Should a believer be removed from fellowship if he stops attending meetings of the assembly?

How do the Scriptures look upon such as habitually absent themselves from the Breaking of Bread, and are seldom or never seen at the Gospel Meeting or the Prayer Meeting? Has Numbers 9:13" TARGET="_blank">Numbers 9:13 any application to them?

I do not think that we could apply Numbers 9." TARGET="_blank">Numbers 9. 13 to them, unless by way of pointing out from it how seriously neglect of obedience to God’s commands was dealt with under law, in any case where there was no legitimate excuse for it. It must, however, be understood that “shall be cut off from among his people”, does not necessarily imply that his fellow-Israelites were to slay him. See Leviticus 20" TARGET="_blank">Leviticus 20: , where in various verses a clear distinction seems to be drawn between “shall be cut off” and “shall be put to death,” the former referring to action taken by the Lord Himself. Something similar is seen, even in the days of grace, in 1 Cor. 11:30," TARGET="_blank">1 Cor. 11:30, where certain members of the assembly had been taken away by death, not indeed for absence from the Supper, but for irreverence when present.

Where there is habitual absence from the meetings, something else lies behind it, the absence being merely a symptom of a deeper disorder. In some instances it means that the person concerned is beginning to turn away from all that he once professed to have and enjoy. In Hebrews 10:25-31" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 10:25-31 the “FORSAKING OF THE ASSEMBLING OF OUR. SELVES TOGETHER” seems to be viewed as the first manifestatior outwardly of a course which ends in apostasy; and the individual who is guilty of it may eventually prove to be an “adversary” (ver. 27). In other cases the staying away is due to some real or imagined grievance, and if there is any substance whatever in this grievance, an effort should be made to remove it if possible.

Between these two extremes lie many differing degrees of backsliding by which the trouble may be caused, and which should give scope for the exercise of any pastoral gift or activity there may be in the assembly. And in the course of this it may possibly be discovered that due allowance has not been made for the circumstances of the person, and for hindrances which may make regular attendance a difficult matter.

On the other hand, where absence from the meetings has been entire, and for a prolonged period, the point might require to be considered, whether the one concerned is still to be looked upon as a member of the assembly, or whether it should be made clear that he is no longer such. Otherwise, unnecessary reproach may be brought on the saints through his actions, even years afterwards.

W.R.

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Will there be regrets in Heaven for believers?

Will Christians who waste their lives feel regret in Heaven for all eternity? Yes.

The key passages on the rewards of the believer at the Judgement Seat of Christ is found in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 3:11-15 and in the parables of reward mentioned in Luke 19" TARGET="_blank">Luke 19 and Matthew 25." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25.

1 Corinthians 3:11-15" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 3:11-15 teaches security for a believer as well as losses that occur when a believer's work is evaluated by God as worthless…

(11) For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (12) Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw-- (13) each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. (14) If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. (15) If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

Observations about the Judgment Seat of Christ:

The foundation is Christ. A believer doesn't worry about building his salvation or collecting enough good works in order to enter heaven.
The works are judged, not the person. The believer is not going to pass through fire or suffer torments of hell to purify him. In the day of reckoning God will look at motives and actions that one has done on the earth and those actions will be put through the fire, not the person himself.
The person whose works are shown to be worthless will be saved even though it will be like escaping from a fire with nothing but the bare necessities.

"He will suffer loss" is the key phrase that answers the question about regrets in heaven. Believers will lose out on something great. But what is the loss? Matthew 25" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25 and Luke 19" TARGET="_blank">Luke 19 tell us what is at stake.

Luke 19:11-27" TARGET="_blank">Luke 19:11-27 As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. (12) He said therefore, "A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. (13) Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, 'Engage in business until I come.' (14) But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, 'We do not want this man to reign over us.' (15) When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. (16) The first came before him, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.' (17) And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.' (18) And the second came, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made five minas.' (19) And he said to him, 'And you are to be over five cities.' (20) Then another came, saying, 'Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; (21) for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.' (22) He said to him, 'I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? (23) Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?' (24) And he said to those who stood by, 'Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.' (25) And they said to him, 'Lord, he has ten minas!' (26) 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. (27) But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.'"

