Doctrine of Justification
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Yet, salvation has always been through FAITH. Here is a question and answer from gotquestions.org that has a dispensational flavor to it. Is this what you believe?
Question: "How were people saved before Jesus died for our sins?"
Answer: Since the fall of man, the basis of salvation has always been the death of Christ. No one, either prior to the cross or since the cross, would ever be saved without that one pivotal event in the history of the world. Christ's death paid the penalty for past sins of Old Testament saints and future sins of New Testament saints.
The requirement for salvation has always been faith. The object of one's faith for salvation has always been God. The psalmist wrote, “Blessed are all who take refuge in him” (Psalm 2:12). Genesis 15:6 tells us that Abraham believed God and that was enough for God to credit it to him for righteousness (see also Romans 4:3-8). The Old Testament sacrificial system did not take away sin, as Hebrews 10:1-10 clearly teaches. It did, however, point to the day when the Son of God would shed His blood for the sinful human race.
What has changed through the ages is the content of a believer's faith. God's requirement of what must be believed is based on the amount of revelation He has given mankind up to that time. This is called progressive revelation. Adam believed the promise God gave in Genesis 3:15 that the Seed of the woman would conquer Satan. Adam believed Him, demonstrated by the name he gave Eve (v. 20) and the Lord indicated His acceptance immediately by covering them with coats of skin (v. 21). At that point that is all Adam knew, but he believed it.
Abraham believed God according to the promises and new revelation God gave him in Genesis 12 and 15. Prior to Moses, no Scripture was written, but mankind was responsible for what God had revealed. Throughout the Old Testament, believers came to salvation because they believed that God would someday take care of their sin problem. Today, we look back, believing that He has already taken care of our sins on the cross (John 3:16; Hebrews 9:28).
What about believers in Christ's day, prior to the cross and resurrection? What did they believe? Did they understand the full picture of Christ dying on a cross for their sins? Late in His ministry, “Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life” (Matthew 16:21-22). What was the reaction of His disciples to this message? “Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. ‘Never, Lord!’ he said. ‘This shall never happen to you!’” Peter and the other disciples did not know the full truth, yet they were saved because they believed that God would take care of their sin problem. They didn't exactly know how He would accomplish that, any more than Adam, Abraham, Moses, or David knew how, but they believed God.
Today, we have more revelation than the people living before the resurrection of Christ; we know the full picture. “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe” (Hebrews 1:1-2). Our salvation is still based on the death of Christ, our faith is still the requirement for salvation, and the object of our faith is still God. Today, for us, the content of our faith is that Jesus Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Question: "How were people saved before Jesus died for our sins?"
Answer: Since the fall of man, the basis of salvation has always been the death of Christ. No one, either prior to the cross or since the cross, would ever be saved without that one pivotal event in the history of the world. Christ's death paid the penalty for past sins of Old Testament saints and future sins of New Testament saints.
The requirement for salvation has always been faith. The object of one's faith for salvation has always been God. The psalmist wrote, “Blessed are all who take refuge in him” (Psalm 2:12). Genesis 15:6 tells us that Abraham believed God and that was enough for God to credit it to him for righteousness (see also Romans 4:3-8). The Old Testament sacrificial system did not take away sin, as Hebrews 10:1-10 clearly teaches. It did, however, point to the day when the Son of God would shed His blood for the sinful human race.
What has changed through the ages is the content of a believer's faith. God's requirement of what must be believed is based on the amount of revelation He has given mankind up to that time. This is called progressive revelation. Adam believed the promise God gave in Genesis 3:15 that the Seed of the woman would conquer Satan. Adam believed Him, demonstrated by the name he gave Eve (v. 20) and the Lord indicated His acceptance immediately by covering them with coats of skin (v. 21). At that point that is all Adam knew, but he believed it.
Abraham believed God according to the promises and new revelation God gave him in Genesis 12 and 15. Prior to Moses, no Scripture was written, but mankind was responsible for what God had revealed. Throughout the Old Testament, believers came to salvation because they believed that God would someday take care of their sin problem. Today, we look back, believing that He has already taken care of our sins on the cross (John 3:16; Hebrews 9:28).
What about believers in Christ's day, prior to the cross and resurrection? What did they believe? Did they understand the full picture of Christ dying on a cross for their sins? Late in His ministry, “Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life” (Matthew 16:21-22). What was the reaction of His disciples to this message? “Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. ‘Never, Lord!’ he said. ‘This shall never happen to you!’” Peter and the other disciples did not know the full truth, yet they were saved because they believed that God would take care of their sin problem. They didn't exactly know how He would accomplish that, any more than Adam, Abraham, Moses, or David knew how, but they believed God.
Today, we have more revelation than the people living before the resurrection of Christ; we know the full picture. “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe” (Hebrews 1:1-2). Our salvation is still based on the death of Christ, our faith is still the requirement for salvation, and the object of our faith is still God. Today, for us, the content of our faith is that Jesus Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
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James writes his epistle to Christian Jews (James 2:1,5,14) . Eternal life is not in question and is not the focus, the focus is "exercising the salvation they already have" (Dr. Cucuzza). The word "brethren" is used 15 times in the book of James. This epistle is written about service, not salvation. I encourage everyone to take the time to listen to this message from Dr. Tom Cucuzza and understand once and for all what the epistle of James is really about. The truth shall set you free!
