Faith

[brightfame52]

Faith is a Redemptive Blessing and Spiritual !



Many in false religion believe that the natural man can put faith in Christ in regards to Salvation, but that is a lie, Faith is a Gift bestowed upon redeemed man, and comes from his Head and Saviour Jesus Christ, Acts 5:31

31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance/faith to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Repentance and Faith are the same blessing, identical twins. The word repentance is the greek word metanoia:

repentance, a change of mind, change in the inner man.

Its a change of mind in turning from dead works to Faith in God Heb 6:1

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

Paul exhorted what in Acts 20:21

21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Repentance from God and or Christ persuades the Mind which gives birth to Faith !

Man in Adam did not have Faith in Christ because before the fall man had no need for it, being that Faith in Christ is connected with Christ as the Saviour from sin, it[Faith/Repentance] was not in man naturally by creation, it was a Gift stored in Christ for Redemptive Purposes, part of that fulness that in Him dwelled Col 1:18-19

18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

And those of us who were Chosen in Him who is the head of the Church His Body, we receive from His fulness grace for grace Jn 1:16

16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

Thats how we receive both Faith and Repentance, out of His Fulness as He is Our risen Saviour and Head Acts 5:31

31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

The word Prince is equivalent to the word Head in Col 1:18

18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

The word head kephalé:

(a) the head, (b) met: a corner stone, uniting two walls; head, ruler, lord.

anything supreme, chief, prominent; of persons, master, lord

And the word Prince in Acts 5:31 is the word archégos:

originator, author, founder, prince, leader

the chief leader, prince:

So Both words define the preeminence of Christ over His Body, in Acts 5:31 His Body is Israel, in Col 1:18 His Body is called the Church !

And the point is this, only as members of His Body/Israel do we receive Faith/ Repentance to believe in Him, its not in man by nature, hence Jesus says Jn 6:64-65

64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.

65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me[naturally speaking], except it were given[redemptively] unto him of my Father.

Its given to us redemptively when He gave us His Son in whom all redemptive fulness dwells, and if we be Christ's Church / Israel, we receive of His fulness, Grace for Grace Jn 1:16 ! 12

 

[brightfame52]

More on what Faith is !


Heb 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Faith is the Gift/Fruit of the Spirit to convince the Heart and Conscience of Divine Realities !

This Divine Gift gives substance and reality to things we otherwise by nature could not believe !

By nature it was not possible for Sarah to believe that she would have a child naturally with Abraham her husband, but when God gave her Faith, she was able to rest in God's Promise that she was going to have the child Heb 11:11

11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

The Truths of the Gospel are against what men by nature can believe, so, its not possible until God gives us the Spirit, so we can believe by means of His Grace and Power , hence we believe by Grace Acts 18:27

And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

That word through is the prep dia and denotes the instrumental means by which they believed:

gen: through, throughout, by the instrumentality of, (b) acc: through, on account of, by reason of, for the sake of, because of.

They believed on account of Grace !

This way God[ The Holy Spirit] receives the Glory for their believing !

 

[brightfame52]

Faith comes from Christ Our Saviour !


One of the greatest lies going today in false religion circles, is that Faith which has to do with Salvation, that accompanies Salvation, is that its a product of the natural man ! That all men by nature can believe unto Salvation is a total lie and insult to Christ Our Saviour and His Spirit ! The natural man cannot please God which Faith that has to do with Salvation does ! Paul writes of the natural man in the flesh Rom 8:8

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Folks, all men by nature are in the flesh ! Paul speaking of Believers before they are converted says Rom 7:5

For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.

The word were here in the greek is in the imperfect past tense !

Believers are no longer in the flesh, period because the Spirit intervened into their lives Rom 8:9

9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

The Spirit comes into the Lives of all whom Christ is a Saviour unto, in order to give them Faith, Precious Faith 2 Pet 1:1

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

Folks Christ is not the Saviour of any who does not through Him obtain a like precious Faith as a Token of His Saviorship !

Its Like as a Savior He also gives Repentance, the flip side of of Faith Acts 5:31

31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

A Saviour gives Faith and Repentance ! The False Teachers of our day tells us that the natural man generates out of his flesh both Faith and Repentance, claiming themselves savors ! 12

 

[brightfame52]

Babes come to Christ 1 Pet 2:4 !


