brightfame52
Active Member
Obviously u dont have the slightest notion of what His Seed is. Im not taking the time to explain it to you
The Issue of Limited Atonement
- Thread starter The Rogue Tomato
- Start date
FreeInChrist
Active Member
The New Testament contains approximately 160 verses that emphasize faith as the sole requirement for salvation. These verses highlight that belief in Jesus Christ is essential for receiving salvation and eternal life.
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The New Testament contains approximately 160 verses that emphasize faith as the sole requirement for salvation. These verses highlight that belief in Jesus Christ is essential for receiving salvation and eternal life.
Faith and Salvation in Scripture
The Bible emphasizes that faith is essential for salvation in numerous passages. Here are key verses that highlight this concept:Key Verses on Faith for Salvation
| John 3:16 | "Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." |
| Ephesians 2:8-9 | "For by grace you have been saved through faith... it is the gift of God." |
| Romans 10:9 | "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." |
| Acts 16:31 | "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved." |
| Galatians 2:16 | "A man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ." |
| Hebrews 11:6 | "Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists." |
[th]
Verse Reference
[/th][th]Key Message
[/th]Total References
There are approximately 160 verses in the New Testament that clearly state that salvation is based on faith in Jesus Christ. This underscores the belief that faith, rather than works, is the sole requirement for salvation.Then I asked How many verses in the bible does it say redemption comes first then faith is given?
The answer is .... The Bible does not explicitly state that redemption comes first and then faith is given in a specific number of verses. However, it emphasizes that redemption through Jesus Christ is foundational to the Christian faith, and faith is often described as a response to that redemption, as seen in verses like Ephesians 1:7 and Romans 3:24.
So I asked How many verses does the bible explain predestination?
The answer is.... The Bible discusses predestination in several verses, with key passages found in Romans 8:29-30 and Ephesians 1:4-5, among others. While there isn't a specific count of verses solely dedicated to the topic, many verses across both the Old and New Testaments touch on the concept of predestination.
So I asked Since there is little reference about predestination in the bible oer that
redemption comes first, how are we to know and understand about it from the bible?
The answer is...
Understanding Predestination in the Bible
Definition of Predestination
Predestination refers to God's decision made before creation regarding the eternal destiny of individuals. It involves two main concepts:- Election: God's choice to save certain individuals.
- Reprobation: God's decision to allow others to face eternal separation from Him.
Biblical References
Predestination is supported by several key biblical passages:- Romans 8:29-30: This passage states that those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son. It outlines a sequence: foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification.
- Ephesians 1:4-5: Here, it is mentioned that God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, indicating His plan for salvation.
- Jeremiah 1:5: This verse illustrates God's foreknowledge, as He set apart individuals for specific purposes even before their birth.
Theological Perspectives
Different theological views exist regarding predestination:- Calvinism: Emphasizes God's sovereignty in predestination, suggesting that God's choice is not based on foreseen faith but solely on His will.
- Arminianism: Argues that God's predestination is based on His foreknowledge of who will choose to believe in Him.
Implications for Believers
Understanding predestination can shape how believers view their salvation and relationship with God. It emphasizes God's sovereignty and grace, reminding believers that their salvation is part of a divine plan. However, it is also important to approach this doctrine with love and unity, recognizing that it is a secondary issue in Christian faith.By studying these biblical texts and theological perspectives, believers can gain a clearer understanding of predestination and its significance in their faith journey.
Then I asked What are the key biblical passages discussing predestination and redemption?
And the answer is...Key biblical passages discussing predestination include Romans 8:29-30, which outlines God's foreknowledge and predestination of believers, and Ephesians 1:4-5, which speaks of being chosen for adoption as God's children. Additionally, Romans 9:11-23 addresses God's sovereignty in election and reprobation.
Certainly shows that the "FAITH" crowd has more to learn from in the bible and the predestined ones actually have to be taught from someone who is somehow interpreting scriptures.