Faith Without Works Is Dead Part 1 | SermonAudio.com
Faith Without Works Is Dead Part 1 | SermonAudio.com
I agree..it seems kind of ridiculous to write a letter to people but it's really not for them. That's like I'm posting to you now and telling you things but it is really for people 2,000 years from now...so disregard what I'm saying to you now.
I personally believe James was writing to Jewish believers primarily and in that group are unbelievers in Jesus as their Messiah. Sometimes James is talking about the unbelieving Jews that could be in their mix...remember these letters would be read in the synagogues as well as in homes in the early stages of the church's development.
James is the first book written so it is dealing with Jewish themes primarily which is why there is so much talk about the law and works and talking about Abraham, Rahab..etc. All Jews were familiar with these stories ads the law too.
Also, James was developing in his understanding of the true gospel. He had sent some people to the Galatians and these were trying to teach the law to Paul's converts. Paul got furious at them.
Galatians 2:12 (KJV)
[SUP]12 [/SUP]For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
By the time Paul came to Jerusalem again in Acts 21 - the true gospel had been severely watered down by the thousands of Jewish believers that were zealous for the law.
This is James and the elders speaking to Paul.
Acts 21:20 (NASB)
[SUP]20 [/SUP] And when they heard it they began glorifying God; and they said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the Law;
I personally believe James was writing to Jewish believers primarily and in that group are unbelievers in Jesus as their Messiah. Sometimes James is talking about the unbelieving Jews that could be in their mix...remember these letters would be read in the synagogues as well as in homes in the early stages of the church's development.
James is the first book written so it is dealing with Jewish themes primarily which is why there is so much talk about the law and works and talking about Abraham, Rahab..etc. All Jews were familiar with these stories ads the law too.
Also, James was developing in his understanding of the true gospel. He had sent some people to the Galatians and these were trying to teach the law to Paul's converts. Paul got furious at them.
Galatians 2:12 (KJV)
[SUP]12 [/SUP]For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
By the time Paul came to Jerusalem again in Acts 21 - the true gospel had been severely watered down by the thousands of Jewish believers that were zealous for the law.
This is James and the elders speaking to Paul.
Acts 21:20 (NASB)
[SUP]20 [/SUP] And when they heard it they began glorifying God; and they said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the Law;
I agree with this as a general rule as far as the word brethren goes. However the Jewish people used the word "brethren" many times referring to each other whether believers in Christ or not.
Paul, Peter used this term many times in Acts. Hebrews uses it as well. Most likely it is used in every letter addressed primarily to a Jewish audience. The gospels are chock full of it being used like that.
Peter uses "brethren" in Acts 1:16, 2:29, ( in Acts 2:37 - unbelievers in Christ used to term to speak back to Peter )
Stephen used the term in Acts 7:2
Paul used it in Acts 13:26 and other places too..but I think this is enough to show the term brethren is used among themselves and it refers to believers and to unbelievers.
Some truth, but some assumptions as well. The disciples didn't believe the Lord when he prophesied of His death, burial and resurrection. They were not waiting anxiously at the tomb on day three for His resurrection. Actually, they thought the resurrection to be an "idle tale."
The difference is the OT saint had to be obedient to his faith in what God told him. Today, man only has to believe the gospel to be saved, no other obedience is required. Abraham's faith was fulfilled in Genesis 22.
The difference is the OT saint had to be obedient to his faith in what God told him. Today, man only has to believe the gospel to be saved, no other obedience is required. Abraham's faith was fulfilled in Genesis 22.
No, I don't "disregard" the book of James. I read and study it, but only with the understanding who the audience is. The audience is not a saved believer in the Church Age, but rather the twelve tribes making their way through the great tribulation. See Job as an example. James writes:
"Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls."
Obviously there were some in James' audience that had not received the word and their souls were not saved.
"Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls."
Obviously there were some in James' audience that had not received the word and their souls were not saved.
So you are saying that man was saved through faith AND WORKS in the OT, but today, man is saved through faith alone? Abraham was accounted as righteous because of his faith (Genesis 15:6) long before performed the good work in Genesis 22 and fulfilled the expectations created by the pronouncement of his faith made in Genesis 15:6.
Romans 4:2 - For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it (faith, not works) was accounted to him for righteousness.
Romans 4:2 - For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it (faith, not works) was accounted to him for righteousness.
I will...thanks for the link!
I liked Dr. Cucoza's teaching on Galatians that I listened to so far. The Jewish people still used the term brethren to each other whether they were believers or now. I personally have no problem with James and it fits in perfectly with Paul with regards to faith and works when you read it in context.
