God – 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,…

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Is Allah the Same as the God of the Bible?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 12:00:12 +0000

When you look at the fruit of a tree, you can tell what kind of tree it is. That was Jesus’ simple but profound test for truth: “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). If we apply this same test to Islam, the results are sobering. The fruit…

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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…

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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.…

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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…

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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…

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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.…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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.

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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)…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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The Demonic Aspect of Calvinistic Theology

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 15:00:19 +0000

Calvinism, with its doctrine of predestination and limited atonement, presents a version of God that is not only unjust but also fundamentally unloving. It warps the character of God, distorts the gospel, and creates a cold, exclusionary religious system that destroys both faith and human compassion. 1. Calvinism Teaches That…

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The Theological Reason Why Many Fundamentalists Suffer from Anxiety

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 12:37:18 +0000

Having spent over 20 years in a fundamentalist Messianic movement in Israel, one troubling observation was clear: a significant number of adherents struggle with anxiety and OCD, often resorting to antidepressants to cope. I was unaware at the time that Fundamentalism is scientifically linked to anxiety. The root of this…

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Why the Doctrine of Hellfire (ECT) May Contribute to Religious OCD

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 11:25:54 +0000

The doctrine of Eternal Conscious Torment (ECT) in Hellfire has long been a cornerstone of many fundamentalist Catholic and Protestant traditions. It posits that those who fail to meet specific religious or moral standards will face perpetual, conscious torment in hell. While this doctrine has been used as a motivator…

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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…

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What If Christians Deconstruct Fundamentalism, Not Jesus?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 20:01:39 +0000

In recent years, a significant wave of Christians has begun to “deconstruct” their faith. While some observers dismiss this trend as abandoning faith or pursuing worldly pleasures, a closer look reveals a more nuanced reality. Most individuals undergoing this process are not rejecting Christianity itself but are instead deconstructing Fundamentalism.…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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“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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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‘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,”…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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‘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…

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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…

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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…

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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.

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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“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…

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“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…

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“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…

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“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.…

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“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…

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“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…

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“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…

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“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…

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“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]

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“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…

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“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…

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Love as Evidence of God’s Existence

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 14:16:06 +0000

Does the universal regard for sacrificial love as the highest moral value suggest the existence of God? Love, a concept often portrayed through various art forms, including literature, songs, and films, presents a compelling argument for the existence of the God of Christianity. I believe the universality of sacrificial love…

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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.

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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…

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Can God Exist if Evil Exists? Debunking the Epicurean Paradox

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 26 May 2024 08:24:29 +0000

The Epicurean Paradox is perhaps the most popular philosophical argument used by atheists to question the existence of an omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), and omnibenevolent (all-loving) God in the presence of evil. The paradox is often attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus and is usually formulated as follows: This…

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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.…

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Justice: Why Love Can’t Survive Without It

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

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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“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…

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Why Are The Merciful Blessed? (Matthew 5:7)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 13:53:32 +0000

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7) Some Christians like to emphasize God’s justice as often as possible, but they often fail to remember that with God’s judgment comes mercy. This concise yet deeply meaningful statement about mercy from Rabbi Yeshua serves as a cornerstone of…

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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…

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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…

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“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…

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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…

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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…

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There’s Something Wrong if Your Theology Never Changes

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 14:42:12 +0000

The Bible is the foundation and Truth we extract and develop theological concepts from. Theology can be approached from two distinct perspectives. One viewpoint is rooted in the idea that all essential theological understanding has already been revealed. Proponents of this perspective value the wisdom and insights of early Church…

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Judaism’s Greatest Objection to Christanity

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 08:01:51 +0000

My 2019 book, “Refuting Rabbinic Objections to Christianity,” addressed Judaism’s most common objections to Christianity. Therefore, I will only briefly address Judaism’s two most significant objections to Christ in this book. The first objection concerns the triune God and the divinity of Christ, while the second is the claim that…

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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.

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Why I Love Theology And Why You Should As Well

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 16 May 2023 13:20:56 +0000

One can study theology – that is, about God and of God – just as a science enthusiast learns about nature or the stars – in a way that leaves him awestruck. Theology can be pursued just like a lover ardently investigates and learns everything possible about their beloved partner.

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When Did Judaism Stop Believing in a Divine Messiah?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 02 May 2023 11:57:01 +0000

The doctrine of the divinity of Christ and the concept of the Trinity are perhaps the most challenging Christian beliefs for Jews to accept. While Christianity posits that Jesus is the divine Son of God and a part of the Holy Trinity - consisting of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - Judaism firmly upholds the belief in a singular, indivisible God. This fundamental difference creates a theological divide between the two faiths, as the notion of God taking human form and the idea of a triune deity directly contradict the principle of monotheism held by modern Judaism.

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God’s Wrath and Judgment: What Is It All About?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 05:09:09 +0000

God is not soft on sin, but His judgment intertwines with mercy, aiming to rebuild and elevate the individual. This approach highlights the perfect balance between justice and compassion, ultimately seeking the spiritual growth and redemption of those who have faltered.

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Did God Commit A Cosmic Suicide? (“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46)

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 13:44:53 +0000

In this article I critique David Platt's interpretation of Matthew 27:46, which posits that God the Father killed God the Son, expelling Him from the Trinity. This article explores alternative perspectives on this verse, dissecting its theological implications and offering fresh insights into the nature of Jesus' crucifixion and the dynamics within the Godhead.

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Does the Bible Really Say God Chooses Who to Save?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 13:16:55 +0000

Let's examine whether the notion of God selecting individuals for salvation originates from biblical teachings or is simply a Calvinistic concept. By analyzing relevant scripture passages, we aim to shed light on this contentious theological debate.

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Free Will of Men and God’s Sovereignty: A Paradox for Calvinist John Piper

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 12:19:33 +0000

Fate has permeated Christianity, particularly Calvinistic theology, under the guise of "unconditional election." This predestination concept asserts that God predetermines individuals' eternal fates before birth, leaving no true choice in one's hands. In Calvinism, people become mere puppets, devoid of authentic decision-making power.

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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.

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The Parable of the Prodigal Sinner and His Forgiving God

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 17:08:00 +0000

The parable of the prodigal son" offers a powerful message about God's love for sinners. This article explores the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and grace found in this story and how it can inspire us to extend love and compassion to those who have strayed from the path of righteousness.

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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.

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10 Harmful Doctrines and Ideas Fundamentalist Christianity Must Outgrow

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 05:38:10 +0000

Does God really hate our imperfections and therefore abused and killed Jesus with His wrath? Delving deeper into these questions can help us uncover the true essence of divine love, which may reveal a more compassionate and understanding relationship with the Creator.

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