New Life in the New Year

God's grace is outrageous!  I am invited to His party.  I am so grateful for the holy awareness that allows me not to be overlooked.  None of us likes to be overlooked.  So, my acts of kindness today is to insure that my elderly church members are safe from the cold.  I will phone them.

Methodism begins and ends with God's grace.  Creation and full redemption are expression of agape.  The goodness and favor of God are threads of agape woven through Methodist history, doctrine and polity.  However, grace is never mistaken for entitlement for indulgences, nor inflation of selfish human will.  To be sure grace challenges the unbelief of humanity and the sinful propensity of pride and self-will.  It directs people away from themselves and their self-interest to the kingdom of God.  Yes!  This grace is paradoxical.  It is inviting and challenging, enabling and demanding.  It is the favor of God for enjoyment but also the power of God to bring about the sometimes painful earnest and full restoration of the imago dei.  This grace is inclusive in its reach (for all people), yet it may be thwarted by the sinner (some may reject it). 

Steering clean of universalism and determinism Methodist offers God's grace manifested in the crucifixion and resurrection as the balm for human ills.  To the proclamation of this grace which both empowers people and calls them to responsibility and to labor; to revitiliation of lives that express agape and worship God in innocences  Methodist labor to and encourage Christians to "Let God be in all your thts,"  By doing this the participants become fully human indeed.  By letting God be God and to be our all in all then we have the desire of our eyes, the joy of our hearts and all we ever need. 

Biblical Creeds

BIBLE CREEDS


The following scripture passages are considered by many to be
creeds or declarations of faith.  These are taken from both
Lieth's Schaff's books to which I have referred in previous
postings:

Deut. 6:4:       Hear O Israel, the LORD is our God, the LORD
                 alone.

1 Kings. 18:39:  And when all the people saw it, they fell on
                 their faces; and they said, "The LORD, he is
                 God; the LORD, he is God."

Matt. 16:16:     Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ,
                 the Son of the living God."

Matt. 28:19:     Go therefore and make disciples of all
                 nations, baptizing them in the name of the
                 Father and of the Son and of the Holy
                 Spirit.

John 1:49:       Nathan'a-el answered him, "Rabbi, you are
                 the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"

John 6:68-69:    Simon Peter answered him, "Lord to whom
                 shall we go?  You have the words of eternal
                 life; and we have believed, and have come to
                 know, that you are the Holy One of God."

John 20:28:      Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!"

Acts 8:36-37:    And as they went along the road they came to
                 some water, and the eunuch said, "See, here
                 is water!  What is to prevent my being bap-
                 tized?"  And Philip said, "If you believe
                 with all your heart, you may."  And he
                 replied, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the
                 Son of God.

Acts 16:31:      And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus,
                 and you will be saved, you and your house-
                 hold."

1 Cor. 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.

1 Cor. 12:3:     Therefore I want you to understand that no
                 one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says
                "Jesus be cursed!" and no one can say "Jesus
                 is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit.

1 Cor. 15:3-7:   For I delivered to you as of first impor-
                 tance what I also received, that Christ died
                 for our sins in accordance with the scrip-
                 tures, that he was buried, that he was
                 raised on the third day in accordance with
                 the scriptures, and that he appeared to
                 Cephas, then to the twelve.  Then he
                 appeared to more than five hundred brethren
                 at one time, most of whom are still alive,
                 though some have fallen asleep.  Then he
                 appeared to James, then to all the apostles.

Phil. 2:6-11:    who, though he was in the form of God, did
                 not count equality with God a thing to be
                 grasped, but emptied himself, taking the
                 form of a servant, being born in the like-
                 ness of men.  And being found in human form
                 he humbled himself and became obedient unto
                 death, even death on a cross.  Therefore God
                 has highly exalted him and bestowed on him
                 the name which is above every name, that at
                 the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in
                 heaven and on earth and under the earth, and
                 every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is
                 Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

1 Tim. 3:16:     Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of
                 our religion: He was manifested in the
                 flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by
                 angels, preached among the nations, believed
                 on in the world, taken up in glory.

Hebr. 6:1-2:     Therefore let us leave the elementary doc-
                 trine of Christ and go on to maturity, not
                 laying again a foundation of repentance from
                 dead works and of faith toward God, with in-
                 struction about ablutions, the laying on of
                 hands, the resurrection of the dead, and
                 eternal judgment.

1John 4:2:       By this you know the Spirit of God: every
                 spirit which confesses that Jesus Christ has
                 come in the flesh is of God.


There are also several early summaries of the Christian faith
which predate the creeds, such as  the "Rule of Faith" as
recorded by Irenaeus:

  . . . this faith: in one God, the Father Almighty,
  who made the heaven and the earth and the seas and
  all the things that are in them;

  and in one Christ Jesus, the Son of God, who was made
  flesh for our salvation;

  and in the Holy Spirit, who made known through the
  prophets the plan of salvation, and the coming, and
  the birth from a virgin, and the passion, and the
  resurrection from the dead, and the bodily ascension
  into heaven of the beloved Christ Jesus, our Lord,
  and his future appearing from heaven in the glory of
  the Father to sum up all things and to raise anew all
  flesh of the whole human race . . .


And Hippolytus's account of the baptismal service:

  When the person being baptized goes down into the water,
  he who baptizes him, putting his hand on him, shall say:
  "Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty?"  And the
  person being baptized shall say: "I believe."
  Then holding his hand on his head, he shall baptize him
  once.

  And then he shall say: "Do you believe in Christ Jesus,
  the Son of God, who was born of the Virgin Mary, and was
  crucified inder Pontius Pilate, and was dead and buried,
  and rose again the third day, alive from the dead, and
  ascended into heaven, and sat at the right hand of the
  Father, and will come to judge the living and the dead?"
  And when he saya: "I believe," he is baptized again.
  And again he shall say: "Do you believe in the Holy Spirit,
  in the holy church, and the resurrection of the body?"
  The person being baptized shall say: "I believe," and
  then he is baptized a third time.

                            -- Hippolytus, early third century.


Both the _Rule_ as recorded by Iranaeus and the baptismal
service as recorded by Hippolytus bear very close similarity
to the Apostles' Creed.

New Life United Methodist Church and Pietism

New Life United Methodist Church is part of a remarkable vein in Christian history.  The history flows from Methodism, to Wesleyanism, to Mr. John Wesley.  At its heart, the theology of John Wesley stressed the life of Christian virtue:  to love God with all one’s heart, mind, soul and strength and to love one’s neighbour as oneself. Wesley’s teaching also stressed experiential religion and moral responsibility.

Mr. John Wesley was well trained at Oxford University in England, was self-disciplined and influential among colleagues.  After his University days he traveled with his brother, Charles Wesley, to the American colony of Georgia as a missionary for the Church of England; they left disheartened at what they experienced.  This failure stirred a re-examination within both men that led to a religious experience in 1738, being greatly influenced by the pietist movement.

This experience moved them to begin to organize a movement within the Church of England to focus on personal faith and virtue, and they succeeded.  John Wesley took the Reformation churches to task over the nature of sanctification, the process by which a believer is made to conform to the image of Christ, and in many ways restored the New Testament teachings regarding the work of God and the believer in sanctification. The movement did well within the Church of England in Britain, but when the movement crossed the ocean into America, during the Revolutionary War it took on a form of its own, finally being established as the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1784. The Methodist churches  added a strong emphasis on personal faith, personal experience, and moral responsibility.

New Life United Methodist Church continues this pietist vein through its accountability to the North Alabama Annual Conference, the Walk to Emmaus experience, Sunday School, Small Groups, and community mission and outreach. 