Observations about the parable:

The servants are waiting in faith that their master will return. The kingdom is coming and the master of the house will be calling his servants to account for how they acted while he was away.
Each servant was given the same amount of money – one talent. A talent is a measurement of weight, 125 pounds to be exact. It was a sizable amount of wealth that he entrusted to each servant. The equal amount of wealth is similar to the things we all have equally – one life, one reputation, one family, one set of friends etc.
Each servant brought different results. The most diligent earned 10 times the original amount.
Each servant received further authority in the Kingdom of God directly proportional to the results of their work. In the age of the Millennium, Christ will reign over the earth and his saints will reign with him (Revelation 20:4)." TARGET="_blank">Revelation 20:4). 1 Corinthians 6:3" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 6:3 states simply "we will judge angels". Clearly, we will share the job of ruling with Christ Himself.

In other scripture references regarding rewards, the symbol of authority, the crown, is the reward of a believer. The believer who is faithful here will be given more and greater work to do for Christ in the future. James 1:12" TARGET="_blank">James 1:12 says that those who endure trials will receive "the crown of life". 2 Timothy 4:8" TARGET="_blank">2 Timothy 4:8 says that Paul is expecting a "crown of righteousness" 1 Peter 5:4" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 5:4 says that shepherds who faithfully guided the flock will receive an "unfading crown of glory". Revelation 2:10" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 2:10 says that faithful martyrs will receive a "crown of life". Rewards are not mere medals that decorate uniforms; the reward is a position of responsibility, to be trusted by God to carry out his will.

5) The loss of promotion for the final servant left him completely empty in the coming kingdom. We lose what we don't use. "From the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away." (v.26) Comparing the phrase in 1 Corinthians 3:15" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 3:15 "He shall suffer loss" with this parable shows that the loss is further work to be done for the Lord. The cup of cold water will not be forgotten. Neither will the lazy Christian who wasted his life.

Matthew 25" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25 contains a similar parable to Luke 19," TARGET="_blank">Luke 19, but with a few notable differences.

Matthew 25:14-30" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25:14-30 "For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. (15) To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. (16) He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. (17) So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. (18) But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. (19) Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. (20) And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' (21) His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' (22) And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' (23) His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' (24) He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, (25) so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' (26) But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? (27) Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. (28) So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. (29) For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. (30) And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

Differences in the two parables:

The servants in this parable receive different initial amounts. This shows that some of us have natural advantages such as more money, better parents, special skills or abilities etc. In regards to punishment of the wicked, Christ said "Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more. " (Luke 12:48)" TARGET="_blank">Luke 12:48)
The servants who were pleasing to their master doubled their money. Each fulfilled his responsibility to what was expected although the actual quantities were different.
The final servant is much different in this parable. His actions proved that he was a "slothful servant", unworthy of even being in the kingdom. He was cast into outer darkness, words used to describe the fire and abandonment of Hell (see also Matthew 22:13;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 22:13; Matthew 3:42, 50;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 3:42, 50; Matthew 24:51)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 24:51) The lazy servant did not lose his salvation, but rather, through lack of good works he showed that he never was a true believer.

One might ask, "Can a person be called a believer who doesn't do anything for God?" The true believer will always show fruit in his life, even if it is a small amount. "He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty." (Matthew 13:23)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 13:23).

Other verses

Other places in scripture give us more understanding on the loss of rewards for the believer:

1) Believers can receive both bad and good for their rewards.

2 Corinthians 5:10" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

2) Wages are given to the believer for his labor. Heaven is not the reward for the faiththul, but the faithful will be rewarded in Heaven.

1 Corinthians 3:8" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 3:8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.

3) God is a fair judge. He will not miss any single work done for him.

Hebrews 6:10" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.

4) Rewards, even though given for service, are not really deserved in the sense that a paycheck or wages are deserved. Good works of a Christian are the expected results of someone redeemed by God.

Luke 17:9" TARGET="_blank">Luke 17:9 Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? (10) So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'"

5) Rewards are given for things done with a good motive, without thinking of the reward itself.

Luke 6:35" TARGET="_blank">Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.

6) Some have suggested that tears mentioned in Revelation 21" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 21 refer to the end of a time of sadness after the Judgment Seat of Christ. However, the verse refers not to sad events in heaven that cause tears, but the results of sin on earth that caused sadness. Death, mourning, crying and pain are all earthly emotions that will cease when God creates a New Heaven and a New Earth (Revelation 21:1-5)." TARGET="_blank">Revelation 21:1-5).

