Falling away from the Faith (it's possible)

[reneweddaybyday]

So what is faith?

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Faith is the foundation upon which our hope rests. Faith is an inner conviction of things not seen.

Hope is an expectation that God will fulfill that which He has promised, and an anticipation that those promises which have not yet been fulfilled will absolutely be accomplished by God.


Romans 8:

21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.


In Romans 8:21 and 23, we learn that we are still hoping (expecting, anticipating) the glorious liberty, the redemption of our body. This our ultimate hope. In this lifetime we have the firstfruits of the Spirit, the partial outpouring of the Spirit (in Eph 1:13-14 this is referred to as the holy Spirit of promise which is the earnest of our inheritance – the down payment of our inheritance).

While we're waiting for that ultimate hope, we also "hope" for God's promises to be fulfilled in this lifetime.

In Romans 8:24 we learn that "hope that is seen is not hope". If God has fulfilled a promise to us, we no longer need to hope for it. We have already received the benefit of that for which we at one time "hoped".

In Romans 8:25, we learn that as we "hope" for those things we do not "see" (glorious liberty, redemption of our body), we patiently wait because we know without a shadow of a doubt that our Father is faithful to that which He has promised.


Faith, hope, and love work hand-in-hand.

Love energizes faith (Gal 5:6);
Faith is the foundation upon which our hope rests (Heb 11:1);
Hope is expectant anticipation of fulfillment by God of His promises in which we place our faith (Rom 8:24-25).


1 Corinthians 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, (Gr. agape = love) these three; but the greatest of these is charity (Gr. agape = love).


And then there is patience, which is endurance, steadfastness, an undergirding which gives us the ability to endure until the ultimate fulfillment:

Hebrews 10:36-37 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

 

[MattforJesus]

The Bible says if anyone has this world's goods,and does not help the poor,then the love of God does not dwell in them,for love not in word only,but in deed and in truth.

Paul says,they have erred from the faith,and James says,faith without works is dead,and points out the lack of helping people with their needs.

God hates sin,and wants us to not do it.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for,the evidence of things not seen.

A lot of people say they have faith,but it appears as if faith does not count in a person's life unless they have the proper perspective of faith.

God's kingdom is based on love,so if a person has the means to help the poor and needy,but lack to do it,then they would not have the proper perspective of faith.

Because faith is the evidence of things not seen,so it testifies that God's kingdom is love,and creation testifies that there is a God who loves people,so to not have the proper perspective of God's kingdom that is based on love,would put a person lacking in faith,and by faith we are saved,and we are saved by grace through faith.

Faith is lacking,so is grace.

God hates sin,and if we hate sin,do not want sin,want to represent goodness,and be Christlike,by the Spirit we can do that.

Creation testifies that God hates sin,for it is a testimony to all that are ungodly,and unrighteous,and the Bible says God hates sin,and does not want us to do it.

So to not have the proper perspective of God,that He hates sin,and does not want us to sin,would put a person that engages in sin willfully as lacking in faith.

2Co 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.

So it is not hard to know if we are in the faith,for we examine ourselves and see if there is anything lacking,for if our faith was ironclad,and unshakeable,we would not have to examine ourselves to see if we are in faith,and if this faith comes from God with no choice of us,then we would not have to examine ourselves.

If someone does not have the proper perspective of faith,they are lacking faith,and you have the prosperity Gospel,a big faith lacker,violating God's kingdom of love,and people who say we cannot abstain from sin,and sin does not affect our relationship with God,a big faith lacker,for God hates sin,and wants us to abstain from sin by the Spirit.

The thing is we may sin,but we do it,not because we cannot abstain from sin,but because we want to sin.

Some people do not even try very hard to beat some sins,or do not try to beat them at all,but willfully do them,and then say,we cannot abstain from sin.

At least try to beat sin,for even the world can beat sin if they want to beat sin.

 

[Stephen63]

Faith is described as action in Hebrews 11. The whole chapter.

You see as a man believes, so he does. Two sides of the same coin.

