Category: Difficult Passages
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Did the Dead Wake Up?
A Closer Look at 2 Kings 19:35 “And that night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.” — 2 Kings 19:35 (ESV) At first glance, skeptics may…
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Was God Unjust in Sending the Flood?
A Biblical Response to Skeptics Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. — Genesis 6:5 Skeptics often argue that the Great Flood of Genesis 6–9 is one of the…
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And God Hardened Pharaoh’s Heart
Exodus 9:12 The phrase “and God hardened Pharaoh’s heart” (Exod. 9:12) is often misunderstood and used to challenge the justice of God. Did God override Pharaoh’s free will, making him incapable of repentance? A closer examination of the biblical text, supported by historical, linguistic, and theological scholarship, reveals a nuanced…
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The Tenth Plague: God’s Justice and Mercy Revealed
Exodus 11-12 The death of Egypt’s firstborn during the tenth plague (Exod. 11–12) is one of the most morally challenging events in scripture. Critics argue that this act is inconsistent with the character of a loving and just God, especially when it involves children. However, a closer examination of the…
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Jesus, Pilate, And The King Of Truth
Silence, Speech, and the Trial of Christ The trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate is a poignant moment in the Gospels. His measured silence and selective responses have been widely discussed by theologians, scholars, and the Church throughout history. These actions not only fulfill prophecy but also reveal His mission…
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When Prayer Fails
Was Jesus Mistaken? Are these passages evidence that God does not exist because prayers are not answered? Matthew 18:19-20; Matthew 17:19-20; James 5:14-16; and 1 John 5:14. Let’s take each passage one at a time. “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching…
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Does Exodus 21:17 Command Killing Children For Cussing At Their Parents?
5 reasons why it does not. ”And he who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death.“ (Exodus 21:17 LSB) I’ve seen this passage used by critics as an attempt to defame the moral character of God. After all, how could cussing at one’s parent or…
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Is this an “Irreconcilable Contradiction?”
Matthew 28:1-20 and Luke 24:1-53 Dr. Bart Ehrman is a well-known scholar who questions the authenticity of the New Testament. His books have gained wide popularity among skeptics. Bart and I are alike in many ways. We are around the same age, went to similar schools, and both studied New…
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Did God Approve of Slavery?
Some skeptics think that God, as described in the Hebrew Scriptures, supported slavery. They believe that God allowed treating people like property and even approved of beating slaves. Claims that the Bible approves of slavery are often based on passages taken out of context, like those from the Levitical Law.…
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