What is the Kingdom of God?

[Johann]

The faith belongs to Christ...although we can walk IN Him (to walk as He walked). Christ-faith

I believe we should look at how the prepositions are used in Scripture-not only in Gal 2.16-as well as the Imperatives.

FAITH, BELIEVE, OR TRUST

A. This is such an important term in the Bible (cf. Heb. 11:1,6). It is the subject of Jesus' early preaching (cf. Mark 1:15). There are at least two new covenant requirements: repentance and faith (Mark 1:15; Acts 3:16,19; 20:21).



B. Its etymology

1. The term "faith" in the OT meant loyalty, fidelity, or trustworthiness and was a description of God's nature, not ours.

2. It came from a Hebrew term (emun, emunah, BDB 53, i.e., Hab. 2:4), which originally meant "to be sure or stable." Saving faith is

a. a person to welcome (i.e., personal trust, faith, cf. E. 1. below)

b. believing truths about that person (i.e., Scripture, cf. E. 5. below)

c. living a life like that person (i.e., Christlikeness)



C. Its OT usage

It must be emphasized that Abraham's faith was not in a future Messiah, but in God's promise that he would have a child and descendants (cf. Genesis 12:2; 15:2-5; 17:4-8; 18:14; Rom. 4:1-5). Abraham responded to this promise by trusting in God and His word. He still had doubts and concerns regarding this promise, which took thirteen years to be fulfilled. His imperfect faith, however, was accepted by God. God is willing to work with flawed human beings who respond to Him and His promises in faith, even if it is the size of a mustard seed (cf. Matt. 17:20) or mixed faith (cf. Mark 9:22-24).



D. Its NT usage

The term "believe" is from the Greek verb pisteuō or noun pistis, which is translated into English as "believe," "faith," or "trust." For example, the noun does not occur in the Gospel of John, but the verb is used often. In John 2:23-25 there is uncertainty as to the genuineness of the crowd's commitment to Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah. Other examples of this superficial use of the term "believe" are in John 8:31-59 and Acts 8:13, 18-24. True biblical faith is more than an initial response. It must be followed by a process of discipleship (cf. Matt. 13:20-23,31-32; 28:19-20).



E. Its use with prepositions

1. eis means "into." This unique construction emphasizes believers putting their trust/faith in Jesus

a. into His name (John 1:12; 2:23; 3:18; 1 John 5:13)

b. into Him (John 2:11; 3:15,18; 4:39; 6:40; 7:5,31,39,48; 8:30; 9:36; 10:42; 11:45,48; 12:37,42; Matt. 18:6; Acts 10:43; Phil. 1:29; 1 Pet. 1:8)

c. into Me (John 6:35; 7:38; 11:25,26; 12:44,46; 14:1,12; 16:9; 17:20)

d. into the Son (John 3:36; 9:35; 1 John 5:10)

e. into Jesus (John 12:11; Acts 19:4; Gal. 2:16)

f. into Light (John 12:36)

g. into God (John 14:1)

2. ev means "in" as in John 3:15; Mark 1:15; Acts 5:14

3. epi means "in" or "upon," as in Matt. 27:42; Acts 9:42; 11:17; 16:31; 22:19; Rom. 4:5,24; 9:33; 10:11; 1 Tim. 1:16; 1 Pet. 2:6

4. the dative case with no preposition as in John 4:50; Gal. 3:6; Acts 18:8; 27:25; 1 John 3:23; 5:10

5. hoti, which means "believe that," gives content as to what to believe

a. Jesus is the Holy One of God (John 6:69)

b. Jesus is the I Am (John 8:24)

c. Jesus is in the Father and the Father is in Him (John 10:38)

d. Jesus is the Messiah (John 11:27; 20:31)

e. Jesus is the Son of God (John 11:27; 20:31)

f. Jesus was sent by the Father (John 11:42; 17:8,21)

g. Jesus is one with the Father (John 14:10-11)

h. Jesus came from the Father (John 16:27,30)

i. Jesus identified Himself in the covenant name of the Father, "I Am" (John 8:24; 13:19)

j. We will live with Him (Rom. 6:8)

k. Jesus died and rose again (1 Thess. 4:14)

To be continued--

 

[Johann]

Believe, Trust, Faith, and Faithfulness in the Old Testament

I. Opening Statement

It needs to be stated that the use of this theological concept, so crucial to the NT, is not as clearly defined in the OT. It is surely there, but demonstrated in key selected passages and persons.