WE ALL AGREE that works alone gains you no salvation. If anyone here says otherwise, please show me anyone on CC who has posted this because I have not come across anyone posting this yet.

We see many on CC saying ONLY FAITH. And we can also agree to that. HOWEVER the disconnect comes at this point ----- what is Faith?

We ALL AGREE that to have faith is to BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus. Nobody is disputing this fact. But its at this point one camp on CC disengages. For they say THAT'S IT. That is all we have to do. Believe and its all already done.

NO!!! Your journey has only just begun.

James 2 [SUP]14 [/SUP]What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?
James 2 [SUP]17 [/SUP]Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James 2b Show me your faith without your[SUP][d][/SUP] works, and I will show you my faith by my[SUP][e][/SUP] works.
James 2 [SUP]20 [/SUP]But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
James 2 [SUP]24 [/SUP]You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
James 2 [SUP]26 [/SUP]For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Romans 2 [SUP]13 [/SUP](for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified;

So what is faith? Faith and Works are two sides of the same coin.

~~You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Chris1975 again.~~

 

[Grace777x70]

True faith will have a corresponding action of some kind. Let's look at what James says about faith & it's corresponding "work" in relation to having eternal life now and forever because we heard the message of Christ and believed on Him - then we are sealed with the Holy Spirit. Eph. 1:13

It is very interesting that in James's examples of faith "being made alive" by a work or a corresponding action. Both Rahab and Abraham each did a one time corresponding action to demonstrate their faith.

Abraham believed God and offered up Isaac on the alter. Rahab received the spies. Both one time events in their life - God calls this faith in action.


James 2:20-25 (NASB)
[SUP]20 [/SUP] But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?

[SUP]21 [/SUP] Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?

[SUP]22[/SUP]You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected;

[SUP]23 [/SUP] and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS," and he was called the friend of God.

[SUP]24 [/SUP] You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.

[SUP]25 [/SUP] In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?

Paul and James completely go together and do not cancel each other out nor contradict the basic truth of believing in Christ brings eternal life when we hear the true message of Christ's work and that we have the forgiveness of sins.

We do the very same thing when we hear the message of Christ and we believe and then God seals us with the Holy Spirit. This is our faith with a corresponding action or a "work".

Ephesians 1:13 (NASB)
[SUP]13 [/SUP] In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,

Jesus said to do the work of God was to believe in the Son.

Romans 10:8-10 (NASB)
[SUP]8 [/SUP] But what does it say? "THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART"—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching,

[SUP]9 [/SUP] that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

[SUP]10[/SUP]for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

This is faith with corresponding action - or a work. This is how we are saved by grace through faith just like Paul said.

James talk about "faith" and "works" is in relation to helping out our fellow man that is in need.

 

[Grace777x70]

An interesting fact about Abraham being declared righteous by God Himself is that he was declared to be righteous by God because Abraham "believed God " - 15 years before he "offered up Isaac".

His faith was completed as a result of already being declared righteous by God. Knowing the truth about what God says about us releases true faith to grow and be manifested. There is a false way of trying to create works in order to create and maintain righteousness. This is eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

True righteousness which comes only from God's work in Christ always comes when we believe what God says is true. There are "fruits of righteousness" as James talks about which shows up in helping our fellow man in need but they do not create righteousness.

Being righteous in Christ comes first because of His work on the cross and resurrection. Getting this backwards creates a religion of self-righteousness and actually denies the work of Christ Himself.

Preach and teach the good news that Christ alone is our righteousness and then the fruit of His life will be manifested in "deeds of righteousness" as He bears His fruit in and through us to a hurt and dying world that needs to see the love and grace that our loving Father has for them.

We will see corresponding action or works that glorify God.

 

[Stephen63]

It is very interesting that in James's examples of faith "being made alive" by a work or a corresponding action. Both Rahab and Abraham each did a one time corresponding action to demonstrate their faith.

Abraham believed God and offered up Isaac on the alter. Rahab received the spies. Both one time events in their life - God calls this faith in action.

