I'll never understand what the big deal is about avoiding baptism or claiming it's just a work and nothing more and that it's not essential to salvation. Jesus said it is. "Believers" go out of their way to avoid it. Faith without works is dead. You know what else is works? Faith and belief. Look further into this. Dismiss it if you will. Better to obey God's word if you are a believer than to save yourself before being saved. I can't stress it enough.
28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
Water Baptism is a WORK, a SIGN of the washing away of our sins when God has performed if we have become saved that was to be done during the Church Age, i.e. that period of time when the local churches and congregations were the corporate representation of the kingdom of God on this earth; just as Circumsision was to be done as a sign of the cutting away of our sins in salvation during the time that the nation of Isreal was the corporate representation of God's kingdom.
Neither water baptism nor circumsision contribute anything whatsoever to salvation. Just like no WORK of any kind that we do contributes anything toward our salvation. Unfortunatly many churches and denominations fell into the snare of looking at the SIGN of water baptism as having some efficacy toward our salvation. And as a result those churches developed a do-it-yourself works / grace gospel that cannot save. And this is one of the reasons why God's judgement has come upon the local churches and congregations in our day, I am sorry to say.
Unbelievers are unable to come to the light of Christ without the Father drawing them and the Holy spirit shining light into their souls by regenerating them unto faith in Jesus through the light of the Gospel.
So, all of us here who believe the Gospel and put our faith in Jesus are blessed by the workings of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who together bring about our salvation.
How wonderful is the love of God that He would bestow upon us such grace and mercy!
Having been a believer all of my life, I have thus been under the effects of these precious gifts from God for as long as I can remember. It is easy to just take these for granted at times, but I try to remind myself often to be grateful to God for bringing me to Christ early on.
Though I count myself a sinner in need of salvation, I do not have a testimony of a life lived without salvation. I do not know what it is like to be in the darkness of unbelief. Why God saved me so young, I cannot explain, but I am thankful.
I love to hear the testimony of those who have lived apart from God and then have been converted. These testimonies make me so thankful that God reached these people who became brethren by the same means that I did but in life circumstances different than mine.
For me, having been brought up by believing parents and taught the faith of Christ from my early years, I know that God chose this environment for me. It has blessed me by continually strengthening my faith in Christ and in growing in knowledge of God.
This reminds how much of a blessing it is for children to be brought up in the faith. The responsibility to do this on believing parents should not be sloughed off. But even when we do this, some children will go the way of the prodigal, as my three sons have. It makes me wonder why God kept me in the faith through my childhood and beyond but allowed my sons to stray from Him. But I do know that God is mighty to save and will draw them to Him.
Psalm 56. In this Psalm once again we see the pleading of David to God in relation to the pursuing enemies. The story of the backdrop in Gath was complex; but basically David had a tenuous relationship with the Philistines while he made them rich fighting surrounding tribes; but acting as though he was fighting against Israel so as to obtain residence and favor while there. Obviously; there would be enemies from without and within as well as Saul always in the backdrop; even if put at bay for a time.
Matthew 10:28 comes to mind when we look at verse 11; and verse 13 also shows salvation of the soul spiritually overrides any fears of man in this world.
Verse 8 needs some explanation. The book here seems to reference something more specific than that of the Book of Life. It may be the same thing or something similar to the Book of Remembrance in Malachi 3:6-18. God surely knows all things and in fact every word we speak we are held accountable for in Judgment Day. ( Matthew 12:36). We are reminded here and with apparently another 99 verses in the Word about sorrow in the lives of believers (see Isaiah 53:3 for the life of Christ as it truly was rather than some sentimental story).
Finally, it should be noticed from verses 3 and 11 that TRUST is an important aspect to true belief in Christ. It is more than mental assent or knowing about Christ. It is trusting our lives to Him; our possessions; our relationships; our vocations; our ALL. It is helpful through this not to place trust ultimately in anything or anyone else; especially ourselves. As Psalm 23 states even through the shadow of death He shall guide us. His Word is true ( 2 Cor 1:18-20; Rev. 3:14). Let us put our trust in Him today and always.
