Editorial Staff

Question: I have heard the Fourth Commandment (Exodus 20:8–11) described as the "test" commandment. What does this mean for Christians?

Answer: To succeed in school, students learn to follow their teachers’ instructions, and learn their lessons carefully. But few realize that God is testing us in a special way every week. Are we following our Teacher’s instructions (Matthew 19:17) and absorbing His lessons for us?

Question: The Apostle Paul states that "love is the fulfillment of the law" (Romans 13:10). Does his statement mean that we need not keep the Ten Commandments if we have "love"?

Answer: The "love" of which Paul writes is not some sentimental feeling of human origin. He explains that it is the very love of God imparted to our minds by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5; Galatians 5:22). This is the love that enables one to keep—"fulfill"—the Ten Commandments. But how exactly does God’s love fulfill His commandments?

Question: Jesus promised one of the thieves crucified with Him: “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). What and where is “Paradise,” and did the thief go there with Jesus that day?

Question: Many professing Christians claim to have been “born again.” Exactly what is this birth, and how can we know if we have already been born again?

Answer: Jesus Christ explained what it means to be “born again.” He told Nicodemus, “Most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).

Question: Is it proper for Christians to exchange cards on Valentine’s Day, February 14? I have been told that it is a Christian holiday, named after a saint.

Answer: Most people take for granted the idea of Valentine’s Day as the "lover’s holiday." It is quite common for young children in school to exchange cards on this occasion, and for lovers to exchange gifts such as candy or flowers. But what is the real origin of this popular holiday, and why is it known as "Saint" Valentine’s Day?