THE FOUNDATION OF FAITH CGCM 2200

THE FOUNDATION OF FAITH

 CGCM 2200

The basic doctrines of the Christian faith are the subject of this course. Doctrines are a collection of teachings on a certain subject. The basic doctrines of the Christian faith are the teachings of Jesus Christ recorded in the Bible.These doctrines are listed in the Bible in the book of Hebrews: 

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. (Hebrews 6:1-3) 

Two spiritual objectives are set forth in this verse:

The first objective is that of building your spiritual life on the right foundation. 

This foundation is the doctrine of Jesus Christ.

The second objective is to go on to perfection. Perfection means spiritual 

maturity.

There are two reasons for failure to live a victorious Christian life.

The first reason is that some who are trying to live like Christians have never been born again. They do not understand the basic doctrines of Jesus Christ. Because of this lack of understanding they have failed to make a proper response to God.

The second reason for failure is not going on to spiritual maturity.

The first purpose of this course is to present the basic doctrines of the Christian faith necessary for a proper spiritual foundation.

The Six foundational Doctrines of Hebrews 6:1-3 

1. Repentance from dead works

2. Faith toward God

3. Doctrine of baptisms

4. Laying on of hands

5. Resurrection of the dead

6. Eternal judgment

After establishing this foundation, the second purpose of this course is to take you on to perfection [spiritual maturity]...

"...And this will we do, if God permit..."

FOUNDATIONS

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. (Hebrews 6:1-3)

The Bible compares the life of a believer to the construction of a building:

..Ye are God's building... (I Corinthians 3:9)

Each believer is united in Christ with other Christians to form the Church. The Bible also compares the Church to a building: 

In whom [Jesus] ye also are builded together [the church united] for an  habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:22)

Whenever men erect a building they must first lay a proper foundation. Since this is a natural principle understood by all people, God used it to teach a great spiritual truth.

A believer must have a proper foundation in order to build a good spiritual house. The foundation must be laid according to the builder's plan. The Bible gives the plan of the master This chapter explains the importance of having a proper spiritual foundation. It also presents basic principles the Bible teaches about this foundation.

THE PURPOSE OF BUILDING

The purpose of your spiritual "building" is to provide a habitation [a dwelling place] for God. His Spirit will dwell in you only when your life is built on the right foundation. Paul asked: Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (I Corinthians 3:16)

Because of this you are cautioned to build your spiritual life properly:

According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 

3:10-11)

THE FOUNDATION

The spiritual foundation of which the Word of God speaks: 

IS BASED ON GOD'S WORD: 

God's word stands firm like a rock [foundation]; nothing can shake it.  (II Timothy 2:19, The Living Bible)

IS A GOOD FOUNDATION:

Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation. (I Timothy 6:19)

IS BASED ON RIGHTEOUSNESS:

The uncompromisingly righteous has an everlasting foundation. (Proverbs 10:25, The Amplified Bible)

IS ETERNAL:...Laying up for themselves the riches that endure forever, a good foundation for the future... (I Timothy 6:19, The Amplified Bible)

RESTS ON TWO BASIC PRINCIPLES:

But the firm foundation laid by God stands sure and unshaken, bearing this seal and inscription: The Lord knows those who are His and let everyone who names himself by the name of the Lord give up all iniquity and stand a loof from it. (II Timothy 2:19, The Amplified Bible)

The two principles upon which the foundation stands are:

1. Redeemed men: The Lord knows those who are His.

2. Living redeemed lives: Let everyone who names himself by the name of the 

Lord give up all iniquity and stand aloof from it.

IS BUILT UPON A ROCK WHICH IS IMMOVABLE:

He is like a man which built a house and digged deep and laid the foundation on a rock and when the flood arose and beat vehemently on the house it could not shake it for it was founded on a rock. (Luke 6:48)

THAT ROCK IS JESUS CHRIST:

There is no other rock; I know not any. (Isaiah 44:8, The Amplified Bible)

Jesus Christ is the only foundation for spiritual life:

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 

(I Corinthians 3:11)

JESUS: THE FOUNDATION

God is the one who chose Jesus Christ as the foundation for spiritual life:

..Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation... (Isaiah 28:16) 

The foundation of spiritual life is not a man-made creed, a denomination, or a religious ceremony. The foundation is Jesus Christ.