The OT blends

A. the individual and the community

B. the personal encounter and covenant obedience

Faith is both personal encounter and daily lifestyle! It is easier to describe in the life of a faithful follower than in a lexical form (i.e., word study). This personal aspect is best illustrated in

A. Abraham and his seed

B. David and Israel

These men met/encountered God and their lives were permanently changed (not perfect lives, but continuing faith). Testing revealed weaknesses and strengths of their faith encounter with God, but the intimate, trusting relationship continued through time! It was tested and refined, but it continued as evidenced by their devotion and lifestyle.



II. Main root used

A. אמן (BDB 52, KB 63)

1. verb

a. Qal stem – to support, to nourish (i.e., 2 Kgs. 10:1,5; Esther 2:7, the non-theological usage)

b. Niphal stem – to make sure or firm, to establish, to confirm, to be faithful or trustworthy

(1) of men, Isa. 8:2; 53:1; Jer. 40:14

(2) of things, Isa. 22:23

(3) of God, Deut. 7:9; Isa. 49:7; Jer. 42:5

c. Hiphil stem – to stand firm, to believe, to trust

(1) Abraham believed God, Gen. 15:6

(2) the Israelites in Egypt believed, Exod. 4:31; 14:31 (negated in Deut. 1:32)

(3) Israelites believed YHWH spoke through Moses, Exod. 19:9; Ps. 106:12,24

(4) Ahaz did not trust in God, Isa 7:9

(5) whoever believes in it/him, Isa. 28:16

(6) believe truths about God, Isa. 43:10-12

2. noun (masculine) – faithfulness (i.e., Deut. 32:20; Isa. 25:1; 26:2)

3. adverb – truly, verily, I agree, may it be so (cf. Deut. 27:15-26; 1 Kgs. 1:36; 1 Chr. 16:36; Isa. 65:16; Jer. 11:5; 28:6). This is the liturgical use of "amen" in the OT and NT.

B. אמת (BDB 54, KB 68) feminine noun, firmness, faithfulness, truth

1. of men, Isa. 10:20; 42:3; 48:1

2. of God, Exod. 34:6; Ps. 117:2; Isa. 38:18,19; 61:8

3. of truth, Deut. 32:4; 1 Kgs. 22:16; Ps. 33:4; 98:3; 100:5; 119:30; Jer. 9:5; Zech. 8:16

C. אמונה (BDB 53, KB 62), firmness, steadfastness, fidelity

1. of hands, Exod. 17:12

2. of times, Isa. 33:6

3. of humans, Jer. 5:3; 7:28; 9:2

4. of God, Ps. 40:11; 88:11; 89:1,2,5,8; 119:138



III. Paul’s use of this OT concept

A. Paul bases his new understanding of YHWH and the OT on his personal encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (cf. Acts 9:1-19; 22:3-16; 26:9-18).

B. He found OT support for his new understanding in two key OT passages which use the root (אמן).

1. Gen. 15:6 – Abram’s personal encounter initiated by God (Genesis 12) resulted in an obedient life of faith (Genesis 12-22). Paul alludes to this in Romans 4 and Galatians 3.

2. Isa. 28:16 – those who believe in it (i.e., God’s tested and firmly placed cornerstone) will never be

a. Rom. 9:33, "put to shame" or "be disappointed"

b. Rom. 10:11, same as above

3. Hab. 2:4 – those who know the faithful God should live faithful lives (cf. Jer. 7:28). Paul uses this text in Rom. 1:17 and Gal. 3:11 (also note Heb. 10:38).



IV. Peter’s use of the OT concept

A. Peter combines

1. Isa. 8:14 – 1 Pet. 2:8 (stumbling block)

2. Isa. 28:16 – 1 Pet. 2:6 (cornerstone)

3. Ps. 118:22 – 1 Pet 2:7 (rejected stone)

B. He turns the unique language that describes Israel, "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession" from

1. Deut. 10:15; Isa. 43:21

2. Isa. 61:6; 66:21

3. Exod. 19:6; Deut. 7:6

and now uses it for the church’s faith in Christ (cf. 1 Pet. 2;5,9

V. John’s use of the concept

A. Its NT usage

The term "believed" is from the Greek term pisteuō. which can also be translated "believe," "faith," or "trust." For example, the noun does not occur in the Gospel of John, but the verb is used often. In John 2:23-25 there is uncertainty as to the genuineness of the crowd’s commitment to Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah. Other examples of this superficial use of the term "believe" are in John 8:31-59 and Acts 8:13, 18-24. True biblical faith is more than an initial response. It must be followed by a process of discipleship (cf. Matt. 13:20-22,31-32).

