Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Abraham » God's covenant with
the oath which he made to our father Abraham, to grant us this favour,
Verse Concepts
Besides, the promise that he should possess the world, was not made to Abraham, or to his posterity in consideration of the law, but with regard to the righteousness by faith.
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for I tell you, that Jesus Christ was a minister to the Jews, to manifest the veracity of God in fulfilling the promises made to the fathers:
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For when God gave his promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, saying, "surely I will heap blessings upon thee, and will give thee a numerous posterity."
As Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness: so hence ye know, that it is they who believe who are the children of Abraham. and the scripture insinuating, that God would justify the Gentiles thro' faith, gave Abraham an intimation of the gospel in these words, " in thee shall all nations be blessed." read more.
so that it is they who believe, who are blessed with Abraham, who did believe. but they that rest themselves upon the works of the law, are obnoxious to the curse: for it is written, " cursed is every one, who continueth not in all things, which are written in the book of the law, to do them:" but that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, is evident: for, " the just shall live by faith." now the law does not justify by FAITH, but says, "he that DOES these things shall live by them." Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. (for it is written, " cursed is every one, that hangeth upon a tree.") that the blessing promised to Abraham might come on the Gentiles thro' Jesus Christ; that we by believing might receive the spirit that was promised. Brethren, I speak according to the practice of men; contracts between men, when once ratified, cannot be disannulled or altered afterwards by any man. now to Abraham and his offspring were the promises made. he does not say, "to offsprings," as if he spoke of many; but as speaking of one, "and to thy offspring," which means Christ. this therefore I say, that the law, which was not till four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul the promise, that was ratified before by God, so as to set the promise afoot. now if the right to the inheritance be from the law, it is no longer founded upon the promise; altho' God made a donation of it to Abraham by promise.
so that it is they who believe, who are blessed with Abraham, who did believe. but they that rest themselves upon the works of the law, are obnoxious to the curse: for it is written, " cursed is every one, who continueth not in all things, which are written in the book of the law, to do them:" but that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, is evident: for, " the just shall live by faith." now the law does not justify by FAITH, but says, "he that DOES these things shall live by them." Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. (for it is written, " cursed is every one, that hangeth upon a tree.") that the blessing promised to Abraham might come on the Gentiles thro' Jesus Christ; that we by believing might receive the spirit that was promised. Brethren, I speak according to the practice of men; contracts between men, when once ratified, cannot be disannulled or altered afterwards by any man. now to Abraham and his offspring were the promises made. he does not say, "to offsprings," as if he spoke of many; but as speaking of one, "and to thy offspring," which means Christ. this therefore I say, that the law, which was not till four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul the promise, that was ratified before by God, so as to set the promise afoot. now if the right to the inheritance be from the law, it is no longer founded upon the promise; altho' God made a donation of it to Abraham by promise.
and if you belong to Christ, you are Abraham's offspring, and his heirs by virtue of the promise.
Verse Concepts
for it is there written, Abraham had two sons, the one by a bond-maid, the other by a free-woman. he, who was of the bond-woman, was born according to the ordinary course of nature; but he, who was of the free-woman, was born by virtue of the promise. these things have an allegorical meaning: the two women signify the two covenants, the one from mount Sinai, which is represented by Agar, whose children were born in a state of servitude. read more.
this Agar answers to the Jerusalem now in being, for she is in servitude with her children: but the heavenly Jerusalem is represented by the free-woman, who is the mother of us all. for it is written, "rejoice thou barren, that bearest not; break out into loud acclamations, thou that hast not the travels of childbirth, for more are the children of the desolate, than of her that hath an husband." Now we, my brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of the promise. but as then, he that was born in the ordinary course of nature, persecuted him, who was born by an extraordinary power; even so it is now. but what saith the scripture? "cast out the bond-woman and her son; for the son of the bond-woman shall not share the inheritance with the son of the free-woman." so then, my brethren, we are not children of the bond-woman, but of the free-woman, by virtue of that freedom which Christ has procur'd for us.
this Agar answers to the Jerusalem now in being, for she is in servitude with her children: but the heavenly Jerusalem is represented by the free-woman, who is the mother of us all. for it is written, "rejoice thou barren, that bearest not; break out into loud acclamations, thou that hast not the travels of childbirth, for more are the children of the desolate, than of her that hath an husband." Now we, my brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of the promise. but as then, he that was born in the ordinary course of nature, persecuted him, who was born by an extraordinary power; even so it is now. but what saith the scripture? "cast out the bond-woman and her son; for the son of the bond-woman shall not share the inheritance with the son of the free-woman." so then, my brethren, we are not children of the bond-woman, but of the free-woman, by virtue of that freedom which Christ has procur'd for us.
The atonement » Faith in, indispensable
whom God had ordained, thro' faith, to be the propitiatory victim by his blood, for the manifestation of his goodness, by patiently passing over their past transgressions: to manifest,
Verse Concepts
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. (for it is written, " cursed is every one, that hangeth upon a tree.") that the blessing promised to Abraham might come on the Gentiles thro' Jesus Christ; that we by believing might receive the spirit that was promised.
