The BIG Picture (Q&A)

SOCIAL MEDIA QUESTION: Why do Christians fall for Paul, who openly admitted that he was a liar (Rom 3:7), crafty (2 Cor 12:16), chief of sinners (1 Tim 1:15), a blasphemer (1 Tim 1:13), a murderer (Acts 22:4), preacher of his own gospel (Rom 2:16) who never even met Jesus? MY REPLY: Paul, like every one of us, is a sinner. His self-admitted flaws—being a persecutor of Christians (Acts 22:4), a blasphemer (1 Timothy 1:13), and the "chief of sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15)—highlight the universal truth that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23, KJV). Even Peter, James, and John were not without sin. Peter, for instance, denied the Lord three times (Luke 22:61-62), yet millions 'fall for Peter' as a saint. Despite these shortcomings, God’s grace transformed their lives and used them mightily for His purposes. Similarly, Paul’s violations you mention are no different from those of any of us. We are all in the same boat as sinners needing a Savior, and ...

What does "all who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13) mean? Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. For This passage quotes Joel 2:32 and attributes it to the Lord Jesus. The exaltation of Christ through His resurrection exemplifies His sovereignty in offering salvation; He extends it to everyone. Salvation is attainable solely through Him. This serves as scriptural evidence of God's all-encompassing mercy. whosoever shall call The word “whoever” is understood as (Greek—“all”). Salvation is available to all. Here, "calls" signify a petition of need; it represents a self-humbling before the LORD. We are insufficient to meet the criteria for salvation. In this context, calling is tantamount to believing in all that God has pledged to us. We rely on His nature to fulfill His promises. Acts 2:21, And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. upon the name of ...