Everything about God and the Christian faith.
Biblical Faith
A
Abortion
is sin and a trivializing euphemism for the murder of a child ( Exodus 20,13 ). Since GOD is our Creator, He alone possesses the right to decide upon a person's life and death ( Job 1,21 ). In truth, life begins at conception. It is GOD who brings an embryo into existence and breathes life into it ( Psalm 139,13 f. / Jeremiah 1,5 ). For this reason, neither doctors nor parents have the right to unilaterally end the life of an unborn child. Anyone who willfully aborts their child—or has one aborted—bears guilt for a human death. Consequently, the destruction of life can never be justified as a "human right", as proponents of abortion demand. The most common reason for abortions is neither abuse nor health concerns, but simply the fact that parents do not want the child because, for various reasons, it does not fit into their lives. Financial factors often play a role here as well. Today, sex serves primarily for sensual pleasure, without the concept of Creation playing any part. People desire the good feeling but not the responsibility that accompanies the procreation of a child. Thus, many accept the risk of an unwanted pregnancy without considering the gravity of their decisions. Yet before GOD, parents are responsible for their child from the moment of conception. Some attempt to justify abortion by citing a supposed "right of parents to self-determination". However, this argument is invalid, as the issue is not a person's own body, but a distinct individual to whom GOD has given life. The fact that a child develops within its mother's body does not grant her the right to determine whether or not that child may live. For GOD, the protection of unborn life takes precedence over the parents' right to self-determination. Moreover, the mother's body does not belong to her, but to GOD (1st Corinthians 6,19 f.). Parents who need help raising their children can turn to a Christian congregation or to one of the many Christian parenting counseling centers.
Abuse
especially of a sexual nature, is addressed in several places in Holy Scripture ( Genesis 34,1-31 / Judges 19,1-28 / 2nd Samuel 13,1-22 ). Under the Law of Moses, the violation of an engaged woman was punishable by death ( Deuteronomy 22,22-27 ). Conversely, anyone who violated a virgin who was not engaged was required by law to marry her or pay a fine ( Deuteronomy 22,28 f. ). From a biblical perspective, every form of abuse—whether physical or emotional—must be strongly condemned, as coercion and violence contradict the commandment of love ( Romans 13,10 ). Instead, GOD’s Word explicitly calls for the protection of the weak. Those who have experienced abuse themselves find refuge and comfort in GOD. GOD’s wonderful fatherly love heals deep wounds and grants the strength to overcome what has been endured—however terrible it may be—and to forgive ( Psalm 23,4 / Psalm 36,8 / Psalm 63,8 / Psalm 91,1 f. / Jeremiah 17,14 ). Forgiveness, in turn, brings inner freedom and can, in some cases, bring about a change of heart in the perpetrator. Those who choose a life with GOD need no longer dwell on the past; instead, they can look forward with confidence and rely at all times on GOD’s protection and His unfailing care.
Addiction
describes a compulsive craving (e.g., for alcohol, drugs, food, money, people, sex, pornography, etc.). Addiction signifies dependency and is a form of slavery that dominates a person. It stems primarily from separation from GOD and every human being's deep inner longing for love, security, and acceptance. Yet, without a connection to GOD, this human longing remains unfulfilled. People attempt to compensate for this inner emptiness with other things (drugs, sex, etc.), accepting the resulting harm to their bodies and health. The Bible condemns excessive consumption of any kind ( Ephesians 5,18 ). Anyone who is addicted is a slave to that addiction. Jesus Christ came to set people free from all dependencies—above all, from the bondage of sin, which corrupts humanity and leads to eternal death. Those who accept Jesus as Savior and live according to His commandments will overcome any addiction and attain true freedom. The power to do so comes from GOD. GOD’s love and His indescribable peace fill every void within us. Then, nothing can master us ( 1st Corinthians 6,12 ). Christians are called to a life of freedom ( Galatians 5,1 + 13 ). Consequently, every Christian is called to resist temptation and consistently avoid it ( Matthäus 4,1-11 / 1st Corinthians 6,18 / 1st Corinthians 10,14 / 1st Timothy 6,11 / James 4,7 ). This requires determination and prayer, especially when we feel weak within ( Matthew 26,41 ). Crucially, we must fix our focus neither on ourselves nor on the temptation, but solely on GOD, trusting in His power; just as Jesus did ( Jeremiah 17,7 / 2nd Corinthians 12,7-10 ). Prayer strengthens our inner resilience and helps us fix our eyes on GOD ( Ephesians 6,18 / 1st Thessalonians 5,17 / 1st Peter 5,8 ). In this way, GOD can protect us from every temptation. Furthermore, GOD promises that He will not allow anything to exceed our strength ( 1st Corinthians 10,13 / 2nd Peter 2,9 ). Those who trust in GOD will always be victorious ( John 16,33 / Philippians 4,13 ).
