Grace (charis) and faith (pisits), if you’ve been listening to Evangelicals, they are not what you think!
Jun 19, 2021 09:39:48 #
TommyRadd
Loc: Midwest USA
Hey Canuckus, (This is a continuation of a conversation we started in another thread)
Recently I stumbled upon some information about how grace (charis) and faith (pistis) were understood in ancient times as the roles and responsibilities of patrons and clients respectively. When you understand this culture then you understand that the "traditional" Evangelical/Protestant view of "grace" is, simply, woefully inadequate to the point of misleading.
Certainly, in ancient cultures like the Roman world, patrons bestowed something upon their clients that the client could not earn or obtain on their own, but the client was definitely expected to respond with a faithfulness (meaning well beyond a mental assent). In fact, without putting effort into their faithfulness, they would actually be disrespecting and unworthy of the patron. In other words, to think that being "saved by grace" means there's nothing you need to do “period”, no part you must play, in salvation “period”, is to totally take those words out of their original cultural context.
I first found out about this concept of patron and client from the book: Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible, by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O’Brien — an excellent book.
Here’s an excellent article on the topic by David A. deSilva,
“Patronage and Reciprocity: The Context of Grace in the New Testament,” Ashland Theological Journal 31 (1999). (It’s well worth the time to read the whole thing.) DeSilva delves into, not only “grace” and “faith,” but the role of Jesus as a mediator in light of Roman patronage practices. He concludes,
"The fundamental ethos governing relationships of patrons and the clients, benefactors and beneficiaries, and friends is that grace must answer grace: the receiving of favor must lead to the return of gratitude, or else the beauty and nobility of the relationship is defaced (dis-graced). As we grow in our appreciation of God’s beneficence, we are thereby impelled to energize our commitment to make an appropriate response of gratitude to God. When the magnitude of God’s generosity is considered, gratitude and its fruits must of necessity fill our speech, attitudes, and actions.
"The New Testament authors outline what a just and suitable response would entail, guiding us to act as honorable recipients of favor and averting us from making an ugly response of ingratitude, neglect, or disloyalty, which would also lead to the danger of exclusion from future favors yet to be conferred. We come to engage evangelism more naturally (but also necessarily) not now as a contest for winning souls, but as an opportunity to spread the fame of God and testify to the good things God has done in our behalf. … We begin to understand that obedience to God — throwing ourselves and our resources into the work of caring for the global church — is not something we might do “over and above” the demands of everyday life. Rather, these pursuits are placed at the center of each day’s agenda. As God did not bestow on us what was merely left over after he satisfied himself, so we are called upon to ‘ make a like exchange by giving our all and our best to God’s service first. Moreover, we discover that loyalty to such a patron must be preserved without wavering." https://www.biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/ashland_theological_journal/31-1_032.pdf
Another book I have read and really recommend is deSilva's book "Honor, Patronage, Kinship and Purity". It's like having a "cultural decoder ring" for those particular topics in the Bible.
Of course, if you search the internet for "patron client pistis charis" you'll find enough info to get a good handle on how the ancients would have understood those words and the relationship they represent.
Recently I stumbled upon some information about how grace (charis) and faith (pistis) were understood in ancient times as the roles and responsibilities of patrons and clients respectively. When you understand this culture then you understand that the "traditional" Evangelical/Protestant view of "grace" is, simply, woefully inadequate to the point of misleading.
Certainly, in ancient cultures like the Roman world, patrons bestowed something upon their clients that the client could not earn or obtain on their own, but the client was definitely expected to respond with a faithfulness (meaning well beyond a mental assent). In fact, without putting effort into their faithfulness, they would actually be disrespecting and unworthy of the patron. In other words, to think that being "saved by grace" means there's nothing you need to do “period”, no part you must play, in salvation “period”, is to totally take those words out of their original cultural context.
I first found out about this concept of patron and client from the book: Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible, by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O’Brien — an excellent book.
Here’s an excellent article on the topic by David A. deSilva,
“Patronage and Reciprocity: The Context of Grace in the New Testament,” Ashland Theological Journal 31 (1999). (It’s well worth the time to read the whole thing.) DeSilva delves into, not only “grace” and “faith,” but the role of Jesus as a mediator in light of Roman patronage practices. He concludes,
"The fundamental ethos governing relationships of patrons and the clients, benefactors and beneficiaries, and friends is that grace must answer grace: the receiving of favor must lead to the return of gratitude, or else the beauty and nobility of the relationship is defaced (dis-graced). As we grow in our appreciation of God’s beneficence, we are thereby impelled to energize our commitment to make an appropriate response of gratitude to God. When the magnitude of God’s generosity is considered, gratitude and its fruits must of necessity fill our speech, attitudes, and actions.