I'm gonna be nice & ask for scripture references that provide evidence that what you're saying is true.

I think the readers deserve to see some proof, especially since I've seen you post this several times as if it's a well-known doctrine.

This isn't malice or slander, just a call on the carpet. I get called on the carpet all the time & have to give scripture to prove what I post.

 

[samuel23]

Hi Matt; I kind of disagree with this statement you made, we may sin, but we do it...because we want to sin. I do not believe there is a born again Christian out there who really loves God that wants to sin. Christians sometimes sin but not because they want to sin, we have a flesh nature that is actually part of our being and that part of our being does not want to serve God but wants to serve self and it does have an influence because it is actually part of what we are. Suppose someone cuts you off in traffic and almost causes a wreck and you hear yourself swear at them, you immediately repent and ask God for forgiveness. It is obvious that you did not want to commit that sin and was sorry for it. I agree with you that we should always stand against sin.

 

[Stephen63]

His faith was completed as a result of already being declared righteous by God. Knowing the truth about what God says about us releases true faith to grow and be manifested. There is a false way of trying to create works in order to create and maintain righteousness. This is eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

I don't understand these statements at all.

This makes no sense. It seems you are saying people are actually eating from the tree that was in Eden.

It doesn't sound like a symbolic statement.

Where is this teaching in the Bible?!?

 

[samuel23]

Hey Grace: I think I have a little insight about what James meant about faith and works. I think that James was pointing out that there is such a thing as faith in Christ that will not save you as opposed to the true faith in Christ that will save you. Let me give an example of the faith in Christ that will not save you. There are in this country what are called gay churches, there are gay people in those churches who call themselves Christian and they do have faith in Christ, they really do, but it is not the kind of faith that saves because it has no works, the required works in this case would be to reject the gay lifestyle and live for God.

 

[willybob]

Abraham's works were a continuum, he did the deeds of faith (steadfast faithfulness to God) and it was reckoned as righteous by God. not a one time thing by any means...John 8-39, 56, Abraham lived his life in faith and walked in the steps of faith, and he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; perceiving and fully persuaded that God could do what He promised in bringing him a son, therefore it was reckoned to him as righteousness.

in Gen 12 by faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he continued daily and sojourned in the land of promise For he looked for an heavenly city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,]

 

[UnderGrace]

A person has faith in Christ when they know and understand the gospel message, there is only one faith that saves.

The faith that God accepts is the faith accepts the free gift of salvation in Christ, knowing that one can never earn or attain a relationship with God apart from the finished work of the cross. When we believe and accept this free gift we are justified by God and God can now see Jesus' righteousness in us and we are restored to fellowship with Him

What James is writing about is how we are to be seen by the people around us who are not believers.

Our faith is to be displayed to other people by our works so that they may come to believe as well. Our works demonstrate our faith. James is not saying our works save us..... otherwise there would have been no need for Jesus to lead a perfect life, fulfill the law, be crucified and rise from the dead.

Salvation is given as a free gift to those who believe in what Jesus has accomplished on their behalf, it is not about changing your lifestyle...discipleship and learning to abide in Christ as a believer comes after one is saved.

Hey Grace: I think I have a little insight about what James meant about faith and works. I think that James was pointing out that there is such a thing as faith in Christ that will not save you as opposed to the true faith in Christ that will save you. Let me give an example of the faith in Christ that will not save you. There are in this country what are called gay churches, there are gay people in those churches who call themselves Christian and they do have faith in Christ, they really do, but it is not the kind of faith that saves because it has no works, the required works in this case would be to reject the gay lifestyle and live for God.

 

[samuel23]

Hey UG: I spent many hours coming up with what I have found, it is possible to actually have a form of faith in Christ and not be saved. The example of the gay churches is a good example, they do believe in Christ, but not enough to motivate then to do the work of changing their lifestyle. One needs to keep in mind that real faith in Christ does save you, totally apart from works. Taking this into account, James had to be addressing pseudo faith.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Faith is the foundation upon which our hope rests. Faith is an inner conviction of things not seen.

