Bible – Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar

Thoughts on NDEs (Near-Death Experiences)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:45:22 +0000

Scripture, Not Sensation: Why Theology Cannot Be Built on Visions Healthy theology cannot be built on private visions. It must be grounded in the text—its language, its context, and its coherent witness. My conclusions do not arise from what someone claims to have seen in a vision, during a coma,…

The post Thoughts on NDEs (Near-Death Experiences) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

The True Meaning of Daniel 12:2 and John 5:28–29 (Everlasting Life vs. Everlasting Contempt)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 10:38:46 +0000

In another article, I already addressed the meaning of the Hebrew word olam, so often translated as “everlasting” in English, and demonstrated that it does not mean endless time. That mistranslation imports later theological assumptions into the text and obscures the original biblical sense, where olam speaks of an age,…

The post The True Meaning of Daniel 12:2 and John 5:28–29 (Everlasting Life vs. Everlasting Contempt) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

“They Sit on Moses’ Seat”: What Jesus Did—and Did Not—Authorize

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 09:31:02 +0000

Matthew 23:2–3 in Context, History, and Theology One verse, lifted from its setting, can be made to carry far more weight than it was ever meant to bear. Matthew 23:2–3—“The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you”—has often been invoked to…

The post “They Sit on Moses’ Seat”: What Jesus Did—and Did Not—Authorize appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Biblical Repentance and the Day of Atonement

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 07:59:41 +0000

Every year in Israel, life comes to a complete halt for one day. Shops close. Roads empty. Even the noise of ordinary existence falls silent. For twenty-four hours, an entire nation stops—not as individuals in isolation, but together. Whether religious Jew or secular, citizen or outsider, everyone is caught up…

The post Biblical Repentance and the Day of Atonement appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What Is Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit? Understanding “the Unforgivable Sin” in Its Historical Context

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:58:17 +0000

“Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven” (Mark 3:29) Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (“the Unforgivable Sin”) was not a general sin that anyone in any generation could accidentally commit — it referred to a very specific historical situation. Jesus was speaking to the religious leaders of…

The post What Is Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit? Understanding “the Unforgivable Sin” in Its Historical Context appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Why is the Christian Sabbath on Sunday Instead of Saturday?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:21:21 +0000

For many believers, especially those new to Christian history, it can feel confusing that the Bible speaks clearly of the seventh-day Sabbath (Saturday), yet most Christians today gather on Sunday. How did this happen? Is it biblical? Is it good? And why do some scholars say the shift to Sunday…

The post Why is the Christian Sabbath on Sunday Instead of Saturday? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What is Islam? A Crash Course in Islam: A 1,400-Year History of Islam in 6 Minutes

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sat, 04 Oct 2025 09:21:42 +0000

Please note: The following excerpt is drawn from my book, “Trojan Religion: The West’s Last Great Warning“. Complete sources, citations, and references are documented within the book itself. Most Westerners know Islam only as a religion that prays five times a day and forbids pork, or as a faith sometimes associated with…

The post What is Islam? A Crash Course in Islam: A 1,400-Year History of Islam in 6 Minutes appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Why I Respectfully Disagree with Pope Leo on What It Means to Be Pro-Life

Dr. Eitan Bar — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 07:09:17 +0000

I want to begin with respect. I (a Jewish believer in Jesus) don’t necessarily agree with all Catholic doctrine, but I have no issues with Catholics as people of faith. In fact, I count several Catholics among my personal friends, including Archbishop Cardinal Pizzaballa, whom I have great respect for.…

The post Why I Respectfully Disagree with Pope Leo on What It Means to Be Pro-Life appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Did Jesus Actually Practice Non-Violent Pacifism?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 06:41:53 +0000

While I disagree on certain points, there are aspects of liberal Christians that I deeply admire, particularly their profound grasp of God’s mercy and compassion for all and their emphasis on loving our enemies more fully. That said, I think there’s a blind spot. War may not be the morally…

The post Did Jesus Actually Practice Non-Violent Pacifism? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Purim: A Christian Perspective

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 10:58:37 +0000

Among the most vibrant and emotionally charged festivals in the Jewish calendar, Purim stands out as a celebration not only of survival but of divine orchestration—a joyous festival that springs from the shadows of looming destruction. It commemorates the remarkable deliverance of the Jewish people from annihilation, as recounted in…

The post Purim: A Christian Perspective appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Hanukkah: A Christian Perspective

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 10:56:04 +0000

In John chapter 8, we find Jesus in Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles. Two chapters later, in John 10, He is in the Temple again—this time during Hanukkah. While Hanukkah is not a biblical feast, it is deeply connected to one: Sukkot. The Light of the World The name…

The post Hanukkah: A Christian Perspective appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): A Christian Perspective

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 10:52:19 +0000

Marking the culmination of the sacred cycle of Jewish festivals, the Feast of Tabernacles, known in Hebrew as Sukkot, guides believers into a profound season of reflection, rejoicing, and spiritual renewal. Occurring just five days after the solemn observances of Yom Kippur, Sukkot presents a striking yet harmonious contrast: moving…

The post Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): A Christian Perspective appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): A Christian Perspective

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 10:50:35 +0000

As we continue our journey through the Jewish biblical festivals, we arrive at Yom Kippur—the Day of Atonement. Among the many sacred moments on the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur stands apart as the highest and holiest day of the year: a solemn day set aside for repentance, deep reflection, and…

The post Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): A Christian Perspective appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah): A Christian Perspective

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 10:47:58 +0000

Venturing deeper into the tapestry of Jewish festivals, we encounter Rosh Hashanah, also known as the Feast of Trumpets. Signaling the advent of the autumn festivals, Rosh Hashanah rings in the first day of Tishrei, the seventh month on the Jewish calendar. This festival offers an invitation into a sacred…

The post Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah): A Christian Perspective appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Feast of Weeks (Pentecost): A Christian Perspective

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 10:42:38 +0000

As we progress through the Jewish religious calendar, we encounter the Feast of Weeks, known in Hebrew as Shavuot and recognized by many Christians as Pentecost. This distinctive festival, fourth in the series of major Jewish holidays, occupies a special place, distinctively positioned between the spring and autumnal observances. Unlike…

The post Feast of Weeks (Pentecost): A Christian Perspective appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Festival of First Fruits (Bikkurim): A Christian Perspective

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 10:41:01 +0000

The Festival of First Fruits, known as ‘Bikkurim’ in Hebrew, holds a significant place within the Jewish religious calendar, vividly connected to the cycles of agriculture and life in the ancient Holy Land. Deeply embedded in historical context and spiritual symbolism, Bikkurim offers an extraordinary glimpse into the everyday lives…

The post Festival of First Fruits (Bikkurim): A Christian Perspective appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Festival of Unleavened Bread: A Christian Perspective

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 10:39:43 +0000

As we continue our journey through the biblical festivals, we come to the Feast of Unleavened Bread—Chag HaMatzot in Hebrew—closely intertwined with Passover in both timing and thematic resonance. This seven-day festival begins immediately after Passover, to the extent that the two are often combined or confused. Yet the Feast…

The post Festival of Unleavened Bread: A Christian Perspective appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Passover: A Christian Perspective

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 10:36:02 +0000

Passover, known as Pesach in Hebrew, is far more than just a historical observance—it is a sacred intersection where the divine narrative of liberation, redemption, and profound symbolism converge. As we journey into its depths, we find it echoing across centuries, speaking powerfully into both Jewish and Christian traditions. At…

The post Passover: A Christian Perspective appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

The Apostles’ Creed and Hell

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 08:14:41 +0000

The Apostles’ Creed is one of the earliest and most enduring confessions of Christian faith. Though not written directly by the apostles themselves, it restates an earlier version or encapsulates their fundamental teachings and has served for centuries as a baptismal creed and a standard of orthodoxy. It likely took…

The post The Apostles’ Creed and Hell appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What Every Christian Must Know About Israel and the Jewish People

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 07:34:03 +0000

The story of Israel begins not with a nation, but with a man who would not let go of God. In the midnight struggle by the Jabbok River, Jacob wrestled with the divine until daybreak, and there received a new name: Israel — “the one who strives with God” (Genesis…

The post What Every Christian Must Know About Israel and the Jewish People appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

“Neither Jew nor Gentile”: Why Galatians 3:28–29 Is Not About Replacing Israel

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 10:28:49 +0000

Few verses have been more misread than Paul’s declaration in Galatians 3:28–29: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s…

The post “Neither Jew nor Gentile”: Why Galatians 3:28–29 Is Not About Replacing Israel appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Reading Moses Seeing Jesus: How Jesus Fulfills Moses

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 07:59:41 +0000

The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. (Deuteronomy 18:15) Jewish people often say, “We believe in Moses, not Jesus,” as if honoring one cancels the other. Scripture itself refuses that rivalry. Moses points…

The post Reading Moses Seeing Jesus: How Jesus Fulfills Moses appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What Does it Mean that Jesus is “The Son of God”?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 07:56:49 +0000

