophecy. What are you including in that percent? All prophetic books? I’m asking because isn’t only about 10% of the prophecy predicting the future and the rest more everyday matters of keeping the covenant and the moral problems we face?