Everything about God and the Christian faith.
Biblical Faith
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Death
According to the Bible, it is the opposite of life and signifies impermanence. According to the creation account, death was not part of GOD’s original plan but entered the world only through the Fall of Man ( Romans 5,12-14 ). For according to GOD’s law, the penalty for sin is death ( Romans 6,23 ). In the Garden of Eden, where humans lived in paradise, stood the Tree of Life, which grants eternal life. Beside it was the so-called Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil; humans were not to eat from it, as it leads to death ( Genesis 2,17 ). Thus, Adam and Eve had the opportunity to attain immortality through their faithfulness to GOD. Instead, however, they allowed themselves to be seduced by the serpent—behind which the Devil was actually hiding—and transgressed GOD’s commandment ( Genesis 3,1-19 ). For this reason, GOD drove humanity out of paradise, barring them from access to the Tree of Life from then on ( Genesis 3,22-24 ). Thus, man became mortal. The Bible makes it clear that all of Adam and Eve’s descendants have violated GOD’s commandments to this day. Consequently, all of humanity stands under the curse of death. For this reason, GOD brought forth a new man who was untainted by the sin of Adam and his descendants. This man is Jesus Christ. By dying as a substitute for all people, Jesus lifted the curse of death and broke the power of the Devil ( 2nd Corinthians 5,21 / Galatians 3,13 / Hebrews 2,14 f. ). Now, anyone who believes in Jesus and turns to GOD can be redeemed from death ( John 3,16 + 36 / John 5,24 / John 11,25 ). The Old Testament animal sacrifices, which had to be offered for the forgiveness of sins, served as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the true sacrificial Lamb of GOD ( John 1,29 / 1st Corinthians 5,7 / Hebrews 9,12-14 ). Jesus’ sacrifice also applies retroactively to all people of past generations who lived in the fear of GOD. Because Jesus was without sin, GOD raised Him from the dead as the first human being ( Mark 16,6 / Acts 2,32 / Acts 10,40 / 1st Peter 1,3 ). At His return, all other believers will rise to imperishable life ( Daniel 12,2 / John 5,28 f. / Romans 6,5 f. / Revelation 20,6 ). In doing so, they will receive a new, glorified body, like the resurrection body of Jesus ( 1st Corinthians 15,35-49 / Philippians 3,20 f. / 1st John 3,2 ). Furthermore, GOD promises all His children a new world in which death will no longer exist and all creation will be set free from its impermanence ( Romans 8,21 / Revelation 21,1-7 ). Death is intended to remind us humans of the finite nature of this life, so that we may use the brief time allotted to each of us to be reconciled with GOD and receive eternal life ( Psalm 90,2 / Isaiah 55,6 / Jeremiah 29,11-13 ).
Some believe that deceased persons continue to exist in a so-called "afterlife." The Bible, however, teaches that the dead have no consciousness ( Ecclesiastes 9,5 + 10 ). GOD formed the first human from the dust of the earth and breathed into him the breath of life, causing the human to become a living soul ( Genesis 2,7 ). The same applies to all animals created by GOD. When GOD withdraws His breath of life, the human—or the soul—dies, and the body decomposes or returns to dust ( Genesis 3,19 / Psalm 104,29 f. / Ecclesiastes 12,7 / Acts 2,29 ). Thus, there are no "immortal souls" of the kind taught by Greek mythology and various pagan religions. Instead, the Bible explicitly teaches that no one possesses immortality in and of themselves, except GOD ( 1st Timothy 6,16 ). On the other hand, Holy Scripture contains imagery and parables that speak of the "living dead". However, these are by no means to be understood literally, as the context makes clear. In reality, the dead rest in their graves until their resurrection ( Daniel 12,2 / John 5,28 f. ). Death is likened to sleep, even though the person no longer exists. Although so-called "near-death experiences" may seem real, they contradict the testimony of the Bible in many respects; therefore, they do not represent an accurate description of reality. Furthermore, the distinction made by some theologians between "physical death" and "spiritual death" is unbiblical. While connection with GOD brings eternal life, a life without GOD ultimately leads to eternal death ( Romans 6,23 ). Furthermore, the New Testament teaches that, following their condemnation, the ungodly will suffer the second (eternal) death, which is final and irreversible. In this context, the Bible employs the imagery of a lake of fire burning with sulfur, representing the complete and total destruction of the ungodly. This signifies eternal disgrace and shame for them, whereas the future of the redeemed will be one of eternal glory and joy ( Daniel 12,2 / Matthew 25,34 + 41 / Revelation 10,11-15 / Revelation 22,1-5 ).