Could it be the same rock in Daniel , the one that grinds the statue to pieces ? The same rock that on whomever it falls it will grind them to pieces ? That rock of offence and stumbling to the Jews ? The chief corner stone on which our faith is built ? Christ , the Son of God ? Risen from the dead and alive forever more ? If you believe that in that instance , the gates of hell is referring to death , the last enemy to be destroyed , then Christ , the rock , is going to smash those gates and free the dead .
Thou Peter art a stone ,but upon this rock. "I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it "
For the record : 2Samuel 22:47 clearly states what the scriptures say among many others who is " the Rock".
And upon that rock "I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail agains5 it "
I used to think and was once taught if only indirectly that some how it is the church that is under siege nd on the back foot by the gates of hell which of course will not prevail against it .
But when we speak of gates here we are speaking of gates of a city the weakest point of the wall protecting the city So are the most heavily defended . I'm not sure what exactly or perfectly it does mean . But I am certain that it does not mean the gates of hell are attacking the church but won't prevail.
But rather what ever it does mean it is the gates of hell that are in deep trouble from this church and will not prevail .
Or withstand the church of God that is built on the rock of ages the everlasting rock .Jesus the Son of the Living God .
"Faith is also the evidence (elegchos) of things not being seen": True Faith also demands 'what is unseen becomes proof of its reality to us' and by extension, 'resulting in us 'being persuaded', as brother Jesse has shared elsewhere. Not that we must believe in everything (seen or unseen), but where God's Word & Spirit declares it, there cannot be an iota of doubt or else true Faith is absent. I think this aligns somewhat with your comment, "it is the observation (or, sighting) of things we do not see". For your further input brother, if you so wish.
Thank you brother Giannis for your input, with illustrations of the thief on the cross & Jairus' daughter.
I don't doubt anything you've narrated about those accounts, including the likelihood of the other events surrounding them. The point is not whether the thief on the cross or Jairus were encouraged & received faith by Jesus to believe, since it is clear that from Jesus Words to them, His Presence & ministry, Jesus would have given them every reason to trust Him for what He was about to do for them. The main point in all this is, was their faith in Jesus to do the seemingly impossible, purely one of faith or intermixed (in whatever ratio) with the human element of a longing & hope that the end result would hopefully be better than their present distress? Maybe a definitive answer cannot be given, not knowing their hearts.
Then at your last paragraph, you touched on this very matter, by sharing that "Faith is the existence (brings into existence) of things we hope for, it is observation of things we do not see". This is where I have it presented differently. Now, as a Greek speaker, your understanding of Hebrews 11:1 certainly would over-rule any Greek Lexicon available, so I might concede to you.
But to explain my understanding briefly:
I read it as, "Faith is now the assurance (hupostasis) of things hoped for": An expression of true Faith demands a 'confidence, a firm trust, or an assurance'. What we may be hoping for or awaiting to happen is evident in all of us (believer or non-believer). But when true Faith is applied, the hope we have becomes an 'assurance' that it is now reality; hope is dispelled & a certainty in our hearts prevail. Your comment is that "Faith brings into existence our hopes" which is true, but here I see it as a minor difference, "Faith gives us assurance to our hopes making it reality (or our present possession), when ordinarily without faith, it remains only as hope".
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, THAT ALL MEN THROUGH HIM MIGHT BELIEVE.
He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
That was the true Light, WHICH LIGHTEST EVERY MAN THAT COMETH INTO THE WORLD. John 1:4-9.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
NO MAN CAN COME TO ME, EXCEPT THE FATHER WHICH HATH SENT ME DRAW HIM: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44.
(It is the spirit of God that draws man to the Lord.)
It's interesting what is mentioned after: Genesis 22:19, Abraham dwelt in Beersheba, Sarah died in Kirijatharba Genesis 23:2, & Abraham came to mourn for Sarah.