Conversion » Of the gentiles » Examples of
when the Gentiles heard this, they received the word with joy, glorifying the Lord: and as many as were dispos'd to eternal life, believed.
Verse Concepts
all the Jewish converts, who came with Paul, were astonished to see that the gift of the holy spirit was diffused likewise among the Gentiles.
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but as they oppos'd him with invectives, he shook his garment, and said, "you your selves be answerable for your own destruction, I am clear: and for the future I shall address my self to the Gentiles."
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The seventh angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven, crying, "the kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever."
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In the mean time, the apostles, and the brethren, who were in Judea, heard that the Gentiles had likewise receiv'd the word of God.
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and after the question had been much canvass'd, Peter rose up, and said, my brethren, you know that a considerable time since God chose me from among you to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, and bring them to the faith.
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take notice therefore, that the offers of divine salvation are sent to the Gentiles, and they will receive them.
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to such as we, whom he has called, both from among the Jews, and from among the Gentiles.
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and you Gentiles ought to glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, "for this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name ."
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that the blessing promised to Abraham might come on the Gentiles thro' Jesus Christ; that we by believing might receive the spirit that was promised.
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Show 1 more verse
who will not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: and all nations shall come to adore thee; because thy judgments have been display'd."
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Faith » Through it is » The gift of the holy ghost
that the blessing promised to Abraham might come on the Gentiles thro' Jesus Christ; that we by believing might receive the spirit that was promised.
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by whom you also have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: and having believed in him, ye were mark'd with the seal of the holy spirit, which was promised:
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and while I was speaking to them, the holy spirit descended upon them, as it did on us, at the beginning. then I remember'd that expression of the Lord, "John baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the holy spirit." if therefore God has bestow'd the same favour upon them, as on us, after we had believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, how could I make any opposition to the divine will?
Faith/faithfulness » What is achieved through and by faith
As the lame man who was cured, held Peter and John, the people all in surprize ran to Solomon's porch, where they were. which Peter observing, thus addressed them, ye men of Israel, why are ye so surprized at this event? or why do you look so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or piety, we had caus'd this man to walk? the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and renounced in opposition to Pilate, who was determined to let him go. read more.
but ye renounced him that was holy and just; you interceeded for the life of a murderer, but killed the prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. it is the faith which we have in him, that has procured strength to this man whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him, hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
but ye renounced him that was holy and just; you interceeded for the life of a murderer, but killed the prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. it is the faith which we have in him, that has procured strength to this man whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him, hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
for we conclude, that a man is justified by faith, without observing the legal rites. is God the God of the Jews only, and not of the Gentiles? surely he is of the Gentiles too; since it is one God, who will justify both the Jews and the Gentiles, through faith. read more.
do we then make the law useless by our doctrine of faith? by no means; on the contrary, it is we that observe the law.
do we then make the law useless by our doctrine of faith? by no means; on the contrary, it is we that observe the law.
What shall we hence conclude? that the Gentiles who sought not after justice, have obtained justice, even to that which is by faith:
Verse Concepts
and the scripture insinuating, that God would justify the Gentiles thro' faith, gave Abraham an intimation of the gospel in these words, " in thee shall all nations be blessed." so that it is they who believe, who are blessed with Abraham, who did believe. but they that rest themselves upon the works of the law, are obnoxious to the curse: for it is written, " cursed is every one, who continueth not in all things, which are written in the book of the law, to do them:" read more.
but that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, is evident: for, " the just shall live by faith." now the law does not justify by FAITH, but says, "he that DOES these things shall live by them." Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. (for it is written, " cursed is every one, that hangeth upon a tree.") that the blessing promised to Abraham might come on the Gentiles thro' Jesus Christ; that we by believing might receive the spirit that was promised.
but that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, is evident: for, " the just shall live by faith." now the law does not justify by FAITH, but says, "he that DOES these things shall live by them." Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. (for it is written, " cursed is every one, that hangeth upon a tree.") that the blessing promised to Abraham might come on the Gentiles thro' Jesus Christ; that we by believing might receive the spirit that was promised.
for by grace are ye saved, thro' faith (and that not from us: it is the gift of God) but not by works, so that no man can boast: for he hath made us a-new, and form'd us by Christ Jesus to do good works, for which God had before prepared us, that we might live in them.
Now faith is the foundation of our hopes of happiness, and the persuasion we have about things not evident to our senses. and it was for their faith that our fore-fathers acquired so great a reputation. 'Tis by faith we learn that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the visible world was not made out of any thing that did appear. read more.
