We are saved by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2: 4-8
What is faith?:
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11: 1)
In the old testament, faith is אֱמוּנָה, which speaks of firmness, steadfastness, stability, fidelity -- that you are standing on God's Word, no matter what other circumstances may be unfolding around you.
The grace is already out there for us to receive, to take in by faith in His Word:
"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8: 31-32)
This grace has been extended to the whole world , but we accept it be faith, meaning that we take God at his Word that the grace is there:
"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men." (Titus 2: 11)
What is faith?:
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11: 1)
In the old testament, faith is אֱמוּנָה, which speaks of firmness, steadfastness, stability, fidelity -- that you are standing on God's Word, no matter what other circumstances may be unfolding around you.
The grace is already out there for us to receive, to take in by faith in His Word:
"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8: 31-32)
This grace has been extended to the whole world , but we accept it be faith, meaning that we take God at his Word that the grace is there:
"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men." (Titus 2: 11)
Faith means resting in the truth of God’s word, that we do not have to do anything else.
The writer of Hebrews connects faith, rest, and God's Word altogether:
"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
"For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
"Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." (Hebrews 4: 9-11)
In this passage, the writer sums up the rest that God the Father wanted for the Israelites, entering the Promised Land, which they refused to do because of unbelief. Faith rest in God's Word, unbelief will not take God at His Word and try to find another to accomplish God's purposes.
The writer of Hebrews connects faith, rest, and God's Word altogether:
"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
"For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
"Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." (Hebrews 4: 9-11)
In this passage, the writer sums up the rest that God the Father wanted for the Israelites, entering the Promised Land, which they refused to do because of unbelief. Faith rest in God's Word, unbelief will not take God at His Word and try to find another to accomplish God's purposes.
We trust in Him, who has paid for all or our sins, that our sin nature is something that we cannot escape on our own!
Rest is not at end in itself – rest leads us to receive the gift of righteousness, something that we are called to keep receiving (Romans 5: 17)
It is this very righteousness that we are called to wrap, or rather renew our minds to accept (Romans 12: 2).
Even if you have fearful thoughts, lustful thinking, angry or bitter thoughts, remember that it is God’s unconditional love which has perfected you and has made you in the same standing as His own beloved Son!:
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4: 17)
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4: 17)
And acceptance, resting in his acceptance, means that we cease from our own works (Hebrews 4:9-11), including the fallen idea that we must think or say or do certain things in order to be accepted in Him.
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