I just read "The 100 Most asked questions about God and the Bible” by Shea Michael Houdmann which was published back in 2024. He answers each question in a few pages, but I am going to take it a step further and shorten his answers to a few sentences. Just remember, a short answer is not always a complete answer. But hopefully this will inspire you to read more about what Shea writes in this book. So let’s get into these 100 questions.
1. Is Jesus God? Did Jesus ever claim to be God?
Yes, Jesus is God and He claimed to be God in several implied ways.
2. What does the Bible teach about the Trinity?
The word Trinity is never used in the Bible, but the teaching is that one God exists in three Persons.
3. What are the different names of God, and what do they mean?
EL, ELOAH: "mighty, strong, prominent"
ELOHIM: “Creator, Mighty and Strong”
EL SHADDAI: “God Almighty,”
ADONAI: “Lord” or "Master"
YAHWEH / JEHOVAH: “Lord”
YAHWEH-JIREH: "The Lord Will Provide"
YAHWEH-RAPHA: "The Lord Who Heals"
YAHWEH-NISSI: "The Lord Our Banner"
YAHWEH-M'KADDESH: "The Lord Who Sanctifies, Makes Holy"
YAHWEH-SHALOM: "The Lord Our Peace"
YAHWEH-ELOHIM: "LORD God"
YAHWEH-TSIDKENU: "The Lord Our Righteousness”
YAHWEH-ROHI: "The Lord Our Shepherd"
YAHWEH-SHAMMAH: "The Lord Is There”
YAHWEH-SABAOTH: "The Lord of Hosts"
EL ELYON: “Most High"
EL ROI: "God of Seeing"
EL-OLAM: "Everlasting God"
EL-GIBHOR: “Mighty God”
4. What does it mean that Jesus is God’s only begotten son?
It means being the only one of its class or unique in kind.
5. If His name was Yeshua, why do we call Him Jesus?
Because that is the English spelling of his Hebrew name from the Greek New Testament.
6. What are the seven spirits of God?
It is the Holy Spirit described in seven ways…
- The Spirit of the LORD
- The Spirit of wisdom
- The Spirit of understanding
- The Spirit of counsel
- The Spirit of power
- The Spirit of knowledge
- The Spirit of the fear of the Lord.
7. Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third person of God. He is immaterial, holy, and set apart without sin. He possesses the characteristics of God being omnipresent and active today. The Holy Spirit is also personal where people can know and fellowship with him.
8. When/How do we receive the Holy Spirit?
The moment you receive Jesus as your saviour.
9. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives today?
He works in the hearts of all people everywhere. He helps, comforts, and guides us. He enables us to understand and interpret God’s Word. He gives powerful gifts such as Wisdom and Knowledge. The Holy Spirit also transforms your life in which out from you flows love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
10. What is the glory of God?
The glory of God is the beauty of His spirit. Not aesthetic or material beauty, but what flows from His character which is perfect and eternal.
11. What is salvation? What is the Christian doctrine of salvation?
Salvation is the gracious undeserved gift of God through faith in Jesus. That gift is being saved and protected from an eternal punishment for our sins. A Christian doctrine would be “the deliverance, by the grace of God, from eternal punishment for sin that is granted to those who accept by faith God’s conditions of repentance and faith in Jesus.”
12. What is repentance, and is it necessary for salvation?
Repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of action. It is regretting your sins and turning away from them. It is necessary for salvation.
13. What does it mean to be a born-again Christian?
Being born once is a physical birth that makes us children of Adam. Being born again is a spiritual one that makes us children of God.
14. Can a Christian lose salvation?
No. The gift of salvation from God is not removable. However the gift does need to be received by the Christian. A Christian cannot lose a gift that was never received.
15. Do you know for sure that you will have eternal life in Heaven with God?
God wants you to be sure! John tells us that we can know for sure by believing in Jesus.
16. What is the Romans Road to Salvation?
It is a way of explaining the good news of salvation using verses from the book of Romans.
17. Where do I find the age of accountability in the Bible?
The Bible does not directly address an age of accountability.
