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I know that we are saved by the blood of Christ that was shed to pay the penalty for our sins. But what did Jesus mean in John 6:53 when he said if we eat His flesh and drink His blood we would have eternal life? I know we are saved by grace through faith. Was this intended for the Jews and not the Church?

In your recent post “Hearing The Voice Of The Lord”, you referenced Elijah in 1 Kings 19:11-13, but Elijah was a prophet who heard regularly from God. I am not sure that would apply to believers in general. As far as you know, are there any instructions or similar examples for us in the New Testament about God speaking to a believer’s heart, other than to apostles, prophets, etc? And if so, how would we know if an inner voice telling us something (like buy a new house, confront this person, look for a new job, etc) is actually coming from God, or merely us just having an idea and thinking about it?

A Bible Study by Jack Kelley

This is the final installment of our three part series on rapture references in the Bible. We concluded part two with Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians. Written about 20 years after the cross, they were the first definitive teaching on the rapture given on Earth,

Chapter 4 of Hebrews speaks of entering into the Sabbath rest. I am fairly certain that this is not referring to the tradition Sabbath; i.e., 7th day of the week. Is this referring to the New Covenant (Jesus’ redemptive act on the Cross)? Or is there something else going on here?

Regarding your 3 days 3 nights article, you state that the 14th of Nisan (Passover) was a Sabbath as well as the 15th (Feast of Unleavened Bread). Why was Jesus allowed to be crucified and buried on a Sabbath? Jesus had to be taken off the cross before sundown because the next day was a Sabbath, if he was crucified on the 14th, that day was also a Sabbath. I am confused.

In a recent answer to a question, you discussed a time when you asked God a question about why a situation involving forgiveness turned out the way it did. You wrote that God responded to your question. I assume from spending much time reading the information on your web site that you have these conversations with God frequently. I hear pastors in radio sermons as well as my own pastors talk frequently about hearing from God and that God speaks to their hearts all the time. My question is how does one know when they are hearing from God or receiving answers to questions directed to God? I received Jesus as my Lord and savior many years ago and I read my Bible most days and pray everyday throughout the day as well as continually feel a deep longing to connect with God. I don’t know how to distinguish a word/thought/conversation with God from my own thoughts. How does one develop this talent/ability?

I’m a little confused as Acts 2:20 reads “the sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.”

But Revelation 6:12 reads, ” I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red.”

Does this mean the day of the Lord only starts after the sixth seal is opened? That doesn’t fit with anything I believe but I can’t seem to get over it. Thanks in advance for your answer. You make the end times understandable but this little thing has thrown me!

Thank you for your website. It is a daily source of spiritual encouragement. One of the best on the Internet. My question is, what is meant by the phrase “in the spirit” or “in the Spirit”? Is it a state we should try to attain or something that just happens when God wants it to? If it is a state we should attain, how does one do it?

Have you ever heard the term “sins of omission” and if so how would they affect a person’s salvation?

Do you think America will be judged before the Rapture? America has changed drastically the last 6-10 years and I do not recognize her any more. Is it wrong to ask God to spare America and the Christians who live there? I long to see King Jesus and my family. I have many there including my first born and only son. I am so ready, especially since my children are covered and my granchildren are under the age of accountability.

Is the Body of Christ, the Church, anywhere in Scripture, referred to as His army? This claim, based on Hebrews 10:5 as the reference, according to this source, has a double meaning, the first one being that God prepared a body for Jesus as the ultimate and final sacrifice for sin. This ministry takes this further and says that also means God is preparing an army from the Church which has become His Body. This person refers to this Scripture’s meaning as multiple layers, like an onion, with more than one layer of meaning. This seems not right to me. We are His Church, His Body, His Bride. But His Army?

My question is in regard to the recent earthquake activity. Since God’s wrath doesn’t start until the tribulation, are the earthquake “birth pangs” a result of creation crying out for Christ’s return?

You mention that the mentally retarded and very young are exempt from even knowing there is a God. I understand that. Can you tell me your thoughts on how young?

I have a nine year old son who has grown up in the church and who I and his father consistently talk with about God, Jesus, sin and the message of salvation. But, he has not made a profession of faith. I know that part of him is a little fearful and embarrassed to be baptized. We talked at length the other day about the fact that just because we (his parents) are saved this does not extend to him. He has to make the decision in his heart for himself. He asked me where he would go if he died right now without having made this decision. What do you think?

A married male church member makes sexual advances towards a 17-year old female, also a member of the same church. Later, a deacon and pastor confront the man and he admits it’s true. He apologizes but not to the girl personally.

In such a circumstance, what do you think the Biblical response should be and what kind of discipline should be taken if any? Is is unbiblical to ask the man to refrain from attending church to allow the situation to “heal?”

Last night I had a conversation with a younger man and he is confused. I told him that the only way you can be saved is to accept Jesus Christ as savior, admit you’re a sinner, and ask for forgiveness. His biggest hang up is his concern about good people who never accept Christ, people who rarely sin, always ready to help the needy and so on. I tried to explain they are lost without Jesus, but he can’t accept that. I don’t know where to begin to explain it to him. Can you help me?

