I remember you said one time some of you guys could read Koine Greek.  I have heard it said that Greek is almost never translated into English correctly.  They may take two Greek words with two meanings and put them into one English word. So can you read the Textus Receptus and, let’s say, Westcott Hort Greek text?  If so, how can someone like me who can’t read Koine Greek be able to look up the Greek words?  For example, if I am reading the Bible and want to look up the word ‘blood’ in the Greek and find the meaning, how can I?

Sincerely,
Monolingual

Dear Monolingual,

Whoever told you that Greek is never translated into English correctly… is incorrect.  There are many wonderful English word-for-word translations of the Bible.  The King James, New King James, American Standard, New American Standard, and English Standard versions are all excellent.  Thousands of Greek scholars have poured over those translations to make sure that they are accurate renderings of the Greek language.  Sometimes translations will take two words from the first language and translate them into one in the second – they also will do the opposite.  This is part of accurate translating; each language has varying words with varying colors and definitions; the translator’s job is to accurately convey one language into another, and sometimes, it takes more or less words to do that.

If you want to be able to look up Greek definitions yourself, the easiest way is to use a Strong’s numbered Bible and a Strong’s numbered Bible dictionary.  Strong’s numbering assigns a number for each Greek word in the Bible, so you can look up definitions without actually knowing the words.  Just find the number in the Bible, and then look up the definition using the same number.  A word of caution, Strong’s numbers only provide definitions; they don’t cover the grammatical elements of the Greek language.

     Exactly what is the difference between our souls and our spirit?

Sincerely,
Soul-Splitter

Dear Soul-Splitter,

The words ‘soul’ and ‘spirit’ are used interchangeably in almost every circumstance.  There is only one verse that points to the fact that there is a difference between your soul and your spirit.  In Heb 4:12, it says that the Bible can pierce even to the divide between soul and spirit.  Apparently, there is a difference between your spirit and your soul… but we have absolutely no idea what that difference is.  As we said, in every other verse, those two terms are used as synonyms.  We could theorize for hours on the topic, but anything we said would simply be conjecture.  As far as we can tell from Scripture, both terms are used to talk about that ungraspable spark of life (where? – we have no idea) in every human that exists even after death.

What do you have to do to get into heaven?

Sincerely,
Heaven-Bound

Dear Heaven-Bound,

The Bible outlines five things you must do to become a christian. The question, “What must I do to be saved?” is the most important question any human can ever ask. Plenty of groups will pick and choose what they want to focus on. Many groups say that all you must do is “believe in your heart” and you will be saved – unfortunately, this is cherry-picking out one requirement and leaving the rest behind. We must always remember that the sum of God’s Word provides the truth (Ps 119:160). Belief is obviously an important element to salvation, but it is not the only condition. The Bible outlines five separate requirements for salvation, and all of them are necessary.

1. Hear the Word. Faith comes through hearing, and hearing comes through the Word of God (Rom 10:17). Until someone hears God’s Word, they are incapable of obeying it.
2. Believe the Word. It is impossible for someone to become a christian unless they believe that Jesus is the Savior and Son of God (Jhn 20:31, Acts 16:31, Jhn 3:16).
3. Repent of your sins. ‘Repent’ means to ‘change your mind’. That change of mind always involves a change of action as well. Repentance is when we change our mind about what is important and submit ourselves to Jesus and His Word. Repentance is a necessity of salvation (Mk 6:12, Lk 13:5, Lk 15:7).
4. Confess Jesus to others. If we have sworn our allegiance to Jesus, we must be prepared to publicly confess Him as our Lord. If we won’t confess Jesus before men, He won’t confess us before God (Matt 10:32-33, Lk 12:8-9).
5. Be baptized in the name of Jesus for salvation. Many groups baptize people, but very few baptize people for the right reasons. Baptism isn’t merely an “outward showing of an inward faith” or “for membership”. Baptism is what saves us (1 Pet 3:21). Baptism is the point where someone goes from being lost to saved because they are buried and resurrected with Christ (Rom 6:4-5). Baptism is the final requirement to become a christian (Acts 2:37-38, Mk 16:16, Acts 2:41). There is not a single example of someone becoming a christian without baptism. Baptism is just as necessary as the other four requirements.

After that, there remains nothing else but to find a faithful congregation to assemble with (Heb 10:24) that teaches God’s Word and God’s Word only (see “Finding a Church” for more details) and to continue to grow in knowledge and practice of God’s Word (1 Pet 2:2).  If you would like help finding a faithful church in your area – simply e-mail us at askyourpreacher@mvchurchofchrist.org and we would be happy to help you locate one.

      I have been raised in church all my life and have been baptized in water.  I have recently rededicated my life to the Lord, and I am thinking I would like to be re-baptized.  I was wondering about this… if I should do this as a sign that I am totally selling out to God.  What do you think?

Sincerely,
Starting Over

Dear Starting Over,

The word ‘baptism’ simply means ‘immersion’ – it is the reason for your immersion that makes baptism a soul-saving act.  When we understand that baptism saves us from our sins (1 Pet. 3:21) and are baptized by the authority of Christ (Acts 2:38) and believe in His Name (Mk. 16:16), then that baptism saves us.  Many people are baptized without understanding these things… in which case, they just get wet.  You will have to evaluate for yourself whether or not you understood what you were doing when you were baptized the first time.  If you did, there is no need for re-baptism.  If you believe you didn’t know what you were doing, then you should be re-baptized.

     Why are you telling people that it's okay to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost?  Everyone should be baptized according to Acts 2:38… in the name of Jesus Christ.  Remission of sins comes through His name.

Sincerely,
Get It Right

Dear Get It Right,

There is no difference between being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and being baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; both phrases are used in the New Testament to describe the same baptism (Acts 2:38, Matt 28:19).