And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the…

The post What Does it Mean that Jesus is “The Son of God”? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

The True Meaning of “Messiah Son of Joseph”

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 07:49:27 +0000

The phrase “The deeds of the forefathers are a sign for the children” encapsulates a foundational principle in Jewish thought: that the lives and actions of the patriarchs serve as spiritual and historical templates for their descendants. This concept, though not stated verbatim in the Talmud, is deeply rooted in…

The post The True Meaning of “Messiah Son of Joseph” appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Bible AI: How to Use —and Not Use— ChatGPT for Studying the Bible

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 07:21:05 +0000

Artificial Intelligence tools like ChatGPT are powerful, but they come with real limitations—especially when it comes to studying the Bible. An AI model doesn’t know right from wrong, truth from falsehood. It only knows what has been written, uploaded, and debated across the internet over the past few decades. Because…

The post Bible AI: How to Use —and Not Use— ChatGPT for Studying the Bible appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Is Jesus Truely From the Line of David?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 13:07:36 +0000

According to the prophecies in Old Testament, the Messiah must be a descendant of David. In the New Testament the apostle Paul starts his letter to the church in Rome: “Jesus the Messiah, our Lord, who was descended from David according to the flesh.” (Romans 1:3) In the past, nobody questioned that Jesus was a descendant of David, neither historians nor the Sages.This was because the…

The post Is Jesus Truely From the Line of David? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Jeremiah 31: The New Covenant Prophecy

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 13:05:12 +0000

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of…

The post Jeremiah 31: The New Covenant Prophecy appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

The Crucifixion Foretold by Zechariah 12

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 13:03:32 +0000

We are all very familiar with the famous icon of “the Crucified Jesus”, probably mostly recognized as the symbol of Christianity. But what if we told you that this image of the pierced Messiah is actually a biblical Jewish concept? And what if we told you that there is a…

The post The Crucifixion Foretold by Zechariah 12 appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What Does It Mean That God Has a Son? Isn’t That a Pagan Concept?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 13:02:07 +0000

What does it mean that God has a son? Did God have intercourse, go into labor and deliver the son of God? Of course not! In the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament), the angels, who partake in the heavenly and spiritual nature of God (in contrast to the fleshly and…

The post What Does It Mean That God Has a Son? Isn’t That a Pagan Concept? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Psalm 22 – The Prophecy About The Crucified Messiah

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 12:54:24 +0000

Psalm 22: Possibly the most famous prophetic psalm about the Messiah! Much like Isaiah 53, it describes the Messiah’s torment, rejection and death: “To the choirmaster: according to The Doe of the Dawn. A Psalm of David.My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?Why are you so far from saving me, from…

The post Psalm 22 – The Prophecy About The Crucified Messiah appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Isaiah 53 – The Forbidden Chapter

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 12:52:00 +0000

Long ago, the rabbis used to read Isaiah 53 in synagogues, but after the chapter caused arguments and great confusion, the rabbis decided that the simplest thing would be to just take that prophecy out of the Haftarah readings in synagogues.1 That’s why today when we read Isaiah 52, we stop…

The post Isaiah 53 – The Forbidden Chapter appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

How Will Humanity’s Story End?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sat, 09 Aug 2025 08:08:03 +0000

There are two very different ways Christians have told the story of how everything ends.In the first version, the one that’s especially popular in many modern Western churches, the tale begins with Jesus returning in glory. At last, everyone sees the truth and admits He is Lord. The next scene…

The post How Will Humanity’s Story End? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

No Condemnation in Christ? What Paul Really Meant in Romans 8:1

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 09:59:45 +0000

When Paul wrote to believers in Rome, he began chapter 8 with one of the most profound declarations in Scripture: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1) Paul begins Romans 8:1 with the word “Therefore,” signaling that his declaration is the logical…

The post No Condemnation in Christ? What Paul Really Meant in Romans 8:1 appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Israel: God’s Chosen People — For What Purpose?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 14:43:32 +0000

“Chosen” means to be set apart for a special purpose, not chosen for any inherent superiority. God elected Israel out of all nations to receive His revelation and to model a relationship with Him. As Moses told the Israelites: For you are a people holy to the Lord your God.…

The post Israel: God’s Chosen People — For What Purpose? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Who Are the Israelites and the Jews?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 12:05:15 +0000

At the heart of God’s relationship with Israel stands the Abrahamic covenant, described in Genesis 12, 15, and 17—the foundational promise God made to Abraham and his descendants. God pledges to make Abraham into a great nation, to give his offspring the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession, and…

The post Who Are the Israelites and the Jews? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Islamic Dilemma Explained: How to Debunk Islam/Quran

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 12:20:16 +0000

Islam claims to be the final and most complete revelation from God, affirming the prophets who came before Muhammad and acknowledging the Scriptures they brought—the Torah (Tawrat), the Psalms (Zabur), and the Gospel (Injil). Yet this affirmation is only alleged, because at the same time Islam insists that Jews and…

The post Islamic Dilemma Explained: How to Debunk Islam/Quran appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Are We Under the Law? (Matthew 5:17–18)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sat, 12 Jul 2025 08:38:36 +0000

The debate over whether Christians—or specifically Messianic believers—are “under the Law” often hinges on one of Jesus’ most quoted yet frequently misunderstood statements: Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly…

The post Are We Under the Law? (Matthew 5:17–18) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Are the Jews Still God’s Chosen People?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 12:26:32 +0000

The Unbroken Promise: Why Israel Remains God’s Chosen People Few topics stir as much passion, confusion, or debate in the Christian world as the question of Israel’s ongoing chosenness. For nearly two millennia, many have asked: if the Church is now the “new Israel,” does God still have a unique…

The post Are the Jews Still God’s Chosen People? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Was King David a Bastard (Psalm 51:5)?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 08:39:33 +0000

Psalm 51:5 In the January 2006 article titled “What Is the Biblical Evidence for Original Sin?” on John Piper’s website, “desiringgod,” the article opens with the claim that “Psalm 51:5 states that we all come into the world as sinners.“ Psalm 51 is a penitential psalm expressing deep remorse and…

The post Was King David a Bastard (Psalm 51:5)? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

The Jewish “TZIMTZUM” from a Christian Perspective

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 09:42:28 +0000

If the universe originates in God’s Word, what, then, is the relationship between Creator and creation? Is the world simply an emanation of the Divine, a theater for God’s self-expression? Or does creation possess a distinct existence, a true “otherness” that God lovingly sustains? Throughout history, thinkers have debated the…

The post The Jewish “TZIMTZUM” from a Christian Perspective appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Guilt Offering (ASHAM) & Purification/Sin Offering (HATA’AT): What You Must Know

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 07:57:15 +0000

The rich variety of sacrifices described in the Torah reveals a far more beautiful and relational pattern — a way for humanity to draw near to God in gratitude, worship, restoration, and communion. Each category of sacrifice served a different purpose, and remarkably, each finds its ultimate fulfillment in the…

The post Guilt Offering (ASHAM) & Purification/Sin Offering (HATA’AT): What You Must Know appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Life is in the Blood (Leviticus 17:11)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 09:17:46 +0000

We live in a world where the sight of blood rarely brings comfort. In fact, it’s usually the opposite. News broadcasts spill it across our screens in stories of war and terrorism. Video games glorify it. Movies drench it across battlefields, back alleys, and broken bodies. Blood, in modern consciousness,…

The post Life is in the Blood (Leviticus 17:11) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

How Should the Book of Revelation Be Read?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 08:56:40 +0000

The Book of Revelation is rooted in a worldview where the physical and spiritual are deeply interconnected, Jewish apocalyptic literature is highly abstract, often operates on multiple levels of meaning. This multidimensionality allows for nuanced interpretations that go beyond the literal. It makes apocalyptic literature—like the Book of Revelation—especially powerful for conveying deep theological truths.

The post How Should the Book of Revelation Be Read? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Hebrew Word Study: Dust (APHAR)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 08:53:37 +0000

For dust you are, and to dust [APHAR] you shall return. (Genesis 3:19) This verse, uttered in the Garden of Eden as part of humanity’s curse, might be one of the most haunting—and humbling—lines in all of Scripture. But what is it really saying? Why dust? Why not something grander…

The post Hebrew Word Study: Dust (APHAR) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

“The Jews Rejected Christ, So Why Should We Care About the Jewish Perspective?”

