Tag: Faith

The Promise of Life

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2Timothy 1:1-2 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 

‘Apostle’ [Greek: Apostolos] a delegate, one sent with the full power of attorney to act in the place of another, the sender remaining behind to back up the one sent. In the case of the New Testament Christians, it means God sent them to do what He, Himself would do if He went. It is found 81 times and translated as apostle 78 times; messenger twice (2Cor. 8:23; Php. 2:25); and once he that is sent (John 13:16).

‘Promise of life which is in Christ Jesus.’ Another proof that eternal life is yet a promise, forfeitable until the end of a life of sowing to the Spirit. There are twenty-three conditions of eternal life: Come to Christ (John 6:37, 44, 45, 65). Eat His flesh – drink His blood, partake in His sacrifice to bring life to the world (John 6:50, 51, 53, 58).

Labour (John 6:27). Reap – win souls (John 4:35-38). Hate (love less) the life in this world (John 12:25). Know God and Christ (John 17:2-3). Enter the right gate (Matt. 7:13-14). Do not offend others (Matt. 18:8-9). Keep commandments (Matt. 19:17). Forsake all (Matt. 19:27-29; Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30). Live free from sin (Rom. 5:21; 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Tit. 2:11-14). Continue in well-doing and seek eternal life (Rom. 2:7). Sow to the Spirit (Gal. 6:7-8). Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on it (1Tim. 6:12, 19). Be sober and hope to the end for it (Tit. 1:2; 3:7; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13 with Rom. 8:24). Endure temptations (Jas. 1:12). Let the promise of it remain in you and continue in God and Christ (1Jn. 2:24-25; 5:11-20). Love everybody (1Jn. 3:14-15). Keep yourself in the love of God, looking for eternal life (Jude 1:20-24). Overcome sin (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). Be faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10; Heb. 12:14-15). Believe and obey the gospel (John 3:15-19, 36; 4:14; 5:24; 6:40, 47, 54; 2Cor. 5:17; Rom. 1:5). Be born again, hear Christ, and follow Him (John 3:1-36; 10:27-29).

We get eternal life now and keep it forever if we meet the above conditions, but it does not become an unforfeitable eternal possession until we enter into it (Matt. 7:13; 18:8-9; 19:17; Rom. 6:22); receive it (Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:12; 1Pet. 1:13; Rev. 2:10); reap it (Gal. 6:7-8); and inherit it in the world to come (Matt. 19:27-29; Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30), and at the end of this life (Rom. 6:22).

‘Grace, mercy, and peace.’ This salutation is unique to Timothy and Titus.

‘From God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.’ Another clear reference to two distinct persons of the three who make the Godhead (1John 5:7-8).

Has Immortality

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1Timothy 6:16-21 Who only has immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man has seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chief city of Phrygia Pacatiana. 

‘Immortality’ [Greek: athanasia] this could only mean that God is the source of immortality, for not only do all three members of the Divine Trinity have immortality, but all angels, seraphim, cherubim, living creatures of Revelation 4:1-11, and all spirit beings have immortality. People have immortality of soul and spirit (1Pet. 3:4), and will have immortality in the body in the resurrection (1Cor. 15:51-58).

‘Dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man has seen, nor can see.’ God dwells in infinite glory which no man has ever seen nor can see. God out of His glory has been seen many times with the eyes of men. Moses talked with God face to face out of His glory and when he requested, “show me thy glory” it could not be granted except as manifested through the back parts of God (Exo. 33:11-23). He has also been seen physically many times by others (Gen. 18:1-33; 32:24-30; Exo. 24:9-11; Jos. 5:13-15; Isa. 6:1-13; Dan. 7:9-13; Ezek. 1:1-28; Acts 7:56-59; Rev. 4-5) and can be understood by the things that are made. Man is the visible image and likeness making the invisible God clearly seen as in Romans 1:20.

‘Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God.’ Ninefold charge to rich men: Be not high-minded (6:17). Do not trust in riches. Trust in the living God. Do good (6:18). Be rich in good works. Be ready to distribute goods to help others. Be willing to communicate or have fellowship with all men, even the poor. Lay up treasures in heaven (6:19). Lay hold on eternal life.

