Thematic Bible




Thematic Bible




What shall we say, then, that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, did find? If Abraham were justified by deeds, then hath he wherein to rejoice: but not with God. For what saith the scripture? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." read more.
To him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of favour: but of duty. To him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, is his faith counted for righteousness. Even as David describeth the blessedfulness of the man, unto whom God ascribeth righteousness without deeds, "Blessed are they, whose unrighteousnesses are forgiven and whose sins are covered. Blessed is that man to whom the Lord imputeth not sin." Came this blessedness then upon the circumcised or upon the uncircumcised? We say verily how that faith was reckoned to Abraham, for righteousness. How was it reckoned? In the time of circumcision? Or in the time before he was circumcised? Not in time of circumcision: but when he was yet uncircumcised. And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness which is by faith: which faith he had, yet being uncircumcised, that he should be the father of all them that believe: though they be not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also; And that he might be the father of the circumcised: not because they are circumcised only: but because they walk also in the steps of that faith, that was in our father Abraham before the time of circumcision. For the promise that he should be heir of the world was not given to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law: but through the righteousness which cometh of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, then is faith but vain, and the promise of none effect. Because the law causeth wrath. For where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore by faith is the inheritance given, that it might come of favour: and that the promise might be sure to all the seed. Not to them only which are of the law: but also to them which are of the faith of Abraham, which is the father of us all. As it is written, "I have made thee a father to many nations," even before God whom thou hast believed, which quickeneth the dead and called those things which be not, as though they were. Which Abraham, contrary to hope, believed in hope: that he should be the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, "So shall thy seed be." And he fainted not in the faith, nor yet considered his own body, which was now dead, even when he was almost a hundred years old: neither yet that Sara was past childbearing. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief: But was made strong in the faith, and gave honour to God, full certified that what he had promised, that he was able to make good. And therefore was it reckoned to him for righteousness.

Even as Abraham "believed God, and it was ascribed to him for righteousness." Understand, therefore, that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. For the scripture saw aforehand, that God would justify the heathen through faith, and therefore showed beforehand glad tidings unto Abraham: "In thee shall all nations be blessed." read more.
So then, they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out into a place which he should afterward receive to inheritance, and he went out, not knowing whither he should go. By faith he removed into the land that was promised him, as into a strange country, and dwelt in tabernacles: and so did Isaac, and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked for a city having a foundation, whose builder and maker is God.

By faith Abraham offered up Isaac, when he was tempted, and he offered him being his only begotten son, which had received the promises: Of whom it was said, "In Isaac shall thy seed be called." For he considered that God was able to raise up again from death. Wherefore received he him, for an example of the resurrection.

Was not Abraham our father justified through works when he offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Thou seest how that faith wrought within his deeds, and through the deeds was the faith made perfect. And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, "Abraham believed God, and it was reputed unto him for righteousness," and he was called the friend of God. read more.
Ye see, then, how that of deeds a man is justified, and not of faith only.


After these deeds, God did prove Abraham and said unto him, "Abraham." And he answered, "Here am I." And he said, "Take thy only son Isaac whom thou lovest, and get thee unto the land of Moria, and sacrifice him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will show thee." Then Abraham rose up early in the morning and saddled his ass, and took two of his men with him, and Isaac his son: and clove wood for the sacrifice, and rose up and got him to the place which God had appointed him. read more.
The third day Abraham lift up his eyes and saw the place afar off, and said unto his young men, "Bide here with the ass. I and the lad will go yonder and worship and come again unto you." And Abraham took the wood of the sacrifice and laid it upon Isaac his son, and took fire in his hand and a knife. And they went both of them together. Then spake Isaac unto Abraham his father and said, "My father?" And he answered, "Here am I, my son." And he said, "See, here is fire and wood, but where is the sheep for sacrifice?" And Abraham said, "My son, God will provide him a sheep for sacrifice." So went they both together. And when they came unto the place which God showed him, Abraham made an altar there and dressed the wood, and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, above upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to have killed his son. Then the angel of the LORD called unto him from heaven saying, "Abraham, Abraham?" And he answered, "Here am I." And he said, "Lay not thy hands upon the child, neither do anything at all unto him, for now I know that thou fearest God, in that thou hast not kept thine only son from me." And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked about: and behold, there was a ram caught by the horns in a thicket. And he went and took the ram and offered him up for a sacrifice in the stead of his son. And Abraham called the name of the place, "The LORD will see." Wherefore it is a common saying this day, "In the mount will the LORD be seen." And the angel of the LORD cried unto Abraham from heaven the second time, saying, "By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, because thou hast done this thing and hast not spared thy only son, that I will bless thee and multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven and as the sand upon the sea side. And thy seed shall possess the gates of his enemies. And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because thou hast obeyed my voice." So turned Abraham again unto his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beersheba. And Abraham dwelt at Beersheba.


