Justification by the faith OF Jesus Christ

[Red Baker]

Galatians 2:16~"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."This is heaven's declaration of its definition of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If any man adds to, or takes away form this definition of the gospel of Jesus Christ, let him be accursed from God.A man may not have full knowledge of this truth, and be free of God's curse, yet if man hears this truth of this and THEN reject what he hears, then that person has put himself under God's curse.The curse is pronounce in chapter one; the definition of the gospel is here stated very clearly in words that should not even be argued over, yet they are.In the last post we heard Paul tell us that no man is justified by the works of the law; here he tell us in biblically testimony of how one is justified.

1. " but by the faith OF Jesus Christ"~
2. What is “the faith of Jesus Christ”? For it is the means of our legal justification before God Because we trust our King James Bible, we do not alter it to read “faith in Jesus Christ,” which modern translations do to reduce the Bible to their concept of faith and its role Yet, the simple genitive case does not prove whether it is Christ’s faith or ours in Christ Consider well the example of similar language to Gal 2:16 in James 2:1. Whose faith? Context determines if the simple genitive is subjective or objective, which is answered by determining if the object of the preposition is the subject or object of the possession. See cases of subjective-genitive (Hag 2:7; Dan 11:37; Ist John 3:16; James 2:4; 2nd Cor 5:14). See cases of objective-genitive (Luke 11:42; Ist Timothy 3:6; 6:10; Acts 13:34; Jude 1:21).
3. We understand “the faith of Jesus Christ” to be His singular obedience to God for us, for the rest of the New Testament teaches justification by His work for us (Rom 5:17-19).
4. Did Jesus Christ have faith in God, and did this faith play a major role in our justification. The Lord Jesus Christ was more faithful than Moses, who had great faith (Heb 3:1-6). Jesus is not the object of justifying knowledge, making it our knowledge; but rather He is the subject of it, for our justification is by His perfect knowledge of God’s will (Is 53:11).
5. What a travesty that some interject man’s faith and knowledge into our legal justification. The knowledge Jesus Christ possessed was that faith and confidence in God that led Him all His life; which took Him through Gethsemane, His horrible trial, and His miserable crucifixion, until He finally committed His spirit to His Father at the moment of death. He had great in faith and trust in God, as enemies said (Ps 16:8; Heb 2:13; Matt 27:43).
6. Justification is by the obedience of One, and He obeyed in life and death (Rom 5:15-19). Without faith, He could not have pleased God; but He did please (Heb 11:6; Matt 23:23). Jesus definitely did trust in God (Hebrews 2:13; 3:1-2; 5:7-8; Matt 27:43; Luke 23:46). It was Jesus Christ’s faithful obedience to God’s will that truly saved us (Heb 10:7-10). His perfect fulfillment and obedience to the law required more faith than any other man.
7. Could “the faith of Jesus Christ” be subject-genitive and teach justification by Christ alone Absolutely! Then the sense would be we are justified by the gospel or religion of Christ. The words are used in this sense in James 2:1 and Rev 14:12 and possibly other places.
8. How does our faith of believing in Christ related to Jesus Christ’s faith in God His Father? Faith neither regenerates us vitally, justifies us legally, or elects us eternally. It is FOR us!.
9. Our faith is the first act of a regenerated heart to lay hold of eternal life by God’s grace. To faith we add good works of seven fruits to prove election (2nd Pet 1:5-15; James 2:14-26). Faith does nothing more than any other good work of the new man (1st Timothy 6:17-19). Faith, and the works that follow true faith, are the evidence of eternal life to our hearts.
10. Paul and Peter gave up all hope in the Law to believe Jesus Christ alone for justification. SO, why should Peter require MORE from the Gentiles?
11. Before leaving this important truth concerning the faith of Jesus Christ, please consider the other scriptures that teach the very same truth as Galatians 2:16. In Order: Acts 3:16~"And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which IS BY HIM hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all."; Romans 3:22~ "Even the righteousness of God which IS by the faith OF Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: " Almost the same wording found in Galatians 2:16; Philippians 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 Jesus Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: " Not one or two scriptures saying the same truth but from the mouth of several men full of the Holy Ghost and from several books of the NT, agreeing on this true gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ AS A MAN had perfect faith, which produced a perfect life of obedience before God's holy law for God's elect, securing for them the free gift of eternal life, as their perfect surety to God. This IS the truth of the gospel, any other is not, but a watered down version of the truth.

 

[Manfred]

We understand “the faith of Jesus Christ” to be His singular obedience to God for us, for the rest of the New Testament teaches justification by His work for us (Rom 5:17-19).

