Over 100 million Bibles are sold or distributed around the world annually, including print, digital and audio. It is the world’s bestseller—yet, ironically, it is also the most misunderstood book.

Most religious leaders do not really understand what the Bible teaches. Some even actively suppress its words. They fear the repercussions of challenging long-held beliefs: Admitting they have been deceived and thus having deceived others, local deacons or members firing them for teaching biblical truth, and their congregants leaving the fold. Many ministers tremble at what men may say or do and give little thought to the fact that they are teaching against what God states in His Word.

What follows is simple, and the verses quoted are not open to human interpretation. We will look at seven basic questions your minister does not want you to ask—but the answers are powerful.

First, some background. Blame for deception cannot be solely laid at the feet of those who claim to be ministers of Jesus Christ. There is another source that drives the thinking of such religious leaders—and is key to understanding why basic truths of the Bible remain hidden. Notice: “In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (II Cor. 4:4).

The true God of the Bible does not deceive. Who is the “god of this world” who blinds—deceives—men? Allow God’s Word to explain: “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world” (Rev. 12:9).

As the being who deceives all nations, including ministers, it is ultimately Satan who is responsible for false doctrines being taught. This applies to even those who truly believe what they teach. They may be sincere, but they are sincerely wrong. However, God also holds each person accountable.

Of course, a minister would never openly admit he is deceived. The devil’s deception is well-planned and subtle. Just as he portrays himself as the God of the Bible, he portrays his ministers as those teaching from the Bible. Paul wrote, “For Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness” (II Cor. 11:14-15). False ministers appear to be of God.

In Ezekiel 22, God calls out religious leaders: “Her prophets [ministers]…divining lies unto them, saying, Thus says the Lord God, when the Lord has not spoken” (vs. 28).

You must know what God has spoken. Only then will you be able to discern when a man preaches something “the Lord has not spoken” (22:31).

Now, here are seven questions your pastor desperately hopes you will not ask.

(1) “What Is the Bible’s Definition of Sin?”

There have been endless discussions about the definition of sin—what it is and is not. Yet the Bible defines sin with surprising simplicity: “Whosever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (I John 3:4). When someone transgresses or breaks “the law,” he is sinning.

When a person breaks man’s laws, he earns a penalty, such as a fine, probation or jail time. Likewise, when we violate the laws of God, we earn a penalty: “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). Wages are something you earn as a payment for what you have done. If you sin—break God’s Law—you will die. Read Ezekiel 18:4 and 20.

Suddenly, knowing what constitutes “the law” is of extreme importance! Again, we must allow God to explain what He means through His Word—not the reasoning or opinions of men.

(2) “What Is God’s Law?”

What should be an easy answer has been so twisted and mangled that it needs a more detailed response. Greater “churchianity” has blurred the concept of what sin is and, by extension, has also obscured the definition of what constitutes God’s Law.

However, this need not be complicated. One can spot through the Old and New Testaments and examine many scriptures in which the “law” or “commandments” are described. Both words are found in Genesis 26: “And I will make your seed to multiply as the stars of heaven…Because that Abraham obeyed My voice, and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws” (vs. 4-5).

Direct blessings come from keeping the commandments and laws of God. Throughout the Old Testament, ancient Israel was told to keep God’s Law.

Much confusion stems from differences between the laws of Moses—the civil laws of the nation—and the commandments of God—the Ten Commandments.

Jesus Christ had much to say about the Ten Commandments. Notice Jesus’ statement in Matthew 5: “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill…not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished” (vs. 17-18, New American Standard Bible).

The word “fulfill” (pleroo in the original Greek) means to “verify, fill up, fully preach, perfect” (Strong’s). In other words, Christ came to verify and perfect the Ten Commandments, expanding their meaning. The same chapter is filled with examples of how the Ten Commandments are even more binding today. For instance, “It was said of them of old time, You shall not kill…but I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment” (vs. 21-22). Instead of abolishing the Sixth Commandment, Jesus magnified it.

Much more could be said about how all Ten Commandments, including observance of the seventh-day Sabbath, are found throughout the New Testament. (To look at these verses in more detail, read our article Does the New Testament Teach All Ten Commandments?)

A primary verse people use to dismiss the scriptures above is found in Colossians 2: “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross” (vs. 14).

No doubt, you have heard that the Ten Commandments were “done away” or “nailed to the cross.” This is the verse used to support that claim. Examining the original Greek words that were translated into English removes all mystery about the subject of this verse. The word “ordinances” comes from the Greek word dogma, which means “public decrees, decree of rulers, the rules and requirements of the law of Moses” (Outline of Biblical Usage).

This verse speaks of ordinances of men—“the handwriting of ordinances that was against us…contrary to us.” This is not speaking of the Law of God, which Psalm 19 describes as “perfect,” “sure,” “right” and “pure” (vs. 7-8), and Paul states is “holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good” (Rom. 7:12). It was the ordinances of men—along with the death penalty people earn through sin—that were “nailed to the cross.”

Are you beginning to see why God is angry with those who teach contrary to His Word? Multiple verses state that those who do not obey God and keep His laws do not have godly love (John 14:15) and are liars (I John 2:4).