Many professing believers try to build great spiritual structures of Christianity in their lives. 

They become involved in the program of the church and do many good works. 

The outward appearance of their spiritual building is good. But before long their spiritual building begins to sink and collapse. They become discouraged, defeated, and fall into sin. This is because they are trying to build on the wrong foundation.

Just as a good foundation is necessary to properly support a building in the natural world, the right spiritual foundation is necessary to support the building of your spiritual life:

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it,  because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of 

what sort it is. (I Corinthians 3:11-13)

All so called "Christian" works will be tested by God. The structure of your spiritual life will be examined to determine if it is built on the proper foundation. The only foundation of spiritual life which will stand is that which is built on Jesus Christ. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF FOUNDATIONS

Foundations are very important. The writer of Psalms realized this when he asked:

If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psalms 11:3)

In the natural world if the foundation of a building is not properly laid the whole structure can collapse. The same is true in the spiritual world. A wrong foundation will result in spiritual disaster. 

The Biblical record of Haggai stresses the importance of proper spiritual foundations. Israel was experiencing poor harvests in the natural world. Haggai told them to examine their ways:

Ye have sown much, and bring in little...Consider your ways...Ye looked for much, and lo it came to little. (Haggai 1:6,7,9) To correct the problem, Haggai told Israel they must rebuild both in the natural and spiritual worlds. Rebuilding in the natural world was necessary for Israel because they had delayed building the house of the Lord. They had built their own homes and put their own concerns ahead of God's command to rebuild the temple. But more important, the spiritual foundation of their lives was  wrong. They had been offering sacrifices [good works] with unholy hands:...So is this people, and so is this nation before me, says the Lord; and so is every work of their hands; and what they offer there on the altar is unclean because they who offer it are themselves unclean. (Haggai 2:14, The Amplified Version)

A right work offered by unholy hands is not acceptable. The spiritual foundation of their lives was wrong and this is why they were not blessed by God. 

In the natural world Haggai told God's people that the foundation of the Lord's temple must be rebuilt. He said they must also rebuild their spiritual lives on a proper foundation. From the day that Israel started to build on the right foundation God began to bless them:

But now note this: From today,...and from this day onward, I will bless you. 

Notice, I am giving you this promise now before you have even begun to rebuild the Temple structure, and before you have harvested your grain, and before the grapes and figs and pomegranates and olives have produced their next crops: From this day I will bless you. (Haggai 2:18-19, The Living Bible)

From the day you start to build proper spiritual foundations, God will bless you in every area of your life.

THE DOCTRINE OF JESUS

Jesus stressed the need for building on a good spiritual foundation. He illustrated this truth by a parable of two men who built houses. The Bible has two records of this parable. One is in Matthew 7:24-29 and the other is in Luke 6:47-49. They are reproduced here to allow comparison of the two passagesLuke Matthew

Whosoever cometh to me Therefore whosoever heareth these and heareth my sayings sayings of mine, and doeth them,

and doeth them, I will I will liken him unto a wise man, shew you to whom he is like; which built his house upon a rock.

He is like a man which built an house And the rain descended and the and digged deep, and laid the foundation floods came, and the winds blew, foundation on a rock; and when the flood and beat upon that house; and it fell not when the flood arose, the stream beat for it was founded upon a rock. vehemently upon that house and could not shake it; for it was founded upon a rock.Luke Matthew

But he that heareth and doeth And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine not, is like a man that without and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish a foundation built an house man, which built his house upon the sand;

upon the earth; against which the And the rain descended and the floods came, and

stream did beat vehemently and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it

immediately it fell and the ruin fell; and great was the fall of it. of that house was great. (Luke 6:47-49)

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the peoplewere astonished at his doctrine. (Matthew 7:24-29)

There are several important principles in these passages:

DOCTRINE:

The first principle is that building a proper spiritual foundation is part of the doctrine [teachings] of Jesus. This passage records that the people were "astonished at His doctrine.” Part of that doctrine was the story He told about building on a good foundation.