"The New Testament authors outline what a just and suitable response would entail, guiding us to act as honorable recipients of favor and averting us from making an ugly response of ingratitude, neglect, or disloyalty, which would also lead to the danger of exclusion from future favors yet to be conferred. We come to engage evangelism more naturally (but also necessarily) not now as a contest for winning souls, but as an opportunity to spread the fame of God and testify to the good things God has done in our behalf. … We begin to understand that obedience to God — throwing ourselves and our resources into the work of caring for the global church — is not something we might do “over and above” the demands of everyday life. Rather, these pursuits are placed at the center of each day’s agenda. As God did not bestow on us what was merely left over after he satisfied himself, so we are called upon to ‘ make a like exchange by giving our all and our best to God’s service first. Moreover, we discover that loyalty to such a patron must be preserved without wavering." https://www.biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/ashland_theological_journal/31-1_032.pdf
Another book I have read and really recommend is deSilva's book "Honor, Patronage, Kinship and Purity". It's like having a "cultural decoder ring" for those particular topics in the Bible.
Of course, if you search the internet for "patron client pistis charis" you'll find enough info to get a good handle on how the ancients would have understood those words and the relationship they represent.
Jun 19, 2021 09:58:50 #
TommyRadd
Loc: Midwest USA
Faith! What is it and where does it come from?
In the beginning of the New Testament, John the Baptist, forerunner to Jesus (Matthew 11:10), made a very interesting statement to the Jewish leaders of his day-
“And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father...”
-Matthew 3:9-10.
When Jesus came along, we find that the Jews (who believed on Jesus) still had not understood, let alone received, John the Baptist's warning.
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.” –John 8:31-37.
There are some very important points that could be easily overlooked here, which need highlighting-
First, that these Jews whom Jesus talked to were believers in Jesus (v31.)
Secondly, that these believers were convinced that they were not in bondage to sin because of the promises that had been made by God to them- Abraham's seed (v33.)
Thirdly, that even though they believed in Jesus, and claimed the promises of God, Jesus still called them sons of the devil. He went on to tell them…
“I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham... Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He… abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him… for he is a liar, and the father of it.” –John 8:38-44.
This is quite ironic when you think about it. These Jews believed they needed Messiah, and when Messiah appeared on the scene, they received Him and even believed on Him.
That is, until Jesus began to tell them that He came to save them from themselves! Have you ever heard the saying that "stupidity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results"? We need to learn from this object lesson that these believing Jews present us with so that we don't become "wise in our own conceits" (Romans 12:16) as they did.
To understand what happened to these Jews, so we don't fall into the same trap as they did, we need to keep in mind the context, that is, just what it was these Jews were claiming for themselves as Abraham's seed, and that is that God had promised Abraham saying-
“…I will bless thee, and… I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.” -Genesis 22:17-18
The Jews that John The Baptist and Jesus were speaking to claimed themselves to be that very seed of Abraham.
This was a promise that God made to Abraham beyond conditions. It was a promise based on the fact that Abraham had obeyed the voice and commandments of God.
But we, as the Pharisees did, sometimes forget that it started out as a future, conditional promise…
“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee: And I will make of thee a great nation… So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him...” -Genesis 12:1-4
…but ended with the promise being made unconditionally to Abraham after, and because of the fact, that he had not withheld his son Isaac…
“…By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD… because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son… That in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.”
-Genesis 22:16-18
These are the promises that the Pharisees referred to in counting themselves to be that seed of Abraham which God had promised unconditionally to Abraham.
What we need to see here is that both John the Baptist and Jesus warned them that "resting" on Abraham's promises do not justify anyone before God, rather the point is to follow in the example Abraham set!
“…Jesus saith unto them (the Jews who believed on Him), If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham…” -John 8:39
If John The Baptist and Jesus reiterated this thought, then it is obvious that we need to understand what they meant because these men were laying the foundation for the definition of Christian faith. When the Apostle Paul came along, (who claimed also to be a builder and foundation layer in the church, -1 Corinthians 3:10) he echoed the same thing-
“…(Abraham) received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe… who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham...” -Romans 4:11-13
So both Paul and Jesus tell us that in order to be children of faith, we must walk in the steps (plural) of the "father" of faith, that is, we must "do the works" (plural) of Abraham. If Jesus and Paul state there are plural steps and works pertaining to faith, are we believers in the word of God if we have a single step faith? The obvious answer should be "no."
Here's an interesting aside, in confirmation about this concept Jesus gave us, that sonship scripturally means to do the works of the Father- Jesus predicated our believing that He was the Son of God on no greater witness than that He did the works of God, and that was our evidence that He is the Son of God-
“If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.” -John 10:37
What we have established in this post, is that John, Jesus and Paul all referred to Abraham as the "father" of faith, and all in one voice let us know our key thought-
Key Thought- If Ye Were Abraham's Children Ye Would Do The Works Of Abraham. John 8:39.
In the beginning of the New Testament, John the Baptist, forerunner to Jesus (Matthew 11:10), made a very interesting statement to the Jewish leaders of his day-
“And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father...”
-Matthew 3:9-10.
When Jesus came along, we find that the Jews (who believed on Jesus) still had not understood, let alone received, John the Baptist's warning.
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.” –John 8:31-37.
There are some very important points that could be easily overlooked here, which need highlighting-
First, that these Jews whom Jesus talked to were believers in Jesus (v31.)
Secondly, that these believers were convinced that they were not in bondage to sin because of the promises that had been made by God to them- Abraham's seed (v33.)
Thirdly, that even though they believed in Jesus, and claimed the promises of God, Jesus still called them sons of the devil. He went on to tell them…
“I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham... Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He… abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him… for he is a liar, and the father of it.” –John 8:38-44.
