Bible Interpretation – Page 14 – Evidence for Christianity

How has Isaiah 11:12 been fulfilled by Jesus? Jews consider this to be a passage about the Moshiach. They specifically say that Jesus did not fulfill this therefore he cannot be the Moshiach. They think that all Jews will return to Israel. How is that passage to be interpreted?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy .

Question: How has Isaiah 11:12 been fulfilled by Jesus? Jews consider this to be a passage about the Moshiach. They specifically say that Jesus did not fulfill this therefore he cannot be the Moshiach. They think that all Jews will return to Israel. How is that passage to be interpreted?Answer: Your Jewish friends are right. […]

Can you please give me a little explanation about Ephesians 4:7-9?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General .

Question: Can you please give me a little explanation about Ephesians 4:7-9? Answer: The wording in this passage is a bit obscure. I will have to admit it would be easy to get confused about what Paul is talking about. What he is talking about is the gifts God has given us. Let me give […]

Based on 1 Peter 1:17, are there levels of reward in heaven? Of is he talking about our works determining in part our salvation?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: I have quite recently started studying the book of 1 Peter and am currently contemplating what the apostle might have meant by God?s judging each man?s work impartially (1:17). Since Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches that a Christian is saved by God?s grace through his/her faith and not by his/her works, then I have concluded that […]

Who is the Mechelsadeck? 2. Can a Christian be a blood donor(give own blood to others)?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Prefigures and Foreshadows, Social Issues, Theology and Doctrinal Questions, Types .

Questions:,1. Who is the Mechelsadeck? 2. Can a Christian be a blood donor(give own blood to others)?,Answer:,Melchizedek was the ruler of Salem in Canaan. Salem later became known as Jerusalem. He is a very enigmatic figure in the Bible. He was not a Jew, yet he was a worshipper of Jehovah/God. When Abraham returned from […]

Given all the religious confusion, how can I be sure what is right? How can some people go to hell just because they have a different belief system? Why does God allow all this to be so unclear?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Other Religions, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: I see what you say about the laws of the old testament having been “fulfilled” and therefore do not have to be followed. However, many Jews still do follow those rules and, it has to be said that in doing so they are following the word of God as that is what is written […]

Who were the "sons of God" in Genesis 6:2?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General .

Question: Who were the “sons of God” in Genesis 6:2? Answer: Note, this answer is taken directly from one given to the same question at www.douglasjacoby.com John O. Sons of God 11/21/2003 ?????????????????????????????????????????????? There has been much speculation about who these “sons of God” mentioned in the sixth chapter of Genesis were. Three basic interpretations […]

Does the Lost Son in Luke 15 represent a sinner who needs to become a Christian or a Christian who has left God?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General .

Question:,I recently read an article written by a person named Raul in his website ( www.santiagoicc.org) about the Luke 15, and he say that “the lost son” it is not in fact a walk away son of God, but a lost person as any non-Christian is. I would really appreciate your comments of both. ,Answer:,Please […]

What is the definition of work in the Old Testament and how were people to know what constituted or did not constitute work?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General .

Editor’s note; The answer belos is a response to a very long and involved question which comes down to this. What is the definition of work in the Old Testament and how were people to know what constituted or did not constitute work? For the entire question, go to the bottom of my answer. Answer. […]

How are we to understand Mark 16:15-18 (about the signs which would accompany the believers) if we take it literally. We do not see these signs today.

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General .

Question: Mark 16: 17-18 of the NIV translation reads: “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their […]

How do you reconcile Matthew 16:27 and 16:28? What is the time frame for the fulfillment of this prophecy?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, End Times, General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

Question:,One of my sons asked me a Bible question tonight and after doing a little study I am still baffled, so I wondered if you had any insight into it. The question is: how do we reconcile Matthew 16:27 and Matthew 16:28? I read your response to a questioner who asked about Matthew 16:28 and […]

What is the exact meaning of the Hebrew word m'lacha and its variants? What types of work were prohibited by the Old Testament?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: ,I’d like to hear your opinion on the following question I heard… In the first narrative of the Ten Commandments, the verses regarding sabbath observance read as follows: Ex.20:8-11 “Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it. Six days shall you work and accomplish all your work,but the seventh day… you shall not do any […]

In the Bible it says heaven and earth will pass away but his word will live forever…. What does it mean by heaven will pass away?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, End Times, General .

Question:,In the Bible it says heaven and earth will pass away but his word will live forever…. What does it mean by heaven will pass away? I thought heaven would last forever…,Answer:,I am not sure exactly what this fairly enigmatic passage means. To some extent, all I can do is quote the scripture and say […]

Is Acts 22:17-21 an example of the principle that God can use our own disobedience to bring about his own glory?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General .