Paul also refers to building a foundation as part of the doctrine of Christ:

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ...not laying again the foundation...(Hebrews 6:1)

Paul then continues to list the content of the doctrine of Jesus.

THE RIGHT FOUNDATION:

The steps for building a good spiritual foundation are given in Luke 6:47:

1. Whosoever cometh to me...

2. Heareth my sayings...

3. And doeth them.

All three steps are required. It is not enough to come to Jesus. You must also listen to what He has said. But coming and listening are not enough. You must also take personal action. A person can come to Jesus, hear what He has to say, but not respond:

Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? 

(Luke 6:46)

You can know the Word and still not act upon it. Jesus is not truly Lord of your life until you respond to His teachings. A good foundation is based on the Word of God. The man who came to Jesus, heard His Word, and then acted on it is called wise. This man made sure the spiritual 

foundation of His life was firm. He "digged deep" removing everything between him and the  Rock, Jesus Christ. 

God's Word is the plan which shows how to build your spiritual life. The Bible must be accepted as the absolute authority and the plan for your spiritual foundation because...

...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. (II Peter 1:21)

The purpose of God's revelation is given in II Timothy 3:16:

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. (II Timothy 3:16)

The Bible contains instruction in the basic doctrines of Jesus. It also provides reproof and correction for failing to follow these teachings.

THE WRONG FOUNDATION:

The man who built on a wrong foundation heard the Word of God but did not take personal action on what he heard. He is called a foolish man and compared to a man who built without a foundation (Luke 6:49). His house was built on the sand instead of the rock (Matthew 7:27).

You build on the sand spiritually when you base your life on the traditions or religious beliefs of  man. It is thinking you can make yourself spiritual by good works, church attendance, or religious ceremonies. 

THE STORMS OF LIFE:

Jesus' story of the two builders reveals another great truth. It is the nature of life to be stormy. Circumstances of life result in many personal crises. You must face death, disease, and disaster. Even believers will face problems. Acts 14:22 warns that "we must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God."

Jesus said: ...In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

No one escapes the storms. Stormy circumstances of life are experienced by all people everywhere. The storms are the same, but what differs is how people respond to them. If your spiritual life does not have the right foundation you will fall. Just as the house built on sand, the fall will be great. If your life is built on the right foundation of Jesus Christ and His Word 

[doctrine], the storm cannot shake you:

...Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.

And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be  shaken may remain. (Hebrews 12:26-27)

When the shaking experience comes, that which cannot be shaken will remain. Those who stand have built a right spiritual foundation.

FOUNDATIONS: A PREREQUISITE

A good foundation is a prerequisite for constructing a sound building in the natural world. 

The word "prerequisite" means that it is "required before.” A proper foundation is required before constructing the "superstructure.” The "superstructure" is that which is built on the  foundation.

A proper spiritual foundation is a prerequisite to spiritual maturity. In Hebrews 6:1-3 we are told we cannot go on to perfection unless the spiritual foundation is properly laid. Spiritual  maturity is the superstructure [the building] which rests on the spiritual foundation. If the foundation is wrong then the superstructure will not stand and you will never achieve spiritual maturity.

The following lessons explain things which must be part of your spiritual foundation. But as the parable of the two houses indicates, it is not enough to be informed of these basic doctrines. 

You must make a personal response to God's Word and integrate these truths into the spiritual foundation of your life.

If you do not respond to God's Word, you are like the man described by the Apostle James:

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving our own selves.

For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass;

For he beholdeth himself and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what 

manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (James 1:22-25) 

Remember that from the moment you decide to start building your spiritual life on the proper foundation, God will bless you.

REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS: 

For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

Hebrews 6:1-3 lists principles of the doctrine of Christ on which a believer is to build his spiritual life. These principles are called the "foundations" of the Christian faith. They are the basic doctrines on which the Christian faith rests. The first of these principles is "repentance from dead works.” 

REPENTANCE 

The basic meaning of the word "repentance" is a change in mind which results in a change in outward actions. 

