Tag: truthsum
Modern Israel: A Forgotten Promise Remembered
One of the more unique beliefs we hold—one grounded in both Scripture and history—is the idea that modern nations can be identified with the ancient tribes of Israel. While many today hear “Israel” and think only of the Jewish people, the Bible reveals a far broader story. The name Israel originally referred to all twelve tribes—descendants of Jacob’s sons—not just the southern kingdom of Judah,…
Heaven Now? What the Bible Really Says About Enoch, Elijah, and the Thief on the Cross
TS Writer
2 weeks ago in
Kingdom of God, Immortal Soul, Salvation
Introduction Many Christians today assume that when someone dies, they immediately go to heaven or hell. This belief is deeply embedded in Western theology and often treated as a foundational truth. But does the Bible actually teach this? Three commonly cited examples—Enoch, Elijah, and the thief on the cross—are frequently used to support the idea of an immediate afterlife in heaven. Enoch “did not see…
How Hell Got Hijacked: The Surprising Origins of the Modern View of Eternal Torment
TS Writer
3 weeks ago in
Immortal Soul, Hell
The Hell You Know Isn’t the Hell the Bible Describes Fiery pits. Demons with pitchforks. Sinners screaming in endless agony.It’s the stuff of horror movies, comic strips—and, for many, Sunday sermons. But is this disturbing picture of hell really what the Bible teaches? Surprisingly, the modern concept of hell owes more to Greek philosophy, medieval literature, and church tradition than to Scripture. The idea of…
Faithful Through Fire: A History of the Church of God
TS Writer
3 weeks ago in
Church, Church History
The Church of God, the faith tradition in which I was raised, has navigated a complex and often perilous path over nearly two millennia. Despite facing external persecution and internal challenges, it has persisted, upheld by devoted individuals committed to preserving its doctrines and practices. This enduring legacy is often interpreted through the lens of Revelation 2 and 3, where Christ addresses the seven churches…
A Mind Fit for Eternity
TS Writer
3 weeks ago in
Human Beings, Salvation
What if God’s greatest work isn’t just saving you—but preparing you for something eternal? God has always worked with flawed people. From David’s contrite heart to Moses’ reluctant leadership, from Abraham’s moments of fear to Peter’s impulsive loyalty—perfection was never the requirement. But a willingness to follow, to grow, and to be changed—that’s what God can work with. So what is it that makes one…
Salvation Reframed: From Scorecard to Spiritual Family
For centuries, debates over salvation have divided Christian thought. Some argue for “once saved, always saved,” while others warn that salvation can be lost. Still others accuse those who emphasize righteous living of trying to “earn” their salvation. But what if these debates all stem from a flawed premise? What if the very way Christianity frames salvation misses the point entirely? The Debate Over Salvation:…
Counting to Pentecost: The Firstfruits of God’s Plan
Pentecost holds a unique place among God’s appointed festivals. Unlike other holy days with fixed calendar dates, Pentecost must be counted—beginning from the day of the Wave Sheaf offering during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And while most biblical feasts are known by Hebrew names, this day is widely remembered by its Greek name: Pentecost, meaning “the fiftieth day” (Thayer’s Greek Definitions). This name directly…
From Scripture to Speculation: The Philosophical Origins of the Trinity – Part 3
Introduction: Why Understanding the Origin Matters The doctrine of the Trinity is widely accepted in mainstream Christianity, often considered foundational to the faith. Yet many believers are unaware of how and when this doctrine developed—and what ideas shaped it. This matters because Scripture warns against creating any false image or conception of God (Exodus 20:4-5), including mental or theological constructs that misrepresent His nature. If…
The Mystery of the Trinity: Is God Truly Unknowable? – Part 1
For centuries, mainstream Christianity has taught that the Trinity is a divine mystery—something beyond human comprehension. Many theologians insist that we can’t fully understand the nature of God. But is this idea actually supported by Scripture? Jesus Himself said, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9) and “I have come to reveal the Father” (Matt. 11:27). If Christ’s purpose included making…
The Great Deception: How Satan Masquerades as an Angel of Light
From the beginning, Satan has worked in opposition to God’s plan, deceiving those with whom God desires a relationship. This deception began in the Garden of Eden, when Satan planted seeds of doubt in Eve’s mind, leading her to question God’s word (Genesis 3:1–5). That moment marked the start of a pattern—Satan’s ongoing effort to divert humanity from God’s truth. Unlike God’s consistent plan, Satan’s…
Grace, Faith, and the Freedom to Choose: Rethinking Salvation Beyond the Debate
TS Writer
1 month ago in
Human Concepts, Once Saved Always Saved
Grace, Faith, and the Freedom to Choose: Rethinking Salvation Beyond the Debate Introduction: A Struggle Over Words “If you can lose your salvation, then you earned it.” “But if you can’t leave, then you never really had free will.” These aren’t just clever quips tossed around in a theological debate—they reflect two fundamentally different views of salvation, grace, and human responsibility. Often, the disagreement comes…
Once Saved, Always Saved? Rethinking What Salvation Really Means
TS Writer
1 month ago in
Human Concepts
Introduction: A Life-or-Death Question “Once saved, always saved” is a comforting phrase—on the surface. It promises eternal security, a done deal with no strings attached. But is that what the Bible actually teaches? For something as important as salvation, we should be sure. Eternal life isn’t a theory—it’s the difference between life and death. So let’s walk through what Scripture says, and why this belief…
Why We Observe the Passover at the Beginning of the 14th Day
The timing of Passover observance has been debated for millennia. Today, many Jews and Christians who keep the Passover do so at the end of the 14th day of the first month, as the 15th begins. This timing is often based on a particular interpretation of the term “twilight” in Exodus 12:6, which some understand to mean the period between late afternoon and sunset—a window…
The Great Tribulation: 7 Years or 3.5?
TS Writer
1 month ago in
Prophecy, Kingdom of God
Introduction: A Widely Held Belief—But Is It Biblical? Many Christians today believe the Great Tribulation will last seven years. This idea is deeply embedded in popular end-times teachings, prophetic charts, and even Christian fiction. But is it actually what the Bible says? This article explores the origins of the seven-year tribulation theory, how it developed from an interpretation of the 70 Weeks Prophecy in Daniel,…
Consumed, Not Cherished: Rethinking Self-Image in a Culture of Exposure
TS Writer
2 months ago in
Human Beings
I grew up hearing one message repeated over and over to young men: “Stop viewing women as sexual objects.” It was a needed message. Men needed to be told to see women as human beings—daughters, sisters, mothers, made in the image of God. But lately, I’ve found myself wondering… when will we also tell women to stop viewing themselves as sexual objects? We now live…