Small article that says it all for me

[bj127]

Came across this small article and thought it worth sharing. 

http://www.concordant.org/expohtml/TheEvangel/WhatIsABeliever.html

[jabcat]

Very nice, very much in agreement.

excerpt;  "There is much yet to learn. But saving faith, faith in the simple evangel, comes first. The saved one ought to grow, in grace and in knowledge. But first, he needs to be saved. That is, to be saved by simple faith in the simple evangel—not Paul's "my evangel," not "the mystery," not Theology 101—but belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ."

Amen.

[bj127]

The article helps me, and I re-read it often.  There are so many questions and at times the discussions delve so deeply into areas that tend to throw me off track.  When I go back to the article, everything becomes simple again and I can rest my mind.

[jabcat]

The article helps me, and I re-read it often.  There are so many questions and at times the discussions delve so deeply into areas that tend to throw me off track.  When I go back to the article, everything becomes simple again and I can rest my mind.

Sounds like a keeper to me too!  Blessings!

Reminds me of this belief I have;  although Jesus and His life are a 'way', a pattern, He's much more than that.  Also, although Jesus is a friend and a brother, again, He is much more than that.  He is our Savior.  One of the literal meanings of YHWH 'Savior'.

There are many talking about Jesus, living a "good" life, loving others etc., which are all important.  But I believe this is the foremost and most essential Gospel;  from the article -

"Romans 15:1 Now I am making known to you, brethren, the evangel which I bring to you, which also you accepted, in which also you stand, 2 through which also you are saved, if you are retaining what I said in bringing the evangel to you, outside and except you believe feignedly. 3 For I give over to you among the first what also I accepted, that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, 4 and that He was entombed, and that He has been roused the third day according to the scriptures . . . 11 . . . thus we are heralding and thus you believe.


And in Romans 1:

1:16 For not ashamed am I of the evangel, for it is God's power for salvation to everyone who is believing -- to the Jew first, and to the Greek as well.


This evangel, this good news, is the touchstone of saving faith..."

[micah7:9]

Gal. 2:16 16 having perceived that a man is not being justified by works of law, except alone through the faith of Christ Jesus, we also believe in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by the faith of Christ and not by works of law, seeing that by works of law shall no flesh at all be justified. (CLT)
Gal.2: 16 knowing and, that not is justified a man by works of law, if not on account of faith of Jesus Anointed; and we into Anointed Jesus believed, so that we may be justified by faith of Anointed, and not by works of law; because by works of law not will be justified all flesh. (Diaglott)
Heb 12:2  looking to the author and perfecter of faith--Jesus, who, over-against the joy set before him--did endure a cross, shame having despised, on the right hand also of the throne of God did sit down; (YLT)
Heb 12:2  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.(KJV)
Heb.12:22 looking away to the of the faith leader and perfecter Jesus, who in return for the being placed before him joy, endured a cross, shame disregarding, at right and of the throne of the God has sat down. (Diaglott)
Heb.12:  2 looking off to the Inaugurator and Perfecter of faith, Jesus, Who, for the joy lying before Him, endures a cross, despising the shame, besides is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.(CLT)

I rested for many years now in His Faith, my faith a good part of the time becomes muddled and weak, but I rest knowing that it is HIS FAITH that swings the pendulum. King Jesus....His Faith overwhelms, I am so thankful :HeartThrob: :dsunny:

[jabcat]

Yes, I too see it as His faith - His faith that He gives to those who believe (so we can believe).

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--".   Eph. 2:8

[Ross]

 :thumbsup: Right on Micah;- His faith, His baptism, His death and resurrection; the complete works of Christ.
Hence stuff like Gal 2;20 " I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who lives but Christ lives in me, and this life I live in the body I live by faith of  the son of God Who loved me and gave His life for me."

[anna274]

Many, many thanks and blessings to all of you:  bj127 for posting such an eye-opening (at least for me!) article and jabcat, micah, ross=three supporting witnesses.

I have printed, read and re-read the "small" (actually 14 pages!!!!) article many times since I first saw it yesterday. Each time I read it, another window opens and more light (and love) enter my mind and heart regarding membership in the many-membered body of Christ and the ongoing "duties" of that membership.

[Ross]

You are welcome.
The short article nails the concept with the statement about the gospel being a proclaimation, not a request.
Jesus did not beg His disciples to follow, they were called. They would have known all the prophecies, but all that did not fall into place for them untill the 40 days when Christ explained everything to them before His return to the heavens.[Acts 1;3]
Gospel also means good news. I do not demand my kids to love me or else- they are in that position in the family through no choice of their own. I love them heaps.
God's love is greater than we can even fathom in our current state of being.Paul stated that no height, depth, width can keep us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
God justifies us so that no-one can condemn us and since God is for us, who can be against us.

Rom 8;38,39 " FOr I AM CONVINCED that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons,
neither the present nor the future,
nor ANY powers,
neither height, nor depth,
NOR ANYTHING ELSE in ALL creation,
will be able to separate US from the LOVE OF GOD that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."