Some people associate repentance with emotions, like shedding tears and feeling sorry for wrong actions and thoughts. Repentance is not an emotion. It is a decision. Emotion sometimes accompanies true repentance. But it is possible for a person to feel great emotion and to shed many tears and yet never truly repent.

Other people associate repentance with meeting special religious requirements. This is sometimes called "doing penance.” It is possible to fulfill many such religious requirements and yet never repent in the true Biblical sense.

True repentance is a change of mind that results in a change in outward actions. Outward change is the act of turning away from sin towards God and righteousness. This "turning away" shows the inward change of mind which has occurred.

To summarize: Biblical repentance is an inner change of mind resulting in an outward turning away from sin to move towards God and righteousness.

INEFFECTIVE REPENTANCE

There are some passages in the Bible where the word "repent" is used in a different way.

JUDAS:

In Matthew 27:3-4 Judas Iscariot realized Jesus had been condemned to death. He repented of his part in betraying Christ:

Then Judas, which had betrayed Him, when he saw that He was condemned, 

repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief 

priests and elders,

Saying I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood... (Matthew 27:3-4)

The Greek word used here is not the same word which means change. It is a word which people often misinterpret as true repentance. In many languages there are words which have more than one meaning. This is true in the languages in which the Bible was written. There is more than 

one meaning to the word "repent" in the Bible. The word used in this passage about Judas means emotion, sorrow, and anguish.

Judas experienced sorrow over what he had done but he did not experience true Biblical repentance. He did not make a decision which resulted in change in his actions. He continued in sin and in the end, hung himself.

ESAU:

Esau was another man who made this tragic error. Esau sinned by selling his God-given birthright for a bowl of soup. The Bible records:

...ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he 

was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. (Hebrews 12:17)

Esau exchanged his birthright for a bowl of soup. In doing so, he rejected all the blessings and promises of God associated with the birthright.Later, Esau regretted what he had done. He cried aloud and shed bitter tears. But strong emotion is not proof of repentance. Esau did not truly repent. He was just sorry he had lost the birthright  and wished he could have it back. His "repentance" was not acceptable because there is a difference between regret and true repentance.

DEAD WORKS

If we are to fully understand the meaning of repentance, we must understand what it is from which we are to repent. We must understand "dead works.” "Dead works" are the actions of a life lived apart from God. These works may be wrong deeds or acts of self-righteousness.

These are called "sin" in the Bible. The basic thing that causes sin is selfishness. It is the love of self as opposed to the love of God. This love of self results in man going "his own way":

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way... (Isaiah 53:6)

Jesus died for the sins of men in order that...

...they should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died 

for them and rose again. (II Corinthians 5:15) 

When you repent from these dead works of selfishness it means you acknowledge the existence of the one true God, realize you are a sinner, ask forgiveness of your sin, and accept God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.

THE ORIGIN OF SIN

Evil existed before man was created. Sin was originated by Lucifer, also known as Satan. The Bible records that Lucifer was a special angel who was originally created perfect by God. 

Lucifer sinned when he tried to stage a rebellion against God. Because of this sin, Lucifer was cast out of Heaven to earth:

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my 

throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High... 

(Isaiah 14:12-14)

Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: Thou 

wast upon the holy mountain of God...

Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till  iniquity was found in thee...I will cast thee to the ground... (Ezekiel 28:14-16)

On earth, Lucifer [who became known as Satan] continued his rebellion against God. When God created the first man and woman [Adam and Eve], Satan led them to sin against God. This rebellion is sometimes called "the fall of man", meaning that man fell from righteousness into sin. You can read about this in Genesis chapters two and three.

God warned Adam and Eve that the penalties of sin would include physical and spiritual death. 

Spiritual death was a loss of their relationship with God. Physical death was death of their actual physical body. Because of the sin of Adam and Eve death came on all men:

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. (Romans 5:12)

Because of the fall of the first man and woman, sin passed on all mankind. That means everyone born inherits the basic nature of sin. 

Just as physical traits are inherited, the spiritual trait of the basic sin nature is inherited. Each person has sinned and faces the penalties of physical and spiritual death. 