Some assert that keeping the Ten Commandments is “legalistic,” stating that salvation is by grace. Does obeying the Law have anything to do with salvation? Remember, we have already seen that disobeying the Law results in death! How does grace and obeying the Ten Commandments connect to salvation? And does obeying the law—your works—mean you are trying to earn salvation?

(3) “Are We Saved by Just Grace, or Are Works Involved?”

Most assume that grace and works are mutually exclusive. The Bible says no such thing. You may be surprised that God’s Word demonstrates both are required.

Think of it this way: When one is born in the United States, he is an American citizen. It does not matter what the national origin of his parents is, how much money he has, or any other factor—the process is automatic. However, what one does with that citizenship is up to him. How hard he will work in school and how diligent he will be in the workforce will determine his success. It simply comes down to his works!

Grace and works are similar. Christians are saved by grace. There is nothing any person can do to earn salvation. It is wholly and completely a gift from God. No amount of commandment-keeping can make up for or atone for violating the Law. Only Jesus Christ’s blood can do this.

However, your reward in God’s Kingdom after receiving salvation is determined by your works. The Commandments are 10 laws that describe personal responsibility. That part you must do. Yet it is not you doing this, but Christ in you, and Christ in you will keep the same commandments He kept when He was in the flesh almost 2,000 years ago.

Tying two passages together makes this clear. First, Paul wrote: “But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us together with Christ, (by grace you are saved;) and has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:4-10).

Christians are not saved by works—but works are required: “Even so faith, if it has not works, is dead, being alone…You have faith, and I have works: show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works…But will you know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?…See you how faith wrought [worked] with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?” (Jms. 2:17-18, 20, 22).

The entire chapter goes into detail about how works and faith work together. Christians demonstrate their faith in God by keeping His Law, yet it requires faith in Christ’s power at work in the person for him to succeed.

(4) “Where Does It Say People Go to Heaven When They Die?”

Perhaps the most universally misunderstood Bible truth is about what happens when a person dies—whether he goes to heaven or hell for eternity. Countless millions believe and hear their ministers preach that we must “believe in Jesus” so we can “enter heaven” or be “saved in the rapture.”

Conversely, it is said that all who do not “know Jesus in their hearts” will be, at death, instantly sent to hell, where they will suffer torment for eternity.

Is this concept biblical? Ask your minister to show you any passage that says you will go to heaven. If he attempts to twist or force Old Testament scriptures to say that Moses and Elijah are in heaven, then ask why Jesus Christ clearly stated, “And no man has ascended up to heaven” (John 3:13).

Was Christ confused? Did Jesus Christ, as He worked with the Father, just never happen to bump into Moses and Elijah in heaven? This is ridiculous!

Then what does happen when you die? Look at how it is described in the book of Psalms: “His [man’s] breath goes forth, he returns to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish” (146:4). Yes, when man dies, he stops breathing. His body returns to the earth. He has no thoughts—he knows absolutely nothing (Ecc. 9:5)!

To die means to be dead—the opposite of life. You have no thoughts, no concept of time. You are dead. Do not allow your minister to explain away these verses by simply saying that being in hell means being “cut off from God.” The book of Isaiah shows that sin, of which we are all guilty (Rom. 3:23), already cuts us off from God while we are still alive (Isa. 59:2).

In God’s eyes, human beings simply fall asleep when they die. However, like Jesus, true Christians who die will be resurrected: “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus [died as Christians] will God bring with Him [at His Coming]” (I Thes. 4:14). The saints will be raised from the dead and receive their reward. Until then, they are waiting to be resurrected.

The oft-quoted “beatitudes” describe this reward: “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5). This comes from Psalm 37:11. Space does not permit listing all the other passages that explain a Christian’s reward.

A loving, merciful God has a plan to offer salvation to all people who ever lived, but according to His timetable (Rev. 20:11-13). The true God wants everyone to make it into His Kingdom. He is a caring God who wants the best for mankind.

God is not a cruel monster who sends people to an ever-burning hell for being ignorant of Him and His Way. What kind of God would say He “is love” (I John 4:8) and then horribly torture billions because they had never heard of Him or the name of Christ through no fault of their own—in essence, refusing to give the masses a chance at salvation?

You should question the concept of the brutal god you hear described at church services—the one referred to as a trinity, a mystery that you cannot—and should not try to—understand!

(5) “Can the Trinity Be Proven in the Bible?”

You have seen four questions never truly answered at your church—and proof that your minister’s teachings contradict the Bible’s plain words. Actually, the problem goes much deeper. Each week you are being taught the lessons, teachings and doctrines of a false god. Shocking as it may sound, the deity your minister teaches about is none other than the “god of this world”—packaged as the trinity.

How important is it that you are worshipping the true God of the Bible? Does it matter if you are off, even a little?

Think. If you worship the true God but have other doctrines wrong, He can guide you to proper understanding. However, if you are wrong about which god to worship, you will never be led to understand other true biblical teachings. You will be led into more and more error! This is the greatest reason all you have read so far is hidden from mankind. Your minister has been deceived into accepting a concept that he does not understand—that cannot be understood, and he will tell you not to try!

