One of the mottos associated with the sixteenth-century Reformation is the Latin phrase post tenebras lux (“after darkness, light”). In contrast with the corruption of the Roman Catholic Church, the Reformers saw themselves as rediscovering the light of the gospel of Christ. This doctrine has been traditionally summarized under the five solas of the Reformation. One of these solas is the Latin term sola gratia (“grace alone”).

When we think of the angel Gabriel, we probably think of his appearances to Zechariah and Mary in the opening chapter of Luke’s gospel, especially around the Christmas season. Yet Gabriel’s story begins long before the New Testament. In the Old Testament, angels are members of God’s heavenly court (Job 1:6; Ps. 103:20); they praise Him continually (Ps. 148:2); they provide for and protect God’s people on His behalf (Ex. 23:20); and, perhaps most commonly, they bring important messages from God to His people.

One of the more well-known passages of Scripture, particularly during the Christmas season, is Isaiah’s sweet promise of Immanuel: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isa. 7:14). The name Immanuel in Hebrew means “God is with us,” and Isaiah’s promise signals that the presence of God will bring salvation to His people.

Few questions stir our hearts like this one: Will I be married to my spouse in heaven? In Scripture, we read about the beginning of marriage, how the husband and wife relate to each other, and how the result of this union contributes to the glory of God. But one question that often lingers is whether marriage continues into eternity. Will I still be married? 

What do you imagine when you think of the temple in the Bible? You might ponder an ornate tent in the wilderness, held together by beautiful tapestries with golden poles framing a sacred space. Or perhaps you may imagine an enormous structure with cherubim guarding the entrance to the Most Holy Place, with pomegranate trees engraved on the gold-embossed walls.