Conclusion

Believers are saved by grace, through faith, not of works. But from the moment of salvation to the end of life, God is watching for spiritual growth and service done with a good motive until the day he calls us home. He will then test the works of every believer by fire. That which remains will result in greater service in the Kingdom. Those who waste their lives here will suffer the loss of being what God designed us for. The person that God is molding me into will become the person I will be for all eternity.

Shad David Sluiter
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Was the deity of the Lord Jesus somehow limited in His humanity?

Was the deity of the Lord Jesus somehow limited in His humanity?

By definition, God is spirit (John 4:24," TARGET="_blank">John 4:24, ESV), infinite in His duration (Isa 57:15)," TARGET="_blank">Isa 57:15), ability (Luk 1:37)," TARGET="_blank">Luk 1:37), and attributes (1Jo 1:5)." TARGET="_blank">1Jo 1:5). Limited deity is an oxymoron. Being in one place and "becoming flesh" (Joh 1:14)" TARGET="_blank">Joh 1:14) did not limit His omniscience, omnipotence, or omnipresence; He was without beginning (Joh 1:1)" TARGET="_blank">Joh 1:1) or end (Heb 1:12)" TARGET="_blank">Heb 1:12) and He was holy (Luk 1:35)." TARGET="_blank">Luk 1:35). The Pharisees balked at His forgiving the paralyzed man (Mar 2:5)," TARGET="_blank">Mar 2:5), since only God has this power (v 7; Psa 130:4). The Lord Jesus had and has that power that belongs solely to God (Mar 2:10)." TARGET="_blank">Mar 2:10).

Nonetheless, His Father told Him what to say (Joh 12:49" TARGET="_blank">Joh 12:49b) and the very words He should speak (v 49c). The Father showed Him each act He did (5:19). These truths do not indicate that He was limited, but that He was subject to His Father. This affirms that the Father and Son have different roles in the Godhead. The Father directs and the Son carries out the direction, while the Spirit enables.

D. Oliver
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If a person believes in "falling away", can they really be saved?

How can a saved person believe in "falling away?"

This is possible only because of wrong teaching.

Those who propagate the "falling away" doctrine are wrong about many things. They believe one will lose his salvation when he sins. Wrong! This implies that the work of Christ is insufficient. They teach that to believe in eternal security means one can live a wicked, immoral life and still get to heaven. Wrong! "How shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein" Romans 6:2" TARGET="_blank">Romans 6:2? Christ's death FOR us was also our death TO sin. A person who is saved abhors sin and has no desire to continue in it.

Few who hold this doctrine are saved because this basically means salvation is by works. Some among them recognized they were unable to merit salvation. God revealed to them salvation through the finished work of Christ. They believed and were saved. The wrong teachings they hear hinder them from appreciating the wonderful truth that salvation is eternal. Let us pray that God will reveal this to them also.

J. Slabaugh
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Is male headship a cultural concept?

Is male headship a cultural concept?

Greek and Roman culture in New Testament times was evidently "male-dominated." If, however, as some contend, New Testament teaching is an expression of that culture, the basic nature of inspiration is at issue. "Thy Word is true from the beginning: and every one of Thy righteous judgments endureth for ever" (Psalm 119:160)." TARGET="_blank">Psalm 119:160). The Scriptures claim to be absolute truth; the Scripture’s application of that truth transcends time and culture.

Enunciated in the New Testament, headship is an administrative arrangement established by God Himself. The statement, "The head of Christ is God" (1 Corinthians 11:3)," TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 11:3), anchors this truth in the Godhead. Neither this nor the accompanying statement, "The head of every man is Christ" can be regarded as cultural. These are truths established by divine purpose. The third statement, "The head of the woman is the man," must be the same. God established this order at creation, as indicated in verses 7 - 9. Verse 5 refers to "every woman," thus substantiating that male headship is not limited to marriage.

The first clause of Ephesians 5: 23," TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5: 23, "The husband is the head of the wife" shows that marriage models this relationship. The second clause, "Christ is the head of the church," relates God’s purpose for establishing this headship to the greatest work God will ever accomplish; therefore, male headship is a vital and eternal truth.