Satan is responsible for all evil in the world. His rebellion towards God still continues as he tempts man to sin. There is a constant battle in the spirit world for the hearts, minds, and souls of men. 

Each person has inherited the basic sin nature. Each person sins individually when he is drawn by this sinful nature to rebel against God:

Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed.

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (James 1:14-15) 

All have sinned, but God has provided a way to escape the penalties of sin. Through repentance from dead works and accepting Jesus Christ as personal Savior you can be "saved" from the penalties of sin.The Bible uses several different names for sin: 

SIN:

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus; for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)

The actual meaning of the word "sin" is to miss the mark and be in error. It is like shooting a weapon and missing the target. It is falling short of what you should be and God's perfect plan for you. 

EVIL:

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts... (Mark 7:21)

Evil means bad, worthless, corrupt, wicked, and morally sinful.

WICKEDNESS:

Wickedness means to have an evil mind set to do mischief. It is a mental disregard for righteousness, justice, truth, and virtue:

So shall it be at the end of the world: The angels shall come forth and sever the wicked from among the just. (Matthew 13:49)

TRANSGRESSION:

Transgression means breaking the law. It is like a man stepping across a line over which he has no right to step, invading forbidden territory, and crossing the boundary between right and wrong:

Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgression...  

(Galatians 3:19)

UNRIGHTEOUSNESS:

This word means injustice, wrong, iniquity, falsehood, and deceitfulness: All unrighteousness is sin... (I John 5:17)

REPENTANCE

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Luke 5:32)

Repentance from dead works was defined as "an inward decision or change of mind resulting in the outward action of turning from sin to God and righteousness.” Acts 20:21 calls it "repentance toward God.” By the act of repentance you turn from your own dead works of sin towards God. 

Repentance is a personal decision to forsake sin and enter into fellowship with God. It is the power of God which actually brings the change in the mind, heart, and life of the sinner:Then God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. (Acts 11:18)

Repentance is a gift of God:

Him [Jesus] hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance...(Acts 5:31)

Although emotions may be involved in repentance, true repentance from dead works is a decision, not just an emotion. As you learned, sorrow for sins, shedding tears, etc., is not enough. 

This must be accompanied by an inward decision that results in an outward change. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF REPENTANCE

There are several reasons why repentance is considered a foundational truth of the Christian faith:

GOD COMMANDS IT:

 ...but [God] now commandeth all men everywhere to repent. (Acts 17:30)

IT IS NECESSARY TO AVOID SPIRITUAL DEATH:

...but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (Luke 13:3)

IT IS NECESSARY FOR ETERNAL LIFE:

Through repentance the penalty of death is removed and eternal life is granted:

When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. (Acts 11:18)

IT IS NECESSARY FOR FORGIVENESS:

God cannot forgive your sins unless you repent: 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 2:38)IT IS 

NECESSARY TO ENTER GOD'S KINGDOM:

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. (Matthew 4:17)

IT IS GOD'S DESIRE FOR ALL:

God does not want anyone to experience the spiritual death of eternal separation from God in Hell:

The Lord...is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (II Peter 3:9)

IT IS THE REASON JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD:

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Luke 5:32)

DO CHRISTIANS REPENT?

In the first act of repentance, sinful men turn from wrong to right, accept the Gospel message, and become true believers in Jesus Christ. In the process of going on to perfection (which will be 

studied later in this course), a believer sometimes falls back into the old patterns of sinful behavior. According to the Biblical record, whenever believers sin they must also repent:

THE CORINTHIANS:

The believers at a city called Corinth had to repent:

Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to epentance... (II Corinthians 7:9)

For I fear, lest, when I come...that I shall bewail many which have sinned already and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed. (II Corinthians 12:20-21)

THE EPHESIANS:

The believers at Ephesus were told to repent:

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and repent and do the first 

works. (Revelation 2:5)

CHRISTIANS IN PERGAMOS:

God told the Christians in Pergamos:

Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. (Revelation 2:16)

CHRISTIANS IN SARDIS:

Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and 

repent. (Revelation 3:3)

CHRISTIANS IN LAODICEA:

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; Be zealous therefore, and repent.  

