FOUNDATIONS - Part 6 - Resurrection

FOUNDATIONS

The principles of the doctrine of Christ.

Part 6 – Resurrection

John 5:28-29 KJV

…the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,  (29)  And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

1. RESURRECTION IS A REALITY

A resurrection is an event in which something that is dead becomes alive again.  The word comes from ‘resurge’ (1), and literally means, ‘to rise again’.  It is made clear to us in the text above, and in many others, that all men will rise from the dead.  It is a certainty.

Luke 20:37-38 KJV

Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.  (38)  For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.

Here Jesus has rebuked the Sadducees for their denial of the doctrine of resurrection; HE even says that they commit a “great error” (2).  Paul also writes:  those who say the resurrection has already passed do commit an error, and actually overthrow the faith of some (2).  So we see that as Resurrection is a foundational doctrine, denying this doctrine, or misrepresenting it, is a great error with terrible consequences.

2. RESURRECTION BODIES

When we are raised we will have a body, but it will be a spiritual body.  It will not be like our earthly body that has died.  Paul gives us the illustration of planting a seed which has a certain body: small, round, and hard.  But when that seed dies, the life that comes from it does not look the same; the plant is tall, green, and bearing fruit (3).

1 Corinthians 15:50-53 KJV

(50)  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.  … and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  (53)  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

The new bodies, given to all those who have repented of their sin and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, shall be fit to inherit the kingdom of GOD. 

3. RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

Perhaps the most important reason why Resurrection is a foundational doctrine is found in 1 Corinthians, chapter 15.  Paul states:

1 Corinthians 15:12-19 KJV

(12)  Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?  (13)  But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:  (14)  And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.  (15)  Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.  (16)  For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:  (17)  And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.  (18)  Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.  (19)  If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

It was prophesied that the Messiah would rise from the dead (4).  If Christ was not raised, then HE was not the Messiah.  Jesus himself also stated that HE would rise again after three days (5).  If HE did not keep that promise then HE was not GOD; GOD does not lie, and GOD does not fail.  Therefore, if Christ was not raised then our faith truly is in vain; we have no hope.

Hebrews 1:3 KJV

…[Jesus], when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

But Christ was raised.  HE has ascended, and is enthroned in heaven, because GOD raised HIM from the dead (6).  HIS resurrection is a testimony that HE had completed his work of redemption, and that it was acceptable to the Father.

4. RESURRECTION OF THE FIRST FRUITS

1 Corinthians 15:20-23 KJV

(20)  But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.  (21)  For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  (22)  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  (23)  But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

A ‘first-fruits’ offering includes two things:  praise to GOD for HIS provision, and a declaration of our trust in HIM to bring in the complete harvest at the end of the season.  As clearly as the ‘first-fruits’ of barley points to a barley harvest, and the ‘first-fruits’ of wheat points to a wheat harvest, the ‘first-fruits’ of the dead points to a general resurrection.  To witness of this, many people were raised immediately after Christ, and were taken by HIM to heaven as the actual ‘first-fruits’ offering (7).  In this way the Lord Jesus actually raised the ‘first-fruits’ offering to the Father.  But HE also was a part of the ‘first-fruits’ offering, because without HIS resurrection we would have no hope for our own resurrection.

5. THE TWO RESURRECTIONS

Revelation 20:4-6 KJV

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.  (5)  But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.  (6)  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

There will be two resurrections (8).  In the first resurrection, the just (regenerate) will be raised; they will reign with Christ for a thousand years on this earth.  They are called the blessed and holy, the just, the ones who have done good, and the ones counted worthy to obtain.  The first resurrection is the resurrection unto life.

Those who reject the Lord Jesus Christ will not be raised until after the thousand years.  They are the unrepentant blasphemers, the unbelieving, abominable, immoral, and the liars (9).  Theirs is the resurrection unto damnation.  They will be raised to life, only to be judged and condemned to eternity in hell.

6. REGENERATION

The Resurrection of the body is used to teach us about regeneration.  This word is similar to resurrection, but means to take something that is corrupt and re-create it in a new form that is pure and without corruption (10). 