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 14:54:53 +0000

Some argue that since “the Jews rejected Christ,” their perspective on Scripture no longer matters. However, this claim is both historically inaccurate and logically flawed. In fact, understanding the Jewish perspective is essential to grasping the original meaning of the Bible and Jesus’ teachings. Here’s why: 1. The First Christians…

The post “The Jews Rejected Christ, So Why Should We Care About the Jewish Perspective?” appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What Are We Saved From?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:12:04 +0000

If you are a fundamentalist Protestant or a conservative Catholic, you have likely been taught that salvation means being saved from the Augustinian-Calvinist version of hell – a sadistic eternal torment in hellfire. However, the Bible consistently teaches that salvation is tangible, and that we are saved not from eternal…

The post What Are We Saved From? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Why Did Jesus Die?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 13:04:46 +0000

“For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” (Leviticus 17:11) Life is in the Blood Some things in life are inseparable. You can’t…

The post Why Did Jesus Die? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

This Is Why the Doctrine of Hellfire Is Logically Pro-Abortion

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 08:08:06 +0000

Hellfire, or Eternal Conscious Torment (ECT) in theological terms, is the doctrine held by most Catholics and Protestants (who adopted it from the Catholics) that teaches most people in the world will be tormented in hell forever. Ironically, this doctrine creates a severe moral contradiction because for most people, it’s…

The post This Is Why the Doctrine of Hellfire Is Logically Pro-Abortion appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

The Meaning of ‘Salvation’ in the Hebrew Bible & New Testament

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 11:07:04 +0000

The meaning of Salvation in the New Testament is the same as the meaning of Salvation in Judaism. In Jewish thought, ‘salvation’ encompasses broader concepts than the Catholic-Protestant view of it as a means to avoid eternal torture in hell. For Jews, salvation primarily means enjoying God’s blessings and protection. In Jewish…

The post The Meaning of ‘Salvation’ in the Hebrew Bible & New Testament appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Did Jesus Really Say the Criminal Would Be in Paradise ‘Today’? (Luke 23:43)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 10:51:18 +0000

No, Jesus did not say the criminal would be in Paradise with him “Today” in Luke 23:43… One of the most debated topics in the New Testament is what happens once we die. As part of this debate, people often quote Luke 23:43, where Jesus speaks to the repentant criminal…

The post Did Jesus Really Say the Criminal Would Be in Paradise ‘Today’? (Luke 23:43) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

The Meaning of “Tohu wa-Bohu” (Formless and Void) in Genesis 1:2

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 13:06:46 +0000

The phrase Tohu wa-Bohu (תֹהוּ וָבֹהוּ) appears in Genesis 1:2 to describe the state of the world before God’s creative act: “The earth was formless and void (Tohu wa-Bohu), and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” (Genesis 1:2)…

The post The Meaning of “Tohu wa-Bohu” (Formless and Void) in Genesis 1:2 appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Your Bible Translation Shapes Your Understanding of the Afterlife

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:09:34 +0000

The way we translate and understand the words of the Bible significantly influences our theological views on the afterlife. In particular, our understanding of terms related to “hell” can lead us to conclusions that differ dramatically from those held by the first-century Jewish Christians. The Power of Words: How Bible…

The post Your Bible Translation Shapes Your Understanding of the Afterlife appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What “Perish” and “Eternal Life” Really Means (John 3:16)?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 17:53:09 +0000

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) John 3:16 is one of the most quoted Bible verses—often seen on soda cups and burger wrappers—but it’s also among the most…

The post What “Perish” and “Eternal Life” Really Means (John 3:16)? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

God Is a Consuming Fire: The Purifying Power of Divine Flame

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 13:22:57 +0000

The phrase “God is a consuming fire” appears multiple times in Scripture, often evoking images of divine judgment and awe-inspiring power. Many interpret this as a fearful concept, associating fire with destruction and wrath. Fundamentalist theologians and pastors, mostly those from the Calvinist tradition, often describe God’s fire as something…

The post God Is a Consuming Fire: The Purifying Power of Divine Flame appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Does ‘The Parable of the Tenants’ (Matthew 21) Suggest God Replaced Israel?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 12:03:08 +0000

Christian antisemitism has long misused Matthew 21 to argue that God “rejected the Jews” in favor of the Gentile Church. The parable of the tenants (Matthew 21:33-46) is often cited to support the claim that God replaced Israel with a new people. But is that really what Jesus was saying?…

The post Does ‘The Parable of the Tenants’ (Matthew 21) Suggest God Replaced Israel? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What Does “All Israel Will Be Saved” (Romans 11:26) Mean?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 09:55:45 +0000

The phrase “All Israel will be saved” in Romans 11:26 has been the subject of much theological debate. Many Christians today interpret this passage through the lens of Western theology, assuming that salvation refers to being saved from eternally burning in God’s cosmic furnace. However, when examined through a Hebraic…

The post What Does “All Israel Will Be Saved” (Romans 11:26) Mean? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Does a ‘Too Merciful’ God Weaken His Justice?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 14:08:35 +0000

One of the most common concerns among Christians is whether emphasizing God’s love, grace, and mercy somehow diminishes His justice. When someone suggests that we should focus more on God’s kindness, an almost reflexive reaction follows: “Don’t go too far!” as if we might accidentally make God too good. But…

The post Does a ‘Too Merciful’ God Weaken His Justice? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Don’t Worship Religion: The “Religion Leads to God” Oxymoron

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 12:23:49 +0000

You’ve heard the argument, “Do all religions lead to God?” But what if the real question is—what if no religion leads to Him at all? The idea that religion is the way to reach God is, in many ways, an oxymoron—a contradiction in terms. Religion, at its core, consists of…

The post Don’t Worship Religion: The “Religion Leads to God” Oxymoron appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Eternal Conscious Torment (ECT) Serves No Purpose Other Than Cruelty for Cruelty’s Sake

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 11:25:57 +0000

I know—talking about hell makes many Christians squirm in their chairs. Yet I believe hell is perhaps the most crucial yet misunderstood doctrine in Western Christian theology. This is partly because those who believe in Eternal Conscious Torment (ECT) rarely take the time to study the doctrine in its original…

The post Eternal Conscious Torment (ECT) Serves No Purpose Other Than Cruelty for Cruelty’s Sake appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Why ‘Free Will’ is a Terrible Excuse to Send People to Hell

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 10:23:24 +0000

For centuries, the Augustinian-Calvinist interpretation of hell, known as Eternal Conscious Torment (a place where, allegedly, God sadistically tortures people forever), has been defended on the grounds of free will. The popular argument of many fundamentalist evangelists goes something like this: “God doesn’t send people to hell; they choose it…

The post Why ‘Free Will’ is a Terrible Excuse to Send People to Hell appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

How 1st-Century Jews Understood Jesus’ Teachings on “Hellfire”

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 13:59:20 +0000

When you hear phrases like “financial meltdown,” do you picture Wall Street skyscrapers literally dissolving into puddles? Or consider a “political battlefield” — does it bring to mind politicians wearing armor and dueling with swords? How about the “corporate jungle”? Perhaps you visualize business managers hunting junior employees as if…

The post How 1st-Century Jews Understood Jesus’ Teachings on “Hellfire” appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

10 Beliefs Most Christians Think Are True But Are Not

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 14:53:48 +0000

1. “The Word of God” is not the Bible; it’s Jesus (John 1:1; Revelation 19:13) Spending 20 years with fundamentalists, I’ve probably heard the term “the Word of God” being used to refer to the Bible at least 9,340,589 times. However, the term “Word of God” in Scripture refers only…

The post 10 Beliefs Most Christians Think Are True But Are Not appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

KOSHER: Why Were the Israelites Forbidden to Eat Pork?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 14:19:51 +0000

In the Torah, the Israelites were forbidden to eat pork because pigs were classified as ritually unclean animals. The reasoning is explicitly stated: while pigs have split hooves, they do not chew the cud (Leviticus 11:7-8; Deuteronomy 14:8). This distinction served as a symbol of Israel’s call to holiness and…

The post KOSHER: Why Were the Israelites Forbidden to Eat Pork? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Why Calvinism’s Hellfire (ECT) is Spiritual Child Abused

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 09:36:27 +0000

“Mom, I miss Grandma so much. Is she resting in a better place now?”“Well, sweetie, absolutely not. God may have loved her, but your dear old Grandma is now writhing in agony, engulfed by hellfire, and tortured in the fire for all eternity in God’s merciless dungeon. She’s trapped there…

The post Why Calvinism’s Hellfire (ECT) is Spiritual Child Abused appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

The Meaning of “Inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 14:57:00 +0000

Jesus never said "if you sin no more then you are good to go"; he said "go, and sin no more." Jesus didn't set the woman caught in adultery free from punishment because she promised never again to sin. He hoped she would stop sinning because she had been freely forgiven.