Question:,Acts 22 :17 “When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance 18and saw the Lord speaking. ‘Quick!’ he said to me. ‘Leave Jerusalem immediately, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’,19” ‘Lord,’ I replied, ‘these men know that I went from one synagogue to another […]

Why are there 41 generations from David to Jesus in Luke, but only 28 generations in Matthew? Also, why do we not follow all the laws in the Bible, such as the Sabbath?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

Question:,I would like some help with something someone said to me about the Bible. They said that it can’t all be true as Matthew and Luke do not agree about lots of things about the story of Jesus. They said that Matthew says Jesus was born 28 generations after King David and Luke says it […]

What is the evidence that the kingdom Chist promised his appostles that "Most of you will not taste death until they see it come?" Or are the apostles still alive? Did the Kingdom exist before they died?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy .

Question:,What is the evidence that the kingdom Chist promised his appostles that “Most of you will not taste death until they see it come?” Or are the apostles still alive? Did the Kingdom exist before they died?,Answer:,The kingdom of God came with power within the lifetime of almost all the apostles. This prophecy of Jesus […]

How is it that God says that something will last forever (ex. Ex 12:14, Lev 3:17, Deut 12:1), but then God changes his mind and does something different? One example is with the Sabbath.

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Reliability of the Bible, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: The Old Testament declares many times in very explicit language that certain commandments shall be observed forever. (To name a few: Exodus 12:14, Leviticus 3:17, Leviticus 23:21, Deut 12:1) If so, how does it make any sense that the Creator would change His mind/contradict Himself and do away with these commandments!? If a religion […]

Romans 2:6 says we "are justified by Jesus' blood," then how is it that "God gives to each person according to what he has done?" Is there a contraditction?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

Question: Please clarify Romans 2: 6. If we sinful humans are justified by Jesus’ blood then why will “God give to each person according to what he has done” ? I have read in the bible that all the christians will stand for judgement in front of God at judgement day. Answer: In answer to […]

Does Ezekiel 36:27 "I will… cause you to walk in my statutes…" imply predestination? What is your response?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: I have started hearing Calvinists use Ezekiel 36:27 to defend their view because it says “And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you shall keep My judgments and do them.” The key word here is “cause.” They view this as proof that Calvinism is […]

Why did John question Jesus about who he was if he already knew? I am talking about what he said about Jesus when he was in prison.

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General .

Question: Why did John question Jesus about who he was if he already knew? I am talking about what he said about Jesus when he was in prison. Answer: This is a good question. I have thought about this often and not come up with a completely satisfactory answer. Some people say that John was […]

In Deut 12:21 God tells the Jews to slaughter animals "as I have commanded you," yet this command is not in the Bible. Does this imply that the Jews had additional, unwritten laws?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General .

Question: It says in Deut12:21 “…you may slaughter from your cattle and your flocks that the Creator has given you, as I have commanded you, and you may eat it in your cities…”. The question is: This verse explicitly says that animal slaughter shall be done in the manner “as I have commanded you”, yet […]

Why did Jesus give the care of his mother to John? Why wouldn't that

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, Church History, General, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

Questions:,1. Why did Jesus give the care of his mother to John? Why wouldn’t that,responsibility have fallen to one of his many brothers? James was,apparently close by as Paul refers to the resurrected Jesus appearing to,him.,2. It is said that the first churches met in homes and synagogues because it,was illegal for crowds to gather […]

What is the interpretation of Hebrews 4:3 ?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question:,What is the interpretation of Hebrews 4:3 ?,Answer:,Heb 4:3 Now we how have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, “So I declared on oath in my anger, They will never enter my rest.”,The context of Hebrews 4:3 is that the Hebrew writer is discussing the possibility of us turning back to Egypt […]

Are the seven angels in Revelation 1:20 the "bishops" (head elders) of the churches? Where did the doctrine of the head elder/bishop come in?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, Church History, General .

Question; Why did the Christian Church begin to use a single pastor, elder, or leader in the second century, as opposed to the original leadership model used by the first church where several leaders, pastors, or elders governed each church? Was this switch a prelude to the clerical system? It appears likely. My search for […]

Given the genealogies, when did the flood of Noah happen?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, The Flood .

Question; Genesis 10 gives us the descendants of Noah. My question is how many years do his descdendents go? I heard it is 2500 years long. During the whole list of descendents it is constantly saying “this guy son of that guy son of that guy etc….” does son of literarly mean his son or […]

Any hints on how to know if we are accurately interpreting a particular scripture?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General .