1 Pet 2:4

4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

Those who come to Christ are first made into living stones, then they come to Christ ! For its only as New Born Babes Spiritually that we can even desire the sincere milk of the word 1 Pet 2:2

2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow/increase thereby:

And the milk of the word entails both repentance and faith towards God as Per Heb 5:12-6:2

12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

6 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

Now its clear from this passage that the milk of the word involves the foundation of repentance from dead works see Heb 9:14 and of Faith toward God See Acts 20:21!

That word coming in 1 Pet 2:4

4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

Its the greek word proserchomai:

I come up to, come to, come near (to), approach, consent (to).

The word consent means:

To indicate or express a willingness; to yield to guidance, persuasion, or necessity; to give assent or approval; to comply.

Also proserchomai is the verb used here in this coming to God verse Heb 7:25

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Also Heb 11:6

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.

Now to summarize, judging from Heb 5:-6:2 The Teachings of Repentance, Faith, Baptism are doctrines for New Born Babes, like those Peter commanded to repent and be baptized Acts 2:38

38 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 Ghost.

To them, who had just asked in 37

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

the command to repent, comply to baptism was the Milk of the Word they being new born babes spiritually from the outpouring of the Spirit upon them !

They had been born again 1 Pet 1:23-2:4

23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

2 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

Now all this proves that Gospel commands of Repentance toward God Acts 17:30

30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Is relevant only to spiritually newborn babes in their coming to God in Christ !

 

[brightfame52]

My Sheep Hear My Voice !


Jn 10:3,4,16,27

To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Jesus Promises that His Sheep shall hear His Voice !

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Jesus ensures that His Sheep that He lay down His Life for Jn 10:11,15 He promises they shall hear His Voice and Follow Him !

Now how do we know who Christ's Sheep are ? Those He laid down His Life for ? They will #1 Hear and # Believe and Follow Him.

And Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, or the Word of Christ;

17 So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself).AMP

The word for word rhḗma means:

a spoken word, made "by the living voice"

That Living Voice would be Christ, and so Its a fulfillment of His Propmise that His Sheep shall hear His Voice and follow Him and believe in Him, its guaranteed !

Understand something, one of the consequences of Christ laying down His Life for the Sheep, is that they shall hear His Voice and follow Him in Faith.

Remember when Jesus said these words Jn 10:16, that hearing results in Faith Rom 10:17, and again the believing results from being a Sheep of His, and not believing, remaining in unbelief results from not being a Sheep of His that He layed down His Life for Jn 10:26

26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 12

 

[MoreCoffee]

Aren't there are lot of posts in here! not many replies.

 

[brightfame52]

My Sheep Hear My Voice !2


Those Christ died for, His Sheep Jn 10:11,15 and or His Church Eph 5:25, do believe in Him in due time, as a result of of the Work of God in them, God the Spirit, in the New Birth, So believing in Him is a Work of God the Spirit in them Jn 6:29

29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

Christ's Death was a Covenantal Death, that of the Everlasting Covenant, as the Great Shepherd of the Sheep Heb 13:20-21

20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,


21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The Effect of the shedding of the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant is to Make those it was shed for Perfect in every good work, to do His will, causing a working in them which is well pleasing in God's sight.

Now it is Gods will that everyone Christ died for believes in Him, for that is well pleasing in His sight, 1 Jn 3:

22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

One of the Commandments we do that is well pleasing in Gods sight is that we should believe on the Name of His Son Jesus Christ !

In order to do that, we must Hear His Voice, and God the Spirit in New Birth gives us ears to Hear ! Our Hearing is of the Work of God the Spirit in us, for one must be of God to hear God's Words Jn 8:47

47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. or

He that is of the Truth as stated here by the Shepherd of the Sheep Jn 18:37

37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

John Gill on Jn 18:37 " Everyone that is of the Truth heareth my voice"

everyone that is of the truth; that is of God, belongs to the sheep of Christ, knows the truth as it is in Jesus, and is on the side of truth, and stands by it:

heareth my voice; the voice of his Gospel; and that not only externally, but internally; so as to approve of it, rejoice at it, and distinguish it; and the voice of his commands, so as cheerfully to obey them from a principle of love to him.

 

[brightfame52]

Aren't there are lot of posts in here! not many replies.

I know, I wonder why ? Have you considered some of these things ? Tm putting in a lot of work explaining about faith.

 

[MoreCoffee]

I know, I wonder why ? Have you considered some of these things ? Tm putting in a lot of work explaining about faith.