Salvation by Faith: Scriptural Bases (5)

Salvation by Faith Scriptural Bases:  Excellent Living (5)

Hebrew 10:37—as the prophet Habakkuk said, “In a little while, only a little longer, the One who is coming will come without delay.”

Acts 16:30-34--Then he (jailer) brings them outside. "Gentlemen (Paul and Silas), please tell, what must I do to be liberated? Paul and Silas instructed the Jailer, "Just believe--believe in the ultimate King, Jesus, and not only will you be rescued, but your whole household will as well. The jailer brings them to his home, and they have a long conversation with the man and his family. Paul and Silas explain the message of Jesus to them all. The man washes their wounds and feeds them, then they baptize the man and his family. The night ends with Paul and Silas in the jailer's home, sharing a meal together, the whole family rejoicing that hey have come to faith in God.


Acts 2:37-41--When the people heard this (what Peter had preached), their hearts were pierced; and they said to Peter and his fellow apostles, "Out brothers, what should we do?" (Peter responded), "Reconsider your lives; change your direction. Participate in the ceremonial washing of baptism (immersion) in the name of Jesus, God's Anointed, the Liberating King. Then your sins will be forgiven, and the gift of the Holy Spirit will be yours. For the promise of the Spirit is for you, for your children, for all people--even those considered outsiders and outcasts--the Lord our God invites everyone to come to Him." Peter was pleading and offering many logical reasons to believe. Whoever made a place for his message in their hearts received the baptism; in fact, that day alone, about 3000 people joined the disciples.


Isaiah 63:1--Who comes with long, strong strides, marching in strength from Edom, from Bozrah? Who is coming with such grand clothes, stepped in crimson and awesome to see? (God says) It is I, the Eternal, who in righteousness declares victory. I am coming with great power and I'm ready to save.


Romans 10:3--In their ignorance about how God is working to make things right, they have been trying to establish their own right standing with God through the law. But they are not operating under God's saving, restorative justice.


2 Corinthians 7:4--I am completely confident and incredibly proud of you. Even in all this turbulence I am at peace--I am overflowing with joy.


Romans 9:33--As the Scripture says (Paul talking to the Roman believers about Jews not bring able to understand Jesus and faith), "Look what I am doing in Zion. I'll put in place a stone that makes them stumble, a rock that trips them up, and those who trust in it will not be disgraced.


Romans 10:12--Remember that the Lord draws no distinction between Jew and non-Jew--He is Lord over all things, and He pours out His treasurers on all who invoke His name.


Matthew 9:2--When He got there, come men approached Him carrying a mat. On the mat was another man, a paralytic. The men evidently believed that Jesus could heal the paralytic, and Jesus saw their faith, how much faith they had in His authority and power. (Jesus says) Rest assured, My son; your sins are forgiven.

Romans 8:16--Through that prayer, God's Spirit confirms in our spirits that we are His children.

Luke 2:10--Don't be afraid! Listen! I bring good news, news of great joy, news that will affect all people everywhere.

Isaiah 55:1--If you are thirsty, come here; come, there's water for all. Whoever is poor and penniless can still come and buy the food I sell. There's no cost--here, have some food, hearty and delicious, and beverages, pure and good.

Isaiah 1:18--Come on now, let's walk and talk; let's work this out. Your wrongdoings are blood red, but they can turn as white as snow. Your sins are red like crimson, but they can be made clean again like new wool.

Psalm 40:12--Right now I can't see because I am surrounded by troubles; my sins and shortcomings have caught up to me, so I am swimming in darkness. Like the hairs on my head, there are too many to count, so my heart deserts me.

Isaiah 55:7--Let those who are busy plotting violence and doing wrong stop right now, turn and do right. Let them turn back to the Eternal so they can experience His compassion. God will excuse our past wrongs. Our God's forgiveness is inexhaustible.

1 Corinthians 3:11--There is, in fact, only one foundation, and no one can lay any foundation other than Jesus the Anointed.

John 3:16--For God expressed His love for the work in this way: He gave Holy only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face eternal destruction, but will have everlasting life.

Mark 16:16--Anyone who believes this good news and is ceremonially washed (immersed to show repentance) will be rescued, but anyone who does not believe it will be condemned.

Matthew 11:5--Tell his you have seen the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers cured, the deaf hear, the dead raised, and the good news preached to the poor.

Luke 7:22--Go and tell John what you've witnessed with your own eyes and ears: the blind are seeing again, the lame are walking again, the lepers are clean again, the dear hear again, the dead live again, and good news is preached to the poor (Isaiah 29:18; 35:5-6).

Acts 4:13--Now the leaders were surprised and confused. They looked at Peter and John and realized they were typical peasants--uneducated, utterly ordinary fellows--with extraordinary confidence. The leaders recognized them as companions of Jesus...

Mark 10:14--but when Jesus saw this, He was incensed (The disciples were turning the children away.): Let the children come to Me, and don't ever stand in their way, for this is what the kingdom of God is all about.

Mark 2:17--Jesus heard them. (Jesus speaking): People who have their health don't need to see a doctor. Only those who are sick do. I'm not here to call those already in good standing with God; I'm here to call sinners to turn back to Him (repent).

Mark 16:15--Go out into the world and share the good news with all of creation.

Galatians 6:5--Each person has his or her own burden to bear and story to write.

1 Kings 22:14--(Micalah speaking) As certain as the Eternal, I will say only what He commands me to say--nothing more and nothing else.

Ephesians 2:8-9--For it's by God's grace that you have been saved. You received it through faith. It was not our plan or our effort. It is God's gift, pure and simple. You didn't earn it, not one of us did, so don't go around bragging that you must have done something amazing.

Philippians 3:9--When it counts, I want to be found belonging to Him, not clinging to my own righteousness based on law, but actively relying on the faithfulness of the Anointed One. This is true righteousness, supplied by God, acquired by faith.

Job 38:11--And I said to the sea, "Here you may come, but no further. And here is the shore where your grand waves will crash.

Philippians 3:19--They are ruled by their bellies, their glory comes by shame, and their minds are fixed on the things of this world. They are doomed.

2 Peter 2:1--Just as false prophets rose up in the past among God's people, false teachers will rise up in the future among you. They will slip in with their destructive opinions, denying the very Master who bought their freedom and dooming themselves to destruction swiftly...

Romans 10:4--You see, God's purpose for the law reaches its climax when the Anointed One arrives; now all who trust in Him can have their lives made right with God.

John 17:12--While I was physically present with them, I protected them through Your name. I watched over them closely; and only one was lost, the one the Scriptures said was the son of destruction.

2 Thessalonians 2:3--Don't be deceived by anyone! That day, that amazing day, won't come until after the great rebellion and the unveiling of the rebellious one (or "man of sin."). As the spawn of death, he delights in destruction.

Revelation 22:20--(John writes) The One who testifies to these realities make this promise: (The Anointed One being quoted) Yes, I am coming soon. (John writes) To which we say, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."

2 Corinthians 12:9--Another will receive the gift of faith by the same Spirit, and still another gifts of healing--all from the one Spirit.

Psalm 45:4--Ride on in Splendor; ride into battle victorious, for the sake of truth, humility, and justice. Perform awesome acts, trained by your powerful right hand.

Hebrews 2:10--It only makes sense that God, by whom and for whom everything exits, would choose to bring many of us to His side by using suffering to perfect Jesus, the founder of our faith, the pioneer of our salvation.

