Q. How can sinful man ever be forgiven of his sins by a holy God?
A. “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). The sinner does not go to heaven because he is made righteous or even because he changes his ways. Rather, it is because he is justified, which means to be “declared righteous.” Imputed righteousness is a gift from God. When we think of it, it is really too good to be true.

Q. What prophetic verse in the Bible most impresses you?
A. It is the statement of Peter when he said, “Seeing then that all these things shall be disolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conduct and godliness” (2 Peter 3:11). Our knowledge of the Word of God and of things to come should produce godly living, along with a clear and earnest testimony for Christ. There is a beautiful result in our lives when we truly believe that Christ could come again at any moment. The Scripture says, “And every man that has this hope in Him purifies himself, even as He is pure” (1 John 3:3). Those who would live a godly life are greatly aided by confidence in the return of Christ. Their confidence is not misplaced, for Christ could come again at any moment.

Q. There’s a great deal of discouragement, and even fear, in the world, even among Christians. Any advice?
A. Yes, indeed! “Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6,7). Much trepidation of the soul can be avoided by simply following those instructions.

Q. I sometimes get so tired of the world and even the repetitious Christian practices. What advice would you give me about retaining Christian enthusiasm?
A. You have pointed up a common condition in the Church of our time. So the Bible says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye s teadfas t , unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58). That very chapter tells us to keep on keeping on because of the Gospel, because of the continuing grace of Christ, because of the resurrection of Christ, because of the glory of our own resurrection, because of the Rapture of the Church (v. 51). It is easy to retain enthusiasm when we think of the glory that is soon to be revealed in us.