The post The Meaning of “Inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

This is What “Every Knee Will Bow, Every Tongue Confess” Means

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 13:49:14 +0000

In the narrative of Christian theology, Satan represents the principal adversary, actively working to lead humanity away from God by trying to convince us He can’t be trusted. Yet, if we accept that God’s attributes surpass any of His creations, including Satan, then the Devil’s power to deceive and corrupt…

The post This is What “Every Knee Will Bow, Every Tongue Confess” Means appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

“Justice” According to Fundamentalism

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 10:24:44 +0000

In contrast with the biblical portrayal of justice, which harmonizes retribution with mercy, the Augustinian-Calvinist “Hellfire” view asserts that God’s justice demands a rigid, eternal punishment for any sin. When I say rigid, I mean melting your skin in flames of fire forever and ever, a doctrine that always struck…

The post “Justice” According to Fundamentalism appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Justice in the Ancient Near East

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 10:19:04 +0000

As humans, we have the tendency to be overly judgmental due to a combination of psychological, religious, and social factors. However, the ability to quickly assess situations and people was always crucial for survival and social cohesion. Psychologically, judgment helps simplify the complexity of human behavior and social interactions, providing…

The post Justice in the Ancient Near East appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

The Doctrine of Hellfire: The Devastating Psychological Effects

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 10:07:14 +0000

This is a short testimony I came across on YouTube from a woman who grew up in what seems a conservative, fundamental Christian home: When I was 6 or 7, I burned my hand and it was excruciating. My mother took the opportunity to say, “Imagine if that feeling was…

The post The Doctrine of Hellfire: The Devastating Psychological Effects appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What is the Lake of Fire, Sulfur and Smoke in the Book of Revelation?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 09:23:32 +0000

Very little in the book of Revelation could be interpreted literally. While it is crucial to read and study the book thoroughly, appreciating its language, imagery, and themes, it is equally important to recognize the book’s genre and that almost every element in Revelation is steeped in references to Hebrew…

The post What is the Lake of Fire, Sulfur and Smoke in the Book of Revelation? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

To Be Blotted Out of the Book of Life? (Revelation 3:5)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 09:04:52 +0000

The Book of Revelation is a book steeped in symbolism and metaphor, written in the apocalyptic genre. It features descriptions of beasts, dragons, flying horses, and other imagery that first-century readers would not have interpreted literally. The apocalyptic genre is characterized by vivid imagery and symbolic language meant to convey…

The post To Be Blotted Out of the Book of Life? (Revelation 3:5) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What is “Eternal Fire” (Jude 1:7)?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 08:57:14 +0000

For an article on the meaning of the word “eternal” in Greek and Hebrew, visit here. The Epistle of Jude, which was written to warn of the destructive concourses of false doctrines, is often cited by the Augustinian-Calvinist Eternal Conscious Torment proponents as supporting the concept of hellfire. For instance,…

The post What is “Eternal Fire” (Jude 1:7)? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What is “Everlasting Destruction”‭ (2 Thessalonians‬ ‭1‬:‭8-9)?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 08:46:48 +0000

For an article on the meaning of the word “eternal” in Greek and Hebrew, visit here. New Testament’s 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 is often cited by proponents of Eternal Conscious Torment (ECT) as a key passage supporting the doctrine of hellfire. However, a careful analysis of the text within its context…

The post What is “Everlasting Destruction”‭ (2 Thessalonians‬ ‭1‬:‭8-9)? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Fear God Who Could Throw You Into Hell?! (Matthew 10:28)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 08:04:38 +0000

“Then Jesus took the teenage girl and threw her into the fire. As he watched her scream in the flames, he said unto her, ‘Your parents warned you, but you did not listen!'” (Matthew 10:28, according to Calvinism) Sounds too harsh? Sadly, this is exactly how many Christians today read…

The post Fear God Who Could Throw You Into Hell?! (Matthew 10:28) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What are the “Gates of Hell” (Matthew 16:18)?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 14:18:48 +0000

Matthew 16 is where Jesus finally introduces the concept of his death and resurrection to his disciples. In verse 18, Jesus declares something that confused many: And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not…

The post What are the “Gates of Hell” (Matthew 16:18)? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

“Lord Lord….”, “I Never Knew You. Away from me, you evildoers!” (Matthew 7:21-23)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 13:54:05 +0000

There are two kinds of “Christianity.” One is a religion that, on paper, intellectually adheres to all the correct theological recipes and doctrines about Jesus’ Lordship and Divinity. The other is a way of life—represented by the kingdom of heaven—embodied by Christ-like individuals who live out the values Jesus taught…

The post “Lord Lord….”, “I Never Knew You. Away from me, you evildoers!” (Matthew 7:21-23) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Aren’t we “Born Again” to Avoid Hellfire?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 13:35:05 +0000

Evangelicals, commonly self-identified as “Born-again Evangelicals,” generally interpret “born again” as a profound experience of repentance and faith in Jesus’s sacrifice for sins. This experience is often specific, memorable, and pivotal to their personal testimony. These experiences, usually emotionally charged, can look like reciting a “salvation prayer” from a pamphlet…

The post Aren’t we “Born Again” to Avoid Hellfire? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What Are the “Unquenchable Fire” and “Wheat and Chaff”?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 13:00:04 +0000

When the Western mind encounters the word “fire,” it often conjures images of witches being burned at the stake, nuclear bombs, or Dante’s depictions of individuals tormented by flames, which has significantly influenced Western Christian theology. However, in the Bible, Judaism, and other ancient civilizations, fire, though potentially painful, primarily…

The post What Are the “Unquenchable Fire” and “Wheat and Chaff”? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What are “Outer Darkness” and “Gnashing of Teeth”?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 12:42:25 +0000

When these metaphors are taken literally and out of context, their imagery might appear quite terrifying, akin to a vivid depiction of the Augustinian-Calvinist hellfire: But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 8:12 They…

The post What are “Outer Darkness” and “Gnashing of Teeth”? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Is the Parable of the Sheep & Goats About Hell? (Matthew 25:31-46)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 12:27:17 +0000

Jesus presents three parables in Matthew 25: The Parable of the Ten Virgins (verses 1-13), The Parable of the Bags of Gold (verses 14-28), and the one we focus on today, The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (verses 31-46). Some, Augustine himself included, interpret a section of this parable…

The post Is the Parable of the Sheep & Goats About Hell? (Matthew 25:31-46) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

The Biblical Concept of Time and Why Hell Won’t Last Forever (Aion / Aionios / Olam)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 12:13:46 +0000

Justice demands punishment; without it, crimes such as murder and theft would go unchecked, leading to chaos and lawlessness. Retribution is a necessary deterrent to maintain order and protect society. While the opposite extreme of ‘Eternal Conscious Torment’ in Hellfire are those who do not anticipate any form of punishment…

The post The Biblical Concept of Time and Why Hell Won’t Last Forever (Aion / Aionios / Olam) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

‘Hell’ in the Hebrew Prophets

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 11:50:27 +0000

The Hebrew Prophets also do not contain a Hebrew term equivalent to the concept of hellfire as understood in later Augustine-Calvinist Christian theology. Instead, the Hebrew word “SHEOL,” which simply refers to the realm of the dead, is variably translated in English versions of the Old Testament as “grave,” “underworld,”…

The post ‘Hell’ in the Hebrew Prophets appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

‘Hell’ in the Torah (Pentatuch)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 11:44:37 +0000

The Hebrew Scriptures, which chronicle God’s relationship with Israel over thousands of years, do not contain a Hebrew term equivalent to the concept of hellfire as understood in later Augustinian-Calvinist theology. Instead, the Old Testament’s Hebrew word “SHEOL” simply refers to the realm of the dead, akin to a grave.…

The post ‘Hell’ in the Torah (Pentatuch) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Does a Sin Against an Infinite God Merit Infinite Punishment?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 10:30:43 +0000

Once upon a time, a naïve couple lived in blissful ignorance, unaware of their own lack of knowledge. Then, a cunning, malevolent figure exploited their innocence, convincing them they could become all-knowing, just like God. Seduced by this idea, they ate from the Tree of Knowledge, which opened their eyes…

The post Does a Sin Against an Infinite God Merit Infinite Punishment? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Why God Allowed Sin in the First Place?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 10:17:51 +0000

“I’m only human. Of flesh and blood, I’m made. Human. Born to make mistakes.“ (Human, Song by The Human League, 1986) Imagine a game where you put someone in an Escape Room, telling them that unless they figure it out, you’ll burn the room with them in it. It sounds…

The post Why God Allowed Sin in the First Place? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Calvinism’s “God Can’t Stand You” Theology Debunked

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 09:49:50 +0000

An article titled, “Why do I face the consequences of Adam’s sin when I did not eat the fruit?” on the popular Reformed website “GotQuestions” reads: The Bible says, “Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because…

The post Calvinism’s “God Can’t Stand You” Theology Debunked appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

The Doctrine of ‘Hell’ in Early Christianity

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 09:27:59 +0000

The understanding of hell has varied significantly throughout Christian history, reflecting differing theological frameworks across the early church. While views on the afterlife, especially hell, appear to have been underdeveloped during the early days of the church, below are some noteworthy statements from key figures in early Christianity that merit…

The post The Doctrine of ‘Hell’ in Early Christianity appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

‘Repentance,’ ‘Salvation,’ and ‘Hell’ from a Jewish Perspective

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 09:00:07 +0000

This article will explore the concepts of ‘repentance,’ ‘salvation,’ and ‘hell,’ examining their interconnections from the perspective of the Hebrew Scriptures and Jewish thought. Repentance In certain conservative Christian traditions, such as Calvinism, Evangelicalism, Pentecostalism, Messianic Judaism (a small Evangelical Fundamentalist group I used to be associated with), and several…