This is quite ironic when you think about it. These Jews believed they needed Messiah, and when Messiah appeared on the scene, they received Him and even believed on Him.
That is, until Jesus began to tell them that He came to save them from themselves! Have you ever heard the saying that "stupidity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results"? We need to learn from this object lesson that these believing Jews present us with so that we don't become "wise in our own conceits" (Romans 12:16) as they did.
To understand what happened to these Jews, so we don't fall into the same trap as they did, we need to keep in mind the context, that is, just what it was these Jews were claiming for themselves as Abraham's seed, and that is that God had promised Abraham saying-
“…I will bless thee, and… I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.” -Genesis 22:17-18
The Jews that John The Baptist and Jesus were speaking to claimed themselves to be that very seed of Abraham.
This was a promise that God made to Abraham beyond conditions. It was a promise based on the fact that Abraham had obeyed the voice and commandments of God.
But we, as the Pharisees did, sometimes forget that it started out as a future, conditional promise…
“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee: And I will make of thee a great nation… So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him...” -Genesis 12:1-4
…but ended with the promise being made unconditionally to Abraham after, and because of the fact, that he had not withheld his son Isaac…
“…By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD… because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son… That in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.”
-Genesis 22:16-18
These are the promises that the Pharisees referred to in counting themselves to be that seed of Abraham which God had promised unconditionally to Abraham.
What we need to see here is that both John the Baptist and Jesus warned them that "resting" on Abraham's promises do not justify anyone before God, rather the point is to follow in the example Abraham set!
“…Jesus saith unto them (the Jews who believed on Him), If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham…” -John 8:39
If John The Baptist and Jesus reiterated this thought, then it is obvious that we need to understand what they meant because these men were laying the foundation for the definition of Christian faith. When the Apostle Paul came along, (who claimed also to be a builder and foundation layer in the church, -1 Corinthians 3:10) he echoed the same thing-
“…(Abraham) received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe… who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham...” -Romans 4:11-13
So both Paul and Jesus tell us that in order to be children of faith, we must walk in the steps (plural) of the "father" of faith, that is, we must "do the works" (plural) of Abraham. If Jesus and Paul state there are plural steps and works pertaining to faith, are we believers in the word of God if we have a single step faith? The obvious answer should be "no."
Here's an interesting aside, in confirmation about this concept Jesus gave us, that sonship scripturally means to do the works of the Father- Jesus predicated our believing that He was the Son of God on no greater witness than that He did the works of God, and that was our evidence that He is the Son of God-
“If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.” -John 10:37
What we have established in this post, is that John, Jesus and Paul all referred to Abraham as the "father" of faith, and all in one voice let us know our key thought-
Key Thought- If Ye Were Abraham's Children Ye Would Do The Works Of Abraham. John 8:39.
Jun 19, 2021 10:16:34 #
TommyRadd
Loc: Midwest USA
What Were The "Works" of Abraham?
Knowing that if we are of faith we will be Abraham's "seed" and if we are Abraham's seed we will do the works, and walk in the steps of Abraham; naturally leads us to seek out just what it means to "do the works of Abraham."
Hebrews Chapter eleven has been called the Faith Hall of Fame for very good reason. When we read the whole chapter, there is one premier tenet reiterated several times in the heart of the passage so we're not likely to easily miss it- they of faith are they which seek the kingdom of God-
“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith (Abraham) sojourned in the land of promise… For he looked for a city… whose Builder and Maker is God… These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off… and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly… now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God...” -Hebrews 11: 8-16
“And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise”: -Hebrews 11:39
In looking over the Faith Hall of Fame, we find that not one of them can be found who "counted themselves to have apprehended."
Not one of them rested on the fact that Abraham was their father and they were his seed and that was all they needed! Hebrews eleven states very clearly that there are two parts to faith-
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” -Hebrews 11:6
There's that word "seek" in definition of faith yet again. Not one of the examples of faith rested on just the first part of the definition of believing that God is. Each one of the examples of faith had their own walk to walk, and their own work to work- diligently seeking God, just as Abraham had. Each one of them had their eyes set, not just on what had already been obtained for them, but what God had promised to them. They didn't count themselves to have apprehended. Rather, they declared plainly that they were seeking a city whose Builder and Maker was God. They were seeking the Kingdom of God!
This concept explains why it is overthrowing faith to say that the resurrection is past- because it removes the element of hope from faith-
“But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.” -2 Timothy 2:16-18.
“I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning. Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.” -Psalms 130:5-8.
“It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” -Lamentations 3:26
“For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” -Romans 8:24-25.
“For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.” -Galatians 5:5
The key word for those of faith then, is seeking. Jesus tells us to be doing first of all the very same thing-
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness…” -Matthew 6:33.
Paul, the great champion of New Testament faith and the gospel, tells us plainly, that even he did not count himself to have apprehended either-
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.” -Philippians 3:13.
Paul never counted himself to have apprehended- he never said in his heart- "because I have God as my Father, I have obtained" (that is until his life was almost over, and his race was practically finished being run- 2 Tim. 4:6-8).
During his life, Paul actively sought the promises and the righteousness of God!