Does this negate a requirement to have faith in Jesus Christ to be justified?

Do you not require faith in the work of Jesus Christ?
What is your faith unto justification in? In works or in the person of Jesus Christ?

 

[Red Baker]

Manfred~"Does this negate a requirement to have faith in Jesus Christ to be justified?"

Justification is used in different senses in the holy scriptures and it is our duty to follow Ezra's pattern in order to rightly divide the word of truth~per 2nd Timothy 2:15 as Paul commanded us. Also consider: Nehemiah 8:8~"So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading." Our duty as Christians is to follow holy men of God of old and do as they taught the people. Read the scriptures distinctly and THEN give the proper sense to what we are reading in light of the scriptures teachings overall, only then can we know we have the truth of God on the particular doctrine under consideration.

Justification in the legal phrase is by the faith and obedience of Jesus Christ~apart from all works, including our faith which at best is so imperfect; and we both know the law demands perfection in word, deed, and thoughts!

Romans 5:1 is speaking of our faith as we believe the gospel~but this justification takes place in our conscience, which produces joy, peace and more faith in Christ's work of redemption for our sins.
God has chosen the system of faith by which we come to know our free justification on the behalf of Jesus Christ, even the faith we live by was secured by the faith of Christ, per Galatians 2:20!
Manfred~"Do you not require faith in the work of Jesus Christ?" not in order to be saved from our sins and condemnation of God's law.

Jesus Christ secured that salvation for all of his elect~Our faith is the evidence of our free justification by Christ. It is not he means thereof. The whole gospel of John was given to reveal this truth. Regeneration comes first, then faith and good works follow. The gospel was given to reveal life, not to give life, that is done by the Spirit of God alone. John 3:6-8...as a matter of truth, John 3:1-8 was given to prove that LIFE proceeds faith! Another subject for another time.
Manfred~"What is your faith unto justification in? In works or in the person of Jesus Christ?" I believe I have made that very clear.....Jesus Christ alone! In the works of Jesus Christ, not in my works, which is mixed with sin per Romans 7, etc.

I trust I have answered your questions in a few words.

 

[EarlyActs]

Galatians 2:16~"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."This is heaven's declaration of its definition of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If any man adds to, or takes away form this definition of the gospel of Jesus Christ, let him be accursed from God.A man may not have full knowledge of this truth, and be free of God's curse, yet if man hears this truth of this and THEN reject what he hears, then that person has put himself under God's curse.The curse is pronounce in chapter one; the definition of the gospel is here stated very clearly in words that should not even be argued over, yet they are.In the last post we heard Paul tell us that no man is justified by the works of the law; here he tell us in biblically testimony of how one is justified.