Is it any wonder now that when ( As I posted earlier) Point 1 is "The Synod of Dort (also known as the Synod of Dordt or the Synod of Dordrecht) was a European transnational Synod held in Dordrecht in 1618–1619, by the Dutch Reformed Church, to settle a divisive controversy caused by the rise of Arminianism."~ Wiki
They needed to counter this, and quickly so enter the vast document of support for Predestination, and not too long ago they tied in the Westminster Confession of Faith because
apparently they were losing too much ground with the folks who were now understanding faith and those folks could not be controlled so much anymore
FreeInChrist
Active Member
Since you won’t explain what you mean by “His Seed,” I’ll let Scripture speak for itself. John tells us that God’s seed abides in those who are born of Him, and for that reason they do not practice sin. That is the apostle’s explanation—not mine. If you are working with a different definition, you’re free to present it. Simply asserting superior understanding while refusing to explain it doesn’t advance the discussion.
@Studyman
Thank God Almighty~ Forgiveness of sins is not partial, tentative, or reversible. It is full, final, and forever. Every sin--past, present, and future--has been nailed to the cross, and we bear it no more (Colossians 2:13-14). We stand pure, (More so than snow!) justified, and accepted--not by our obedience, but by the obedience and sacrifice of Christ alone.
In Ephesians 2:8 we have a classic example of an metonymy. The only faith that saves us legally is the faith of Christ, for no man can have faith in God, the faith that meets the requirement of a Royal law, a faith that is produce by perfect obedience to its laws! Jesus Christ alone had the faith that honoured God's law in all points, from conception, to death, in thoughts, words, and deeds ~ and this faith alone is the means of man's free justification. This faith is not of ourselves, it is the gift of God secured for God's elect by our surety, Jesus Christ. This faith is given to us in regeneration when the Spirit of God creates a new man within us after the image of his Son, Jesus Christ.
When a man hears and believes, it is not the old man (for that is impossible) but his new man that is a creative work in God's elect by the almighty power of God~this birth happens to a child of God sometimes after conception and before death, and is evidenced by faith and obedience to the word of God. Two prime examples of this is John the the Baptist and the thief on the cross.
I could spend more time proving the metonymy in Ephesians 2:8 by the context in just before verse 8, in verses: 4-6..."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:"
We were IN CHRIST from all eternity, even while he lived in this world and in his death and resurrection, which secured our redemption for us. What he did, it was as though we did it, what happen to Christ happened to us legally speaking two thousand years ago.
Now address what I have said here and we can go from there. Pretty sure you will not be able to do so.
Legally in Christ, I am!
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”Thank God Almighty~ Forgiveness of sins is not partial, tentative, or reversible. It is full, final, and forever. Every sin--past, present, and future--has been nailed to the cross, and we bear it no more (Colossians 2:13-14). We stand pure, (More so than snow!) justified, and accepted--not by our obedience, but by the obedience and sacrifice of Christ alone.
You have me confused with yourself.
Especially so if she takes heed to what you say.
Again, try to be more honest, I do not per se defend Calvinism or the tulip, but do defend certain aspect of Calvinism.
You do not understand the true biblical sense ff Ephesians 2:8, not even close. Here is the true sense of Paul's meaning of ~ "For by grace are ye saved through faith"..
In Ephesians 2:8 we have a classic example of an metonymy. The only faith that saves us legally is the faith of Christ, for no man can have faith in God, the faith that meets the requirement of a Royal law, a faith that is produce by perfect obedience to its laws! Jesus Christ alone had the faith that honoured God's law in all points, from conception, to death, in thoughts, words, and deeds ~ and this faith alone is the means of man's free justification. This faith is not of ourselves, it is the gift of God secured for God's elect by our surety, Jesus Christ. This faith is given to us in regeneration when the Spirit of God creates a new man within us after the image of his Son, Jesus Christ.
When a man hears and believes, it is not the old man (for that is impossible) but his new man that is a creative work in God's elect by the almighty power of God~this birth happens to a child of God sometimes after conception and before death, and is evidenced by faith and obedience to the word of God. Two prime examples of this is John the the Baptist and the thief on the cross.