Keep This Commandment

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1Timothy 6:14-15 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords 

‘Keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ The commandment for obedience is the one key that most miss in the battle for salvation (1Pet. 1:2). We are commanded in James 1:22-25 to become doers of the Word, not just hearers. We must purify our souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit (1Pet. 1:22). Healing was promised on condition of obedience (Lev. 26:1-46; Deut. 28:1-68; Ex. 15:26; Ps. 91:1-16; Isa. 58:1-14; Jas. 5:14-15). Not one scripture teaches unconditional grace, or that God gives grace to men who disobey the gospel. If so, then God is under obligation to save all, even sinners who disobey if He saves even one (Rom. 2:11). God is under obligation to saints only when they walk in the light and remain true to the gospel (1Jn. 1:7). He is not under obligation to sinners until they come to full obedience of the gospel. Grace teaches men to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live soberly, righteously, and godly here and now (Tit. 2:11-12). If people do not obey its teaching grace can go no further. ‘Unrebukeable’ Same as blameless (1Tim. 3:2; 5:7).

‘Until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ …’ This is the 2nd and last New Testament prophecy in 1Timothy (6:14-15). This is required of all saints until the rapture (1Thess. 2:19; 3:13; 4:13-17) and the second coming (Tit. 2:13; 1Tim. 4:1).

‘Which in his times he shall show.’ Which refers to the appearing when Christ will make known the only Potentate (Rev. 11:15; 19:11-21; Zech. 14:1-9; Dan. 2:44-45; 7:13-14; Isa. 9:6-7). ‘His times’ – The times that He will rule.

‘Potentate’ [Greek: dunastes] a mighty prince, a ruler. Used only here of God, but translated “mighty” (Luke 1:52) and “of great authority” (Acts 8:27).

‘King of kings, and Lord of lords.’ Used of God and Christ (6:15; Rev. 17:14; 19:16). Both are great Potentates and Kings. Literally, the Eternal your Creator is the Creator of creators, the Sovereign of sovereigns, the Strong One, the Mighty One, the Fearful One, who champions the cause of the fatherless and widows without respect of persons (Deut. 10:17-18).

‘Lord of lords’ [Hebrew: ’Adoniym] of the ’adoniym, Sovereign of sovereigns; Master of masters; and Ruler of rulers (Ps. 136:3).

Quicken All Things

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1Timothy 6:13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quicken all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession

‘Charge’ [Greek: parangello]. Translated “charge” (1Tim. 5:7; 1:3; 6:13, 17; Luke 5:14; 8:56; Acts 16:23; 23:22); “declare” (1Cor. 11:17); and “command” (Matt. 10:5; Mark 6:8; 8:6; Luke 8:29; 9:21; Acts 1:4; 4:18; 5:28, 40; 10:42; 15:5; 16:18; 17:30; 23:30; 1Cor. 7:10; 1Thess. 4:11; 2Thess. 3:4, 6, 10, 12; 1Tim. 4:11).

‘Before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession.’ This was the central controversy about Jesus. He claimed to be the Christ and the Son of God but satan and the Jews were determined to disprove these claims (Matt. 4:3, 6; 27:40; John 5:18; 10:36; 19:7). God acknowledged His claims (Matt. 3:17; 17:5); demons were forced to acknowledge them (Matt. 8:29; Mark 3:11; 5:7); disciples confessed them (Matt. 14:33; 16:16); but His enemies rebelled against facts and refused to believe even after His resurrection (Matt. 27:40; 28:11-15; Acts 4:16-22; 5:17-28, 40-42). Some Jews repented and confessed His claims after miraculous and resurrection facts were known (John 3:2; Acts 6:7). A few years after the resurrection of Christ, Josephus, a noted Jewish historian gave one of the most valuable confessions of honest faith in Christ. He said, “Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man if it be lawful to call Him a man; for He was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to Him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was the Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned Him to the cross, those that loved Him at the first did not forsake Him; for He appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning Him. And the tribe of Christians, so named from Him, are not extinct at this day” (Josephus, Antiquities, Book 18, 3:3).

The Good Fight of Faith Part 1

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1Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses. 

‘Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses.’ Seven last commands to Timothy: Fight the good fight of faith (6:12). Lay hold on eternal life. Keep this commandment (lay hold on eternal life) until Christ appears (6:14). Charge the rich. Keep or guard that which is committed to your trust (6:20). The Greek word parakatatheke, means to trust or deposit (6:20; 2Tim. 1:14). The deposit entrusted to Timothy was the mystery of 1Timothy 3:16. Avoid profane, vain babblings (6:20; 2Tim. 2:16). Avoid fighting false science [Greek: gnosis] knowledge acquired by learning, effort, or experience. Translated “science” (6:20) and “knowledge” 27 times (Luke 1:77; 11:52; Rom. 2:20; 11:33; etc.).