18. What does the Bible say about women pastors?
Pastors is a term never mentioned in the Bible, but God has ordained that only men are to serve in positions of spiritual teaching authority in the church. It does not restrict women from teaching children. The only activity women are restricted from is teaching or having spiritual authority over men.
19. What is the difference between praise and worship?
Praise is the joyful recounting of all God has done for us. Worship is a lifestyle of losing self in the adoration of God. Praise is easy; worship is not.
20. Is the Sabbath Saturday or Sunday? Do Christians have to observe the Sabbath day?
It is Saturday. Christians don’t have to observe it, but they are missing out on the blessing of rest and being able to worship God.
21. What does the Bible say about Christian tithing? Should a Christian tithe?
Tithing is not obligatory or mandatory, but the New Testament emphasizes the importance and benefits of freewill giving. Christians should pray and seek God’s wisdom. Whatever is given, should be done with a cheerful heart and pure motives. God blesses the giver.
22. What is the importance of Christian baptism?
The importance of Christian baptism is that it is a public profession of faith and discipleship. It illustrates a believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
23. Does the Bible record the death of the apostles? How did each of the apostles die?
Only James was recorded as being put to death with the sword which was likely a reference to being beheaded. Every other death is not certain, and are based on church or popular traditions. Peter was crucified upside-down. Matthew died by a sword wound. Jude died by an axe. James, the son of Alphaeus was stoned and clubbed to death. Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael, was flayed to death by a whip. Andrew was crucified. Thomas was stabbed with a spear. Philip was stoned and beheaded. Simon the Zealot was crucified. Mattias was stoned and beheaded. Paul was tortured and beheaded. Judas Iscariot committed suicide by hanging himself. John was the only one to die peacefully.
24. What does it mean that humanity is made in the image of God (imago dei)?
It is to resemble God in an immaterial sense such as a rational intellect, a moral compass, and the ability to sacrificially love. Humanity is unique in that it is the only creation God made that has both a material body and an immaterial soul/spirit.
25. Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?
Nobody is good in the absolute sense. God loves us enough to give people the free choice to do bad things. God allows it because he is a loving and just God that uses bad things for an ultimate lasting good.
26. What does it mean to have the fear of God?
For the unbeliever, the fear is God’s judgment and eternal separation from him. For the believer, the fear is a reverence for God.
27. How, why, and when did Satan fall from Heaven?
Satan fell because He sinned against God by wanting to exalt himself above Him and take over the rule of the universe. It is unclear when He fell, but it was sometime after the angels were created and before he tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden. He was forcefully cast out by God.
28. What is the difference between Sheol, Hades, Hell, the lake of fire, paradise, and Abraham’s bosom?
Sheol and Hades are used interchangeably. Sheol is the Hebrew Old Testament term that is the realm of the dead. Hades is the Greek New Testament equivalent of Sheol. Abraham's bosom is a part of Sheol/Hades where the righteous enter the presence of God. Hell is a place of final punishment. The Lake of Fire is the final eternal destination within Hell that is an eternal punishment. Paradise is a synonym for Heaven.
29. Did Jesus go to Hell between His death and resurrection?
No.
30. What happens after death?
You go to either a temporary place of comfort (Heaven) or torment (Hell) until you finally reach your eternal destination.
31. What is the difference between the soul and the spirit of humanity?
The spirit is the element in humanity that gives us the ability to have an intimate relationship with God. The soul is the essence of humanity’s being; it is who we are. The soul, as the life of the body, is removed at the time of physical death.
32. Do pets go to Heaven?
The Bible does not specifically say.
33. What is the gift of speaking in tongues?
It is the ability to communicate with others who spoke another language so the church could more easily navigate through cultural boundaries.
34. What is the anointing? What does it mean to be anointed?
Ceremonial anointing in the Old Testament was a physical act involving the smearing, rubbing, or pouring of sacred oil on someone’s head as an outward symbol that God had chosen and set apart the person for a specific holy purpose. Today, all believers are anointed by the Holy Spirit.
35. What is the difference between Mercy and Grace?
Mercy is not getting the punishment you deserve. Grace is getting the blessing you don't deserve.