I could spend more time proving the metonymy in Ephesians 2:8 by the context in just before verse 8, in verses: 4-6..."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:"
We were IN CHRIST from all eternity, even while he lived in this world and in his death and resurrection, which secured our redemption for us. What he did, it was as though we did it, what happen to Christ happened to us legally speaking two thousand years ago.
Now address what I have said here and we can go from there. Pretty sure you will not be able to do so.
civic
Active Member
you cannot explain seed in Genesis 3:15. it will expose your error, inconsistency between the 2 seeds.
next fallacy
brightfame52
Active Member
False statement
brightfame52
Active Member
No not to you, you arent teachable, I reserve that effort for someone else who seems teachable
brightfame52
Active Member
Open up a thread on it, I will participate
FreeInChrist
Active Member
@Red Baker
I want to focus on one specific claim you made here, because it goes to the heart of Paul’s teaching.
You said that we were “IN CHRIST from all eternity,” and that what happened to Christ happened to us legally two thousand years ago, such that justification and union are fully complete prior to faith.
Yet Paul explicitly says we are justified by faith, apart from works of the law (Romans 3:28; Galatians 2:16), and speaks of believers as having formerly been dead, alienated, and outside Christ, and now brought near through faith.
I agree entirely with Paul that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone. Where I cannot follow you is in reducing faith to mere evidence of an eternal legal status, rather than the God-ordained means by which justification is received in time.
My question is simple and Pauline:
How can Paul meaningfully call sinners to believe, and warn believers to continue in faith, if union with Christ and justification were already fully accomplished for them in eternity past, apart from faith?
Red, Studyman will no doubt address your comments from his own perspective, and I’ll let him speak for himself.
I want to focus on one specific claim you made here, because it goes to the heart of Paul’s teaching.
You said that we were “IN CHRIST from all eternity,” and that what happened to Christ happened to us legally two thousand years ago, such that justification and union are fully complete prior to faith.
Yet Paul explicitly says we are justified by faith, apart from works of the law (Romans 3:28; Galatians 2:16), and speaks of believers as having formerly been dead, alienated, and outside Christ, and now brought near through faith.
I agree entirely with Paul that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone. Where I cannot follow you is in reducing faith to mere evidence of an eternal legal status, rather than the God-ordained means by which justification is received in time.
My question is simple and Pauline:
How can Paul meaningfully call sinners to believe, and warn believers to continue in faith, if union with Christ and justification were already fully accomplished for them in eternity past, apart from faith?
FreeInChrist
Active Member
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. By the end of the day my head feels dizzy from shaking it after reading so many heretical ideas.
brightfame52
Active Member
You are welcome
As I have said so many times before, it is you that so completely fails to know and understand the meaning of Ephesians 2:8. And much of that understanding come from your refusal to take advantage of the language and its grammatical construction that the Holy Spirit used to produce the NT.
All of that is pure nonsense. The inspired written word of God states that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb 11:1). To accuse Jesus Christ as having such faith is a denial of His divinity as the begotten Son of God. There is virtually nothing that Jesus did not know that He had to "hope for" or any "evidence of things He had not seen", particularly in any aspect of salvation.
Neither John the Baptist nor the thief on the cross experienced being born again of water and Spirit since that is most clearly a feature of the New Covenant which had not yet even been instituted and inaugurated.
The only sense in which the word faith in Ephesians 2:8 is not our faith, the faith of the one being saved by grace is that if it was "saved by grace through THE faith", with "the faith" meaning the system, the religion. But it doesn't say "the faith", it just says through faith. Clearly, all through the NT, particularly when the topic under discussion is salvation, it is almost always the faith of the one being saved, their faith in God, in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, in the gospel.
That is absolute nonsense. If we were IN CHRIST from all eternity, we wouldn't even need to be saved. To be IN CHRIST is to have received eternal life. One cannot be IN CHRIST and be lost and needing to be saved.
@FreeInChrist
Now to your post.
@FreeInChrist the very life that a child of God now lives, is not by his faith, but by the faith of Christ that he secured for us!