Hope is an expectation that God will fulfill that which He has promised, and an anticipation that those promises which have not yet been fulfilled will absolutely be accomplished by God.


Romans 8:

21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.


In Romans 8:21 and 23, we learn that we are still hoping (expecting, anticipating) the glorious liberty, the redemption of our body. This our ultimate hope. In this lifetime we have the firstfruits of the Spirit, the partial outpouring of the Spirit (in Eph 1:13-14 this is referred to as the holy Spirit of promise which is the earnest of our inheritance – the down payment of our inheritance).

While we're waiting for that ultimate hope, we also "hope" for God's promises to be fulfilled in this lifetime.

In Romans 8:24 we learn that "hope that is seen is not hope". If God has fulfilled a promise to us, we no longer need to hope for it. We have already received the benefit of that for which we at one time "hoped".

In Romans 8:25, we learn that as we "hope" for those things we do not "see" (glorious liberty, redemption of our body), we patiently wait because we know without a shadow of a doubt that our Father is faithful to that which He has promised.


Faith, hope, and love work hand-in-hand.

Love energizes faith (Gal 5:6);
Faith is the foundation upon which our hope rests (Heb 11:1);
Hope is expectant anticipation of fulfillment by God of His promises in which we place our faith (Rom 8:24-25).


1 Corinthians 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, (Gr. agape = love) these three; but the greatest of these is charity (Gr. agape = love).


And then there is patience, which is endurance, steadfastness, an undergirding which gives us the ability to endure until the ultimate fulfillment:

Hebrews 10:36-37 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

Romans 8:23-25New International Version (NIV)

23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

 

[Stephen63]

A person has faith in Christ when they know and understand the gospel message, there is only one faith that saves.

The faith that God accepts is the faith accepts the free gift of salvation in Christ, knowing that one can never earn or attain a relationship with God apart from the finished work of the cross. When we believe and accept this free gift we are justified by God and God can now see Jesus' righteousness in us and we are restored to fellowship with Him

What James is writing about is how we are to be seen by the people around us who are not believers.

Our faith is to be displayed to other people by our works so that they may come to believe as well. Our works demonstrate our faith. James is not saying our works save us..... otherwise there would have been no need for Jesus to lead a perfect life, fulfill the law, be crucified and rise from the dead.

Salvation is given as a free gift to those who believe in what Jesus has accomplished on their behalf, it is not about changing your lifestyle...discipleship and learning to abide in Christ as a believer comes after one is saved.

James 2:17
​

New International Version
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
New Living Translation
So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

English Standard Version
So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Berean Study Bible
So too, faith by itself, if it is not complemented by action, is dead.

Berean Literal Bible
So also, faith by itself if it has not works, is dead.

New American Standard Bible
Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.

King James Bible
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In the same way faith, if it doesn't have works, is dead by itself.

International Standard Version
In the same way, faith by itself, if it does not prove itself with actions, is dead.

NET Bible
So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead being by itself.

New Heart English Bible
Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
So also faith alone without works is dead.
GOD'S WORD® Translation
In the same way, faith by itself is dead if it doesn't cause you to do any good things.

Sounds pretty literal & to the point, if you ask me.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

The Bible says if anyone has this world's goods,and does not help the poor,then the love of God does not dwell in them,for love not in word only,but in deed and in truth.

Paul says,they have erred from the faith,and James says,faith without works is dead,and points out the lack of helping people with their needs.

God hates sin,and wants us to not do it.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for,the evidence of things not seen.

A lot of people say they have faith,but it appears as if faith does not count in a person's life unless they have the proper perspective of faith.

God's kingdom is based on love,so if a person has the means to help the poor and needy,but lack to do it,then they would not have the proper perspective of faith.

Because faith is the evidence of things not seen,so it testifies that God's kingdom is love,and creation testifies that there is a God who loves people,so to not have the proper perspective of God's kingdom that is based on love,would put a person lacking in faith,and by faith we are saved,and we are saved by grace through faith.

Faith is lacking,so is grace.

