### Introduction The NT presents Jesus of Nazareth as the **unique Son of God** in John 3:16: > For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son (**μονογενης υιος, monogenēs huios**), that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. The concept of a single 'son of God' is seemingly not found in the Hebrew bible. The phrase **bene-elohim/בְּנֵי־הָאֱלֹהִים** (sons of God) are referenced several times in different contexts. Several named characters such as Satan are called **bene-elohim**, such as in Job 1:6: > "One day the **sons of God** (**בְּנֵי הָאֱלֹהִים, bene-elohim**) came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them." ### Question What is the Old Testament basis for believing that God has a single, unique son?

Why did God said to Rebecca that the **elder shall serve the younger?**

God tells Jeremiah to preach to people that will not listen: > **Jeremiah 7:2,27 NIV** - Stand at the gate of the Lord’s house and there proclaim this message...[*long message*]...When you tell them all this, they will not listen to you; when you call to them, they will not answer. Later on in biblical history, Jesus, whom Christians believe to be God, tells his crowd to not waste words on people that won't listen: > **Matthew 7:6 NIV** - Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. What's an overview of Christian responses to how these two things can coexist without contradiction?

Of course Christianity believes Jesus is God, but I am interested in this question for the argument that Jehovah (I AM), the name of God which later Jews were not allowed to speak, is a term not unique to the Father. In other words, is this special name 'I AM' just as valid for the Son, as it is the Father? Is Jesus = (Jehovah/Yahweh/YHWH) in the flesh? Note: Yahweh/YHWH are just more original Hebrew representations of the English word Jehovah or capital LORD in our Bibles. These are all the same meaning, i.e. the name 'I AM'.

Both Orthodox and Catholic Christians believe and affirm that the Blessed Virgin Mary is the ***ark of the new covenant***, but is there a scriptural basis for this and if so where do we see this in the Old or the New Testament?

In his book *In the Beginning*, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger wrote the following with regards to the pre-Pauline hymn of Phil 2:5-11: > We cannot consider this extraordinarily rich and profound text [Phil > 2:5-11] in detail. We want to limit ourselves here to its connection > with the story of the Fall, even though **it seems to have a somewhat > different version in mind** than the one that is related in Genesis 3 > (cf., e.g., Job 15:7-8). What is the account of the Fall presumed by Phil 2:5-11? And what is the account of the Fall related in Job 15:7-8? More over, are there other places where the Bible gives an account of original sin (either explicitly or implicitly)? If this question is too involved, I would be satisfied by any book/article recommendations.

There seems to be an idea among some Christians of a metaphysical timeline that goes something like this: 1. All the angels are created sometime before or during the 7 days of creation in Genesis. 2. Satan desires to become like God, and starts a "war in heaven" 3. Satan loses the war and is cast out of Heaven along with many other angels before or during the time Adam and Eve reside in Eden. 4. Satan, fallen and cast out of Heaven, appears in Eden in the form of a serpent to tempt Eve, and Adam. 5. Satan continues to tempt, torment, and accuse mankind, as evident in Job. 6. Satan is bound for a time when the Messiah comes into power. 7. Satan is released from bondage and wages a final war upon Heaven with his fallen angels and many nations who follow him. 8. Satan is defeated and cast into the lake of fire, which is eternal destruction. Was there a war in Heaven for which Satan was cast out that occurred _before_ the fall of man? What Biblical sources can be cited that describe the events that led to the exile of Satan from Heaven?

## Many Catholic Depictions of Christ Crucified Show the Piercing into the Right Side. ## **Here are some examples of crucifixes from monastery.com:** - **Crucifixion Icon ** - **Byzantine Crucifix ** And - **San Damiano Crucifix ** It was from the image of Christ in the crucifix at **San Damiano** which miraculously spoke these words to **St. Francis of Assisi**: > **"Go repair My Church."** ## What is the Catholic Basis and Support from the *depositum Fidei* for the Depiction of the Piercing into the Right Side of Christ? ## The **best answer** will have arguments from the **72 Books of the Catholic Bible** and **from the writings of the Church Fathers**. *If there is any relevant supporting information on the topic, such as from the well known private revelations, that may be included in an Endnote.* ---------- ## Related Question ## On what side was Jesus' stab wound? ----------

The concept of "male headship" is prevalent in various Christian traditions. What is the essence of and the biblical basis for this concept? *I understand that this is a controversial subject, but this question is seeking a rational answer from the position of those who subscribe to it.*

I was just hoping that some of you could help find bible stories or scripture that supports the view of Pouring Baptism.