1. " but by the faith OF Jesus Christ"~
2. What is “the faith of Jesus Christ”? For it is the means of our legal justification before God Because we trust our King James Bible, we do not alter it to read “faith in Jesus Christ,” which modern translations do to reduce the Bible to their concept of faith and its role Yet, the simple genitive case does not prove whether it is Christ’s faith or ours in Christ Consider well the example of similar language to Gal 2:16 in James 2:1. Whose faith? Context determines if the simple genitive is subjective or objective, which is answered by determining if the object of the preposition is the subject or object of the possession. See cases of subjective-genitive (Hag 2:7; Dan 11:37; Ist John 3:16; James 2:4; 2nd Cor 5:14). See cases of objective-genitive (Luke 11:42; Ist Timothy 3:6; 6:10; Acts 13:34; Jude 1:21).
3. We understand “the faith of Jesus Christ” to be His singular obedience to God for us, for the rest of the New Testament teaches justification by His work for us (Rom 5:17-19).
4. Did Jesus Christ have faith in God, and did this faith play a major role in our justification. The Lord Jesus Christ was more faithful than Moses, who had great faith (Heb 3:1-6). Jesus is not the object of justifying knowledge, making it our knowledge; but rather He is the subject of it, for our justification is by His perfect knowledge of God’s will (Is 53:11).
5. What a travesty that some interject man’s faith and knowledge into our legal justification. The knowledge Jesus Christ possessed was that faith and confidence in God that led Him all His life; which took Him through Gethsemane, His horrible trial, and His miserable crucifixion, until He finally committed His spirit to His Father at the moment of death. He had great in faith and trust in God, as enemies said (Ps 16:8; Heb 2:13; Matt 27:43).
6. Justification is by the obedience of One, and He obeyed in life and death (Rom 5:15-19). Without faith, He could not have pleased God; but He did please (Heb 11:6; Matt 23:23). Jesus definitely did trust in God (Hebrews 2:13; 3:1-2; 5:7-8; Matt 27:43; Luke 23:46). It was Jesus Christ’s faithful obedience to God’s will that truly saved us (Heb 10:7-10). His perfect fulfillment and obedience to the law required more faith than any other man.
7. Could “the faith of Jesus Christ” be subject-genitive and teach justification by Christ alone Absolutely! Then the sense would be we are justified by the gospel or religion of Christ. The words are used in this sense in James 2:1 and Rev 14:12 and possibly other places.
8. How does our faith of believing in Christ related to Jesus Christ’s faith in God His Father? Faith neither regenerates us vitally, justifies us legally, or elects us eternally. It is FOR us!.
9. Our faith is the first act of a regenerated heart to lay hold of eternal life by God’s grace. To faith we add good works of seven fruits to prove election (2nd Pet 1:5-15; James 2:14-26). Faith does nothing more than any other good work of the new man (1st Timothy 6:17-19). Faith, and the works that follow true faith, are the evidence of eternal life to our hearts.
10. Paul and Peter gave up all hope in the Law to believe Jesus Christ alone for justification. SO, why should Peter require MORE from the Gentiles?
11. Before leaving this important truth concerning the faith of Jesus Christ, please consider the other scriptures that teach the very same truth as Galatians 2:16. In Order: Acts 3:16~"And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which IS BY HIM hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all."; Romans 3:22~ "Even the righteousness of God which IS by the faith OF Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: " Almost the same wording found in Galatians 2:16; Philippians 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 Jesus Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: " Not one or two scriptures saying the same truth but from the mouth of several men full of the Holy Ghost and from several books of the NT, agreeing on this true gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ AS A MAN had perfect faith, which produced a perfect life of obedience before God's holy law for God's elect, securing for them the free gift of eternal life, as their perfect surety to God. This IS the truth of the gospel, any other is not, but a watered down version of the truth.

Yes it is called a possessive genitive--the person has the quality. It's not about our faith in Him.

 

[EarlyActs]

Does this negate a requirement to have faith in Jesus Christ to be justified?

Do you not require faith in the work of Jesus Christ?
What is your faith unto justification in? In works or in the person of Jesus Christ?

No, it is just showing what he did as a totality. We rely upon that. But this particular phrase is not about our faith Him.

 

[Carbon]

Manfred~"Does this negate a requirement to have faith in Jesus Christ to be justified?"

Justification is used in different senses in the holy scriptures and it is our duty to follow Ezra's pattern in order to rightly divide the word of truth~per 2nd Timothy 2:15 as Paul commanded us. Also consider: Nehemiah 8:8~"So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading." Our duty as Christians is to follow holy men of God of old and do as they taught the people. Read the scriptures distinctly and THEN give the proper sense to what we are reading in light of the scriptures teachings overall, only then can we know we have the truth of God on the particular doctrine under consideration.

Justification in the legal phrase is by the faith and obedience of Jesus Christ~apart from all works, including our faith which at best is so imperfect; and we both know the law demands perfection in word, deed, and thoughts!

Romans 5:1 is speaking of our faith as we believe the gospel~but this justification takes place in our conscience, which produces joy, peace and more faith in Christ's work of redemption for our sins.
God has chosen the system of faith by which we come to know our free justification on the behalf of Jesus Christ, even the faith we live by was secured by the faith of Christ, per Galatians 2:20!
Manfred~"Do you not require faith in the work of Jesus Christ?" not in order to be saved from our sins and condemnation of God's law.

Jesus Christ secured that salvation for all of his elect~Our faith is the evidence of our free justification by Christ. It is not he means thereof. The whole gospel of John was given to reveal this truth. Regeneration comes first, then faith and good works follow. The gospel was given to reveal life, not to give life, that is done by the Spirit of God alone. John 3:6-8...as a matter of truth, John 3:1-8 was given to prove that LIFE proceeds faith! Another subject for another time.
Manfred~"What is your faith unto justification in? In works or in the person of Jesus Christ?" I believe I have made that very clear.....Jesus Christ alone! In the works of Jesus Christ, not in my works, which is mixed with sin per Romans 7, etc.

I trust I have answered your questions in a few words.

Let's make it simple.

Do you believe we are justified by faith alone?

Yes or no?

 

[Ladodgers6]

No, it is just showing what he did as a totality. We rely upon that. But this particular phrase is not about our faith Him.