Revelation 6:2--Then I looked, and what a sight! There was a white horse carrying a rider with a bow. He wore a wreath and came riding like a conqueror, intent on complete victory.

I Corinthians 15:54--And, when we are all redressed with bodies that do not, cannot decay, when we put immortality over our mortal frames, then it will be as Scripture says: Life everlasting has victoriously swallowed up death (Isaiah 25:8).

I Corinthians 15:57--Thank God, then, for our Lord Jesus, the Anointed, the Liberating King, who brought us victory over the grave.

Revelation 7:12--(Heavenly messengers, Elders, and Living Creatures sing): Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God on and on throughout all the ages. Amen.

Salvation by Faith Scriptural Bases: Excellent Living (5)

Hebrew 10:37—as the prophet Habakkuk said, “In a little while, only a little longer, the One who is coming will come without delay.”

How God arrives is dictated by God’s grace and the human temperament.  When there is mite of faith then the Justifying and Sanctifying Grace is activated.    

Acts 16:30-34--Then he (jailer) brings them outside. "Gentlemen (Paul and Silas), please tell, what must I do to be liberated? Paul and Silas instructed the Jailer, "Just believe--believe in the ultimate King, Jesus, and not only will you be rescued, but your whole household will as well. The jailer brings them to his home, and they have a long conversation with the man and his family. Paul and Silas explain the message of Jesus to them all. The man washes their wounds and feeds them, then they baptize the man and his family. The night ends with Paul and Silas in the jailer's home, sharing a meal together, the whole family rejoicing that they have come to faith in God.

 

Human enemy is influenced by our obedience and nature.

Acts 2:37-41--When the people heard this (what Peter had preached), their hearts were pierced; and they said to Peter and his fellow apostles, "Our brothers, what should we do?" (Peter responded), "Reconsider your lives; change your direction. Participate in the ceremonial washing of baptism (immersion) in the name of Jesus, God's Anointed, the Liberating King. Then your sins will be forgiven, and the gift of the Holy Spirit will be yours. For the promise of the Spirit is for you, for your children, for all people--even those considered outsiders and outcasts--the Lord our God invites everyone to come to Him." Peter was pleading and offering many logical reasons to believe. Whoever made a place for his message in their hearts received the baptism; in fact, that day alone, about 3000 people joined the disciples.

 

The enemy and ignorant listen.

Isaiah 63:1--Who comes with long, strong strides, marching in strength from Edom, from Bozrah? Who is coming with such grand clothes, stepped in crimson and awesome to see? (God says) It is I, the Eternal, who in righteousness declares victory. I am coming with great power and I'm ready to save.

 

God is coming victoriously in power and intent on saving.

Romans 10:3--In their ignorance about how God is working to make things right, they have been trying to establish their own right standing with God through the law. But they are not operating under God's saving, restorative justice.

Our erroneous ways are exposed and our will changes allegiance.

2 Corinthians 7:4--I am completely confident and incredibly proud of you. Even in all this turbulence I am at peace--I am overflowing with joy.

It will not be an easy road for believer or non-believer.

Romans 9:33--As the Scripture says (Paul talking to the Roman believers about Jews not bring able to understand Jesus and faith), "Look what I am doing in Zion. I'll put in place a stone that makes them stumble, a rock that trips them up, and those who trust in it will not be disgraced.

 

The truth will be the obstacle. 

Romans 10:12--Remember that the Lord draws no distinction between Jew and non-Jew--He is Lord over all things, and He pours out His treasurers on all who invoke His name.

God shows no favorites.

Matthew 9:2--When He got there, come men approached Him carrying a mat. On the mat was another man, a paralytic. The men evidently believed that Jesus could heal the paralytic, and Jesus saw their faith, how much faith they had in His authority and power. (Jesus says) Rest assured, My son; your sins are forgiven.

 

Believing is the door to blessings.

Romans 8:16--Through that prayer, God's Spirit confirms in our spirits that we are His children.

 

We will be confirmed in our faith.

Luke 2:10--Don't be afraid! Listen! I bring good news, news of great joy, news that will affect all people everywhere.

 

The “good news” is present and available to all.

Isaiah 55:1--If you are thirsty, come here; come, there's water for all. Whoever is poor and penniless can still come and buy the food I sell. There's no cost--here, have some food, hearty and delicious, and beverages, pure and good.

 

If you want the “good news” it is there for the taking.  It is on God’s tab.

Isaiah 1:18--Come on now, let's walk and talk; let's work this out. Your wrongdoings are blood red, but they can turn as white as snow. Your sins are red like crimson, but they can be made clean again like new wool.

 

Begin your conversation with God.  The obstacles to blessing can and will be removed.

Psalm 40:12--Right now I can't see because I am surrounded by troubles; my sins and shortcomings have caught up to me, so I am swimming in darkness. Like the hairs on my head, there are too many to count, so my heart deserts me.

We can be overwhelmed by life’s issues.

Isaiah 55:7--Let those who are busy plotting violence and doing wrong stop right now, turn and do right. Let them turn back to the Eternal so they can experience His compassion. God will excuse our past wrongs. Our God's forgiveness is inexhaustible.

 

Forgiveness is available to the repentant.

1 Corinthians 3:11--There is, in fact, only one foundation, and no one can lay any foundation other than Jesus the Anointed.

Jesus is the only foundation on which to build life.

John 3:16--For God expressed His love for the work in this way: He gave Holy only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face eternal destruction, but will have everlasting life.

 

The excellent life is available.

Mark 16:16--Anyone who believes this good news and is ceremonially washed (immersed to show repentance) will be rescued, but anyone who does not believe it will be condemned.

Believing is a life and death matter.  God is waiting for repentance.

Matthew 11:5--Tell him you have seen the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers cured, the deaf hear, the dead raised, and the good news preached to the poor.

 

Tell of what you know, not of what you think!

Luke 7:22--Go and tell John what you've witnessed with your own eyes and ears: the blind are seeing again, the lame are walking again, the lepers are clean again, the dear hear again, the dead live again, and good news is preached to the poor (Isaiah 29:18; 35:5-6)

 

Tell of what you have witnessed, not what you have heard..

Acts 4:13--Now the leaders were surprised and confused. They looked at Peter and John and realized they were typical peasants--uneducated, utterly ordinary fellows--with extraordinary confidence. The leaders recognized them as companions of Jesus...

 

Don’t be surprised with who God chooses to use as witnesses. 

Mark 10:14--but when Jesus saw this, He was incensed (The disciples were turning the children away.): Let the children come to Me, and don't ever stand in their way, for this is what the kingdom of God is all about.

 

God does have strong feelings about salvation and whether it is being done.

Mark 2:17--Jesus heard them. (Jesus speaking): People who have their health don't need to see a doctor. Only those who are sick do. I'm not here to call those already in good standing with God; I'm here to call sinners to turn back to Him (repent).

 

The “good news” is for the sick.

Mark 16:15--Go out into the world and share the good news with all of creation.

 

Leave no one out!

Galatians 6:5--Each person has his or her own burden to bear and story to write.

 

Listen to each person’s story with respect for they have one to tell.

1 Kings 22:14--(Micalah speaking) As certain as the Eternal, I will say only what He commands me to say--nothing more and nothing else.

Ephesians 2:8-9--For it's by God's grace that you have been saved. You received it through faith. It was not our plan or our effort. It is God's gift, pure and simple. You didn't earn it, not one of us did, so don't go around bragging that you must have done something amazing.

Salvation by faith.