(Revelation 3:19)

Wherever there is sin, there must be repentance:

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.

 (I John 1:8-9)

THE MESSAGE OF REPENTANCE

Because repentance is necessary for salvation, God made a special plan to enable the message of repentance to reach everyone. The call to repentance began in the New Testament with the 

ministry of John the Baptist:

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way the Lord, make His path straight. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. (Mark 1:3-4)

Repentance was necessary in order for the Messiah [Jesus] to be revealed. Until Israel had been called back to God in repentance, Jesus could not be revealed. Repentance was the first message Jesus preached:

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. (Mark 1:14-15)

Repentance was preached by believers in the early church:...Testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:21)

Today, believers still have the responsibility to spread the message of repentance throughout the world. Jesus gave final instructions to His followers that...

..repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all 

nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:47) 

 WHAT CAUSES MEN TO REPENT?

Since repentance is a foundation on which the Christian faith rests, we must understand what causes men to repent. If you are responsible to spread the message of repentance throughout the 

world then you must know how men are persuaded to repent from dead works.

GOODNESS OF GOD:

The blessings of God in the life of an ungodly person are not to be mistaken as God's approval of his life style. The goodness of God is one way the Lord appeals to men to turn to Him:

Despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; 

not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? (Romans 2:4)

PREACHING:

The preaching of the Word of God causes men to repent. The preaching of Jonah resulted in the whole city of Ninevah repenting:

The men of Ninevah shall rise in judgment with this generation and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas. (Matthew 12:41)

CHRIST'S CALL:

As the Word of God is preached, people hear and respond to the call of Christ which leads to repentance:

I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Matthew 9:13)

GOD, THE FATHER:

Jesus said no one could come to Him except the Father draw him. God draws men to repentance:

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him... 

(John 6:44) 

REBUKE:

Rebuke causes men to repent. Rebuke is correction given from the Word of God:

...If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive 

him. (Luke 17:3)

GODLY SORROW:

As you learned, repentance may be accompanied by emotion. Natural emotion alone is not true repentance, but Godly emotion leads to true repentance:

Godly sorrow [for sin] worketh repentance to salvation. (II Corinthians 7:10)

THINGS ASSOCIATED WITH REPENTANCE

The Bible identifies several things associated with repentance:

FAITH:

Faith towards God is associated with repentance. It is listed in Hebrews 6 as the second foundational principle of the Christian faith. Repentance from dead works must be combined with faith towards God:

..Repent ye, and believe the Gospel. (Mark 1:15)

...Repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:21)

BAPTISM:

Baptism should accompany repentance as an outward sign of the inward change which has occurred:

Repent and be baptized every one of you. (Acts 3:19)

The doctrine of baptisms will also be discussed later in this course as it is part of the foundations mentioned in Hebrews 6.

WORKS:

The works of man, which the Bible also calls fruit, testify as to whether or not there has been true repentance:

The Gentiles should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. (Acts 26:20)

Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance. (Matthew 3:8)

"Works" and "fruits" both refer to outward behavior which should change after true repentance.

CONVERSION:

Repent ye therefore, and be converted that your sins may be blotted out. (Acts 3:19)

Since conversion is related to repentance, you need to understand conversion.

CONVERSION

Conversion means "to turn.” When it is used in connection with Biblical repentance, it means to "turn from the wrong way to the right way.”

And many of the children of Israel shall He turn to the Lord their God. (Luke 1:16)

And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw Him, and turned to the Lord. (Acts 9:35)

And the hand of the Lord was with them; and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. (Acts 11:21)

Conversion is turning from the darkness of sin to the light of God's righteousness:

...to turn them from darkness to light. (Acts 26:18)

It is turning from the power of Satan to God:

...to turn them...from the power of Satan unto God. (Acts 26:18)

It is turning from worldly things to spiritual things:

...Ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God. (Acts 14:15)

It is turning from false gods to the true and living God: 

...Ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God. (I Thessalonians 1:9)

IMPORTANCE OF CONVERSION

Conversion must accompany repentance. You must turn from the wrong to the right because...

