“Faith Towards God”
By Ronel Wilson
The entire study series on the so called Milk Doctrines can be found here: The Milk Doctrines
Jas 1:16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
Jas 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
Jas 1:18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
We are sown in bodies in corruption in the likeness and weakness of sinful flesh. Born slaves to sin, no good thing comes from within us unless the Lord does the initiation.
The gift of faith is not our own faith, it the faith OF Jesus Christ. It is the faith OF Christ that becomes our faith. As Christ is so are we in this world (1 John 4:17)!
Ephesians 4:7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
This gift is only being revealed unto God’s chosen ones in their appointed times. Like all gifts, the giver of the gift, determines when and how the gift is imparted. Having been predestinated or chosen to receive it before the world was formed; we are receiving a tremendous blessing to be the firstfruits of the harvest and salvation of all men if we continue in His goodness being saved through a fiery process of judgement.
Acts 13:48 When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.
Faith towards God is part of the milk doctrines which are:
Heb 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
Heb 5:13 For everyone that useth milk [partakes and continues only on milk] is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Heb 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Heb 6:2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
Heb 6:3 And this will we do, if God permit [God willing].
As we learned from our first study, “Repentance from dead works,” milk, is a necessary part of our diet to develop, and is an essential part to the sum of God’s Truth. All who desire to live a godly life in Christ must first partake of this milk, without which any child of God cannot grow up. At the appointed time of the Father, the child of God is to move onto perfection through partaking of the “strong meat”, the “deep things of God”. Let us remind ourselves of the importance of milk from our last study;
1Pet 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word [Why?] that ye may grow thereby:
Introduction:
The second of these six elementary principles (milk doctrines) of Christ is faith toward God. A principle can be defined as a foundation for belief, an essence, a basis of conduct or a fundamental truth from which ALL others are derived from. It is therefore mandatory that we use the basic principles the Scripture sets out to understand faith. To be born again, or “as newborn babes,” one must first being born (John 3:6).
When the Scriptures talk about our first birth, it is not placing emphasis on our physical birth by our physical mother, but rather the birth of the old man, the old adamic human nature which is strongly tied to the system of the world, faith of this age and its earthly things. Being a “newborn babe” refers to the birth of the nature of Jesus Christ in us (His Word, mind and ways) and living His Life through us (Rom 8:10).
Faith toward God is a process TOWARDS God that does not take a few seconds, days, months or a few years. It is a process that lasts for the rest of our lives until we get to the FULLNESS OF GOD. The destination is to the Father, and the Captain dragging us toward God is the Lord, Jesus Christ, himself. He alone knows the WAY, the obstacles and how to overcome those obstacles and complete the mission in getting us to God. There is no other captain or route. We obtain age abiding life through Christ (John 17:3).
1Pe 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
The multifaceted composition of faith and manifold parts will be revealed to us only as we continue toward God. The first thing we need to know is the basic definition of faith, according to Scripture. Let us look at the true faith of God’s elect versus the faith of orthodoxy.
What is TRUE Faith?
Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Faith is not based on substance or anything tangible. It is only required when there is no physical evidence that we can see or scientifically prove something. A better and more appropriate translation of Hebrews 11:1 that fits the rest of Scripture is:
Heb 11:1 (NASB) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Heb 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
It is the belief in the invisible. The assurance intended to give us confidence beyond our natural comprehension.
Joh 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
1Pe 1:8 (ESV) Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.
Faith is a NOUN. It is not a verb or an action. Faith is a possession. True faith is the down payment, the earnest, of the Spirit given to us:
2Co 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Eph 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
We are not being able doing anything for God without this given faith. Believing on the Lord means that we are trusting God to deliver on ALL of His promises. Faith is believing that God is doing what He is saying and that He is FAITHFUL to His Covenants, even if we are not. It does not depend on us and our faithfulness. God is faithful to all His covenants and promises.
2 Tim 2:13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself
Without faith, it is impossible to please God. This is because, without faith, a man will lean on his own understanding and trust in his own works and efforts to bring about the will of God. We have to exceed the righteousness of the Law!
