Introduction

Brothers and sisters, dear friends in the Lord, I have taken the liberty to present one by one again, the Essentials of our faith. This time, I will undertake to quote the scriptural references, and add emphases where necessary for clarity of explanation.

I welcome you all again to Cyberchurch. I believe it meet to begin with a submission of points which we can consider essential with respect to our common salvation and like precious faith, which we all share in Christ Jesus. As time passes, and grace is availed, we shall undertake to expound on these points, but I believe this presents a bird's eye view of Christian doctrine and faith, which we all hold to be true in Christ Jesus:

POINTS:

1. God
2. Christ Jesus
3. The Holy Spirit
4. The Church
5. Sin And Forgiveness
6. Repentance From Dead Works
7. Faith Toward God
8. Instructions On Baptisms
9. Laying On Of Hands
10. Resurrection
11. Eternal Judgement
12. Eternal Life.

Dearly beloved, it should be noticed that points 6-11 above are listed in Hebrews 6:1-2 as the principles of the doctrines of Christ. These are foundational for anyone that is in the Christian faith. Points 1-5 and 12 provides a background and framework on which the basic principles as outlined in Heb 6:1-2 will be taught.

We do this based on the truth that the bible is the written and inerrant word of God, a compendium of God's truth delivered unto us by the inspiration of God himself.

2 Tim 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Pet 1:20-21 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. ²¹ For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

The principles are foundational, doctrinal, and essential components of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, whom we have come to accept and receive as Lord and Saviour of our lives. The Lord would not have us ignorant of these things.

NB: Subsequent points have been opened to expound on these. God bless you as you peruse. On these essentials, we shall have no contention. If any differ, the Lord will make things clear.

Table Of Contents

Title Page
Introduction
Point 1 - God
Point 2 - Christ Jesus
Point 3 - The Holy Spirit
Point 4 - The Church
Point 5 - Sin And Forgiveness
Point 6 - Repentance From Dead Works
Point 7 - Faith Toward God
Point 8 - Instructions On Baptisms
Point 9 - Laying On Of Hands
Point 10 - Resurrection
Point 11 - Eternal Judgement
Point 12 - Eternal Life

Point 1

ON GOD

There is one God, whom we refer to as Father, the source (Creator) of all things that are in existence, both seen and unseen. Genesis 1 & 2.

God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and present everywhere.

Eph. 4:6 One GOD and FATHER of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Jer. 23:23-24 Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

Gen. 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD?...

Rev. 19:6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

Gen. 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Heb. 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Acts 1:24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

Prov. 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

Amos 9:2 Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, thence will I bring them down:

Psalm 139:6-16 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

Also, God has always been, and will always be (ETERNAL).

Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

God never changes.

Mal. 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

The above, He does not share with man. The following characteristics, God shares with us:

HOLINESS.

1 Pet. 1:15,16 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

John 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.

Rev. 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

RIGHTEOUSNESS.

1 Cor 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

Psalm 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

Rom. 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

FAITHFULNESS AND TRUTH

2 Tim. 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

1 Thes. 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

COMPASSION, LOVING-KINDNESS AND MERCY.

Rom. 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Lam. 3:22-23 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

LOVE.

1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love1 Corinthians Chapter 13 makes a good read at this point.

Jer. 31:3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

Rom. 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Finally, God is Spirit (1), God is Light (2), God is Love (3), God is a consuming fire which depicts holiness, purity, and perfection in righteousness (4), God is unchanging, He is wise (5), and so on...*

1) John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

2) 1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

3) 1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

4) Heb 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.

5) Jude vs 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

God is the Alpha and Omega of all existence... *

Col. 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

God Bless you, as we ponder on this together...

Footnote:
[*] Scripture references in original replaced by scriptures in context

Point 2

ON CHRIST

Christ Jesus is the Word of God made flesh, and is the Only Begotten Son of God.[The Father].

John 1:1...14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.... And the Word[WHICH WAS GOD] was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

1 John 1:1,2 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the WORD of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

Jesus is fully God and fully man. he is the visible representation of an otherwise Invisible God.

John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

Col. 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

Heb. 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

1 Tim. 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Isa. 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, THE MIGHTY GOD, THE EVERLASTING FATHER, The Prince of Peace.

Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew1:18,20-...she was found WITH CHILD OF THE HOLY GHOST)

Jesus suffered and died in our place, for our sins and sinfulness.Jesus was raised after three days from the dead, and has given us a hope of resurrection.

1 Cor. 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Jesus Christ Ascended into Heaven, from where we await his return.

Acts 1:9-11 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Our faith in Christ, what He taught, and what He did on the cross on our behalf gives us a right standing with God.

Rom. 10:8-10 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

God Bless.

NB: Capital emphases and block parentheses are mine.

