Some may view it as an allegory or a moral lesson. We can dismiss the allegorical moral lesson because, as conservative evangelicals, we look for reasonable answers to difficult Bible questions.
MATTHEW 1:18: How could Jesus be born perfect when Mary was an imperfect human?
Mary was a descendant of Adam and an imperfect sinner. Therefore, how could Jesus, Mary’s firstborn, be perfect and free from sin in his physical body? Would not Jesus have inherited some imperfection from Mary?
COLOSSIANS 3:22 BDC: Did Paul’s Words Not Support Slavery?
In Colossians 3:22, Paul writes, “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.” It is important to understand the historical and cultural context in which this verse was written. At the time that Paul wrote this letter, slavery was a widespread and accepted institution in the Roman Empire. Slaves were considered property and had few rights. In this verse, Paul addresses a specific group of believers who were slaves and encourages them to be obedient to their earthly masters. So, how are we to understand this verse and others like it? Is God condoning slavery?
MATTHEW 12:40: How many days was Jesus in the tomb?
According to the New Testament, Jesus was in the tomb for three days after he was crucified. This is mentioned in several places in the New Testament, including Matthew 12:40, which says: “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
Jude 1:14-16 NTBDC: Why is Jude here quoting from the uninspired Book of Enoch as though it were Inspired?
The book of Enoch is non-Biblical and pseudepigraphical (what we have today is not written by Enoch). The oldest portions of the text are estimated to date from about 300 B.C.E. The book of Jude was penned by Jesus’ half-brother some 365 years later in about 65 C.E., written in Palestine.
Jude 1:9 NTBDC: Who Is Michael the Archangel?
Archangel: (Gr. archangelos) Michael is the only spirit named as an archangel in the Bible.
SCRIPTURES OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD (1 John 2:2): Some Things in the Bible Are Not So Difficult After All
However, what happens if and when we do commit sin? Have we tried in vain to be holy? Do we start all the way back at the beginning and lose the spiritual ground we’ve gained?
JOHN 13:4-16 NTBDC: Does This Mean that Foot-Washing Should be Ceremoniously Repeated by Christians?
Why Did Jesus Wash the Disciples' Feet at Passover? Are Christians to ceremoniously repeat this?
Acts 20:28: What Does it Mean that God Obtained, Purchased, or Acquired His Congregation? Obtained from Where or Whom?
The church is often represented as having thus been bought with a price, (1 Co. 6:20; 7:23; 2 Pet. 2:1) But what or who was the price paid to? Who or What Did God Obtain His Church From?
JOHN 2:4: Was Jesus Disrespectful to His Mother?
Jesus said to Mary, "What have I to do with you, woman?" What was Jesus indicating by talking to Mary this way? Was he being disrespectful?