Tag: truthsum
Grace Redefined: How Ancient Gnostic Thinking Warped Christianity’s Most Important Teaching
What Is Grace… Really? Grace is one of the most talked-about—and misunderstood—concepts in Christianity. Central to salvation, it’s debated across denominations, with few agreeing on exactly what it means. For many today, grace boils down to this: “I don’t have to do anything—Jesus did it all.” But is that what the Bible teaches? Or has the definition of grace subtly shifted over time, shaped not…
Selective Obedience in Christianity: Legalism or Loyalty to God?
Why Some Sins Offend and Others Don’t The Double Standard in Modern Christianity On July 10, 2025, Back to the Frontier premiered on Magnolia Network. The new reality series, created by Chip and Joanna Gaines, follows three families living as 1800s pioneers. One of the featured families is a same-sex couple with children—a casting choice that quickly drew backlash from prominent Christian voices. “Promoting sin,”…
Are We Polytheists?
TS Writer
1 week ago in
The Word / Christ, The Father, God
Rethinking God as a Divine Family In a recent conversation about the nature of God, someone asked me a pointed question:“So, are you a polytheist?” It’s a fair question—and an important one. After all, if you believe, as I do, that the Father and the Son are two distinct divine beings, it might appear to conflict with traditional Christian monotheism. But here’s the crucial point:…
The Algorithm and the Altar: Escaping the Game of Ritual Religion
In a digital world ruled by algorithms and dopamine rewards, it’s easy to think we’ve moved beyond ancient ritualism. But if you pay attention to how people behave online, you’ll see the truth: we haven’t escaped the game—we’ve just given it a new platform. Every day, social media users are trained. Say the right words, hit the trending topics, stir just enough controversy—and the system…
“It Is Finished” – But What Was Finished?
TS Writer
2 weeks ago in
Kingdom of God
“He didn’t say, ‘I am finished.’ He said it was.” When Jesus cried out, “It is finished” (John 19:30), many take it to mean the entire plan of salvation was completed at that moment. From that view, the gospel message is simple: Jesus did everything—there’s nothing more to be done but to believe. The story is essentially over. All that remains is the question: “Do…
What Are You Practicing?
TS Writer
2 weeks ago in
Bible, Lawlessness
Jesus’ Warning: “Depart from Me, You Who Practice Lawlessness” Introduction: Not Just About Sin, But Practice In Matthew 7:23, Jesus issues a sobering warning: “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” It’s a verse that should cause every professing Christian to pause. He doesn’t say, “Depart from Me, you who sinned”—because we all sin….
A Tale of Two Plans: What Most Christians Miss About God’s Ultimate Purpose
TS Writer
3 weeks ago in
Kingdom of God, Salvation
Step into almost any modern church on a Sunday morning, and you’ll hear a familiar message: God loves you. Jesus died for your sins. Believe in Him, and when you die, your soul goes to heaven. Reject Him by not accepting Him, and your soul is doomed to an eternity in hell. To many, this is Christianity’s core message—comforting for those who believe, yet often…
Living the Convincing Life: The Biblical Power of Example Over Argument
TS Writer
3 weeks ago in
Human Beings
Living the Convincing Life: The Biblical Power of Example Over Argument In a world filled with endless noise—where every platform demands an opinion and every disagreement sparks debate—there’s something quietly powerful about a life well-lived. Not staged, not loud, not attention-seeking—but a sincere life that reflects the character of God. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible emphasizes how God’s people live far more than how…
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
1 month ago in
Salvation, Kingdom of God, Immortal Soul
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
2 months 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
2 months 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
2 months 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
2 months 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
2 months 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…