At this point we might ask- But isn't Christianity about a relationship with Jesus and not about good works?
Well, let's ask a couple questions about relationship and see how the Bible answers.
Do you Love Him? That is a relationship- one of love. It is written- “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” -John 14:15
Do you want to be friends with Jesus Christ? “It is written again- Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” -John 15:14
Do you want to know Him? “…we… know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.” -1 John 2:3
Do you want a Father and Son relationship with Him? “…be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” -2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1
Separation from the world, the scripture teaches, is part of God's Father/son relationship with us!
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” -1 John 2:15-17
Would you like to have an Elder/Firstborn brother in Jesus Christ? Here's what Jesus says about that- “…My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.” -Luke 8:21
Now let's look at it this way- What about a relationship with Jesus Christ without obedience?
Do you want to know Him but not keep His commandments? Apostle John wrote- “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.” -1 John 2:4-5
Do you want to claim Jesus as Lord, but not "have to" do the will of the Father? Jesus said- “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father... Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied.. cast out devils.. and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock…” -Matthew 7:21.
So then, there is more to biblical "saving faith" than simply believing in the existence of God and Jesus Christ and to claim a relationship with Christ! In fact, simply acknowledging God's existence is the type of belief even the devils have-
“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” -James 2:19-20
So there are two types or facets of faith- one that believes there is one God (which devils have), the other faith includes believing God rewards them that diligently seek Him, that says faith without works is dead.
Thus, we have laid the foundation for a very pertinent question- Do you believe God, or do you only believe in God? And did you even know there is a difference? In answer to this question, we have seen that even devils “just believe.” But those of us who are called to a faith like that of Abraham have been called to walk in his steps and do his works.
Key Thought - What Were The Works of Abraham? By faith Abraham Obeyed! Hebrews 11:8.
Knowing that if we are of faith we will be Abraham's "seed" and if we are Abraham's seed we will do the works, and walk in the steps of Abraham; naturally leads us to seek out just what it means to "do the works of Abraham."
Hebrews Chapter eleven has been called the Faith Hall of Fame for very good reason. When we read the whole chapter, there is one premier tenet reiterated several times in the heart of the passage so we're not likely to easily miss it- they of faith are they which seek the kingdom of God-
“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith (Abraham) sojourned in the land of promise… For he looked for a city… whose Builder and Maker is God… These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off… and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly… now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God...” -Hebrews 11: 8-16
“And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise”: -Hebrews 11:39
In looking over the Faith Hall of Fame, we find that not one of them can be found who "counted themselves to have apprehended."
Not one of them rested on the fact that Abraham was their father and they were his seed and that was all they needed! Hebrews eleven states very clearly that there are two parts to faith-
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” -Hebrews 11:6
There's that word "seek" in definition of faith yet again. Not one of the examples of faith rested on just the first part of the definition of believing that God is. Each one of the examples of faith had their own walk to walk, and their own work to work- diligently seeking God, just as Abraham had. Each one of them had their eyes set, not just on what had already been obtained for them, but what God had promised to them. They didn't count themselves to have apprehended. Rather, they declared plainly that they were seeking a city whose Builder and Maker was God. They were seeking the Kingdom of God!
This concept explains why it is overthrowing faith to say that the resurrection is past- because it removes the element of hope from faith-
“But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.” -2 Timothy 2:16-18.
“I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning. Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.” -Psalms 130:5-8.
“It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” -Lamentations 3:26
“For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” -Romans 8:24-25.
“For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.” -Galatians 5:5
The key word for those of faith then, is seeking. Jesus tells us to be doing first of all the very same thing-
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness…” -Matthew 6:33.
Paul, the great champion of New Testament faith and the gospel, tells us plainly, that even he did not count himself to have apprehended either-
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.” -Philippians 3:13.
Paul never counted himself to have apprehended- he never said in his heart- "because I have God as my Father, I have obtained" (that is until his life was almost over, and his race was practically finished being run- 2 Tim. 4:6-8).
During his life, Paul actively sought the promises and the righteousness of God!
At this point we might ask- But isn't Christianity about a relationship with Jesus and not about good works?
Well, let's ask a couple questions about relationship and see how the Bible answers.
Do you Love Him? That is a relationship- one of love. It is written- “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” -John 14:15
Do you want to be friends with Jesus Christ? “It is written again- Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” -John 15:14
Do you want to know Him? “…we… know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.” -1 John 2:3
Do you want a Father and Son relationship with Him? “…be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” -2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1
Separation from the world, the scripture teaches, is part of God's Father/son relationship with us!
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” -1 John 2:15-17
Would you like to have an Elder/Firstborn brother in Jesus Christ? Here's what Jesus says about that- “…My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.” -Luke 8:21
Now let's look at it this way- What about a relationship with Jesus Christ without obedience?
Do you want to know Him but not keep His commandments? Apostle John wrote- “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.” -1 John 2:4-5
Do you want to claim Jesus as Lord, but not "have to" do the will of the Father? Jesus said- “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father... Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied.. cast out devils.. and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock…” -Matthew 7:21.