Romans 6:3-7 KJV

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  (4)  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  (5)  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  (6)  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  (7)  For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Here Paul draws a link between Christ’s resurrection from the dead, and our new life in Christ (verse 4).  All men are born physically alive, but spiritually dead.  We are wholly corrupt and totally depraved, unable to hear GOD or see HIS truth, unable to respond to GOD, in bondage to sin and Satan; we are haters of GOD.  This is our nature.  But if that nature is killed, then we are freed from it.  This is what is meant by the ‘death of the old man’.  Our old way of being is no more.  Instead, a new nature, a new way of being, and even a new heart is given to us.  This is regeneration.  So we are no longer spiritually dead, we are spiritually alive; we have been born again.

Ezekiel 36:26-27 KJV

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.  (27)  And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

CONCLUSION

The resurrection from the dead is an absolute certainty; GOD has said it, HE will do it.  The Lord Jesus Christ was raised from the dead; three days and three nights after HIS suffering HE was raised.  HIS resurrection was a testimony to his perfect, finished work.  HIS resurrection was also a promise of our bodily resurrection, and spiritual regeneration.

Every one who has ever lived will be raised from the dead; either to life, or to damnation.  The resurrection of the just will be wonderful, and glorious, and the beginning their eternity with CHRIST.  The resurrection of the ungodly will be terrible, fearful, and the beginning of their eternity of suffering.  They will have NO HOPE.

REFERENCES

(1)            [Middle English, from Old French, from Late Latin resurr cti , resurr cti n-, from Latin resurr ctus, past participle of resurgere, to rise again; see resurge.], www.thefreedictionary.com/resurrection

(2)            Error and danger in denying resurrection:

a.    Matthew 22:29-32

b.    Mark 12:26-27

c.     2 Timothy 2:18

(3)            1 Corinthians 15:35-38

(4)            Psalms 16:10

(5)            John 2:18-22

(6)            Acts 2:32

(7)            First-Fruits Offering:

a.    Matthew 27:52-53

b.    John 20:17-20

c.     Luke 24:36-40

d.    Acts 26:22-23

e.    Revelation 1:5

(8)            Two Resurrections:

a.    Revelation 20:4-6

b.    John 5:28-29

c.     Acts 24:14-15

d.    Luke 14:12-14

e.    Luke 20:34-36

f.      Hebrews 11:35-40

(9)            Men of the second resurrection:

a.    Revelation 21:8

b.    Revelation 16:11

(10)       1425–75; late Middle English  (adj.) < Latin regenerātus,  past participle of regenerāre  to bring forth again, equivalent to re- re-  + generātus; see generate, http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/regenerate

FOUNDATIONS - Part 5 - Laying on of Hands

FOUNDATIONS

The principles of the doctrine of Christ.

Part 5 – Laying on of Hands

Matthew 19:13-15 KJV

Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray

1. WHAT IS THE ‘LAYING ON OF HANDS’

Like baptism, the practice of ‘laying on hands’ is an ordinance.  It was instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ in both command and example.  We are also given many examples of the apostles laying on hands, which we ought to follow. 

Mark 16:15-18 KJV

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  (16)  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.  (17)  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;  (18)  They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

‘Go ye’ is a command.  The gospel is to be preached, and men will either believe, or not believe.  ‘These signs shall follow’ is both a command and a promise.  It does not mean that every believer will necessarily be able to exhibit these signs, but primarily those ordained to ‘go’ and ‘preach’ (1); since signs are intended for the unbelievers as a means of demonstrating the power of GOD.  The last sign mentioned here is that they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.   

The examples we are given of men laying hands on people include healing, ordination, blessing, and comfort. 

2. HEALING

Luke 4:40 KJV

…all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto [Jesus]; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

This is a clear example from the Lord Jesus that we should lay hands on the sick, and there are many such examples in Scripture (2).  We are further commanded by James that the elders should anoint the sick.

James 5:14-16 KJV

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:  (15)  And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.  (16)  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

It is clear here that the healing is through faith in GOD.  The power to heal the sick is from GOD.  No hand or anointing oil contains any healing power.  Instead, the laying of hands on the sick person symbolizes our prayer and call upon GOD, that HE would apply HIS power to heal them.  The physical touch also demonstrates our compassion for the sick person, encourages their faith, and provides comfort.

