Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible



It is not as if the word of God failed. Not all who come from Israel are really Israel. It is not because they are Abraham's that they are all children, but: What will be called 'your seed' will be through Isaac. (Genesis 21:12) That is, the children of the flesh are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as seed.

God has not rejected his people whom he first knew. Do you remember what the Scripture says about Elijah? How he made intercession to God against Israel? Jehovah, they have killed your prophets, and torn down your altars. I am left alone, and they seek my life. (1 Kings 19:14, 18) What does God say in answer to him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. read more.
Even so at this present time there is a remnant chosen according to God's grace. If it is by grace then it is no longer on the basis of works. Otherwise grace is not grace (undeserved kindness). But if it is of works then it is not by grace. Otherwise works are no longer works. What then? Israel has not obtained that which he seeks. The chosen ones have obtained it, and the rest were blinded (rendered stupid) (hardened) (made insensitive).

The apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. After much discussion Peter got up and said: Men and brothers you know that God made a choice among us, that I would preach the good news to the nations that they may hear and believe. God knows their hearts and showed that he accepted them by giving them Holy Spirit just as he did to us. read more.
He made no distinction between them and us and purified their hearts by faith. Why do you test God by placing a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, one that our fathers were not able to bear? We believe we are saved through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, as they also are.

So they left, disagreeing among themselves, after Paul had said this one thing: How well the Holy Spirit spoke through the prophet Isaiah to your ancestors! He said, Go and say to this people, 'You will listen and listen, but not understand. You will look and look, but not see. These people have closed their mind and are hard of hearing. They have shut their eyes so that their eyes never see. Their ears never hear. Their minds never understand. They never turn to me for healing.' read more.
You need to know that God has sent his salvation to people who are not Jews. They will listen.

What shall we say? The nations did not pursue righteousness. Yet they have attained to righteousness, the righteousness that is based on the principle of faith. But Israel, pursuing after a law of righteousness, has not attained to that law. Why? It is because it was not based on the principle of faith, but on that of works. They have stumbled at the stumbling stone. read more.
It is written: Behold, I place in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence and he that believes on him will not be ashamed. (Isaiah 8:14)

I ask has God rejected his people? Certainly not! I also am an Israelite, a descendant of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he first knew. Do you remember what the Scripture says about Elijah? How he made intercession to God against Israel? Jehovah, they have killed your prophets, and torn down your altars. I am left alone, and they seek my life. (1 Kings 19:14, 18) read more.
What does God say in answer to him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so at this present time there is a remnant chosen according to God's grace. If it is by grace then it is no longer on the basis of works. Otherwise grace is not grace (undeserved kindness). But if it is of works then it is not by grace. Otherwise works are no longer works. What then? Israel has not obtained that which he seeks. The chosen ones have obtained it, and the rest were blinded (rendered stupid) (hardened) (made insensitive). It is written, God has given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear to this very day. (Deuteronomy 29:4) David says, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and recompense to them. Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back always. (Psalm 69:23) I ask: Did they stumble and fall? Certainly not! But rather through their fall into sin salvation has come to the nations. This will provoke them to jealousy. Now if their fall into sin means riches to the world, and their decrease means riches of the nations how much more will their full number mean? I speak to you people of the nations. For I am the apostle to the nations and I glorify (honor) (praise) (celebrate) my ministry. If by any means I may provoke those who are of my flesh (fellow countrymen), and might save some of them. If their rejection means reconciliation for the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? If the first piece is holy, the lump is also holy. If the root is holy, so are the branches. Some of the branches are broken off. You, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them. Therefore you partake of the root and fatness of the olive tree with them. Do not boast against the branches. But if you boast, you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. They were broken off because of unbelief! You stand by faith! Do not be conceited but be reverent. God did not spare the natural branches and he will not spare you! Observe both God's kindness and severity. Severity is for those who fail to continue. But kindness is for you as long as you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you will be cut off. If they do not continue in unbelief they will be grafted in. For God is able to graft them in again. If you were cut out of the olive tree that is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a garden olive tree: how much more could these, which are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? I do not want you to be ignorant of this secret, lest you should be wise in your own conceits (estimation). Blindness has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the nations comes in. In this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: The deliverer will come out of Zion and will remove ungodliness from Jacob. For this is my covenant with them, when I shall take away their sins. Concerning the good news, they are enemies for your sakes. With reference to the chosen ones, they are beloved for the fathers' sake. The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. In times past you have not believed (did not obey) God. Yet you have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: Even so these also do not believe now. Through the mercy shown they also may obtain mercy. For God has stopped all disobedience so he might show mercy to all.

Abraham believed God and Jehovah considered his faith as his righteousness. (Genesis 15:6) You know that those who have faith are sons of Abraham. The Scripture revealed ahead of time, that God justified the people of the nations by faith. He preached the good news beforehand to Abraham. He said: In you will all the nations be blessed. read more.
So then those who have faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham. Those who are of the works of the Law are under a curse. For it is written, Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the Law, by obeying them. The fact that the Law justifies no man before God is evident. The righteous will live by faith. The Law is not based on faith. He that does them will live by them. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. It is written; Cursed is everyone who is hung on a stake. This way the blessing of Abraham might come upon the nations through Christ Jesus and we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

By grace (Greek: charis, divine favor, loving-kindness) you have been saved through faith. It is not from you. It is the gift from God! It is not the result of works. So no man should boast.


