The Just Live By Faith

[CareGiver]

"The just (those who believe and repent to practice righteousness) shall live (are born again) by faith" (Romans 1:17b).

If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is been born of Him (1 John 2:29).

Little children, let no one deceive you. He who does righteousness is righteous, even as that One is righteous (1 John 3:7).

In this the children of God are revealed, and the children of the Devil: everyone not practicing righteousness is not of God, also he who does not love his brother (1 John 3:10).

He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk even as He walked (1 John 2:6).

He who overcomes (overcomes the world-John 16:33) will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son (Revelation 21:7).

Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever desires to be a friend of the world is the enemy of God (James 4:4).

Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him, because 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 (1 John 2:15-16).

Those "of the world" (spiritually dead in trespasses and sins) need to believe and repent by turning from the ways of the world and sin to become "of God."

Faith without repentance will not get you into the Kingdom of God. God will forgive repentant believers of their trespasses and sins, but He does not justify an unrighteous lifestyle.

 

[B-A-C]

Faith without repentance will not get you into the Kingdom of God. God will forgive repentant believers of their trespasses and sins, but He does not justify an unrighteous lifestyle.

Jas 2:19; You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.
Jas 2:24; You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.

 

[Brother Paul]

"The just (those who believe and repent to practice righteousness) shall live (are born again) by faith" (Romans 1:17b).

If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is been born of Him (1 John 2:29).

Little children, let no one deceive you. He who does righteousness is righteous, even as that One is righteous (1 John 3:7).

In this the children of God are revealed, and the children of the Devil: everyone not practicing righteousness is not of God, also he who does not love his brother (1 John 3:10).

He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk even as He walked (1 John 2:6).

He who overcomes (overcomes the world-John 16:33) will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son (Revelation 21:7).

Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever desires to be a friend of the world is the enemy of God (James 4:4).

Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him, because 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 (1 John 2:15-16).

Those "of the world" (spiritually dead in trespasses and sins) need to believe and repent by turning from the ways of the world and sin to become "of God."

Faith without repentance will not get you into the Kingdom of God. God will forgive repentant believers of their trespasses and sins, but He does not justify an unrighteous lifestyle.

In my opinion, you have the cart before the horse. All of these passages tell us that all who are of God (Romans 8:9) will be righteous (for some the process of conformance to the image of His Son is slower than for others) and this is how we can tell, in time, whether they ARE a child of God. Now into the first example you add "those who believe and repent to practice righteousness" shall live, but the word says (in the Hebrew) that who have this enumah (faith) shall live because of it...hence the example of Abraham because he "believed God" (not just in Him, and tried to all that is right) it was counted as Righteousness, and this is why Jesus tells us to seek the Kingdom (His Lordship) which is of God, and His Righteousness (not ours). Now also doing what is right and good is good and fine, but it merits nothing in salvation.

Belief in God? Even the devils believe and tremble. One can do all that appears right and still not be saved. For example, the five unwise virgins were part of the Church. They were in the bridal chamber waiting for His return and were doing all the correct and right Churchianity things but they did not have the Spirit in them nor ever tried to conform to the image of His Son. They sought as time approached to obtain these things through worldly effort...but when He returned He shut the door in their face and said "I never knew you..."! Romans 8:9 tells us who are or are not His children and upon what basis this is determined.

 

[Faither]

"The just (those who believe and repent to practice righteousness) shall live (are born again) by faith" (Romans 1:17b).

If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is been born of Him (1 John 2:29).

Little children, let no one deceive you. He who does righteousness is righteous, even as that One is righteous (1 John 3:7).

In this the children of God are revealed, and the children of the Devil: everyone not practicing righteousness is not of God, also he who does not love his brother (1 John 3:10).

He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk even as He walked (1 John 2:6).

He who overcomes (overcomes the world-John 16:33) will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son (Revelation 21:7).

Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever desires to be a friend of the world is the enemy of God (James 4:4).

Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him, because 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 (1 John 2:15-16).

Those "of the world" (spiritually dead in trespasses and sins) need to believe and repent by turning from the ways of the world and sin to become "of God."

Faith without repentance will not get you into the Kingdom of God. God will forgive repentant believers of their trespasses and sins, but He does not justify an unrighteous lifestyle.