B. Its use with prepositions

1. eis means "into." This unique construction emphasizes believers putting their trust/faith in Jesus

a. into His name (John 1:12; 2:23; 3:18; 1 John 5:13)

b. into Him (John 2:11; 3:15,18; 4:39; 6:40; 7:5,31,39,48; 8:30; 9:36; 10:42; 11:45 48; 12:37,42; Matt. 18:6; Acts 10:43; Phil. 1:29; 1 Pet. 1:8)

c. into Me (John 6:35; 7:38; 11:25,26; 12:44,46; 14:1,12; 16:9; 17:20)

d. into the Son (John 3:36; 9:35; 1 John 5:10)

e. into Jesus (John 12:11; Acts 19:4; Gal. 2:16)

f. into Light (John 12:36)

g. into God (John 14:1)

2. ev means "in" as in John 3:15; Mark 1:15; Acts 5:14

3. epi means "in" or "upon," as in Matt. 27:42; Acts 9:42; 11:17; 16:31; 22:19; Rom. 4:5, 24; 9:33; 10:11; 1 Tim. 1:16; 1 Pet. 2:6

4. the dative case with no preposition as in Gal. 3:6; Acts 18:8; 27:25; 1 John 3:23; 5:10

5. hoti, which means "believe that," gives content as to what to believe

a. Jesus is the Holy One of God (John 6:69)

b. Jesus is the I Am (John 8:24)

c. Jesus is in the Father and the Father is in Him (John 10:38)

d. Jesus is the Messiah (John 11:27; 20:31)

e. Jesus is the Son of God (John 11:27; 20:31)

f. Jesus was sent by the Father (John 11:42; 17:8,21)

g. Jesus is one with the Father (John 14:10-11)

h. Jesus came from the Father (John 16:27,30)

i. Jesus identified Himself in the covenant name of the Father, "I Am" (John 8:24; 13:19)

j. We will live with Him (Rom. 6:8)

k. Jesus died and rose again (1 Thess. 4:14)



VI. Conclusion

A. Biblical faith is the human response to a divine word/promise. God always initiates (i.e., John 6:44,65), but part of this divine communication is the need for humans to respond--

1. repentance

2. faith/trust

3. obedience

4. perseverance

B. Biblical faith is

1. a personal relationship (initial faith)

2. an affirmation of biblical truth (faith in God’s revelation, i.e., Scripture)

3. an appropriate obedient response to it (daily faithfulness)

Biblical faith is not a ticket to heaven or an insurance policy. It is a personal relationship. This is the purpose of creation, humans being made in the image and likeness (cf. Gen. 1:26-27) of God. The issue is "intimacy." God desires fellowship, not a certain theological standing

But fellowship with a holy God demands that the children demonstrate the "family" characteristics (i.e., holiness, cf. Lev. 19:2; Matt. 5:48; 1 Pet. 1:15-16). The Fall (cf. Genesis 3) affected our ability to respond appropriately. Therefore, God acted on our behalf (cf. Ezek. 36:27-38), giving us a "new heart" and a "new spirit," which enables us through faith and repentance to fellowship with Him and obey Him!

All three are crucial. All three must be maintained. The goal is to know God (both Hebrew and Greek senses) and to reflect His character in our lives. The goal of faith is not heaven someday, but Christlikeness every day!

C. Human faithfulness is the result (NT), not the basis (OT) for a relationship with God: human’s faith in His faithfulness; human’s trust in His trustworthiness. The heart of the NT view of salvation is that humans must respond initially and continually to the grace and mercy of God, demonstrated in Christ. He has loved, He has sent, He has provided; we must respond in faith and faithfulness (cf. Eph. 2:8-9 and 10)!

The faithful God wants a faithful people to reveal Himself to a faithless world and bring them to personal faith in Him.

Shalom brother.

 

[Ritajanice]

Unless your bankrupt. You will not come to Christ

Please post scripture to support what you say above?

 

[Johann]

Jud 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

contend -- from the word "agonize", an athletic word, to strive for, fight for, "wage war against error." 1Th_2:4.
The reason to contend: the entrance of wicked false teachers, Jud_1:4.

the faith -- In the NT, “faith” usually refers to the act of believing [or trusting], while the faith refers to the content of Christian belief. - NLTSB

the faith -- is the body of truths taught by the apostles. The term “the faith,” used also in Gal_1:23 and 1Ti_4:1, refers to things believed. The false teachings of the apostates called for the believers to contend (epagōnizesthai, “agonize earnestly”) with all diligence in defense of those truths, which ungodly men were trying to destroy. In effect Jude said, “Let us hold firmly to the faith we profess” (Heb_4:14). - BKC

once for all delivered … saints. God’s revelation was delivered once as a unit, at the completion of the Scripture, and is not to be edited by either deletion or addition (cf. Deu_4:2; Deu_12:32; Pro_30:6; Rev_22:18-19).