Philippians 3:9--When it counts, I want to be found belonging to Him, not clinging to my own righteousness based on law, but actively relying on the faithfulness of the Anointed One. This is true righteousness, supplied by God, acquired by faith.

I want to be found belonging to Jesus.

Job 38:11--And I said to the sea, "Here you may come, but no further. And here is the shore where your grand waves will crash.

 

God designed the plan.  We deliver the plan.

Philippians 3:19--They are ruled by their bellies, their glory comes by shame, and their minds are fixed on the things of this world. They are doomed.

 

The plan is not of the world. 

2 Peter 2:1--Just as false prophets rose up in the past among God's people, false teachers will rise up in the future among you. They will slip in with their destructive opinions, denying the very Master who bought their freedom and dooming themselves to destruction swiftly...

 

There is great danger lurking even among God’s people.

Romans 10:4--You see, God's purpose for the law reaches its climax when the Anointed One arrives; now all who trust in Him can have their lives made right with God.

 

Faith makes us right for heaven; holiness makes us fit for heaven.

John 17:12--While I was physically present with them, I protected them through Your name. I watched over them closely; and only one was lost, the one the Scriptures said was the son of destruction.

 

Even Jesus lost one!  That one was determined to go his own way.

2 Thessalonians 2:3--Don't be deceived by anyone! That day, that amazing day, won't come until after the great rebellion and the unveiling of the rebellious one (or "man of sin."). As the spawn of death, he delights in destruction.

 

The Destroyer takes pride in destroying.

Revelation 22:20--(John writes) The One who testifies to these realities make this promise: (The Anointed One being quoted) Yes, I am coming soon. (John writes) To which we say, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."

 

Jesus is coming! 

2 Corinthians 12:9--Another will receive the gift of faith by the same Spirit, and still another gifts of healing--all from the one Spirit.

 

All blessings come from God for our use in the world of salvation.

Psalm 45:4--Ride on in Splendor; ride into battle victorious, for the sake of truth, humility, and justice. Perform awesome acts, trained by your powerful right hand.

 

God will do awesome acts among his people for the world to witness and believe.

Hebrews 2:10--It only makes sense that God, by whom and for whom everything exits, would choose to bring many of us to His side by using suffering to perfect Jesus, the founder of our faith, the pioneer of our salvation.

 

God is taking initiative for the salvation of all.  It will include suffering.  Jesus shows us what that means.

Revelation 6:2--Then I looked, and what a sight! There was a white horse carrying a rider with a bow. He wore a wreath and came riding like a conqueror, intent on complete victory.

 

Jesus is intent on victory.

I Corinthians 15:54--And, when we are all redressed with bodies that do not, cannot decay, when we put immortality over our mortal frames, then it will be as Scripture says: Life everlasting has victoriously swallowed up death (Isaiah 25:8).

 

Believers will be changed for the world they are designed to do. 

I Corinthians 15:57--Thank God, then, for our Lord Jesus, the Anointed, the Liberating King, who brought us victory over the grave.

 

Believers will be victorious.

Revelation 7:12--(Heavenly messengers, Elders, and Living Creatures sing): Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God on and on throughout all the ages. Amen.

 

In the End all believers will praise God!

4. Salvation by Faith Scriptural Bases: The First Usual Objection to This

Romans 3:31—So are we trying to use faith to abolish the law? Absolutely not! In fact, we now are free to uphold the law as God intended.

Romans 8:4—Now we are able (by faith) to live up to the justice demanded by the law. But that ability has not come from living by our fallen human nature; it has come because we walk according to the movement of the Spirit in our lives.

Ephesians 2:10—For we are the product of His hand, heaven’s poetry etched on lives, created in the Anointed, Jesus, to accomplish the good works God arranged long ago.

Philippians 2:5—In other words, adopt the mind-set of Jesus the Anointed. Live with His attitude in your heart. Remember: Though He was in the form of God, He chose not to cling to equality with God; But he poured Himself out to fill a vessel brand new; a servant in form and a man indeed. The very likeness of humanity, He humbled himself, obedient to death—a merciless death on the cross! So God raised him up to the highest place and gave him the name above all. So when His name is called, every knee will bow (Isaiah 45:23) in heaven, on earth, and below. And every tongue will confess (Isaiah 45:23) “Jesus, the Anointed One, is Lord,” to the glory of God our Father!

Romans 11:20-22—Yes, they were. They were removed because they did not believe; and you will stay attached, be strong, and be productive only through faith. So don’t think to highly of yourselves; instead, stand in awe of God’s mercy. Besides we know that God did not spare the natural branches, so there is no reason to think He will spare you. Witness the simultaneous balance of the kindness and severity of our God. Severity is directed to the fallen branches withered without faith. Yet kindness is directed at you. So live in the kindness of God or else prepare to be cut off yourselves.

Romans 3:27—So is there any place left for boasting? No. It’s been shut out completely. And how? By what sort of law? The law works perhaps? No? By the law of faith!

Romans 4:5—So for the person who does not work (obeys the law), but instead trusts in the One who makes the ungodly right, his faith is counted for him as righteousness.

Ephesians 2:4-5, 7-8—But God, with the unfathomable richness of His love and mercy focused on us, united with us the Anointed One and infused our lifeless souls with life—even though we were buried under mountains of sin—and saved us by His grace…He did this for a reason: so that for all eternity we will stand as a living testimony to the incredible riches of His grace and kindness that He freely gives to us by uniting us with Jesus the Anointed. For it’s by God’s grace that you have been saved. You received it through faith.

Romans 11:20-22—Yes, they were. They were removed because they did not believe; and you will stay attached, be strong, and be productive only through faith. So don’t think to highly of yourselves; instead, stand in awe of God’s mercy. Besides we know that God did not spare the natural branches, so there is no reason to think He will spare you. Witness the simultaneous balance of the kindness and severity of our God. Severity is directed to the fallen branches withered without faith. Yet kindness is directed at you. So live in the kindness of God or else prepare to be cut off yourselves.

Ephesians 2:8-9—For it is by God’s grace you have been saved. You received it by faith. It was not our plan or our effort. It is God’s gift, pure and simple. You didn’t earn it, not one of us did, so don’t go around bragging that you must have done something amazing.

I Corinthians 12:6—There are many amazing working gifts in the church, but it is the same God who energizes them all in all who have the gifts.

Ephesians 3:20—Now to the God who can do so many awe-inspiring things, immeasurable things, things greater than we ever could ask or imagine through the power at work in us.

Philippians 2:13—Because God is energizing you so that you will desire and do what always pleases Him.

Romans 6:1-2a—How should we respond to all of this? Is it good to persist in a life of sin so that grace may multiply even more? Absolutely not!

Romans 2:4—Do you take the kindness of God for granted? Do you see His patience and tolerance as signs that He is a pushover when it come to sin? How could you not know that his kindness is guiding our hearts to turn away from distractions and habitual sin to walk a new path?

Hebrew 10:37—As the prophet Habakkuk said, “In a little while, only a little longer, the One who is coming will come without delay.”























4. Salvation by Faith Scriptural Bases: The First Usual Objection to This

Some will wrangle with us that to preach “salvation by faith” alone is to preach and teach against personal responsibility and self-discipline in attempting to live excellently, which is a charge made against the apostle Paul to his face.

Romans 3:31—So are we trying to use faith to abolish the law? Absolutely not! In fact, we now are free to uphold the law as God intended.

If I was preaching such a faith that eliminated the law, then the charge would be accurate. I am not. I am speaking of a faith that is inclusive of personal responsibility, self-discipline that produces excellence in living, that reflect fully Jesus in our daily lives.

