10 Things that Distract you from Christ
The best lies are the ones that have a little truth mixed in. They sound convincing, they make sense, but like medicine mixed with poison, they can be deadly. This is why you [...]
Articles by Paul Ellis
How to Get Wisdom from God?
Wisdom is the ability to make good decisions and sound judgments. Wisdom is knowing how to walk in the favor and will of God. We all need wisdom, especially when we come to [...]
A Grace Commentary for Every Believer
Imagine a world where every believer knows how to read scripture through a new covenant lens. Imagine they have a study guide that is simple, beautiful and free from mixture. [...]
3 Reasons Why You Need the Grace Commentary
A new generation is rising – men and women who eat, drink and breathe undiluted grace. They are done with dead works and mixture. For them, it’s grace or nothing. If this [...]
What Does it Mean to be Righteous?
When I was a kid, my favorite moment in the school year was the minute the last exam finished. “Time’s up, pens down. Please remain seated until your paper is [...]
What does it Mean to Abide in the Vine?
Abiding in the vine is the antidote to independence, and the remedy to barrenness. Every believer knows these words of Jesus. “Abide in me, and I in you” (John 15:4). But [...]
Who Are the Grace Preachers?
Can you recommend a grace-based church in my area? I get asked this question a lot. What people want to know is, where are the grace preachers? Or who are the grace [...]
Special Fathers’ Day Giveaway
Update: This giveaway has ended. Don’t miss out on future freebies. Sign up today and be the first to know. Hi friends, This Sunday is Fathers’ Day in many countries. [...]
Are You Wearing the Full Armor of God?
One thing pastors like to do is dress up as Roman soldiers and preach on the armor of God. “You need to wear the full armor of God,” they say as they bash their gladii [...]
Law + Works + Grace = ?
The stories we tell ourselves shape our lives. For example, if you buy into a narrative that says, “The Bible is a book of rules we must obey,” you will find laws to obey [...]
The Study Bible You’ve Been Waiting For
Do you know how to use a Bible commentary? A commentary is a kind of explainer. It tells you what the scriptures mean. Or to be precise, it tells you what the commentator [...]
What’s With the Head Coverings?
When I wrote my book about women in the church, my aim was to examine every verse that has been hijacked to oppress and silence women. I wanted to show that contrary to what [...]
“You Shall Surely Die”
Once upon a time you were spiritually dead. Then you met Jesus and now you are spiritually alive. Or so the story goes. Like many religious phrases the idea that we were [...]
Is it God’s Will for You to Suffer (1 Peter 4:19)
“Paul, why are you writing a Bible commentary? There are so many.” It’s true. There are many Bible commentaries out there. But as far as I know, there are no [...]
Do we need a New Covenant Study Bible?
The Bible contains the most beautiful, life-giving words. Yet many don’t see them because they’re reading scripture through the wrong lens. Consider the following verse: [...]
How to Test the Spirits
Spirit, soul, and body – do you know the difference? Your spirit is that inner part of you that connects you to the spiritual world; your body or flesh is that external [...]
How to Walk in the Spirit
You were designed to be spiritual. You were created to walk in the spirit. Yet many people walk after the flesh. They make judgments based on what they hear, see, and [...]
What Does it Mean to be Spiritual?
What comes to mind when you think of the word spiritual? In scripture, we are exhorted to desire spiritual gifts, sing spiritual songs, and pray spiritual prayers. We are to [...]
Duck Church
Søren Kierkegaard, the Danish existentialist, used to tell a story about Duck Church. It goes something like this: Once upon a time there was a town of ducks. On Sunday [...]
Six Reasons Why Original Sin Cannot be True
Original sin says we were born bad to the bone. From the moment we drew our first breath, we were inclined towards sin, utterly depraved, and hostile towards God. Since [...]
Are your Children Natural Born Sinners?
A few years ago, the Babylon Bee published a satirical article entitled “Woman Finally Accepts Doctrine of Total Depravity Now That Daughter Is Two.” The article was [...]
E2R Turns 13 and It’s Time for a Change
I used to write about grace and nothing but grace. When I started writing Escape to Reality 13 years ago, I wrote about forgiveness and the unconditional love of God and how [...]
Can you Trust ChatGPT to Teach You about Grace?
ChatGPT, an A.I.-based chatbot that was released in November 2022, may be the biggest technological breakthrough to affect the church since the invention of the printing [...]
30 Ways Your Flesh Reacts to Trouble
You arrive at a moment of crisis. Perhaps you are in your boss’s office or the medical clinic. You’re fighting with your spouse or you’ve heard bad news. The heat is on [...]
What Happens to Unbaptized Infants Who Die?