The Oriental Orthodox Church holds to Miaphysitism—that in the person of Jesus Christ, divinity and humanity are united in one nature (mia physis) without separation, confusion, or change. This view differs from the Chalcedonian definition, which speaks of two distinct natures united in one person. What passages of Scripture are used by the Oriental Orthodox Church to support the doctrine of Miaphysitism?

In the United States, the Secretary of Defense just lifted the ban on women in combat. Many Christians seem to oppose this idea and believe that women should not be put in combat. What is the biblical basis or precedent for this position?

Some Christian traditions and theologians suggest that there might be an opportunity for repentance and salvation after death. Others reject this view and argue that Scripture teaches salvation must be received in this life. What are the key biblical arguments against the idea of a post-mortem chance for salvation? In particular, which passages are commonly cited to show that the opportunity for repentance ends at death?

I’ve often heard a distinction made between *oppression* and *possession*, with the claim that while demons cannot possess Christians, they can still oppress them. In particular, I’ve heard it said that when a Christian struggles with an addiction or a persistent sinful habit, a stronghold they cannot seem to overcome, there may be a demonic influence behind it. This does not mean the believer is unsaved; rather, they are genuinely saved but still wrestling with a stronghold that requires deliverance. My question is: is there any scriptural support for the idea that Christians can be oppressed (but not possessed) by demons, and that they may need deliverance from such oppression, for example in cases where a demon is tied to an addiction or persistent sinful habit from their past that they have not yet overcome?

As an example of human behaviour: "and he ate" Genesis 3:6. ESV. A. Adam acted out of freewill. B. Adam's action was determined by God positively withholding from Adam the grace to obey Him and refrain from eating. God did this because He wanted to make the point that grace to obey would come through the 2nd Adam, and therefore God withheld it from the 1st Adam. 1st and 2nd Adam are mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:45-47. >"And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." John 1:16 ESV

In "The Biblical Basis of the Doctrine of the Trinity - Introduction" by Robert M. Bowman Jr., he states that God knows all future events. He provides the following verses as support - Is. 42:9; 44:7. Unfortunately, while he provides verses suggesting that God can control the future, he provides no verse supporting that God knows any or all future events which God chooses not to control. Which Bible Passages Support that God Knows All Future Events? I understand that the answer may require showing that God is outside of time.

I was watching a well-known sermon by Paul Washer: ***[Shocking Youth Message (2002) | Paul Washer | HeartCry Missionary Society](https://youtu.be/HkPFv7v9CkY?t=1902)*** . At minute 31:42, Paul Washer says: > Brother Paul, it’s absolutely absurd. It is impossible, Brother Paul, to have an **encounter** with something as large as a logging truck and not be changed. > > And then my question would be to you: **What is larger—a logging truck, or God?** > > How is it that so many people today profess to have had an **encounter with Jesus Christ**, and yet they are not permanently changed? So my questions are: - What does Paul Washer mean by an "encounter with God" or "encounter with Jesus Christ"? How is this different from a "false" encounter with no lasting impact? - What is the scriptural support for the idea of having such "encounters"?

I recently read an argument which was basically 'Paul against Jesus' type and was something like this: Jesus said that He didn't come to abolish the Jewish laws but to fulfill them: > Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have not come to abolish these things but to fulfill them. ([Matthew 5:17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5:17&version=NET) , NET) And we have this verse in OT: > Any uncircumcised male who has not been circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin will be cut off from his people – he has failed to carry out my requirement. ([Genesis 17:14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+17:14&version=NET) , NET) It is argued that even though Jesus was circumcised, it is not a requirement now for Christians because Paul preached so. What is the Biblical basis for not making circumcision a requirement for Christians?

