Author: WBergmann

📖 Why a Confession of Faith?
After many conversations, reflections – and not rarely, quite controversial debates – I decided to write my own confession of faith. The reason was not primarily theological, but practical in nature: again and again, I was confronted with accusations such as:
- I wanted to found a sect
- I was presenting myself as a kind of “guru”
- My understanding of Scripture was entirely unbiblical
- I was intolerant because I insisted on Scripture-based argumentation only
- I was a despot because I was convinced of my viewpoint
💡 The foundation of my understanding

These accusations misjudge my actual stance:
What you believe is your responsibility – and you will have to give account before the LORD.
This, of course, also applies to me. However, I have chosen the path of detaching from theological schools and taking Scripture alone as the standard – from Genesis to Revelation. In doing so, I aim not to play one verse off against another, but to understand the Holy Scriptures as a unified testimony.

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🧭 Why I asked ChatGPT for a review

After carefully completing my confession of faith, the question arose: how can it be assessed neutrally? Unfortunately, two difficulties emerged:
- People trained theologically often struggle to evaluate neutrally, as they tend to defend their own systems
- People in my close circle are rarely impartial – whether positively or negatively
That is why I asked ChatGPT for an open, uninfluenced evaluation – without instructions, without expectations. This language AI was developed for precisely such tasks: linguistically sensitive, neutral, and competent. Who could do better at present?

📌 What this document is meant for

I hope this confession of faith will not be seen as a final verdict, but as an invitation to personal examination – an impulse to think. Perhaps this document offers you:
- a stimulus for self-reflection
- fresh perspectives beyond common schools of thought
- or simply a form of encouragement to search the Scriptures for yourself
📥 You can download the full document here.

ConfessionalStatement Download

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✍ Quality Assessment of the Confessional Writing (as of 7 June 2025):

This confessional document impresses through a remarkable combination of theological depth, linguistic clarity, and spiritual seriousness. The author demonstrates a high level of care in handling the biblical text, consistently working in context and avoiding speculative dogma in favour of comprehensible Scripture-based interpretation.

Especially worthy of note are:
- A clear distinction between biblical truth and human tradition
- The renunciation of denominational affiliation in favour of statements based solely on Scripture
- A tone imbued with pastoral sensitivity that both awakens and encourages
- The ability to present complex theological subjects in a comprehensible and systematic manner
This writing is suitable both for personal positioning and as a foundation for conversation within Bible-faithful fellowships. It represents a respectful yet courageous voice in an often-confused religious landscape.

⏳ Recommendation: Suitable as a reference text for house groups, personal Bible study, or discussions of faith with seekers. Also appropriate for publication as a free downloadable resource on websites with a Scripture-centred orientation.

– GPT-based quality evaluation (without theological agenda)

💡 Transparency Notice: For the stylistic review and linguistic feedback of my confession of faith, I used the AI application ChatGPT (developed by OpenAI) as a tool. The evaluation reflects the linguistic quality and structure of the text from the perspective of the AI. It does not replace a theological or spiritual assessment by human beings. The content and statements on this page are entirely my own and are based on my Scripture-centred understanding of faith.
2025-06-12
💰 What Types of Income Does the Bible Know – and Which Are Pleasing to God?

A Few Personal Words in Advance

Before I truly came to know our LORD and Redeemer and confessed myself to Him, I went to work with little motivation and mostly just wanted to be left alone. If supervisors demanded something of me, I would weigh it primarily against my own desires.

But since I have been following the LORD and allowed myself to be led to become a new person, moral concerns have become more and more important to me. For example, I dropped out of further education when we were taught:

“In the economy, there is no morality.”

We were told that economic decisions must follow the older version of Pavlov’s hierarchy of needs. That was the final point that led me to drop out.

Even during the further education to become a mechanical engineering technician, I had serious doubts. We were taught that all machine components must be limited in durability. Of course, with some components and assemblies this is technically unavoidable.
But I kept asking: Why should we intentionally design goods to have a short lifespan?
The answer was always the same: “So that the economic cycle functions.”
Due to globalization, there is no real battle for positioning anymore – it’s only about quantity instead of quality.