John Brine ~ 1700's: "Faith is not the impulsive or moving cause of Justification. It is an act of pure and free grace, without any motive in the creature: Therefore the Apostle saith, “being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption which is in Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:7). But this benefit would not be of grace, but of works, was our faith the impulsive cause of it: because faith is a work or act of ours, as we learn from the words of Christ: “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:29). Salvation is not of works, in any branch of it; “for by grace are we saved, through faith; that not of our selves, it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). From whence it is evident that Justification, which is a considerable part of salvation, cannot be by works. The grace of God eminently appears in contriving the way of our Justification by Christ’s righteousness, and in sending Him into the world to work out a righteousness for us, in which we stand complete in His sight: Hence we are said, “to be justified by his grace, that we might made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:7) No other cause can be assigned why sinners are justified in the sight of God, than His free favour and sovereign pleasure, as the effect of which He determined to justify them in the righteousness of His Son."
See: https://www.libcfl.com/articles/brine.htm
Samuel Richardson, who wrote the best article I have ever read on this subject:
www.mercyuponall.org
Before I start, I will say this to your credit, you are doing much better posting in theology forum section than you did back seventeen year or so. That's commendable on your part and I say this in all truthfulness. Your knowledge has indeed increased, some folks knowledge never increases.
Now to your post.
The first part of the quote box is wrong, but for now we will leave it be, let us consider these words:
First: Legally, we were justified by Christ's obedience and faith. That's the biblical meaning of not only Galatians 2:16, which you posted, but also the following scriptures:
Romans 3:22
“Even the righteousness of God "which is" by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:”Philippians 3:9
“And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:”@FreeInChrist the very life that a child of God now lives, is not by his faith, but by the faith of Christ that he secured for us!
Galatians 2:20
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”Dear soul, I'm saying no more than what our forefather taught back hundreds of years ago, please consider:
John Brine ~ 1700's: "Faith is not the impulsive or moving cause of Justification. It is an act of pure and free grace, without any motive in the creature: Therefore the Apostle saith, “being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption which is in Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:7). But this benefit would not be of grace, but of works, was our faith the impulsive cause of it: because faith is a work or act of ours, as we learn from the words of Christ: “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:29). Salvation is not of works, in any branch of it; “for by grace are we saved, through faith; that not of our selves, it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). From whence it is evident that Justification, which is a considerable part of salvation, cannot be by works. The grace of God eminently appears in contriving the way of our Justification by Christ’s righteousness, and in sending Him into the world to work out a righteousness for us, in which we stand complete in His sight: Hence we are said, “to be justified by his grace, that we might made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:7) No other cause can be assigned why sinners are justified in the sight of God, than His free favour and sovereign pleasure, as the effect of which He determined to justify them in the righteousness of His Son."
See: https://www.libcfl.com/articles/brine.htm
Samuel Richardson, who wrote the best article I have ever read on this subject:
Samuel Richardson: Justification by Christ Alone (1647) – mercyuponall.org
www.mercyuponall.org
brightfame52
Active Member
Amen, most people dont even recognize that the Faith in Eph 2:8 has the definite article " the Faith"
τῇ γὰρ χάριτί ἐστε σεσῳσμένοι διὰ τῆς πίστεως· καὶ τοῦτο οὐκ ἐξ ὑμῶν θεοῦ τὸ δῶρον
Faith is a noun, a person, place, or thing right? The Faith can be as you pointed out the Faith/faithfulness of Jesus Christ or the doctrine of Faith, the Faith, saved according to the Revelation of the Doctrine of Faith. the Faith worked in the saved by the Spirit. we know it could never mean the Faith of the sinners, the faith of the sinner cant save them, that would be of themselves, which overthrows the whole point of the verse and makes the sinners faith the Saviour or part saviour.
It is more edifying, in my view, to post scriptures seeking to understand God's Truth, instead of just taking one verse out of the Bible, separating it from all other Scriptures, and then using it to exalt and/or justify yourself. Here, let me post more of God's Word so we can more clearly see his intent in having it written for sakes no doubt.