'Twas by faith that Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he was declared righteous, God himself having testified that he accepted his offering, and after he died for his faith, he was not silent. By faith Enoch was translated that he might avoid dying; and he could not be found, because God had translated him: for 'tis recorded, that before his translation he was approved by God. now without faith it is impossible to be acceptable to him: for he that presents himself to God, cannot but believe he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who make their addresses to him. 'Twas by faith that Noah being divinely warned of unforeseen events, with a religious concern built an ark to the preservation of his family; whereby the world became inexcusable, and he obtained the reward of that righteousness which is by faith. 'Twas by faith that he who was named Abraham, showed his obedience in travelling to a foreign country, which he was afterwards to inherit; and began his journey without knowing where he was going. 'twas by faith that he sojourned in a land that was promised, as in a strange country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were equally entitled to the same promise. for he had in view the city, whose foundations are sure, the architect and founder being God. 'Twas likewise through faith that Sara, though barren, received the power of becoming pregnant, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
'Twas by faith that Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he was declared righteous, God himself having testified that he accepted his offering, and after he died for his faith, he was not silent. By faith Enoch was translated that he might avoid dying; and he could not be found, because God had translated him: for 'tis recorded, that before his translation he was approved by God. now without faith it is impossible to be acceptable to him: for he that presents himself to God, cannot but believe he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who make their addresses to him. 'Twas by faith that Noah being divinely warned of unforeseen events, with a religious concern built an ark to the preservation of his family; whereby the world became inexcusable, and he obtained the reward of that righteousness which is by faith. 'Twas by faith that he who was named Abraham, showed his obedience in travelling to a foreign country, which he was afterwards to inherit; and began his journey without knowing where he was going. 'twas by faith that he sojourned in a land that was promised, as in a strange country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were equally entitled to the same promise. for he had in view the city, whose foundations are sure, the architect and founder being God. 'Twas likewise through faith that Sara, though barren, received the power of becoming pregnant, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
Gentiles » Conversion of » Examples of
when the Gentiles heard this, they received the word with joy, glorifying the Lord: and as many as were dispos'd to eternal life, believed.
Verse Concepts
all the Jewish converts, who came with Paul, were astonished to see that the gift of the holy spirit was diffused likewise among the Gentiles.
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but as they oppos'd him with invectives, he shook his garment, and said, "you your selves be answerable for your own destruction, I am clear: and for the future I shall address my self to the Gentiles."
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The seventh angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven, crying, "the kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever."
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In the mean time, the apostles, and the brethren, who were in Judea, heard that the Gentiles had likewise receiv'd the word of God.
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and after the question had been much canvass'd, Peter rose up, and said, my brethren, you know that a considerable time since God chose me from among you to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, and bring them to the faith.
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take notice therefore, that the offers of divine salvation are sent to the Gentiles, and they will receive them.
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to such as we, whom he has called, both from among the Jews, and from among the Gentiles.
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and you Gentiles ought to glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, "for this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name ."
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that the blessing promised to Abraham might come on the Gentiles thro' Jesus Christ; that we by believing might receive the spirit that was promised.
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Show 1 more verse
who will not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: and all nations shall come to adore thee; because thy judgments have been display'd."
Verse Concepts
Gentiles/heathen » Salvation coming to the gentiles
The apostles therefore, and the presbyters assembled to deliberate upon this affair. and after the question had been much canvass'd, Peter rose up, and said, my brethren, you know that a considerable time since God chose me from among you to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, and bring them to the faith. God who knows their hearts has granted them a testimonial, by giving them the holy spirit, even as he did to us: read more.
making no difference between us and them, having purified their hearts by the faith. why therefore do you tempt God to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither we nor our forefathers were able to bear? but we believe that it is by the favour of the Lord Jesus Christ, that we are to be sav'd, as well as they.
making no difference between us and them, having purified their hearts by the faith. why therefore do you tempt God to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither we nor our forefathers were able to bear? but we believe that it is by the favour of the Lord Jesus Christ, that we are to be sav'd, as well as they.
so not being able to agree, they retir'd, upon Paul's having told them, that the holy spirit had very justly said to our fathers by the prophet Esaias, "go to this people and say, hearing you shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive. for the heart of this people is become gross, their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted and I should heal them." read more.
take notice therefore, that the offers of divine salvation are sent to the Gentiles, and they will receive them.
take notice therefore, that the offers of divine salvation are sent to the Gentiles, and they will receive them.
What shall we hence conclude? that the Gentiles who sought not after justice, have obtained justice, even to that which is by faith: but Israel, who followed the law of justice, hath not attained to the law of justice. why? because they sought it not by faith, but indeed by the works of the law: for they stumbled at that stumbling-stone; read more.
as it is written, "behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling-stone, and a rock of offence: and whosoever believeth in him, shall not be ashamed."
as it is written, "behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling-stone, and a rock of offence: and whosoever believeth in him, shall not be ashamed."