Point 3

THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is God, and He possesses all attributes and characters that make God God.

The Holy Spirit is also known as the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of truth, The Spirit of Life, the Comforter, etc. He was present at creation.

Acts 5:3,4 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to LIE TO THE HOLY GHOST, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not LIED UNTO MEN, BUT UNTO GOD.

Gen. 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

He spoke through the prophets.

He inhabits every believer in Christ Jesus, and enables believers carry out God's work on the earth. He is the seal that guarantees our inheritance in Christ, our Redemption. He is the mark of our sonship of God.The Holy Spirit is God who dwells in us.

1 Cor. 3:16-17 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

The Holy Spirit is responsible for Mary's conception.

Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

The Holy Spirit empowers us for evangelism and witnessing.

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

The Holy Spirit is everywhere.

Psalm 139:7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

The Holy Spirit is Eternal.

Heb. 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the ETERNAL SPIRIT offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

The Holy Spirit is the seal of our sonship of God.

2 Cor. 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Eph. 1:13,14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Eph. 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Rom. 8:15,16 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Gal. 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

The Holy Spirit is the perfect definition and source of all Holiness and spirituality. Those attributes belong to God, and God alone. Note that the bible does not call Him "a holy spirit", but "The Holy Spirit", each word accounting for who He really is.

John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Heb. 12:9,10 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the FATHER OF SPIRITS, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be PARTAKERS OF HIS HOLINESS.

NB:Capital emphases are mine.There are yet more we can learn about the Holy Spirit, especially as He is our first point of contact in our relationship with God. He lives in us!

Interesting things we want to know about the Holy Spirit, and our relationship with Him include, amongst others:Fellowship of the SpiritBeing filled with the SpiritBeing led by the SpiritThe personality of the SpiritThe AnointingWalking in the Spirit

If the Lord permits, in time, we shall discuss and share along these lines. God bless***

Point 4

THE CHURCH

The Church, as we would frequently use the term is the Body of Christ. This Body consists of all believers everywhere and in every generation. The Church has been called out of the world into the Kingdom of God.

The Church is an embassy of God's Kingdom and commonwealth here on earth. The Church has Jesus Christ as its head, and is Christ's representative on the earth today.

The Church exists on earth today with the mandate of fulfilling the Great Commission. The great commission comprises of evangelism[with signs and wonders], discipleship, and providing an immediate family relationship for believers (fellowship), as we live on the earth.

Matt. 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mark 16:15-20 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Heb. 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

The Church is also referred to as the "Bride of Christ", and is in preparation and waiting for the return of Christ Jesus in a glorious event that, amongst other events is called the "Wedding supper of the Lamb".

Eph. 5:26-32 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

Rev. 19:9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

The Church's one foundation
Is Jesus Christ her Lord;
She is His New Creation
By water and the Word.
From Heaven HE came and sought her
To be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her'
And for her life He died.
-Samuel J. Stone, 1839-1900

Point 5

ON SIN AND ITS FORGIVENESS

Sin is the transgression of God's law. It is a violation (or falling short) of God's righteous nature and God's righteous standards.

Rom. 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

1 John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

The nature, power, and penalty of sin came upon all mankind when Adam disobeyed God in the Garden.

Rom. 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

The consequence of sin is death (Eternal Separation from God).

Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Our sins are forgiven when we put our trust (faith) in Christ Jesus and in His finished work on the cross. Therefore, in Christ, we are freed from the nature, power and penalty of sin.

Eph. 1:5-7 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. IN WHOM WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, according to the riches of his grace;

Through Adam, sin and death came upon all men. Through Christ Jesus, we have forgiveness of sin, deliverance from sin, and life, all in the "abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness"

Rom. 5:12-17 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

Christians need to walk in fellowship with the Lord, as this ensures a constant cleansing by the blood. Whenever we're convicted of sin, we are to confess and repent of them, so as to maintain close fellowship and relationship with the Lord.

1 John 1:7-9 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Confession of sins is practised by believers. Unbelievers need to confess the Lordship of Jesus. Contrary to what many think, a confession of sins is actually a confession of faith in the One who provides forgiveness and cleansing, and appropriating that forgiveness already provided.

Point 6

ON REPENTANCE
FROM DEAD WORKS

Now, we begin with the principles of the Doctrines of Christ. A very important aspect of these teachings. We begin to lay a foundation, that if properly laid, we shall move on to deeper things, as the Lord permits.

Heb. 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.

Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

To repent means to change one's mind and heart, to change one's disposition toward God; to turn from the ways of sin and error to righteousness. Repentance has a root, and it has a fruit. The root of repentance is a conviction (or compunction/godly sorrow/penitence) that arises when we hear God's word. That causes us to change our minds. The fruit of repentance is a change in the direction of our lives/lifestyles.