Ask your pastor to explain the trinity. Have him show you where God calls Himself a trinity. When he attempts to stretch verses, which require leaps of logic to draw any parallels, ask yourself: Would God leave something as important as His true identity so vague and difficult to prove? Of course not!

The word “trinity” is found nowhere in the Bible, nor is the doctrine. Finding no biblical evidence to support it, translators inserted a passage into the New Testament that had never existed before. This was their attempt to justify this teaching. Any honest minister would readily admit this. The inserted phrase (in italics) is found in I John 5: “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one” (vs. 7-8).

The section first appeared in a manuscript written in the 8th century. Translators added it because the Bible makes no case for the trinity. Instead of correcting their teachings, they modified the Bible to suit their needs. Will you stand for such deceit on something as important as the nature of the true God?

(6) “Was Jesus Christ Resurrected on a Sunday?”

Most have never stopped to question the timeline of Christ’s death and resurrection. Every year, millions commemorate Good Friday and Easter Sunday, believing Jesus died late Friday afternoon and rose early Sunday morning. But there is one problem—this timeline does not fit the sign Christ gave proving He was the Messiah!

In Matthew 12:40, Jesus stated plainly: “For as Jonas [Jonah] was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” This is Christ’s test—His identity, credibility and truthfulness all rest on whether He was in the grave for three days and three nights.

So ask yourself: Can you fit 72 hours between Friday afternoon and Sunday morning? At best, that timeframe accounts for one full day and two nights—far short of three full days and nights! If Jesus was buried Friday and rose Sunday, He failed His own sign—meaning He is not the Messiah.

Yet Christ was not mistaken—human tradition has obscured the truth. Scripture reveals that Jesus was crucified on a Wednesday Passover, just as the lamb was slain during the original Old Testament Passover (Ex. 12). He was placed in the tomb before sunset that same day. The following day was a high Sabbath (John 19:31)—an annual Holy Day—not the weekly Sabbath. This is where confusion begins. Most assume this was referring to the weekly Saturday Sabbath, leading to the mistaken belief that Christ was crucified on Friday.

But when Mary Magdalene arrived at the tomb while it was still dark Sunday morning (John 20:1), Jesus was already gone! He had been resurrected before sunrise—meaning He did not rise on Sunday! If we count backward exactly 72 hours, we land on late afternoon Saturday—precisely when Christ left the grave.

The Bible proves Jesus fulfilled His sign to the letter. For even more proof of this, read our free booklet Christ’s Resurrection Was Not on Sunday.

Which will you believe—man’s traditions or the words of Christ Himself?

(7) “Where Is the Church Jesus Built?”

Every major metropolis, city, village or one-stoplight town has something in common. They all have churches sprinkled throughout. But they do not agree on what the Bible says. Thousands of competing organizations seemingly cannot agree on anything.

Does God approve of the mass confusion that is professing Christianity? The book of Amos asks, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (3:3). The answer to this rhetorical question is clearly no!

In Matthew 16, Jesus stated, “I will build My Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (vs. 18). Christ said He would build His Church—singular! Not thousands of fighting and competing churches. Jesus further stated His Church would never disappear.

Anyone who wants to be a Christian must seek out and find that Church. Only from the one Church Jesus built will you receive true spiritual nourishment, which will allow you to develop and grow in perfect godly character.

Now ask yourself: Why are you reading these seven truths here—in this magazine?

Jesus built one—and only one—Church to carry out the commissions He set forth. Only one Church fulfills all the requirements found throughout the New Testament. You are learning these and many more Bible truths from that Church.

But do not take our word for it. Read our booklet Where Is God’s Church? for the full proof.

Finally, ask yourself why you are following ministers who are misleading or deceiving you—when you can learn God’s Way from His true ministers?

You Must Act!

In a court of law, one’s complicity in a matter is summarized in three questions: What did you know? When did you know it? And what did you do about it when you found out?

The same can be asked of you. The purpose for your existence is much greater than any supposed eternity spent in heaven playing a harp. God has purposed in you a potential far beyond what you now dream.

Paul wrote to Timothy, “Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (II Tim. 3:13). No longer do you have to be “deceived” by those doing the “deceiving.” But as in a court of law, God will one day ask you what you did with the knowledge He gave you.

By this point, you will likely want to ask your minister about what you have read. Beware of clever rebuttals. Do not believe cunning arguments meant to twist the clear, unambiguous scriptures covered herein.

The prophet Ezekiel makes it clear what God thinks of those who have knowledge and willingly ignore it: “You dwell in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not [a choice is made!]; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house” (Ezek. 12:2).

Will you be different?

Ask yourself: Why have you never been taught these things? How can such amazing truths—so obvious from the pages of your Bible—remain hidden for so long?

Your eyes have been opened to just seven basic Bible teachings. You are left to decide whether you will return to deception—or address why you have been misled for so many years.

The Restored Church of God, publisher of this magazine, has a ministry that teaches the plain truths of the Bible. If you would like to learn more, we would be happy to help you. To get in touch with us, visit rcg.org/contact.