Bible Questions with Andrew Farley

Some have interpreted Leviticus 19:28 to mean that Christians cannot get tattoos. This was just one of many prohibitions in the Law (including the avoidance of pork, shellfish, and clothing spun of more than one linen). However, Christians are dead to the Law (Romans 7:4), not under the Law (Romans 6:14), and Christ is the end of the Law for all those who believe (Romans 10:4). Therefore, believers are free to have tattoos.

The prosperity gospel teaches that Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection brought every believer the ability to activate earthly blessings such as monetary riches and good health. Scripture, however, teaches that Christ achieved spiritual blessings for us such as forgiveness, righteousness, and a new heart (Ephesians 1; Hebrews 10:16-17). These are the true gifts of God which belong to every believer regardless of what planet Earth might throw our way.

Is it biblical? Lordship Salvation teaches that individuals are saved when they surrender and submit fully to Christ’s Lordship. This is contrasted with so-called “easy believism” or the concept that salvation is offered freely and needs only to be received (Romans 6:23). Jesus did tell us what He offers is “easy” and “light” and brings “rest” (Matthew 11:28-30). In addition, He told us that whoever believes in Him (even those who believe on His name) has eternal life (John 3:16; John 1:12). Salvation is indeed a gift of God so that no one can brag they surrendered or sacrificed enough to earn it (Ephesians 2:8-9). In short, Lordship Salvation is a crippling doctrine that causes morbid introspection and hinders assurance of salvation.

Is Catholicism the purest form of Christianity? While one can be an earnest believer in Jesus and be part of the Roman Catholic Church, it is erroneous to state that it is the one true expression of the Christian faith. It is also highly problematic to affirm that God saves through the Roman Catholic religious system.

The Bible is inerrant in the original manuscripts. Still, something is always lost as the original languages are translated into new target languages. This is unavoidable. Despite minor variations in expressing things among translations and Bible versions, the most important thing is that the Gospel message itself remains crystal clear.