IT IS NECESSARY TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD:

Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, 

ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 18:3)

IT SAVES FROM SPIRITUAL DEATH:

He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death and shall hide a multitude of sins. (James 5:20)

IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE BLOTTING OUT OF SIN:

Our sin is written in the records of God until we repent and are converted, then it is blotted out:

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out... 

(Acts 3:19)

THE PRODIGAL SON

Repentance and conversion are best illustrated by a story Jesus told about the prodigal son. 

Read the story in Luke 15:11-24. This young man left his father and home, went to a distant land, and through sin wasted all he owned. Eventually this young man realized his condition. He was hungry, lonely, in rags, and tending pigs for a job. Then he made an important decision. He said, "I will arise and go to my father.” 

This inward decision resulted in a change in his outward actions. He went home to his father to seek forgiveness. 

REPENTANCE...THE CHANGE OF MIND:

Read Luke 15:17-19. The young man realized his sinful condition. He made a decision to go to his father and repent of his sin. This is an example of repentance, an inward decision which results in outward action. 

CONVERSION...ACTING ON THE DECISION:

Luke 15:20 records how the young man arose and left the old life and went to his father to start a new life. This is conversion.

PRODIGAL MEN

In his own sinful condition, every man has turned his back on God as his Father and on Heaven as his home. Each step he takes is a step away from God and one step nearer the spiritual death of 

eternal separation from God.

There is a major decision he must make. He must "come to himself" and recognize his spiritual condition. He must make a decision which will result in a change of spiritual direction. That change in spiritual direction will turn him from sin towards God. This is the first step in building a proper spiritual foundation.

JUSTIFICATION AND SALVATION

There are two other terms used in the Bible which relate to repentance. These terms are "justification" and "salvation.” God is the judge of all mankind. When you are living in "dead works" [sin] you are condemned before Him:...but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:18-19)

When you repent from sin and make the decision to turn from your sinful ways this establishes a right relationship with God. This right relationship or right standing before God is called "justification":

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants 

ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. (Romans 6:16-18)

The penalties for sin are physical and spiritual death. When Jesus died on the cross, He paid the penalty for the sins of all mankind:

For He [God] hath made Him [Jesus] to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. 

(II Corinthians 5:21)

If you believe that Jesus died for your sins, repent, and accept Him as Savior, then you will not experience spiritual death of eternal separation from God in Hell. Although your physical body will die, you will be resurrected to eternal life. This is made possible through the death and 

resurrection of our Lord Jesus. You are justified, or brought into right relationship to God, by Jesus Christ:

Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:24)

Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. (Romans 5:9)

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ... (Romans 5:1)

When you are justified by repenting and accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior you are saved from a life of sin and the penalties of sin:

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on 

Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24)

This is what it means to be saved and is what the Bible is speaking of when the term "salvation" is used.

It is God's desire that all men obtain salvation rather than experience the wrath of God's judgment of sin:For God had not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord 

Jesus Christ...who died for us. (I Thessalonians 5:9-10a)

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.

For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17)

SUMMARY

The chart on the following page summarizes the basic concepts taught in chapters two and three.

It is important to remember that each foundational principle of the Christian faith is related to all the others. For example, repentance from dead works cannot be separated from faith toward 

Origin of Sin: Lucifer (Satan)

Rebelled Against God 

He led man into sin which resulted in

The Fall of Man (Adam and Eve)

This resulted in

All men inheriting the basic sin nature and committingindividual acts of sin due to this nature Sin leads to:

Spiritual Death

Physical Death

On the cross, Jesus paid these penalties which resulted in justification of sinful man:

Repentance From Dead Works

 (An Inward Decision)

which leads to Conversion

(An Outward Change)

which results in Justification Of Sinful Man Before A Righteous God and

Salvation From A Life Of Sin And The Penalties Of Sin

FAITH TOWARD 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. (Hebrews 11:6)

The second of the foundation doctrines is "faith toward God.” "Faith toward God" refers to your attitude toward God. Some men hate God and rebel against Him. Others are afraid of Him. Your attitude should be one of faith toward God.