So then, there is more to biblical "saving faith" than simply believing in the existence of God and Jesus Christ and to claim a relationship with Christ! In fact, simply acknowledging God's existence is the type of belief even the devils have-
“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” -James 2:19-20
So there are two types or facets of faith- one that believes there is one God (which devils have), the other faith includes believing God rewards them that diligently seek Him, that says faith without works is dead.
Thus, we have laid the foundation for a very pertinent question- Do you believe God, or do you only believe in God? And did you even know there is a difference? In answer to this question, we have seen that even devils “just believe.” But those of us who are called to a faith like that of Abraham have been called to walk in his steps and do his works.
Key Thought - What Were The Works of Abraham? By faith Abraham Obeyed! Hebrews 11:8.
Jun 19, 2021 10:43:20 #
TommyRadd
Loc: Midwest USA
By Faith Abraham Obeyed
In the last post we concluded with the Scripture that states that faith without works is dead. But doesn't Christianity, through the Apostle Paul especially, teach us that salvation and justification are through faith (belief) and not of works? The answer is yes, but Scripture also teaches that works were an integral part of Abrahamic faith. The solution is actually found in understanding how faith and works work together as opposed to works done outside of faith.
let's begin this post by taking a closer look at the context of a passage that Paul used to declare the faith of Abraham.
“What shall we say then that Abraham our father… hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. -Romans 4:1-3.
Here Paul gives us the very foundation of biblical faith, and yet we often misunderstand it, because we forget the context in which God counted Abraham's faith for righteousness.
In the above passage, it is critical to first note that Paul bases our New Testament faith, of being justified by faith and not of works, not on a new definition of faith that Jesus Christ presented to the church, or even after the formation of the church- but on an Old Testament personality and the faith that he found- Abraham. What Paul provided for us is called a cross-reference. In referring to Abraham, Paul referenced an established teaching for his foundation. We can presume to know what Paul meant, or we can study the reference Paul made in order to allow Paul’s reference to inform and influence our interpretation.
If we look closer at Paul's example of justification without works, we will find that Abraham's faith was not counted unto him for righteousness until AFTER he had obeyed the commandments of God to him-
“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” -Hebrews 11:8
This particular step of obedient faith was first declared and commanded to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-4. (Keep in mind it was not until after this that Abraham's faith was counted for righteousness, which is in Genesis 15, as we shall see)
“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee… So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him;” -Genesis 12:1, 4
Here in Genesis 12:1 we see the very first mention of God interacting with Abraham. Abraham did absolutely nothing in particular to warrant God coming to him and giving him a commandment. That is the place and part of pure grace! God initiated the relationship with Abraham, not the other way around.
Among the very first things God said to Abraham were two commandments- first was to get out from his father's house and the land of his kindred, and secondly to sojourn in a promised land. The Bible is very clear when it begins to talk about where Abraham's faith is counted for righteousness, going so far as specifically stating that this came after the obedient steps of Abraham's. Abraham was first obedient to God’s commandments of coming out and going to before his faith was counted for righteousness.
”After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” -Genesis 15:1-6
That's the famous promise from God- that's the place that Paul refers to in presenting his case for salvation by faith and what faith means to God and should mean to us.
What we see in this example is simply this- Abraham was basically minding his own business when God, apparently out of the blue, comes to Abraham and begins to give him promises and commandments. It doesn't say that Abraham did anything particularly "righteous" or worthy for God to come visit him in the first place, rather that the encounter was totally initiated by God. However, once God presented Himself to Abraham, He gave Abraham a couple of simple commandments. The order of events is this-
1. God presents Himself to Abraham by giving Abraham promises and commandments (Gen. 12:1-4).
2. Abraham demonstrates his faith by hearing and obeying (Gen. 12:5-14:24; Heb. 11:8-9).
3. After these things Abraham's faith is counted for righteousness (Gen. 15:6).
Notice that the commandments God made to Abraham weren't commandments to get himself perfectly holy in order for him to first be worthy of God's attention. They were steps that Abraham could fairly easily do (though not necessarily "comfortably"). They probably weren't things Abraham would have thought made sense to him- coming out of his father's house and family. They certainly weren't "Abraham's ideas" – they were God's ideas. For these reasons, Abraham would have no reason to boast that he had earned God's favor, because God came to him, and God showed him exactly what to do. What happened to Abraham is very similar, in fact sets the pattern, to what happens to us as recounted in Ephesians chapter two-
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world… Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past... But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus... 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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” -Ephesians 2:1-10
Let’s compare how this passage would apply to father Abraham- he was walking "according to the course of this world" then God graciously began walking and talking with him, and in so doing gave Abraham commandments which were "good works" which God ordained that Abraham should walk in. They weren't "Abraham's works" that he should boast, but they were works; works of faith. We quoted scripture above that clearly said this- "by faith Abraham… obeyed… by faith Abraham sojourned…" (Hebrews 11:8-9). So these works of Abraham weren't "works salvation" because they weren't Abraham's works, they were Abraham becoming the workmanship of God which he was created for.
It was these very works of obedient faith and this very person- Abraham, of which the Bible is specifically saying sets the pattern for salvation by grace through faith!
This shows that Paul’s teaching was definitely not different than James’ or Jesus’
It would be unreasonable to say that in Genesis Abraham had done nothing to deserve having his faith counted for righteousness, because there would not have been a Genesis 15 for Abraham if he had not walked the steps that God had commanded him in Genesis 12, 13 and 14!