Anyone who preaches and teaches such a lawless faith makes null and void the law. The law is only activated in and by faith. The law by itself shuts us down, enslaves us, prevents us from being fully human—Jesus in the world. The law by faith is activated to perform its purpose of guidance into excellence, into holiness—to fullness of Jesus in us.

John Wesley insisted that forgiveness of sins gives believing people the right to heaven; but only holiness renders us fit for heaven. Justification (pardon, forgiveness) admits us; sanctification (holiness, new birth) fits us. Justification means that in Christ believers have a new standing with God; sanctification (holiness) means that in Christ believers have a new nature from God.

We by faith activate the law and through holy living witness to it excellence in guiding us to the blessings of God and to it guidance to incarnating the blessings of God. We testify to Jesus living in us. That is what is contagious! That is what will make us of one heart.

Romans 8:4—Now we are able (by faith) to live up to the justice demanded by the law. But that ability has not come from living by our fallen human nature; it has come because we walk according to the movement of the Spirit in our lives.

The movement of the Spirit in our lives happens when the ingredients are there: faith and law (synonyms: trust and discipline, belief and control, hope and restraint.

Ephesians 2:10—For we are the product of His hand, heaven’s poetry etched on lives, created in the Anointed, Jesus, to accomplish the good works God arranged long ago.

The law was not destroyed but returned to its rightful place as guide to and in the blessings of God. In faith the law and all the ordinances have meaning and blessings of enjoyment which manifest themselves in holy and heavenly characteristics—the mind that was in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 2:5—In other words, adopt the mind-set of Jesus the Anointed. Live with His attitude in your heart. Remember: Though He was in the form of God, He chose not to cling to equality with God; But he poured Himself out to fill a vessel brand new; a servant in form and a man indeed. The very likeness of humanity, He humbled himself, obedient to death—a merciless death on the cross! So God raised him up to the highest place and gave him the name above all. So when His name is called, every knee will bow (Isaiah 45:23) in heaven, on earth, and below. And every tongue will confess (Isaiah 45:23) “Jesus, the Anointed One, is Lord,” to the glory of God our Father!

So does preaching faith lead people to pride? Accidentally it may! A believer will not deliberately or intentionally go that way but will be on guard against the most hideous of sin: hubris—arrogant pride.

Romans 11:20-22—Yes, they were. They were removed because they did not believe; and you will stay attached, be strong, and be productive only through faith. So don’t think to highly of yourselves; instead, stand in awe of God’s mercy. Besides we know that God did not spare the natural branches, so there is no reason to think He will spare you. Witness the simultaneous balance of the kindness and severity of our God. Severity is directed to the fallen branches withered without faith. Yet kindness is directed at you. So live in the kindness of God or else prepare to be cut off yourselves.

Romans 3:27—So is there any place left for boasting? No. It’s been shut out completely. And how? By what sort of law? The law works perhaps? No? By the law of faith!

Romans 4:5—So for the person who does not work (obeys the law), but instead trusts in the One who makes the ungodly right, his faith is counted for him as righteousness.

Ephesians 2:4-5, 7-8—But God, with the unfathomable richness of His love and mercy focused on us, united with us the Anointed One and infused our lifeless souls with life—even though we were buried under mountains of sin—and saved us by His grace…He did this for a reason: so that for all eternity we will stand as a living testimony to the incredible riches of His grace and kindness that He freely gives to us by uniting us with Jesus the Anointed. For it’s by God’s grace that you have been saved. You received it through faith.

Romans 11:20-22—Yes, they were. They were removed because they did not believe; and you will stay attached, be strong, and be productive only through faith. So don’t think to highly of yourselves; instead, stand in awe of God’s mercy. Besides we know that God did not spare the natural branches, so there is no reason to think He will spare you. Witness the simultaneous balance of the kindness and severity of our God. Severity is directed to the fallen branches withered without faith. Yet kindness is directed at you. So live in the kindness of God or else prepare to be cut off yourselves.

Ephesians 2:8-9—For it is by God’s grace you have been saved. You received it by faith. It was not our plan or our effort. It is God’s gift, pure and simple. You didn’t earn it, not one of us did, so don’t go around bragging that you must have done something amazing.

I Corinthians 12:6—There are many amazing working gifts in the church, but it is the same God who energizes them all in all who have the gifts.

Ephesians 3:20—Now to the God who can do so many awe-inspiring things, immeasurable things, things greater than we ever could ask or imagine through the power at work in us.

Philippians 2:13—Because God is energizing you so that you will desire and do what always pleases Him.

All the work, all the good and righteous works, which were done before faith, merited us nothing of God but condemnation. There were far from “deserving faith.” The good that was done and accomplished were the actions of God in us, or were the results of the faith from other believers. It is God’s working but not in us as unbelievers; it is his blessings to believers and we benefit from their blessings. In other words when believers blessings benefit us, people begin believing that they have done something to deserve it or are entitled to it. When in reality it is far from the truth. People have nothing to glory in. In fact people will not see the need to repent and continue in their sin.

Romans 6:1-2a—How should we respond to all of this? Is it good to persist in a life of sin so that grace may multiply even more? Absolutely not!

Without faith our sins are upon our head.

The goodness of God ought to lead to repentance.

Romans 2:4—Do you take the kindness of God for granted? Do you see His patience and tolerance as signs that He is a pushover when it come to sin? How could you not know that his kindness is guiding our hearts to turn away from distractions and habitual sin to walk a new path?

The goodness of God ought to lead believers to a sincere of heart. It will lead non-believers, demons, and falling believers to resentment and even hatefulness toward our loving God, Our Father. We always can cry out for forgiveness, but sin will keep us from doing it. We can repent, but we won’t. We think we have done something to have the blessings, but we haven’t. In our carnal knowledge we are led to hubris—arrogant pride; the most hideous of human position.

But, when we cry out to God help will come and come quickly.

Hebrew 10:37—As the prophet Habakkuk said, “In a little while, only a little longer, the One who is coming will come without delay.”

God will do much work in a short amount of time. Many are the examples in Acts of God’s working this faith in people’s hearts quick as lightning falling from heaven. In the case of Paul and Silas, the jailer repented, believed, and was baptized (Acts 16:30-34). For Peter three thousand on the day of Pentecost repented and believed at his first preaching (Acts 2:37-41).

Our God is quick and mighty to save under his conditions (Isaiah 63:1).

Yet some will say, “If a person cannot be saved by all they do that it will drive them to despair.” The answer it true! But understand the despair: it is despair of being saved by works, or by righteousness. On our own we will never be good enough!

It is only through the merits of Christ that we are saved. It is only in renouncing our own sins and trusting in Christ that we are saved. Until we renounce our own righteousness we will not receive Christ’s righteousness. We will not be clean until we come by faith.

Acts 16:30-34--Then he (jailer) brings them outside. "Gentlemen (Paul and Silas), please tell, what must I do to be liberated? Paul and Silas instructed the Jailer, "Just believe--believe in the ultimate King, Jesus, and not only will you be rescued, but your whole household will as well. The jailer brings them to his home, and they have a long conversation with the man and his family. Paul and Silas explain the message of Jesus to them all. The man washes their wounds and feeds them, then they baptize the man and his family. The night ends with Paul and Silas in the jailer's home, sharing a meal together, the whole family rejoicing that hey have come to faith in God.