36. Calvinism vs. Arminianism–which view is correct?
Neither as only God knows.
37. What is the meaning of BC and AD?
BC is Before Christ. AD is "Anno Domini" which is Latin for "Year of our Lord"
38. What is the meaning of BC and AD?
More Wars, Famines, Plagues, natural disasters, False teaching, hostility towards Israel, and advances to a one-world government.
39. What do the seven churches in Revelation stand for?
It stands for different types of individuals. One forsakes its first love, one suffers persecution, one needs to repent, one had a false prophetess, one fell asleep, one endured patiently, and one had lukewarm faith.
40. Who are the four horsemen of the Apocalypse?
The first is likely the Antichrist. The second refers to terrible warfare that will break out. The third portrays a great famine that will take place. The fourth is symbolic of Death and Devastation which brings more warfare and famine, along with plagues, diseases, and attacks by wild animals. The result is that a fourth or 25% of the world's population will die.
41. What is the tribulation? How do we know the tribulation will last seven years?
It's a seven year period where God disciplines Israel and finishes his judgement of the unbelieving world. We don't know if it will last exactly seven years, but Revelation mentions multiple times of two different three and a half year time periods which line up with what Daniel and Jesus speak about.
42. Does the Bible prophesy a one-world government and a one-world currency in the end times?
The Bible does not specifically use the words "one-world government" or "one-world currency", but it does mention a powerful ruler with great authority that receives worship from all the world. Technology right now has the ability to establish a one-world currency.
43. Will we be able to see and know our friends and family members in Heaven? Will we know each other in Heaven?
Very likely we will.
44. What happened on each of the days creation?
Day 1: Heavens and Earth created.
Day 2: Sky and atmosphere are created.
Day 3: Land, Seas, and Plant life are created.
Day 4: Sun, Moon, and Stars are created.
Day 5: All life that lives in water, and all birds are created.
Day 6: all creatures on dry land are created including man.
Day 7: God rests.
45. What does the Bible say about dinosaurs? Are there dinosaurs in the Bible?
Possibly. Dinosaurs are not specifically mentioned. Job 40-41 is the closest reference.
46. Who was Cain’s wife? Was Cain’s wife his sister?
Not specified, but very likely His sister or possibly his niece.
47. Why did God allow polygamy/bigamy in the Bible?
Allowance is not the same as approval. Patriarchal societies were not ideal for women, but it created provision and protection for them rather than the alternative to prostitution and slavery. Monogamy is the closest to God's ideal for marriage.
48. Who/what were the Nephilim?
The Bible does not go into detail. Non-biblical writings claim they were a unique race of giants and superheroes who committed acts of great evil.
49. What is the Book of Enoch, and should it be in the Bible?
It is apocalyptic literature with imagery of the final judgement of evil while giving backstory to Genesis 6. It should not be in the Bible as most of it is false and historically inaccurate.
50. What was the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah?
Homosexuality, pride, apathy, complacency, idleness, and unconcern for the underprivileged.
51. What is the meaning of Jacob wrestling with God?
Understanding that doing life with God is truly more important than worldly possessions and accomplishments.
52. Why was Moses not allowed to enter the Promised Land?
Because he disobeyed a direct command from God.
53. Why did God allow Solomon to have one thousand wives and concubines?
Allowance is not the same as approval. God allowed him to make those choices, and Solomon paid a price of having his kingdom torn away from him and learned all of his life's pleasures were meaningless.
54. Why did God take Enoch and Elijah to Heaven without them dying?
The Bible does not specifically explain. It suggests it was by their faith and being commended as people who pleased God.
55. What does it mean to “spare the rod, spoil the child”?
If a parent refuses to discipline an unruly child, that child will develop a sense of entitlement. Proper discipline builds character.
56. What is Zion? What is Mount Zion? What is the biblical meaning of Zion?
Zion means "fortification", being "raised up" as a "monument". Mount Zion is an area that Jesus will have sole possession of. The biblical meaning refers to the people of God and God's spiritual kingdom.
