I got into a pretty heated argument the other day with my girlfriend.  She is a Jehovah’s Witness, and I am a christian.  I was talking about the day Jesus died, and I mentioned the cross.  She, in turn, began to tell me that all christians got the translation wrong and that it was actually a stake.  I'm not looking to settle a score, but I would like to know some insight on this subject if you could help.  Thanks and keep up the good work!

Sincerely,
Feeling A Little Cross

Dear Feeling A Little Cross,

The Greek word is ‘stauros’, and it means ‘stake, post, or cross’.  The word can mean any of those three things depending upon the context.  Like many words in English, Greek words often require context to give the specific definition.  In the case of Jesus’ crucifixion, the word ‘cross’ is appropriate because the context tells us they nailed Him to it (Jhn 20:25, Lk 24:40)… a historically verifiable technique used by Romans for crucifixion upon a cross.

What happens when a christian sins?  How much does a christian have to sin before he has lost his salvation?  Are consequences to sin in a believer’s life experienced to lead that one to repentance and redemption?  Or to separate him from a Holy God?  At what point will he be turned over?  His mind darkened?  His heart hardened?  His spirit separated from God?

Sincerely,
Where’s The Line?

Dear Where’s The Line,

A christian loses his salvation when he returns to a lifestyle and mindset of wickedness.  It isn’t a matter of how much sin we commit, but the attitude we take toward God and sin.  When we no longer value what Christ has done for us and stop letting His Word guide our life, we crucify Him again and fall away (Heb 6:4-6).  When a christian sins, they should have godly remorse and sorrow (2 Cor 7:10) because they have offended their Redeemer.  A wicked heart is hardened against such sorrow.  We must always be careful to protect our heart from becoming rebellious (Heb 3:12).

It is impossible to say exactly at what point someone moves from saved to lost… but that just accentuates the importance of guarding our lives and minds by trusting in Christ’s Word (Jude 1:24).  Commit yourself to growing and bearing fruit for Christ, and you will always be safe (1 Pet 2:1-2).

5 minutes a day 5 days a week - a year of Bible Wisdom

I did something to a friend years ago.  How do I get up the courage to apologize?

Sincerely,
Secretly Sorry

Dear Secretly Sorry,

Courage comes from knowing that you are doing the right thing.  When we build our lives and choices on a good foundation, we can find peace through the storms of life (Matt 7:24-27).  The truth sets us free (Jhn 8:32).  Asking for forgiveness is the right thing to do (Jas 5:16); you know it is the right thing to do (Jas 4:17), and in the end, you will be happy that you did.

5 minutes a day 5 days a week - a year of Bible Wisdom