I recently watched the video ["My deliverance testimony: **warning this will trigger many christians**"](https://youtu.be/Lm9TcYmZjMs) which recounts a former New Age practitioner's conversion to Christianity and subsequent deliverance from demonic forces. These forces were legally allowed into her life through occult practices during her New Age days. She specifically mentioned a stubborn demon, allowed in through Kundalini Yoga, which only left her after eight months of her conversion. The "controversial" aspect of her testimony, depending on one's doctrinal commitments, is that she still required demonic deliverance well after her conversion and being filled with the Holy Spirit. Despite being "on fire for Jesus," this particular demon persisted until she was fully delivered. As expected, the video is causing some controversy in the comment section. For example (quoting some comments): > I believe demons can oppress a Christian. I do not believe that they can Indwell a Christian who is saved and sealed with the Holy Spirit. If that is the case, I immediately question if one was truly converted. The notion that a demon can indwell a Christian is a lie of note. The one who the son sets free is free indeed. You are sealed with the Spirit of God. > > Many make the claim that actual Christians can be indwelled by a demon and that is a lie. There is no record of that in scripture. It also diminishes the gospel which is the power of God unto salvation. I have seen deliverance and it is dramatic. The conclusion is that they were never saved to begin with. That is tough pill to swallow as many think they are when they are not. When you respond to the gospel, God himself seals you with his spirit. His spirit helps you live out your life through sanctification, he also helps you pray and he (the Spirit) intercedes on your behalf. That alone eviscerates any claim about Christians having a demon inside of them. Lies from the devil. If you believe that, you do not understand the gospel and you need some basic sound doctrine. Basic theology is important, it helps us get crystal clear on these matters, especially the gospel (which is everything). > Thank you for sharing about this, you are right - it's controversial in the church at large to say Christians can have demons. Sadly, it's very difficult for many of us to find a church where anyone (including the pastoral team) is willing to take on anyone as a disciple, let alone believe that anyone in a church setting would need deliverance from a demon. For encouragement to anyone who may happen to read this, after fifteen years of being saved (and told I was showing the fruit of the Spirit), I began listening to the book, Pigs In The Parlor (by Frank Hammond). Well, an hour or two later I started coughing uncontrollably. I wasn't sick, had no other symptoms of sickness, but experienced a coughing fit for five or ten minutes. Afterwards, I kept thinking, That was so weird; what was that? But over the following week, I realised a thought-pattern that had bothered me for decades was gone! So I've concluded that a demon left, simply after hearing (through earbuds, by the way) the prayers that were being spoken in the audio book I was listening to! Hallelujah, God is so good! God bless you and your family 🙂 > I had a very similar experience as you…having demons and then also > having the Holy Spirit…my full deliverance took almost 2 and a half > years. 🤯 > > People don’t understand your body becomes a battlefield as you learn > to submit and be sanctified in Jesus.🤍 > > Praise God for the miracle of your life!!!!🙌🏻 Derek Prince really > helped me too!!!❤ > > Thank you for inspiring me to share this truth on my channel. I > haven’t thought of covering this topic but the body of Christ needs to > hear that Believers can house demons. They stay until they are kicked > out. > > I, like you, was so desperate. You have to FIGHT and KILL the flesh > with the Truth of God’s word, prayer, fasting and never giving up on > God. > It happened with me too! I was Holy Spirit filled and I still had demons. It took obedience and sanctification in order for them to leave me (yes, they were inside me). Few months after I got freed I started a research about the occult in order to make a video and expose the lies. But I went soo far away into that investigation that I walked out of the narrow path of Jesus (by giving almost all of my focus on the darkness) and I once again got possessed by an unclean spirit. I cried, I repented, I fasted, but it really took time to solidify my commitment to walk in holiness and obedience with the Lord. Once the Lord saw that I was committed to walking with Him in purity the spirit left me in a split of a second. What biblical texts are cited to support the belief that Christians can have demons?

I'm reading Matt Perman's book [What's Best Next](http://www.amazon.com/Whats-Best-Next-Gospel-Transforms-ebook/dp/B006FP4PVY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1394128758&sr=1-1&keywords=perman+what%27s+best+next) and found this interesting: >5. Knowing how to get things done enables us to fulfill God’s call to make plans for the good of others. This is one of the most exciting reasons to me. The biblical call on our lives is not to do good randomly and haphazardly. Rather, God calls us to be proactive in doing good — even to the point of making plans for the good of others. For example, Isaiah 32: 8 says that “he who is noble plans noble things, and on noble things he stands.” We often think of doing good simply as something we are to do when it crosses our path. But Isaiah shows us that we are also to take initiative to conceive, plan, and then execute endeavors for the good of others and the world. (And this requires, of course, actually knowing how to plan and actually make our plans happen!) >Perman, Matthew Aaron (2014-03-04). What's Best Next: How the Gospel Transforms the Way You Get Things Done (p. 23). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. In reading through Isaiah 32, there seems to be a kingdom of righteousness being described that sounds really good - but then it is almost immediately followed by a warning of destruction. Not really knowing Isaiah as well as I should, I'm trying to understand the context from which Perman is making this leap. Is this inference from Perman (that we should be actively planning noble things) directly drawn from the prophetic nature of what Isaiah is preaching here, or is there an eisegesis that is required to make the point?