Debts
The Bible teaches that Christians should not incur debt, as doing so places them in a position of dependency on others ( Romans 13,8 ). In times of financial hardship, the entire community of believers is called upon to assist the affected believer ( Acts 2,45 / Acts 4,34 f. ). Furthermore, Jesus teaches that a Christian should be generous and should neither demand the return of what is given to others nor expect anything in return ( Luke 6,30 + 35 + 38 ). Christians are also strictly prohibited from charging interest.
Demokracy
(Greek: demos = people + kratos = power / rule) means rule by the people. This means that the people hold supreme state authority. In a democracy, political decisions are made according to the will of the majority of citizens. A fundamental distinction is made between "direct democracy" (e.g., Switzerland) and "representative democracy" (e.g., Germany, France, the USA, etc.). Ancient Greece serves as the model, being considered the first country where democracy was practiced—though at that time, only full male citizens had the right to vote. Democracy is the formal system of government in many countries today, including all Western industrialized nations. Many people view democracy as a progressive system of governance. From a biblical perspective, however, this is not necessarily the case. For what the majority decides is not inevitably right or beneficial for everyone. Depending on the balance of power, there are always groups of people who are marginalized or disadvantaged. Furthermore, poor decisions can have a negative impact on society. Ultimately, democracy remains a constant struggle for power and conflicting interests, benefiting some more than others. Added to this is the fact that people and governments are susceptible to bribery and driven by self-interest. Throughout human history, the pursuit of power and control has led to the rise and fall of many nations and caused the deaths of countless people worldwide. For GOD, the only thing that matters is that we humans live according to His commandments and ordinances, which serve the well-being of all. For, in reality, only GOD knows what is best for everyone. Any nation that respects GOD’s will stands under His blessing. Ancient Israel was not a democracy but a theocracy—initially led by judges and later ruled by kings. The history of Israel illustrates that GOD rewards faithfulness—for instance, with abundant harvests, economic growth, and societal prosperity. Conversely, sin, disobedience, and moral decay ultimately lead to a nation's economic decline. In this respect, the ideal system of government is one in which GOD and His Word are central. In a democracy, however, the will of the people takes center stage. GOD tolerates this as long as political decisions do not conflict with His will. Yet, if a government actively attempts to dismantle GOD’s order, GOD eventually intervenes. The Bible prophesies that all current systems of government will pass away and that GOD will establish His kingdom, which will endure forever. Then, peace and righteousness will reign for all time ( Daniel 2,44 / 2nd Peter 3,13 ).
Demons
They are fallen angels who once served GOD but rebelled against Him. In the Bible, they are also described as evil or unclean spirits and as rulers of darkness who invisibly influence world events and harm people both physically and psychologically. The chief of all demons is Satan, the Devil; for this reason, demons are also referred to as Satan's angels. The Bible states that all pagan religions are based on the worship of demons ( 1st Corinthians 10,18-20 ). GOD granted Jesus—and all who believe in Him—the authority to cast out demons, that is, to free people from the power of evil spirits.