Repentance is beyond guilt and sorrow. It finds expression in our actions, and brings visible change in our thoughts and ways of life.

Matt. 3:8-9 Bring forth therefore FRUITS MEET FOR REPENTANCE: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

2 Cor. 7:9-10 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye SORROWED to REPENTANCE: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For GODLY SORROW WORKETH REPENTANCE to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

Repentance is the first message of the Kingdom gospel.

Mark 1:14-15 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the KINGDOM of God is at hand: REPENT ye, and believe the gospel.

Dead works are works that lead to death. They include:

1. Moralism. *

Isa. 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Phil. 3:8-9 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

2. Obedience to Mosaic laws. *

Rom. 3:19-28 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. ²⁰ Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. ²¹ But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; ²² Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: ²³ For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; ²⁴ Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: ²⁵ Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; ²⁶ To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. ²⁷ Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. ²⁸ Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Rom. 10:1-4 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. ² For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. ³ For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. ⁴ For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

3. Observation of days, or other forms and rituals. *

Col. 2:11-23 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: ¹² Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. ¹³ And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; ¹⁴ Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; ¹⁵ And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. ¹⁶ Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: ¹⁷ Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. ¹⁸ Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, ¹⁹ And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. ²⁰ Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, ²¹ (Touch not; taste not; handle not; ²² Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? ²³ Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

4. Evil deeds/works of the flesh-sins. *

Gal. 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, ²⁰ Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, ²¹ Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Footnote:
[*] Scripture references in original replaced by scriptures in context

Point 7

ON FAITH TOWARD GOD

Faith comes hand in hand with repentance. As repentance is turning from sin, faith is turning to God.

Faith is complete reliance on the grace of God for salvation and righteousness. This in turn produces faithfulness and loyalty to the cause of Christ and the gospel.

Rom. 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Faith in Christ's death and resurrection is the ground for justification before God.

Eph. 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Phil. 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

1 Tim 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

Gal. 2:16-21 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Faith will also produce complete mind renewal from dead works unto the truth that is in Christ Jesus for salvation, righteousness, and peace with God.

Rom. 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Rom. 9:30-32 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

Having faith toward God will ensure the following:

a. Relationship with God
b. Justification before God
c. Godliness in character
d. Growth in Christ.
e. Fellowship with God
f. Deliverance and healing

Faith is founded on knowing God's word.

Rom. 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Also, there can be no true faith, except by love.

Gal. 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Faith is the means by which we receive the righteousness of God

Rom. 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Faith is not founded on sensory perception, but on what God has said.

2 Cor. 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

Point 8

ON INSTRUCTIONS
IN BAPTISMS

The word 'Baptism' means to immerse, wash, cleanse. Outside Christianity, it is usually used to describe purification ceremonies. Here, we focus on the various baptisms in Christianity as opposed to those practised by Jews or pagans.

Scripture points to four kinds of baptisms:

1. Baptism into the body of Christ.

1 Cor. 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Gal. 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

This results when an individual confesses Christ as Lord and Saviour. It is the new birth experience.

2. Baptism in water.

Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 10:47-48 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

This is the outward testimony of what took place within when point 1 above occurs in an individual.

3. Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Mark 1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 8:14-17 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Acts 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 19:1-6 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

This mostly takes place with speaking in tongues as evidence. Tongues is a language for devotion, prophecy and evangelism. Baptism in the Holy Spirit empowers us for evangelism.

4. Baptism in fire.

Matt. 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Mark 10:38-39 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:

Luke 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

2 Tim. 3:10-12 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

This speaks of afflictions, persecutions, tribulation, trials, we receive for being disciples of Christ Jesus. For the cause of the kingdom and truth, we're branded by the world and have to pass through the fire of affliction.

Point 9

ON THE
LAYING ON OF HANDS

This is sequel and complement to Baptism. The essence of laying on of hands is the 'transfer of power' or impartation of authority/grace. The power meant is that received in Baptisms 1-3 of previous point.

Laying on of hands had two major functions:

1. Identification *

Ex. 29:19 And thou shalt take the other ram; and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the ram.

2. Impartation. *

Deut. 34:9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses.

1 Tim. 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

2 Tim. 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

Laying on of hands does have 3 specific activities of use:

Healing: *

Mark 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Mark 5:22-23 And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, ²³ And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.

Mark 6:5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.

Mark 7:32-35 And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him. ³³ And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue; ³⁴ And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. ³⁵ And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.

Mark 8:22-25 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. ²³ And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. ²⁴ And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. ²⁵ After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

Acts 5:12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.

Acts 25:8-9 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Cæsar, have I offended any thing at all. ⁹ But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?