I totally understand where you are coming from and i respect what you've studied, for sure. I agree that we need that baptism of the holyghost, but may the reader learn and understand our conversation... The water, blood and spirit all agree in one. Peter was given the keys to the kingdom. To bind or loose. Peter was chosen for the Jews, Samaritans and Gentiles to obey the gospel of death, burial, and resurrection. He preached it at Pentecost. Philip preached it to the Samaritans, but Peter had to be there for them for the laying on of hands to receive the spirit. The Gentiles received the spirit of God first while Peter preached to them... He still commanded them to be baptized. Baptism isn't a side piece for declaration of joining the church or professing your faith so others can see. It's a commandment and must be obeyed as, again, the water, blood and spirit all agree in one. The gospel isn't just death. It isn't just burial. It isn't just resurrection. It's all. All three mentioned. You can't do one and disregard the other. Baptism doesn't discard Jesus death on the cross. We die when we repent. We receive remission of sins when we are baptized in Jesus name and being filled with God's spirit? We can't do that. It's a promise if you obey. That's God's business, but... It is a promise nonetheless. Jesus was baptized in water and still commanded it to be so. That's it. It can be argued, but why? Jesus said it, thats it that settles it. The apostles agreed and we who live now should obey it as well. Paul gave a great description of what baptism for remission of sins looks like in 1 Corinthians 10:1-2. The Red Sea crossing was a type and shadow of obedience to going down in the water. Do not disregard baptism in water. It's easily the most proven act throughout the Bible and it is a necessity. Look back at Apollos in Acts. He was fervent in spirit and instructed by God (knowing only the baptism of John) same with the five in Acts 19.
I believe the short cummings of the disciples during Jesus 3-year ministry exhibits the lack of "fruit barren faith" that only can be produced by the vine.
This is faith in a substance, (Our Lord Jesus.) The author and finisher of the faith.
If I'm going to have to go with the body of scripture as a whole, I would have to come up with the conclusion that my faith is a fruit of the Holyspirit without having to go to the Greek.
However here is the Greek in the Strongs.
Author= Chief leader/Captain or prince.
Finisher=Completer that is consummater.
Faith:
Greek:
Transliteration: pistis
Pronunciation: pis'-tis
Definition: From G3982; persuasion that is credence; moral conviction (of religious truth or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher) especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: - assurance belief believe faith fidelity.
Ephesians 2:8-9.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Now if it's God's grace, and my faith, then I would something to boast of. "My faith initiated His grace".
That would be a form of work to add to my salvation and it would be something I could lose.
But if he is the Author and the finisher of "HIS faith, I can't lose that.
David, this is correct, thanks for bringing this up today. We all need to be reminded often about this and keep our focus on the matters of most importance.
Our Lord is so marvelous beyond words. how thankful we are for Him. God did not have to make us or save us, but it is a bit boggling to think that He created all things to do just that, save a people for Himself to share in the loving relationship of the eternal Trinity forever.
Before Creation, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit enjoyed an eternal, loving, perfect inter-relationship within the Godhead. Out of the overflow of this love and to give expression to His grace and mercy, God created all things, especially mankind and the angelic beings to bring us and them into this eternal fellowship. The Father sent the Son to us. The Son took on human flesh to die for us to bring us forgiveness of sin, and the Hoy Spirit regenerates us in order to bring us to receive the Good News in Christ.
Always amazes me to think on these things. I am thankful that God drew me to Him and loved me first. Without these first moves, I would be forever lost.
alex1939...Benny GBU I love your post...But lemme remind you there are 2 kinds of baptism as Jesus told the Woman at the well of 2 kinds of water...Whosoever drinks of this water shall thirst again Jacobs well the Old Covenant...water baptism ...But the water that i shall give him shall be a well of water springing up unto every lasting life...Thats H.G. BAPTISM The gift of God... John 4:21...That New Covenant in his blood...When he took the cup he said this is the New Covenant in my blood drink ye all of it...Thats y John the bap. said behold the lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world...Not water baptism but the Blood of the lamb of God...Even in the O.T. without the shedding of blood there was no remission of sins...They cd not apply water to the doorpost they cd only apply the blood to the doorposts...When i see the blood i will pass over you....ty Jesus..I kiss you my son.
....Jesus knew that all of his disciples had been water baptised but he warns them if i wash thee not you will have NO PART WITH ME...Which speaks volumes of a greater baptism in his blood...All the water in the world cd not redeem mankind from his sin nature...the curse of Adam...In adam we all die but in Christ we will all live b/c of his Blood that New Covenant...Its not our personal hygiene that defiles its our hearts that defiles us...When he washed their feet it was really a heart washing..As he said its the things that come from a mans hearts that defiles him...Not his feet...But b/c of Judas who was his old friend that ate at his table that lifted up his HEEL against Jesus he had to wash their feet... Psalms 51...The heel is part of the foot but is just symbolic of the heart..As satan had entered the heart of Judas to betray him...Thus he washed their feet...Everything was in metaphors and parables but is revealed unto babes the H.G..That which is born of the spirit is the H.G...When Jesus said behold i sent the Promise of my father upon you that was baptism of the H.G...GBU
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
I believe thinking of Jerusalem geographically as the Jews did under the law being "temporary" blinded, it was also a part of the worldly sanctuary looking forward to better things.