Adultery
refers to the breaking of the marital covenant between a man and his wife. In the Bible, adultery is condemned as a shameful and deeply dishonorable sin that defiles GOD’s holy name, destroys relationships and trust, and damages one’s own reputation ( Exodus 20,14 / Proverbs 2,10-19 / Provebs 5,1-23 / Proverbs 6,20-35 / Proverbs 7,1-27 ). Since marriage serves as an image of the relationship between humanity and GOD, any sin a person commits constitutes adultery—or unfaithfulness—against GOD ( Hosea 1,2 ). Under the Law of Moses (Old Testament), adultery was punishable by death, provided the act could be confirmed by at least two eyewitnesses ( Leviticus 20,10 / Deuteronomy 22,22 ). The New Testament also emphasizes the protection and lifelong validity of the marriage between a man and a woman ( Malachi 2,14-16 / Matthew5,31 f. / Matthew 19,4-6 / Romans 7,1-3 / 1st Thessalonians 4,3-5 ). Jesus even intensifies the commandment by stating that one commits adultery in one’s heart simply by looking at a married woman with lustful intent ( Matthew 5,27 ). In this context, Jesus warns that it is better to mutilate oneself than to become guilty of adultery and face condemnation by GOD ( Matthew 5,29 f. ). The Gospel of John recounts how Jesus pardons an adulteress while simultaneously warning her sternly never to repeat the act ( John 8,2-11 ). Since GOD regards the marriage covenant between man and woman as holy, the erosion of GOD's commandments regarding marriage—along with the promotion of sexual self-determination and promiscuity, as has been occurring in many countries for decades—constitutes a direct rebellion against GOD that will not go without consequences. The Apostle Paul makes it clear that adulterers have no place in GOD’s Kingdom but will end up in eternal condemnation ( 1st Corinthians 6,9 / Ephesians 5,5 / Hebrews 13,4 ). Furthermore, he mandates that anyone who commits adultery must be excluded from the community of believers until the person in question has sincerely repented of their sin ( 1st Corinthians 5,1-13 ). Only then can forgiveness and readmission to the community take place. Elders who commit sexual sin must be immediately removed from their ministry and may not serve in that capacity again, so that the faith is not brought into disrepute; after all, elders are to be blameless examples to both believers and non-believers ( 1st Timothy 3,1 f. / Titus 1,5 f. ).
Age
Death entered the world through the sin of the first humans. Since then, everyone ages as time passes ( Genesis 3,17-19 ). The Bible honors the elderly ( Proverbs 16,31 ). GOD’s law even explicitly commands that one should rise in the presence of older people ( Leviticus 19,32 ). In this respect, old age can be viewed as a blessing. People before the Flood, and the first generations thereafter, reached a far greater age than their later descendants ( Genesis 5,1-32 ). The oldest person to have ever lived on earth is Methuselah. According to the Bible, he reached the age of 969 before he died ( Genesis 5,25 ). The further humanity drifted from GOD, the more it degenerated over time. The fact that life expectancy can be slightly increased today through artificial means does not alter this reality. Ultimately, however, a person's age does not matter as long as their life remains mortal. Through faith in Jesus, GOD desires to grant us eternal life. In the future Kingdom of GOD, no one will grow old or fall ill again. Instead, all people will remain eternally young and healthy ( Luke 20,34-36 / Revelation 21,4 / Revelation 22,1-5 ).
