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The Prime Principle of Christianity
The word principle conveys what is a rule or tenet of any particular system, structure, or organism that, when activated or utilized, contributes to the opening or understanding and securing or establishment of the system, structure, or organism. The word prime conveys that which leads, i.e., that which is foundational, the most significant, the most important. To put it another way, the prime principle is the key that will unlock and enable that which otherwise would remain locked, i.e., unknown, confounded and unachievable.
The foundation of Christianity is indeed a mystery to this world system. It embodies and is solely based upon the revelation from the Living God, the Creator of all that exists. It encompasses Gods plan for man, mans fall from Gods plan, and Gods following and complete redemptive plan for man. Yet, it remains a mystery for the natural man who is dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1) and who does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them (1 Corinthians 2:24).
(This foundation is further discussed in an associated study entitled The Pinnacle of Christianity, which may be reviewed at the following link: http://bibleone.net/The-Pinnacle-of-Christianity3.htm.)
Utilizing only his own intellectual and scientific resources, man is unable to comprehend God and His eternal Truth regarding the foundational purpose and plan for the human race. Mans only hope, his only means, is to employ the key the prime principle that will unlock the mystery of God and His plan for man.
Indeed, if this crucial standard would have been exercised at the very beginning by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, this world system would not have been transformed into a most horrific degenerate state. So the question is, What is the prime principle, the key to unlocking the truth of God and His Word for all mankind?
The key, the prime principle that must be utilized for man to apprehend (understand and connect to) God is to only believe (to accept or regard as true) what God has to say about a matter. This key may appear to be simplistic, but it is profound beyond mans rational capacity. To put it another way, one must solely exercise faith. Although this may not comport with mans intellect or worldly experience, it definitely is the only means for a person to connect with the Living God, his Creator.
Man was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26, 27), and the key [prime principle] discussed here is an extension of a most significant aspect of Gods image the freedom (ability) to choose between opposing positions. Truthfully, a persons actions do reveal what he or she believes. If Eve would only have chosen to believe God, she would never have accepted and followed the words of the serpent in the Garden (Genesis 3). The Fall of man would never have taken place and this world system would never have mutated into its present condition. It all depended upon the foundational, the prime principle, which is to believe (exercise faith in) what God had to say about a matter.
When you think about it, nothing brings more honor and satisfaction to a father and mother than when their children believe what they tell them. Conversely, when children reject the guidance and instruction of their parents, it most always brings forth disappointment and sorrow to the parents as well as damage and eventual discomfort to the children.
Gods Word, the Holy Bible, is a book containing Gods revelation to man, which can only be apprehended (understood) by and through faith. The word faith conveys the concept that one simply and solely believes what God has to say about a matter, nothing more or less. It is the only vehicle that man can employ to please his Creator. It is the only vehicle man can employ that will release the shackles of darkness that impair spiritual insight. Once a person exercises faith, God will complete the transaction by granting him spiritual access and an avenue of increasing enlightenment.
Faith in Christ and His substitutionary redemptive work for man on Calvarys Cross is the sole basis for mans spiritual (eternal) salvation. A person who is dead in trespasses and sins can only be made spiritually alive through the vehicle of faith, i.e., making the conscious decision to trust (believe) in Christ and His work on the Cross for his eternal salvation (Ephesians 2:1; 8, 9; John 3:16-18; Acts 16:30, 31). Nothing else will accomplish this most important spiritual transition, a transition that is everlasting, unalterable by man or God.
Subsequent to mans spiritual salvation, the only way he will be able to achieve the salvation of his soul (sanctification), which only relates to his participation (or lack of it) as part of the bride of Christ during the coming Messianic Era (the thousand year reign of Christ upon the earth), is to walk by faith in Christ, the Word of God (John 17:17; Colossians 2:6; James 1:21).
(The comprehensive plan of salvation for man, a tripartite being consisting of spirit, soul, and body, may be acquired at the following link: http://bibleone.net/SOS.htm.)
During this lifetime, a person only has one avenue that will connect him to God and allow his affective participation with God his Creator. It is the avenue of faith, to actually believe what God has to say about a matter. For this avenue to be effective it must be concretely based on the Word of God, which in written form clearly reveals the Living Word of God, Christ Jesus.
Christians who seriously study and exercise faith (believe what God has to say about a matter) in Gods Word assuredly secure the salvation of their souls (James 1:21; Hebrews 10:38, 39), which will insure their approval at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10), resulting in their participation with Him as His bride in the coming Messianic Era (Revelation 19:7; 20:4; 2 Timothy 2:12).