Hi Caregiver,
I love to talk about Faith. Have you done any deep studies into Faith and faithing?

 

[Faither]

In my opinion, you have the cart before the horse. All of these passages tell us that all who are of God (Romans 8:9) will be righteous (for some the process of conformance to the image of His Son is slower than for others) and this is how we can tell, in time, whether they ARE a child of God. Now into the first example you add "those who believe and repent to practice righteousness" shall live, but the word says (in the Hebrew) that who have this enumah (faith) shall live because of it...hence the example of Abraham because he "believed God" (not just in Him, and tried to all that is right) it was counted as Righteousness, and this is why Jesus tells us to seek the Kingdom (His Lordship) which is of God, and His Righteousness (not ours). Now also doing what is right and good is good and fine, but it merits nothing in salvation.

Belief in God? Even the devils believe and tremble. One can do all that appears right and still not be saved. For example, the five unwise virgins were part of the Church. They were in the bridal chamber waiting for His return and were doing all the correct and right Churchianity things but they did not have the Spirit in them nor ever tried to conform to the image of His Son. They sought as time approached to obtain these things through worldly effort...but when He returned He shut the door in their face and said "I never knew you..."! Romans 8:9 tells us who are or are not His children and upon what basis this is determined.

Yup, Rom. 8:9!

We are His if His Spirit is in us, and we are in Him. If we don't have the Spirit of Christ in us, we are none of His.

So what determines if we are His or not is His Spirit being sealed in us , and we ( our life ) being surrendered in Him.

How is this fulfilled? By Faith?

Brother Paul, what is your understanding of the salvation process which results in recieving the Spirit of Christ?

 

[Brother Paul]

Yup, Rom. 8:9!

We are His if His Spirit is in us, and we are in Him. If we don't have the Spirit of Christ in us, we are none of His.

So what determines if we are His or not is His Spirit being sealed in us , and we ( our life ) being surrendered in Him.

How is this fulfilled? By Faith?

Brother Paul, what is your understanding of the salvation process which results in recieving the Spirit of Christ?

Hello Faither. The Lord bless you and fill you with His peace. You asked a few questions here, so I will try to address your inquiry into my understanding one at a time. So what determines that we have the Spirit of Christ? Becoming more and more like Him...doing what He would do, speaking as He would speak, being concerned for the things He was concerned with. This takes time, which is different for each individual.

It is about the fruit of our life. When we read Matthew 25 we see what Jesus will inquire about which separates the sheep and the goats (I believe, following the parable of the 10 virgins, that these are all members of the church on earth). But the point is that when we see someone having claimed to be a saved Christian (hence allegedly born from above) for a long time and they have no regard or even animosity toward the poor, the homeless, the hungry, the sick, etc., then we KNOW they do not have the Spirit of Christ.

Now doing these things does not necessitate the Spirit of Christ (for as Jesus says even evil people know how to give good gifts) but the Spirit of Christ necessitates these things because these are Christ.. Works not necessarily producing or evidencing faith, real faith produces good works (Ephesians 2:8-10; James 2:18).

Then finally you ask "what is your understanding of the salvation process which results in receiving the Spirit of Christ?"

I will provide these scriptures to answer this:

Ephesians 1:12 - 13 -
12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise

John 1:12 -But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name

Revelations 3:20 - Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me

By grace He makes us aware of Him (and or His work on our behalf) then there is a response (our responsibility) required to complete the transaction. Now God wills that all men would come to repentance and be saved, and speaks to each of us in various ways (Genesis 4:6,7) but alas all will not (Genesis 3:5; Romans 1, and more

When we hear the word of truth what is the desired response? Acts 2:38 - Repent, and be baptized every one of you into the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Receiving the Holy Spirit is also by grace (for God owes no man anything) but it is the promise of the Father to-usward. Hear the process regarding these people of faith

Jesus speaks to them already having faith (but not yet the Spirit) and tells them...repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high (which they had not yet received).

God deems us righteous by our faith and these things reveal we have that faith that pleases God.