Why? It is because it was not based on the principle of faith, but on that of works. They have stumbled at the stumbling stone. Verse ConceptsProphecies Concerning ChristTrusting In WorksSaved By FaithWorks Of The LawConversion Of Israel


Many will say to me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' I will say to them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you workers of evil.'


If it is by grace then it is no longer on the basis of works. Otherwise grace is not grace (undeserved kindness). But if it is of works then it is not by grace. Otherwise works are no longer works. Verse ConceptsJustification Under The GospelSalvation Not By WorksSaving GraceSalvation, Boasting ImpossibleJustified By GraceWorks Of The LawGrace Verse LawGod's GraceDebt

When the kindness of God our Savior, and his love toward man, appeared, not by works done in righteousness, which we did, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration (restoration) (spiritual rebirth) and renewing (renovation) of the Holy Spirit.



even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ. For by grace (loving-kindness) you have been saved. Verse ConceptsGrace, The Source OfSaving GraceLife With ChristSpiritually DeadJustified By GraceThe Gospel Of SalvationGraceCauses of failure inBeing Saved

But the two are not the same, because God's gift (spiritual endowment) is not like Adam's sin. It is true that many people died because of the sin of that one man. But God's grace is much greater, and so is his gift to so many people through the loving-kindness of the one man, Jesus Christ. Verse ConceptsAdam and Jesus ChristGod's attitude towards peopleParticipation, In ChristAbounding, Good ThingsGrace, Description OfSalvation, As A GiftSaving GraceGrowth In GraceMany Seeking SalvationSin Producing DeathNot Like ThingsOnly One PersonSin Produces DeathThe Grace Of ChristThe Grace Of GodGod's Grace

If it is by grace then it is no longer on the basis of works. Otherwise grace is not grace (undeserved kindness). But if it is of works then it is not by grace. Otherwise works are no longer works. Verse ConceptsJustification Under The GospelSalvation Not By WorksSaving GraceSalvation, Boasting ImpossibleJustified By GraceWorks Of The LawGrace Verse LawGod's GraceDebt





even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ. For by grace (loving-kindness) you have been saved. Verse ConceptsGrace, The Source OfSaving GraceLife With ChristSpiritually DeadJustified By GraceThe Gospel Of SalvationGraceCauses of failure inBeing Saved

But the two are not the same, because God's gift (spiritual endowment) is not like Adam's sin. It is true that many people died because of the sin of that one man. But God's grace is much greater, and so is his gift to so many people through the loving-kindness of the one man, Jesus Christ. Verse ConceptsAdam and Jesus ChristGod's attitude towards peopleParticipation, In ChristAbounding, Good ThingsGrace, Description OfSalvation, As A GiftSaving GraceGrowth In GraceMany Seeking SalvationSin Producing DeathNot Like ThingsOnly One PersonSin Produces DeathThe Grace Of ChristThe Grace Of GodGod's Grace

If it is by grace then it is no longer on the basis of works. Otherwise grace is not grace (undeserved kindness). But if it is of works then it is not by grace. Otherwise works are no longer works. Verse ConceptsJustification Under The GospelSalvation Not By WorksSaving GraceSalvation, Boasting ImpossibleJustified By GraceWorks Of The LawGrace Verse LawGod's GraceDebt




If it is by grace then it is no longer on the basis of works. Otherwise grace is not grace (undeserved kindness). But if it is of works then it is not by grace. Otherwise works are no longer works. Verse ConceptsJustification Under The GospelSalvation Not By WorksSaving GraceSalvation, Boasting ImpossibleJustified By GraceWorks Of The LawGrace Verse LawGod's GraceDebt


What shall we say? The nations did not pursue righteousness. Yet they have attained to righteousness, the righteousness that is based on the principle of faith. But Israel, pursuing after a law of righteousness, has not attained to that law. Why? It is because it was not based on the principle of faith, but on that of works. They have stumbled at the stumbling stone. read more.
It is written: Behold, I place in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence and he that believes on him will not be ashamed. (Isaiah 8:14)

Indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom. We preach Christ impaled. It is a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the nations!

Remember that Jehovah of Hosts is holy. He is the one you should respect. He is the one you should reverence (venerate) (exalt). He will be a place of safety for you. But he will be a rock that makes people trip and a stumbling block for both kingdoms of Israel. He will be a trap and a snare for those who live in Jerusalem. Many will stumble over them. They will fall and be broken. They will be trapped and caught.