D. Oliver
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How long should a believer wait before being baptized?

How long should a believer wait before being baptized?

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16)" TARGET="_blank">Mark 16:16) doesn’t teach that baptism is necessary for salvation. Unbelievers, not "the unbaptized" will be damned. Faith is Christ is sufficient for salvation. Baptism, however, is the expected evidence of such faith. Peter commanded the converts in Cornelius’ house to be baptized (Acts 10:48)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 10:48). Clearly, those who guide new believers are responsible to encourage and direct them to be baptized. New believers receive enrichment by learning the meaning of baptism, but obedience to Christ does not depend on understanding doctrine. Did baptized believers in Acts understand union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection?

Even in Acts (Cornelius, the jailer, Saul of Tarsus), evidence of conversion preceded baptism. Currently, a person who professes to be saved and is baptized occasionally discovers he was not saved. If he is saved subsequently, he must be baptized a second time. It is very doubtful if the testimony of the second baptism is as effective as the first. We need wisdom to avoid unnecessary "second baptisms." Allowing adequate time for a new believer to prove the reality of his salvation is wise. Our conditions are different from those in Acts; of the thousands of converts in Acts, perhaps only one (Simon, the sorcerer) was false. In our day, we need ample evidence that those we baptize have divine life.

Prematurely baptizing those who later prove they were not saved never helps the work of the gospel; furthermore, it dishonors the Lord Jesus by giving skeptics cause for mocking the life-transforming power of the gospel. As in so many matters, balance is needed. A prolonged time between salvation and baptism implies that we support optional obedience to Scripture. Too short a time can endanger our gospel testimony. A person’s personality, past, and depth of character, added to our experience with occasional "fireworks Christians" (launched with a flash of light and noise, but fade into the night), affect how soon after conversion we are willing to baptize him.

D. Oliver
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What is legalism?

Please explain "legalism." Is it the same as what "legalizing teachers" promoted in New Testament times?

"Legalism" as promoted by Judaizing teachers (Acts 15:1)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 15:1) taught that a person needed to keep the law in order to be saved. This is different from the commonly accepted (but not Biblically defined) concept of legalism today. Legalism is not a close, careful and complete obedience to the Word of God. That is faithfulness. Legalism goes beyond the Word of God and adds rules and requirements, not for salvation, but as either a test of reality or as a measure of spirituality. It may involve a sincere desire to please the Lord and take the form of "interpreting" what certain verses mean or "applying" Scriptures. Because it is of the flesh (Galatians 5:19,20)," TARGET="_blank">Galatians 5:19,20), it usually demands adherence to its view and allows no time for personal faith to accept or for personal exercise to develop (Romans 14:3)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 14:3)

A.J. Higgins

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Can a person be put away for "domestic railing"?

Can a person be put away for "domestic railing"?

It seems highly unlikely that railing against a child would require excommunication. Spousal railing that requires excommunication would be an extreme, but possible case. If all else fails, it may be necessary, but "the more excellent way" would be to deal with the problem at its roots. As frustrating as godly teachers and guides may find it, their spiritual intervention is a first responsibility. The grace that brought salvation to all men taught Cretans to live above their native culture (Titus 2:11, 12)." TARGET="_blank">Titus 2:11, 12). Hours of opening the Scriptures in the home, applying the lessons of grace, and being physically present will have a preventative affect on patterns of verbal and physical abuse. Better than that, as this promotes a believer’s ever-so-gradual growth in grace, the transforming power of the indwelling Spirit changes hearts and homes. The behavior patterns that come from being abused or from abusive models and years of captivity to sin don’t all vanish at conversion or in the first year after. The Lord has brought the "half-dead" to the assembly to receive care (Luke 10:34, 35;" TARGET="_blank">Luke 10:34, 35; 1 Tim. 3:5)." TARGET="_blank">1 Tim. 3:5). How much better when healthful words (Titus 2:1)" TARGET="_blank">Titus 2:1) nurse them to abundant life within the assembly, rather than having to carry their sick bed back out to the side of the road where they (and we) once were!

D. Oliver
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Bible Verse Search

The Bible Verse Search program will help you find a Bible verse by searching a keyword or a Bible reference.