It is those very steps of faithful obedience which frame the context for Paul's reasoning that "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness…" in Romans 4:3. He then tells us, in Romans 4:12, that Abraham is not the father of the circumcision only, but also is a father to them "…who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised".
Therefore, to affirm or assume that Paul was talking about faith without works period would actually totally contradict what Paul specifically said that we must do in order to be children of the faith of Abraham. Namely Paul says Abrahamic faith is to "…walk in the STEPS of THAT FAITH OF… ABRAHAM, which he had being yet uncircumcised. -Romans 4:12. This Jesus Himself also affirmed- "…Jesus saith… Abraham's children… do the works of Abraham." -John 8:39
Remember, that same Abraham is also the setting for the context that the "believing" Jews referred to in defending their position that they were not in bondage because Abraham was their father and they were Abraham's unconditionally promised seed. Those who attempt to claim they are saved by faith without any works period have taken up the same, groundless, unbiblical position as the Pharisaical Jews tried to use against John the Baptist and Jesus! Neither of whom allowed the Jews to be justified by that kind of an attitude! Through this we can see, that by taking things out of their biblical context we can come up with astoundingly different results than God has said and intended in His word!
The point, God's intention, stated by John and Jesus through what they told the Pharisees, is that Abrahamic faith doesn’t mean simply and only resting on the promise that Abraham received from God. Instead their message to the Jews was to do the works and walk in the steps (plural) that Abraham did to get a promise like Abraham got- for themselves!
Our point in saying all of this is that we need to take heed lest we follow the examples that were set by these believing Pharisees, who received these responses for this attitude from John and Jesus.
“…Said Jesus to those… which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed... They answered him, We be Abraham's seed… Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever... If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” -John 8:31-36.
“Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that... every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” -Matthew 3:8-10.
John and Jesus preached the same message to the Jews- repent and do the works of Abraham or perish.
The Pharisees were offended by this teaching because they felt they weren't in bondage due to their view that their father Abraham had already, past tense, obtained an unconditional promise of blessing upon them from God. Truly, the promise, for one, was that the seed of Abraham would be a blessing to all nations. The problem is that these Pharisaic Jews interpreted being Abraham’s seed to mean only the natural offspring of Abraham. But God clearly intended Abraham’s seed to mean the spiritual pattern that Abraham set for others to align to.
These Jews are even said to have believed on the Messiah/Savior, but they wrongly expected the Messiah to glorify them "just as they were" before all people and nations- no matter what they actually did or believed!
Apparently they thought the problem was the perception of the nations toward them, or that God wasn't empowering them, but Jesus said they, and their false idea of faith, was the problem!
How many of us Christians, with some of the current ideas of what faith is, would be able to receive such a word today as Jesus spoke to believers on Him in His days on earth?
Do we seek to silence the Word of God while at the same time claim to be the inheritors of the promises of God like the Pharisaical Jews did?
Have we been taught to accept a type of faith that these Pharisaic Jews believed: that salvation has been secured for us unconditionally by the acts Jesus already did rather than salvation being secured by following in the same pattern of the one who went before us?
As we have seen, Jesus said to do the works of Abraham, and Paul taught that those of faith are those who also walk in the steps of Abraham. Thus we must conclude with that which the Scripture clearly proclaims…
“By faith Abraham… obeyed” -Hebrews 11:8
“After these things… the LORD…he counted (Abraham's faith) to him for righteousness”. -Genesis 15:1, 6.
“For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise… Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” -Hebrews 10:36-38
Key Thought - By Faith Abraham Obeyed - After These Things the Lord Counted It To Him For Righteousness. Genesis 15:1 & 6.
In the last post we concluded with the Scripture that states that faith without works is dead. But doesn't Christianity, through the Apostle Paul especially, teach us that salvation and justification are through faith (belief) and not of works? The answer is yes, but Scripture also teaches that works were an integral part of Abrahamic faith. The solution is actually found in understanding how faith and works work together as opposed to works done outside of faith.
let's begin this post by taking a closer look at the context of a passage that Paul used to declare the faith of Abraham.
“What shall we say then that Abraham our father… hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. -Romans 4:1-3.
Here Paul gives us the very foundation of biblical faith, and yet we often misunderstand it, because we forget the context in which God counted Abraham's faith for righteousness.
In the above passage, it is critical to first note that Paul bases our New Testament faith, of being justified by faith and not of works, not on a new definition of faith that Jesus Christ presented to the church, or even after the formation of the church- but on an Old Testament personality and the faith that he found- Abraham. What Paul provided for us is called a cross-reference. In referring to Abraham, Paul referenced an established teaching for his foundation. We can presume to know what Paul meant, or we can study the reference Paul made in order to allow Paul’s reference to inform and influence our interpretation.
If we look closer at Paul's example of justification without works, we will find that Abraham's faith was not counted unto him for righteousness until AFTER he had obeyed the commandments of God to him-
“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” -Hebrews 11:8
This particular step of obedient faith was first declared and commanded to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-4. (Keep in mind it was not until after this that Abraham's faith was counted for righteousness, which is in Genesis 15, as we shall see)
“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee… So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him;” -Genesis 12:1, 4
Here in Genesis 12:1 we see the very first mention of God interacting with Abraham. Abraham did absolutely nothing in particular to warrant God coming to him and giving him a commandment. That is the place and part of pure grace! God initiated the relationship with Abraham, not the other way around.