Hebrew 11:9-10. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Galatians 4:26-28
But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, SACRIFICE AND OFFERINGS THOU WOULDEST NOT, BUT A BODY HADST THOU PREPARED ME:
In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
BY TH WHICH WILL WE ARE SANCTIFIED THROUGH THE OFFERING OF THE BODY OF CHRIST ONCE FOR ALL.
Hebrews 10:1-10.
I love the way you broke down 1 Peter 2:5 in the Greek.
"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ" We have a spiritual Temple/House now ("Temple" in grk (Naos) means "Place of Residence") and as priest we offer our prayers for people as spiritual sacrifices to Father God.
It parallels with Philippians 2:13.
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Doing the act of these things you mentioned in the flesh "for carnal reasons" (for show, glory, etc. etc.) or APART from a regenerated heart we are incapable of pleasing God.
By the spirit we are able to worship him in truth and in spirit.
There's a whole lot of discussion these days on social media about what book belongs in the Bible (ie Jasher, Enoch, etc). I submit to you through my own convictions on this. Nothing matters more than Salvation. It is God's plan. It was his plan from the beginning. We, Christians, know that God, in the beginning, knew he would dwell in a flesh body and he created the whole world based off of the body in which he would dwell and become the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.
Do not let anyone deceive you, nor take away your joy in salvation by wrapping you up in theologies and in bankrupt "what-ifs."
Salvation in God's word is key to everything. We must hear, believe, have faith and obey his word for this salvation. Yes, Jesus did the work and fulfilled the Law and the prophets, but he commanded his apostles to Go, Teach, and Baptize. Jesus himself, who is God in the flesh and his flesh now glorified, was even baptized himself to fulfill all righteousness. If he did it and commanded his apostles to do so in his name, we should have no question about doing it as well. Whether you disagree or not as far as salvation goes, it's very clear that baptism is very important and was applied to many things in the Bible giving us examples of why it is and remains so important. The great flood, The Red Sea crossing, the laver where the high priest cleansed and washed, Jesus's baptism, Jesus commanding his apostles, The apostles baptizing in Jesus' name, Phillip preaching "Jesus" to the Eunuch and the first thing he asked for was to be baptized, Peter being present for the Jews, Samaritans, and the Gentiles to repent, be baptized in Jesus name and be filled with the holyghost, Paul telling the Jailer to believe and he would be saved and taking him and his house and baptizing them, etc etc... Baptism is very essential. Jesus commanded it and even said in Mark 16:16 "He that believeth AND is baptized shall be saved..." Do not be decieved nor robbed of your birthright.
About the thief that was crucified next to Jesus, you are right that he knew what was Jesus' teaching, everybody in Israel knew, that was the only thing that was discussed between them the last 3 years. But what made him believe in Him after the initial time of his crucifixion when he was mocking Jesus together with that other thief? Here it is that I agree with Gerald. It was Jesus' behavior on the cross that made him think that that guy next to him may actually be the Savior. Also surely he had heard of all those miracles that Jesus performed the past years. Also he was in a difficult situation and we all have the experience of looking for the Lord especially when we are in any need. So his faith was produced/inspired/given by Jesus, Jesus' behavior on the cross. I also agree with Gerald that faith in the world is the same as faith in believers, the difference being to whom or what it is directed to, also by whom or what it is inspired.
How does really God inspire us to have faith? There are various ways depending on the individual and on the specific time, place, condition, etc. But lets have a look at Jairus' incident. Here we can see how Jesus drived that man to get his daughter's healing.