Depressions
are among the most common mental or emotional illnesses of our time. In Western industrialized nations, the number of people suffering from depression is steadily rising. In many western countries, nearly one in three people is affected—a figure that continues to climb. People suffering from depression often find their thoughts constantly revolving around themselves, frequently dwelling on worries, fears, or deep inner longings. Depression generally develops over a prolonged period, while those affected often go unnoticed by society. Depression leads to hopelessness, despair, social isolation, and a sense of inner resignation, and is frequently accompanied by suicidal thoughts. Psychotherapeutic treatments, which generally operate solely on a human level, often prove ineffective. To overcome depression permanently, it is necessary to get to the root of the problem. The true root cause of depression is separation from GOD. Therefore, GOD is also the way out of all emotional and other distress ( Jeremiah 17,14 ). A life with GOD brings joy and peace ( Luke 2,14 / John 14,27 / Romans 8,6 / Romans 14,17 / Psalm 4,9 / Isaiah 26,3 ). GOD’s presence frees us from worries and fears, offers comfort in times of grief and suffering, and provides strength during challenging times ( Psalm 28,7 / Psalm 73,26 ). The connection to GOD and the hope of eternal life—which GOD promises us through Jesus Christ—eliminate the inner emptiness and desolation of our existence and give our lives meaning and a future. The Bible calls upon us to entrust all our cares and troubles to our heavenly Father in prayer ( Philippians 4,6 f. / 1st Peter 5,7 ). Prayer directs our gaze to GOD, eases our hearts, and gives us confidence and renewed strength. Scripture provides many examples of GOD-fearing people who found solace in GOD during times of great existential distress. These include Job, the prophet Elijah, the Kings David, Hezekiah, and Jehoshaphat, as well as Jesus and His apostles. The Psalms of the Old Testament also bear witness to the strength that faith in GOD imparts. When we recognize our need for GOD and seek help from Him, He can grant healing and new life ( Psalm 34,5 / Psalm 103,1-5 / Jeremiah 17,14 ). GOD promises to provide everything we need if we are willing to act according to His will ( Psalm 23,1-6 / Matthew 6,25-34 ). The assurance that GOD loves and cares for us sets us free to serve GOD and our fellow human beings. Thus, true human strength comes not from within oneself, but from trust in GOD ( Psalm 42,12 / Isaiah 30,15 / Isaiah 40,29-31 / Isaiah 41,10 / Habakkuk 3,19 ). In this context, GOD’s Word—the Bible—is the primary source of strength for every Christian ( Matthew 4,4 / 1st Corinthians 1,18 / Hebrews 4,12 ). When we trust GOD, we can experience firsthand how His Word is fulfilled in our lives and how His power unfolds within us—especially when we feel weak and helpless ( 2nd Corinthians 12,9 / Philippians 4,13 ). With GOD by our side, we are able to overcome anything and withstand all the challenges of this world ( Psalm 18,30 / Isaiah 40,29-31 / John 16,33 / Romans 8,37 ). In this regard, faith in GOD is the best remedy for maintaining lasting mental and emotional well-being. People suffering from depression should turn to Christian pastoral care (rather than secular therapists), where they can find free, holistic help.
Devil
In the Bible, Satan—the Devil—personifies evil itself. The Bible describes Satan as a prince of angels who once served GOD but later rebelled against his Creator out of pride ( 1st John 3,8 ). Thus, Satan is the cause of all suffering in the world. The New Testament testifies that one-third of all angels joined Satan’s rebellion in heaven ( Revelation 12,3 f. ). Scripture refers to these fallen angels as demons or evil spirits while Satan is their leader. People who worship the Devil are known as "Satanists", though the term is also used in a broader sense to describe individuals who reject GOD and instead champion self-determination, independence, and the indulgence of human impulses, without directly worshipping the Devil. Nevertheless, whether consciously or unconsciously, they follow Satan’s example. GOD uses the Devil to test us and see whom we choose to serve. Furthermore, GOD allows Satan to act in order to make his evil intentions visible to all. Since Satan’s power is limited, he can fundamentally do only as much as GOD permits. In Scripture, Satan appears under various names:
The Tempter:
Satan's goal is to be worshipped by humans and angels instead of GOD. To this end, he seduces people by leading them to rebel against GOD and transgress GOD's commandments. ( Revelation 20,7 f. ).
The Enemy:
Hebrew: satanas = accuser / enemy / adversary) Satan is the greatest adversary of GOD and of believers. He hates both GOD and everyone who remains faithful to Him. Anyone who refuses to be led astray is fought by the Devil with every possible means.