Question: I was reading Ezekiel 37 tonight about the valley of dry bones and it reallyreally hit my heart and I started relating the prophecy to our world today, the college campus where I attended school, and even my own heart. Then Istarted wondering: How do I know if I am taking the Scripture out […]

Galatians 5:19 has the word pharmakeia which means the use and administration of drugs. Why does the NIV translate it as witchcraft?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General .

Question: I recently discovered that the Greek word “pharmakeia” was used in Galatians 5:19, the main definition of which is “the use or the administering of drugs”. And yet the NIV translated it as “witchcraft”. What do you think could be the reason for that? Also, which Bible translation do you find to be the […]

What is the significance of the number 666 in Revelation 13?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, End Times, General .

QUESTION: Can you explain something to me from chapter 13 of the book of Revelation? I have heard many sayings about the 666 (the mark of the Beast) and microchip implantation, etc. I would very much like to clarify this. ANSWER: Revelation 3:18 “This calls for wisdom: Let the one who has insight calculate the […]

How can homosexuality be a sin when it is natural behavior? Some are born genetically predisposed to be homosexuals.

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Practical Christianity, Social Issues .

Question: I am curious about the Biblical explanation of homosexuals and omnisexuals as advanced by Paul in Romans chapter 1. Paul claims that homosexuality is a punishment for idolatry. However, homosexual behavior is exhibited in over 1500 species of animals with roughly the same percentages as human beings across the globe. If it caused by […]

Is Leviathan a myth? If so, how does this fit with the claims that the Bible does not contain myths?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Reliability of the Bible .

Question: Many theologians and teachers say that the Leviathan is a mythical sea creature yet you state within your book that the Bible never resorts to myth. I know that there is much picture language in the book of Job, but this has often troubled me. I would really love to hear your thoughts. Answer: […]

What are Leviathan and Behemoth?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General .

Question: What are Leviathan and Behemoth? I have books that say they are the hippo and crocodile, I have books that say they are dinosaurs and I have books that say they are mythical creatures. Answer: Leviathan and Behemoth are certainly not dinosaurs and they probably are not a hippo or a crocodile either. In […]

Please explain about the star named Wormwood in the Bible (rev.8.11)

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, End Times, General .

Question: Please explain about the star named Wormwood in the Bible (rev.8.11) Answer: I am assuming you are aware that the book of Revelation is written in a highly symbolic style. The technical term is apocalyptic literature. In normal writing, the reader is to assume a literal meaning of something unless the context suggests a […]

Who exactly was Paul referring to as ?the lawless one? in 2 Thessalonians 2:8?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, End Times, General .

Q: Who exactly was Paul referring to as “the lawless one” in 2 Thessalonians 2:8? A: Here is the relevant passage in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12: “Now regarding the arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to be with him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, not to be easily shaken from your […]

What is your take on the strange passage Exodus 4:24-27 in which God almost kills Moses?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Supposed Inconsistencies in the Bible .

Question: What is your take on the strange passage Exodus 4:24-27 in which God almost kills Moses? Answer: I found a web site which presents a range of responses from a Judaic Christian perspective, which I think might be the best. Bottom line, we are not sure why God wanted to kill Moses, but we […]

How do you interpret "Near Death Experiences," with their commonality as well as the fact that people see a version of their own religion's view of heaven?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Other Religions .

Question: What do you say about near death experiences? I’ve heard of certain people having experiences where they are supposedly almost dead and see heavenly places. I’ve even heard some say that people of different religions have NDE’s where they see their own religion’s heaven. It makes me a bit confused, but I think it […]

How were the gifts of the Holy Spirit given? Does that still happen today?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Miracles, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: I want to know about the Holy Spirit and how it did so many miracles in the 1st century through the apostles and other disciples like speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing by laying on of hands etc. Does that stil happen today, if it does is it by God’s Spirit? Answer: Here is what […]

What is the Christian response to having political affiliations such as being a conservative, liberal, or independent? Should Christians vote? Isn't divisiveness an important issue here?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Practical Christianity, Social Issues .

Question: What is the Christian response to having political affiliations such as being a conservative, liberal, or independent? Does the bible say anything about participating in a political life such as voting, protesting, being a politician, etc? The reason I’m asking is because there are churches that seem to be strongly conservative and then there […]

What does "the evil spirit from LORD" means as stated in 1 Samuel 19:9?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: What does “the evil spirit from LORD” means as stated in 1 Samuel 19:9? Answer: It is a truism that everything which happens is either caused by God or allowed by God. In the case of evil, God allows bad things to happen because such things fall under the free will God has given […]

Did God took rest on the seventh day of creation, if so then he can get tired & weary. Also who does the work during the rest time?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, Creation, General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: Did God took rest on the seventh day of creation, if so then he can get tired & weary. Also who does the work during the rest time? I want to know the correct interpretation. Answer: In answer to your question, God does not get tired, Isaiah 41:28 gives us some insight into this, […]

Will only 144,000 be in heaven with God, and will others reign in an earthly kingdom with Jesus?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, End Times, General, Other Religions .

