Lesson 582

(Lesson 582)(03-21-13) Hebrews 11:1-7, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith."

This lesson demonstrates how faith is the actionable characteristic of a child of God and is ALL that is required to achieve that status. A saved individual is recognizable by their fruits (Matt. 7:20, "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."), those fruits being an ongoing zeal to spread the soul saving gospel of Jesus Christ and a genuine love for God first, then their fellow man/woman. A child of God cannot be judged by the actions that those whom have denied God have declared to be "sins".

Everything that a child of God does is pleasing to Him because it is JUSTIFIED by Jesus Himself, Romans 8:30-34, "Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us."

Those of us whom have placed our faith in Christ have taken on HIS righteousness and are viewed by The Father as perfect and without sin.

It is abundantly clear that salvation is given ONLY to those who are JUSTIFIED by faith in God through Christ Jesus.~