Year: 2021

Did Adam and Eve know what good was before eating from the Tree of Knowledge? Can you know what good is by living in it? Why wasn’t it a Tree of the Knowledge of Evil?

Posted on By Kingston Tong No Comments on Did Adam and Eve know what good was before eating from the Tree of Knowledge? Can you know what good is by living in it? Why wasn’t it a Tree of the Knowledge of Evil?
Old Testament

Thank you for morality question of Adam and Eve, “Did Adam and Eve know what good was before eating from the Tree of Knowledge? Can you know what good is by living in it? Why wasn’t it a Tree of the Knowledge of Evil?” As I ponder this question, here are some thoughts for one’s consideration … Read More “Did Adam and Eve know what good was before eating from the Tree of Knowledge? Can you know what good is by living in it? Why wasn’t it a Tree of the Knowledge of Evil?” »

Can you truly understand the Bible from its translated form?

Posted on By Kingston Tong No Comments on Can you truly understand the Bible from its translated form?
The Bible

Thank you for the question on the translation of the Bible, “Can you truly understand the Bible from its translated form?” If I may express an opinion here that even if one was raised speaking Hebrew and Greek, there will always be a translation from Hebrew and Greek into another language. There are nuances and interpretative … Read More “Can you truly understand the Bible from its translated form?” »

If I am in sin then what part of me is not in sin?

Posted on By Kingston Tong No Comments on If I am in sin then what part of me is not in sin?
Christian Living, New Testament

Thank you for the theological question, “If I am in sin then what part of me is not in sin?” There are two theological position on the nature of humans. The Arian view teaches that there is a divine spark within each person and the Augustine view is that every person is total deprave. Of … Read More “If I am in sin then what part of me is not in sin?” »

Why do people swear on a Bible when the Bible itself tells us not to swear by anything in Heaven or on Earth?

Posted on By Kingston Tong No Comments on Why do people swear on a Bible when the Bible itself tells us not to swear by anything in Heaven or on Earth?
Christian Living

Thank you for the Bible question, “Why do people swear on a Bible when the Bible itself tells us not to swear by anything in Heaven or on Earth?” Here are some thoughts of why a person swear on a Bible: A. A person swears on the Bible in acknowledgement that s/he is under the authority … Read More “Why do people swear on a Bible when the Bible itself tells us not to swear by anything in Heaven or on Earth?” »

What does it mean in Isaiah 59:2 that sins separate us from God?

Posted on By Kingston Tong No Comments on What does it mean in Isaiah 59:2 that sins separate us from God?
Old Testament

The word, separate, means to divide, to have a gulf in between. In other words, there is a wide gap that one is walking one direction and the other party is walking in the opposite direction. There is the lack of agreement or oneness. As one reads Isaiah 59, here are some thoughts for one’s … Read More “What does it mean in Isaiah 59:2 that sins separate us from God?” »

What does ”Repentance from dead works’ ‘ (Hebrews 6:1) really mean?

Posted on By Kingston Tong No Comments on What does ”Repentance from dead works’ ‘ (Hebrews 6:1) really mean?
New Testament

Hebrews 6 is a difficult passage to interpret for there are various Biblical and theological positions on the chapter. Thus I am sharing my understanding of the text, realizing others Christians may have a different view. This is for your consideration. The overall context is that the writer is encouraging the believers to move beyond … Read More “What does ”Repentance from dead works’ ‘ (Hebrews 6:1) really mean?” »

Why did the Angel of the Lord demand that Hagar return to Sarai (Genesis 16: 9) if she mistreated Hagar (Genesis 16: 6)?

Posted on By Kingston Tong 1 Comment on Why did the Angel of the Lord demand that Hagar return to Sarai (Genesis 16: 9) if she mistreated Hagar (Genesis 16: 6)?
The Bible

Here are some thoughts for your consideration as why the Angel of the LORD commanded Hagar to submit to Sarai. A. The role of Hagar within Abram’s family was a handmaid to Sarai (Gen. 16:2). Hagar was a purchased Egyptian maid. She was in bondage before Abram purchased her. Abram gave Hagar to his wife, … Read More “Why did the Angel of the Lord demand that Hagar return to Sarai (Genesis 16: 9) if she mistreated Hagar (Genesis 16: 6)?” »

Why was the Book of Lamentations included in the Old Testament? What is the significance of the book of lamentations?

Posted on By Kingston Tong No Comments on Why was the Book of Lamentations included in the Old Testament? What is the significance of the book of lamentations?
Old Testament

Thank you for the question on the Book of Lamentation, “Why was the Book of Lamentations included in the Old Testament? What is the significance of the book of lamentations?” As I was reading again the Introductions to the Book of Lamentation in the NIV, I found the Introduction very helpful and good reminder of the … Read More “Why was the Book of Lamentations included in the Old Testament? What is the significance of the book of lamentations?” »

Why did the Angel of the Lord demand that Hagar return to Sarai (Genesis 16: 9) if she mistreated Hagar (Genesis 16: 6)?

Posted on By Kingston Tong No Comments on Why did the Angel of the Lord demand that Hagar return to Sarai (Genesis 16: 9) if she mistreated Hagar (Genesis 16: 6)?
Old Testament

Thank you for the question on Hagar’s submission to Sarai, “Why did the Angel of the Lord demand that Hagar return to Sarai (Genesis 16: 9) if she mistreated Hagar (Genesis 16: 6)?” Here are some thoughts for your consideration as why the Angel of the LORD commanded Hagar to submit to Sarai. A. The role … Read More “Why did the Angel of the Lord demand that Hagar return to Sarai (Genesis 16: 9) if she mistreated Hagar (Genesis 16: 6)?” »

What does ”Repentance from dead works’ ‘ (Hebrews 6:1) really mean?

Posted on By Kingston Tong No Comments on What does ”Repentance from dead works’ ‘ (Hebrews 6:1) really mean?
Christian Living, New Testament

Thank you for the interpretative question on Hebrews 6:1, “What does ”Repentance from dead works’ ‘ (Hebrews 6:1) really mean?” Hebrews 6 is a difficult passage to interpret for there are various Biblical and theological positions on the chapter. Thus I am sharing my understanding of the text, realizing others Christians may have a different view. … Read More “What does ”Repentance from dead works’ ‘ (Hebrews 6:1) really mean?” »