Devil:
(Hebrew: diabolos) Satan tempts people to do evil. When he succeeds, he accuses them before GOD so that they may be condemned. At the same time, Satan thereby challenges GOD's authority. ( Revelation 12,10 ).
Snake / Dragon:
Satan is cunning like a serpent because he deceives people with lies, and at the same time dangerous like a dragon because he devours anyone who stands in his way or exposes him. People who follow Satan's example by doing evil are referred to in the Bible as a brood of vipers or children of the devil. ( Genesis 3,1-6 / Matthew 12,34 / Revelation 12,3-17 ).
Father of lie:
Satan is the source and master of deception. By calling GOD’s intentions into question, he leads people away from the truth. He will stop at nothing to achieve his diabolical goals. ( Genesis 3,4 f. / John 8,44 ).
Angel of light:
Satan distorts truth and falsehood—or good and evil—to lead people astray and blind them, while skillfully concealing his true intentions to avoid detection. ( Isaiah 5,20 / 2nd Corinthians 11,14 ).
Prince of this world / "God" of this world:
The entire world is under Satan's influence. This includes politics, industry, the media, and pagan religions. By allowing themselves to be seduced by the Devil, people grant him power and—consciously or unconsciously—make themselves servants of Satan ( John 16,11 / 2nd Corinthians 4,4 ).
Murderers of Mankind:
In Paradise, the Devil tempted Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. Later, her husband Adam ate of it as well. Through human disobedience, death entered the world. In this way, Satan continues to lead people to ruin to this day. ( John 8,44 / Ephesians 6,12 ).
Since all humanity is under Satan's bondage, GOD sent His Son into the world to strip the devil of his power and to redeem us from sin and death ( Acts 26,18 / Hebrews 2,14 f. / 1st John 3,8 ). Jesus resolutely resisted all the devil's temptations and remained obedient to GOD even unto death. Therefore, GOD raised Jesus from the dead and made Him ruler of the entire universe ( Matthew 4,1-11 / Matthew 28,18 / Philippians 2,6-11 ) In this way, Jesus defeated the devil and sealed his doom ( Luke 10,18 / John 16,11 ). Since that time, Satan has been cast down from heaven to earth ( Revelation 12,7-10 ). As Satan's time runs out and the judgment against him is already fixed, he now seeks to drag as many people as possible down into the abyss with him ( 1st Peter 5,8 / Revelation 12,12 ). Therefore, the Bible calls upon all believers to resist the devil so that he will flee ( Ephesians 4,26 f. / Ephesians 6,10-20 / James 4,7 ). For obedience and faithfulness to GOD and His commandments constitute the most effective weapon against Satan. The Bible prophesies the final destruction of the devil and all godless people in the lake of fire ( Romans 16,20 / Revelation 20,7-10 ).
Divorce
According to GOD’s will, marriage is fundamentally intended to last a lifetime. Due to the hardness of people's hearts, GOD permitted remarriage after divorce for a limited time in the Old Testament ( Deuteronomy 24,1-4 ). This changed with the coming of Jesus. In the New Testament, Jesus explicitly points out that the marriage covenant between a man and a woman—whom GOD has joined together—should not be dissolved by humans ( Matthew 19,4-6 ). In doing so, Jesus affirms the lifelong validity of marriage. GOD permits remarriage following a divorce only under specific circumstances: for example, if one spouse dies ( Romans 7,1-3 / 1st Corinthians 7,39 ), if one has been sexually unfaithful to the other ( Matthew31 f. / Matthew 19,9), or if an unbelieving spouse leaves their believing partne ( 1st Corinthians 7,12-16). Fundamentally, GOD takes no pleasure in people getting divorced. After all, the marriage covenant symbolizes the eternal union between humanity and GOD ( Maleachi 2,16 ). Under certain circumstances—such as in cases of sexual abuse or physical or emotional violence—a temporary or permanent separation may be necessary. However, before a husband and wife consider divorce, they should by all means seek help through Christian marriage counseling. After an argument, the husband and wife should strive for peace and reconciliation with one another. ( 1st Corinthians 7,10 f.). When both partners ask GOD for help and are willing to be guided by His Word, challenges and conflicts can be overcome and the marriage preserved.