57. Old Testament vs. New Testament – what are the differences?
The least compelling difference is that one is old, and the other is new. But some of the more compelling differences are that the Old Testament is foundational while the New Testament builds on that foundation. The Old Testament has many prophecies which are fulfilled in the New Testament. The Old Testament is the history of a people, while the New Testament focuses on one person.
58. What is the new covenant?
The New Covenant is the promise that God will forgive sin and restore fellowship with those whose hearts are turned toward Him. We are given the opportunity to receive salvation as a free gift
59. What were the twelve disciples/apostles of Jesus Christ?
The original 12 were Simon (who is called Peter), Andrew, James son of Zebedee, John; Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Jude (who is also called Thaddeus); Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot.
60. What are the differences between the Sadducees and the Pharisees?
The Sadducees were more elitist than the Pharisees. Sadducees tended to be rich and hold more powerful positions. Their power was in the temple in Jerusalem and were more accommodating to the Roman laws. The Pharisees were more representative of the common working people and had the respect of the masses. They controlled the synagogues, but they were self-righteous in their belief they were pleasing God by keeping the law.
61. What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God?
Seek the salvation that is inherent in the kingdom of God because it is of greater value than all the world’s riches. In other words, will the energy, time, and money you spend, be on things that will eventually perish or things that will live on for eternity?
62. What is the meaning of the parable of the prodigal son?
The father represents God, the younger son represents lost sinners, and the older son represents Pharisees. The meaning is that even if you as a lost sinner selfishly squander your resources, God is ready to forgive and save you by His grace, through faith.
63. What did Jesus mean when He said, “Take up [your] cross and follow me” in Matthew 16:24?
Jesus never meant to take up a physical literal cross. Jesus meant that in order to follow him, it is a daily commitment of self-sacrifice. It is a full surrender of your goals, dreams, or even your life if need be for God’s glory and the cause of Christ
64. What was the significance of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples?
For Jesus, it was the display of His humility and servanthood in forgiving sinners. For the disciples, it displayed a mindset in direct contrast to their heart attitude at that time. For us, washing feet is symbolic of our role in the body of Christ.
65. What was the significance of the temple veil being torn in two when Jesus died?
The veil in the temple was a constant reminder that sin renders humanity unfit for the presence of God. Jesus’ death removed the barriers between God and man, and now we may approach Him with confidence and boldness..
66.Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ important?
It proves who Jesus claimed to be, which is God in human form. It demonstrates that God accepted Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. It shows that God has the power to raise us from the dead. It guarantees that the bodies of those who believe in Jesus will not remain dead but will be resurrected unto eternal life.
67.What is the full armor of God?
The full armour is six pieces: The helmet of salvation, the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit, and shoes that are the gospel of peace.
68.What is the difference between Christianity and Judaism?
The main difference is on who Jesus is. Christianity teaches that Jesus is God. Judaism teaches that Jesus is a good teacher, and a prophet of God.
69.What is the difference between Catholics and Protestants?
The main differences are how they view the authority of Scripture, the authority of the Pope, how one is saved and justified before God, and what happens after one dies. Catholics believe the Bible alone is not sufficient for God’s revelation, the Pope represents Jesus and is infallible. They believe one is saved and justified before God by faith and works of merit.
Protestants believe the Bible is the source of God’s special revelation, the Pope does not represent Jesus as the head of the church and is fallible. They believe that one is saved and justified before God by faith in Jesus alone, and will eventually go straight to Heaven when they die.
70.What is Islam, and what do Muslims believe?
Islam is a religious system that began in the seventh century by Muhammad. Muslims follow the teachings of the Qur’an, their holy book which they believe is the final authority and the last revelation of Allah or God. Muslims believe in striving to keep the Five Pillars, the basic tenets of their religion, as it hinges on their entrance to paradise.
71.Why do Jews and Arabs/Muslims hate each other?