James 5:14-15 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: ¹⁵ And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

Ordination and commissioning: *

Acts 13:2-3 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. ³ And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Num. 27:15-20 And Moses spake unto the LORD, saying, ¹⁶ Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, ¹⁷ Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd. ¹⁸ And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; ¹⁹ And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. ²⁰ And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.

2 Tim. 1:6 (See Above)

Baptism *

Acts 8:17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Footnote:
[*] Scripture references in original replaced by scriptures in context

Point 10

ON THE RESURRECTION
OF THE DEAD

On this Eschatological issue, we should be careful to lay the principles straight, for this area is not widely taught in churches today.

Every dead person in history, believer and unbeliever alike, will be raised back to life bodily someday.

Acts 24:15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

For the saints, it is a raising back to life, to die no more.

Luke 20:35-38 This will be our victory over death. This is different from bringing a dead person back to life, as was the case of Lazarus. Lazarus dies again.

The rapture is not a resurrection, but as is in 1 Thess 3:13-18 AND 1 Cor 15:51-55, rapture and resurrection will occur simultaneously, at the coming of the Lord.

1 Thes. 4:13-17 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

The living (those alive at His coming) are raptured while the dead are raised. Both are changed into glorious bodies.

1 Cor. 15:51-55 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

Our hope in the resurrection is because Jesus was raised from the dead.

John 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

Point 11

ON ETERNAL JUDGEMENT

Rom. 14:10-12 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

2 Cor. 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Rev. 20:4-13 (See ref.)

Dan. 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

There are 2 Judgements.

A. The judgement seat of Christ. This will take place before the 1000 years reign of Christ. At this judgement, only the believers will be judged- those resurrected and those raptured. Saints will be judged for reward.

2 Tit. 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Rev. 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

Rev. 20:4-6 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

B. The Great White throne Judgement.

Eternal judgement relates more here. This happens after the 1000 years reign of Christ and the saints on earth. The unbelieving dead are raised and judged.

John 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

John 5:27-29 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

Rev. 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

1. The saints shall sit with Christ to judge the world.

1 Cor. 6:2-3 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

Rev. 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

2. The unbelievers shall be judged unto eternal damnation.

Rev. 20:12-15 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

John 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

3. Fallen angels, including the devil shall be judged.

2 Pet. 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

Jude 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

4. The present heavens and earth shall be judged. 2 Pet 3:7-14; Rev 21:1

2 Pet. 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

5. Judgement shall be carried out according to the books, the Book of life being pivotal for eternal life or eternal damnation. Rev 20:12-15-see ref above

Final exhortation on this point is:

2 Peter 3:11-12 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

We should live everyday in expectation of Jesus' coming. He is coming soon. Spread the word!

Therefore, the order of Resurrection from the dead is as follows:

1. Jesus Christ. He is the firstfruits of the dead.

Acts 26:23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

1 Cor. 15:20-26 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

Col. 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Rev. 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

2. The Old Testament saints.

Job 19:26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:

Matt. 27:51-53 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

3. Believers in Christ. 1 Thess 4:13-18; 1 Cor 15:18-52;

Phil. 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

4. All other dead (unbelievers).

Rev. 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

John 5:28-29 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

Acts 24:15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. This last resurrection precedes eternal judgement and shall take place 1000 years after the event in point 3. above.

Rev. 20:4-13 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. ⁵ But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. ⁶ Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. ⁷ And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, ⁸ And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. ⁹ And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. ¹⁰ And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. ¹¹ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. ¹² And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. ¹³ And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

Point 12

ETERNAL LIFE

Eternal life is the life of God. God is the source and giver of eternal life.

John 3:14-16 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

All who have placed their faith in Christ Jesus already have eternal life.

John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

John 17:2,3 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Eternal life is not a future prospect. It is a present reality.

1 John 1:2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

2 Tit. 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

The christian already has eternal life, God's life in him. He is now in pursuit of immortality, the resurrection of the body. This is the HOPE of the gospel, a HOPE that maketh us unashamed, it is the HOPE we have beyond the grave. This is the HOPE that causes us to purify ourselves in Him, just as He is pure. This HOPE of a better resurrection is the anchor of our souls.

May we continue to know more about the HOPE of our calling. Eternal life is the seed of God in us. It's fruit will be manifest in the resurrected body. *

1 Cor 15:42-54 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: ⁴³ It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: ⁴⁴ It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. ⁴⁵ And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. ⁴⁶ Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. ⁴⁷ The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. ⁴⁸ As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. ⁴⁹ And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. ⁵⁰ Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. ⁵¹ Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, ⁵² In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. ⁵³ For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. ⁵⁴ So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

1 Pet 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Let us therefore nurture this life we now have, and grow in it.

The Lord help us as we move on from here to other things. *

Hebrews 6:3 And this will we do, if God permit.

Footnote:
[*] Scripture references in original replaced by scriptures in context

The End