Drugs
are intoxicating substances that affect a person's psyche, perception, or behavior and, in many cases, harm their health. Drugs often serve to temporarily mask worries and problems. In reality, however, drug use solves no problems; at best, it creates new ones. For many, the effects of drugs lead to addiction—something most cannot overcome without outside help. Furthermore, countless people worldwide die every year as a result of excessive drug use, sometimes in agonizing ways. For others, years of consuming these substances leave behind irreparable physical and psychological damage. There are also harmful health consequences for children. The Bible teaches that our bodies are GOD’s property and that we do not belong to ourselves ( 1st Corinthians 6,19 / 1st Corinthians 10,23 ). It follows that we bear responsibility for our own health. This includes nourishing and caring for our bodies and protecting them from harmful influences. Moreover, the Bible exhorts us to remain sober at all times ( Ephesians 5,18 / 1st Peter 5,8 ). Excessive drug use, however, leaves a person unable—or only partially able—to control their behavior. Consequently, they risk doing things that make them guilty before GOD and that can have serious consequences for themselves and others. Furthermore, GOD has called us to a life of freedom. This means there should be nothing that dominates us ( 1st Corinthians 6,19 / Galatians 5,1 + 13 ). Anyone struggling with addiction can find help in a Bible-believing Christian congregation. Faith in Jesus and His Word brings freedom from every form of dependency ( John 8,31-36 ). Those connected to GOD have no need for drugs, as GOD is the source of their joy and the first place they turn with problems and worries ( Philippians 4,6 f. / 1st Peter 5,7 ). Conversely, a person who repeatedly intoxicates themselves with alcohol and drugs and is unwilling to accept help cannot remain part of a Christian community in the long term ( 1st Corinthians 5,9-13 ).
E
Earth
is one of countless planets in the universe created by GOD, and the habitat for humans and animals ( Isaiah 26,21 ). According to the biblical account of creation, the Earth came into being when GOD separated light from darkness and water from land ( Genesis 1,1-31 ). Like all other planets, the Earth is spherical. The notion that the Earth is a flat disc stems from a misunderstanding of certain statements in the Holy Scriptures. GOD gave the Earth to humanity as a possession—to inhabit, cultivate, and preserve ( Genesis 1,28 / Genesis 2,4-15 ). The Bible testifies that when GOD created the Earth, it was very good ( Genesis 1,31 / Ecclesiastes 3,11 ). In the Garden of Eden, the first humans lived in peace and harmony with their Creator and His creation, enjoying the carefree life they had at the beginning. At that time, there was no war, disease, or death in the world. This changed only with the Fall of Man and the expulsion of humanity from Paradise ( Genesis 3,1-24 ). The curse GOD pronounced upon the ground because of human sin resulted in changing climatic conditions; the Earth no longer yielded the abundant produce it once had, leading to a scarcity of food and a struggle for survival among animals that continues to this day ( Genesis 3,17-19 ). Despite the ongoing exploitation and destruction of the Earth by humanity, the breathtaking beauty of GOD’s creation serves as a reminder of the original glory the Earth once possessed. In the Bible, GOD promises that He will one day transform the world into a new Paradise. This means that the present earth, with everything humanity has created upon it, will pass away, and that wars, sickness, and suffering will come to an end forever ( Isaiah 65,17 / Matthew 24,35 / 1st Corinthians 7,31 / 2nd Peter 3,13 / 1st John 2,17 / Revelation 21,1-7 ). Furthermore, all creation will be liberated from its transience ( Romans 8,18-22 ). Moreover, there will be neither frost nor heat, and no more night ( Revelation 22,1-6 ). GOD will grant this future world as an eternal possession to all who serve Him.