Was not Abraham our father justified through works when he offered Isaac his son upon the altar?


Was not Abraham our father justified through works when he offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Thou seest how that faith wrought within his deeds, and through the deeds was the faith made perfect. And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, "Abraham believed God, and it was reputed unto him for righteousness," and he was called the friend of God. read more.
Ye see, then, how that of deeds a man is justified, and not of faith only. Likewise also, was not Rahab the harlot justified through works, when she received the messengers, and sent them out another way?


Even so faith, if it have no deeds, is dead in itself. Yea, and a man might say, "Thou hast faith, and I have deeds: Show me thy faith by thy deeds: and I will show thee my faith by my deeds." Believest thou that there is one God? Thou doest well. The devils also believe and tremble. read more.
Wilt thou understand, o thou vain man, that faith without deeds is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified through works when he offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Thou seest how that faith wrought within his deeds, and through the deeds was the faith made perfect. And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, "Abraham believed God, and it was reputed unto him for righteousness," and he was called the friend of God. Ye see, then, how that of deeds a man is justified, and not of faith only. Likewise also, was not Rahab the harlot justified through works, when she received the messengers, and sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, even so faith without deeds is dead.


After these deeds, God did prove Abraham and said unto him, "Abraham." And he answered, "Here am I." And he said, "Take thy only son Isaac whom thou lovest, and get thee unto the land of Moria, and sacrifice him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will show thee." Then Abraham rose up early in the morning and saddled his ass, and took two of his men with him, and Isaac his son: and clove wood for the sacrifice, and rose up and got him to the place which God had appointed him. read more.
The third day Abraham lift up his eyes and saw the place afar off, and said unto his young men, "Bide here with the ass. I and the lad will go yonder and worship and come again unto you." And Abraham took the wood of the sacrifice and laid it upon Isaac his son, and took fire in his hand and a knife. And they went both of them together. Then spake Isaac unto Abraham his father and said, "My father?" And he answered, "Here am I, my son." And he said, "See, here is fire and wood, but where is the sheep for sacrifice?" And Abraham said, "My son, God will provide him a sheep for sacrifice." So went they both together. And when they came unto the place which God showed him, Abraham made an altar there and dressed the wood, and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, above upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to have killed his son. Then the angel of the LORD called unto him from heaven saying, "Abraham, Abraham?" And he answered, "Here am I." And he said, "Lay not thy hands upon the child, neither do anything at all unto him, for now I know that thou fearest God, in that thou hast not kept thine only son from me." And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked about: and behold, there was a ram caught by the horns in a thicket. And he went and took the ram and offered him up for a sacrifice in the stead of his son. And Abraham called the name of the place, "The LORD will see." Wherefore it is a common saying this day, "In the mount will the LORD be seen." And the angel of the LORD cried unto Abraham from heaven the second time, saying, "By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, because thou hast done this thing and hast not spared thy only son, that I will bless thee and multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven and as the sand upon the sea side. And thy seed shall possess the gates of his enemies. And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because thou hast obeyed my voice." So turned Abraham again unto his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beersheba. And Abraham dwelt at Beersheba.


Was not Abraham our father justified through works when he offered Isaac his son upon the altar?




God hath now fulfilled unto us their children, in that he raised up Jesus again, even as it is written in the second psalm, 'Thou art my son, this same day begat I thee.' As concerning that he so raised him up from death, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, 'The holy promises made to David I will give them faithfully to you.' Wherefore he saith also in another place, 'Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy to see corruption.' read more.
Howbeit David, after he had in his time fulfilled the will of God, he slept, and was laid with his fathers, and saw corruption. But he whom God raised again, saw no corruption. Be it known unto you therefore, ye men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins; And that by him are all that believe justified from all things, from the which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

For as many as are under the deeds of the law, are under malediction. For it is written, "Cursed is every man that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to fulfil them." That no man is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident. For the just shall live by faith.

Wilt thou understand, o thou vain man, that faith without deeds is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified through works when he offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Thou seest how that faith wrought within his deeds, and through the deeds was the faith made perfect. read more.
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, "Abraham believed God, and it was reputed unto him for righteousness," and he was called the friend of God. Ye see, then, how that of deeds a man is justified, and not of faith only.


But I say unto you, that of every idle word, that men shall have spoken, they shall give accounts at the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified: and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."

Even as Abraham "believed God, and it was ascribed to him for righteousness." Understand, therefore, that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. For the scripture saw aforehand, that God would justify the heathen through faith, and therefore showed beforehand glad tidings unto Abraham: "In thee shall all nations be blessed." read more.
So then, they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. For as many as are under the deeds of the law, are under malediction. For it is written, "Cursed is every man that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to fulfil them." That no man is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident. For the just shall live by faith. The law is not of faith: but the man that fulfilleth the things contained in the law, shall live in them. But Christ hath delivered us from the curse of the law, and was made accursed for us - for it is written, "Cursed is everyone that hangeth on tree" - that the blessing of Abraham might come on the gentiles through Jesus Christ, and that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith.