You will say then, hath God discarded his people? by no means. for I my self am an Israelite, of the posterity of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not discarded his people whom he formerly approv'd. don't you know what the scripture says of Elias? how he complain'd to God against Israel, in these words, "Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I alone am left, and they seek my life also." read more.
but what said the oracle to him? "I have reserved to my self seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal." in like manner at this time there is also a remnant chosen by the divine favour; and if it be by favour, it is not upon the account of merit. for then mercy would not be mercy. "What then, hath not Israel obtained what he sought for?" no, but the chosen remnant have obtained it, and the rest are obdurate to this day, as it is written, "God hath given them up to a state of insensibility, so that their eyes could not see, and their ears could not hear." and David says, "let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a gin, and a recompence for their iniquity. let their eyes be darkned, so as not to see, and let their back be continually bowed down." You will say then, "were they suffer'd to stumble meerly for their ruin?" no: but that thro' their fall, salvation might be offer'd to the Gentiles, in order to provoke their emulation. now if their fall be to the advancement of the world, and the few converts among them bring in whole numbers of the Gentiles: how much more so will it be, when the Jewish body recover? this concerns you Gentiles. for as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I should do honour to my character, if I could by any means excite the emulation of my dear countrymen, in order to save some. for, if by rejecting them, the world may be reconciled; what shall their restoration be, but a general resurrection? Now if the first-fruits be holy, so is the whole product: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. if then, some of the branches are broken off, and thou like a wild olive, were grafted in their place to partake of the root and sap of the olivestock; don't triumph over the branches: or if you do, remember the root is not dependent upon you, but you upon the root. you will say then, "the branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in." well, be it so, for their incredulity they were broken off, and you by faith stand firm: be not then elated, but let this be your fear, lest God should not spare you, since he did not spare even the natural branches. consider then the divine benignity, and his severity: his severity to those who fell, and his benignity to you, provided you adhere thereto; otherwise you likewise will be lopt off. nay, even the Jews, if they don't continue still incredulous, shall be grafted in: since divine power can graft them in again. for if you were taken from the wild olive, which was natural to you, to be grafted into a good olive-stock of a different nature, with how much greater reason shall these who are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive-tree? I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of this secret, (for fear you should presume too much on your selves) that blindness has fallen upon a part of Israel, until the time when the Gentiles shall be fully come in. and then all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, "there shall come out of Sion the deliverer, and shall turn away Jacob from his impiety. for this is my covenant with them, that I shall take away their sins." Though they are violently prejudiced against the gospel upon your account: yet they are objects of favour upon the account of their having been chosen out of respect to your fore-fathers. for the divine gifts and vocation are irrevocable. as you in times past did not obey God, yet have now obtained mercy upon the occasion of their disobedience: so the Jews are at present incredulous, by reason of the mercy shown to you; so that they themselves are now to be pitied. for God hath manifested to all the disobedient, that he would have mercy upon all.
but what said the oracle to him? "I have reserved to my self seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal." in like manner at this time there is also a remnant chosen by the divine favour; and if it be by favour, it is not upon the account of merit. for then mercy would not be mercy. "What then, hath not Israel obtained what he sought for?" no, but the chosen remnant have obtained it, and the rest are obdurate to this day, as it is written, "God hath given them up to a state of insensibility, so that their eyes could not see, and their ears could not hear." and David says, "let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a gin, and a recompence for their iniquity. let their eyes be darkned, so as not to see, and let their back be continually bowed down." You will say then, "were they suffer'd to stumble meerly for their ruin?" no: but that thro' their fall, salvation might be offer'd to the Gentiles, in order to provoke their emulation. now if their fall be to the advancement of the world, and the few converts among them bring in whole numbers of the Gentiles: how much more so will it be, when the Jewish body recover? this concerns you Gentiles. for as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I should do honour to my character, if I could by any means excite the emulation of my dear countrymen, in order to save some. for, if by rejecting them, the world may be reconciled; what shall their restoration be, but a general resurrection? Now if the first-fruits be holy, so is the whole product: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. if then, some of the branches are broken off, and thou like a wild olive, were grafted in their place to partake of the root and sap of the olivestock; don't triumph over the branches: or if you do, remember the root is not dependent upon you, but you upon the root. you will say then, "the branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in." well, be it so, for their incredulity they were broken off, and you by faith stand firm: be not then elated, but let this be your fear, lest God should not spare you, since he did not spare even the natural branches. consider then the divine benignity, and his severity: his severity to those who fell, and his benignity to you, provided you adhere thereto; otherwise you likewise will be lopt off. nay, even the Jews, if they don't continue still incredulous, shall be grafted in: since divine power can graft them in again. for if you were taken from the wild olive, which was natural to you, to be grafted into a good olive-stock of a different nature, with how much greater reason shall these who are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive-tree? I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of this secret, (for fear you should presume too much on your selves) that blindness has fallen upon a part of Israel, until the time when the Gentiles shall be fully come in. and then all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, "there shall come out of Sion the deliverer, and shall turn away Jacob from his impiety. for this is my covenant with them, that I shall take away their sins." Though they are violently prejudiced against the gospel upon your account: yet they are objects of favour upon the account of their having been chosen out of respect to your fore-fathers. for the divine gifts and vocation are irrevocable. as you in times past did not obey God, yet have now obtained mercy upon the occasion of their disobedience: so the Jews are at present incredulous, by reason of the mercy shown to you; so that they themselves are now to be pitied. for God hath manifested to all the disobedient, that he would have mercy upon all.
As Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness: so hence ye know, that it is they who believe who are the children of Abraham. and the scripture insinuating, that God would justify the Gentiles thro' faith, gave Abraham an intimation of the gospel in these words, " in thee shall all nations be blessed." read more.
so that it is they who believe, who are blessed with Abraham, who did believe. but they that rest themselves upon the works of the law, are obnoxious to the curse: for it is written, " cursed is every one, who continueth not in all things, which are written in the book of the law, to do them:" but that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, is evident: for, " the just shall live by faith." now the law does not justify by FAITH, but says, "he that DOES these things shall live by them." Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. (for it is written, " cursed is every one, that hangeth upon a tree.") that the blessing promised to Abraham might come on the Gentiles thro' Jesus Christ; that we by believing might receive the spirit that was promised.
so that it is they who believe, who are blessed with Abraham, who did believe. but they that rest themselves upon the works of the law, are obnoxious to the curse: for it is written, " cursed is every one, who continueth not in all things, which are written in the book of the law, to do them:" but that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, is evident: for, " the just shall live by faith." now the law does not justify by FAITH, but says, "he that DOES these things shall live by them." Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. (for it is written, " cursed is every one, that hangeth upon a tree.") that the blessing promised to Abraham might come on the Gentiles thro' Jesus Christ; that we by believing might receive the spirit that was promised.
the Gift of the Holy Spirit » Received through faith
that the blessing promised to Abraham might come on the Gentiles thro' Jesus Christ; that we by believing might receive the spirit that was promised.
Verse Concepts
Justification » What you are justified by
but I declare unto you, that men shall give an account at the day of judgment, of every scandalous expression they utter. for by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
As Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness: so hence ye know, that it is they who believe who are the children of Abraham. and the scripture insinuating, that God would justify the Gentiles thro' faith, gave Abraham an intimation of the gospel in these words, " in thee shall all nations be blessed." read more.
so that it is they who believe, who are blessed with Abraham, who did believe. but they that rest themselves upon the works of the law, are obnoxious to the curse: for it is written, " cursed is every one, who continueth not in all things, which are written in the book of the law, to do them:" but that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, is evident: for, " the just shall live by faith." now the law does not justify by FAITH, but says, "he that DOES these things shall live by them." Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. (for it is written, " cursed is every one, that hangeth upon a tree.") that the blessing promised to Abraham might come on the Gentiles thro' Jesus Christ; that we by believing might receive the spirit that was promised.
so that it is they who believe, who are blessed with Abraham, who did believe. but they that rest themselves upon the works of the law, are obnoxious to the curse: for it is written, " cursed is every one, who continueth not in all things, which are written in the book of the law, to do them:" but that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, is evident: for, " the just shall live by faith." now the law does not justify by FAITH, but says, "he that DOES these things shall live by them." Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. (for it is written, " cursed is every one, that hangeth upon a tree.") that the blessing promised to Abraham might come on the Gentiles thro' Jesus Christ; that we by believing might receive the spirit that was promised.
for we conclude, that a man is justified by faith, without observing the legal rites. is God the God of the Jews only, and not of the Gentiles? surely he is of the Gentiles too; since it is one God, who will justify both the Jews and the Gentiles, through faith.
Vain man, must I show you how lifeless a thing faith is, without its effects? was not our father Abraham treated as just, in consequence of his actions, when he had attempted to sacrifice his son upon the altar? don't you see his actions and his faith conspir'd, and that his faith had its perfect effect in his conduct? read more.
it was then, that those words of scripture were accomplished, "Abraham believed God, and he was regarded for it as a man of virtue, and was the favourite of God." you see then, that a man is accounted just for his actions, and not for his bare faith. was it not likewise for her actions, that Rahab, formerly a loose liver, was accounted as just, for having entertain'd the messengers of Joshuah, and dismiss'd them the securest way?
it was then, that those words of scripture were accomplished, "Abraham believed God, and he was regarded for it as a man of virtue, and was the favourite of God." you see then, that a man is accounted just for his actions, and not for his bare faith. was it not likewise for her actions, that Rahab, formerly a loose liver, was accounted as just, for having entertain'd the messengers of Joshuah, and dismiss'd them the securest way?
Law » Christ being the end of the law
besides, their minds were greatly prejudiced: for that very veil would still have obstructed the understanding of the old testament, unless it had been taken away by Christ. nevertheless, when Moses is read, the veil upon their mind continues unto this day: but when their mind shall turn to the Lord, that veil too shall be taken away.
for the end of the law was to bring men to Christ, that every one who believeth, might be justified.
Verse Concepts
Sentence of death therefore shall not pass upon those christians who do not lead a vicious life. for the christian dispensation of a spiritual life has set me free from the legal state of sin and death. God having sent his own son invested with a body like that of sinful men, as a sacrifice for sin, thereby destroyed its power; which the law could not effect, human nature being in such a corrupted state. read more.
so that the moral obligations of the law might be fulfilled by us, in living according to the spiritual, and not the carnal tenor thereof:
so that the moral obligations of the law might be fulfilled by us, in living according to the spiritual, and not the carnal tenor thereof:
Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to Jews acquainted with the law) that the law hath authority over a man, till it be abrogated? now a married woman is bound by the law to her living husband: but if her husband dieth, she is released from the marriage-contract. wherefore she will be reputed an adulteress if she become another man's during her husband's life: but if her husband dies, she is clear from that law, from the imputation of being an adulteress, though she become another man's. read more.