Alcohol
There is no prohibition in the Bible against consuming alcohol in moderation. Jesus and his disciples also drank wine ( John 2,1-12 / Luke 22,17-20 ). In some instances, wine can even be beneficial to health ( 1st Timothy 5,23 ). At the same time, the Bible exhorts believers to remain sober and clear-headed at all times—that is, not to become intoxicated by alcohol, which is a sin ( Ephesians 5,18 ). Drunkenness is cited in the New Testament as grounds for excluding a person from GOD’s church ( 1st Corinthians 5,11 ). Particular care must be taken during the Lord’s Supper to drink the wine in a worthy manner, as it symbolizes the blood of Jesus. Anyone who disregards this warning and dishonors Jesus in this way must face consequences that can extend to the death of the person involved ( 1st Corinthians 11,17-34 ).
Alms
Selfless care for the poor and needy is an expression of justice and love for one’s neighbor ( Proverbs 19,17 ). It involves sincere assistance born of compassion and mercy, rather than self-interest. GOD is benevolent and delights in giving; therefore, He rewards human generosity ( Luke 6,38 ). Moreover, there is true blessing in giving ( Acts 20,35 ). Jesus warns against making a display of one’s generosity, as doing so means forfeiting a reward from GOD; instead, the giver should act as unobtrusively as possible ( Matthew 6,1-4 ). Every Christian congregation has a fundamental obligation to care for needy members within the community. When believers give, they should do so voluntarily and with a cheerful heart, not out of compulsion. In return, GOD promises to supply our needs at all times ( 2nd Corinthians 9,6-9 ). When a person in need asks for help, it should not be refused ( Matthew 5,42 ). However, it is advisable to consider the best way to help the person in question; assistance need not always be financial. In cases where fraud is suspected, there is generally no obligation to give.
Angels
(Greek: angelos = angel oder messenger) are heavenly spiritual beings whom GOD created before mankind. Their purpose is to serve GOD and us humans ( Hebrews 1,13 f. ). In doing so, they operate mostly in secret and remain invisible to the human eye. Unlike humans, angels possess supernatural powers that they are meant to use for good. The Bible reveals that there are different types of angels; these include cherubim and seraphim ( Genesis 3,24 / Isaiah 6,1-7 ). Furthermore, Scripture indicates that there are various ranks among the angels. Of the myriads of angels, only two are named in the Bible: Michael—described as an archangel, signifying the highest rank among all angels—and the angel Gabriel, who announced, among other things, the births of Jesus and John the Baptist ( Daniel 9,21 / Daniel 10,13 + 20 / Luke 1,5-37 / 1st Thessalonians 4,16 f. / Revelation 12,7 ). Scripture contains several examples of angels appearing in visible form to various individuals in order to help people, deliver messages from GOD, or punish people ( Psalm 91,11 f. / Psalm 103,20 / Matthew 28,5 f. / Luke 2,10 / Acts 7,53 / Acts 12,1-17 ). While some angels have a human-like appearance, others are described as awe-inspiring beings with wings ( Ezekiel 1,1-25 / Ezekiel 10,1-21 / Acts 1,10 f. ). Some are even depicted holding a flaming sword ( Genesis 3,24 ). It is said that the sight of certain angels is so terrifying that those who beheld them fell to the ground as if dead from fear ( Matthews 28,1-4 ). Furthermore, GOD’s angels are said to participate in executing the final judgment of wrath upon the ungodly ( Matthews 13,41 ). The Bible distinguishes between the angels of GOD, who stand before Him and serve Him ( Isaiah 6,2 f. / John 1,51 / Hebrews 1,13 f. / Revelation 7,11 / Revelation 8,2 ) and the angels of Satan, the Devil ( 2nd Corinthians 11,14 / Revelation 12,7 ). The latter are also referred to as demons or evil spirits. Although all angels were originally good, a portion of them rebelled against their Creator. Satan instigated this rebellion. Since then, Satan and his angels have wreaked havoc on earth by tempting people to do evil. However, their power is limited, as demons can only do what GOD permits. The Apostle Paul writes that believers will judge evil angels ( 1st Corinthians 6,2 ). The New Testament prophesies that Satan and his angels will end up in the fire of judgment ( Matthew 25,41 / Revelation 20,10 ). Even today, people report supernatural encounters with angels; however, many of these accounts are merely fictional stories intended to impress others. The Bible explicitly warns against worshipping angels—commanding instead that only GOD be worshipped—and against becoming puffed up with pride over angelic appearances ( Colossians 2,18 / Revelation 22,8 f. ).
