“The firstfruits” is a common expression found in both Old and New Testaments. It is used in Scripture with both literal and figurative meanings. So when Paul said Christ was “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Cor. 15:20), he was using terminology and imagery rich in history and meaning. At least five…
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We all have the same calling: to glorify God in everything we do. This is why we are here. Scripture says God created us for His glory (Isa. 43:7) and instructs us to “do everything for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). But how? How can we give glory to “the King of glory”…
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How are we to describe the connection between repentance and faith? Very carefully. On the one hand, we don’t want to stray from the gospel of salvation through faith alone. On the other hand, we need to take seriously the radical and transformative nature of faith and conversion. To that end, here are some key…
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Aquila and Priscilla were inseparable. In the New Testament, this husband and wife are always mentioned together, never apart. Sometimes Priscilla is mentioned first, other times Aquila’s name comes first, but never is one mentioned without the other. More noteworthy than their inseparableness is this couple’s shared commitment to Jesus Christ and His church. The…
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Truth: Good works do not earn salvation. Equally true: Good works provide the evidence of salvation. The clear and consistent teaching of Scripture is that faith and works are intrinsically and inseparably connected. • John the Baptist connected faith and deeds when he called for “a fruit consistent with repentance” (Luke 3:8). When the crowds…
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