Legalism, Law, and Love

[Note:  This MS is available in larger font on our Longer Articles  page.] Introduction Is obedience to Christ optional or unnecessary? Are belief in and love of Christ the only things required of sinners to be saved? Some (the we-are-not-under-law-but-under-grace crowd) would have it so…

Back to Biblical Grace

[Note: This MS is available in larger font on our Manuscripts page.] While Jerry and Patricia Norton were viewing the latest recorded episode of “24,” they were interrupted by a phone call. Caller ID indicated it was their neighbor, Bobby Crandall, two doors down and…

Are Grace and Law Mutually Exclusive?

[Note:  This MS is available in larger font on our Longer Articles  page.] Introduction The prevailing attitude in society concerning morals and behavior in our time is tolerance (except, of course, toward those who dare to expose the fallacy of their misplaced tolerance). This attitude…

Answering the Perseverance of the Saints Error—Lavonne J. McClish

[Note:  This MS is available in larger font on our Longer Articles  page.] Recently I attempted to help a friend and fellow-Christian who was involved in a discussion with a co-worker concerning the question, “Can a child of God fall from grace?” or “Can a…

A Primer on the Meaning of Faith

[Note:  This MS is available in larger font on our Longer Articles  page.] Introduction There is hardly a more important subject for mankind to contemplate—and understand— than that of faith. It is a subject (and word) that men widely abuse and misuse. This misunderstanding is…

“The Man or the Plan” Discussion Revisited

[Note:  This MS is available in larger font on our Manuscripts  page.] Introduction In the early 1960s I was a young preacher, not long out of Abilene Christian College. I well remember the lively brotherhood discussion of the Man or the plan controversy (actually, it…

“Prove…the Sincerity of Your Love”— Lavonne James McClish

[Note:  This MS is available in larger font on our Longer Articles  page.] Introduction Sometimes faithful Christians needlessly bear a load of guilt because, while they know they are supposed to love their enemies (Luke 6:35), they do not feel a sentimental affection for them….

Thoughts on the Gospel

[Note: This MS is available in larger font on our Brief Articles page.] Gospel occurs 97 times in the New Testament. The Gospel (and the salvation it provides, Rom. 1:16) is the New Testament’s theme. What does it tell us about the Gospel? The Gospel…

The New Testament Church

[Note:  This MS is available in larger font on our Brief Articles 2  page.] If the church as God planned it and Christ built it is to exist in any age, there are certain principles to which men must be committed. As surely as any…

The Grace of God

[Note:  This MS is available in larger font on our Brief Articles 2  page. Grace may be the most beautiful and significant word in the Bible, for none will be saved except by the grace of God (Eph. 2:8). This word refers to God’s bestowal…