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
We are not being able to believe in God and His Word without Him giving us the faith to do so. We, are all like the father of the demon possessed son, who cried out “Lord I believe; help thou mine unbelief”:
Mar 9:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
Those with TRUE faith profess Christ as Lord:
The true gospel of Christ is hated by the carnal mind. Humanity is at enmity with God and is repulsed at the idea that it is God alone who chooses to whom He imparts spiritual gifts. The sons of Christ are being given POWER of the Holy Spirit and the gift of faith is salted with fire to go preach this gospel to the ends of the earth within.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast
Paul is saying that nobody calls Jesus Lord, in Spirit and Truth, without having the Holy Spirit inside of them.
1 Cor 12:3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.
We have to ASK our Father for the gift of the Holy Spirit!
Asking the Father and receiving from Christ:
Luke 11:13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
Acts 2:23-24 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore, being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.
Here again we see the importance of repentance to receive Christ:
Acts 2:38-39 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
Why is the FAITH of God’s sons different from orthodoxy?
There are many beliefs within Christianity, what makes this faith of God’s elect any different? The focus and subject of this faith is Christ bringing us toward God the Father. As newborn babes, two good starting points for having faith toward God are: There is One God and One Lord.
1Co 8:5 (ESV) For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth–as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”
1Co 8:6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
Believing in the true one God, through the one Lord Jesus Christ, is the faith of God’s elect. This is the only faith that will drag us towards God the Father.
Tit 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
Believing or having faith towards God is NOT recognizing that there is a man Jesus or even a God that exists. As can be seen in the verse with Thomas below, there are many “Thomases” who believe according to sight.
Joh 20:24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
Joh 20:25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe [faith by sight].
The WORK of God:
True faith towards God includes the work of God, which we will begin to do once we get to the stronger meat of the Word. This is an important point to keep in mind when thinking about faith toward God. Without its work, it is dead! Let the Lord tell us Himself;
Jas 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Joh 6:28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
Joh 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, [this is the true faith toward God] that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Believe what Lord?
Act 24:14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, [faith toward God is ….] believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
2Ti 3:16 All scripture [Gen 1:1 to Rev 22:21] is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, [Heb 6:2 “the principles of the doctrine of Christ”] for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
This faith operates by obedience to the Word of God, believing and doing all things we are instructed and commanded of the Lord to do. In doing so, we are working and producing good works. This is the true LOVE of God and is covered in the stronger meat of God’s Word.
Gal 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
We do not have the true FAITH of God, we have faith in “another Jesus ”to begin with:
Before we start being dragged to “faith toward God”, we all like to think and believe that we have faith of Jesus. The question is posed:
Luk 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
As will be clearly revealed to us as we go onto the stronger meat of God’s Word, we did not have the faith that will bring us toward God when He first comes to us. As was mentioned in our last series of repentance from dead works, we first have to be made to realize we are sinful before we are granted repentance. Likewise, we first have to be brought to a point where we are being able to acknowledge, that we are without “faith toward God”.
Psa 51:3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
Jer 3:13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.
Only after we acknowledge our faithlessness does the Lord begin to show us that what we had was NOT of faith. Faith toward God from the beginning had been omitted in our midst for many reasons, from genuine lack of understanding to it not fitting our denominational identity, when we first placed our faith in “the wisdom of men and our own religious beliefs as well as the ten commandments of Moses”.
Mat 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Our faith was first placed in wisdom of religious men, what the Scripture also calls a “schoolmaster” or in some translations “tutors” / “guardians”.
1Co 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. This is when we were ‘believers’ who in times past used to say:
1Co 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ [” I am of Catholic faith…I am Pentecostal…I am Baptist…I am so and so”].
This is all contrary to the faith that brings us to God. As newborn babes, once we know we have One Father and One Lord, from then on, we are to be known only by His Name and begin to take on His true Christ-like nature. Even whilst abiding in the body of Christ, at first, we are only hearing and not doing yet.
At the appointed time of the Father, the Lord is sent to us through His Holy Spirit to bring us to God. The Lord is teaching us the Father’s Word, plans, thoughts, ways and doctrines. All the Lord does is to the intent to bring us “towards the Father”. The Lord chooses a few out of the multitude He has and is calling; He gives a measure of Himself in their hearts, which is the measure of faith. As newborn babes, it is good to always bear in mind that this is not just any faith (in the wisdom of men), rather it is the faith of God’s elect which is inevitably bringing us to God through the Holy Spirit through many fiery trials in this life.
