When studying the atonement, you’re likely to run across two technical words: expiation and propitiation. These terms tend to appear in a text without explanation. But since they are not in the Bible and they don’t often come up in daily conversation, it can be difficult to remember what they mean.

When God reveals Himself to Moses at the burning bush), He identifies Himself as “Yahweh” or “Jehovah”, which is often translated “I am who I Am.” What does that name mean?

Some see faith as a settled issue, something we no longer have to think about once we pray the sinners prayer. Others see faith as a journey with trials and troubles along the way. The goal is to grow and persevere. Which approach we take influences how we interpret the Bible. (I take the second approach.)

In biblical terms, the word “fear” does not usually focus on feelings of terror or fright.  “Fear” is a motivating emotion.  We use “fear” to determine what we will do in any given situation.

As a new believer, I was confused about sanctification. My rather simple understanding was sanctification means your “sin-meter” is going down.