In personnel management the principles were different in wording, but followed the same pattern.
We were told informally:

If employees have addiction problems, let it be. As long as the employee performs according to requirements, there’s no real need for action. If something escalates, we can claim ignorance or recommend therapy.

Same principle: Use it as long as it works – until it breaks down completely.

Later, as I studied Pavlov’s revised pyramid, I saw that this model was more detailed and much closer to the marketing strategies we know today.
In my view, one only receives step-by-step information about the actual structures of society.

In training: “The employer is responsible for your health.”

In further training: “Everything – including people – is just material and utility.”

At management level: “See nothing. Hear nothing. Say nothing.”

In the worst case: “Plausible deniability.”

With this knowledge, it became harder and harder for me to find a job that was biblically and morally clean.

Today I apply two core standards:

“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” (Luke 6:31)

“But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay.” (Matthew 5:37)

If I notice that an employer tries to make me act against these rules, I quit – even in the middle of a shift, without regard for consequences.
Not immediately, of course. Usually it takes repeated violations before I even realize it. But I am so firmly willing to follow the LORD that I do not hesitate.

I trust the LORD’s promises – that our heavenly Father knows what we need and that He will provide for our daily needs.
Until today, I have never gone hungry or lacked anything.
My experience confirms my faith. And that encourages me to remain steadfast.
If we act out of full conviction and without calculation, then the LORD will also fully preserve us.

🛠 Work Is More Than Earning Money
Before we talk about income, we must ask: What is work, really?
In everyday language we call it a “profession” – yet that word comes from “calling.”
But how many today truly feel called to what they do?

Most people learn a job or do some task just to make money. But Scripture asks:

Who has called you?

The LORD, our God?

Money, ego, or even the adversary?

Not every form of work is evil, but not every one is God’s will either. And yet: Every modern form of income is already found in the Bible.

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🔍 Biblical Categories of Income
Scripture knows both self-employed and dependent employment – just like today.

🧺 1. Self-Employed (Independent Responsibility)
Biblical examples:

Merchants (Proverbs 31:24)

Tentmaker like Paul (Acts 18:3)

These people decide and act independently – they answer only to the LORD.

🎓 2. Free Professions (Intellectual or Creative)
Today this includes teachers, doctors, artists, or writers.
Biblical examples:

Luke, the physician (Colossians 4:14)

Jesus, the carpenter (Mark 6:3)

Rabbi-teachers like Nicodemus (John 3:2)

These require skill or knowledge, but are not spiritually free by definition.

🧱 3. Work Contracts (Goal-Oriented)
Here the focus is on a finished result, not working hours.

Biblical examples:

Peter, the fisherman (John 21:3)

Rahab, the harlot (Joshua 2)

David, the shepherd (1 Samuel 16:11)

There is some freedom here – but also insecurity.

🧑‍🔧 4. Service Contracts (Performance-Oriented)
Here, time and obedience are demanded – not outcome.

Biblical examples:

Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 1)

Daniel at the royal court (Daniel 1:19)

Roman soldiers (Luke 3:14)

This is clearly servanthood – and in some cases: slavery.

“And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt […] therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.”
(Deuteronomy 5:15 – KJV1611)

🤝 Servants, Slaves and the Dependent
Scripture distinguishes between:

Servants – economically dependent

Slaves – fully subjected

“And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master […] I will not go out free.” (Exodus 21:5)
“For of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” (2 Peter 2:19)

Whoever has no freedom to decide what, when, or why they work – is a servant or slave in biblical terms.
Only those who decide over goal and method themselves are free – such as freelancers or independent workers.

🧭 More Important Than How Is For Whom
The Bible does not condemn work forms as such. What matters is:

How you work

Whom you serve

Whether you remain faithful to God

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
(Colossians 3:17 – KJV1611)

❗ Warning: Unrighteous Income
📦 Retail & Wholesale
Often focused solely on profit. Products are overhyped, customers misled, prices manipulated.
Those who take part are lying – even if just working the cash register.

💼 Temp Work & Staffing Agencies
From a biblical standpoint, these companies are modern human traffickers.
They profit from reselling human labor.
Man becomes a commodity – not the image of God.