It is not fair to generalize that all Jews and Arabs or Muslims hate each other, but there is a lot of distrust and hostility. Some of it stems from the Qur’an teaching conflicting messages on how Muslims are to treat Jews. It instructs Muslims to treat Jews as brothers and at another point commands Muslims to attack Jews who refuse to convert to Islam. The Qur’an and Hebrew scriptures also conflict as to which son of Abraham was truly the son of promise. The Qur’an says it is Ishmael while the Hebrew scriptures say it is Isaac. And of course there is the ongoing conflict over a portion of Israel land that was given to the Jewish people by the United Nations in 1948, but was primarily inhabited by Arabs. There has been immense tension and hostility over this portion of land.
72.What is Mormonism? What do Mormons believe?
Mormonism was founded in the year 1830 by a man named Joseph Smith who claimed to have received a personal visit from God the Father and Jesus Christ who told him that all churches and their creeds were an abomination. Joseph Smith then set out to "restore true Christianity" and claimed his church to be the “only true church on earth”. Mormons believe that God has not always been the Supreme Being of the universe, that Jesus is a god, but that any human can also become a god. They believe that there are different levels or kingdoms in the afterlife and that salvation can be earned by a combination of faith and good works.
73.Who are the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and what are their beliefs?
Jehovah’s Witnesses started out in Pennsylvania in 1870 as a Bible class led by Charles Taze Russell. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe Jesus is Michael the archangel, the highest created being. They believe salvation is obtained by a combination of faith, good works, and obedience. They reject the Trinity, believing Jesus to be a created being and the Holy Spirit to essentially be the inanimate power of God.
74.What is Free Masonry, and what do Free Masons believe?
Freemasonry teaches the existence of a “Supreme Being,” whoever that may be: the god of Islam, Hinduism, or any other religion will do. There is no exclusivity in God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. Instead, Salvation is obtained by good works in the pursuit of personal self-improvement.
Human beings possess the ability of moving from imperfection toward total perfection.
75.What is the Illuminati conspiracy?
The Illuminati conspiracy is a belief that there is a society of "global elite" that is either in control of the world or is seeking to take control of the world.
76.What is cultural relativism?
It is the belief that “right” and “wrong” are relative to each specific culture. Every culture has its own set of moral values which nobody else has the right to judge since there is no universal standard.
77.What is the definition of sin?
It is a transgression of God’s law and a rebellion against God where the only justified penalty is death.
78.Will God continue to forgive you if you commit the same sin over and over again?
Yes, if you confess and repent. But grace should never be abused. Anyone that loves and follows Jesus will not want to pursue the habit of committing the same sin. Grace is not a license to repeat the same sin continually.
79.What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol/wine? Is it a sin for a Christian to drink alcohol/wine?
The Bible does not forbid Christians from drinking alcohol/wine. Alcohol is not a sin, but God commands Christians to not get drunk or be addicted to it.
80.What does the Bible say about tattoos?
The Old Testament prohibited it under the law of Moses, but since Christians are no longer under that law, getting a tattoo is not a sin. It is permissible. But permitting something is not the same as supporting it.
81.Is gambling a sin? What does the Bible say about gambling?
The Bible does not specifically condemn it. But it does warn against the love of money. The root of all evil is the love of money. How we spend money can be a reflection of how genuine one is of seeking God’s kingdom. You cannot serve God and money.
82.What is the Christian view of suicide? What does the Bible say about suicide?
The Christian view is that suicide is a sin against God and others. However, suicide does not determine a person’s eternal destiny. A person’s destiny rests on God’s grace. The Bible does not speak directly on suicide, but does speak a lot indirectly about it. All life belongs to God and is to be used to honour Him. God is the ultimate source of comfort that we should never have to commit suicide.
83.What does the Bible say about abortion?
The Bible does not specifically address the topic of abortion, but it speaks clearly on what God’s view is. God knew every life before it was even formed in the womb which means a baby in the womb has just as much value as a human outside of the womb. This means abortion is the murder of a human being made in the image of God. And obviously murder is a sin.
84.What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?
It is attributing some evil to God or denying Him some good that we should attribute to Him. It is the state of continued unbelief where it resists the Holy Spirit’s conviction and willfully remains unrepentant.
85.What does the Bible say about breaking generational curses?