The post ‘Repentance,’ ‘Salvation,’ and ‘Hell’ from a Jewish Perspective appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

The Hisorical Meaning of the Word ‘Hell’

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 08:37:23 +0000

The English word “hell” originates from the Old English “Hel” or “Helle,” which was derived from the Proto-Germanic term “haljō.” This term generally referred to an underworld or a hidden place. “Haljō” is also related to the Old Norse word “Hel,” which referred both to the underworld—a realm of the…

The post The Hisorical Meaning of the Word ‘Hell’ appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

How Can One Atone for All?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 14:22:03 +0000

A significant misconception within Calvinistic theology is the idea that Jesus’ power to atone for sins must lay in the extent of cosmic suffering, pain, and abuse he endured from God. This concept suggests that the magnitude of human sin necessitated Jesus’ extreme suffering. Calvinist preacher and former president of…

The post How Can One Atone for All? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What Most Christians Get Wrong About “Worship”

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 14:05:26 +0000

What images come to your mind when you hear the term “worship night”? Regrettably, contemporary Western Christian thought frequently equates “worship” with amplified music and congregational singing in a venue bathed in vibrant lights. While this is undoubtedly fun, it is a far cry from the scriptural understanding of “worship.”…

The post What Most Christians Get Wrong About “Worship” appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

John 1:1 from a Jewish Perspective

Dr. Eitan Bar — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 08:37:47 +0000

John 1:1 is a profound verse that has sparked considerable theological discussion, especially around the identity of the “Word” (Greek: Logos) and its relationship with God. Here’s a detailed look at what John may be communicating… Text of John 1:1 The verse reads: “In the beginning was the Word, and…

The post John 1:1 from a Jewish Perspective appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Is the Story of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Luke 16) Really About Hell?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 07:33:40 +0000

In the Bible, the term "Abraham's Bosom" (sometimes translated as "Abraham's side") is a unique expression found only once. In Jewish tradition, however, "Abraham's Bosom" is a well-known metaphor (e.g., Apocalypse of Zephaniah 11:1-2; Kiddushin 72b; Genesis Rabba 67), not regarded as a literal place or as a historical account of events but a metaphor for being in a state of peace and blessing.

The post Is the Story of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Luke 16) Really About Hell? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Was Adam’s Relationship With God Broken?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 14:58:55 +0000

If God cannot even look at sinners, it implies that He cannot be near them. If God is unable to be near sinners, it suggests that He hates them. If this is true, then the argument that God must send all sinners—all of humanity—to hellfire is validated. As the renowned…

The post Was Adam’s Relationship With God Broken? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Original Sin Debunked

Dr. Eitan Bar — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 13:07:06 +0000

The doctrine of Original Sin holds that Adam and Eve’s transgression in the Garden of Eden left humanity with permanent guilt. This belief suggests that humans inherit a fundamentally flawed or “totally depraved” nature from birth, thus rendering them guilty from the outset. This belief posits that because of Original…

The post Original Sin Debunked appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Who is Satan: A Jewish Perspective

Dr. Eitan Bar — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 05:55:34 +0000

The figure of Satan, or “the satan” (Hebrew: הַשָּׂטָן), appears in the Hebrew Bible primarily as an accuser or adversary, rather than the fully developed devil figure seen in later Christian theology. The term “satan” is derived from a Hebrew verb meaning “to obstruct” or “to oppose.” In the Old…

The post Who is Satan: A Jewish Perspective appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Why the God of the Old Testament Wasn’t as Scary as You Think

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sat, 06 Jul 2024 08:04:02 +0000

The Old Testament portrayal of God often evokes images of wrath, judgment, and fear. Many people in the modern Western world—where people actually respect social boundaries and rules—find it difficult to reconcile this image with the God of love and grace presented in the New Testament. However, understanding the historical…

The post Why the God of the Old Testament Wasn’t as Scary as You Think appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

This Is (part of) My Story

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 09:55:06 +0000

If you have followed me long enough, you have probably noticed two things. First, I emphasize love and grace in a way that really annoys some types of religious people. Second, I have developed the same “Matthew 23 style” of antagonistic chutzpah against religious legalism. This is because, ever since…

The post This Is (part of) My Story appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What Watching Seinfeld Taught Me About Reading the Bible

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 07:19:01 +0000

I admit, I have watched each Seinfeld episode a million times already; it’s something weird some of us Jews like to do. I guess it helps calm down our cynical view of the world. But as I continue to watch it repeatedly, I slowly start to notice motifs and themes…

The post What Watching Seinfeld Taught Me About Reading the Bible appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Because He First Loved Us?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 08:55:42 +0000

According to 1 John 4:19, “We love because God first loved us.” So, if you wait for your enemy to love on you first before you are willing to love on them, and the same goes for them, when will you ever meet? The Gentiles were well aware of the…

The post Because He First Loved Us? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

“Love Always Hopes and Perseveres”

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 07:15:28 +0000

Jesus met individuals often viewed by society as irredeemable or beyond help, such as the woman caught in adultery, the tax collector Zacchaeus, or the Samaritan woman at the well. In each encounter, Jesus looked beyond their current situation and envisioned what they could become, instilling hope and offering a…

The post “Love Always Hopes and Perseveres” appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

“Love Always Trusts”

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 07:08:59 +0000

The Greek term translated as “trusts” is “pisteuō,” often used in the New Testament to denote belief or faith. In the context of Paul’s message, this concept emphasizes not a naive or blind trust but a choice to always see at least some potential for good in others and to…

The post “Love Always Trusts” appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

“Love Always Protects”

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 06:55:03 +0000

Here, Paul emphasizes love’s protective nature. The Greek word translated as “protects” literally means to cover, suggesting that love provides a protective barrier, holding up under pressures and difficulties and keeping out negative influences that might undermine relationships. Love’s protection means it is willing to suffer for others, regardless of…

The post “Love Always Protects” appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

“Love Rejoices With the Truth”

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 06:43:17 +0000

From the outset, justice has been a prominent recurring motif. Discussions on justice appear early in the Torah (e.g., Leviticus 19:15) and are also emphasized by the prophets (e.g., Micah 6:8). In the intricate dance of human interactions, love and justice are often seen as partners whose steps occasionally misalign.…

The post “Love Rejoices With the Truth” appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

“Love Does Not Delight in Evil”

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 06:26:36 +0000

To delight in evil—or schadenfreude—is the pleasure of seeing others fall, sin, suffer, or get in trouble. In the original context of Paul’s writing, this message would have resonated deeply in a community like Corinth, where social and moral discord has tempted some to find satisfaction in the failures of…

The post “Love Does Not Delight in Evil” appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

“Love Does Not Keep a Record of Wrongs”

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 06:19:18 +0000

Gossip and “keeping a record of wrongs” are closely intertwined, reflecting a failure to grasp the grace of God fully. When people gossip, they often do so from a place of insecurity and fear. This is particularly prevalent among religious individuals who are constantly anxious about their afterlife and their…

The post “Love Does Not Keep a Record of Wrongs” appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

“Love Is Not Selfish and Is Not Provoked”

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 06:09:21 +0000

This directive challenges the natural human inclination towards selfishness, self-preservation, and self-promotion, urging a shift towards altruism and collective well-being. Jesus reminded us to “seek first his kingdom” (Matthew 6:33), suggesting a hierarchy of priorities. Just as our bodies urgently signal hunger or thirst, we should feel an intense spiritual…

The post “Love Is Not Selfish and Is Not Provoked” appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

“Love Does Not Act Rudely”

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 14:38:38 +0000

Rudeness, often characterized by abrupt, harsh, or unconsidered behaviors, disrupts the fabric of community and personal relationships. It reflects a disregard for the feelings of others, operating against the grain of social harmony and mutual respect. In this verse’s original context, Paul addresses a community riddled with conflicts, boasting, and…

The post “Love Does Not Act Rudely” appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

“Love Is Not Envious, Boastful, or Prideful”

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 14:02:21 +0000

A Short Commentary On 1 Corinthians 13:4 [c-e]

The post “Love Is Not Envious, Boastful, or Prideful” appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

“Love Is Kind”

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:23:11 +0000

Kindness is the act of showing compassion, generosity, and consideration towards others, often involving selfless actions and a genuine concern for their well-being. It encompasses gestures of goodwill, such as offering help, expressing empathy, and treating people with respect and understanding. At its core, kindness reflects an inner attitude of…

The post “Love Is Kind” appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

“Love Is Patient”

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:12:56 +0000

The Hebrew Bible frequently discusses the theme of patience, particularly highlighting God’s forbearance with Israel (e.g., Exodus 34:6; Proverbs 19:11; Hosea 3:1; Psalm 103:8). The Hebrew word for patience is conceptualized in two primary ways. The first uses the imagery of a “long nose,” suggesting that it takes a longer…

The post “Love Is Patient” appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

“If I Am Magnificent But Have Not Love”

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 12:57:23 +0000

The deeper our understanding of God’s love as expressed through Christ, the more effectively we can love others. Indeed, before we can extend love outwardly, we must first internalize and experience it. In chapter 13, Paul anchors his definition of love on the perfect embodiment and demonstration of love: the…

The post “If I Am Magnificent But Have Not Love” appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan From a Jewish Perspective

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 14:44:49 +0000

Long before it became embedded in legal frameworks, Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan in response to a question from a Torah scholar—a Jewish lawyer—seeking to understand how to gain God’s favor. This story has transcended its biblical origins to become synonymous with selflessly aiding strangers and even…

The post The Parable of the Good Samaritan From a Jewish Perspective appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

The Wounded Raise Higher: Broken People’s Potential for Greatness

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 02 Jun 2024 13:05:59 +0000

To those who feel broken and defeated, know that your journey is far from over. No matter how badly you've messed up, God's love, grace, and redemption are powerful enough to transform your life. Your failures do not define you; instead, they are opportunities for God's purposes to shine through you. In your brokenness, God sees the potential for growth, purification, and profound spiritual success that goes beyond human strength.