Finally, a few remarks should be made as to what indicates or reflects a proper faith (believing) in what God has to say about a matter. Probably the best example of this is found in the deportment and behavior of the centurion as reported in Matthew 8:5-13. Once the centurion informed Christ of his suffering servant and heard Christ state that He would come and heal him, the centurion expressed full confidence that all that Christ needed to do was to only speak a word and his servant would be healed. To this, Christ declared, Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! In other words, the centurion simply took a position of rest (comfort) in Gods Word. He needed no further effort or demonstration. He exercised no anxiety or continuing concern. He simply knew that the Word of God was sufficient. There was no need to be concerned about the matter. When a Christian in faith asks God for an answer to a specific situation in his life, he should from that time forward take rest and not continue in doubt regarding the issue. He should automatically know that God will most certainly respond appropriately regarding the matter at hand.
Such is the prime principle of Christianity. Nothing else will lead to spiritual success. The Bible is profuse with the concept. The remainder of this document will list many, if not most, of the passages of Scripture dealing with faith, which hopefully the reader will absorb and utilize in further study and spiritual growth.
Passages of Faith
Genesis 15:6 (Romans 4:3, 9, 22; Galatians 3:6; James 2:23) And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
Psalm 37:3, 5 Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. . . . (5) Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.
Proverbs 3:5, 6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; (6) in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Jeremiah 17:7 (Psalm 2:12; 34:8; 125:1; 146:5; Proverbs 16:20) Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD.
Habakkuk 2:4 (John 3:36; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38) Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith.
Matthew 6:30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Matthew 8:5-13 Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, (6) saying, Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented. (7) And Jesus said to him, I will come and heal him. (8) The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. (9) For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he does it. (10) When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! (11) And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. (12) But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (13) Then Jesus said to the centurion, Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you. And his servant was healed that same hour.
Matthew 8:26 But He said to them, Why are you fearful, O you of little faith? Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
Matthew 9:2 Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.
Matthew 9:22 (Luke 7:50; 8:48; 17:19; 18:42) But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well. And the woman was made well from that hour.
Matthew 9:28, 29 And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, Do you believe that I am able to do this? They said to Him, Yes, Lord. (29) Then He touched their eyes, saying, According to your faith let it be to you.
Matthew 13:58 Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Matthew 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt?
Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus answered and said to her, O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire. And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
Matthew 16:8 But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread?
Matthew 17:20 (Matthew 21:21; Mark 11:23; Luke 17:6) So Jesus said to them, Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
Matthew 21:21, 22 So Jesus answered and said to them, Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, Be removed and be cast into the sea, it will be done. (22) And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.
Mark 1:15b (Acts 20:21) The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.
Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, Son, your sins are forgiven you.
Mark 4:40 But He said to them, Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?
Mark 5:34, 36 And He said to her, Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.. . . (36) As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, Do not be afraid; only believe.
Mark 9:23, 24, 42 Jesus said to him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. (24) Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!. . . (42) But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.
Mark 10:52 Then Jesus said to him, Go your way; your faith has made you well. And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.
Mark 11:22-24 (1 Timothy 2:8; James 1:5, 6) So Jesus answered and said to them, Have faith in God. (23) For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, Be removed and be cast into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. (24) Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
Mark 16:16 (John 3:18, 36) He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
Luke 1:45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.
Luke 5:20 When He saw their faith, He said to him, Man, your sins are forgiven you.
Luke 7:9, 50 When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! . . . (50) Then He said to the woman, Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.
Luke 8:12, 25, 28, 48, 50 Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. . . . (25) But He said to them, Where is your faith? And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!. . . (28) If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? . . . (48) And He said to her, Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace. . . . (50) But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.
Luke 17:5, 6, 19 And the apostles said to the Lord, Increase our faith. (6) So the Lord said, If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea, and it would obey you.. . . (19) And He said to him, Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.
Luke 18:8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?
Luke 18:42 Then Jesus said to him, Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.
John 1:7, 12 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. (12) But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.
John 2:23 Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did.
John 3:14-18, 36 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, (15) that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. (16) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (17) For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (18) He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. . . . (36) He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.
John 4:39, 42, 49, 50, 53 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, He told me all that I ever did.. . . (42) Then they said to the woman, Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.. . . (49) The nobleman said to Him, Sir, come down before my child dies! (50) Jesus said to him, Go your way; your son lives. So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. . . . (53) So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, Your son lives. And he himself believed, and his whole household.