16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 "If ye be willing and obedient", ye shall eat the good of the land: 20 But if ye refuse and rebel, "ye shall be devoured with the sword": for "the mouth of the LORD" hath spoken it.
Anyone can see that when a person Seeks God's Righteousness, and not just justification, HIS Words carry a different meaning.
If you were to humble yourself just a little, and read verses 1-20, you would find the Spirit of Christ speaking about a religion in this world who "professed to know God", but rejected God's Judgments, polluted His Sabbaths, created their own high days and images of God. Nevertheless, they offered to God the Blood of an unblemished, Innocent Life, "as per the Law", to justify them of "Working Iniquity".
Truly there is no flesh justified by "Works of the Law". And truly, to what benefit is it to offer a sacrifice for a sin that you have no intention of ceasing to do?
Of course this would be a great discussion for two brothers seeking the righteousness of God, but if a man is only seeking justification of their adopted religious philosophy, no such discussion can be had.
1 John 1: 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
So you preach this has already happened, by your own words " We stand pure, (More so than snow!) justified, and accepted", and this is, as your own words say, " It is full, final, and forever. Every sin--past, present, and future--has been nailed to the cross, and we bear it no more".
But if I am seeking the Truth of God, and not justification of a religion which exists in the world God placed me in, I find these words.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
So then, you are not pure, as you exalt yourself as being. Your sins are not gone, you still carry them. We "Hope" our sins will be washed away, we have "Faith" that "To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
You seem to be promoting to others that you are not Judged by "Your Works", as the Christ of the Bible teaches, you are judged by Christ's Works. In other words, Christ allowed Himself to be murdered, so that you don't have to "Yield Yourself a servant to obey God". So you don't have to humble yourself in obedience to God. So that you don't have to "present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God", which is your reasonable service.
That Jesus did all these things, so you don't have to.
No doubt this is a seductive religious philosophy, and I can see how "many" would be seduced by it. But the Scriptures, when all of them are considered, doesn't support such a religion, they actually warn against such a religion.
Jer. 23: 16 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD. 17 They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one "that walketh" after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.
No Red, "For by grace are ye saved through faith". The "Grace is not of yourself".
Duet. 32: 20 And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.
Hab. 2: 4. Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by "his faith".
This is the wickedness and deception of Calvinism, in all it's subtle forms.
To believe you, I would have to believe God gave Faith to Caleb and Joshua, but withheld faith from all the rest of Israel, then punished Israel for having no Faith. But delivered Caleb and Joshua to the promised land.
So then all the stories in the Bible are lies, and God is a deceiver according to your religion. Because HE promoted that men have Faith.
Heb. 11: 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
But you preach to the world that man has no choice, either God gives them Faith, or withholds faith. I hope others can see the hypocrisy and wickedness if this judgment against God. He Glorifies the Faithful like Abel, Noah, Abraham and David throughout the entire Bible. And condemns those who have no faith from Adam to Cain to Sodom, to the wicked Kings of Israel, and the Pharisees. But none of them have a choice, no one chooses to believe in God, nor do they choose not to believe in God. He makes them believe, then HE says, "This is my son, in whom I am well pleased. Or HE makes them not believe, then punishes them for their unbelief.
And of course, you will only continue to justify yourself, no interest in discussing what is actually written in scriptures, seeking to know God. In your religion, salvation is by some secret Holy Lottery system based on nothing a man chooses, and those whose name doesn't get pulled out of the hat, He withholds Faith from, and throws them in a furnace with the devil, who also didn't have a choice. I could post Scriptures are Faith shown by Works, a voluntary humility, a self denial, repentance, but to what avail, they are all vanity to you.
I will never adopt a religion that places such a wicked judgment against God Red, or try and convince others of such an Anti-Christ religious philosophy. What is the Gospel of Christ for then? Why the Prophets and Apostles? Why did Jesus even come if the Lost had no choice other than to be lost, and the saved, had no choice to be saved?
It's no wonder Jesus said "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I (Jesus) am Christ; and shall deceive many.
