Author: Drew Costen

In order to convince us Mid-Acts Dispensationalists we’re wrong about our belief that there is more than one Gospel proclaimed in Scripture, one has to be able to first answer some questions. If one can’t answer these questions, they won’t be able to convince us that we’re wrong (it’s as simple as that). First, would… Continue reading Questions you must answer

After reading yesterday’s story, someone pointed out to me that it reminded him of a Hosea Ballou anecdote, and I have to agree with him, so I’m sharing it here: Ballou was riding the circuit again when he stopped for the night at a New England farmhouse. The farmer was upset. He confided to Ballou… Continue reading The perfect father

[Setting: Church meeting room. Jeff has been asked by the church’s elders to come in to be quizzed on whether he’s qualified to be a new elder himself or not. The meeting is drawing to a close.] Elder Bob: And just to confirm one last time, you do believe that anyone who does not become… Continue reading Getting what’s deserved

When Infernalists or Annihilationists point out that Jesus didn’t teach Universalism while He walked the earth, they’re absolutely correct. However, He didn’t teach Infernalism or Annihilationism either. He actually taught something else altogether. Most people assume that Infernalism, Annihilationism, and Universalism are the only three options when it comes to the final possible outcome of… Continue reading The fourth option

The line seemed to have stopped moving for quite some time, now, and people were starting to talk amongst themselves. “Any idea why we’re not moving?” Dave asked Tom, the person in front of him. “Apparently the judgement had to stop because someone refused to go to hell,” Tom replied, pointing to the valley of… Continue reading Who sends people to hell?

Christian: If Universalism is true, there is no justice for evil. I do not want that. Believer: Hypothetically speaking, if only one person got saved in the end, but he was a very evil man prior to believing the Gospel, would there be justice for evil? Christian: Yes, because his evil was dealt with by… Continue reading Justice for evil

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying, “This man began to build, and was… Continue reading Who won the greater victory?

Want a handy little trick for discussing theology with Christians (especially Christians who believe that less literal translations of Scripture, such as the KJV, are well translated)? Ask them what the Bible says about the topic you’re discussing. Yesterday I was chatting with one of the street preachers here in Toronto, and he asked me… Continue reading What does the Bible say that is?

“And so, Jesus died on the cross in your place, taking the penalty for your sins so you don’t have to,” the street preacher cried out. ”Just accept the free gift of salvation and you won’t have to pay the penalty yourself!” “What’s the penalty for my sins?” I interrupted before he could continue. “Why,… Continue reading Paying the penalty in your place

Those of us in the ecclesia called the body of Christ — not to be confused with members of the Christian religion who mistakenly use our title — are not Trinitarians (nor are we Modalists, for the same reasons we don’t believe in the Trinity). As far as why we aren’t Trinitarians, I’ve written about that elsewhere, so please… Continue reading Concordant Christology: Arianism vs Socinianism