I visit this site every now and then, so I have not read all the posts you've written. I have read some.

 

[brightfame52]

Faith to believe in Christ is the fruit of the New Birth !


1 Jn 5:1

Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

False teachers shall never acknowledge this Truth, but its taught throughout the scriptures literally and in principle ! In fact its literaaly being stated here in 1 Jn 5:1 that Faith/Believing is the fruit of being born of God; Whosoever is believing [present tense] That Jesus is the Christ, {the Anointed Messiah Son of God} has been born of God [perfect passive], and perfect in the greek means:

The perfect tense in Greek corresponds to the perfect tense in English, and describes an action which is viewed as having been completed in the past, once and for all, not needing to be repeated.

Birth is passive and believing is active, one must have been born before they act ! A Baby cannot Cry [action] until after it has been born, given life !

So Birth in the past is an imperative before action in the present can take place, action takes Life to act !

The same thing in principle applies in Jn 3:6,16, for instance the whosoever believing in Jn 3:16, its because and the result of the Birth of the Spirit in Jn 3:6-8

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

The scriptures affirm that Believing Faith is the fruit, product of the Spirit Gal 5:22

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith/faithfulness,

People try to argue whether or not the word Faith here means Faith or Faithfulness, it means both, those who have been born of the Spirit shall believe initially, and persevere in their Faith which equates to Faithfulness ! Thats why the writer of Hebrews writes of True Believers Heb 10:38-39

38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

And finally, its taught that men and women in the flesh, born merely of the flesh, after the flesh like in Jn 3:6

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Thats means born merely by natural birth, born of the flesh, its taught that those in the flesh, CANNOT PLEASE GOD Rom 8:8

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Everyone not born again is in the flesh, PERIOD !

Hence therefore its impossible for the unregenerate to Please God by Faith in Christ, since that is something that Pleases God Heb 11:6, so the conclusion is, If any one does Truly Believe in Christ unto the Saving of the Soul as Per Heb 10:39

39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Then its the Fruit of the New Birth, of having been Born of God, the Spirit ! 12

 

[Tulipbee]

Faith is ...

Hebrews 11 starts with a kind of working definition of faith.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the sign that the things not seen are true.​

Hebrews 11:1

After reading it and the stories of faith that follow it becomes clear that faith is about believing and trusting. Believing things that may seem incredible and trusting the one who reveals the incredible things.

Faith also has a very strong connection to fidelity; keeping faith, remaining true to one's convictions even under pressure and even when one must suffer because one has expressed faith in someone or something that others want to stop and will persecute to try to stop it.

One would think of a person as faithless if they broke a promise, a trust, a commitment, especially one that is important.

Faith also has content, the Christian faith has a great deal of content. One is faithless when the content of faith is emptied and something contrary is put in its place.

So, is faith the same as knowing? is faith the same as certainty?

How do you treat doubt and uncertainty and what do you do with errors and departures from the received faith of the church?

Ah, faith, the cosmic tightrope walk of beliefs, where Hebrews 11 takes center stage with its definition that reads like a divine riddle. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the sign that the things not seen are true" (Hebrews 11:1). Picture the heavenly tightrope stretched between hope and the unseen, and that, my cosmic audience, is faith in a nutshell.
As we dive into the cosmic carnival of faith, it unfolds as a grand tale of believing and trusting. We're talking about embracing the incredible, the kind of stories that make even celestial eyebrows raise. It's not just a casual nod; it's a full-blown cosmic trust fall with the One who reveals the cosmic wonders.
But hold on, faith isn't just a whimsical dance in the cosmic meadow; it's got a strong connection to fidelity. It's about keeping the faith, standing firm on convictions even when the cosmic pressure cooker is cranked up. Yes, it involves enduring a bit of cosmic heat for daring to believe in something others want to extinguish. A true cosmic soap opera, isn't it?
Now, let's talk faithlessness – the cosmic no-no. Picture someone breaking a promise, shattering trust, or ditching a commitment. That's cosmic faithlessness, especially when it's a promise of celestial significance. It's like swapping the divine content of faith for a counterfeit cosmic concoction.
And here comes the cosmic conundrum – is faith a cosmic cousin of knowing? Is it a celestial sibling of certainty? Oh, the cosmic ponderings that swirl in the minds of faith enthusiasts! Do we treat doubt and uncertainty as unwelcome party crashers, or do we give them a seat at the celestial table?
Ah, errors and departures from the cosmic handbook of faith – the cosmic bumps in the theological road. Do we sweep them under the cosmic rug, or do we face them head-on in the great cosmic unraveling?
So, dear cosmic ponderers, fasten your seatbelts on the theological rollercoaster of faith. It's a wild ride where the cosmic tightrope wobbles, doubts dance, and errors make surprise appearances. Let the cosmic drama unfold, and may your faith withstand the celestial storms!