Question: It is taught that by some that only 144,000 people will receive eternal life in heaven with Jesus Christ as co-rulers over the earth. Witnesses believe that in the war of Armageddon, which they believe to be imminent, the wicked will be destroyed. The survivors of this event, along with individuals deemed worthy of […]

Can a baptism for salvation be valid if the person being baptized is mistaken and thinks that it is only a symbol? Can a person be "accidentally" saved?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: I Am just reading your book “From Shadow to Reality” about all the types for salvation through baptism (which I also believe to be true). What I have always wondered though, is whether people can be “accidentally” saved by participating in a baptism they believe to be symbolic, as in the baptist church, where […]

God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to Tarturus according to 2 Peter 2:4. If God sends angels to Tarturus when they become bad, is Satan the only spiritual force of evil in the heavenly realm that we are fighting against?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Questions: 1. God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to Tarturus according to 2 Peter 2:4. If God sends angels to Tarturus when they become bad, is Satan the only spiritual force of evil in the heavenly realm that we are fighting against? 4For if God did not spare angels when […]

How can you explain Romans 11:26 and Matthew 2:23 are prophecies? In one case, it is not a correct quote from the Old Testament. In the other case, there is no prophecy in the Old Testament about a Nazarene.

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy, Resurrection of Jesus .

Question: Ever since last year, I’ve been sharing with a Jewish friend I have. He told me about this small book he read about why you can’t trust the Christian Bible and why not to believe in Jesus. The thing that made me think the most is when this little book talked about how scriptures […]

Did Jesus claim to be God? Did he talk about the trinity? Did he say that salvation would come through his blood?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: Did Jesus Christ himself claim to be God and that we should worship him? When he was teaching in the synagogues and temples wheretheJews went, did he teach the following fundamental beliefs? 1. Trinity 2. His supposed divinity 3. That salvation will come through his blood. What didhe mean in John 17:3-4 where he […]

Does Mark 16:16 "those who believe and are baptized will be saved." contradict salvation by grace only?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, Bible Manuscripts and Textual Questions, General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: Doesn’t Mark 16 where Jesus says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” contradict teachings on salvation by grace alone? Also, if you say that Mark 16 was inserted over time then doesn’t the Bible fall short of it’s claim to be inerrant? Answer: First of all, you will not find the phrase […]

Please explain the prefigures and foreshadows in the book of Esther. Who do Esther, Mordecai, Haman etc. represent?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Prefigures and Foreshadows, Types .

Question: After studying through the book of Esther and trying to draw parallels, I had a few things that I just could not make sense of. First, I had a hard time figuring out King Xerxes and Queen Vashti?s interaction in the first chapter. I could not be sure who was the villain and who […]

Is Moses striking the rock, versus speaking to the rock a foreshadow of the first and second coming of Christ?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General .

Question: I heard someone say they thought Moses striking the rock in to get water in Exodus 17 and then the second time being told to speak to it, was supposed to be a model of the first and second coming of Christ that Moses messed up. (1st he had to be “struck” and killed […]

Is the shrewd manager's action in Luke 16:9 a good or a bad example for a Christian?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Practical Christianity .

Question: I have been talking to a friend and we are trying to understand luke 16:9. My friend sees this as something negative “…buying your friends” because of the previous context, but I see it as something positive. Can you help me understand this verse? Answer: This is a good question. There are a couple […]

What is the "thorn in the flesh" in 2 Corinthians 12?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General .

Question: i would like to add one more question is that, what does exact interpretation of the scripture in 1 cor. that poul says there is a thorn in my flesh,is he talking bout any desease or something else?PLs explain me. Answer: I assume you mean 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Many commentators have debated the interpretation […]

Is speaking in tounges real? Should it be done in church?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General, Miracles, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: Is there such thing as speaking in tongues? In the Bible Paul said he had that spiritual gift and it was his greatest gift (1CO 14), and then I read a study Bible and it said that as Christians we could have the gift but it is not of help to others but just […]

How do we know that the word "Law" in the NT is referring to the Mosaic Law? Also does baptism equate to circumcision?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, General .

Question: How do we know that the word “Law” in the NT is referring to the Mosaic Law? Also does baptism equateto circumcision? Answer: I want to suggest you do your own additional research on this topic, as I cannot claim to be an expert on this. Let me share with you what I have […]