 

[Faither]

Hello Faither. The Lord bless you and fill you with His peace. You asked a few questions here, so I will try to address your inquiry into my understanding one at a time. So what determines that we have the Spirit of Christ? Becoming more and more like Him...doing what He would do, speaking as He would speak, being concerned for the things He was concerned with. This takes time, which is different for each individual.

It is about the fruit of our life. When we read Matthew 25 we see what Jesus will inquire about which separates the sheep and the goats (I believe, following the parable of the 10 virgins, that these are all members of the church on earth). But the point is that when we see someone having claimed to be a saved Christian (hence allegedly born from above) for a long time and they have no regard or even animosity toward the poor, the homeless, the hungry, the sick, etc., then we KNOW they do not have the Spirit of Christ.

Now doing these things does not necessitate the Spirit of Christ (for as Jesus says even evil people know how to give good gifts) but the Spirit of Christ necessitates these things because these are Christ.. Works not necessarily producing or evidencing faith, real faith produces good works (Ephesians 2:8-10; James 2:18).

Then finally you ask "what is your understanding of the salvation process which results in receiving the Spirit of Christ?"

I will provide these scriptures to answer this:

Ephesians 1:12 - 13 -
12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise

John 1:12 -But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name

Revelations 3:20 - Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me

By grace He makes us aware of Him (and or His work on our behalf) then there is a response (our responsibility) required to complete the transaction. Now God wills that all men would come to repentance and be saved, and speaks to each of us in various ways (Genesis 4:6,7) but alas all will not (Genesis 3:5; Romans 1, and more

When we hear the word of truth what is the desired response? Acts 2:38 - Repent, and be baptized every one of you into the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Receiving the Holy Spirit is also by grace (for God owes no man anything) but it is the promise of the Father to-usward. Hear the process regarding these people of faith

Jesus speaks to them already having faith (but not yet the Spirit) and tells them...repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high (which they had not yet received).

God deems us righteous by our faith and these things reveal we have that faith that pleases God.

Thanks for the indepth reply Brother Paul.

You probably know most of todays church world thinks we " believe" the gospel, and at that moment of belief recieve the Spirit of Christ.

In your understanding, are you saying it's more of a process? If so, what are we doing to keep the process moving towards God?

 

[Brother Paul]

Thanks for the indepth reply Brother Paul.

You probably know most of todays church world thinks we " believe" the gospel, and at that moment of belief recieve the Spirit of Christ.

In your understanding, are you saying it's more of a process? If so, what are we doing to keep the process moving towards God?

Not exactly, what I am saying is that when by grace God pulls your string or knocks on your door (faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word), He expects you to open the door. For those who do so, He will come in and dwell with them. My issue with some camps is they believe that one can only open the door if they are already His child filled with the Spirit. That only those who are already His child will receive Him, but that is not what the word teaches. As Paul said, AFTER we heard the word we believed and those who believed and trusted are sealed. Take John 1:12...those who receive Him are not already born of God but to those who receive Him to them He gives the power (or right in Aramaic) to BECOME the children of God.

Now as for those who believe there is a standard of personal righteousness we must obtain to first, I find they all have a different line, a different standard. The epitome of this were with those Nazarenes that eventually concluded one could attain a sinless perfection before the Parousia but the Bible teaches that if any man says they have no sin they are a liar and the truth is not in them. And in my opinion salvation is both a moment and a process. There is that beginning moment and then a journey wherein and whereby we are conformed to His image (becoming more and more like Jesus) but then when He appears we will be like Him because at the Parousia we all transformed, resurrected, raptured, and so on. But ultimately it is when He returns we who are with Him shall be the ones who are saved. So we who are born of His Spirit are saved (put aside, chosen, sealed) but this is not actualized until we are glorified.

That is my $.02

Paul

 

[Sue D.]

Hope you won't mind My . 02 worth. God is omniscient -- has all knowledge. He alone knows who will or won't accept His gift of salvation. We also know that one of the roles of the Holy Spirit is that of convicting everyone of their sins. It's How we respond To that convicting that makes the difference. A person can reject it or respond by accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. I, personally felt that convicting many times as a young person -- but Finally did yield. And God knew I would resist the Holy Spirit for that amount of time / set of circumstances. And That was in Spite of being raised in a wonderful Bible-teaching church. and living in a Christian home. My parents were both active in the church and we were at summer church camps.