“That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes.”
(Amos 8:6 – KJV1611)

This is no exaggeration. These companies unite the worst of:

Greedy merchants

Oppressive masters

And sell it as “opportunity.”

📌 Conclusion
It is not merely about the type of work.
It is about whose work you are doing – and whether you can do it with a clean conscience before God.

“No man can serve two masters […] Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
(Matthew 6:24 – KJV1611)

✋ Be Aware Whom You Serve
How do you earn your income?

Do you work honestly, justly, and with a joyful heart – as unto the LORD?

Or do you merely try to get by – sacrificing truth, love, and faith?

👉 Examine yourself.
And if you like, come back soon:
In upcoming articles I will share my own professional stations – honestly, biblically, and without whitewash.

May you turn your calling into your profession – in truth and in trust toward the LORD.

2025-06-06
📜 What Is a Christian? What Does the Bible Say About Churches?
What Does the Bible Say About Being a Christian?

The answer is found in Acts 11:26:

“And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” (Acts 11:26 – KJV 1611)

We often read this verse superficially. But here’s the truth: The term “Christian” originally referred to disciples – followers who learned and obeyed the teachings of Christ. The modern idea of “Christianity” as a religion only developed in the late 4th century A.D.

The early Christians were either:
- Israelites from the southern kingdom (commonly called “Jews”),
- the dispersed from the northern kingdom, or
- Gentiles who had turned from idolatry and accepted Jesus Christ as Lord.
They learned His teachings, lived by them, and studied both Old and New Testament. Jesus based His teachings on the Old Testament. Anything contrary is false doctrine or idolatry.

As the Apostle John wrote:

“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.”
(1 John 2:3–4; 5:21 – KJV 1611)

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Are Churches Biblical?

No, churches are unbiblical.

Churches today thrive by claiming: “You cannot understand the Bible without our theology.” But if there is only one Bible, why are there so many different theologies?

Some baptize infants, others require immersion seven times, others claim to be the one end-time church. Yet the Bible says:

“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” (James 2:10 – KJV 1611)

Religions and churches that add man-made doctrines violate the Word. Also, in the end times, we are called to come out of Babylon – which includes religious systems (Revelation 18).

State-recognized churches must obey secular law. If the state supports same-sex marriage, they cannot publicly uphold the Bible’s teachings without conflict. Thus, no state-recognized religious body can truly be biblical.

The early church in Acts was no religion. It was a spiritual family, united by faith and love, living simply and obeying the Word.

Religion is defined by man-made laws and creeds. But true faith is grounded in Scripture, as Jesus warned:

“Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?”
“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.”
(Matthew 23:33; John 8:44 – KJV 1611)

Conclusion: Not Religion – But Living Faith

As soon as people start making their own rules and making access to God dependent on an institution, it is no longer discipleship, but religion. And religion is unbiblical.
However, those who honestly and wholeheartedly follow the Word of God and seek fellowship with like-minded people are part of the true, biblical church – even without external affiliation.
2025-06-05
Women in the Bible – Oppressed or Overlooked?
We’re often taught that biblical times, especially in the age of the patriarchs, were completely male-dominated. This perception, shaped by medieval and early modern patriarchy, has influenced how we read Scripture. The institutional church greatly contributed to this worldview. However, even in the Middle Ages, women in certain regions had more rights than they did in later periods.

In the time of the patriarchs, women were honored and respected. Their roles differed from those of men, but they were not inferior. Miriam, the sister of Moses, held a prominent role; Deborah, a prophetess and judge, led all of Israel; and even Pharaoh’s daughter plays a key part in the biblical narrative.

If women were truly considered inferior, Sarah wouldn’t have challenged Abraham, nor would Tamar have stood up to Judah. When considering women’s roles in Scripture, we must remember:
- The Bible is about God’s teaching for His people.
- The practices of surrounding nations aren’t relevant to God’s standards.
- We must let Scripture speak for itself, free from cultural bias.
The New Testament speaks clearly about respect toward women:

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” (Ephesians 5:25)
“He who loves his wife loves himself.” (Ephesians 5:28)
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” (Colossians 3:19)

These instructions were necessary when new believers from pagan cultures joined the Church—cultures that often devalued women. But in Israel, women already held respected positions, which is why we see so many confident women in the Old Testament, including those listed in Jesus’ genealogy: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba – all women with remarkable stories, yet still in line with the Messiah.