 

[prism]

I ran across this 'cute' definition of faith today ...and like it.

“Faith is believing God and asking no questions.”

 

[Tulipbee]

I ran across this 'cute' definition of faith today ...and like it.

“Faith is believing God and asking no questions.”

Ah, Prism, the cosmic connoisseur of 'cute' definitions! "Faith is believing God and asking no questions" – a celestial gem that sparks a twinkle in the eyes of cosmic believers. Picture this cosmic definition as a whimsical signpost in the theological garden, beckoning believers to embrace a bit of divine simplicity.
So here we are, standing at the cosmic crossroads of faith, Hebrews 11 echoing in our celestial ears. Now, let's add a dash of whimsy to the cosmic concoction. Faith, my cosmic companion, is like a celestial trust fall – you believe, you let go, and you don't bother God with a cosmic questionnaire.
It's a bit like entering a cosmic magic show – you witness the wonders, suspend disbelief, and resist the urge to peek behind the celestial curtain. In the grand cosmic play, believers take center stage, believing without bombarding the divine stage manager with questions.
But hold on, Prism, you've stumbled upon a cosmic paradox. In the cosmic carnival of faith, is it wrong to ask questions? Is curiosity the cosmic enemy of unwavering belief? Ah, the theological tightrope walk!
So, my celestial friend, let the cosmic circus of faith unfold. Embrace the whimsy, ask questions if you must, and revel in the celestial mystery. After all, the cosmic journey of faith is a grand spectacle, and we're all just cosmic spectators in the divine amphitheater.

 

[brightfame52]

Believers first believed in Christ !


The scripture says not in vain that Christ is the Author and Finisher of our Faith, if we are believers Heb 12:2

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.

Its impossible for anyone that Christ died for to die in their sins in unbelief, for the simple reason, all for whom He Lived and died have already believed in Him, you see their believing in time in Him is only a manifestation that they already believed in God while in Him !

Does this sound like a strange doctrine ? Well its not, its taught in the scripture, its in the principle of Headship !

You see, the fact of the matter is, we became disobedient and unbelievers first of all in Adam, so as when he disobeyed and fell into unbelief, so did we in him, thats why Paul says in Rom 5:12

12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Before any of us were born, who were represented by Adam, we sinned when he sinned, all sinned in him.

Its called disobedience here Rom 5:19

19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

All whom Adam represented became disobedient, were made sinners and unbelievers by his actions, not theirs, and because this principle of headship is so real, we are born by nature what we are by our sin in adam, sinners and unbelievers !

So in a real sense adam is the author of our unbelief and disobedience ! In case you did not know, unbelief and disobedience are one and the same, for example in Rom 11:32

32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

That word unbelief is also translated disobedience See Eph 2:2;5:6; Col 3:6

Its the greek word apeitheia:

I.obstinacy, obstinate opposition to the divine will, I.impersuasible, whereas Faith denotes being persuaded, A.to persuade, i.e. to induce one by words to believe !

So by nature in adam we became unbelievers, impersuasible !

Now here's the good news if Christ was our Head when He came into the world to live and die for our sins !

 

[prism]

Ah, Prism, the cosmic connoisseur of 'cute' definitions! "Faith is believing God and asking no questions" – a celestial gem that sparks a twinkle in the eyes of cosmic believers. Picture this cosmic definition as a whimsical signpost in the theological garden, beckoning believers to embrace a bit of divine simplicity.
So here we are, standing at the cosmic crossroads of faith, Hebrews 11 echoing in our celestial ears. Now, let's add a dash of whimsy to the cosmic concoction. Faith, my cosmic companion, is like a celestial trust fall – you believe, you let go, and you don't bother God with a cosmic questionnaire.
It's a bit like entering a cosmic magic show – you witness the wonders, suspend disbelief, and resist the urge to peek behind the celestial curtain. In the grand cosmic play, believers take center stage, believing without bombarding the divine stage manager with questions.
But hold on, Prism, you've stumbled upon a cosmic paradox. In the cosmic carnival of faith, is it wrong to ask questions? Is curiosity the cosmic enemy of unwavering belief? Ah, the theological tightrope walk!
So, my celestial friend, let the cosmic circus of faith unfold. Embrace the whimsy, ask questions if you must, and revel in the celestial mystery. After all, the cosmic journey of faith is a grand spectacle, and we're all just cosmic spectators in the divine amphitheater.