Acts 2:37-41--When the people heard this (what Peter had preached), their hearts were pierced; and they said to Peter and his fellow apostles, "Out brothers, what should we do?" (Peter responded), "Reconsider your lives; change your direction. Participate in the ceremonial washing of baptism (immersion) in the name of Jesus, God's Anointed, the Liberating King. Then your sins will be forgiven, and the gift of the Holy Spirit will be yours. For the promise of the Spirit is for you, for your children, for all people--even those considered outsiders and outcasts--the Lord our God invites everyone to come to Him." Peter was pleading and offering many logical reasons to believe. Whoever made a place for his message in their hearts received the baptism; in fact, that day alone, about 3000 people joined the disciples.

Isaiah 63:1--Who comes with long, strong strides, marching in strength from Edom, from Bozrah? Who is coming with such grand clothes, stepped in crimson and awesome to see? (God says) It is I, the Eternal, who in righteousness declares victory. I am coming with great power and I'm ready to save.

Romans 10:3--In their ignorance about how God is working to make things right, they have been trying to establish their own right standing with God through the law. But they are not operating under God's saving, restorative justice.

2 Corinthians 7:4--I am completely confident and incredibly proud of you. Even in all this turbulence I am at peace--I am overflowing with joy.

Romans 9:33--As the Scripture says (Paul talking to the Roman believers about Jews not bring able to understand Jesus and faith), "Look what I am doing in Zion. I'll put in place a stone that makes them stumble,a rock that trips them up, and those who trust in it will not be disgraced.

Romans 10:12--Remember that the Lord draws no distinction between Jew and non-Jew--He is Lord over all things, and He pours out His treasurers on all who invoke His name.

Matthew 9:2--When He got there, come men approached Him carrying a mat. On the mat was another man, a paralytic. The men evidently believed that Jesus could heal the paralytic, and Jesus saw their faith, how much faith they had in His authority and power. (Jesus says) Rest assured, My son; your sins are forgiven.

Romans 8:16--Through that prayer, God's Spirit confirms in our spirits that we are His children.

Luke 2:10--Don't be afraid! Listen! I bring good news, news of great joy, news that will affect all people everythere.

Isaish 55:1--If you are thirsty, come here; come, there's water for all. Whoever is poor and penniless can still come and buy the food I sell. There's no cost--here, have some food, hearty and delicious, and beverages, pure and good.

Isaiah 1:18--Come on now, let's walk and talk; let's work this out. Your wrongdoings are bloodred, But they can turn as white as snow. Your sins are red like crimson, But they can be made clean again like new wool.

Psalm 40:12--Right now I can't see because I am sorrounded by troubles; my sins and shortcomings have caught up to me, so I am swimming in darkness. Like the hairs on my head, there are too many to cound, so my heart deserts me.

Isaish 55:7--Let those who are busy plotting violence and doing wrong stop right now, turn and do right. Let them turn back to the Eternal so they can experience His compassion. God will excuse our past wrongs. Our God's forgivensess is exexhaustible.

1 Corinthians 3:11--There is, in fact, only one foundation, and no one can lay any foundation other than Jesus the Anointed.

John 3:16--For God expressed His love for the work in this way: He gave Holy only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face eternal destruction, but will have everlasting life.

Mark 16:16--Anyone who believes this good news and is ceremonially washed (immersed to show repentance) will be rescued, but anyone who does not believe it will be condemned.

Matthew 11:5--Tell his you have seen the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers cured, the deaf hear, the dead raised, and the good news preached to the poor.

Luke 7:22--Go and tell John what you've witnessed with your own eyes and ears: the blind are seeing again, the leame are walking again, the lepers are clean again, the dear hear again, the dead live again, and good news is preached to the poor (Isaiah 29:18; 35:5-6).

Acts 4:13--Now the leaders were surprised and confused. They looked at Peter and John and realized they were typical peasants--uneducated, utterly ordinary fellows--with extraordinary confidence. The leaders recognized them as companions of Jesus...

Mark 10:14--but when Jesus saw this, He was incensed (The disciples were turning the children away.): Let the children come to Me, and don't ever stand in their way, for this is what the kingdom of God is all about.

Mark 2:17--Jesus heard them. (Jesus speaking): People who have their health don't need to see a doctor. Only those who are sick do. I'm not here to call those already in good standing with God; I'm here to call sinners to turn back to Him (repent).

Mark 16:15--Go out into the world and share the good news with all of creation.

Galatians 6:5--Each person has his or her own burden to bear and story to write.

1 Kings 22:14--(Micalah speaking) As certain as the Eternal, I will say only what He commands me to say--nothing more and nothing else.

Ephesians 2:8-9--For it's by God's grace that you have been saved. You received it through faith. It was not our plan or our effort. It is God's gift, pure and simple. You didn't earn it, not one of us did, so don't go around bragging that you must have done something amazing.

The Church has always been vulnerable to human influence and delusional about human abilities. Two upheavals that influenced Modernism were the Protestant Reformation and the Wars of Religion. The recognition that religious diversity was permanent and understanding that diversity were consequences.

Salvation by faith is the strong rock and foundation of Christianity.

Philippians 3:9--When it counts, I want to be found belonging to Him, not clinging to my own righteousness based on law, but actively relying on the faithfulness of the Anointed One. This is true righteousness, supplied by God, acquired by faith.

Job 38:11--And I said to the sea, "Here you may come, but no further. And here is the shore where your grand waves will crash.

Philippians 3:19--They are ruled by their bellies, their glory comes by shame, and their minds are fixed on the things of this world. They are doomed.

2 Peter 2:1--Just as false prophets rose up in the past among God's people, false teachers will rise up in the future among you. They will slip in with their destrucvtive opinions, denying the very Master who bought their freedom and dooming themeslves to destruction swiftly,...

Romans 10:4--You see, God's purpose for the law reaches its climax when the Anointed One arrives; now all who trust in Him can have their lives made right with God.

John 17:12--While I was physically present with them, I protected them through Your name. I watched over them closely; and only one was lost, the one the Scriptures said was the son of destruction.

2 Thessalonians 2:3--Don't be deceived by anyone! That day, that amazing day, won't come until after the great rebellion and the unveiling of the rebellious one (or "man of sin."). As the spawn of death, he delights in destruction.

Revelation 22:20--(John writes) The One who testifies to these realities make this promise: (The Anointed One being quoted) Yes, I am coming soon. (John writes) To which we say, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."

2 Corinthians 12:9--Another will receive the gift of faith by the same Spirit, and still another gifts of healing--all from the one Spirit.

Psalm 45:4--Ride on in Splendor; ride into battle victorious, for the sake of truth, humility, and justice. Perform awesome acts, trained by your powerful right hand.

Hebrews 2:10--It only makes sense that God, by whom and for whom everything exits, would choose to bring many of us to His side by using suffering to perfect Jesus, the founder of our faith, the pioneer of our salvation.

Revelation 6:2--The I looked, and what a sight! There was a white horse carrying a rider with a bow. He wore a wreath and came riding like a conqueror, intent on complete victory.

I Corinthians 15:54--And, when we are all redressed with bodies that do not, cannot decay, when we put immortality over our mortal frames, then it will be as Scripture says: Life everlasing has victoriously swallowed up death (Isaiah 25:8).

I Corinthians 15:57--Thank God, then, for our Lord Jesus, the Anointed, the Liberating King, who brought us voctory over the grave.

Revelatlion 7:12--(Heavenly messengers, Elders, and Living Creatures sing): Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God on and on throughout all the ages. Amen.























































3. Salvation by Faith Scriptural Bases: What is the Salvation we are talking about?

In this series on Salvation by Faith I mentioned two weeks ago that salvation is by faith. It is totally undeserved. We have no entitlement to it. It is a holy gift pure and simple.