The post The Wounded Raise Higher: Broken People’s Potential for Greatness appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

The Tabernacle: Essentials, Symbolism, Fulfillment in Jesus

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 02 Jun 2024 10:04:52 +0000

The Tabernacle, a divine structure outlined in the book of Exodus, served as the dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. During the Exodus and the wandering in the desert, the Tabernacle was portable, symbolizing the closeness of Emmanual—God with us. The Tabernacle’s detailed construction and the…

The post The Tabernacle: Essentials, Symbolism, Fulfillment in Jesus appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What is Atonement (Propitiation)?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 28 May 2024 12:52:25 +0000

Atonement is a central concept in the Hebrew Scriptures, intricately tied to the relationship between humanity and God. The Hebrew term for atonement, “כפר” (kipper), appears over a hundred times in the Old Testament, most notably in the context of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Understanding the nuances of…

The post What is Atonement (Propitiation)? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Understanding the Bible’s Message Through Its Narrative

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 28 May 2024 12:08:45 +0000

At their core, biblical narratives are far from simplistic or rudimentary recountings of historical events. They are intricate literary creations that employ sophisticated narrative techniques to convey their messages. The Bible’s narrative structure, with its interweaving of plotlines and meticulous character development, serves more than just a storytelling function—it embeds…

The post Understanding the Bible’s Message Through Its Narrative appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

The Ten Plagues of Egypt: A Scientific Perspective

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 27 May 2024 06:48:36 +0000

Researchers previously showed that volcanic eruptions occasionally affected Egypt and caused climatic and environmental disruptions. Volcanic ash in the atmosphere can lead to cooler temperatures, altered weather patterns, and disruptions in agricultural productivity, potentially triggering a chain of natural disasters. From a scientific perspective, each of the ten plagues of…

The post The Ten Plagues of Egypt: A Scientific Perspective appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

9 Reasons Not to Trust Only One Bible Translation

Dr. Eitan Bar — Fri, 24 May 2024 09:12:30 +0000

As a native Hebrew speaker, I recall the first time I read an English translation of the Hebrew Bible and noticed significant differences in some sections. This experience was echoed during my Koine Greek classes, where I saw how translations could diverge greatly from the original text and each other.…

The post 9 Reasons Not to Trust Only One Bible Translation appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Justice: Why Love Can’t Survive Without It

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 13 May 2024 08:50:05 +0000

The post Justice: Why Love Can’t Survive Without It appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Antisemitism as Evidence of God’s Existence

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sat, 11 May 2024 15:04:52 +0000

In this short article, I quickly explore the Jewish people’s enduring presence and profound significance, as seen through history, prophecy, and modern events, demonstrating the unmistakable hand of God on His chosen people as evidence of His existence. Divine Preservation Through History Firstly, the historical persistence of the Jewish people,…

The post Antisemitism as Evidence of God’s Existence appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What Language did Jesus Speak—Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sat, 11 May 2024 07:47:50 +0000

It is ubiquitous that Jesus spoke Aramaic, the common language in Israel at the time, and spoke its sister language,1 Hebrew, as all other religiously educated Jews. But what about Greek? Historically: Jesus’s Linguistic Abilities The linguistic environment of first-century Israel was notably diverse, primarily featuring Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek.…

The post What Language did Jesus Speak—Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What Most Christians Overlook Regarding Sacrifice in the Bible and Jesus’ Atonement

Dr. Eitan Bar — Fri, 10 May 2024 12:43:16 +0000

Well, perhaps not “most Christians,” but certainly most Protestants (Calvinists, Baptists, Evangelicals, Pentecostals, etc.) and most Catholics. Historically, this overlook made them develop their Theories of Atonement pretty late in the game, disregarding the earlier teachings of the Church Fathers.1 The Models of Atonement held by both the Catholic and…

The post What Most Christians Overlook Regarding Sacrifice in the Bible and Jesus’ Atonement appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Why Forgiveness is the Highest of Virtues

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 09 May 2024 14:26:21 +0000

Forgiveness, a profound virtue embedded in the fabric of human morality, stands out as a beacon of transformative power, both for the individual soul and the broader society. Its universal value crosses all cultural and religious landscapes, acting as a pivotal element in fostering healthy relationships and robust communities. At…

The post Why Forgiveness is the Highest of Virtues appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Every Knee Shall Bow: Putting God’s Wisdom & Power to the Test

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 09:41:48 +0000

Can we truly trust that God is the wisest, strongest, and most loving? Or was the serpent correct in suggesting otherwise? All of us, along with the rest of creation, bear witness to the ongoing vast cosmic theological debate surrounding the nature of God. One way to interpret Genesis 3…

The post Every Knee Shall Bow: Putting God’s Wisdom & Power to the Test appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

The Parallels Between the Gods of Ancient Egypt and the Ten Plagues

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 05:53:32 +0000

The ten plagues of Egypt, as described in the Book of Exodus, is a direct challenge to the gods of ancient Egypt, each plague serving as a refutation of the powers of specific Egyptian deities. Here are some parallels: These parallels suggest that the plagues were symbolic acts meant to…

The post The Parallels Between the Gods of Ancient Egypt and the Ten Plagues appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Was King David Really Teaching “Original Sin” & “Total Depravity” in Psalm 51:5?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 11:12:52 +0000

Throughout history, scholars and theologians have presented various interpretations to define ‘sin’ and ‘original sin.’ One influential perspective is that of Augustine (354–430), which was later picked up and promoted by Calvin and Luther, who believed that humans are born with a “Destination: Hell” imprinted due to the sin of…

The post Was King David Really Teaching “Original Sin” & “Total Depravity” in Psalm 51:5? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

“Ask,” “Seek,” “Knock.”

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 11:50:03 +0000

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if your son asks for…

The post “Ask,” “Seek,” “Knock.” appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

“Do Not Judge” – What Did Jesus Mean? (Matthew 7:1-6)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 09:21:18 +0000

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention…

The post “Do Not Judge” – What Did Jesus Mean? (Matthew 7:1-6) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Jesus’ Definition of True Spirituality in the Lord’s Prayer

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 14:30:04 +0000

Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and…

The post Jesus’ Definition of True Spirituality in the Lord’s Prayer appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

“Eye for an Eye” Will Turn Us All Blind!

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 12:04:39 +0000

You have heard that it was said, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.” But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over…

The post “Eye for an Eye” Will Turn Us All Blind! appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

7 Ways Bad Theology Impacts Life

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 16:37:42 +0000

Understanding the profound impact of theology on individuals and communities requires a deep dive into the relationship between beliefs, behaviors, and social structures. Let’s explore how bad theology can lead to the formation of harmful individuals and dysfunctional communities. 1. The Basis of Theology in Shaping Worldview Theology fundamentally shapes…

The post 7 Ways Bad Theology Impacts Life appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Beauty for Ashes: This is Why the Gospel is Good News

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 10:51:04 +0000

Yeshua, visiting Nazareth, attended the synagogue on the Sabbath. There, He stood and read the first verses of Isaiah 61 (Luke 4:16-19). Isaiah 61, a messianic prophecy, is divided into four parts. The first part of the prophecy (Isaiah 61:1-3) is a beautiful reflection of Rabbi Yeshua’s beatitudes and sheds…

The post Beauty for Ashes: This is Why the Gospel is Good News appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Fear, “the one who has authority to throw you into hell” (Luke 12:5) – A Jewish perspective

Dr. Eitan Bar — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 10:54:52 +0000

Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not…

The post Fear, “the one who has authority to throw you into hell” (Luke 12:5) – A Jewish perspective appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Penal Substitutionary Atonement: A Critical Examination

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 12:50:57 +0000

The doctrine of Penal Substitutionary Atonement (PSA) has long been a cornerstone of the Reformed Calvinistic theological framework. It later became the “gospel message” of several post-reformation protestant denominations, such as Baptist, Evangelical, and Pentecostal. What is Penal Substitutionary Atonement (PSA)? Penal Substitutionary Atonement was developed during the Protestant Reformation…