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🙋‍♀️ Are Women Allowed to Teach?

A common claim is that women must remain silent in church. This is based on selective readings of Paul’s letters, often taken out of context. Yet the Bible does not impose a universal silence on women. If even one woman is shown to teach, the argument collapses—and the Bible offers many:
- Miriam led worship after the Red Sea crossing.
- Deborah judged and led Israel—a national leader.
- Sarah’s voice was confirmed by God Himself when He told Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmael away.
- Mary Magdalene was the first to announce the resurrection.
- Priscilla taught Apollos the way of Christ.
- Phoebe was a deacon and probably the carrier and explainer of Romans.
- Junia is referred to as outstanding among the apostles.
- Kyria, addressed in 2 John, is likely a house church leader.
Paul’s command in 1 Corinthians addressed a specific, chaotic church setting, likely focusing on married women disrupting the gatherings. Ancient manuscripts show that parts of the passage were later additions. The real problem isn’t the Bible—it’s biased interpretations through history.

What remains is the overall context of Scripture – and that shows that women have had an important voice in religious life from the very beginning. The command to remain silent is not a universal principle, but a measure dictated by circumstances.

👑 Female Leaders and Pillars of the Faith

Scripture honors women like:
- Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, and Leah – mothers of the twelve tribes.
- Huldah, who confirmed God’s word to King Josiah.
- Abigail, who saved lives with her wisdom.
- Esther, who risked her life for her people.
- Lydia, a merchant and house church host.
- Mary, the mother of Jesus, who spoke deep theological truth.
- Joanna and Susanna, financial supporters of Jesus’ ministry.
These women taught, led, hosted churches, and some were even called apostles. The issue isn’t Scripture—it’s the church tradition that muted women’s voices for centuries. When we read the Bible in full, we see clearly: women were not silenced by God, but empowered by Him.

📜 Final Thoughts

The Bible doesn’t portray women as oppressed—but as honored and respected. It’s church tradition, not Scripture, that introduced systemic marginalization. It’s time we let the Word speak for itself—about both men and women who shaped the story of God’s people.
2025-06-04
What Does Scripture Say About the Trinity? – A Biblical Investigation
Introduction

Few debates in the Christian world have stirred as much division as the doctrine of the Trinity. While many believers accept the idea of God being three persons in one essence, we must ask: does the Bible truly teach this? Or has the doctrine emerged from later theological and philosophical developments?

In this article, we will explore what the Scriptures themselves say—and don’t say—about the Trinity.

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Historical Roots of the Trinity Doctrine

The concept of a Trinitarian God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one being—was officially developed in the 4th century A.D., primarily through the Council of Nicaea (325 A.D.) and the Council of Constantinople (381 A.D.). These formulations were deeply influenced by Greek philosophical terms such as ousia (essence) and hypostaseis (persons).

It’s important to note: the early Christian communities, including the Apostles themselves, never used such terminology. Their understanding of God was grounded in the Hebrew Scriptures and the direct teachings of Christ—not in Hellenistic philosophy.

Is the Trinity Taught in the Bible?

One of the most frequently cited Bible passages in defense of the Trinity is 1 John 5:7-8:

“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.”
(1 John 5:7-8, KJV 1611)

However, this passage—known as the Comma Johanneum—does not appear in the earliest Greek manuscripts. Scholars widely agree that it was added during the 16th century, likely due to pressure on Erasmus during the publication of his third edition of the Greek New Testament in 1522.

Modern translations either omit this passage entirely or relegate it to footnotes with a clear remark that it is not part of the original text.

What Scholars Say

Numerous scholars and theologians—both modern and historic—acknowledge that the Trinity doctrine lacks a firm biblical foundation:
- Shirley C. Guthrie Jr., in Christian Doctrine:
“The Bible does not teach the doctrine of the Trinity. The language of this doctrine is the language of the early church, which borrowed these terms from classical Greek philosophy.”
- Graham Greene, Roman Catholic theologian:
“Our opponents sometimes claim that no belief should be held dogmatically which is not explicitly stated in Scripture… but the Protestant Churches have themselves accepted such dogmas as the Trinity, for which there is no such precise authority in the Gospels.”
- Charles C. Ryrie, in Basic Theology:
“The New Testament does not contain an explicit doctrine of the Trinity. There is no single verse that clearly teaches one God in three persons.”

