Apologetics Stories

Satan’s date with destiny

Jesus emphatically tells us a day is coming when all people are resurrected and judged, resulting in everlasting life or never-ending damnation (John 5:28-29). But human beings are not the only ones to receive final judgment. Jesus makes it clear that a place is prepared for the evil one and his minions. A day has been set when Christ judges Satan and banishes him forever into the lake of fire.

The eternal fire

In Matthew 24-25, Jesus is on the Mount of Olives with his disciples, responding to their questions about the future destruction of the temple and the end of the age. He closes out the Olivet Discourse with the parable of the sheep and goats, revealing the preparation of a final place of judgment for Satan, evil spirits, and unbelievers. A key verse reads: “Then he [the Son of Man] will also say to those on the left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels!’” (Matt. 25:41).

Thrown into the lake of fire

While followers of Jesus enjoy everlasting life in glorified bodies on a restored earth, the ultimate destiny of the wicked is the same habitation created for Satan and demons: gehenna. It’s a place in English we call “hell,” and a place Jesus and the New Testament writers describe in various ways, among them: outer darkness (Matt. 8:12), the second death (Rev. 2:11; 20:14; 21:8), and the lake of fire (Rev. 19:20; 20:10, 14, 15; 21:8).

Scopes trial propelled Christians toward scientific engagement, professors say

Jeremy Blaschke, now an associate professor of biology at Union University, was drawn to Bryan College in Dayton, Tenn., because of its Center for Origins Research, a place where students could deliberately ask questions about humanity’s origins “and why animals are the way that animals are,” he said. “And that’s just exactly what I wanted.”

Glory in restoration

The glorified body of Jesus easily navigates a world still under the curse of sin. After his emergence from the tomb, Jesus eats, travels, speaks with befuddled eyewitnesses of his resurrection, passes through closed doors, transports himself instantly from one location to another, and finally launches from the Mount of Olives into heaven.

What is truth?

So, what is truth? It’s not subjectively discovered by our preferences, feelings, or experiences. Truth isn’t even beliefs approved by culture. Genuine truth is the objective, absolute reality determined by God that holistically points to his great glory and name. As Jesus powerfully declared, “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:32).

Pew: A fourth of Christians eye astrology, tarot cards, fortune tellers – most for fun

Greg Mathias, who teaches global missions at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS), told Baptist Press that while in Jackson Square this past weekend, he likely walked past five fortune tellers and tarot card readers, common sights there. But according to Pew Research, many Christians in the U.S. are not just passing by such phenomena.

Glory in resurrection

The glory we experience now as Christ lives in us, and the glory we experience in death as our souls and spirits ascend into heaven, are partial works of glorification. But full glorification for followers of Jesus takes place when he calls our bodies from the grave and gives us incorruptible bodies like the body he bore when he rose from the dead.

Ancient mosaic’s connection to Council of Nicaea still relevant, NOBTS archeologist says

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Professor Jim Parker sees a recently-uncovered proclamation from early Christians as very much a current mandate for today’s believers.

Apologist: proclaiming the Resurrection needs to be consistent

Apologist Jeremiah Johnston says the seminal event in Christianity’s history should be raised up more often. “The Resurrection of Jesus is tragically under-taught," he says. But Johnston will be highlighting the death and resurrection of Christ this month at a Missouri Baptist church in the Kansas City area. His event—called the "Who is the Man of the Shroud?" Experience—is set to take place at Fellowship Church in Greenwood, Mo., April 27-May 4.

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