We suppose, therefore we hold, that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? Is he not also the God of the gentiles? Yes, even of the Gentiles also. For it is God only which justifieth circumcision, which is of faith: and uncircumcision through faith.

Wilt thou understand, o thou vain man, that faith without deeds is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified through works when he offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Thou seest how that faith wrought within his deeds, and through the deeds was the faith made perfect. read more.
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, "Abraham believed God, and it was reputed unto him for righteousness," and he was called the friend of God. Ye see, then, how that of deeds a man is justified, and not of faith only. Likewise also, was not Rahab the harlot justified through works, when she received the messengers, and sent them out another way?


Was not Abraham our father justified through works when he offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all the servants born in his house, and all that was bought with money; as many as were men children among the men of Abraham's house, and circumcised the foreskin of their flesh, even the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.

Then the LORD said unto Abram, "Get thee out of thy country and from thy kindred; and out of thy father's house, into a land which I will show thee. And I will make of thee a mighty people, and will bless thee, and make thy name great, that thou mayst be a blessing. And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curse thee. And in thee shall be blessed all the generations of the earth." read more.
And Abram went as the LORD bade him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy five years old, when he went out of Haran.

and foundest his heart faithful before thee, and madest a covenant with him to give unto his seed the land of the Cananites, Hittites, Amorites, Perezites, Jebusites, and Girgashites - and hast made good thy words: for thou art righteous,

And he said, "Lay not thy hands upon the child, neither do anything at all unto him, for now I know that thou fearest God, in that thou hast not kept thine only son from me."

and Abraham circumcised Isaac his son when he was eight days old, as God commanded him.

and said unto him, 'Come out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall show unto thee.' Then came he out of the land of Chaldea and dwelt in Haran. And after that, as soon as his father was dead, he brought him into this land, in which ye now dwell, and he gave him none inheritance in it - no, not the breadth of a foot - But promised that he would give it to him to possess and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child. read more.
God verily spake on this wise, that this seed should be a dweller in a strange land, and that they should keep them in bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years. 'But the nation to whom they shall be in bondage, will I judge,' said God, 'and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.' And he gave him the covenant of circumcision, and he begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day, and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs.

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out into a place which he should afterward receive to inheritance, and he went out, not knowing whither he should go. By faith he removed into the land that was promised him, as into a strange country, and dwelt in tabernacles: and so did Isaac, and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked for a city having a foundation, whose builder and maker is God. read more.
Through faith Sarah also received strength to be with child, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful which had promised. And therefore sprang thereof one - and of one which was as good as dead - so many in multitude, as the stars of the sky, and as the sand of the sea shore which is innumerable. And they all died in faith, and received not the promises: but saw them afar off, and believed them, and saluted them: and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. They that say such things, declare that they seek a country. Also, if they had been mindful of that country, from whence they came out, they had leisure to have returned again. But now they desire a better, that is to say a heavenly. Wherefore God is not ashamed of them, even to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. By faith Abraham offered up Isaac, when he was tempted, and he offered him being his only begotten son, which had received the promises:


Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, "Of a truth I perceive, that God is not partial: but in all people, he that feareth him and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.


But ye, dearly beloved, edify yourselves in your most holy faith, praying in the holy ghost, and keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, unto eternal life.

And hereunto, give all diligence: In your faith, minister virtue; and in virtue, knowledge; and in knowledge, temperance; and in temperance, patience; in patience, godliness; in godliness, brotherly kindness; in brotherly kindness, love. read more.
For if these things be among you, and are plenteous, they will make you that ye neither shall be idle nor unfruitful in the knowledge of the our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind and gropeth for the way with his hand, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

"Master, which is the chief commandment in the law?" Jesus said unto him, "'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.' This is the first and that chief commandment. read more.
And there is another like unto this: 'Thou shalt love thine neighbor as thyself.' In these two commandments, hang all the law and the prophets."