‘Lay hold’ [Greek: epilambanomai] to lay hold; seize; to attain to. Translated “lay hold on” (6:12, 19; Luke 23:26); “catch” (Matt. 14:31; Acts 16:19); “take on” (Heb. 2:16); “take by” (Mark 8:23; Acts 23:19; Heb. 8:9); “take” (Luke 9:47; 14:4; Acts 9:27; 17:19; 18:17; 21:30, 33); and “take hold of” (Luke 20:20, 26). The fact that Timothy, who had eternal life, was commanded to lay hold of it and keep this commandment “without spot, unrebukeable,” until Christ comes, proves that it is not an unforfeitable possession until final salvation is brought at His appearing (1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13). It is now hope, but hope that is seen is not hope (Rom. 8:24-25; 1Cor. 13:13; Gal. 5:5; Eph. 4:4; Col. 1:5; 1Thess. 5:8; 1Tim. 6:12, 19; Tit. 1:2; 3:7).

To be continued…

That Your Faith Grows – Part 2

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2Thessalonians 1:3-4 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith grows exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other abounds; So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches [congregations] of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure

Faith means (continues): Absolute dependence upon and reliance on the Word of God and Christ (Matt. 8:8-10; 15:28; Rom. 10:17; Heb. 11:1 – 12:3). Full surrender, yieldedness, and obedience to all known truth (Rom. 1:5; 6:11-23; 16:26; Jas. 2:14-26; 2Cor. 10:4-7; Heb. 11:6). Trust wholly and unreservedly in the faithfulness of God (Matt. 6:25-34; 12:21; Luke 12:28-31; Eph. 1:13; 1Tim. 4:11; 6:17; 1Cor. 10:13). Give one’s self over to a new way of life (Rom. 1:17; 6:11-23; 8:1-16; 2Cor. 10:4-7; Gal. 5:16-26; Col. 3:5-10; Heb. 12:1-15; Tit. 2:11-14; 1Jn. 1:7; 2:6; 3:8-10; 4:17; 5:1-5, 18). The attribute of God and restored faculty of man whereby both can bring into unseen existence things (Rom. 4:17; Gal. 5:22; Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; Luke 17:6; Heb. 11:1-40). The whole body of revealed truth (Luke 18:8; Jude 1:3; Rom. 10:17; 1Tim. 4:1, 6; 6:10; 2Tim. 3:16-17). Joyful faith in, and acceptance of Christ as the substitute for sin and our Savior whereby one receives salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 4:12; 10:43; Rom. 1:16; 3:24-31; Eph. 2:8-9); access into grace (Rom. 5:2); fulfilment of the promises (Heb. 6:12); the Holy Spirit (Gal. 3:14); righteousness (Rom. 4:1-25; 9:30, 32; 10:6; Php. 3:9); sonship (Gal. 3:26); healing (Jas. 5:14-16; 1Pet. 2:24); eternal life (John 3:15-18, 36; 5:24; 6:47); and answers to every prayer (Matt. 7:7-11; 21:21; Mark 11:22-24; Luke 18:1-8; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16).

‘So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God.’ We hold you up as an example to other congregations to show what grace can do in honest and open hearts.

‘Glory’ [Greek: kauchaomai] to boast or vaunt oneself. Translated “glory” (1:4; Rom. 5:3; 1Cor. 1:29, 31; 3:21; 4:7; 2Cor. 5:12; 10:17; 11:12, 18, 30; 12:1, 5, 6, 9; Gal. 6:13-14); “glorying” (2Cor. 12:11); “rejoice” (Rom. 5:2; Php. 3:3; Jas. 1:9; 4:16); “joy” (Rom. 5:11); and “boast” (Rom. 2:17, 23; 2Cor. 7:14; 9:2; 10:8, 10:13-16; 11:16; Eph. 2:9).

‘Patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations.’ From Acts 17:5, 13 and 1Thessalonians 2:14 we learn that the Thessalonians had suffered much persecution from the Jews and their own countrymen, but being fully persuaded of the gospel, and having the actual power of it working in their lives, they would not turn aside from it. Persecution has never hurt true believers and never will.

That Your Faith Grows – Part 1

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2Thessalonians 1:3-4 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith grows exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other abounds; So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches [congregations] of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure

‘Bound to thank God always for you.’ – Christian obligation: [Greek: opheilo] be under an obligation to do a thing. Translated “bound” (1:3; 2:13); “be guilty” (Matt. 23:18); “behoved” (Heb. 2:17); “must needs” (1Cor. 5:10); “need so require” (1Cor. 7:36); “duty” (Luke 17:10; Rom. 15:27); “should” (1Cor. 9:10); “ought” (John 13:14; 19:7; Acts 17:29; Rom. 15:1; 1Cor. 11:7, 10; 2Cor. 12:11, 14; Eph. 5:28; Heb. 5:3, 12; 1Jn. 2:6; 3:16; 4:11; 2Jn. 1:8); “owe” (Matt. 18:28; Luke 7:41; 16:5, 7; Rom. 13:8; Phm. 1:18); “due” (Matt. 18:34; 1Cor. 7:3); “be indebted” (Luke 11:4); “debt” (Matt. 18:30); and “be a debtor” (Matt. 23:16). Most all these ideas could be understood here in 2Thessalonians 1:3.