Yes, we rely on the active and passive obedience of Christ Alone, and it's through Faith Alone that we trust and rest upon who Christ is and his merits!

 

[EarlyActs]

Yes, we rely on the active and passive obedience of Christ Alone, and it's through Faith Alone that we trust and rest upon who Christ is and his merits!

Corr: "not about our faith in Him..."

 

[Ladodgers6]

Corr: "not about our faith in Him..."

Yup, it's the object of our faith that saves, not our faith.

 

[JIM]

Yup, it's the object of our faith that saves, not our faith.

It is "by grace you have been saved through faith" (Eph 28)

 

[Ladodgers6]

It is "by grace you have been saved through faith" (Eph 28)

Amen! And this is not your own doing, it is a gift from God.

 

[JIM]

Amen! And this is not your own doing, it is a gift from God.

But the "it" refers to neither faith nor grace; rather, the "it" is in reference to entire proposition of saved by grace through faith.

 

[Ladodgers6]

But the "it" refers to neither faith nor grace; rather, the "it" is in reference to entire proposition of saved by grace through faith.

Now JIM, if you read the entire opening of Ephesians 2, Paul depicts our sinful nature; children of wrath who are dead in sins and trespasses, who follow the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience, carrying our the passion of mind and flesh. Now, the only way out of this fallen disposition, is a divine act of God himself. We need to be resurrected by God in Christ through the Holy Spirit. What do we contribute to this, JIM? Especially fallen sinners.

The marvelous conjunction here though JIM, is "But God". It doesn't say "And God". "But God" being rich in Mercy because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

See, how we were JIM? Doing exactly what we wanted, like children of wrath. And how God saves us! For by Grace you have been saved through Faith. And this; this whole thing is not your own doing, it is the gift of God. JIM also notice that salvation is a gift, a FREE GIFT, where God demands nothing from us. If something was demanded in return, then it wouldn't be a gift or free. Then it wouldn't be a gospel at all!​

 

[JIM]

Now JIM, if you read the entire opening of Ephesians 2, Paul depicts our sinful nature; children of wrath who are dead in sins and trespasses, who follow the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience, carrying our the passion of mind and flesh. Now, the only way out of this fallen disposition, is a divine act of God himself. We need to be resurrected by God in Christ through the Holy Spirit. What do we contribute to this, JIM? Especially fallen sinners.

The marvelous conjunction here though JIM, is "But God". It doesn't say "And God". "But God" being rich in Mercy because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

See, how we were JIM? Doing exactly what we wanted, like children of wrath. And how God saves us! For by Grace you have been saved through Faith. And this; this whole thing is not your own doing, it is the gift of God. JIM also notice that salvation is a gift, a FREE GIFT, where God demands nothing from us. If something was demanded in return, then it wouldn't be a gift or free. Then it wouldn't be a gospel at all!​

Nothing in any of that invalidates my statement.

 

[Ladodgers6]

Nothing in any of that invalidates my statement.

Why not? Did you read and studying what Paul said in those passages? What spirit is at work in the sons of disobedience? Who are they following? What pleasures are they carrying out? Are they dead in trespasses and sins?

Read these passages and tell me what you think.

2 Cor. 4:4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

1 Cor. 2:14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

We must be regenerated first to see, hear, understand and then believe and trust. Can we do this ourselves or is it a Gracious Act of God?​

 

[brightfame52]

But the "it" refers to neither faith nor grace; rather, the "it" is in reference to entire proposition of saved by grace through faith.

So Faith accompanies Salvation, which Salvation is 100 % of God

 

[Ladodgers6]

But the "it" refers to neither faith nor grace; rather, the "it" is in reference to entire proposition of saved by grace through faith.

So are you suggesting that the carnal mind can understand the spiritual things of God?

 

[JIM]

So are you suggesting that the carnal mind can understand the spiritual things of God?

Do you think that Satan does not understand any of the spiritual things of God? It is not that I think the carnal mind can understand the spiritual things of God; rather, I think God is fully capable of. and does through His written word, effectively communicate with the "carnal" mind of man.

To your previous posting of 1 Corinthians 2:14, if you would example that carefully, you would understand that entire chapter is Paul's defense of his own divine revelation, not your understanding of anything.

 

[Carbon]

It is "by grace you have been saved through faith" (Eph 28)

Amen to that.

 

[JIM]

So Faith accompanies Salvation, which Salvation is 100 % of God

That is not what it says; neither can it be argued that is what it means.