And, you're right -- the Word of God does Not teach that -- a person becomes a child of God As a result Of accepting Christ.

It Sounds like a person who believes that only the elect of God will already have the Holy Spirit -- only God knows if that is true or not. God is the Only One who has the Big picture. And 'we' are told to share the Gospel of salvation with all who will listen. And it might take Many times of being shared With before a person Will accept. And there are many who Do accept upon the first time of hearing. We are all unique.

My .02 worth at 2 am.

 

[Brother Paul]

Hope you won't mind My . 02 worth. God is omniscient -- has all knowledge. He alone knows who will or won't accept His gift of salvation. We also know that one of the roles of the Holy Spirit is that of convicting everyone of their sins. It's How we respond To that convicting that makes the difference. A person can reject it or respond by accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. I, personally felt that convicting many times as a young person -- but Finally did yield. And God knew I would resist the Holy Spirit for that amount of time / set of circumstances. And That was in Spite of being raised in a wonderful Bible-teaching church. and living in a Christian home. My parents were both active in the church and we were at summer church camps.

And, you're right -- the Word of God does Not teach that -- a person becomes a child of God As a result Of accepting Christ.

It Sounds like a person who believes that only the elect of God will already have the Holy Spirit -- only God knows if that is true or not. God is the Only One who has the Big picture. And 'we' are told to share the Gospel of salvation with all who will listen. And it might take Many times of being shared With before a person Will accept. And there are many who Do accept upon the first time of hearing. We are all unique.

My .02 worth at 2 am.

Thank you Sue but that was worth at least a nickel (lol)...in my opinion you made some really good points. Be blessed

 

[Faither]

Not exactly, what I am saying is that when by grace God pulls your string or knocks on your door (faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word), He expects you to open the door. For those who do so, He will come in and dwell with them. My issue with some camps is they believe that one can only open the door if they are already His child filled with the Spirit. That only those who are already His child will receive Him, but that is not what the word teaches. As Paul said, AFTER we heard the word we believed and those who believed and trusted are sealed. Take John 1:12...those who receive Him are not already born of God but to those who receive Him to them He gives the power (or right in Aramaic) to BECOME the children of God.

Now as for those who believe there is a standard of personal righteousness we must obtain to first, I find they all have a different line, a different standard. The epitome of this were with those Nazarenes that eventually concluded one could attain a sinless perfection before the Parousia but the Bible teaches that if any man says they have no sin they are a liar and the truth is not in them. And in my opinion salvation is both a moment and a process. There is that beginning moment and then a journey wherein and whereby we are conformed to His image (becoming more and more like Jesus) but then when He appears we will be like Him because at the Parousia we all transformed, resurrected, raptured, and so on. But ultimately it is when He returns we who are with Him shall be the ones who are saved. So we who are born of His Spirit are saved (put aside, chosen, sealed) but this is not actualized until we are glorified.

That is my $.02

Paul

That's a well explained 2 cents, thank you!

 

[CareGiver]

It is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified (Romans 2:13).

...............and he that is righteous (practices righteousness), let him be righteous (justified) still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still (Revelation 22:11c).

The just (just/righteous is an adjective = we are just or righteous because we practice righteousness, not because we have been justified) shall live by faith (Romans 1:17b)
The righteousness of Christ (G1343) is imputed unto us when we are saved and born of God, when we are justified by being quickened together with the Spirit of Christ, when we overcome the world and the sins of the flesh (come to repentance) to be a just/righteous believer. This is when we are raised incorruptible, not when we are "perfected" forever and changed to put on immortality, which comes later when sanctified completely by being anointed with the Holy Spirit of God. We are being justified and saved as God forgives us our sins and cleanses us of unrighteousness when we repent and confess our sins to become a righteous/just believer by Christ being formed in us as we walk with the Spirit.

The words "Just".........."Live"............"Faith"....................which word(s) take precedence?
We "Live" (are born again by being quickened together with the Spirit of Christ to have the righteousness of Christ imputed unto us)
by the grace of God for our "Faith" in trusting Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins,
when we overcome the world by Christ being formed in us to become "Just/Righteous" by God cleansing us of unrighteousness as we repent and confess our sins.