Among the very first things God said to Abraham were two commandments- first was to get out from his father's house and the land of his kindred, and secondly to sojourn in a promised land. The Bible is very clear when it begins to talk about where Abraham's faith is counted for righteousness, going so far as specifically stating that this came after the obedient steps of Abraham's. Abraham was first obedient to God’s commandments of coming out and going to before his faith was counted for righteousness.
”After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” -Genesis 15:1-6
That's the famous promise from God- that's the place that Paul refers to in presenting his case for salvation by faith and what faith means to God and should mean to us.
What we see in this example is simply this- Abraham was basically minding his own business when God, apparently out of the blue, comes to Abraham and begins to give him promises and commandments. It doesn't say that Abraham did anything particularly "righteous" or worthy for God to come visit him in the first place, rather that the encounter was totally initiated by God. However, once God presented Himself to Abraham, He gave Abraham a couple of simple commandments. The order of events is this-
1. God presents Himself to Abraham by giving Abraham promises and commandments (Gen. 12:1-4).
2. Abraham demonstrates his faith by hearing and obeying (Gen. 12:5-14:24; Heb. 11:8-9).
3. After these things Abraham's faith is counted for righteousness (Gen. 15:6).
Notice that the commandments God made to Abraham weren't commandments to get himself perfectly holy in order for him to first be worthy of God's attention. They were steps that Abraham could fairly easily do (though not necessarily "comfortably"). They probably weren't things Abraham would have thought made sense to him- coming out of his father's house and family. They certainly weren't "Abraham's ideas" – they were God's ideas. For these reasons, Abraham would have no reason to boast that he had earned God's favor, because God came to him, and God showed him exactly what to do. What happened to Abraham is very similar, in fact sets the pattern, to what happens to us as recounted in Ephesians chapter two-
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world… Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past... But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus... 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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” -Ephesians 2:1-10
Let’s compare how this passage would apply to father Abraham- he was walking "according to the course of this world" then God graciously began walking and talking with him, and in so doing gave Abraham commandments which were "good works" which God ordained that Abraham should walk in. They weren't "Abraham's works" that he should boast, but they were works; works of faith. We quoted scripture above that clearly said this- "by faith Abraham… obeyed… by faith Abraham sojourned…" (Hebrews 11:8-9). So these works of Abraham weren't "works salvation" because they weren't Abraham's works, they were Abraham becoming the workmanship of God which he was created for.
It was these very works of obedient faith and this very person- Abraham, of which the Bible is specifically saying sets the pattern for salvation by grace through faith!
This shows that Paul’s teaching was definitely not different than James’ or Jesus’
It would be unreasonable to say that in Genesis Abraham had done nothing to deserve having his faith counted for righteousness, because there would not have been a Genesis 15 for Abraham if he had not walked the steps that God had commanded him in Genesis 12, 13 and 14!
It is those very steps of faithful obedience which frame the context for Paul's reasoning that "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness…" in Romans 4:3. He then tells us, in Romans 4:12, that Abraham is not the father of the circumcision only, but also is a father to them "…who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised".
Therefore, to affirm or assume that Paul was talking about faith without works period would actually totally contradict what Paul specifically said that we must do in order to be children of the faith of Abraham. Namely Paul says Abrahamic faith is to "…walk in the STEPS of THAT FAITH OF… ABRAHAM, which he had being yet uncircumcised. -Romans 4:12. This Jesus Himself also affirmed- "…Jesus saith… Abraham's children… do the works of Abraham." -John 8:39
Remember, that same Abraham is also the setting for the context that the "believing" Jews referred to in defending their position that they were not in bondage because Abraham was their father and they were Abraham's unconditionally promised seed. Those who attempt to claim they are saved by faith without any works period have taken up the same, groundless, unbiblical position as the Pharisaical Jews tried to use against John the Baptist and Jesus! Neither of whom allowed the Jews to be justified by that kind of an attitude! Through this we can see, that by taking things out of their biblical context we can come up with astoundingly different results than God has said and intended in His word!
The point, God's intention, stated by John and Jesus through what they told the Pharisees, is that Abrahamic faith doesn’t mean simply and only resting on the promise that Abraham received from God. Instead their message to the Jews was to do the works and walk in the steps (plural) that Abraham did to get a promise like Abraham got- for themselves!
Our point in saying all of this is that we need to take heed lest we follow the examples that were set by these believing Pharisees, who received these responses for this attitude from John and Jesus.
“…Said Jesus to those… which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed... They answered him, We be Abraham's seed… Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever... If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” -John 8:31-36.
“Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that... every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” -Matthew 3:8-10.
John and Jesus preached the same message to the Jews- repent and do the works of Abraham or perish.