Animals
are living beings and creatures of GOD, whom GOD created on the fourth and fifth days of creation ( Genesis 1,19-25 ). However, unlike humans, animals were not created in GOD’s image ( Genesis 1,27 ). This means that, in GOD’s eyes, a human life holds inherently greater value than the life of an animal ( Luke 12,7 ). Nevertheless, GOD entrusts humans with responsibility for animals, so that we may care for them, enjoy companionship with them, and—to a reasonable extent—utilize them for work. GOD granted the first man, Adam, who lived in Paradise, the privilege of naming the animals ( Genesis 2,19 f. ). For the first thousand years, humans and animals lived in harmony with one another. This changed with the Great Flood in the time of Noah ( Genesis 9,2 ). According to the Bible, both humans and animals originally subsisted on a plant-based diet ( Genesis 1,29 f. ). It was only after the Flood that GOD permitted humans to eat animal meat and to use animals for the production of clothing and other everyday items ( Genesis 9,3 f. ). However, GOD in no way condones the wanton torment or suffering of animals at the hands of humans ( Proverbs 12,10 ). Likewise, humans must not exploit animals for financial gain or kill them without cause. After the Fall, GOD commanded humans—for a limited time—to offer animal sacrifices as an expression of their desire for fellowship with GOD. Furthermore, the death of an animal served to make atonement for human sins ( Hebrews 9,22 ). This was intended to make humans aware that sin leads to death ( Romans 6,23 ). By having an animal die in their place, humans were able to remain alive. These sacrificial rites foreshadowed Jesus Christ, the Savior of humanity promised by GOD ( John 1,29 ). Through His righteous life and His death on the cross, Jesus offered the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all mankind ( 1st Corinthians 5,7 / Hebrews 9,12-14 ). Whoever believes in Jesus is absolved of guilt and receives eternal life ( John 3,16 + 36 / John 5,24 ). Thus, there is no longer any need to sacrifice animals. Instead, our entire lives should be a sign of our love and devotion to GOD and our fellow human beings ( Romans 12,1 ). When GOD one day transforms the earth into a new paradise, the saints will live together in peace with all animals forever and ever ( Isaiah 65,25 ). In this new world, there will be absolutely no more bloodshed ( John 21,1-7 ).
Argument
or a quarrelsome nature is viewed negatively throughout the Bible. The most common causes are pride, envy, greed, and other fleshly desires, which are described as earthly, sensual, and demonic ( Proverbs 6,16-19 / Galatians 5,19-21 / James 3,13-15 / James 4,1-3 ). The Bible admonishes believers not to be quarrelsome—that is, not to provoke arguments or meddle in the affairs of others without cause ( 2nd Timothy 2,24 / 1st Peter 4,15 ). Quarrelsome women who refuse to submit to their husbands are explicitly rebuked ( Proverbs 19,13 / Proverbs 21,9 / Proverbs 27,15 ). The Bible describes those who avoid strife as wise ( Proverbs 13,10 / Proverbs 17,14 / Proverbs 20,3 ). All Christians are called to love one another ( John 13,35 / John 15,12 / 1st Corinthians 13,4-8 / 1st Corinthians 16,14 / 1st John 4,7 ). This entails accepting one another, seeking peace and reconciliation, resolving conflicts personally and respectfully, not taking things personally, not holding grudges, and forgiving one another ( Psalm 34,15 / Proverbs 10,12 / Matthew 5,9 / Romans 14,1 / Romans 15,7 / Colossians 34,12-14 / Hebrews 12,14 ). It may also mean yielding out of love and enduring wrong, even when one believes oneself to be in the right ( 1st Corinthians 6,1-11 ).