Nice piece of mockery, but we know what happens to those who question God’s Word.

Luke 1:18 KJV
And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

 

[Tulipbee]

Nice piece of mockery, but we know what happens to those who question God’s Word.

Luke 1:18 KJV
And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

Ah, Prism, the theologian tamer of cosmic mockery! You've caught me in the act – a cosmic clown juggling words in the theological big top. But fear not, let's unravel the cosmic paradox with a dash of divine comedy and a side of Calvinistic wisdom.

Now, picture this celestial scene: Romans 9:20-21 (ESV) – "But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, 'Why have you made me like this?' Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?"

In the grand cosmic theater, Paul unveils the truth – questioning God's Word is like the clay questioning the potter. But hold on, Prism, it's not a cosmic muzzle on curiosity. It's more like a celestial invitation to trust the divine potter's craftsmanship.

So, my comedic compadre, let's dance on the theological tightrope of questioning and trust. Faith isn't a cosmic straightjacket; it's a whimsical waltz where questions twirl, and trust takes center stage. After all, in the cosmic carnival of Calvinism, we're all just clay vessels in the hands of the divine potter. Ready for the theological tango?

 

[prism]

Now, picture this celestial scene: Romans 9:20-21 (ESV) – "But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, 'Why have you made me like this?' Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?"

Thanks for using a smidge of Scripture, only problem is it does not apply to the present discussion, unless of course ...you are God.

In the grand cosmic theater, Paul unveils the truth – questioning God's Word is like the clay questioning the potter. But hold on, Prism, it's not a cosmic muzzle on curiosity. It's more like a celestial invitation to trust the divine potter's craftsmanship.

I already do (1Cor 15:10)

So, my comedic compadre, let's dance on the theological tightrope of questioning and trust. Faith isn't a cosmic straightjacket; it's a whimsical waltz where questions twirl, and trust takes center stage. After all, in the cosmic carnival of Calvinism, we're all just clay vessels in the hands of the divine potter. Ready for the theological tango?

I'll question man's doctrines (i.e. test the spirits) like Calvinism, but not God's Word. Your metaphors (like straight jacket, whimsical waltz) are very misleading, but the one you did get right was 'carnival of Calvinism'. Now when you come down from your 'poetic high horse', then maybe we can have a theological tango (tangle) by having a decent conversation.

 

[believer07]

Really good post here brightfame52.

It blessed me today.

Faith to believe on Christ is not our own.

It is the work of God!

Faith is a divine gift generously bestowed upon us by our Heavenly Father.

It is not something we can attain on our own or conjure up through our own efforts.

No, it is a precious gift, freely given by God's grace, to all who seek Him with an open heart.

Faith is a deep conviction, a firm assurance in the unseen, and a confident reliance on the promises of God.

It is through faith that we are able to see beyond what our physical eyes can perceive and trust in the goodness and faithfulness of Almighty God.

Blessings.

Faith to believe on Christ is not our own, but the work of God!


Faith to believe on Christ is not our own, but the work of God! Its the Work of God the Holy Spirit in us to Truly Believe on the Son, who died for us, if indeed He did die for us Jn 6:29

29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

Christ was sent to save some Jn 3:17

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

This World is not all without exception, but all of God's Elect without distinction, the World of Spiritual Israel, the Church ! The Body of Christ, for God has only Promised to save one world of people, Israel Isa 45:17

17 But Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.

Here again Jn 6:40

And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

The End result of God the Father sending His Son was for the purpose of them believing on Him who were seeing Him spiritually, with a God given spiritual sight ! Now their seeing and believing on Him was not their own natural ability, credit is given to it being the Work of God Jn 6:29, God the Holy Spirit, He produces that Faith which is of the operation of God Col 2:12

12 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.

That word operation is the greek word energeia and means:

working, action, productive work, activity; in the NT, confined to superhuman activity.