thus, my brethren, the law is become dead with respect to you by the body of Christ; that you might be subject to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. for when we were in the carnal state of the law, the sinful passions of that state set our animal faculties to work in the service of death. but now we are delivered by the death of the law, which held us in bondage: that we might serve according to the living spirit, and not in the dead letter of the law. Do we then conclude, that the law is the cause of sin? by no means; but I should not have had such a notion of sin, had it not been for the law: for I should not have known concupiscence was a sin, unless the law had said, "thou shalt not covet." but sin receiving strength by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. for before the law sin appear'd dead. then it was I once liv'd secure; but when the prohibition came, sin exerted it self, and I was in a dying condition: and the commandment which leads to life was instrumental to my ruin. for sin getting power by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. wherefore the law is holy; and the commandment holy, and just, and good. was it then good that brought death upon me? no, but it was sin, that sin might show it self by being able to bring death upon me by means of that which is good; that sin, I say, by the commandment might appear to be exceedingly destructive. for we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold a slave to sin. what I do I allow not: for what my mind leads me to, that do I not; but what I have an aversion to, that I do. if then I do what I in my mind am against, the consent of my mind is, that the law is right. now then, it is not wholly I that do it, but the sinful passions that dwell in me. for I experience, that in the carnal part of me dwells no good: for it is familiar to me, to will, but not to execute that which is good. for the good that I purpose to do, I do not: but the evil which I resolve against, that I do. now if I do that which my mind is against, it is not meerly I that do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a settled custom, that evil is objected in my way whenever I have a mind to act well: for my mind takes delight in the law of God, but I perceive in the animal part of me another law warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin, which is in my animal part. O wretched man that I am, what shall deliver me from this body of death? the divine grace thro' Jesus Christ our Lord. so then, with the mind I my self am devoted to the law of God; tho' my carnal inclinations are enslaved to the law of sin.
thus, my brethren, the law is become dead with respect to you by the body of Christ; that you might be subject to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. for when we were in the carnal state of the law, the sinful passions of that state set our animal faculties to work in the service of death. but now we are delivered by the death of the law, which held us in bondage: that we might serve according to the living spirit, and not in the dead letter of the law. Do we then conclude, that the law is the cause of sin? by no means; but I should not have had such a notion of sin, had it not been for the law: for I should not have known concupiscence was a sin, unless the law had said, "thou shalt not covet." but sin receiving strength by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. for before the law sin appear'd dead. then it was I once liv'd secure; but when the prohibition came, sin exerted it self, and I was in a dying condition: and the commandment which leads to life was instrumental to my ruin. for sin getting power by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. wherefore the law is holy; and the commandment holy, and just, and good. was it then good that brought death upon me? no, but it was sin, that sin might show it self by being able to bring death upon me by means of that which is good; that sin, I say, by the commandment might appear to be exceedingly destructive. for we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold a slave to sin. what I do I allow not: for what my mind leads me to, that do I not; but what I have an aversion to, that I do. if then I do what I in my mind am against, the consent of my mind is, that the law is right. now then, it is not wholly I that do it, but the sinful passions that dwell in me. for I experience, that in the carnal part of me dwells no good: for it is familiar to me, to will, but not to execute that which is good. for the good that I purpose to do, I do not: but the evil which I resolve against, that I do. now if I do that which my mind is against, it is not meerly I that do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a settled custom, that evil is objected in my way whenever I have a mind to act well: for my mind takes delight in the law of God, but I perceive in the animal part of me another law warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin, which is in my animal part. O wretched man that I am, what shall deliver me from this body of death? the divine grace thro' Jesus Christ our Lord. so then, with the mind I my self am devoted to the law of God; tho' my carnal inclinations are enslaved to the law of sin.
yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in him, and not by the works of the law, by which there is no justification. Now if it be a sin to seek for justification by Christ, then is Christ the minister of sin, which cannot be. on the contrary, if I re-establish what I have demolish'd, I show myself a prevaricator. read more.
for by one law, I am dead to the other law, that I might live unto God: I am crucified with Christ, it is not I that now live, but Christ that liveth in me; the life I have in this body I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if justification be by the law, Christ died to no purpose.
for by one law, I am dead to the other law, that I might live unto God: I am crucified with Christ, it is not I that now live, but Christ that liveth in me; the life I have in this body I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if justification be by the law, Christ died to no purpose.
but they that rest themselves upon the works of the law, are obnoxious to the curse: for it is written, " cursed is every one, who continueth not in all things, which are written in the book of the law, to do them:" but that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, is evident: for, " the just shall live by faith." now the law does not justify by FAITH, but says, "he that DOES these things shall live by them." read more.
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. (for it is written, " cursed is every one, that hangeth upon a tree.") that the blessing promised to Abraham might come on the Gentiles thro' Jesus Christ; that we by believing might receive the spirit that was promised.