And if the righteous (G1342) scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? (1 Peter 4:18).

(The above is our interpretation of the meaning of scripture from the age of grace. Let's see what errors we might find in this before we look beyond.)

“THE DEAD IN CHRIST SHALL RISE FIRST” – FROM 1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-16
(These verses/passages give insight to the rising of the “dead in Christ” that takes place before the “rapture”)​

The Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God. And the “dead in Christ” shall rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Who are the “dead in Christ” that rise first before we are “caught up” together with them in the clouds to meet the LORD in the air, the “RAPTURE”?

If we (His trump) will "shout" (broadcast the good news), the Lord Jesus Christ (a quickening Spirit - 1 Corinthians 15:45) will descend from heaven, and the "dead in Christ" will be born again.

This says the “dead in Christ” shall rise. It does not say “they shall rise from the dead”, as rising from the grave and death. The first thought of many is that this refers to those “in Christ” who have deceased or are “asleep” being raised from the grave. However, verse 14 says “God will bring with Him those who ‘sleep’ (deceased) in Jesus.

As we study to understand this verse, know that this Koine Greek word translated to mean “dead” can mean either “physically dead” (deceased as a corpse), or it can mean “spiritually dead” as separated from God by sin (as “dead” in trespasses and sins). The following verse includes both connotations of this word for “dead.” Follow Me, and let the “dead” bury their own “dead" (Matthew 8:22). The “dead” (deceased) cannot bury their own “dead” (deceased), but those who are physically alive but “spiritually dead” in trespasses and sins can bury the “dead” (deceased). This word “dead”, as in “the dead in Christ rise first”, can be those who are physically alive and “in Christ” by the Spirit of Christ being within them, but who are spiritually dead in trespasses and sins for not repenting and trusting Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins to be born again and saved. Believers are made spiritually alive and saved by being quickened together with the Spirit of Christ when we are forgiven of all trespasses by confessing our sins and turning from sin (repenting) to practice righteousness.

Those who receive the Spirit of Christ (John 1:12) by an intimate relationship with another having the Spirit of Christ or from their parents at conception (1 Corinthians 7:14), or by-election, have the right to become a child of God. Those who are not separated from God by sin are sealed by the Holy Spirit as a child of God the moment they place their faith in Jesus Christ to have their sins forgiven. They overcome the world (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life) by Jesus Christ being formed in them to become a son and heir of God in the Kingdom of GOD with their name secured in the book of life to go out no more.

Those having the Spirit of Christ in them that pursue “the ways of the world and sin” are "spiritually dead" in trespasses and sins (as a prodigal) until they are saved and pass from death unto life by being made spiritually alive together with the Spirit of Christ when God forgives them by placing their faith in Jesus Christ to be forgiven and repenting and confessing their sins. God cleanses (purges/purifies) us of all unrighteousness (sin/iniquity) as we confess our sins (1 John 1:9). We overcome the world (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and pride of life – 1 John 2:15-17) as we are made in the image of Jesus Christ to be a son and heir of God (Revelation 21:7) in the Kingdom of God.

Although we see at least four interpretations of this passage, we believe the following is the most applicable in our world today.

The rising of the “dead in Christ” can also be seen as those “in Christ” by the Spirit of Christ being within them who are “dead in trespasses and sins” because of not believing and/or repenting of their sins to be forgiven. They will be born again and rise to new life by being made spiritually alive together with the Spirit of Christ when they are forgiven by repenting and confessing their sins as they trust in Jesus Christ to be forgiven. Prophecy says, the “dead in Christ” shall rise first before we are caught-up together with “them in the clouds.” “Them in the clouds” are believers that “slept” in Christ whom God brings with Him when we meet the Lord in the air (“rapture”). This is why we should all work together with the Spirit to bring the “dead in Christ” to rise first so that we will all be caught up together with “them in the clouds” to meet the Lord in the air (“rapture”).

This world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ when those who died in Christ (the “dead in Christ”) stand up for their faith and the Kingdom of GOD and live a lifestyle of righteousness. The seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" (Revelation 11:15). He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son (Revelation 21:7).

May we all have a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and may GOD bless,..........Amen

 

[Br. Bear]

And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
Isaiah 32:17