‘Because that your faith grows exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other abounds.’ Fourfold praise for the Thessalonians: for growing in faith (1:3); abounding love; patience in troubles (1:4), steadfastness and faith in trouble.

‘Grows exceedingly’ [Greek: huperauxano] to abound beyond measure; to grow exceedingly healthy and fruitful, as a good tree planted in good soil. Faith is one of the seeds of grace that should grow normally in everyone until he has a genuine work of faith with power (1:11; Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24).

‘Charity’ [Greek: agape] Not only a few of them had abounding love, but everyone had it (1:3; 1Thess. 3:12).

Faith – The word “believe” denotes the act and process of faith. It comes from the Greek verb pisteuo which occurs 248 times in the New Testament. This use of the present tense indicates that faith must be continued in to receive its benefits (Acts 14:22; Eph. 6:16; Col. 1:23; 2:5-7; 1Thess. 5:8; 1Tim. 2:15; 3:9; 6:12; 2Tim. 3:8; 4:7; Tit. 1:13; Heb. 10:23-38; 2Pet. 1:5-10). It can be lost (Luke 8:13; 1Tim. 1:19; 4:1; 5:8, 12; 6:10, 21; 2Tim. 2:18; 3:8; Jude 1:3; Rev. 2:13).

Faith means: To be persuaded of (Rom. 4:17-22; 8:38-39; 2Tim. 1:12). Place confidence in (Eph. 3:12; Php. 1:6; Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 10:35; 1Jn. 3:21; 5:14). The substance or conviction of things hoped for, the assurance of things not seen (Heb. 10:19-38; 11:1, 6; Rom. 4:17; 8:24).

To be continued…

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit Part 1

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1Corinthians 12:7-11 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these work that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 

‘Manifestation’ [Greek: phanerosis] making visible. The visible manifestations would be the visible healing, miracles, manifest prophecies, tongues, interpretations, and even the giving forth of wisdom, knowledge, and discernment of various kinds.

‘Given by the Spirit’ – Facts and questions about the gifts: Their names and number (12:8-10). By whom imparted? The Holy Spirit. (12:4, 8-11). Who operates them? The Holy Spirit. (12:4-6, 11). Purpose: To confirm the Word of God (1:7; 12:11, 28-31; 14:1-40; Mark 16:17-20; John 14:12; Acts 1:1-8; Rom. 12:3-8; 15:18-19, 29; Heb. 2:3-4). Who may have them? Every believer (12:8-11; 1:7; John 7:37-39; 14:12; Mark 16:17-20; Rom. 1:11; 12:3-8). Can one have all of them? Yes (Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; John 14:12; 15:7, 16; Eph. 3:19; Jas. 1:5-8). Has anyone ever received all of them? Yes (John 3:34; Rom. 15:29). Were they manifest in Old Testament days? Yes (Num. 11:16-25; 1Kin. 3:12; 17:1 – 2 Kin. 13:25; Luke 1:17; Acts 3:21; Heb. 11:1-40). Can gifts be misused? Yes (Eccl. 2:9; Num. 20:7-13 with Deut. 32:48-52; 1Cor. 13:1-3; 14:1-40). Can gifts be exercised in a backslidden condition? Yes (Eccl. 2:9; 1Cor. 13:1-3). Are gifts permanent or temporary? Permanent if received as a personal gift (Rom. 11:29). Are gifts exercised at will? Yes (14:15, 23-32; 1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6). Can gifts be neglected in use? Yes (1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6). When should gifts be used? When needed to edify others (12:7; 14:3-6, 12, 17, 26; Rom. 12:3-8). Where should the gifts be used? Where needed (12:7, 12-31; 14:1-40). How can they be received? By faith and prayer (12:31; 14:1; Matt. 7:7-11). Do we need gifts today? Yes, for the same reason others of old needed them (1:7; 12:1-31; Mark 16:15-20; John 10:10; Acts 1:8; 10:38; Rom. 1:11). Can we choose which gifts we need today? Yes (12:31; 14:1, 12). How can we know when we have received them? When the Spirit operates them through us to accomplish their intended purpose (12:4-11, 28-31; 14:1-40). Are gifts to continue throughout this age? Yes (Matt. 3:11; 28:20; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:15-20; John 7:37-39; 14:12-17, 26; 15:26; 16:13-15; Acts 1:4-8; 2:38-39; 5:32; 1Cor. 1:7; etc.).