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. (for it is written, " cursed is every one, that hangeth upon a tree.") that the blessing promised to Abraham might come on the Gentiles thro' Jesus Christ; that we by believing might receive the spirit that was promised.
even so we, whilst we were children, were in a state of servitude to the elements of the world. but when the time appointed was accomplished, God sent forth his own son born of a woman, and subject to the law, to redeem those, who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. read more.
and because ye are sons, God has sent forth the spirit of his son into your hearts, crying Abba, that is, father; so that thou art no longer a bond servant, but a son: and if a son, then an heir of God thro' Christ. When you did not know God, you did service to those, who in reality are no Gods; but now that you know God, or rather that you are favoured by him, how can ye turn again to the weak and beggarly elements of the law, to which you desire again to be in bondage? observing as you do, the days, the moons, the feasts and years. you make me apprehensive, that the labour I have bestowed upon you will be all in vain.
and because ye are sons, God has sent forth the spirit of his son into your hearts, crying Abba, that is, father; so that thou art no longer a bond servant, but a son: and if a son, then an heir of God thro' Christ. When you did not know God, you did service to those, who in reality are no Gods; but now that you know God, or rather that you are favoured by him, how can ye turn again to the weak and beggarly elements of the law, to which you desire again to be in bondage? observing as you do, the days, the moons, the feasts and years. you make me apprehensive, that the labour I have bestowed upon you will be all in vain.
but now you who were formerly at a distance, are brought near by the death of Christ Jesus. for he is our peace-maker, who hath united both Jew and Gentile, and hath by his flesh broken down the middle wall of partition (which kept us at variance) by abolishing the dogmatical injunctions of the law, that having made the peace, he might incorporate the two into one new body under himself;
Salvation » Salvation coming to the gentiles
The apostles therefore, and the presbyters assembled to deliberate upon this affair. and after the question had been much canvass'd, Peter rose up, and said, my brethren, you know that a considerable time since God chose me from among you to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, and bring them to the faith. God who knows their hearts has granted them a testimonial, by giving them the holy spirit, even as he did to us: read more.
making no difference between us and them, having purified their hearts by the faith. why therefore do you tempt God to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither we nor our forefathers were able to bear? but we believe that it is by the favour of the Lord Jesus Christ, that we are to be sav'd, as well as they.
making no difference between us and them, having purified their hearts by the faith. why therefore do you tempt God to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither we nor our forefathers were able to bear? but we believe that it is by the favour of the Lord Jesus Christ, that we are to be sav'd, as well as they.
so not being able to agree, they retir'd, upon Paul's having told them, that the holy spirit had very justly said to our fathers by the prophet Esaias, "go to this people and say, hearing you shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive. for the heart of this people is become gross, their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted and I should heal them." read more.
take notice therefore, that the offers of divine salvation are sent to the Gentiles, and they will receive them.
take notice therefore, that the offers of divine salvation are sent to the Gentiles, and they will receive them.
What shall we hence conclude? that the Gentiles who sought not after justice, have obtained justice, even to that which is by faith: but Israel, who followed the law of justice, hath not attained to the law of justice. why? because they sought it not by faith, but indeed by the works of the law: for they stumbled at that stumbling-stone; read more.
as it is written, "behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling-stone, and a rock of offence: and whosoever believeth in him, shall not be ashamed."
as it is written, "behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling-stone, and a rock of offence: and whosoever believeth in him, shall not be ashamed."
You will say then, hath God discarded his people? by no means. for I my self am an Israelite, of the posterity of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not discarded his people whom he formerly approv'd. don't you know what the scripture says of Elias? how he complain'd to God against Israel, in these words, "Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I alone am left, and they seek my life also." read more.
but what said the oracle to him? "I have reserved to my self seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal." in like manner at this time there is also a remnant chosen by the divine favour; and if it be by favour, it is not upon the account of merit. for then mercy would not be mercy. "What then, hath not Israel obtained what he sought for?" no, but the chosen remnant have obtained it, and the rest are obdurate to this day, as it is written, "God hath given them up to a state of insensibility, so that their eyes could not see, and their ears could not hear." and David says, "let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a gin, and a recompence for their iniquity. let their eyes be darkned, so as not to see, and let their back be continually bowed down." You will say then, "were they suffer'd to stumble meerly for their ruin?" no: but that thro' their fall, salvation might be offer'd to the Gentiles, in order to provoke their emulation. now if their fall be to the advancement of the world, and the few converts among them bring in whole numbers of the Gentiles: how much more so will it be, when the Jewish body recover? this concerns you Gentiles. for as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I should do honour to my character, if I could by any means excite the emulation of my dear countrymen, in order to save some. for, if by rejecting them, the world may be reconciled; what shall their restoration be, but a general resurrection? Now if the first-fruits be holy, so is the whole product: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. if then, some of the branches are broken off, and thou like a wild olive, were grafted in their place to partake of the root and sap of the olivestock; don't triumph over the branches: or if you do, remember the root is not dependent upon you, but you upon the root. you will say then, "the branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in." well, be it so, for their incredulity they were broken off, and you by faith stand firm: be not then elated, but let this be your fear, lest God should not spare you, since he did not spare even the natural branches. consider then the divine benignity, and his severity: his severity to those who fell, and his benignity to you, provided you adhere thereto; otherwise you likewise will be lopt off. nay, even the Jews, if they don't continue still incredulous, shall be grafted in: since divine power can graft them in again. for if you were taken from the wild olive, which was natural to you, to be grafted into a good olive-stock of a different nature, with how much greater reason shall these who are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive-tree? I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of this secret, (for fear you should presume too much on your selves) that blindness has fallen upon a part of Israel, until the time when the Gentiles shall be fully come in. and then all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, "there shall come out of Sion the deliverer, and shall turn away Jacob from his impiety. for this is my covenant with them, that I shall take away their sins." Though they are violently prejudiced against the gospel upon your account: yet they are objects of favour upon the account of their having been chosen out of respect to your fore-fathers. for the divine gifts and vocation are irrevocable. as you in times past did not obey God, yet have now obtained mercy upon the occasion of their disobedience: so the Jews are at present incredulous, by reason of the mercy shown to you; so that they themselves are now to be pitied. for God hath manifested to all the disobedient, that he would have mercy upon all.