The Pharisees were offended by this teaching because they felt they weren't in bondage due to their view that their father Abraham had already, past tense, obtained an unconditional promise of blessing upon them from God. Truly, the promise, for one, was that the seed of Abraham would be a blessing to all nations. The problem is that these Pharisaic Jews interpreted being Abraham’s seed to mean only the natural offspring of Abraham. But God clearly intended Abraham’s seed to mean the spiritual pattern that Abraham set for others to align to.
These Jews are even said to have believed on the Messiah/Savior, but they wrongly expected the Messiah to glorify them "just as they were" before all people and nations- no matter what they actually did or believed!
Apparently they thought the problem was the perception of the nations toward them, or that God wasn't empowering them, but Jesus said they, and their false idea of faith, was the problem!
How many of us Christians, with some of the current ideas of what faith is, would be able to receive such a word today as Jesus spoke to believers on Him in His days on earth?
Do we seek to silence the Word of God while at the same time claim to be the inheritors of the promises of God like the Pharisaical Jews did?
Have we been taught to accept a type of faith that these Pharisaic Jews believed: that salvation has been secured for us unconditionally by the acts Jesus already did rather than salvation being secured by following in the same pattern of the one who went before us?
As we have seen, Jesus said to do the works of Abraham, and Paul taught that those of faith are those who also walk in the steps of Abraham. Thus we must conclude with that which the Scripture clearly proclaims…
“By faith Abraham… obeyed” -Hebrews 11:8
“After these things… the LORD…he counted (Abraham's faith) to him for righteousness”. -Genesis 15:1, 6.
“For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise… Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” -Hebrews 10:36-38
Key Thought - By Faith Abraham Obeyed - After These Things the Lord Counted It To Him For Righteousness. Genesis 15:1 & 6.
Jun 19, 2021 11:23:14 #
TommyRadd
Loc: Midwest USA
We now ask, Why did Abraham first require the "imputing of righteousness" before God could establish His covenant with Abraham? Isaiah answers this for us-
“Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” -Isaiah 59:1-2.
You see, it took time, from Genesis chapter 12 to Genesis chapter 17, just to get Abraham's sins covered so that God could approach close enough to him to make His covenant with Abraham. In other words, God had to “prove” Abraham’s faith in God.
Thankfully for us, what it took God years and miles to accomplish in Abraham, Jesus Christ did for us on the cross, and now therefore only requires of us that we repent in order to bring us to the place where God can make His covenant with us today. How do we know that? Because the scripture teaches that baptism is how we are "circumcised" today, and we are baptized after repentance-
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” -Acts 2:38
This is the foundation of Christianity, that is, of entering into the New Covenant that was purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ!
“In (Jesus Christ) also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” -Colossians 2:11-12.
This putting off the body of the sins of the flesh is what baptism does for us…
“And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” -1 Corinthians 6:11
“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” -Acts 22:16
That is grace.
But, this is just the beginning of grace. Praise God that, just like Abraham, we don't first have to get holy to get God- we get God to get holy (neither do we need to get literally circumcised as the sign of our covenant with God). And therefore, He has graced us with a way to have that goodness, or righteousness, imputed into us, and that not of our own works, thoughts or ideas, but of His works in His way that we walk in!
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” -Ephesians 2:10
The point being, the covenant between God and Abraham, the father and prime example of faith for us, was conditional. It required an action upon Abraham, and upon every single one of his children… forever. That doesn’t mean that Abraham was expected to “get holy” to get God, rather, it was a way to get Abraham into “the righteousness of faith” by putting his faith into steps of action like Paul had said.
Key Thought: “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” -Acts 2:38
“Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” -Isaiah 59:1-2.
You see, it took time, from Genesis chapter 12 to Genesis chapter 17, just to get Abraham's sins covered so that God could approach close enough to him to make His covenant with Abraham. In other words, God had to “prove” Abraham’s faith in God.
Thankfully for us, what it took God years and miles to accomplish in Abraham, Jesus Christ did for us on the cross, and now therefore only requires of us that we repent in order to bring us to the place where God can make His covenant with us today. How do we know that? Because the scripture teaches that baptism is how we are "circumcised" today, and we are baptized after repentance-
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” -Acts 2:38
This is the foundation of Christianity, that is, of entering into the New Covenant that was purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ!
“In (Jesus Christ) also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” -Colossians 2:11-12.
This putting off the body of the sins of the flesh is what baptism does for us…
“And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” -1 Corinthians 6:11
“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” -Acts 22:16
That is grace.
But, this is just the beginning of grace. Praise God that, just like Abraham, we don't first have to get holy to get God- we get God to get holy (neither do we need to get literally circumcised as the sign of our covenant with God). And therefore, He has graced us with a way to have that goodness, or righteousness, imputed into us, and that not of our own works, thoughts or ideas, but of His works in His way that we walk in!
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” -Ephesians 2:10
The point being, the covenant between God and Abraham, the father and prime example of faith for us, was conditional. It required an action upon Abraham, and upon every single one of his children… forever. That doesn’t mean that Abraham was expected to “get holy” to get God, rather, it was a way to get Abraham into “the righteousness of faith” by putting his faith into steps of action like Paul had said.
Key Thought: “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” -Acts 2:38
Jun 20, 2021 08:58:37 #
TommyRadd wrote:
b We now ask, Why did Abraham first require the &... (show quote)
I'll need to reread this before responding fully...
A lot to absorb
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