God hates sin,and if we hate sin,do not want sin,want to represent goodness,and be Christlike,by the Spirit we can do that.

Creation testifies that God hates sin,for it is a testimony to all that are ungodly,and unrighteous,and the Bible says God hates sin,and does not want us to do it.

So to not have the proper perspective of God,that He hates sin,and does not want us to sin,would put a person that engages in sin willfully as lacking in faith.

2Co 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.

So it is not hard to know if we are in the faith,for we examine ourselves and see if there is anything lacking,for if our faith was ironclad,and unshakeable,we would not have to examine ourselves to see if we are in faith,and if this faith comes from God with no choice of us,then we would not have to examine ourselves.

If someone does not have the proper perspective of faith,they are lacking faith,and you have the prosperity Gospel,a big faith lacker,violating God's kingdom of love,and people who say we cannot abstain from sin,and sin does not affect our relationship with God,a big faith lacker,for God hates sin,and wants us to abstain from sin by the Spirit.

The thing is we may sin,but we do it,not because we cannot abstain from sin,but because we want to sin.

Some people do not even try very hard to beat some sins,or do not try to beat them at all,but willfully do them,and then say,we cannot abstain from sin.

At least try to beat sin,for even the world can beat sin if they want to beat sin.

Very true good post

 

[followjesus]

Abraham's works were a continuum, he did the deeds of faith (steadfast faithfulness to God) and it was reckoned as righteous by God. not a one time thing by any means...John 8-39, 56, Abraham lived his life in faith and walked in the steps of faith, and he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; perceiving and fully persuaded that God could do what He promised in bringing him a son, therefore it was reckoned to him as righteousness.

in Gen 12 by faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he continued daily and sojourned in the land of promise For he looked for an heavenly city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,]

abrams first encounter recorded in scripture

Gensis 12:1-4 "Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:2And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:3And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.4So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran."


Faith.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

abrams first encounter recorded in scripture

Gensis 12:1-4 "Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:2And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:3And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.4So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran."


Faith.

Thats true faith to move as the Lord speaks to us.

Lord you want me to go into a 3rd world country to help save children from child trafficking? Lord let it be your will, here I go....


Instead of Lord im too busy, someone else will do it, im scared, maybe when I retire, or have enough money, or enough blah blah blah.
Sounds like the person Jesus told the dead will bury themselves.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

Thats true faith to move as the Lord speaks to us.

Lord you want me to go into a 3rd world country to help save children from child trafficking? Lord let it be your will, here I go....


Instead of Lord im too busy, someone else will do it, im scared, maybe when I retire, or have enough money, or enough blah blah blah.
Sounds like the person Jesus told the dead will bury themselves.

Needless to say God also works in our fears and weaknesses if we truly want him to.

Look at how many times God worked with Gideon to help him in fear and personal inadequacies. Then later Gideon became a great warrior.

 

[reneweddaybyday]

2Co 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.

So it is not hard to know if we are in the faith,for we examine ourselves and see if there is anything lacking,for if our faith was ironclad,and unshakeable,we would not have to examine ourselves to see if we are in faith,and if this faith comes from God with no choice of us,then we would not have to examine ourselves.

If we begin reading in 2 Cor 13:3 we see that Paul was called on the carpet by the church at Corinth as to his authority:


2 Corinthians 13:3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me ...


In earlier chapters, Paul's ministry as an apostle had been called into question (2 Cor 11:5, 2 Cor 12:11-12).


The Corinthian church asked for proof of Christ speaking in Paul (2 Cor 13:3).


In 1 Corinthians 13:5 Paul tells them Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?


Paul basically tells them "Rather than ask me for proof that Christ is in me, you prove your own selves. And if you don't know that Jesus Christ is in you, you are reprobate".


And then Paul tells them in verse 6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.


So once Paul returns to Corinth, they will know that he and his company are not reprobates. In other words, they will have the proof of Christ speaking in Paul once they see him in person.

 

[reneweddaybyday]

Romans 8:23-25New International Version (NIV)

23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Good Word ... thanks for that!