3. ORDINATION

Numbers 27:18 KJV

And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;

See that GOD has already put HIS spirit into Joshua, and now Moses is to lay his hands on him.  The laying on of hands to ordain men to ministry is symbolic of the calling and authority that GOD has already given them.  It is also an affirmation and public declaration by the church that a man is called to serve in a specific role. 

Acts 6:2-6 KJV

Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.  (3)  Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.  (4)  But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.  (5)  And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:  (6)  Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

Among the examples of ordination in Scripture (3), we see here that the apostles laid their hands on these men to appoint them into this office.  Again, the men who were chosen were already filled with the spirit.  So, the laying on of hands does not make a calling, but rather affirms it.

1 Timothy 5:22 KJV

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

Because of the seriousness of appointing a man into an office in the church of the Lord Jesus, we are commanded to carefully examine his qualifications beforehand (4).   We must not rashly, or carelessly appoint someone to serve in a way that they are not qualified for.

4. BLESSING

Mark 10:13-16 KJV

And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.  (14)  But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.  (15)  Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.  (16)  And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

Laying hands on someone in this way communicates a great care for them, and that they are valued and loved.  It is also a sign that we are praying to GOD for them, that they would receive HIS blessing.

5. COMFORT

Matthew 17:7 KJV

And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.

Laying hands on someone in this way expresses our compassion, understanding, and solidarity with them.  This touch can reassure them that there is hope, no matter what situation or circumstance they are in.  We can bring them peace by reminding them that GOD is sovereign, and that HE has both the power and the will to save.

CONCLUSION

The works of healing, ordaining, blessing, and comforting are all related to GOD’s love, affirmation, and care for HIS children.  So the purpose of this ordinance is to realize this love and display it to others.  How wonderful is our Creator, that HE would design our sense of touch to transmit and receive affection, and then ordain this practice to fulfill it.

REFERENCES

(1)            Specific calling:  Mark 3:13-14

(2)            Healing:

a.    Matthew 8:2-4, Mark 1:40-45, Luke 5:12-16

b.    Matthew 8:14-15

c.     Luke 4:40

d.    Luke 7:14

e.    Matthew 9:18-26, Mark 5:21-43, Luke 8:40-56

f.      Matthew 9:27-31

g.    Mark 6:5

h.    Mark 7:33

i.       Mark 8:22-26

j.      Luke 13:11-13

k.     Matthew 20:30-34

l.       Luke 22:51

m.  Mark 16:18

n.    Acts 9:10-18

o.    Acts 28:8

p.    James 5:14-16

(3)            Ordination: 

a.    Numbers 27:18-19

b.    Deuteronomy 34:9

c.     Acts 6:2-6

d.    Acts 13:3

e.    1 Timothy 4:14

(4)            Qualifications for Ordination: 

a.    1 Timothy 3:1-13

b.    Titus 1:5-9

FOUNDATIONS - Part 4 - Baptism

FOUNDATIONS

The principles of the doctrine of Christ. 
Part 4 - Baptism

Matthew 28:18-20 KJV

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  (19)  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  (20)  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

1. WHAT IS BAPTISM

Baptism is an ordinance, i.e. an action or observance which believers do out of obedience to GOD.  Baptism was commanded by the Lord Jesus.  Accordingly, it was practiced by the apostles and by the church throughout history.

Baptism is literally washing with water; throughout the scriptures this has symbolized cleansing from sin and devotion to GOD.  Inherent in this image is a change of condition: the impure becoming pure.  It must be understood that baptism only represents the work of regeneration which GOD has already done in a believer’s life.  Baptism is not efficacious for salvation; it does not save you, and it does not dispense to you anything which is saving.  Instead, baptism is a declaration (by the believer), and affirmation (by the church) that GOD has brought the believer to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

Acts 2:38 KJV

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.

Baptism typifies, or shadows, our salvation through Jesus Christ.  When GOD saves a sinner, HE takes them from the world, justifies and sanctifies them, and causes them to follow him in obedience.  We represent these through baptism by going into the water (leaving the world), being under the water (cleansing), and coming out of the water (coming to GOD).  This process is clearly demonstrated by other events in history (1).  Noah went into the flood leaving a corrupt world behind, and GOD brought him through the flood to a new world.  The Israelites went into the red sea leaving bondage and death behind, and GOD brought them through that flood to serve HIM.