There is, then, no damnation to them which are in Christ Jesus: which walk not after the flesh but after the spirit: For the law of the spirit, that bringeth life through Jesus Christ, hath delivered me from the law of sin, and death: For what the law could not do, inasmuch as it was weak because of the flesh - that performed God, and sent his son in the similitude of sinful flesh, and by sin damned sin in the flesh; read more.
that the righteousness required of the law might be fulfilled in us, which walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit. For they that are carnal, are carnally minded; But they that are spiritual are spiritually minded. To be carnally minded is death; But to be spiritually minded is life, and peace: because that the fleshly mind is enmity against God: For it is not obedient to the law of God, neither can be. So then, they that are given to the flesh, cannot please God. But ye are not given to the flesh; But to the spirit: If so be that the spirit of God dwell in you. If there be any man that hath not the spirit of Christ, the same is none of his. If Christ be in you: the body is dead, because of sin; But the spirit is life for righteousness' sake. Wherefore, if the spirit of him that raised up Jesus from death, dwell in you: even he that raised up Christ from death, shall quicken your mortal bodies, because that this spirit dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are now debtors; not to the flesh, to live after the flesh: For if ye live after the flesh, ye must die. But if ye mortify the deeds of the body, by the help of the spirit, ye shall live, for as many as are led by the spirit of God: they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage to fear anymore, but ye have received the spirit of adoption whereby we cry, "Abba father." The same spirit certifieth our spirit that we are the sons of God. If we be sons, we are also heirs: the heirs, I mean, of God: and heirs annexed with Christ. If so be that we suffer together, that we may be glorified together. For I suppose that the afflictions of this life are not worthy of the glory which shall be showed upon us.

Brethren: my heart's desire, and prayer to God for Israel, is that they might be saved. For I bear them record, that they have a fervent mind to Godward, but not according to knowledge. For they are ignorant of the righteousness which is allowed before God, and go about to establish their own righteousness: and therefore, are not obedient unto the righteousness which is of value before God. read more.
For Christ is the end of the law to justify all that believe. Moses describeth the righteousness which cometh of the law, how that the man which doth the things of the law shall live therein. But the righteousness which cometh of faith, speaketh on this wise, "Say not in thine heart, 'who shall ascend into heaven?'" That is nothing else than to fetch Christ down. Or, "Who shall descend into the deep?" That is nothing else but to fetch up Christ from death. But what saith the scripture? "The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth and in thine heart." This word is the word of faith which we preach. For if thou shalt knowledge with thy mouth that Jesus is the Lord, and shalt believe with thine heart that God raised him up from death, thou shalt be safe. For the belief of the heart justifieth: and to knowledge with the mouth maketh a man safe. For the scripture saith, "Whosoever believeth on him, shall not be ashamed." There is no difference between the Jew and the gentile. For one is Lord of all: which is rich unto all that call on him. For whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be safe.

But the fruit of the spirit is: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, temperance. Against such there is no law. They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh, with the appetites and lusts. read more.
If we live in the spirit, let us walk in the spirit.

See that none recompense evil for evil unto any man: but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice ever. Pray continually. read more.
In all things give thanks. For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you. Quench not the spirit, despise not prophesying. Examine all things, and keep that which is good. Abstain from all suspicious things. The very God of peace sanctify you throughout. And I pray God that your whole spirit, soul, and body, be kept faultless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

If ye fulfil the royal law - according to the scripture which saith, "Thou shalt love thine neighbour as thyself" - ye do well. But if ye regard one person more than another, ye commit sin, and are rebuked of the law as transgressors. Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet fail in one point, he is guilty in all. read more.
For he that said, "Thou shalt not commit adultery," said also, "thou shalt not kill." Though thou shalt do none adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For there shall be judgment, merciless, to him that showeth no mercy, and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. What availeth it, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, when he hath no deeds? Can faith save him? If a brother or a sister be naked or destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, "Depart in peace, God send you warmness and food," notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body: what helpeth it them? Even so faith, if it have no deeds, is dead in itself. Yea, and a man might say, "Thou hast faith, and I have deeds: Show me thy faith by thy deeds: and I will show thee my faith by my deeds." Believest thou that there is one God? Thou doest well. The devils also believe and tremble. Wilt thou understand, o thou vain man, that faith without deeds is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified through works when he offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Thou seest how that faith wrought within his deeds, and through the deeds was the faith made perfect. And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, "Abraham believed God, and it was reputed unto him for righteousness," and he was called the friend of God. Ye see, then, how that of deeds a man is justified, and not of faith only. Likewise also, was not Rahab the harlot justified through works, when she received the messengers, and sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, even so faith without deeds is dead.


"Wilt thou find out God with thy seeking? Wilt thou attain to the perfectness of the Almighty? He is higher than heaven; what wilt thou do? Deeper than hell; how wilt thou then know him? His length exceedeth the length of the earth, and his breadth the breadth of the sea. read more.
Though he turn all things upside down, close them in, or thrust them together, who dare check him therefore? For it is he that knoweth the vanity of men. He seeth their wickedness also; should he not then consider it? A vain body exalteth himself, and man, newborn, is like a wild ass's colt.

Wilt thou understand, o thou vain man, that faith without deeds is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified through works when he offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Thou seest how that faith wrought within his deeds, and through the deeds was the faith made perfect.