Sin – 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…

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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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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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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What is God’s Wrath? Hebrew Old Testament perspective

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 13:32:00 +0000

When many Westerners hear the word “wrath,” they picture a storming deity with clenched fists, ready to smite. For centuries, this image has haunted pulpits and darkened the gospel. But the Hebrew Scriptures offer a very different vision—one far more tragic, far more loving, far more relational, and far more…

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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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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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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…

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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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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.

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“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…

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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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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…

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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,…

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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…

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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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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…

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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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‘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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‘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.…

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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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The Doctrine of ‘Hell’ in Modern Christianity

Dr. Eitan Bar — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 09:39:19 +0000

Here is a brief summary of the most prevalent views on hell in contemporary Christianity, detailing the main advocates and the evolution of each perspective: Annihilationism (Conditionalism) Annihilationism asserts that the wicked will ultimately be destroyed or cease to exist rather than suffer eternally. Annihilationism believes that only the saved…

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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…

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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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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…

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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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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…

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The Dark Side of the Purity Movement: How Religious Teachings on Sexuality Can Create “Monsters”

Dr. Eitan Bar — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 10:18:27 +0000

Themes of infidelity, adultery, and betrayal are common in stories, movies, songs, and novels, reflecting their presence in human history, as also depicted in biblical narratives. However, the heinous acts of religious leaders, including pastors, priests, and rabbis, involving the sexual abuse of women and children are utterly demonic. In…

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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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“By Faith Alone”—Really?!

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 05:33:32 +0000

The phrase “by faith alone” is frequently cited within Evangelicalism, but its interpretation varies significantly between its two main theological camps (Arminianism vs. Calvinism). In fact, I would say that “by faith alone” is nothing more than a placebo in most of Western Christian theology. What do I mean? On…

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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 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…

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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…

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C.S. Lewis’s Free Will vs. Calvinism’s Predestination & Total Depravity

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 20 May 2024 08:03:08 +0000

C.S. Lewis, one of the most influential Christian apologists of the 20th century, is renowned for his profound theological insights and literary contributions. Despite his broad influence within Christian thought, Lewis held specific theological positions that set him apart from other traditions, particularly Calvinism. For instance, C.S. Lewis’s theology is…

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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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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…

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“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…

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This Is Why God Created Us Limited and Finite and Allows Evil

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 07:46:25 +0000

“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”. Genesis 1:31 In our quest to comprehend the intricate subtleties of religious texts, we often grapple with abstract concepts that defy easy understanding. One such notion is the distinction between “good” and “perfect,” especially when considered within the realm…

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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…

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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…

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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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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:…

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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…

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Acts 13:48 Beyond Calvinism’s Predestination

Dr. Eitan Bar — Sat, 20 Jan 2024 09:03:45 +0000

And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. Acts 13:48 Acts 13:48 has long been a cornerstone for the Calvinistic doctrine of Unconditional Election. This short article endeavors to present a quick…

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The Hebrew Meaning of “Salvation”

Dr. Eitan Bar — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 08:52:08 +0000

You have likely noticed that in fundamentalist Christian traditions, being “saved” is understood as avoiding a place where God sends people to be tortured in eternal flames, burning them ceaselessly, a concept commonly referred to in these traditions as “hellfire.” However, Judaism, the root of Christianity, interprets ‘salvation’ quite differently.…

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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…

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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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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…

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Do Poor People Tend to Sin More?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 06:31:11 +0000

The concept of “sin” is deeply rooted in religious, cultural, and philosophical traditions, and its interpretation can vary widely among different belief systems. Generally, sin refers to acts that are considered morally wrong or in violation of divine law. The motivation to sin can be complex and multifaceted. Here are…

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Jesus’ Love for Prostitutes

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 13:31:27 +0000

“But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!” Luke 15:30 The older son continues to express his frustration, hurt, and perhaps even jealousy over the celebratory response his father has towards the return of the prodigal…

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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."

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Did We Forget What the Gospel is All About?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 13:59:00 +0000

Say a doctor loathes and detests their patients due to their illnesses. Can such doctor genuinely treat their patients?Even psychologists who have seen it all can sometimes be taken aback by what their patients reveal. But here’s the thing: unless patients feel that their psychologist accepts even their worst, ugliest…

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Sin, Sacrifice and Forgiveness: Judaism vs. Evangelicalism

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 11:25:49 +0000

Forgiveness of sins and sacrifices are core to both religions. In Judaism, forgiveness never depended on the act of killing an animal. The God of the living does not take pleasure in death (Ezekiel 33:11) because death is the very opposite of what God is: life. Instead, the sacrifices symbolized generosity, dedication, celebration, peace, forgiveness, etc.

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Faith Vs. Works: Salvation According to the Hebrew Scriptures

Dr. Eitan Bar — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 16:57:25 +0000

Contrasting modern interpretations of salvation, which often intertwine works and faith, the Hebrew Scriptures emphasize salvation as solely dependent on faith. This distinction underscores a more genuine reliance on one's faith, rather than works, as the path to salvation.

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The 4 Spiritual (F)laws: A Critique and Why It Never Worked on Jews

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 11 May 2023 12:26:44 +0000

The Jewish people could never relate to the idea that mankind is entirely separated from God's love, as promoted by preachers like Paul Washer and in pamphlets like the "4 Spiritual Laws," because it contradicts the Hebrew Scriptures.

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Creative Survival: How Trauma Made the Jews Resilient

Dr. Eitan Bar — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 06:08:59 +0000

Through enduring traumatic experiences and historical persecution, the Jewish community has cultivated creativity and resilience as a means of survival. These hardships have honed their adaptability, problem-solving skills, and resourcefulness, allowing them to overcome adversity and flourish. The Jewish people's ability to transform trauma into creative strength serves as an inspiring testament to the human spirit.

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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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SIN: You can’t live with it; you can’t live without it

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 13:31:36 +0000

It's paradoxical but it's a logical conclusion: Sin is necessary for spiritual growth and maturity in the Christian faith.

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Did Sexual Immorality Become the Greatest Sin in Christianity?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 12:32:56 +0000

This article examines why sexual immorality often elicits stronger reactions from Christians compared to other sins. Through an exploration of Christian theology and cultural attitudes towards sex, this article seeks to provide insight into the roots of this phenomenon.

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SIN: What Is It? Why Do We Do It?

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 12:15:46 +0000

This article explores the nature of sin and its role in shaping human experience and understanding. While sin is often viewed as a negative or destructive force, it can also lead to important lessons about forgiveness, grace, and the purpose of life.

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The Church’s Sin of Hyper-Individualism: Examining the Consequences of a Me-Centered Faith

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 12:02:32 +0000

This article delves into the sin of hyper-individualism within the Church. Through an analysis of cultural trends and Christian theology, this article examines the impact of a me-centered faith and the consequences of prioritizing personal needs over communal well-being.

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Augustine’s Concept of Original Sin and Its Connection to Infant Baptism

Dr. Eitan Bar — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 10:13:50 +0000

Not many Christians know that Augustine developed the concept of original sin as a way to justify infant baptism and assert the need for salvation through the Church. If not Augustine's Original Sin, how else can we view Romans 5:12?

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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