Scripture is complete, sufficient, and finished; therefore it is fixed for all time. Nothing is to be added to the body of the inspired Word (see notes on 2Ti_3:16-17; 2Pe_1:19-21) because nothing else is needed. It is the responsibility of believers now to study the Word (2Ti_2:15), preach the Word (2Ti_4:2), and fight for its preservation. - MSB

Shalom.
Johann.

 

[Johann]

Jud 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

contend -- from the word "agonize", an athletic word, to strive for, fight for, "wage war against error." 1Th_2:4.
The reason to contend: the entrance of wicked false teachers, Jud_1:4.

the faith -- In the NT, “faith” usually refers to the act of believing [or trusting], while the faith refers to the content of Christian belief. - NLTSB

the faith -- is the body of truths taught by the apostles. The term “the faith,” used also in Gal_1:23 and 1Ti_4:1, refers to things believed. The false teachings of the apostates called for the believers to contend (epagōnizesthai, “agonize earnestly”) with all diligence in defense of those truths, which ungodly men were trying to destroy. In effect Jude said, “Let us hold firmly to the faith we profess” (Heb_4:14). - BKC

once for all delivered … saints. God’s revelation was delivered once as a unit, at the completion of the Scripture, and is not to be edited by either deletion or addition (cf. Deu_4:2; Deu_12:32; Pro_30:6; Rev_22:18-19).

Scripture is complete, sufficient, and finished; therefore it is fixed for all time. Nothing is to be added to the body of the inspired Word (see notes on 2Ti_3:16-17; 2Pe_1:19-21) because nothing else is needed. It is the responsibility of believers now to study the Word (2Ti_2:15), preach the Word (2Ti_4:2), and fight for its preservation. - MSB

Shalom.
Johann.

 

[Mr E]

I am beginning to see that he just wants to make fun of everything

Maybe you two should start a club? Or maybe you and @Johann prefer dancing in the dark.... cheek to cheek.

 

[Mr E]

@Mr E has great humour unfortunately some don’t know the word humour...do they mr E..hehehe.

---that's kind of what makes it fun.

I'm going to slip out and leave these two alone, for some private time. @Johann can pull out his guitar and serendade @Eternally Grateful till the setting or the rising of the sun--- or both.

 

[Ritajanice]

---that's kind of what makes it fun.

I'm going to slip out and leave these two alone, for some private time. @Johann can pull out his guitar and serendade @Eternally Grateful till the setting or the rising of the sun--- or both.

 

[Big Boy Johnson]

The Wide and the Narrow Gate l Voddie Baucham

Posting videos by known false teachers who be teachin false doctrine... doesn't help your argument at all.

 

[amadeus]

Was john the baptist Killed? so that Christ could increase?

Sorry, I disagree.

John did not say I needed to die so that Jesus could be raised up.

He said he must decrease.. His power and his fame needed to decrease, he needed to point people to Christ and away from Him.

Methinks you misunderstand me. Jesus overcame his last temptation, I believe, prior to going to the cross to be crucified. I see it as being here after the third: "as thou willt":

Mt 26:39

And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Here he confirms that he was finally victorious:

Joh 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

He had overcome the world of his own temptations, but again, the cross was still before him. He had to go there and submit to that for you and me so that we might be able to do what he has done... overcome. Here he confirms the difference between himself and us:

Joh 17:11

And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

But the promise for us is seen here:

1jo 3:2

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

 

[Urok]

My friend told me the Kingdom of God is EVERYTHING That Belongs to God.

(Heaven, Angels, Animals, Saints, Technology, All Data/Content/Word in Harmony with Trinity God)

Peace

 

[Eternally Grateful]

Please post scripture to support what you say above?

I did already

Jesus said unless we become poor (literally bankrupt) we will not see the kingdom of God

 

[Eternally Grateful]

Maybe you two should start a club? Or maybe you and @Johann prefer dancing in the dark.... cheek to cheek.

So your going to prove what I said is true?

thank you

 

[Eternally Grateful]

---that's kind of what makes it fun.

I'm going to slip out and leave these two alone, for some private time. @Johann can pull out his guitar and serendade @Eternally Grateful till the setting or the rising of the sun--- or both.

Yeah, let’s act like a bully

Good day sir..

