Declaring All the Counsel of God

English 🇵🇭 Tagalog Does Faith Only Without Works Save? A biblical study of James 2:14–26 Introduction: A Question That Divides Few theological questions have generated more debate throughout church history than this one: Is faith alone sufficient for salvation? The phrase "faith only" ( sola fide ) became a rallying cry of the Protestant Reformation. Yet the Bible—read carefully, honestly, and in its entirety—presents a far more precise and sobering answer than what is often taught from modern pulpits. This article does not seek to set faith against works, nor works against faith. Rather, it seeks to let the Word of God speak clearly, plainly, and authoritatively on what kind of faith saves—and what kind does not. I. The Biblical and Historical Context The Immediate Context: James 2 The most direct biblical answer to this question is found in James 2:14–26 , a passage that has troubled those who hold to "faith alone" for centuri...

English 🇵🇭 Tagalog ⟵ Previous Next ⟶ Lesson 1: The Church Planned by God Before the Creation of the Universe Key Passage: Ephesians 3:9–11 “ And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: ” Introduction The concept of the church is often misunderstood—even among believers. To many, it appears to be an afterthought, a temporary institution until Christ returns, or merely a human denomination among many. But the Scriptures teach otherwise. The church was not an accident. It was not a substitute for a failed plan. It was not an invention of man. It was part of God's eternal purpose , rooted i...

English 🇵🇭 Tagalog Why Was Jesus Baptized? A Comprehensive Doctrinal Study "Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness." — Matthew 3:15 Introduction The baptism of Jesus is not a ceremonial footnote in the Gospels. It is a theologically rich, prophetically precise, and doctrinally essential act that reveals the very nature of Christ, His relationship with the Father, and His obedience to divine will. Since Jesus had no sin (Hebrews 4:15), why was He baptized? Was it merely to set an example? The answer is deeper, and essential to our understanding of salvation, obedience, and righteousness. I. Jesus Was Baptized to Fulfill All Righteousness (Matthew 3:13–15) Jesus’ words to John the Baptist — “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness” — anchor the doctrinal significance of His baptism. The Greek plēroō (G4137), "to fulfill," means to complete or carry out fu...