Jairus was a ruler of the synanogue. there was no way he would ever go to Jesus. What made him overvome that obstacle was his daughter's desease. Surely he had gone to the priests and other religious people of Israel, surely they prayed on the little girl, surely they laid hands on her, surely they annointed her with oil, but nothing happened. When his little girl was about to die, not much time was left, he takes the big (for him) decision to go his enemy (Jesus), there is no other hope, the girl is dying from a moment to another. So it is often the difficult/crucial situation we are in (like that thief's) that makes people go to God as their last chance in life when everything else seems to fall apart
Jairus' faith is not something really big, he has just heard of Jesus' miracles but has never met or talked to Him personally. He doesn't know Jesus' personality, character, hardly anything about Him.
We know that Jesus accepted to go with him to his house. But on the way there that woman with the problem in her blood appears. Jesus miracusely heals her, everybody sees that. But that seems to cause a delay and before starting walking again towards the house the little girl dies. If I was Jairus I would definately doubt about Jesus' intentions to me. "Why did you allow God this to happen? Oh, not now, you could have arranged to heal her sometime later on, not now, time was spent here, my girl died, only if that didn't happen, we could have been there on time, now she is dead, every hope is lost". Jesus tells him something exraordinary, "Don't loose your faith, she will be saved" "Saved? But she died Lord, finished, end" Jairus could have been angry with Jesus, lough with what he heard, cry, fall down from dissapointment, anything. But he kept believing in Jesus. Why? Because the guy that said those words to him was the same guy that a few moments earlier healed a woman. Even if Jairus wanted to disbelief Jesus, a look at the woman standing next him, would discarriage him from doing so. Now we understand why God allowed that. To keep Jairus' faith strong, to keep him from dissapointment and a possible loss of faith. Because he must keep his faith to receive from Jesus his request. The story doesn't finish. When they go to the house, they see people crying and in a few minutes Jairus will see his girl dead on the bed. Jesus says to people there something that seems to be a "nuisance". People lough at Him. Why did Jesus say that? Was He in a mood to start a conversation with them? No, those words were for Jairus, Jesus is trying to keep Jairus' faith in Him, His words are for him, He assures Him indirectly that his girl is not dead, he is going to wake her up
Neither water baptism nor circumsision contribute anything whatsoever to salvation. Just like no WORK of any kind that we do contributes anything toward our salvation. Unfortunatly many churches and denominations fell into the snare of looking at the SIGN of water baptism as having some efficacy toward our salvation. And as a result those churches developed a do-it-yourself works / grace gospel that cannot save. And this is one of the reasons why God's judgement has come upon the local churches and congregations in our day, I am sorry to say.
Unbelievers are unable to come to the light of Christ without the Father drawing them and the Holy spirit shining light into their souls by regenerating them unto faith in Jesus through the light of the Gospel.
So, all of us here who believe the Gospel and put our faith in Jesus are blessed by the workings of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who together bring about our salvation.
How wonderful is the love of God that He would bestow upon us such grace and mercy!
Having been a believer all of my life, I have thus been under the effects of these precious gifts from God for as long as I can remember. It is easy to just take these for granted at times, but I try to remind myself often to be grateful to God for bringing me to Christ early on.
Though I count myself a sinner in need of salvation, I do not have a testimony of a life lived without salvation. I do not know what it is like to be in the darkness of unbelief. Why God saved me so young, I cannot explain, but I am thankful.
I love to hear the testimony of those who have lived apart from God and then have been converted. These testimonies make me so thankful that God reached these people who became brethren by the same means that I did but in life circumstances different than mine.
For me, having been brought up by believing parents and taught the faith of Christ from my early years, I know that God chose this environment for me. It has blessed me by continually strengthening my faith in Christ and in growing in knowledge of God.
This reminds how much of a blessing it is for children to be brought up in the faith. The responsibility to do this on believing parents should not be sloughed off. But even when we do this, some children will go the way of the prodigal, as my three sons have. It makes me wonder why God kept me in the faith through my childhood and beyond but allowed my sons to stray from Him. But I do know that God is mighty to save and will draw them to Him.
Matthew 10:28 comes to mind when we look at verse 11; and verse 13 also shows salvation of the soul spiritually overrides any fears of man in this world.
Verse 8 needs some explanation. The book here seems to reference something more specific than that of the Book of Life. It may be the same thing or something similar to the Book of Remembrance in Malachi 3:6-18. God surely knows all things and in fact every word we speak we are held accountable for in Judgment Day. ( Matthew 12:36). We are reminded here and with apparently another 99 verses in the Word about sorrow in the lives of believers (see Isaiah 53:3 for the life of Christ as it truly was rather than some sentimental story).