Baptism is a clear picture of repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus.  The very definition of repentance, turning from the world and turning to GOD, is shown by going into the water, and coming out of the water.  In every true baptism, the believer is baptized in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ.  It is a declaration of their faith in Christ; without faith in Christ they shall not be baptized.  The baptism of repentance and faith will be discussed later in this article.

Colossians 2:11-12 KJV

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:  (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.

Baptism is a symbol of our being crucified with CHRIST (3).  The truly born again, regenerate believer is dead to sin, and lives only to GOD (2).  Going into the water of baptism represents our dying with Christ; we die to sin and leave the world behind.  Coming out of the water represents our new life that we now live for GOD. 

Mark 10:38 KJV

But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?

In this text, baptism is used as a symbol of suffering and trials.  A trial or test is something that one must go into, endure, and then emerge from.  Baptism is a natural picture of this process.

Romans 8:16-17 KJV

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:  (17)  And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Scriptures are clear that in this world we are to suffer with HIM and for HIM (4).  Therefore baptism also symbolizes, and reminds us, that we are to enter trials with and for Christ, and emerge with HIM to glory.

The ordinance of baptism is instructive and symbolic for many areas of Christian life and faith:  salvation, regeneration, sanctification, trials, suffering, and glorification.  In each of these ways, baptism identifies the believer with Jesus Christ.

2. BAPTISM of REPENTANCE

Baptism is a sign of repentance.  Here we are concerned with two aspects of baptism:  turning from the world unto GOD, and GOD washing away our sins.

Mark 1:4 KJV

John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

A dirty cup or dish that is washed in water comes out clean.  When the believer is immersed in the water of baptism, it is a symbol of GOD washing him of all his sin.  When he emerges from the water he is cleansed, spotless, as we are spotless when Christ atones for our sins.

When GOD grants repentance to the believer, he turns form the world, stops living as he did, and turns unto GOD.  When we enter the water in baptism, we are publicly renouncing the world.  We are turning our back on the sin and wickedness of the world, and we are leaving the world behind.  When we emerge from the water of baptism, we are declaring that we have turned toward GOD, and that we will follow HIM in obedience.

Acts 22:16 KJV

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of [Jesus].

3. BAPTISM of FAITH

Baptism is a public declaration of our faith in Jesus Christ.  Through this ordinance we are professing our belief that Jesus Christ is GOD and Savior. 

Galatians 3:26-27 KJV

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.  (27)  For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Baptism is a physical representation of a spiritual reality; that we have been joined to Christ through faith.  That we have been born again, made spiritually alive, and live through Christ.  Baptism into Christ is a naturally expression of our faith in Christ.  There is a clear contrast between two groups; those who have believed and are baptized, and those who have not believed.

Mark 16:16 KJV

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

4.  ADMINISTRATION OF BAPTISM

The church administers the ordinance of baptism to those who show clear evidence of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.  Because the believer is declaring repentance and faith, and the church is affirming them, the credibility of each is at stake.  Because of the magnitude and potential impact of this confirmation, the Church must practice careful examination and discipline of its members.

Acts 8:12 KJV

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 8:37 KJV

And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

5.  CONCLUSION

Baptism symbolizes our repentance and declares our faith in Jesus Christ.  Those who are not baptized are plainly identified as the unrepentant and unbelieving, who reject the grace of GOD.

Luke 7:29-30 KJV

And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.  (30)  But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

Rather than rejecting the counsel of GOD, let us repent of our sin and proclaim Jesus Christ, being baptized as a public declaration of our total dependence on GOD, and our faith in the Lord Jesus.

Acts 2:38 KJV

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.

REFERENCES

(1)            Noah, 1 Peter 3:18-22; Israelites, 1 Corinthians 10:1-4;

(2)            Galatians 2:19-10

(3)            Romans 6:1-11

(4)            2 Timothy 3:12

FOUNDATIONS - Part 3 - Faith

FOUNDATIONS

The principles of the doctrine of Christ.

Part 3 - Faith

Hebrews 11:6 KJV

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.