Faith and repentance are both necessary for genuine conversion. To turn to God without forsaking sin is not true repentance. To try to forsake sin without turning to God in faith ends in failure. The ministry of Paul to the unsaved was:

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

Both repentance and faith toward God are necessary for salvation.

DEFINITION

Faith means to believe and have assurance of something. To believe means to have trust. The words "faith, believe, and trust" all mean the same thing when we use them in relation to God. 

The Bible defines faith as:...the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

The Amplified Bible adds to this definition:

Now faith is the assurance, the confirmation, the title deed of the things we hope for, being the proof of things we do not see, and the conviction of their reality. Faith is perceiving as real what is not revealed to the senses.  

(Hebrews 11:1) 

Faith gives assurance that the things promised in the future are true and that unseen things are real.

HOPE:

Faith differs from hope. Hope is a desire or attitude of expectancy concerning things in the future. Faith is belief in something you cannot see but have assurance you already possess. 

Hope is in the mind. Faith is in the heart:

But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith...and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. (I Thessalonians 5:8)

In this verse faith is associated with the region of the heart as a breastplate. Hope is a helmet associated with the head.

Hope is a mental attitude of expectancy about the future. Faith is a condition of the heart producing belief in God:

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness...(Romans 10:10)

It is not enough to accept the Gospel with the mind. This is not true Scriptural faith and does not produce change in your life. True Scriptural faith, believing with the heart, always produces change in your life. The result is something experienced in the present, not something hoped for in the future.

MIND OVER MATTER:

Faith is not the same as "mind over matter" which is taught by some religions. "Mind over matter" teaches that man can overcome all problems in the real world [the world of matter] by using his mind, reason, or willpower. These teachings are man-centered. They rely on self and not on God. "Mind over matter" is not based on the Word of God. 

Faith is God-centered, not man-centered. It is a gift of God, not something man produces through self-efforts of his own mind.

TYPES OF FAITH

There are different types of faith.

NATURAL FAITH:

This is a natural trust in things that have proven stable. For example, faith that the chair on which you are sitting will support you. This faith is not "faith toward God.” It is a natural faith in certain things around you that you have learned by experience are usually dependable. 

The following types of faith are what we mean when we speak of "faith toward God": 

SANCTIFYING FAITH:

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. (Galatians 2:20)

Sanctifying faith enables the believer to live a holy life after conversion. You will learn more about sanctification in the last chapter of this study as we discuss going on to perfection.

Faith toward God includes sanctifying faith which is believing you can live a holy life. You do not do this by your own strength but through the power of God which dwells within you.

DEFENSIVE FAITH:

Faith is one of the weapons for defense against your spiritual enemy, Satan:

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (Ephesians 6:16)

Satan will try to attack your faith by sending "darts" of unbelief into your mind. Having faith toward God provides a spiritual defense to these attacks.

SAVING FAITH:

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord  Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)

Faith toward God, combined with true repentance, is saving faith. Salvation is knowing, believing, and personally accepting the Gospel message. Saving faith requires a personal response toward God. No person can respond on behalf of another. Each person is saved by his own response to the Gospel.Faith is a fact. It is the gift of God to men to enable them to be saved:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God... (Ephesians 2:8)

But faith is also an act. Each person must act upon the faith given him by God. Faith toward 

God is your response, your action by faith toward Him.

After you have experienced "faith towards God" and become a believer, the spiritual fruit of faith and the gift of faith both increase your faith toward God. The gift and fruit of faith are discussed 

in detail in the Harvestime International Institute course entitled "Ministry Of The Holy Spirit.”

MISPLACED FAITH

The doctrine you are studying is called "faith toward God.” It is not just faith in general, but it is directed faith. You can have misdirected faith. Misdirected faith can be in...

NATURAL WEAPONS:

For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. (Psalms 44:6)

GREAT MEN:

Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. (Psalms 146:3)

SELF:

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. (Proverbs 28:26)

IDOLS:

They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods. (Isaiah 42:17)

FALSE PROPHETS:

Trust ye not in lying words...Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit. (Jeremiah 7:4,8)