If the doctrine of original sin is true, and everyone is born with a sinful nature and a rebel towards God, what happens to babies who die? Do babies go to hell? Do they go [...]
Feeling knocked down this Christmas?
What will be your highlight of 2022? I’ve got a bunch, but one that tops the list happened in September. It ranks right up there with Lazarus rising from the dead. Almost. [...]
What Does it Mean to Keep His Commandments?
Here’s a verse that can trip you up: For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. (1 John 5:3a) What commandments is John talking about? If you have not [...]
Out today The Grace Bible: 1–3 John & Jude
If you have ever wondered, How do I read this scripture through a new covenant lens? The Grace Bible is for you. In The Grace Bible every verse is explained from the [...]
Patriarchy is not God’s Plan for Your Marriage
God intended for marriage to be between one man and one woman, but the fall of man opened the door to two evils; polygyny and patriarchy. Polygyny replaces partnership [...]
Has Original Sin Made you a Bad Parent?
One of the strangest things I had to get used to as a young father, was my children freely admitting to their sins. Adam and Eve hid when they sinned, but my kids bragged [...]
The True Meaning of Holiness
When I was a teenager, I was involved in a band with some church friends. There were four of us in the band and I played the keyboard. One day, I got in an argument with the [...]
How to Have a Perfectly Good Conscience
Many people struggle with guilt on a daily basis. They feel guilty for not spending more time with their kids and for not calling their parents. They feel guilty for working [...]
Do Christians have a Sinful Nature?
Ever heard the one about how you have two natures wrestling inside you and the one that dominates is the one you feed the most? It’s not true. Christian, you do not have a [...]
What is the True Significance of the Virgin Birth?
One of the central tenets of the Christian faith is the miracle of the virgin birth. Jesus had no earthly father but was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born from the Virgin [...]
The Gospel in Ten Words – Tenth Anniversary
Ten years ago this week, my book The Gospel in Ten Words was released. To mark the anniversary, I thought I’d answer a few questions nobody ever asked, such as… Why did [...]
Is a Silent Wife a Gift from the Lord?
Recently in New Zealand, there was a job advertisement calling for a couple to manage a holiday camp. According to the ad, the ideal wife would have knowledge of Microsoft [...]
How to Get Paul’s New Book Before It Goes on Sale
“You’re being selective with scripture.” Ever heard that one? Tell people about the unconditional love of God and you’ll hear things like: “You’re cherry-picking [...]
Judged for Our Work and Living in Fear
A reader asked me how to read the following verse through a new covenant lens: If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct [...]
New Testament Scriptures Used to Support Original Sin
Augustine’s doctrine of original sin says you were born bad to the bone and hostile to God. You inherited Adam’s rebellious and sinful nature and your kids are going to [...]
Old Testament Scriptures Used to Support Original Sin
Since publishing my article refuting the doctrine of original sin, several readers have asked “What about this scripture?” Some people seem to think Augustine’s [...]
The Religious Origins of Original Sin
For 2000 years Augustine’s doctrine of original sin has taught that you were a natural born sinner, stained with Adam’s sin. From the moment you drew your first breath, [...]
Original Sin is Unbiblical
The doctrine of original sin is one of the most damaging lies ever inflicted on the human race. Developed by Tertullian and popularized by Augustine, original sin says we all [...]
Why Does Jesus Hate Divorce?
In the modern church we think we treat women well. We tell ourselves that we are enlightened, educated and respectful. But in the very next breath we tell women they can’t [...]
What to do When You’re Facing Death
If you are facing a sentence of death – a bad report, a scary diagnosis, the loss of a business – you would do well to read Christ’s letter to the church at [...]
Introducing The Grace Bible
For years, people have been asking me, “Paul, what’s your favorite Bible?” That’s a tough question, like asking me to pick my favorite child. What people really want [...]
How Do We Keep the Word of His Perserverance?
You know that warning about not adding words to the Bible? I think of it whenever I read passages like this: You have kept my command to endure patiently… (Revelation [...]
Who has Authority in a Marriage?
Who has the authority in a marriage, the husband or the wife? For much of human history, the men were in charge, and their wives were considered little more than property. [...]
Two Lies About Sin
The worst disease to ever afflict the human race is not Covid or cancer, but sin. Sin is not merely breaking the rules or acting immorally. Sin is much more serious than [...]
Doers of the Law Will be Justified?
Was the Apostle Paul confused when he wrote Romans 2:13? Because this verse doesn’t seem to belong in the Bible: For it is not the hearers of the law who are just before [...]
What is the Sin Leading to Death?
There are different types of sin, and some more serious than others. Apparently we should pray for those who do the lighter sins, but not waste time praying for those who do [...]