Tit 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
MEASURE of faith given:
How much faith is given? We are all dealt a portion of Christ, that is, a measure of faith. Contrary to beliefs in time past, it is NOT given in a few seconds prayer, nor is a vast portion given at once. Rather, it is a very small amount as tiny as a grain of mustard seed.
Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
As we learned in the study, “Repentance from dead works”, we are not to despise those weak in the faith, simply because FAITH IS A GIFT. All newborn babes are given a talent to begin with also (see the parable of the talents). We are all weak in the faith at first, but by continuing daily, we become stronger in the faith. No man is given a hundred-present faith toward God at a single time. Likewise, there are multitudes of followers, to whom faith toward God is not yet given, but the faith given is in the wisdom of men.
2Th 3:2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
Rom 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
In both cases, it is very important for newborn babes to know that the law of faith rejects and excludes all vainglory and boasting, especially against those that have not been given faith and those that are still weak in the faith.
1Co 4:7 (NKJV) For who makes you differ from another? [strong in the faith or weak in the faith or have no faith toward God?]. And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
Rom 3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
Not faith of ourselves? WHAT and WHERE is it?
It is vital to note again that “faith toward God” is not of ourselves.
There is nothing we can do of our own will that can take us “toward God”.
Joh 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power [faith] to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, […” as newborn babes”] not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
It is for this reason faith is referred to throughout the Scriptures as being the faith of Jesus Christ.
Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Gal 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
1Ti 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
1Ti 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2Ti 3:15 (MKJV) and that from a babe you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Jas 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
We have no input to get to God, it is all a gift of God, and ONLY found in Christ.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Rom 3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
Keep in remembrance where it is found. From the mouth of the Lord Himself;
Act 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Through what channel does this faith come to us? The Lord is His Word (Joh 1:1-4) and we receive His Spirit (Joh 6:63) by hearing Him if he grants us spiritual ears to hear Him and a heart to understand Him. It is through His MINISTERS who have this Spirit of faith, that we are being granted this precious faith.
Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Rom 10:8 (MKJV) But what does it say? “The Word is near you, even in your mouth and in your heart”; that is, the Word of faith which we proclaim;
1Co 3:5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
2Co 4:13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; As we grow in the faith and increase our understanding, “we also believe, and therefore [should] speak.”
What does this faith toward God produce in us? Let Peter answer us;
Act 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Act 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
As we continue toward God in faith, His righteousness, is progressively revealed to us.
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
What is the OUTCOME and end of this Faith?
The answer is that this “Faith… [is] toward … God”. Reaching the Father is the destination, and we are told:
Joh 4:24 God is Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
The end goal is to be ONE in God through Jesus Christ. This is an age lasting process that necessitates we continue in this faith toward God day by day until we get to God. Once we are given a measure of faith, we are to continue, increase and grow up from being babes towards a mature man in Christ Jesus. This will only happen…
Col 1:23 If ye continue in the faith [toward God] grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Act 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, [toward God] and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
2Th 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, my brothers, as it is right, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of each one of you abounds toward one another;
2Co 8:7 Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
Trials and manifold temptations arise in due time to prove us, to test us and the purity of the faith of Christ as we continue toward the Father.
1Th 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.
It is a rare and precious faith, one that we have to contend with the enemies and adversaries all of our lives:
2Pe 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
Jud 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
There is a great prize at the end, through many trials, and the purpose and reward is to enter into the Kingdom of God:
Act 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, [toward God] and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Getting to the Kingdom of God through “faith toward God” is our SALVATION, our COMPLETION, and our PERFECTION.
2Ti 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
Contrary to the faith in the wisdom of men, we do not receive the salvation of God through a few second sinners prayer at the beginning, but rather through an age-lasting process of the prayer of faith:
Jas 5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
To eventually receive:
1Pe 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
CONCLUSION:
It is of utmost importance to know there is increasing unity in the faith of Jesus Christ as we grow towards the Father. There is only one faith, even as there is One God and One Lord Jesus Christ bringing us to God.
Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Eph 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
Let us now bear in mind all these admonitions of Scripture whenever we think of the faith of Christ. It requires great boldness, strength and bravery in keeping the commandments of God.
Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
1Co 16:13 (NASB) Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, [grow from newborn babes to] act like men, be strong.
And lest we forget, let us remember why we need to go beyond these six “first oracles of the doctrine of Christ”. Here is the reason why:
Gal 4:1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child [Greek – nepios – baby], differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
Gal 4:2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
Gal 4:3 Even so we, when we were children [Greek- nepios- babies], were in bondage under the elements of the world:
Gal 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Gal 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons [An entirely different Greek word- huios – mature son].
Gal 4:6 And because ye are sons [Greek – huios – mature son], God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son [huios] into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Gal 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son [huios]; and if a son [huios], then an heir of God through Christ.
If “a huios” then an heir of God through Christ. God is calling many to remain as immature “nepios” babes in Christ. Out of those many babies He is calling a few to “leave the principles of the doctrines of Christ” and go onto maturity. The few who are chosen out of the many called, are to be the future rulers of this world. God is not using babies to rule this world. He will only use those who have “had their senses exercised to know good and evil and who want to go on to the “strong meat” of “filling up in my body what is behind of the afflictions of Christ …”
Mat 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
Col 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:
So, we see the “first principles of the doctrine of Christ” in the Biblical perspective, are for babies to grow thereby:
1Pe 2:2 As newborn babes [Greek – nepios – babies], desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
Let us appreciate “the milk of the Word” for what it is. Milk is for spiritual babies, let none of us be guilty of refusing to “grow thereby” and “leave the principles of the doctrine of Christ” so we can go on unto perfection and maturity and eat the strong meat of the Word.
Nugget:
We first “another Jesus” in orthodoxy that is based upon the Law of Moses, the wisdom of men and our own religious ideas and the works that follows this faith which are our self-righteous rags to the Lord. Even whilst we are having true doctrine, coming out of orthodoxy, being joined to the body of Christ, if we do not move on and our faith being tested like gold tried in the fire, our faith does not stand because faith without works are dead.
Jas 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
Jas 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
Jas 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
Jas 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Jas 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Jas 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Jas 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Jas 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Jas 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
Jas 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
Jas 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
True faith is an earnest of the Spirit given, it is the faith of Jesus Christ, and a process to sanctify the faith of Christ as it is being tried and tested by the fire of Christ’s commands moving us onto maturity.
The true Bride of Christ, are the ones abiding in the fire until the end.
Son 4:10 How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices!
The consequence of true faith leaving the faith of “another Jesus” is HOPE:
Having the faith of Christ is to have Hope. We are to be ready to give an answer always of the reason we have Hope in this life.
1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
The world’s attention is focused on all the evil events that takes place in this life and from time to time, there is a story of encouragement and hope, of people despite dire circumstances never giving up hope are saved, they had hope that they would be saved from the deep, dark grave of whatever circumstances kept them in bondage that they would become free. It is a witness just how much and how long we, as humans, can endure in the physical, and actually do quite well, if only there is communication that we will be saved. It is the same in the spiritual. This is how we are told to view our deliverance from our sinful bodies of flesh into our glorious new spiritual bodies.
Rom 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now, is our salvation [our deliverance] nearer than when we believed.
Rom 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
Rom 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
Rom 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Our salvation is nearer than when we first believe, but how are we being saved? As we see “we are being saved by Hope”. Hope is what gives purpose to our trials. Without hope we despair of the trials of this life.
Rom 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
Rom 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Rom 8:24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
Rom 8:25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
We rejoice in Hope of the Glory of God, in other words, our obedience because we have glory in tribulations … we know that tribulations work patience, and patience works experience, and experience brings us back to hope.
Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Rom 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
Rom 5:4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
Rom 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Experience works hope. How does experience work hope? Looking behind us, we see how the Lord is bringing us through the many trials increasing our faith.
Why are we being judged now instead of being judged with the world?
It is “for the hope of the promise made of God to our fathers … for which hope’s sake we are accused of the [outward] Jews [of this world]. In other words, hope for the resurrection inwardly as well as outwardly.
Act 26:6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:
Act 26:7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.
Act 28:20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
It is those, who through Christ, have inherited “the promise made of God to our fathers”, because, according to the Gospel, we are now “the Israel of God… [with] the hope of Israel” to be God’s people in this world (Gal 5:15-16 and Eph 2:11-22).