 

[Big Boy Johnson]

Jesus said unless we become poor (literally bankrupt) we will not see the kingdom of God

That's false... there are teachings in God's Word on how to property handle money... so He never once taught you have to have zero possessions in this world to be saved.

Now we should live as though money is meaningless as to not be servants to riches... but in this world we cannot take the Gospel to the world without money since this world we live in operates on a money system where one must have money to eat and to have the things we need to survive.

2 Thessalonians 3:10
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

1 Timothy 5:18
For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”

There's a lot of things that would not be in God's Word if He required us to have NO possessions in order to be saved, so this is a false humility.

I see you obviously don't practice what you preach since you have a computer and pay for internet service... whassup with that man?

 

[Mr E]

Yeah, let’s act like a bully

Good day sir..

Yeah…. Let’s have NO sense of humor at all.

That’s attractive.

Being perpetually offended isn’t a good witness. It’s just not a good look for a Christian. It’s rather pathetic.

 

[Lizbeth]

Even so what?

I just posted Gods word, now you challenge it, I believe the word of God...you obviously don’t, because you keep fighting against the scripture I post...I believe Gods word .

I guess we are all at different levels of understanding....

Once again...I’m not in the “ flesh” I’m in the “ Spirit “ ...Gods Living word...I received it and believe it in my heart..sorry if you don’t.

Sister, I believe the "yes but not yet" of things can be applied to what is being discussed. Scripture says All things have been put under the feet of Christ, but we do not yet "see" all things put under. If we apply that to ourselves personally....then there is room to grow in what we have received.....to apprehend/manifest what we have received but do not yet necessarily see and manifest fully. I hope that makes sense.

 

[Episkopos]

Sister, I believe the "yes but not yet" of things can be applied to what is being discussed. Scripture says All things have been put under the feet of Christ, but we do not yet "see" all things put under. If we apply that to ourselves personally....then there is room to grow in what we have received.....to apprehend/manifest what we have received but do not yet necessarily see and manifest fully. I hope that makes sense.

Don't confuse progression in righteousness with a progression in holiness. The bible talks about instruction in righteousness...but no one can be instructed in holiness. One is either holy or not. One is either abiding in Christ, or not. One is either walking free from sin, or else walking in the power of the flesh. The flesh and the Spirit war against each other. When that is taking place within a believer, that one is not IN the Spirit. That one is outside of holiness...struggling to keep righteousness.

However, in holiness one doesn't struggle in righteousness (at least not until tempted by the devil like Jesus was in the desert) since that one is COVERED by God's righteousness so as to walk exactly as Jesus walked.

He that says he abides in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

People miss the depth of this because they assume they are already understanding the depth of the gospel by comparing their present walk to a diminished interpretation of the word that they feel justifies them. But that is a test of faith. Many will say on that day...Lord Lord...

We only retain a righteous standing with God when we remain humble and fear God...not lowering God's standard to what we can do in our human efforts. The temptation to declare ourselves righteous by naming and claiming is just too great for some.

 

[Eternally Grateful]

Methinks you misunderstand me. Jesus overcame his last temptation, I believe, prior to going to the cross to be crucified. I see it as being here after the third: "as thou willt":

Mt 26:39

And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Here he confirms that he was finally victorious:

Joh 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

He had overcome the world of his own temptations, but again, the cross was still before him. He had to go there and submit to that for you and me so that we might be able to do what he has done... overcome. Here he confirms the difference between himself and us:

Joh 17:11

And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

But the promise for us is seen here:

1jo 3:2

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

I agree here

But I do not see how this relates to John the baptist saying he must decrease.

Think what would happen if John kept pushing, to get followers for him, and did not point to Christ.

This is what he meant, His job was done, It was time to back out of the way, and let the person he pointed to take over..

 

[Eternally Grateful]

That's false... there are teachings in God's Word on how to property handle money... so He never once taught you have to have zero possessions in this world to be saved.

Now we should live as though money is meaningless as to not be servants to riches... but in this world we cannot take the Gospel to the world without money since this world we live in operates on a money system where one must have money to eat and to have the things we need to survive.

2 Thessalonians 3:10
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

1 Timothy 5:18
For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”

There's a lot of things that would not be in God's Word if He required us to have NO possessions in order to be saved, so this is a false humility.

I see you obviously don't practice what you preach since you have a computer and pay for internet service... whassup with that man?

What I said went way over your head.

I did not talk about money or any financial thing.

I spoke of becoming spiritually bankrupt. Does this sound familiar to you? Did you become bancrupt when you came to Christ?