John 5:24, 38, 46, 47 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. . . . (38) But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. . . . (46) For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. (47) But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?
John 6:29, 35, 40, 47, 69 (Matthew 16:16; Mark 8:29; Luke 9:20; John 1:49; 11:27) Jesus answered and said to them, This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.. . . (35) And Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. . . . (40) And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day. . . . (47) Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. . . . (69) Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
John 7:38, 39 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. (39) But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
John 8:24 Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.
John 9:35, 38 (Matthew 14:33; 16:16; Mark 1:1; John 10:36; 1 John 5:13) Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, Do you believe in the Son of God?. . . (38) Then he said, Lord, I believe! And he worshiped Him.
John 10:24-28, 37, 38 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly. (25) Jesus answered them, I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Fathers name, they bear witness of Me. (26) But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. (27) My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. (28) And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.. . . (37) If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; (38) but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.
John 11:25-27, 40 Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. (26) And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this? (27) She said to Him, Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.. . . (40) Jesus said to her, Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?
John 12:36, 44, 46 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light. These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them. . . . (44) Then Jesus cried out and said, He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me.. . . (46) I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.
John 14:11, 12 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves. (12) Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
John 16:8a, 9, 27, 31 And when He [Holy Spirit] has come, He will convict the world of sin . . . (9) of sin, because they do not believe in Me . . . (27) for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God. . . . (31) Jesus answered them, Do you now believe?
John 17:20 I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word.
John 20:29-31 Jesus said to him, Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. (30) And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; (31) but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.
Acts 2:21 (Romans 10:13, 14a) And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.
Acts 8:37 Then Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Acts 9:42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.
Acts 10:43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.
Acts 11:17, 21 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God? . . . (21) And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
Acts 13:38, 39, 48 (Romans 3:28; 8:3; Hebrews 7:19) Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; (39) and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. . . . (48) Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.
Acts 14:23 So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Acts 15:7-9 And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. (8) So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, (9) and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Acts 16:30, 31, 34 And he brought them out and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (31) So they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household. . . . (34) Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.
Acts 18:8, 27 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized. . . . (27) And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace.
Acts 19:4 Then Paul said, John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
Acts 20:21 (Mark 1:15) Testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 22:19 So I said, Lord, they know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believe on You.
Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.
Romans 1:8 (Colossians 1:3, 4; 1 Thessalonians 1:8) First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
Romans 1:16, 17 (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 2:9; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. (17) For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Romans 3:21-30 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, (22) even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; (23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (24) being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, (25) whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, (26) to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (27) Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. (28) Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. (29) Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, (30) since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.
Romans 4:1-25 (Genesis 15:6; 2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; Romans 4:3; Galatians 3:6; James 2:23) What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? (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 was accounted to him for righteousness. (4) Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. (5) But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, (6) just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: (7) Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; (8) blessed is the man to whom the LORD shall not impute sin. (9) Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. (10) How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. (11) And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, (12) and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised. (13) For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. (14) For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, (15) because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression. (16) Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (17) (as it is written, I have made you a father of many nations) in the presence of Him whom he believed God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; (18) who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, So shall your descendants be. (19) And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarahs womb. (20) He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, (21) and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. (22) And therefore it was accounted to him for righteousness. (23) Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, (24) but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, (25) who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.
Romans 5:1, 2 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (2) through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 9:30-33 (Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 8:14; 28:16; Matthew 21:42; Luke 2:34; Acts 4:11; 1 Corinthians 1:23; 1 Peter 2:6-8) What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; (31) but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. (32) Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. (33) As it is written: Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.
Romans 10:8-11, 13, 14a, 17 (Deuteronomy 30:14; Matthew 10:32; Luke 12:8; Acts 2:21; Romans 9:33) 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 preach): (9) that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (10) For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (11) For the Scripture says, Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.. . . (13) For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. (14a) How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? . . . (17) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
Romans 11:20 Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear.
Romans 12:3, 6 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. . . . (6) Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them . . . in proportion to our faith.
Romans 14:22, 23 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. (23) But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.
1 Corinthians 1:21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.
1 Corinthians 2:5 (2 Corinthians 4:7; 6:7) That your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. . . .
1 Corinthians 13:2, 13 (1 Corinthians 12:8-10) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. . . . (13) And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 15:1, 2, 11, 14, 17 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, (2) by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you--unless you believed in vain. . . . (11) Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed. . . . (14) And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. . . . (17) And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!