Finally, it should be noticed from verses 3 and 11 that TRUST is an important aspect to true belief in Christ. It is more than mental assent or knowing about Christ. It is trusting our lives to Him; our possessions; our relationships; our vocations; our ALL. It is helpful through this not to place trust ultimately in anything or anyone else; especially ourselves. As Psalm 23 states even through the shadow of death He shall guide us. His Word is true ( 2 Cor 1:18-20; Rev. 3:14). Let us put our trust in Him today and always.
The SEED of the Son of Man: Isaiah 53:10 JESUS'S SON aka: Anthony Arrive
what is the meaning of the 7 seals?
For the record : 2Samuel 22:47 clearly states what the scriptures say among many others who is " the Rock".
And upon that rock "I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail agains5 it "
I used to think and was once taught if only indirectly that some how it is the church that is under siege nd on the back foot by the gates of hell which of course will not prevail against it .
But when we speak of gates here we are speaking of gates of a city the weakest point of the wall protecting the city So are the most heavily defended . I'm not sure what exactly or perfectly it does mean . But I am certain that it does not mean the gates of hell are attacking the church but won't prevail.
But rather what ever it does mean it is the gates of hell that are in deep trouble from this church and will not prevail .
Or withstand the church of God that is built on the rock of ages the everlasting rock .Jesus the Son of the Living God .
"Faith is also the evidence (elegchos) of things not being seen": True Faith also demands 'what is unseen becomes proof of its reality to us' and by extension, 'resulting in us 'being persuaded', as brother Jesse has shared elsewhere. Not that we must believe in everything (seen or unseen), but where God's Word & Spirit declares it, there cannot be an iota of doubt or else true Faith is absent. I think this aligns somewhat with your comment, "it is the observation (or, sighting) of things we do not see". For your further input brother, if you so wish.
Thank you brother Giannis for your input, with illustrations of the thief on the cross & Jairus' daughter.
I don't doubt anything you've narrated about those accounts, including the likelihood of the other events surrounding them. The point is not whether the thief on the cross or Jairus were encouraged & received faith by Jesus to believe, since it is clear that from Jesus Words to them, His Presence & ministry, Jesus would have given them every reason to trust Him for what He was about to do for them. The main point in all this is, was their faith in Jesus to do the seemingly impossible, purely one of faith or intermixed (in whatever ratio) with the human element of a longing & hope that the end result would hopefully be better than their present distress? Maybe a definitive answer cannot be given, not knowing their hearts.
Then at your last paragraph, you touched on this very matter, by sharing that "Faith is the existence (brings into existence) of things we hope for, it is observation of things we do not see". This is where I have it presented differently. Now, as a Greek speaker, your understanding of Hebrews 11:1 certainly would over-rule any Greek Lexicon available, so I might concede to you.
But to explain my understanding briefly:
I read it as, "Faith is now the assurance (hupostasis) of things hoped for": An expression of true Faith demands a 'confidence, a firm trust, or an assurance'. What we may be hoping for or awaiting to happen is evident in all of us (believer or non-believer). But when true Faith is applied, the hope we have becomes an 'assurance' that it is now reality; hope is dispelled & a certainty in our hearts prevail. Your comment is that "Faith brings into existence our hopes" which is true, but here I see it as a minor difference, "Faith gives us assurance to our hopes making it reality (or our present possession), when ordinarily without faith, it remains only as hope".
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, THAT ALL MEN THROUGH HIM MIGHT BELIEVE.
He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
That was the true Light, WHICH LIGHTEST EVERY MAN THAT COMETH INTO THE WORLD. John 1:4-9.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
NO MAN CAN COME TO ME, EXCEPT THE FATHER WHICH HATH SENT ME DRAW HIM: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44.
(It is the spirit of God that draws man to the Lord.)
John 6:60-65.
Matthew 16:17.
1 Peter 1:10-11.
1 Corinthians 2:9-11.
1 Corinthians 2:12-16.
1 Corinthians 12:3.
God bless.
It's interesting what is mentioned after: Genesis 22:19, Abraham dwelt in Beersheba, Sarah died in Kirijatharba Genesis 23:2, & Abraham came to mourn for Sarah.