Art
is the product of a creative process. The gift of creative activity comes from GOD. He is the Creator who brought everything that exists into being ( Genesis 1,1-31 / Psalm 33,6 / Psalm 121,1 f. / Jeremiah 32,17 / Romans 1,20 / Hebrews 3,4 ). The breathtaking beauty of the universe and nature reveals GOD’s love and His immense creative power to us. Beauty is not the product of chance or evolution—nor is the sense of aesthetics that GOD has placed within us humans. The Old Testament mentions several skilled artisans who were commissioned to craft objects for the Temple of GOD. Art and music serve to honor GOD, our Creator—not to achieve fame or self-fulfillment ( Psalm 115,1 / 1st Corinthians 10,31 ). The second of the Ten Commandments expressly forbids the making and worshiping of images of gods, a practice common in paganism. From a biblical perspective, any physical depiction of GOD in human form must also be strictly rejected ( Exodus 20,1-6 ). Furthermore, so-called "abstract" or "degenerate" art—which depicts godless or obscene subjects—certainly does not meet with GOD’s approval.
Artifical Intelligence
The Bible does not explicitly mention artificial intelligence, yet it entrusts us with the responsibility to always use any technology wisely—that is, in accordance with GOD’s will and for the good ( 1st Corinthians 10,23 + 31 ). Artificial intelligence can be useful and simplify many tasks in today’s world, such as researching information. At the same time, however, it entails significant risks: misuse to harm others, AI systems acting independently, a loss of human control with unforeseeable consequences, and the danger of people being led away from GOD by misinformation. Instead of constantly driving technological advancement in this transient world, humanity should reflect on its roots—namely, GOD. If everyone lived according to GOD’s will, there would be no need for questionable systems like AI. Consequently, such systems will not exist in the world to come, of which the Bible speaks.
Astrology
is a form of divination rooted in pagan superstition. It is described by GOD as an abomination and is expressly forbidden in Holy Scripture ( Leviticus 19,26 / Deuteronomy 18,9–13 / 2nd Kings 21,1-6 ). The various celestial bodies—including the sun, moon, stars, and planets—are part of creation and are meant to reveal GOD’s greatness and glory ( Psalm 8,1-5 ). Furthermore, they serve to mark space and time ( Genesis 1,14-18 ). However, they have no influence whatsoever on a person's destiny. The worship of celestial bodies is idolatry and incurs GOD’s wrath. Our entire lives—including health, happiness, success, and everything else—rest in GOD’s hands (Psalm 6,9). Therefore, we should place our trust solely in GOD and seek help from Him ( Leviticus 19,31 / Leviticus 20,27 / Deuteronomy 18,10-12 / Psalm 121,1-8 / Isaiah 8,19 ).
Atheism
(Greek: átheos = without GOD) refers to the rejection of belief in GOD. In contrast, so-called "agnostics" consider the existence of GOD and higher beings to be possible. Atheism and faith are mutually exclusive opposites. The Bible describes people who deny the existence of GOD as foolish ( Psalm 14,1 / Psalm 53,2 ). After all, GOD reveals Himself to us humans in many ways. For instance, GOD is recognizable in His works (i.e., in creation), leaving no person with an excuse for their unbelief ( Romans 1,20 ). Furthermore, GOD reveals Himself in the Bible. Anyone who seeks GOD with a sincere heart can come to know Him personally ( Jeremiah 29,13 f. ) and anyone who acts according to His will will find certainty that the Bible is truly GOD's Word ( John 7,17 ). In this respect, every person has the opportunity to become convinced of GOD's existence ( Isaiah 55,6 f. ). In this way, we can experience GOD's great love, goodness, and kindness and find the true meaning of our lives, which lies in fellowship with our Creator and Father ( Psalm 34,9 ). Moreover, everyone who turns to GOD receives forgiveness for their sins and eternal life ( John 3,16 / John 5,24 ). Conversely, GOD will judge and condemn to eternal damnation anyone who consciously clings to their unbelief until death ( Johannes 3,18 / Johannes 3,36 / Revelation 21,8 / Revelation 22,15 ).
Authority
It is ordained by GOD and is therefore accountable to GOD. Its task is to administer justice, promote the good, and punish evil. GOD expects Christians to submit to and serve the governing authorities, provided the authorities do not demand anything contrary to GOD’s commandments ( Acts 5,29 / Romans 13,1-7 / Titus 3,1 ). This includes paying taxes so that the government can fulfill its duties, as well as showing respect to those holding high office. Furthermore, Christians are called to pray for all officials, that they may govern in a manner pleasing to GOD and beneficial to believers ( 1st Timothy 2,1 f. ). For any government that abuses its power and turns it against believers will sooner or later be punished by GOD.