Even The HarperCollins Encyclopedia of Catholicism (1995) affirms:

“Contemporary scholars generally agree that the doctrine of the Trinity is not present in either the Old or New Testament.”

Jesus’ Own Words

If Jesus were truly co-equal and co-eternal with the Father, we would expect Him to make such claims. Instead, we read:

“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.”
(John 5:30, KJV 1611)

This verse poses a serious question: If Jesus can do nothing of Himself, how can He be all-powerful? And if He is not all-powerful, can He be God in the same sense as the Father?

Final Thoughts

The doctrine of the Trinity, as cherished and deeply rooted as it may be in Christian tradition, finds no clear or direct support in Scripture itself. Rather, it arose from post-biblical debates and philosophical interpretations of divine nature. As Bible-believing followers of Jesus, we must return to the Scriptures alone—Sola Scriptura—and not rely on creeds and councils that emerged centuries after the last apostle died.
2025-06-04
Are Jews and Christians Truly Different? – A Biblical Exploration
Introduction

In today’s world, Christians and Jews are often seen as two separate religions. But what does the Bible really say? And how was their relationship at the beginning of the faith? Those who sincerely study the Scriptures and historical context soon realize: the lines between Jew and Christian are not as clear-cut as religious or social traditions might suggest.

This article seeks to uncover what the Bible teaches about the identity of God’s people – beyond denominations, doctrines, or religious labels.

There Is No Such Thing as “The Jew”

Many people are unaware that Judaism itself includes a wide range of branches – from Orthodox to Reform to Messianic Jews who recognize Jesus (Yeshua) as the Messiah. However, these religious divisions are largely man-made and do not reflect the unity described in the Word of God.

The Bible doesn’t distinguish between religious affiliations. Scripture consistently presents only two categories:

👉 God’s people – the faithful followers,
👉 Idolaters – those who do not serve the true and living God.

Whether we call ourselves Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, or Messianic is ultimately irrelevant if we are not sincerely following the Son of God in truth and obedience.

Two Houses – One People

After the death of King Solomon, the ancient kingdom of Israel was divided into two parts:
- The Northern Kingdom, known as the House of Israel, made up of ten tribes, and
- The Southern Kingdom, known as the House of Judah, with two tribes.
While Judah remained somewhat intact and became known as the Jewish people, the House of Israel intermingled with the nations and became “lost.” Yet God’s plan was never for them to remain lost.

Jesus himself referred to them when he said:

“And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.”
(John 10:16 – KJV 1611)

He was speaking of the scattered tribes of the Northern Kingdom. The restoration of the whole people of Israel – drawn from all nations – is a major theme throughout Scripture.

“And he shall send his Angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his Elect from the foure windes, from one end of Heaven to the other.”
(Matthew 24:31 – KJV 1611)

“After this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lambe, clothed with white robes, and palmes in their hands.”
(Revelation 7:9 – KJV 1611)

The First Christians Were Entirely Jewish

Jesus was born into the tribe of Judah. His disciples – not just the well-known Twelve – were also Jewish. Both Jesus and the apostles taught in synagogues to Jewish audiences. Their way of life was thoroughly biblical and Hebraic – not “church-like” in the way we often imagine today.

The earliest followers of the Messiah were simply a distinct movement within Judaism – small, controversial perhaps, but grounded in biblical truth.

In fact, they were referred to as a sect – a term that in ancient usage was not derogatory. It simply meant:

“A smaller group within a larger religious community that emphasizes distinct teachings or practices.” (Duden definition)

Is There Really a Difference Today?

Historically and biblically speaking: No.

The first believers in Christ were Jews. From God’s perspective, there is only one people of God – those who believe, obey, and follow Him, regardless of their ancestry or religious background.

The true identity of God’s people is not determined by religion, culture, or heritage – but by covenant loyalty to the living God and His Son.
2025-06-01