but what said the oracle to him? "I have reserved to my self seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal." in like manner at this time there is also a remnant chosen by the divine favour; and if it be by favour, it is not upon the account of merit. for then mercy would not be mercy. "What then, hath not Israel obtained what he sought for?" no, but the chosen remnant have obtained it, and the rest are obdurate to this day, as it is written, "God hath given them up to a state of insensibility, so that their eyes could not see, and their ears could not hear." and David says, "let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a gin, and a recompence for their iniquity. let their eyes be darkned, so as not to see, and let their back be continually bowed down." You will say then, "were they suffer'd to stumble meerly for their ruin?" no: but that thro' their fall, salvation might be offer'd to the Gentiles, in order to provoke their emulation. now if their fall be to the advancement of the world, and the few converts among them bring in whole numbers of the Gentiles: how much more so will it be, when the Jewish body recover? this concerns you Gentiles. for as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I should do honour to my character, if I could by any means excite the emulation of my dear countrymen, in order to save some. for, if by rejecting them, the world may be reconciled; what shall their restoration be, but a general resurrection? Now if the first-fruits be holy, so is the whole product: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. if then, some of the branches are broken off, and thou like a wild olive, were grafted in their place to partake of the root and sap of the olivestock; don't triumph over the branches: or if you do, remember the root is not dependent upon you, but you upon the root. you will say then, "the branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in." well, be it so, for their incredulity they were broken off, and you by faith stand firm: be not then elated, but let this be your fear, lest God should not spare you, since he did not spare even the natural branches. consider then the divine benignity, and his severity: his severity to those who fell, and his benignity to you, provided you adhere thereto; otherwise you likewise will be lopt off. nay, even the Jews, if they don't continue still incredulous, shall be grafted in: since divine power can graft them in again. for if you were taken from the wild olive, which was natural to you, to be grafted into a good olive-stock of a different nature, with how much greater reason shall these who are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive-tree? I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of this secret, (for fear you should presume too much on your selves) that blindness has fallen upon a part of Israel, until the time when the Gentiles shall be fully come in. and then all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, "there shall come out of Sion the deliverer, and shall turn away Jacob from his impiety. for this is my covenant with them, that I shall take away their sins." Though they are violently prejudiced against the gospel upon your account: yet they are objects of favour upon the account of their having been chosen out of respect to your fore-fathers. for the divine gifts and vocation are irrevocable. as you in times past did not obey God, yet have now obtained mercy upon the occasion of their disobedience: so the Jews are at present incredulous, by reason of the mercy shown to you; so that they themselves are now to be pitied. for God hath manifested to all the disobedient, that he would have mercy upon all.
As Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness: so hence ye know, that it is they who believe who are the children of Abraham. and the scripture insinuating, that God would justify the Gentiles thro' faith, gave Abraham an intimation of the gospel in these words, " in thee shall all nations be blessed." read more.
so that it is they who believe, who are blessed with Abraham, who did believe. but they that rest themselves upon the works of the law, are obnoxious to the curse: for it is written, " cursed is every one, who continueth not in all things, which are written in the book of the law, to do them:" but that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, is evident: for, " the just shall live by faith." now the law does not justify by FAITH, but says, "he that DOES these things shall live by them." Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. (for it is written, " cursed is every one, that hangeth upon a tree.") that the blessing promised to Abraham might come on the Gentiles thro' Jesus Christ; that we by believing might receive the spirit that was promised.
so that it is they who believe, who are blessed with Abraham, who did believe. but they that rest themselves upon the works of the law, are obnoxious to the curse: for it is written, " cursed is every one, who continueth not in all things, which are written in the book of the law, to do them:" but that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, is evident: for, " the just shall live by faith." now the law does not justify by FAITH, but says, "he that DOES these things shall live by them." Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. (for it is written, " cursed is every one, that hangeth upon a tree.") that the blessing promised to Abraham might come on the Gentiles thro' Jesus Christ; that we by believing might receive the spirit that was promised.