I just hope others might consider what is actually written in scriptures, when a person considers them all.
brightfame52
Active Member
Hope is expectation. elpizō:
- to hope
- in a religious sense, to wait for salvation with joy and full confidence
- hopefully to trust in
- expectation of evil, fear
- expectation of good, hope
- in the Christian sense
- joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation
- in the Christian sense
- on hope, in hope, having hope
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Also the word author archēgos:
- the chief leader, prince
- of Christ
- one that takes the lead in any thing and thus affords an example, a predecessor in a matter, pioneer
Jesus lived an example of Faith while here on earth as a Man
Clearly John Brine did not understand Paul's teachings concerning the impotence of law as a way of salvation. He was but another who either didn't know the Greek grammar well enough or like some others simply ignored it. Given that you seem to agree with him, it is clear that neither do you. The Law that Paul is referencing is not merely the act of doing something; it is specifically God's law. And assuredly the failure is not in God's Law. For if indeed one were to keep the law perfectly then they wouldn't even need to be saved because they would have obeyed God perfectly and completely and would not be indebted to God for sin. But as Paul has also stated, "all have sinned".@FreeInChrist
Before I start, I will say this to your credit, you are doing much better posting in theology forum section than you did back seventeen year or so. That's commendable on your part and I say this in all truthfulness. Your knowledge has indeed increased, some folks knowledge never increases.
Now to your post.
The first part of the quote box is wrong, but for now we will leave it be, let us consider these words:
First: Legally, we were justified by Christ's obedience and faith. That's the biblical meaning of not only Galatians 2:16, which you posted, but also the following scriptures:
Romans 3:22
“Even the righteousness of God "which is" by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:”
Philippians 3:9
“And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:”
@FreeInChrist the very life that a child of God now lives, is not by his faith, but by the faith of Christ that he secured for us!
Galatians 2:20
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Dear soul, I'm saying no more than what our forefather taught back hundreds of years ago, please consider:
John Brine ~ 1700's: "Faith is not the impulsive or moving cause of Justification. It is an act of pure and free grace, without any motive in the creature: Therefore the Apostle saith, “being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption which is in Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:7). But this benefit would not be of grace, but of works, was our faith the impulsive cause of it: because faith is a work or act of ours, as we learn from the words of Christ: “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:29). Salvation is not of works, in any branch of it; “for by grace are we saved, through faith; that not of our selves, it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). From whence it is evident that Justification, which is a considerable part of salvation, cannot be by works. The grace of God eminently appears in contriving the way of our Justification by Christ’s righteousness, and in sending Him into the world to work out a righteousness for us, in which we stand complete in His sight: Hence we are said, “to be justified by his grace, that we might made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:7) No other cause can be assigned why sinners are justified in the sight of God, than His free favour and sovereign pleasure, as the effect of which He determined to justify them in the righteousness of His Son."
See: https://www.libcfl.com/articles/brine.htm
Samuel Richardson, who wrote the best article I have ever read on this subject:
Samuel Richardson: Justification by Christ Alone (1647) – mercyuponall.org
One does not need faith for something that they know absolutely to be the truth.
He lived not an example of faith; rather he lived an example of perfect and complete obedience.
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I am doing much better than I deserve. As that old saying goes, "If I had known that I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself". But seriously, I am really quite healthy with the help of some meds. I am not as active as I used to be, but I am really doing very well. A couple of years ago, I checked with an actuarial program to see what my life expectancy should be. I filled out the questionnaire and it said I should expect to live to 93. another six years from now. I went back to the questionnaire and refined and upgraded some areas such as eating better and exercising more. Exercising more appeared to add another six years. At this point I decided to give up exercising completely
Just kidding. In all honesty, I am ready to be with Jesus and others I know are with Him now. But I am also happy to stick around as long as I am not a burden to anyone.You often speak of surety. I don't quote know how that relates to Jesus being without personal experiential knowledge of God and all things of God. At any rate, I cannot think of a single thing that He would need to believe in, not having absolute knowledge. I know of no instance anywhere in scripture giving such a description about Jesus.