Last week I stated that it is not the faith of non-believers, demons, or even the pre-resurrection apostles. It is a disposition of the heart that fully reliant on Jesus and all that he did to make his salvation possible for us. It is a trust in the blood of Jesus, the merits of his life, death, and resurrection. It is a full trust in Jesus’ atonement, our life, given for us and living in us. Our confidence is in God. Through Jesus we are in God’s favor.

So what is this “salvation” we are talking about which is through faith?

The first thing that this salvation is is a “present salvation.” It is something attainable by the people of faith. Paul does not say “you shall be saved,” but“you are saved.”

Ephesians 2:8-9: For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved. You received it through faith. It was not our plan or our effort. It is God’s gift, pure and simple. You didn’t earn it, not one of us did, so don’t go around bragging that you must have done something amazing.

You are saved from sin! It was foretold that this was the purpose of the Messiah coming.

Matthew 1: 20b-23: Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to wed Mary and bring her into your home and family as your wife. She did not sneak off and sleep with someone else—rather, she conceived the baby she now carries through the miraculous wonderworking of the Holy Spirit. She will have a son, and you will name him Jesus, which means “the Lord saves,”because this Jesus is the person who will save all of his people from sin.

There are no limitations here, no restrictions. All of his people, those that believe in him, will be saved from their sins—original and actual, past and present sins of the flesh and of the spirit. Believers are saved from the guilt and the power of sin.

Acts 10:43—All the prophets tell us about Him and assert that every person who believes in Jesus receives forgiveness of sins through His name.

We are saved from past sins.

Romans 3:19—We want to be clear that whatever the law says, it says to everyone who is under its authority. Its purpose is to muzzle every mouth, to silence idle talk, and to bring the whole world under the standards of God’ justice.

Psalm 130:3—If you, Eternal One, recorded each offence, Lord, who on earth could stand innocent? But with You forgiveness exists; that’s why true respect of You might flow.

The law explains the violation of God’s will and way. It convicts people of wrongs and silences them before the holy and just God. Nothing more can be said. The law ends there. We cry out in despair for help. We are convicted.

Romans 3:20-25—Therefore, doing what the law prescribes will not make anyone right in the eyes of God—that’s not its purpose—but the law is capable of exposing the true nature of sin. But now for the good news: God’s restorative justice has entered the world, independent of the law. Both the law and the prophets told us this day would come. This redeeming justice come through the faithfulness of Jesus, the Anointed One, the Liberating King, who makes salvation a reality for all who believe—without the slightest partiality. You see, all have sinned and all their futile attempts to reach God in His glory fail. Yet they are now saved and set right by His free gift of grace through the redemption available only in Jesus the Anointed. When God set Him up to be the sacrifice—the seat of mercy where sins are atoned through faith—His blood became the demonstration of God’s own restorative justice. All of this confirms His faithfulness to the promise, for over the course of human history God patiently held back as He dealt with the sins being committed.

Christ takes away for believers the curse of the law.

Galatians 3:13--…the Anointed One, the Liberating King, has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. It was stated in the Scriptures, “Everyone who hangs on a tree is cursed by God.”

Colossians 2:14--…eliminated the massive debt we incurred by the law that stood against us. He took it all away; He nailed it on the cross. But that’s not all. He disarmed those who once ruled over us—those who had overpowered us. Like captives of war, He put them on display to the world to show His victory over them by means of the cross.

Romans 8:1—Therefore, now no condemnation awaits those who are living in Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King, because when you live in the Anointed One, Jesus, a new law takes effect.

Being saved from the guilt of sin we are also saved from filial (Fatherly) and servile (obedience to the law) fears. By faith we are not on the outs with God, by faith we are not obligated to the law, by faith we don’t have to worry about Hell.

1 John 4:16-19—God is love. Anyone who lives faithfully in love also lives faithfully in God, and God lives in him. This love is fulfilled with us, so that on the day of judgment we have confidence based on our identification with Jesus in this world. Love will never invoke fear. Perfect love expels fear, particularly with fear of punishment. The one who fears punishment has not been completed through love. We love because He has first loved us.

God is an indulgent Father-God. By faith we are not in the spirit of bondage, but in the Spirit of Adoption. The Spirit will tell us we are a child of God.

Romans 8:15-16—You see, you have not received a spirit that returns ou to slavery, so you have nothing to fear. The Spirit you have received adopts you and welcomes you into God’s own family. That’s why we call out to Him, “Abba! Father!” as we would address a loving daddy. Through that prayer, God’s Spirit confirms in our spirit that we are His children.

Therefore there is peace with God through our Lord Jesus and we rejoice in the hope that is before us. We are confident that neither life nor death will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Again, through this faith we are saved from the power of sin and the guilt of it.

1 John 3:5-9—You realize that He came to eradicate sins, that there is not the slightest bit of sin in Him. The ones who live in an intimate relationship with Him do not persist in sin, but anyone who persists in sin has not seen and does not know the real Jesus. Children, don’t let anyone pull one over on you. The one doing the right thing is just imitating Jesus, the Righteousness One. The one persisting in sin belongs to the diabolical one, who has been all about sin from the beginning. That is why the Son of God came into our world: to destroy the plague of destruction inflicted on the world by the diabolical one. Everyone who has been born into God’s family avoids sin as a lifestyle because the genes of God’s children come from God himself.

1 John 5:1—Everyone who trust Jesus as the long awaited Anointed One is a child of God, and everyone who loves the Father cannot help but love the child fathered by Him.

1 John 5:18—We all know that everyone fathered by God will not make sin a way of life because God protects His children from the evil one, and the evil one can’t touch them.

Believers do not sin intentionally and nor deliberately. They break the habit of sin. They organize their life against sinning. Believers want to love Love.

Romans 12:2—Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by the renewing of your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, please and complete.

So, this is the “salvation”I am talking about:

(1) Salvation from sin and the consequence of sin (Justification).

(2) Deliverance from the power of sin through the new disposition of the heart (Sanctification).

He who is saved by faith is born again.

Colossians 3:2-3—Stay focused on what’s above, not on earthly things, because you old life is dead and gone. Your new life is now hidden, enmeshed with the Anointed who is in God.

Galatians 4:19—My dear children, I feel the pains of birth upon me again, and I will continue in labor for you until the Anointed One is formed gradually and completely in you.

1 Peter 2:1ff—So get rid of hatefulness and deception, of insincerity and jealousy and slander. Be like newborns, crying out for spiritual milk that will help you grow into salvation if you have tasted and found the Lord to be good.

Ephesians 6:10—Finally brothers and sisters, draw your strength and might from God.

Romans 1:17—You see, in the good news, God’s restorative justice is revealed. And as we will see, it begins with and ends with faith. As the Scriptures declare, “By faith the just will obtain life.”

John 1:16—Through this man we all receive gifts of grace beyond our imagination.

The salvation I am talking about is the salvation that produces the fullness of Christ within us.

Ephesians 4:13—These ministries will continue until we are unified in faith and filled with the knowledge of the Son of God, until we stand mature in his teachings and fully formed in the likeness of the Anointed One, our Liberating King.

2. Salvation by Faith Scriptural Bases: What Faith It Is Which We Are Saved

A. It is not the faith of the heathens. They know to do good and treat each other with goodness and punish badness.

Luke 4:34—Get out of here! Leave us alone! What’s Your agenda, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who You are: You’re the Holy One, the One sent by God! (Demonic possessed people will feel this way about Jesus. Unsaved people will feel this way about Jesus. They do not want Jesus to interfere with their agenda, with that they want!)