Bible Verse Search

The Bible verse search program at Gospel Hall provides a free way search for a Bible verse or phrase. The Bible verse search is available along with the dictionary under the link titled "Online Bible Search" or here.

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The results of your bible verse search will be different with each Bible version since the language in each Bible version is slightly different.

About the Bible Versions

The King James or Authorised Version of the Bible is an English translation of the Christian Bible first published in 1611. The New Testament was translated from the Textus Receptus (Received Text) edition of the Greek texts, so called because most extant texts of the time were in agreement with it. The Old Testament was translated from the Masoretic Hebrew text.

(Modern English Bibles such as the New American Standard Bible and the English Standard Version decline to use the Textus Receptus, opting instead for what many modern scholars feel are more reliable critical editions.)

The King James Version has had a profound effect on English literature. The works of famous authors such as John Milton, Herman Melville, John Dryden, and William Wordsworth are deeply inspired by it.

The Bible In Basic English (also known as BBE) is a translation of the Bible into Basic English. The BBE was translated by Professor S. H. Hooke using the standard 850 Basic English words. 100 words that were helpful to understand poetry were added along with 50 "Bible" words. The New Testament was released in 1941 and the Old Testament was released in 1949.

The American Standard Version (ASV) of the Holy Bible was first published in 1901. It has earned the reputation of being the Rock of Biblical Honesty. Although the English used in the ASV is somewhat archaic, it isn't nearly as hard to understand as some passages of the King James Version of nearly 3 centuries earlier. This translation of the Holy Bible is in the public domain, since its copyright has expired. You are encouraged to download, copy, publish, and use this translation freely.

John Nelson Darby Version

First published in 1890 by John Nelson Darby, an Anglo-Irish Bible teacher associated with the early years of the Plymouth Brethren. Darby also published translations of the Bible in French and German.

The English Standard Version (ESV) was Published in 2003 as a translation to bridge the gap between the accuracy of the NASB and the readability of the NIV.

The ESV is an “essentially literal” translation that seeks as far as possible to capture the precise wording of the original text and the personal style of each Bible writer. As such, its emphasis is on “word-for-word” correspondence, at the same time taking into account differences of grammar, syntax, and idiom between current literary English and the original languages. Thus it seeks to be transparent to the original text, letting the reader see as directly as possible the structure and meaning of the original.

In contrast to the ESV, some Bible versions have followed a “thought-for-thought” rather than “word-for-word” translation philosophy, emphasizing “dynamic equivalence” rather than the “essentially literal” meaning of the original. A “thought-for-thought” translation is of necessity more inclined to reflect the interpretive opinions of the translator and the influences of contemporary culture.

For example,

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Does discipleship overrule responsibilities to the family?

Considering Luke 14:26," TARGET="_blank">Luke 14:26, does discipleship conflict with family responsibilities?

Disciples must obey "whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:20)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 28:20). Paul states that his writings are "the commandment of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 14:37)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:37). Therefore, Paul’s teaching that children obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1)," TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 6:1), that husbands love, cleave to, cherish, and nourish their wives (Ephesians 5:28-31)," TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:28-31), that parents provide for their children (2 Corinthians 12:14)," TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 12:14), and that all manifest the affection of brotherly love (Romans 12:10)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 12:10) cannot conflict with Christ’s requiring His disciples to hate their father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters.

Luke’s record of the Lord’s previous use of the word "hate" is in 6:27, where we are to love and express good will even toward those who hate us. Therefore Luke 14:26" TARGET="_blank">Luke 14:26 cannot teach absolute hatred toward our closest relatives when we are to love even our enemies. The Lord’s next use of "hate" (16:13) pictures a servant with two masters. If both give him a command, his response will involve either love, holding to one (same word as "holding fast" the faithful word, Titus 1:9)," TARGET="_blank">Titus 1:9), or hate, being heedless (YLT) of the other. Loyalty and its resulting obedience are the issue. This is relative hatred. The demands of our dearest cannot rival our loyalty and obedience to Christ. The security and comfort of cherished relationships cannot compromise our commitment to Christ. But let us be assured that to act in loyalty to Christ is to do what is absolutely best for our loved ones.

D. Oliver
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Will there be regrets in Heaven for believers?

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