1.  WHAT IS FAITH

Faith is that which enables us to believe GOD.  Faith is how we can be certain of things which we cannot see.  The certainty is rooted in the nature of the one who has spoken.  We do not put our trust in anyone, just because they said something.  A man who has is unable to correctly relate a fact, or has intentionally lied about a fact, is not to be believed.  We would not have faith in that man.  But GOD cannot lie; HE has perfect understanding of everything (past, present, and future), and HE is good.  Therefore HE is deserving and infinitely worthy of our faith.  This is why unbelief is such a heinous sin; because it is an attack on the character of GOD.  Unbelief is declaring that GOD is either not good, or not wise.  But HE is good and wise.  HIS words are truth and life.

Having faith in GOD means believing what GOD has said.  Faith looks at the word of GOD and says, ‘I know this is true, these words are to be believed’!  GOD and HIS word are the objects of our faith.  There must always be an object of faith.  We cannot just believe without having something to believe in.  For example, the following things must be believed, because they are in GOD’s word: 

• that GOD is ABLE to do everything HE has said
• that GOD WILL do everything HE has said
• that JESUS CHRIST is who HE said HE is, i.e. the son of GOD, the Messiah
• that CHRIST died for our sins, and rose from the dead on the third day

We must read GOD’s word in order to know what to believe.  Without the knowledge of the word of GOD, it is impossible to have faith.  Thomas Watson said, “A man can no more believe without knowledge than the eye can see without light.” (1). 

We must have faith because we cannot come to GOD unless we believe that HE is who HE says HE is.  ‘Coming to GOD’ begins with confessing our sin and acknowledging our complete inability to save ourselves.  As the psalmist said, “For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.” (2).  This change in thinking leads to a renouncing of self.  ‘Coming to GOD’ also includes obeying HIS commands, which is a change in our actions.  Changing our thinking, and changing our actions, as we have seen in part 2 of this series, is repentance.  So without faith in GOD, we cannot repent.

So we must have faith, because without faith you cannot please GOD.  Unbelief is a declaration that GOD is common; it is an insult to HIS honor and glory.  Faith in GOD brings glory to GOD and is a declaration of HIS holiness.  Faith enables us to come to GOD in repentance.  Faith enables us to believe that HE is willing to forgive our sins because Jesus Christ bought that forgiveness by suffering the wrath of GOD in our place.  Faith justifies us because faith in CHRIST provides us with the righteousness of CHRIST.

Acts 16:31 KJV

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

2.  WHERE DOES FAITH COME FROM

Faith comes from GOD.  Faith is a grace.  “A true justifying faith [is] of the operation of GOD” (3). 

Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  (9)  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

We are saved by grace, not works.  No one can boast.  We must believe in GOD and on the Lord Jesus Christ to receive the gift of salvation.  But the faith with which we believe is also a gift of GOD, it is not of ourselves.  Because faith comes from GOD, we should pray, as the father of the child prayed with tears, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief! (4). 

We also know that GOD’s word tells us who HE is.  We must read GOD’s word so that we may know HIM, that we may believe in HIM, that we may have eternal life.

John 17:3 KJV

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Pray for faith, and read GOD’s word.

3.  HOW DO WE KNOW IF WE HAVE FAITH

The following are characteristics of true, justifying faith:

1. we treasure Christ, and value HIM beyond all things
2. we renounce sin daily, and strive for holiness
3. we obey GOD's commands
4. we conform more each day to the image of CHRIST
5. we grow stronger in faith

4.  CONCLUSION

Faith means believing what GOD has said; we must read HIS word to know what to believe.  We can have faith in GOD because of HIS character; HE is the only one in whom we can have faith.  We must have faith to renounce self and repent of our sin.  We must have faith to rely completely on the Lord Jesus.  We must have faith in order to repent and believe!

Mark 1:15 KJV

[Jesus said,] The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

So pray for faith, labor for faith, because without faith it is impossible to please GOD.

REFERENCES

(1)  Thomas Watson, A Body Of Divinity, part 3, chapter 2, p52

(2)  Psalms 38:4, KJV 

(3)  Thomas Watson, A Body Of Divinity, part 6, chapter 1, p174

(4)  Matthew 9:24, KJV