Eph 2:22 In whom [Christ] ye [Gentile Ephesians] also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
How have we been granted this “promise made of God to our fathers”?
Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Gal 5:5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
It is through the Spirit of Christ, “by faith”, [that we] wait for the hope of righteousness, [and] we have access … into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. In other words, we have the promise of Christ in us, the Hope of Glory. We are being made obedient to Christ, being saved, knowing Christ and His Father.
Where are Christ’s RICHES? Where is Christ’s inheritance?
The world is telling us that Christ’s inheritance is in heaven, and that He ascended into heaven to be at the right hand of His Father. It is true if we see and ask where does Christ and His Father dwell? It is only through the gift of faith that we are given eyes to see what we are plainly told.
Eph 2:22 In whom [Christ] ye [Gentile Ephesians] also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
We were “called in Christ before the world began”. We were intended to be “an habitation for God through Spirit… before the world began”.
2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Tit 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
It was “according to His own purpose and grace” that we were “called with a holy calling, in hope of eternal life, before the world began”. Christ wants us to know that “His inheritance is in us”, and that without us He would have no inheritance, simply because that is “according to God’s own purpose” and that was the case “before the world began”. That is the hope of our calling.
Eph 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance [which is] in the saints,
We, the sons of God, understand that the hope of our calling is in Christ, and the riches of His inheritance is in us. That is what it means:
Joh 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Joh 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
Joh 14:20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
Joh 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Christ manifests Himself only to those who love Him and keep His commandments. He comes to us while we are still in sin, but if He is in us, He is gaining dominion over that sin and become its Master, and we will “keep His commandments” and come to “know what is the hope of His calling and the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints”.
It is in one hope, “the Hope of the Lord”, that we possess many hopes. Here are a few reasons for the hope that lies within us:
Col 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
The fact that “the hope of the gospel was preached to every creature under heaven” back in the days of the apostles, should help us to understand what “go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel” really means. It means to ourselves within first, we are to judge ourselves with righteous judgement to see if we are in the faith.
While it seems that every time hope is mentioned in Scripture, it is a superlative [“unbeatable hope”], there is a very good reason for that, as is revealed in these verses.
Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
1Th 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
Tit 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
Tit 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
What is GLORY?
Glory is brightness, and brightness is produced only at the expenditure of great energy. Our judgment expends great amounts of energy which is coming from the Lord, because we can do nothing of ourselves:
Joh 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Joh 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned.
Our judgment is our glory. Glory, like grace, is not just a dead lifeless noun. Glory, like grace, is also much alive and a very active verb, which glory we receive as the result of the work of God’s chastening grace and His judgments which we endure in this life. Here is the Biblical spiritual equation of what is being required to produce the Glory of God within us:
Eze 28:22 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, O Zidon; and I will be glorified in the midst of thee: and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her.
Joh 11:3 Therefore his [Lazarus] sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
Joh 11:4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
That is the purpose for sin and death. It is through these things that God is glorified, and it is through the destruction of our old sinful man that Christ is glorified in us:
Joh 12:23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
Joh 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
Joh 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
So then, this is the simple equation which produces the Glory of God within us. This is how we are being glorified:
Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint- heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
1Pe 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part, he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
Here is how Isaiah makes this same point:
Isa 66:5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.
So, let us repeat again and ask what is the reason for the hope that lies within us?
Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Our judgment is our glory, and that is why we are being judged at this time and not with the world in the lake of fire to come. We are dying daily, and that is glorious, because the world is not dying daily. We are being hated of all men, and that is glorious because all men speak well of us when we are part of them. We are hated by false brothers who believe they are doing God a service as they kill us, with their hatred, but that is glorious because they are not hated as we are. Hated means “love less”.
Here is how Paul accounted for the Hope that was in him, despite the unbearable trial he endured.
2Ti 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
2Ti 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Our hope is in the Lord and in Him alone.
1Th 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
Finally, the reason for the Hope that is in us is also this promise which we are claiming as ours, in Christ.
Rom 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [His] purpose.
Rom 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Rom 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Rom 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who can be against us?
Rom 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Rom 8:33 Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? [It is] God that justifieth.
Rom 8:34 Who [is] he that condemneth? [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Rom 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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