What Does it Mean to Fall from Grace?
“Did you hear about that celebrity pastor and his secretary? What a fall from grace!” The fall-from-grace phrase is sometimes used to describe famous people who have [...]
What is the Biblical Definition of Sin?
What is sin? Some define sin as transgression of God’s law. “We need to keep the law because ‘sin is lawlessness’” (see 1 John 3:4). Okay, but which law? “We have [...]
What is the Modern Grace Message?
A man once asked me a question: “I want to show my friends that the gospel of grace is not the latest fad. Can you direct me to some early church teachings on grace?” I [...]
Last chance to get “The Happy, Wondrous, Divine Exchange”
Just a gentle reminder that you have about 24 hours to take advantage of our special offer. “What special offer?” Sign up as a patron by Saturday and you will receive my [...]
The World’s Most Popular Sermon
Many years ago I heard a sermon that radically changed my understanding of the cross. The sermon was recorded on a cassette tape in 1987, and it is no exaggeration to say [...]
Is God’s Love Unconditional?
“Is God’s love really unconditional? The phrase unconditional love is not even in the Bible!” Ever heard that one? How about this one: “God’s love is unconditional, [...]
What is the Hour of Testing Coming on the Whole World?
Once again, the world seems on the brink of destruction. Pandemics, terrorism, nuclear threats. Could this be the end? It probably isn’t, but it is an excellent time to [...]
What does the Bible Say About the Flesh?
The flesh is one of the most confusing words in the Bible. What does it mean? And is the flesh good or bad? Why did Paul say he was alive in the flesh but then say he had [...]
Are Women Weaker Vessels?
Running through the tapestry of human history is a sexist thread that says women are weaker and inferior to men. They are second-born and second-best. This is what the [...]
Did Paul Preach a Different Gospel?
Read the New Testament and you might come away with the idea that there is more than one gospel. The very first words of the New Testament in the King James Bible are, “The [...]
All Your Questions Answered
Do you have questions about God, the Bible, the church, money, parenting, sin, and life in general? Over the past few weeks I have revamped E2R’s questions page. More than [...]
What is a Biblical Definition of Faith?
What is faith? We talk about faith all the time, but what is it? Do you know what faith is? Of course you do, right? Are you sure? Maybe a better question to ask is, “Do I [...]
Are Women Saved through Childbearing?
One of the strangest verses in the Bible is found in Paul’s first letter to Timothy: But women will be saved through childbearing – if they continue in faith, love and [...]
What is the Gospel of Grace?
There are few things in life more important than life itself. You might give your life for a child or a loved one. Maybe you would give your life for your country. The [...]
Paul’s Review of The Passion Translation
Several years ago, readers started telling me about this new Bible called the Passion Translation. “It’s fresh. It’s brilliant. Check it out.” The buzz reminded me of [...]
E2R’s 12th Birthday and our Biggest Giveaway Ever!
UPDATE: This giveaway is now finished. Sign up to be notified of future giveaways: Type your email… Subscribe Today is Escape to Reality’s 12th anniversary. To [...]
What is the Law in the Bible?
Pop question: When Jesus said, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are gods’?” what law was he referring to? Was he referring to the Law of Moses or some [...]
What is the Law of Christ?
There are many laws in the Bible. There is the Law of Moses and the Law of God. There is the law of sin and the law of faith. There is the law of righteousness and the law of [...]
What is the Royal Law?
What is the royal law? Do you need to keep it and what happens if you don’t? If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor [...]
What is the Difference Between Mercy and Grace?
What is mercy and how does it relate to grace? Is mercy the same as grace, or is it something different? Some people miss grace because they think it grace = mercy. They [...]
What Does 1 Peter 3:7 Mean?
A man recently asked me about a troubling verse. “My wife says my prayers are hindered because I don’t respect her enough.” He was referring to this verse: Husbands, in [...]
What is Grace?
As C.S. Lewis famously observed, grace is the one thing that makes Christianity unique. Grace is what makes the new covenant new and the good news good news. But what is [...]
How to Get to the Front of the E2R Queue
“What do you do all day, Paul?” You’d be surprised how often I am asked this question. It’s usually easier to tell people what I don’t do. I’m a writer, but I [...]
Why did God Hate Esau and Love Jacob?
God loves the whole world. He loves everyone – you, me, your neighbor. He loves presidents and prime ministers. He loves scandal-plagued clerics and drug-ridden athletes. [...]
A Christmas Message from Paul
A year ago I asked a question. “Lord, I’ve been writing E2R for years. What’s next?” It’s not that I was tired of telling people about grace; far from it. It’s [...]
Why did Mary Find Favor with God?