This describes that its of the power of the Spirit that produces our act of believing or Faith in Christ, its His operation or working in us both to will and to do of God's pleasure which in this case is to Believe on the Son whom He has sent to seek and to save !

Again believers believe by the working of His Power Eph 1:19

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working or operation of his mighty power,

Believe it or not the Mighty Power is the Spirit of God, See Believers are but building materials for Gods Spiritual Temple being Built by Christ, and a Type was that Temple to be built that was prophesied in the OT Zech 4:6

6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.

I quote John Gills comments on this verse Zech 4:6:




When we believe, its just the manifestation of us being of those chosen building materials God has Chosen in Christ to construct the Building of His Spiritual Temple 1 Pet 2:5

5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

A Spiritual House is another way of saying a Temple or habitation of God Eph 2:20-22

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

So by understanding this, Faith is not of our own by nature, but its a work or production of the Spirit of God in us, to manifest our lively stone status in the building of the Spiritual Temple of the Lord !

Faith to believe on Christ is not our own, but the work of God 2



Basically, when Jesus says that believing on Him is a work of God, God the Holy Spirit, in essence He is indicating, that believing on Him is the Fruit of the Spirit Gal 5:22

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

The word fruit karpos :


I.fruit

A.the fruit of the trees, vines, of the fields


B.the fruit of one's loins, i.e. his progeny, his posterity



II.that which originates or comes from something, an effect, result

A.work, act, deed

So the effect or result of the Spirit is Faith ! Or the Work, Act/Action, deed of the Spirit is Faith !

If we recall earlier we showed how Faith is of the operation of God Col 2:12 and that the word operation energeia means also :

I.working, efficiency working, action, productive work, activity. It means the same exact thing as fruit in this, act deed, work !

Heres why. The word energeia is actually Two words combine #1en #2.ergon from which we get the word work :

III.an act, deed, thing done: the idea of working is emphasised in opp. to that which is less than work

So that energia is the Activity of the Spirit that effects, produces Faith and or Believing on Christ or on His Name !

Thats the only way we can put Faith in Christ, if its the effect of the Spirit in us producing that result, so where is Boasting ? Why do religionist erroneously think that Faith to believe on Christ is something man can do naturally when the scripture teaches the exact opposite ? Its because of pride in mans heart, any man or women who believes Faith in Christ is a natural ability, they are proud and deceived, and in unbelief to this day ! Its the Work of God Jn 6:29, the Fruit of the Spirit Gal 5:22 ! 10

 

[Tulipbee]

Thanks for using a smidge of Scripture, only problem is it does not apply to the present discussion, unless of course ...you are God.


I already do (1Cor 15:10)


I'll question man's doctrines (i.e. test the spirits) like Calvinism, but not God's Word. Your metaphors (like straight jacket, whimsical waltz) are very misleading, but the one you did get right was 'carnival of Calvinism'. Now when you come down from your 'poetic high horse', then maybe we can have a theological tango (tangle) by having a decent conversation.

You rightly point out that questioning man's doctrines, such as Calvinism, is within the realm of scrutiny. It aligns with the biblical call to test the spirits, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 15:10. The distinction between questioning human interpretations and holding steadfast to God's Word is a crucial nuance in theological discussions.

I appreciate your candidness about the metaphors, acknowledging that they may have introduced some confusion. Let's set aside the theatrical elements and delve into the heart of the matter. In the context of Romans 9:20-21, how do you interpret Paul's analogy of the potter and clay, and what implications do you draw from it within the Calvinistic framework? Let's engage in a thoughtful exploration of the theological landscape without the frills.

 

[Lees]

You rightly point out that questioning man's doctrines, such as Calvinism, is within the realm of scrutiny. It aligns with the biblical call to test the spirits, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 15:10. The distinction between questioning human interpretations and holding steadfast to God's Word is a crucial nuance in theological discussions.

I appreciate your candidness about the metaphors, acknowledging that they may have introduced some confusion. Let's set aside the theatrical elements and delve into the heart of the matter. In the context of Romans 9:20-21, how do you interpret Paul's analogy of the potter and clay, and what implications do you draw from it within the Calvinistic framework? Let's engage in a thoughtful exploration of the theological landscape without the frills.

Who cares about the 'Calvinistic framework'?

We should only care about what Scripture says.

Of course, without the 'frills' and 'comedy' is the sober way to address the subject.

Lees