I liked Dr. Cucoza's teaching on Galatians that I listened to so far. The Jewish people still used the term brethren to each other whether they were believers or now. I personally have no problem with James and it fits in perfectly with Paul with regards to faith and works when you read it in context.
Again, in James 2:14, we read of one who says-claims he has faith but has no works. This is not genuine faith, but a bare profession of faith. So when James asks, "Can that faith save him?" he is saying nothing against genuine faith, but only against an empty profession of faith.
Man is saved through faith and not by works (Romans 4:2-6; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9); yet faith, if it is genuine, will be evidenced by works (James 2:14-24). James' concern is to show the reality of the faith professed by the individual (James 2:18) and demonstrate that the faith claimed (James 2:14) by the individual is genuine. Simple.
Man is saved through faith and not by works (Romans 4:2-6; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9); yet faith, if it is genuine, will be evidenced by works (James 2:14-24). James' concern is to show the reality of the faith professed by the individual (James 2:18) and demonstrate that the faith claimed (James 2:14) by the individual is genuine. Simple.
Soul has different meanings in the scriptures including life on his earth as in Matt. 2:20 - where Herod was trying to take baby Jesus' life ( this is the same word for soul ). The saving of your soul in this case could be the renewing of the mind so that we can experience Christ's life in us while on this earth.
Or, it could mean there were some there that were not saved as these letters were read to the Jewish people and here could be unbelievers in their mix too as was so often the case at the start of the church age.
Or, it could mean there were some there that were not saved as these letters were read to the Jewish people and here could be unbelievers in their mix too as was so often the case at the start of the church age.
I find the whole controversy sad. It is SO obvious that one who genuinely believes WILL live in accordance with that belief, just as Abraham did. Indeed James example of unbelievers is simply that they had intellectual assent, not genuine faith. They did not 'believe in Jesus', they believed about Him. Thus they did not have saving faith.
But to translate that into a requirement for 'works' is ridiculous. It shows people who are sadly missing the point. It is God's gracious action that saves through faith, and it is the gift of God, not of works. GOD does not have to see works to prove our faith. (Only man does that).
But to translate that into a requirement for 'works' is ridiculous. It shows people who are sadly missing the point. It is God's gracious action that saves through faith, and it is the gift of God, not of works. GOD does not have to see works to prove our faith. (Only man does that).
As the great tribulation for the Jews has been going on for 2000 years that misses the point.
Do you REALLY believe that James was talking to people 2000 years after he died? He obviously THOUGHT that the people he was writing to were ALIVE.
You obviously don't understand 'saved'. He was thinking of our ongoing salvation. They had to receive the engrafted word, because it was able to 'save' them continually day by day. Just as we are saved day by day from the power of sin.
But we are being saved because we have been saved.
Do you REALLY believe that James was talking to people 2000 years after he died? He obviously THOUGHT that the people he was writing to were ALIVE.
You obviously don't understand 'saved'. He was thinking of our ongoing salvation. They had to receive the engrafted word, because it was able to 'save' them continually day by day. Just as we are saved day by day from the power of sin.
But we are being saved because we have been saved.
I understand what you're saying and I somewhat agree. If not for Jesus and His faithfulness to the Father, there would be no point for creation. Does that equal my faith is His faith? Not so sure about that.
Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
The words "faith in Christ Jesus" in vs 26 are the Greek words pisteōs en Christō Iēsou.
I believe there is only one faith as is stated in Eph 4:5. I do not believe the OT believers had a different kind of faith. Faith is faith.
Even unbelievers have faith. The difference between the faith of the believer and the faith of the unbeliever is what we (or they) put our (or their) faith in. WHAT do we believe? or WHO do we believe?
We believe God and our faith is increased and grows stronger.
If, on the other hand, we do not hear God, or if we do hear God but don't believe what we hear, our faith remains weak.
We can believe what is not true and suffer the consequence.
When we believe what is true, our faith is increased and grows strong.
Romans 4:
19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb:
20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
Also, I believe we belong to the Lord Jesus Christ. He purchased us with His own blood. Does that mean that His faith is my faith or that He gave His faith to me but not to the unbeliever? Jesus Christ came to save all mankind. He did not come to save only those who believe.
Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
The words "faith in Christ Jesus" in vs 26 are the Greek words pisteōs en Christō Iēsou.
I believe there is only one faith as is stated in Eph 4:5. I do not believe the OT believers had a different kind of faith. Faith is faith.
Even unbelievers have faith. The difference between the faith of the believer and the faith of the unbeliever is what we (or they) put our (or their) faith in. WHAT do we believe? or WHO do we believe?
We believe God and our faith is increased and grows stronger.
If, on the other hand, we do not hear God, or if we do hear God but don't believe what we hear, our faith remains weak.
We can believe what is not true and suffer the consequence.
When we believe what is true, our faith is increased and grows strong.
Romans 4:
19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb:
20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
Also, I believe we belong to the Lord Jesus Christ. He purchased us with His own blood. Does that mean that His faith is my faith or that He gave His faith to me but not to the unbeliever? Jesus Christ came to save all mankind. He did not come to save only those who believe.