My question is about debt. Anymore, it’s almost impossible to not have some debt. I have student loans from college. I have a mortgage and a couple of small interest free credit card balances. I tithe faithfully and I’m gradually paying these debts off while not incurring any more debt.

What does God’s word specifically say about debt? Is it better to have more debt and more money put away for emergencies or is it better to have less cash on hand and less debt? I’m getting concerned with my situation since I see all of the political changes coming. I believe I will be raptured, but I feel like I need to prepare in case the Lord tarries. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Why do you think that God did not spell out “no sex outside of marriage” as one of His 10 commandments? Is it implied in one of the other commandments such as adultery or coveting? So many of society’s problems arise from this activity i.e. unwanted pregnancy, abortion, disease & emotional trauma. So many abandoned relationships result in harassment and even murder. Just looking for your thoughts on this topic.

I am really trying to get a handle on once saved always saved. What part does repentance play in salvation? Is repentance more than just turning from sin? Is is turning from living for ones self to living for God? If my salvation is dependent on that, I am not fairing very well!

We all know people who make a commitment to the Lord but by all appearances do not seem to feel to pressured to make changes in their lives. On the other hand, there are others that still struggle with sin even though their hearts desire is to repent and walk in God’s word. I realize that only God knows the truth of a person’s heart, and only He is the judge. However, would lack of repentance “disqualify” someone from God’s gift of salvation?

I guess what I am also asking is, does God’s free gift of salvation apply to all who accept it even without repentance?

I read your writing every day and your work has been very helpful to me!

I have a question about attending a church whose teachings are contrary to my beliefs. I am recently remarried, and while my husband is a believer in Christ, and has trusted Him as his savior, he is still more liberal in his spiritual beliefs, whereas I come from a conservative background. Lately, we have been attending both a Baptist church and a Methodist church, alternating between them. He says he likes the Methodist church because it allows him to see a relative who attends there, but some of their doctrinal positions are absolutely contrary to the Bible. I prefer the Baptist church because I can be fed there. My questions is, should we even attend a church whose teachings are in such conflict with scripture?

Recently in a bible study at my church my pastor and I had a disagreement on who Melchizadek was. I believe he was Christ appearing before his incarnation, my pastor does not and seemed to get agitated for me saying that. But if you look at how the book of Hebrews describes him, to me it’s just too obvious. Am I wrong in my thinking?

I was wondering if you could provide some clarity for me regarding the possibility of a period of time existing between the rapture and the start of Daniel’s 70th week.

I had never considered this before but have recently read this on some websites by prominent end times teachers. My understanding (please correct me if I’m wrong) is that the rapture will occur when the ‘full number of the gentiles has come in’. This, I would assume, would mark the end of the age of grace. Daniel’s 70th week would then begin when the treaty is confirmed by the anti-christ, which would in turn mark the re-commencement of the age of law.

If there is a gap of time between the rapture (end of age of grace) and the start of Daniel’s 70th week (recommencement of age of law), into which age do those who are saved during this gap period fall and how does that affect their salvation (ie do they rely on God’s grace, are they required to maintain their salvation or is it something else)?

I would like to know what is so significant about the olive tree. My Pastor is leaving us and I would like to give him a special gift to show him how much I appreciate all that he has done. For a while I couldn’t think of anything, so I prayed about it and now for some reason when I think about my Pastor I have the picture of an olive tree in my mind and I can?t seem to get away from it.

The Bible teaches us that if we believe in Jesus and are baptized we are saved. I believe it. What concerns me very much is the large amount of people who do believe in Jesus but are not baptized of their own free will and accept their infant baptism as sufficient. I notice that the subject is not widely addressed, even in your answers about being saved once we believe.Please do not see this as criticism, I love your site and the wonderful work you do but it just seems to me an aspect that is not high lighted sufficiently. English is not my mother tongue please pardon any mistakes in expressing my thoughts. May God richly bless you and your work in this new year.

When the Rapture happens and people are left behind, how is the disappearance of so many explained? Won’t people realize that the prophecy of end times has begun, and won’t it create a breakdown on the economy?

I found your site and I think it’s really good. Thank you for your quality work!

I have a question. Is a person responsible for breaking the law (ten commandments) if they did not know it was wrong to break them in the first place or even that there was such a thing as the ten commandments?

Here’s an example;

“Billy” is what society would consider a “good guy”, but he still breaks the ten commandments by sleeping with his girlfriend, getting drunk every once in awhile, and telling the occasional white lie. Billy dies (he is not saved). When he goes to the Judgement is his fornication, lies, etc… a sin held against him even though he did not know it was a sin in the first place? It seems to me, and I could be wrong, but God will hold us accountable for breaking his laws regardless of whether or not someone specifically told us about the Ten Commandments.