To be continued…

The Righteousness Which is of Faith

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Romans 10:5-7 For Moses described the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which does those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaks on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) 

‘That the man which does those things shall live by them’ – perfect obedience was required by the law. Since no man could accomplish this, all people were condemned by the law and cursed by it (Deut. 27:26; Gal. 3:10-13; Rom. 3:19-20). This shows the impossibility of being saved by the law and the fact that all can be saved by the gospel (10:6-13).

‘But the righteousness which is of faith speaks on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above)’ Law righteousness demanded perfect obedience; faith righteousness asks only confession of sins and surrender to God who, by the Holy Spirit, sets free from the law of sin and death (8:2), transforms the nature and life (1Cor. 6:11; 2Cor. 5:17-18), fulfils in man the righteousness of the law (8:3), and makes man righteous in Christ (4:1-25; 10:6-13; 1Cor. 1:30; 2Cor. 5:21;).

‘Who shall ascend into heaven? … Or, Who shall descend into the deep? … But what said it?’ This is quoted from Deuteronomy 30:12-14. Paul here simply shows that people do not have to search for Christ or the Word of the gospel, for it is near them and only needs to be acted upon. It is like the law in Deuteronomy 30:12-14: they did not have to search for it; they already had it if they would recognize it. So people have the gospel that will save their souls if they will accept it.

‘Deep’ [Greek: abussos] meaning bottomless, unbounded by any definite known limits. Christ did descend into the lower parts of the earth to liberate the righteous dead and take them with Him when He ascended on high (Matt. 12:40; Eph. 4:8-10; Heb. 2:14-15).

Into This Grace

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Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 

‘Access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.’ We are not merely introduced to God by Jesus Christ for an interview, but we are to remain with Him as part of His household (Eph. 2:18-22; 3:12).

‘Grace’ the primary meaning of grace in connection with God is: free, eternal, and unmerited love and favour of God toward free moral agents who are the product of His own creation, whether human or spirit beings, and who are capable of God; consciousness and moral responsibility. Grace is the spring, source, and the very fountain-head of all the manifold benefits and blessings of God to all of His creation (3:24; 5:17-21; 11:5, 6; John 1:14-17; 3:16; 2Cor. 9:8; Eph. 1:6,7; 2:5-8; Jas. 4:6; 1Pet. 5:5). Grace is also used to mean the favour and friendship of man with man (Gen. 32:5; 33:8-15; 34:11; 39:4; 47:25, 29; Ruth 2:10; Esther 2:17).

All of God’s great benefits come through His marvellous grace. We deserve nothing but He gives us everything. Grace moves God to act in behalf of and for the best and eternal good of the whole creation. Grace is seen in acts of judgment as well as in acts of mercy. It works for the benefits of the few as well as of the many. All living creatures have an eternal guarantee of God’s benefits and loving providence through grace. We get through grace “every good and perfect gift” and “all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (3:24; 5:2, 17-21; 6:14; 8:32; John 3:16; 2Cor. 8:9; 9:8; Jas. 1:17; 4:6; 2Pet. 1:3-4). Such benefits are received solely by free moral agents upon the principle of humiliation and entire dependence upon God by faith, realizing that the creature is nothing, and the Creator is all and the source of all Such blessings are wholly apart from works (3:24-31; 4:1-4, 16; 5:15-21; 6:14, 15; 11:6; Gal. 2:16; 3:1-12; Eph. 2:7-9).

Four secrets of continued grace: Live and walk in the Spirit (8:1-13; Gal. 5:5; 16-26; Col. 3:5-10). Be patient in hope (8:24; Gal. 5:5; Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 6:19). Continue in Christ (Gal. 5:6; John 15:1-8; Col. 2:6-7; Heb. 3:14). Continue in faith (Gal. 5:6; Col. 1:23).

‘We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience’ we have grace to endure trials without sustaining loss or deterioration. We are like silver and gold when refined (Pro. 17:3; 1Pet. 1:7). Just as silver and gold are purified by fire, so the Lord purifies the hearts of men by fiery trials (Jas. 1:2, 12; 1Pet. 4:12; Rev. 3:18). Fire only separates all the foreign and impure materials from gold. It loses nothing of its nature, weight, colour, or any other property. Gold has been kept in a state of fusion for months without the smallest change. Genuine faith also will be proved by trials.