Imagine God asked you to recruit the mother of the Messiah. Two women have been shortlisted, and you have been asked to pick the best one. The first woman has an impeccable [...]
Are you Complementarian, Egalitarian, or Something Else?
Every one of us holds a view about the role of women. What can they do; what can’t they do? Your answers to these questions defines your bias. “Wait, I’m not biased!” [...]
Making Church Skits Cool Again
As a teenager, I was in the church drama team. It was cool. On Fridays we’d rehearse, and on Sunday’s we’d perform. We were so good that we were invited to perform in [...]
Does Sin Hinder our Prayers?
Ever heard this one: “God is holy. If you have unconfessed sin in your life, he will not hear your prayers.” It’s. Not. True. If sin made God deaf, no sinner could be [...]
Why Aren’t All Healed? (And Other Questions I’ve Been Asked)
I love a good question. I love questions so much, I wrote a book full of them. What’s so great about questions? As I say in that book, Questions are stepping stones to [...]
How Does a Husband Act Like a Head?
Here’s a line you may have heard: “God has ordained the husband to be the head of the marriage, which means he’s in charge.” The first bit is biblical; the second bit [...]
Introducing JesusScripts.com
I blame Covid. On account of lockdowns, my kids could no longer attend youth group. I had to step up, and fill the gap. But I am no youth leader, and my Bible classes were [...]
The Grace Commentary Passes a Milestone
It’s amazing how much can change in a year. For as long as I have been writing Escape to Reality, readers have been asking, “Paul, why don’t you write a commentary?” [...]
Tyndale, Shakespeare and the King James Bible
The early seventeenth century was a time of unbridled creativity for English writers. Will Shakespeare was whacking out his best plays, while King James and Co. were working [...]
Are you Self-Righteous? Take the Test!
When you reach a certain age, you have to go for periodic checkups to ensure that nasty diseases haven’t flared up since your last check up. Similarly, it’s a good idea [...]
How to Talk to Your Kids About Money
How were you taught about money when you were a child? I wasn’t taught much beyond pocket money and tithing. Most of my financial education came later through hard [...]
In Marriage, Who Takes the Lead?
If you have been raised with a traditional view of marriage, you’ve probably heard the husband is in charge. “In a marriage, the man is God’s delegated [...]
Who’s Your Daddy?
When our first child was born, there were some complications and she had to spend a few days in a special care ward. She was kept in an incubator and the only way I could [...]
What We Need is a New Covenant Dictionary
Words mean different things to different people. Consider the word obedience. What does this word mean to you? If you have an old covenant mindset, obedience means keeping [...]
What are Works of Faith?
What is the relationship between faith and works? And are we saved by faith or faith plus works? Many people are confused about these things, and it’s not hard to see why: [...]
Should Women Remain Silent in Church? What Does the Bible Say?
Should women stay silent in church? Hmm. Tough question. What does the Bible say? NO Act 1:14 They ALL joined together constantly in prayer, along with the WOMEN. NO Act 2:4 [...]
Six Signs of a Self-Righteous Mindset
Self-righteousness is the worst disease to ever afflict the human race. Self-righteousness will keep you from grace and lock you out of the kingdom. For this reason, great [...]
I Will Come Like a Thief
Once upon a time, in the iron-age kingdom of Lydia, there was a river of gold called the Pactolus River. Whoever controlled the river was rich, and this explains why Croesus [...]
When Jesus Speaks Harshly
Since I preach grace, I am often hit with the accusation that I have not read the harsh words of Jesus. The argument seems to be that because Jesus spoke harshly to the [...]
No Grace for Michael Corleone
I recently watched all the Godfather movies again. I started with Godfather 2, because it’s the best, then I watched Godfather 1, because it’s even better then best. Then [...]
5 Myths about God’s Forgiveness
No religion preaches the complete forgiveness of sins like Christianity. You might say it’s one of our unique selling points. So why do we do such a bad job with it? We [...]
Beware the Lord with a Sword
What will you do with the Lord with a sword? I am referring to the picture of Jesus found in his letter to the church in Pergamum. In it Jesus introduces himself as [...]
Special Offer and the $250,000 Give Away!
Zoom. Live streaming. Online worship. Virtual meetings. Facebook groups. Drive-thru communion. Churches and ministries are adapting to meet the realities of a post-Covid [...]
Is the Husband the Head of His Wife?
Headship is revealed in sacrifice. In the same way that Christ gave himself up for the church, the husband gives himself up for his wife. He crawls through traffic, fights grizzly bears, and catches bullets for her. [...]
He Who Sows Sparingly
The church does a lot of things well, but one area where we sometimes drop the ball is money. I have seen rich leaders use threats to extort money from poor people. I’ve [...]
Escape to Reality 