The post Penal Substitutionary Atonement: A Critical Examination appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Who or What is the “Word” of God?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 10:44:39 +0000

What is the Word of God? Is it the New International Version (NIV), a modern English translation based on the Critical Text, or perhaps the King James Version (KJV), an older translation also in English but based on the Textus Receptus? If, instead, we consider the original Hebrew and Greek…

The post Who or What is the “Word” of God? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Kindness as Evangelism (Matthew 7:12)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 11:14:50 +0000

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12 Rabbi Yeshua’s teachings might sound like a tenet of Eastern religions like Buddhism or Hinduism. However, while concepts such as “karma” are impersonal laws of…

The post Kindness as Evangelism (Matthew 7:12) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Death and Life: The Power of Our Tongue

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:26:34 +0000

Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.” But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the…

The post Death and Life: The Power of Our Tongue appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

The Power of Your Imagination (Matthew 5:27-28)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 10:30:32 +0000

You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:27-28 In this profound and memorable passage, Rabbi Yeshua reveals a fundamental yet often overlooked truth:…

The post The Power of Your Imagination (Matthew 5:27-28) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Your Anger Can Destroy You (Matthew 5:21-22)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 09:15:01 +0000

You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.” But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a…

The post Your Anger Can Destroy You (Matthew 5:21-22) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness” (Matthew 5:10) means?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 14:16:35 +0000

Rabbi Yeshua is not advocating for physical persecution or suffering at the hands of others but is referring to the rewards those who do suffer will earn if their suffering is because they seek justice. However, persecution is also an internal struggle each person undergoes in the pursuit of inner…

The post What “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness” (Matthew 5:10) means? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9) means?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 13:45:01 +0000

Here, Yeshua wasn’t advocating for a particular political stance. While Yeshua was undoubtedly a Jew living in the land of Israel, occupied and oppressed by the Romans, he never engaged in the politics of borders, soil, and land. Instead, His focus was on much deeper matters: the human heart. The…

The post What “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9) means? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

“The Armor of God” (Ephesians 6:12-18) In Its Original Context

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 12:27:38 +0000

Let’s jump right into it! Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against authorities, powers, the rulers of this world’s darkness, and evil spiritual forces in the heavens. Ephesians 6:12 Paul’s assertion that we do not fight against flesh and blood doesn’t imply we never confront people. Indeed,…

The post “The Armor of God” (Ephesians 6:12-18) In Its Original Context appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

How Literally Should You Read the Bible?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 10:57:57 +0000

Many Christian Fundamentalists (often Calvinists, Baptists, Pentecostals, Evangelicals, etc.) argue that the Bible must be read literally. For instance, in the Popular Calvinistic website, it stated: “Not only can we take the Bible literally, but we must take the Bible literally. This is the only way to determine what God…

The post How Literally Should You Read the Bible? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Genesis 6: Why the Flood?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 07:35:50 +0000

Was it an act of evil for God to initiate the great flood? Sometimes, Christians begin reading the flood narrative with verse 5: And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.…

The post Genesis 6: Why the Flood? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

“Lord, Lord, Did We Not Have a Great Ministry in Your Name?” (Matthew 7:21-23)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 14:50:33 +0000

Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name…

The post “Lord, Lord, Did We Not Have a Great Ministry in Your Name?” (Matthew 7:21-23) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

“By Their Fruit You Will Recognize Them” and What My Experience in the Messianic Movement Taught Me

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 13:40:01 +0000

Watch out for false prophets [teachers]. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.…

The post “By Their Fruit You Will Recognize Them” and What My Experience in the Messianic Movement Taught Me appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What Are the Narrow & Broad Gates & Roads Jesus Spoke of (Matthew 7)?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 11:16:15 +0000

Matthew 7:13–29 concludes the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus discusses the choices that lead to a blessed and prosperous life when living a life of righteousness. He emphasizes the importance of not only hearing His words but also acting on them, likening those who do to a wise man…

The post What Are the Narrow & Broad Gates & Roads Jesus Spoke of (Matthew 7)? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Does Romans 9 Really Teach Unconditional Election (Calvinistic Predestination)?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 08:14:39 +0000

Refutation for the Calvinistic view of Unconditional Election and Predestination in Romans 9:11-14

The post Does Romans 9 Really Teach Unconditional Election (Calvinistic Predestination)? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What does “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) really mean?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 10 Dec 2023 10:35:07 +0000

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

The post What does “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) really mean? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

To Be “Born Again” – Beyond the Mystical-Transcendental Evangelical Phenomenon

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 09:59:10 +0000

In 2014, I sat down with Mitch Glazer, the president of Chosen People Ministries, and shared my idea to film the testimony stories of Jewish individuals who have been “born again.” He was very excited about it and generously offered to cover the entire project’s cost. Over the next eight…

The post To Be “Born Again” – Beyond the Mystical-Transcendental Evangelical Phenomenon appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What is “Porneia” (Fornication)?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 06:41:31 +0000

I say unto you, that every one that putteth away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication (porneia)… Notice that the cause cited in Matthew 5:32 is not ‘adultery’ but rather ‘fornication,’ sometimes translated as “sexual immorality.” Both ‘adultery’ and ‘fornication’ are used in the verse, but they are…

The post What is “Porneia” (Fornication)? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Why “God’s Justice Means He Must Burn You Forever” Is a Terrible Argument for Divine Justice

Dr. Eitan Bar — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 07:30:14 +0000

His holiness is so pure that he cannot forgive without punishing. Stan Mast, Calvinist Preacher Some Christian denominations, such as Calvinists and Evangelicals, rigidly adhere to Penal Substitutionary Atonement (PSA), asserting that God’s holiness demands a rigid punishment for sin. And when I say rigid, I mean melting your skin…

The post Why “God’s Justice Means He Must Burn You Forever” Is a Terrible Argument for Divine Justice appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What the Bible Says About Divorce? What Does “God Hates Put Away” Mean (Malachi 2:16) & Jesus on Divorce (Matthew 5:32?)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 14:48:41 +0000

Becoming “one flesh” is the ideal of any marriage, a model established with the first couple in Genesis 2:24. However, it faltered after the fall when Adam blamed Eve for his eating of the forbidden fruit. This breach of trust in their union marked a turning point. Since then, ‘one…

The post What the Bible Says About Divorce? What Does “God Hates Put Away” Mean (Malachi 2:16) & Jesus on Divorce (Matthew 5:32?) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

“Is this the end?” Evangelical End Times Speculative (Problematic) Predictions

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 11:00:56 +0000

“Is this the end?” Was the text I received from a dear American evangelical friend. The evangelical fascination with end-times prophecy is not new, but in recent years, it has been widely popularized. I often receive referrals and questions from frightened Christians worldwide about different publications by figures such as…

The post “Is this the end?” Evangelical End Times Speculative (Problematic) Predictions appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Why Did the Older Brother Become So Angry? (The Prodigal Son)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 10:37:07 +0000

"The elder son, in many ways, represents the legalistic approach to religion — the belief that salvation is to be earned and kept by good deeds, loyalty, and unwavering dedication. His resentment stems from the perception that he’s been righteous and done everything by the book, yet the return home of a sinner his father chooses to celebrate reveals his true colors."

The post Why Did the Older Brother Become So Angry? (The Prodigal Son) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

The must-know meaning of the ‘robe,’ ‘ring,’ and ‘sandals’ in the Parable of the Prodigal Son

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 12:31:13 +0000

"The threat of death that overshadowed the Prodigal Son wasn't because of something the father would do to him if he didn't repent. There was no torture chamber the father kept hidden in some faraway basement where he planned to burn him alive. The son's real hell was simply being away from his father's house."