2 Corinthians 1:24 (Romans 11:20; 1 Corinthians 3:5; 15:1) Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.
2 Corinthians 4:13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, I believed and therefore I spoke, we also believe and therefore speak.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (2 Corinthians 4:18; Ephesians 3:12, 17; 5:25; Hebrews 11:1) For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Galatians 2:16 (Acts 13:38-39; Romans 1:17; 3:20, 22, 28; 8:3; Galatians 3:11, 24; Hebrews 7:18-19) Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
Galatians 2:20 (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38) I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 3:2, 5-11, 13, 14, 22, 24, 26 (Habakkuk 2:4; Geneses 12:3; 15:6; 18:18; 22:18; Acts 3:25; Romans 1:17; 4:3, 9, 21-22; Philippians 2:12; James 2:23) This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? (5) Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? (6) Just as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.. . . (7) Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. (8) And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, In you all the nations shall be blessed. (9) So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. (10) For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them. (11) But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for the just shall live by faith. . . . (13) Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree), (14) that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. . . . (22) But the Scripture has confined all under sin that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. . . . (24) Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. . . . (26) For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 1:12, 13, 15 (Colossians 1:4; Philemon 5) That we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. (13) In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. . . . (15) Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.
Ephesians 2:8, 9 (Romans 3:20, 24, 27, 28; 4:2, 16; 11:6; Ephesians 2:5; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it [salvation] is the gift of God, (9) not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Ephesians 3:12, 17a In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. . . . (17a) That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith . . . .
Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
Philippians 1:25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith.
Philippians 3:9 And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.
Colossians 1:4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints.
Colossians 2:5-7, 12 (Ephesians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Colossians 2:7) For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. (6) As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord [i.e., by faith], so [in the same manner] walk in Him, (7) rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. . . . (12) buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
1 Thessalonians 1:3, 7, 8 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father . . . (7) so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. (8) For from you the Word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the Word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.
1 Thessalonians 3:6, 7 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you (7) therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith.
1 Thessalonians 5:8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.
2 Thessalonians 1:3a, 4, 10 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly . . . . (4) so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure. . . . (10) when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.
2 Thessalonians 3:2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.
1 Timothy 1:3a-5, 14, 16 (1 Timothy 4:7; 6:3-4, 10, 20; 2 Timothy 2:14, 16, 23; Titus 1:14; 3:9) Remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, (4) nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. (5) Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith. . . . (14) And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. . . . (16) However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.
1 Timothy 2:8, 15 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. . . . (15) Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.
1 Timothy 3:13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 4:10, 12 (Titus 2:7, 15; 1 Peter 5:3) For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. . . . (12) Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
1 Timothy 6:11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
2 Timothy 1:5, 13 (Titus 1:9; Hebrews 10:23; Revelation 2:25) When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. . . . (13) Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 3:15 And that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Titus 2:2 That the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience.
Philemon 4-6 I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, (5) hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, (6) that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 4:2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.
Hebrews 6:1, 12 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, . . . (12) that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Hebrews 10:22a, 38, 39 (Hebrews 11) Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith . . . (38) Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him. (39) But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
Hebrews 11:1, 2 (vss. 3-40) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (2) For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. (3) By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God . . . . (4) By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain . . . . (5) By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death . . . . (6) But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe . . . (7) By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household . . . . (8) By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance . . . . (9) By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country . . . . (11) By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed . . . . (17) By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac . . . . (20) By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. (21) By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. (22) By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones. (23) By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents . . . . (24-26) By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaohs daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. (27) By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. (28) By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them. (29) By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land . . . . (30) By faith the walls of Jericho fell down . . . . (31) By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe . . . . (32-34) And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. (39) And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith . . . .
Hebrews 12:2 (Psalm 110:1; Luke 24:26; Philippians 2:8; Hebrews 1:3, 13; 8:1; 1 Peter 1:11; 3:22) 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
James 1:3, 5, 6 Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. . . . (5) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (6) But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
James 2:14-26 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? (15) If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, (16) and one of you says to them, Depart in peace, be warmed and filled, but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? (17) Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (18) But someone will say, You have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. (19) You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble! (20) But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? (21) Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? (22) Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? (23) And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. And he was called the friend of God. (24) You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. (25) Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? (26) For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
James 5:15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven
1 Peter 1:6-9 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, (7) that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, (8) whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, (9) receiving the end of your faith the salvation of your souls.
2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.
1 John 3:23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.
1 John 5:4, 5, 13 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world our faith. (5) Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? . . . (13) These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
Revelation 2:19 I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. |