God’s Top Ten Q & A

Each week, we allow people to “text” in questions regarding our God’s Top Ten series. Below are brief answers to those questions provided by our pastoral staff. For more information, email us at info@fbcwpb.org.

JESUS & THE LAW

Is Jesus the only way to heaven?

The Bible clearly and in no uncertain terms declares Jesus to be THE ONLY WAY that people can have eternal life. The Old Testament pointed forward to this reality, and the New Testament shows us how Jesus fulfilled these promises. For example:

  • Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
  • Jesus repeatedly said he was God. (Mk 14:61-64; Jn. 8:58-59; Jn. 10:30-33)
  • Jesus claimed to be equal with God.
  • Jesus accepted worship from other people.
  • Jesus claimed the authority of God to forgive others’ sins. (Luke 5:20-2; Luke 7:48)
  • Jesus said he was sinless, as did those who knew him best. (Jn. 8:46; Acts 3:14; 1 Pet. 1:19; 1 John 3:5; James 5:6; 2 Cor. 5:21)
  • The New Testament teaches the exclusivity of faith in Jesus alone (Jn.14:6; Acts 4:12).

HONOR GOD’S NAME

Will God hold you guiltless if you watch the countless movies and television shows that misuse His name?

While the third commandment specifically prohibits people from taking God’s name in vain, there are countless applications of this principle which Christians will need to consider with wisdom. In our current secular climate, it would be nearly impossible to avoid altogether hearing people abuse God’s name through profane language. Just because we hear it does not necessarily mean that God is holding us accountable for the actions of others.

However, the Bible does give a stern warning to those who claim to love God and simultaneously approve of ungodly behavior in others (Rom. 1:32). As Christ-followers, we need to be extremely conscientious and selective with our entertainment choices, as media can have a profound impact in shaping our own souls. Furthermore, lost people are watching us to see what we participate in, approve of, or even unintentionally affirm in our walk and talk. In these matters of Christian liberties and freedoms, we need to be careful that we exercise discernment, wisdom, and integrity before both God and men.

Were there more people outside of the garden on earth when Adam and Eve were in the garden?

While Genesis does not specifically mention other created human beings in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve, the rest of the Bible tells us that the entire human race traces their lineage (and sin nature) back to their first parents (Gen. 5; 11; Matthew 1; Romans 5). Therefore, it does not seem plausible that a separate “silent” race of human beings were created apart from those chronicled in the early chapters of Genesis.