The post The must-know meaning of the ‘robe,’ ‘ring,’ and ‘sandals’ in the Parable of the Prodigal Son appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Communion / Eucharist / Lord’s Supper, from a Jewish perspective

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 11:38:40 +0000

The Lord’s Supper (aka communion), a solemn ceremony that echoes throughout Christian communities, has, over time, become an almost weighty and alien ritual, far removed from what’s described in the Jewish writings of the New Testament. I can’t speak for its observance elsewhere, but in conservative Evangelical circles, this event…

The post Communion / Eucharist / Lord’s Supper, from a Jewish perspective appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Hebrew Word Study: FAITH (EMUNA)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 12:15:14 +0000

In the Hebrew language, the ideas of “belief,” “trust,” and “faith” are not separated as they often are in English theological discourse. They are unified through a single linguistic root: A-M-N. From this root come the words: EMUNAH: Faith EMUN: Trust AMEN: A declaration of trust, belief, or affirmation So…

The post Hebrew Word Study: FAITH (EMUNA) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Hebrew Word Study: FEAR (YIR’AH)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 12:11:06 +0000

Have you ever ascended to the summit of the Eiffel Tower or stood at the prow of a boat amidst the vast ocean? Maybe you’ve perched on the edge of a mountain cliff or lain under a star-studded sky in the desert. If you have, you might remember the deep…

The post Hebrew Word Study: FEAR (YIR’AH) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Hebrew Word Study: WORSHIP (SHACHAH)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 12:07:50 +0000

What do you imagine when you hear the word “worship” or “worship night”? For many modern Christians, it conjures up images of dimly lit auditoriums pulsing with music, arms raised in emotive surrender, and a worship leader guiding a congregation through swelling choruses. It feels spiritual. It sounds beautiful. But…

The post Hebrew Word Study: WORSHIP (SHACHAH) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Hebrew Word Study: SERPENT or SHINING ONE (NAHASH)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 11:59:56 +0000

To the modern reader, the serpent of Genesis 3 seems fantastical—mythic, even absurd. A snake that speaks? Really? For centuries, skeptics have dismissed the Garden of Eden story on this very ground. Museums and children’s Bibles show Eve chatting with a coiled reptile, perched innocently in a fruit tree, whispering…

The post Hebrew Word Study: SERPENT or SHINING ONE (NAHASH) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Hebrew Word Study: COVENANT (BRIT)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 11:56:40 +0000

In Hebrew, you don’t “make” a covenant. You cut one. The Hebrew phrase is KARAT BRIT—literally, “to cut a covenant.” The first word (KARAT) means to excise, amputate, sever. The second word (BRIT) means covenant, alliance, or sacred pact. Together, these two words carry far more than contractual implications. They…

The post Hebrew Word Study: COVENANT (BRIT) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Hebrew Word Study: BLOOD (DAM)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 11:49:48 +0000

We live in a world where blood usually signals one thing: violence. We see it splattered across war zones on the evening news. We play games that reward it. We watch films that glorify it. In modern consciousness, blood has become the language of trauma, danger, and death. We hide…

The post Hebrew Word Study: BLOOD (DAM) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Hebrew Word Study: SACRIFICE (QORBAN)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 11:43:29 +0000

In most people’s minds, the word sacrifice evokes images of blood, death, and loss. In the modern West, it often carries a negative tone—something you’re forced to give up, something painful, something you endure reluctantly. But in the ancient Hebrew mind, sacrifice had a completely different connotation. It was not…

The post Hebrew Word Study: SACRIFICE (QORBAN) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Hebrew Word Study: SHALOM (Peace)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 11:38:59 +0000

If there is one Hebrew word the world seems to recognize, it is SHALOM. It echoes in greetings and farewells, sung in synagogues, whispered in prayers, stitched onto banners, and spoken in longing. It is most often translated as “peace,” but this English equivalent only touches the surface—like calling the…

The post Hebrew Word Study: SHALOM (Peace) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What Is Replacement Theology, And How To Debunk It?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 08:26:47 +0000

Christianity argues that God was fed up with Israel, revoked his covenant and replaced Israel with Christianity…Christians teach that God broke his covenant with Israel.(Rabbi Moshe Rat)[i] Have you ever strolled through a museum admiring paintings only to notice that Jesus and his disciples are depicted with distinctly European features?…

The post What Is Replacement Theology, And How To Debunk It? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Angry gods vs. A Loving Father: How Your View of God Affects Your Reading of Scriptures

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 30 May 2023 19:11:13 +0000

The wrath of God can be allegorically likened to a loving father who sternly warns his child against touching a hot stove. The father’s prohibition is not borne out of anger or hatred but rather out of love and a desire to protect the child from harm. Yet, if the child disobeys and touches the stove, they inevitably get burned. This painful consequence is not a direct infliction by the father; rather, it's a result of the child's choice to ignore the father's warning. The burn is not a symbol of the father's wrath or anger but rather a natural consequence of the child's disobedience. The father doesn’t delight in the child's pain; instead, he takes this opportunity to help the child learn an important lesson. Similarly, God's wrath is not about Him punishing us out of anger but about the natural consequences of our actions when we choose to ignore His guidance. He, like the loving father, hopes we learn and grow from these experiences, drawing closer to Him and understanding His will more fully.

The post Angry gods vs. A Loving Father: How Your View of God Affects Your Reading of Scriptures appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

The Book of Revelation – Bird’s Eye View

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 30 May 2023 17:44:51 +0000

Once, I found myself seated in the pews of a Baptist church, absorbed in a sermon from the pastor who undertook the formidable task of elucidating the Book of Revelation. With words that carried an undercurrent of dread, he depicted apocalyptic visions of monstrous beasts about to rise up from the depths of the sea to wreak havoc and destruction on humanity. His vivid interpretation, while stirring a sense of imminent danger, seemed to serve a broader purpose — a call to moral rectification. The pastor stressed that every individual should strive to get their house in order, suggesting that such purification could serve as a shield against the beasts' terror. His message implied a dire ultimatum: get your act together, or brace yourself for the foreboding consequences about to take place!

The post The Book of Revelation – Bird’s Eye View appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What is the “synagogue of Satan” (Revelation 2:9)?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 11:25:10 +0000

I witnessed a protest in the US where people were holding signs that read "synagogue of Satan" (Revelation 2:9), essentially hinting that Jews should be hated. So, who exactly are the "synagogue of Satan" that the Book of Revelation refers to?

The post What is the “synagogue of Satan” (Revelation 2:9)? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Did God Make Man A Woman Servant Suitable for Him? (Genesis 2:18)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 09:03:51 +0000

Genesis 2:18 states that God created a "suitable someone" for Adam, yet many interpret it as "suitable server." This article challenges the traditional interpretation and delves into the deeper meaning of this verse.

The post Did God Make Man A Woman Servant Suitable for Him? (Genesis 2:18) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Are We Separated From God Who Can’t Even Look At Us (Isaiah 59:2)?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 07:27:15 +0000

Many evangelists preach that God is so holy that He cannot even look upon sin, leading to a permanent separation between God and humanity. But is this really true? This article explores the concept of God's holiness and how it relates to His love, mercy, and grace towards sinners.

The post Are We Separated From God Who Can’t Even Look At Us (Isaiah 59:2)? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

The Real Meaning of “Spares the Rod Hates His Son” (Proverbs 13:24)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 14:15:30 +0000

Many Christians believe that "spare the rod, spoil the child" (Proverbs 13:24) means they can, or even should, hit their young children. But what if this verse actually means the opposite of what they think? This article challenges the common interpretation of the verse and offers a different perspective on how to raise children.

The post The Real Meaning of “Spares the Rod Hates His Son” (Proverbs 13:24) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

What “Hell” (Gehenna) Did Jesus Speak of? (Matthew 5:29)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 12:47:35 +0000

Jesus' words in Matthew 5:27-29 have often been interpreted to mean that looking at a woman with lust is a ticket to hell. But what did He really mean? This article explores different interpretations of this controversial passage in the context of biblical teaching on sin and salvation.

The post What “Hell” (Gehenna) Did Jesus Speak of? (Matthew 5:29) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Hebrew Word Study: HOLY (KADOSH)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 07:32:06 +0000

God's holiness is often mentioned in the Bible, and it's a characteristic that we should strive to emulate. However, the true meaning of holiness may not be fully understood. In this regard, a particular Hebrew word can provide a valuable insight into what holiness truly entails.

The post Hebrew Word Study: HOLY (KADOSH) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Did Adam and Eve’s Tunics Really Involve Sacrifice? (Genesis 3:21)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 06:14:46 +0000

Is Genesis 3 truly about God killing an animal as a form of "substitutionary atonement" or does it carry an entirely different meaning? By analyzing biblical context and symbolism, we may uncover the truth.

The post Did Adam and Eve’s Tunics Really Involve Sacrifice? (Genesis 3:21) appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Was the Binding of Isaac (Genesis 22) Really About Substitutionary Atonement?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 13:34:48 +0000

John Piper draws a parallel between Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac and the belief that God sacrificed Jesus for sin. However, this interpretation may not align with the original intent of Genesis 22. It's important to consider how the New Testament authors viewed this story and whether the concept of blood sacrifice for sin is applicable to both situations.

The post Was the Binding of Isaac (Genesis 22) Really About Substitutionary Atonement? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Debunking the Calvinistic “Cup of Wrath” Whereby God Allegedly Abused Jesus

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 12:54:18 +0000

Many Christians believe that Jesus' death was a result of God's wrath towards human sin. But was it truly God who poured out the "cup of wrath" on Jesus? This article explores different theological perspectives on this controversial topic.

The post Debunking the Calvinistic “Cup of Wrath” Whereby God Allegedly Abused Jesus appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.

Isaiah 53: God Crushed Jesus?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 11:45:08 +0000

Isaiah 53 raises questions about God's will to crush Jesus. Was this truly divine intent or a potential misinterpretation? Reexamining the text can shed light on its meaning and promote deeper understanding of this pivotal scripture.

The post Isaiah 53: God Crushed Jesus? appeared first on Dr. Eitan Bar | Bible Scholar.