Easter
is of pagan origin. The term "Easter" is derived from the name Ostara / Ishtar / Astarte, a figure worshipped in European paganism as the so-called "goddess of spring" and "Queen of Heaven". In China, Greece, and ancient Egypt, eggs were used in religious rites. Among the pagan Anglo-Saxons, painted eggs were offered to Ishtar and placed in graves to symbolize rebirth. In ancient Egypt, the hare was regarded as a symbol of fertility. The Easter festival was originally a sexual orgy celebrating the return of life through the fertility of Ishtar. On the Friday before Easter, cakes were traditionally baked for the "Queen of Heaven". The Israelites' worship of Ishtar repeatedly brought GOD's wrath upon His people. In mythology, Ishtar represents the deified Semiramis, who was both the mother and one of the four wives of Nimrod; according to biblical tradition, Nimrod is considered history's first tyrannical ruler. Furthermore, Nimrod is the founder of sun worship and numerous pagan religions, some of which still exist today. After Nimrod died, Semiramis claimed that her husband had ascended to heaven and become the sun. When she gave birth to her son, she led people to believe that the conception was caused by the sun's rays—emanating from her husband—falling upon her womb. This son of the "sun god" Nimrod was named Dammuzi; the Israelites called him Tammuz. Tammuz was killed by a wild boar. From then on, Semiramis proclaimed a forty-day period of mourning each year leading up to the anniversary of her son's death, during which people were to weep for Tammuz so that he might return to life. This practice is also mentioned in the Bible and condemned in the strongest terms by GOD ( Ezekiel 8,14 ).
The Catholic Church later transformed this forty-day period of mourning into a time of fasting. Furthermore, according to mythological tradition, a gigantic egg fell from the sky on Easter Sunday and landed near the Euphrates. It was said to be Semiramis herself who returned to earth and emerged from this egg as the "goddess" Ishtar. Superstitious tradition holds that anyone who finds her egg would receive Ishtar's special blessing. Semiramis herself was later venerated as the "Mother of GOD" and a "goddess of fertility". She was exalted as the "primordial mother of the gods" and the "Queen of Heaven", as it was believed that she had ascended to heaven upon her death. The parallels to Mary, the mother of Jesus—who is venerated in a similar manner as an icon and the "Mother of God" in both the Catholic and Orthodox churches—are obvious. Contrary to church tradition, the death and resurrection of Jesus did not take place at Easter, but rather during the Jewish Passover, which was celebrated in Israel during the week of the 15th to the 21st of Nisan (March/April). There is no connection whatsoever between the Jewish Passover and the pagan Easter cult, which must be strictly rejected from a Christian perspective.
Ecumenism
(Greek: oikoumenē = the inhabited earth) describes the pursuit of unity, cooperation, and dialogue among Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox Christians, and other denominations. The goal is a worldwide community of believers, as well as shared witness and charitable engagement. This encompasses ecumenical worship services, theological discussions, and intercultural encounters. The Bible—specifically the Gospel—forms the foundation of the Christian faith and the unity of the Church ( Matthew 7,24-27 / John 14,15 + 21-23 / Romans 10,17 / Ephesians 2,20 / 2nd Timothy 3,16 f. ). This foundation includes the confession that: 1. Jesus Christ is the only Savior / 2. Jesus died on the cross for the sins of humanity / 3. GOD raised Him from the dead / 4. a person can receive the forgiveness of sins and eternal life solely through faith in Jesus ( Acts 4,12 / Acts 10,42 / Acts 17,31 / 1st Corinthians 15,1-4 ). Linked to this is the obligation to accept and live according to the teaching of Jesus and His apostles ( 1st John 2,3-6 ). Unity is possible only on this basis. Anyone who proclaims a different doctrine of salvation is considered accursed ( Galatians 1,6-9 ). This categorically rules out a unification of all world religions, such as that sought by the Vatican ( 2nd Corinthians 6,14-18 ). Furthermore, Christians are called to distance themselves from any institution that does not proclaim the pure teaching of the Bible. This includes, above all, the Catholic Church, as well as parts of the Protestant Church and numerous free churches ( Revelation 18,4 ).