When a nation like Israel turns away from idols to serve God, He will save them from a generational curse. The cure for a generational curse has always been repentance.
86.What is sanctification? What is the definition of Christian sanctification?
It is the process of setting someone apart as Holy. Christian sanctification is a state of separation unto God; all believers enter into this state when they are born of God and apply God’s word in their life.
87.What does the Bible mean when it says “Do not judge”?
It means to not judge others unfairly or unrighteously. It is wrong to judge superficially, hypocritically, unforgivingly, or even self-righteously. It also means not to slander others. Jesus commends “right judgment”. Right judgement is to speak truth in love and gently confront others who have done wrong.
88.What is sexual immorality?
Sexual immorality involves any type of sexual expression outside the boundaries of a biblically defined marriage relationship
89.What constitutes marriage according to the Bible?
The Bible nowhere explicitly states at what point God considers a man and a woman to be married. The three most common views of marriage being official is legally by government law, the completion of formal wedding vows, and consummation through sexual intercourse.
90.What does the Bible say about homosexuality?
It falls under sexual immorality which is a sin. However, the Bible does not describe homosexuality as a “greater” sin than any other. All sin is offensive to God.
91.What does the Bible say about gay marriage/same sex marriage?
The Bible says nothing about gay marriage directly, but Every reference to marriage in the Bible indicates a union of male and female. The pattern from the very beginning of creation has been God’s design of a union of a man and a woman. Same-sex marriage breaks that model.
92.What is a Christian couple allowed to do in sex?
The Bible never says what a husband and wife are allowed or not allowed to do sexually, but it does give some principles to follow. It is to be God-honouring and exclusive. It should not be deprived. It should also unite a husband and wife not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.
93.What does the Bible say about interracial marriage?
The Bible does not speak against interracial marriage. There is no biblical command against it.
94.What does the Bible say about divorce and remarriage?
The Bible is against divorce. God hates it. If a divorce does occur, there is to be no remarriage except under three possible exceptions. The first is if a believer is abandoned by an unbelieving spouse. The second is if a spouse commits sexual immorality. The third exception is if a spouse has died.
95.What is the difference between dating and courting?
Dating is casual and modern, while courtship is more serious and traditional. Dating is little more than friendship and is maintained that way with limited physical contact and boundaries until both people are ready to commit to each other as potential marriage partners. Courtship is similar to dating except having no physical contact at all until marriage. The Bible does not mandate either of these methods.
96.What does the Bible say about sex before marriage?
Sex before marriage is not addressed in that exact term, but it does teach that it is immoral. And since it falls under sexual immorality, it is considered a sin. Premarital sex should be avoided as it goes outside of God’s design of it being meant within the confines of marriage.
97.What does the Bible say about oral sex?
The Bible does not specifically mention oral sex. It does not allow or disallow oral sex within the confines of marriage. But once again, any type of sex outside of marriage is considered as sexual immorality which is a sin.
98.Masturbation – is it a sin according to the Bible?
The Bible does not mention masturbation. While there is no direct answer or moral stance on it, the actions often associated with masturbation are sinful such as entertaining lustful thoughts, seeking inappropriate means of sexual arousal, and viewing pornography. Even if none of these sinful actions are committed, it is doubtful that masturbation can be a God-honoring activity.
99.What does the Bible say about pornography?
Pornography is not addressed in that exact term, but it is sexual impurity since it falls under lust of the flesh and lust of the eyes. Therefore, viewing pornography is a sexual sin.
100.What is agape love?
The essence of agape love is goodwill, benevolence, and willful delight in the object of love. Agape love involves faithfulness, commitment, and an act of the will. Agape love is ‘of’ and ‘from’ God, whose very nature is love. As modeled by Jesus, it is not based on a feeling; rather, it is a determined act of the will, a joyful resolve to put the welfare of others above our own.
So there you have it. 100 short concise answers. If you want more context to Shea’s answers with supportive scriptures, you can read his book or check out his website at gotquestions.org.
But as always, keep exploring, because the truth of our lives, how we live, its purpose, its meaning, and its ultimate destiny matters.