I believe the short cummings of the disciples during Jesus 3-year ministry exhibits the lack of "fruit barren faith" that only can be produced by the vine.
This is faith in a substance, (Our Lord Jesus.) The author and finisher of the faith.
If I'm going to have to go with the body of scripture as a whole, I would have to come up with the conclusion that my faith is a fruit of the Holyspirit without having to go to the Greek.
However here is the Greek in the Strongs.
Author= Chief leader/Captain or prince.
Finisher=Completer that is consummater.
Faith:
Greek:
Transliteration: pistis
Pronunciation: pis'-tis
Definition: From G3982; persuasion that is credence; moral conviction (of religious truth or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher) especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: - assurance belief believe faith fidelity.
Ephesians 2:8-9.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Now if it's God's grace, and my faith, then I would something to boast of. "My faith initiated His grace".
That would be a form of work to add to my salvation and it would be something I could lose.
But if he is the Author and the finisher of "HIS faith, I can't lose that.
BECAUSE HE IS THE FINISHER OF WHAT HE STARTED.
God bless you.
Our Lord is so marvelous beyond words. how thankful we are for Him. God did not have to make us or save us, but it is a bit boggling to think that He created all things to do just that, save a people for Himself to share in the loving relationship of the eternal Trinity forever.
Before Creation, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit enjoyed an eternal, loving, perfect inter-relationship within the Godhead. Out of the overflow of this love and to give expression to His grace and mercy, God created all things, especially mankind and the angelic beings to bring us and them into this eternal fellowship. The Father sent the Son to us. The Son took on human flesh to die for us to bring us forgiveness of sin, and the Hoy Spirit regenerates us in order to bring us to receive the Good News in Christ.
Always amazes me to think on these things. I am thankful that God drew me to Him and loved me first. Without these first moves, I would be forever lost.
....Jesus knew that all of his disciples had been water baptised but he warns them if i wash thee not you will have NO PART WITH ME...Which speaks volumes of a greater baptism in his blood...All the water in the world cd not redeem mankind from his sin nature...the curse of Adam...In adam we all die but in Christ we will all live b/c of his Blood that New Covenant...Its not our personal hygiene that defiles its our hearts that defiles us...When he washed their feet it was really a heart washing..As he said its the things that come from a mans hearts that defiles him...Not his feet...But b/c of Judas who was his old friend that ate at his table that lifted up his HEEL against Jesus he had to wash their feet... Psalms 51...The heel is part of the foot but is just symbolic of the heart..As satan had entered the heart of Judas to betray him...Thus he washed their feet...Everything was in metaphors and parables but is revealed unto babes the H.G..That which is born of the spirit is the H.G...When Jesus said behold i sent the Promise of my father upon you that was baptism of the H.G...GBU
God bless you.
Perhaps this verse says the same.
Luke 17:7-10.
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
I believe thinking of Jerusalem geographically as the Jews did under the law being "temporary" blinded, it was also a part of the worldly sanctuary looking forward to better things.
Hebrew 11:9-10. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Galatians 4:26-28
But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
GB.
For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, SACRIFICE AND OFFERINGS THOU WOULDEST NOT, BUT A BODY HADST THOU PREPARED ME:
In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
BY TH WHICH WILL WE ARE SANCTIFIED THROUGH THE OFFERING OF THE BODY OF CHRIST ONCE FOR ALL.
Hebrews 10:1-10.
I love the way you broke down 1 Peter 2:5 in the Greek.
"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ" We have a spiritual Temple/House now ("Temple" in grk (Naos) means "Place of Residence") and as priest we offer our prayers for people as spiritual sacrifices to Father God.
It parallels with Philippians 2:13.
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Doing the act of these things you mentioned in the flesh "for carnal reasons" (for show, glory, etc. etc.) or APART from a regenerated heart we are incapable of pleasing God.
By the spirit we are able to worship him in truth and in spirit.
Thanks, and God bless for all you do.
Do not let anyone deceive you, nor take away your joy in salvation by wrapping you up in theologies and in bankrupt "what-ifs."