Hebrews 11:6—Without faith no one can please God because the one coming to God must believe He exists, and He rewards those who come seeking. (Grace is the source, faith the condition, of salvation.)

Luke 2:20—The shepherds returned to their flocks, praising God for all they had seen and heard, and they glorified God for the way the experience had unfolded just as the heavenly messenger had predicted. (Glorifying God is the means of finding God. We thank God for the indescribable, incredible, unbelievable gift of Jesus and other blessings.)

B. It is not the faith of the devil, for they know who Jesus is and all about the Scriptures.

(A careful practice of moral virtue, of justice, mercy, and truth toward fellow creatures is expected even by non-believers, so this is the faith of a heathen, non-believer, non-Christian. These are the being and attributes of God. There will be consequences (reward and punishment) to ourselves and our behavior. This is a natural religion!)

(If orthodoxy produces no better people than natural religion, then it too is the faith of a devil. Even the devil believes in a wise and powerful God, gracious to reward and just to punish, but also that Jesus is the Son of God, the Christ, the Savior of the world.)

Luke 4:34—Get out of here! Leave us alone! What’s Your agenda, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who You are: You’re the Holy One, the One sent by God!

Acts 16:17—She began following and shouting: These men are slaves like me, but slaves of the Most High God! They will proclaim to you the way of liberation. (Unhappy spirits believe the words of Jesus. In fact they will proclaim who Jesus is.)

1 Timothy 3:16—And I think you will agree that the mystery of godliness is great: He was revealed in the flesh, proven right in the Spirit; He was seen by the heavenly messengers, preached to outsider nations, He was believed in the world, taken up to the heavens in glory. (The great enemies of God believe that God was come in the flesh.)

1 Corinthians 15:25—And He must reign as King until He has put all His enemy under His feet. (The enemy of God knows that they have been defeated and that Jesus is reigning as King. It’s just that humans haven’t grasp this concept yet.)

2 Timothy 3:16, 17—All scripture is God-breathed; in its inspired voice, we hear useful teaching, rebuke, correction, instruction, and training for a life that is right so that God’s people may be up to the task ahead and have all they need to accomplish every good work. (The devil even knows this! Scripture is a means of grace that prepares God’s people for the work of salvation. The devil knows God’s written words.)

C. It is not the faith of the apostles.

(While Christ was upon the earth, they believed in Jesus and left everything and followed him, had power to do miracles (to heal the sick and diseased and power over the demons, and even preached the Kingdom of God. Yet, after doing all this, Jesus called them “a faithless generation.”

Luke 9:1,2—Jesus convened a gathering of the twelve. He gave them power and authority to free people from all demonic spirits and to heal them of diseases. He sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. (This is the what the apostles can do being faithless.)

Luke 9:41—O generation faithless, twisted, and crooked, how long can I be with you? How much can I bear? Bring your boy here.(The apostles are faithless, twisted and crooked; therefore, ineffective for Jesus.)

Luke 9:40—While you were up on the mountain, I begged Your disciples to liberate him from this spirit, but they were incapable of helping us. (Non-believers noted the ineffectiveness of the disciples.)

Mark 6:6—He was amazed at the stubbornness of their unbelief. (God’s mighty works can’t be done among non-believers.)

Luke 17:5,6—We don’t have enough faith for this? Help our faith to grow! It’s not like you need a huge amount of faith. If you just had the faith the size of a single, tiny mustard seed, you could say to this huge tree, “Pull up your roots and replant yourself in the sea,” and it would fly through the sky and do what you said. So even a little faith can accomplish the seemingly impossible! (So, a little faith goes along way!)

So, the heathens have faith, the devil have faith, and the apostles had ineffective faith, so what is the faith through which we are saved? It is faith in Christ. Herein in what distinguishes our faith from the faith of the heathens. It is Jesus and all about Jesus. The faith distinguished from the devils is a disposition of the heart.

Romans 10: 9, 10—So if you believe deep in your heart that God raised Jesus from the pit of death and if you voice your allegiance by confession the truth that “Jesus is Lord,” then you will be saved! Belief begins in the heart and leads to a life that is right with God; confession departs our lips and brings eternal salvation.

The faith acknowledges the necessity and merit of Jesus’death and the power of the resurrection. It acknowledges Jesus’ death as the only means of redeeming people from eternal death, and his resurrection as the means to our restoration and all of creation’s restoration to life and immortality;

Romans 4:25—He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and raised so that we might be made right with God.

Christian faith is as assent to the whole gospel of Christ, but also a full reliance (trust) on the blood of Christ, a trust in the merits of his life, death, and resurrection; a relying upon him as our atonement and out life, as give for us, and living in us. It is a sure confidence which a person has in God, that through the merits of Christ sins are forgiven, and they are reconciled to the favor of God (A confidence in the goodness of God, through the son of his love, living, dying, and interceding for us. It is an acceptance of him in all his offices—Prophet, Priest, King.

We close with Christ! We are totally dependent on Christ for our salvation. He is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. He is our Salvation.

1. Salvation by Faith Scriptural Bases: All Gifts which God confers upon us is from His Grace

Genesis 32:10—I know I am not worthy of even a little of all of the loyal love and faithfulness, You have shown to me, Your servant. You have already blessed me because I left home and crossed the Jordan with nothing except my staff. Now I have grown into two large camps.

Genesis 2:7—One day the Eternal God scooped dirt out of the ground, sculpted it into the same we call human, breathed the breath that gave life into the nostrils of the human, and the human became a living soul.

Genesis 1:27—So God did just that. He created humanity in His image, created them male and female.

Psalm 8:6—You ordained him to govern the works of Your hands, to nurture the offspring of Your divine imagination; you placed everything on earth beneath his feet;

1 Corinthians 15:27—All this will happen to fulfill the Scripture that says, “You placed everything on earth beneath his feet.” (Although it says “everything,” it is clear that this does not also pertain to God, who created everything and made it all subject to Him.).

Ephesians 1:22—God has placed all things beneath His feet and anointed Him as the head over all things for His church.

Acts 17:25—Nor would it be logical to think that this God would need human beings to provide Him with food and shelter—after all, He Himself would have given to humans everything they need—life, breath, food, shelter, and so on.

Isaiah 26:12—Eternal One, You are preparing peace for us; in fact, everything we have accomplished has come from you.

Matthew 7:17, 18—People and their lives are like trees. Good trees bear beautiful, tasty fruit, but bad trees bear ugly, bitter fruit. A good tree cannot bear ugly, bitter fruit; nor can a bad tree bear fruit that is beautiful and tasty.

Matthew 12:33—Good trees produce good fruit; bad trees produce bad fruits. You can always tell a tree by its fruits.

Romans 3:23—You see, all have sinned, and all their futile attempts to reach God in His glory fail.

Romans 3:19—We want to be clear that whatever the law says, it says to everyone who is under its authority. Its purpose is to muzzle every mouth, to silence idle talk, and to being the whole world under the standard of God’s justice.

John 1:16—Through this man (Jesus) we all receive gifts of grace beyond out imagination.

2 Corinthians 9:15—Praise God for this incredible, unbelievable, indescribable gift!

Romans 5:8—But think about this: while we were wasting our lives in sin, God revealed His powerful love to us in a tangible display—the Anointed One died for us.

Ephesians 2:8, 9—For it’s by God’s grace that you have been saved. You receive it through faith. It was not our plan or effort. It is God’s gift, pure and simple. You didn’t earn it, not one of us did, so don’t go around bragging that you must have done something amazing.