Salvation in God's word is key to everything. We must hear, believe, have faith and obey his word for this salvation. Yes, Jesus did the work and fulfilled the Law and the prophets, but he commanded his apostles to Go, Teach, and Baptize. Jesus himself, who is God in the flesh and his flesh now glorified, was even baptized himself to fulfill all righteousness. If he did it and commanded his apostles to do so in his name, we should have no question about doing it as well. Whether you disagree or not as far as salvation goes, it's very clear that baptism is very important and was applied to many things in the Bible giving us examples of why it is and remains so important. The great flood, The Red Sea crossing, the laver where the high priest cleansed and washed, Jesus's baptism, Jesus commanding his apostles, The apostles baptizing in Jesus' name, Phillip preaching "Jesus" to the Eunuch and the first thing he asked for was to be baptized, Peter being present for the Jews, Samaritans, and the Gentiles to repent, be baptized in Jesus name and be filled with the holyghost, Paul telling the Jailer to believe and he would be saved and taking him and his house and baptizing them, etc etc... Baptism is very essential. Jesus commanded it and even said in Mark 16:16 "He that believeth AND is baptized shall be saved..." Do not be decieved nor robbed of your birthright.
Hello Chris
May I put my perception on this matter, faith?
About the thief that was crucified next to Jesus, you are right that he knew what was Jesus' teaching, everybody in Israel knew, that was the only thing that was discussed between them the last 3 years. But what made him believe in Him after the initial time of his crucifixion when he was mocking Jesus together with that other thief? Here it is that I agree with Gerald. It was Jesus' behavior on the cross that made him think that that guy next to him may actually be the Savior. Also surely he had heard of all those miracles that Jesus performed the past years. Also he was in a difficult situation and we all have the experience of looking for the Lord especially when we are in any need. So his faith was produced/inspired/given by Jesus, Jesus' behavior on the cross. I also agree with Gerald that faith in the world is the same as faith in believers, the difference being to whom or what it is directed to, also by whom or what it is inspired.
How does really God inspire us to have faith? There are various ways depending on the individual and on the specific time, place, condition, etc. But lets have a look at Jairus' incident. Here we can see how Jesus drived that man to get his daughter's healing.
Jairus was a ruler of the synanogue. there was no way he would ever go to Jesus. What made him overvome that obstacle was his daughter's desease. Surely he had gone to the priests and other religious people of Israel, surely they prayed on the little girl, surely they laid hands on her, surely they annointed her with oil, but nothing happened. When his little girl was about to die, not much time was left, he takes the big (for him) decision to go his enemy (Jesus), there is no other hope, the girl is dying from a moment to another. So it is often the difficult/crucial situation we are in (like that thief's) that makes people go to God as their last chance in life when everything else seems to fall apart
Jairus' faith is not something really big, he has just heard of Jesus' miracles but has never met or talked to Him personally. He doesn't know Jesus' personality, character, hardly anything about Him.
We know that Jesus accepted to go with him to his house. But on the way there that woman with the problem in her blood appears. Jesus miracusely heals her, everybody sees that. But that seems to cause a delay and before starting walking again towards the house the little girl dies. If I was Jairus I would definately doubt about Jesus' intentions to me. "Why did you allow God this to happen? Oh, not now, you could have arranged to heal her sometime later on, not now, time was spent here, my girl died, only if that didn't happen, we could have been there on time, now she is dead, every hope is lost". Jesus tells him something exraordinary, "Don't loose your faith, she will be saved" "Saved? But she died Lord, finished, end" Jairus could have been angry with Jesus, lough with what he heard, cry, fall down from dissapointment, anything. But he kept believing in Jesus. Why? Because the guy that said those words to him was the same guy that a few moments earlier healed a woman. Even if Jairus wanted to disbelief Jesus, a look at the woman standing next him, would discarriage him from doing so. Now we understand why God allowed that. To keep Jairus' faith strong, to keep him from dissapointment and a possible loss of faith. Because he must keep his faith to receive from Jesus his request. The story doesn't finish. When they go to the house, they see people crying and in a few minutes Jairus will see his girl dead on the bed. Jesus says to people there something that seems to be a "nuisance". People lough at Him. Why did Jesus say that? Was He in a mood to start a conversation with them? No, those words were for Jairus, Jesus is trying to keep Jairus' faith in Him, His words are for him, He assures Him indirectly that his girl is not dead, he is going to wake her up