I ask has God rejected his people? Certainly not! I also am an Israelite, a descendant of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he first knew. Do you remember what the Scripture says about Elijah? How he made intercession to God against Israel? Jehovah, they have killed your prophets, and torn down your altars. I am left alone, and they seek my life. (1 Kings 19:14, 18) read more.
What does God say in answer to him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so at this present time there is a remnant chosen according to God's grace. If it is by grace then it is no longer on the basis of works. Otherwise grace is not grace (undeserved kindness). But if it is of works then it is not by grace. Otherwise works are no longer works. What then? Israel has not obtained that which he seeks. The chosen ones have obtained it, and the rest were blinded (rendered stupid) (hardened) (made insensitive). It is written, God has given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear to this very day. (Deuteronomy 29:4) David says, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and recompense to them. Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back always. (Psalm 69:23) I ask: Did they stumble and fall? Certainly not! But rather through their fall into sin salvation has come to the nations. This will provoke them to jealousy.

I ask has God rejected his people? Certainly not! I also am an Israelite, a descendant of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he first knew. Do you remember what the Scripture says about Elijah? How he made intercession to God against Israel? Jehovah, they have killed your prophets, and torn down your altars. I am left alone, and they seek my life. (1 Kings 19:14, 18) read more.
What does God say in answer to him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so at this present time there is a remnant chosen according to God's grace. If it is by grace then it is no longer on the basis of works. Otherwise grace is not grace (undeserved kindness). But if it is of works then it is not by grace. Otherwise works are no longer works. What then? Israel has not obtained that which he seeks. The chosen ones have obtained it, and the rest were blinded (rendered stupid) (hardened) (made insensitive). It is written, God has given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear to this very day. (Deuteronomy 29:4) David says, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and recompense to them. Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back always. (Psalm 69:23) I ask: Did they stumble and fall? Certainly not! But rather through their fall into sin salvation has come to the nations. This will provoke them to jealousy. Now if their fall into sin means riches to the world, and their decrease means riches of the nations how much more will their full number mean? I speak to you people of the nations. For I am the apostle to the nations and I glorify (honor) (praise) (celebrate) my ministry. If by any means I may provoke those who are of my flesh (fellow countrymen), and might save some of them. If their rejection means reconciliation for the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? If the first piece is holy, the lump is also holy. If the root is holy, so are the branches. Some of the branches are broken off. You, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them. Therefore you partake of the root and fatness of the olive tree with them. Do not boast against the branches. But if you boast, you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. They were broken off because of unbelief! You stand by faith! Do not be conceited but be reverent. God did not spare the natural branches and he will not spare you! Observe both God's kindness and severity. Severity is for those who fail to continue. But kindness is for you as long as you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you will be cut off. If they do not continue in unbelief they will be grafted in. For God is able to graft them in again. If you were cut out of the olive tree that is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a garden olive tree: how much more could these, which are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? I do not want you to be ignorant of this secret, lest you should be wise in your own conceits (estimation). Blindness has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the nations comes in. In this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: The deliverer will come out of Zion and will remove ungodliness from Jacob. For this is my covenant with them, when I shall take away their sins. Concerning the good news, they are enemies for your sakes. With reference to the chosen ones, they are beloved for the fathers' sake. The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. In times past you have not believed (did not obey) God. Yet you have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: Even so these also do not believe now. Through the mercy shown they also may obtain mercy. For God has stopped all disobedience so he might show mercy to all.

Truly the sound from the hills and mountains is the noise of false worship. Truly Jehovah our God will be our salvation. Verse ConceptsGod, As SaviorFalse ConfidenceGod My SalvationDeception

If only salvation for Israel would come from Zion! When Jehovah restores his captive people, Jacob will rejoice. Israel will be glad. Verse ConceptsGod Of The FathersJacob, The PatriarchRestorationRestoring NationsSalvation For IsraelRejoicing In SuccessSave Us!deliverance

Oh that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When Jehovah brings his people back from captivity, Jacob and Israel will rejoice and be glad. Verse ConceptsJoy, Of IsraelRestoring NationsGod Saves The NeedyRejoicing In Success


Some men came down from Judea to teach the brothers. They said: You cannot be saved unless you become circumcised according to the custom of Moses. Paul and Barnabas had an intense (harsh) dispute and debate with them. They concluded that Paul, Barnabas, and others should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders to settle this question. The congregation sent them on their way. They passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the nations. They brought great joy to all the brothers. read more.
Then they went to Jerusalem where the apostles and elders and congregation greeted them. They declared all the things that God had done for them. The believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stated: It is needed to circumcise them and to command them to keep the Law of Moses. The apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. After much discussion Peter got up and said: Men and brothers you know that God made a choice among us, that I would preach the good news to the nations that they may hear and believe. God knows their hearts and showed that he accepted them by giving them Holy Spirit just as he did to us. He made no distinction between them and us and purified their hearts by faith. Why do you test God by placing a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, one that our fathers were not able to bear? We believe we are saved through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, as they also are. The crowd kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul. They declared the miracles and wonders God performed through them among the people of the nations. When they finished talking James said: Brothers listen to me: Simeon declared how God first visited the nations to take out of them a people for his name. The words of the prophets agree to this for it is written: I will return and will build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down. I will rebuild its ruins. I will restore it. (Amos 9:11,12) That the rest of mankind might seek after Jehovah, and all the nations, upon whom my name is called, Jehovah said, who is doing these things. (Amos 9:12) Known to God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Therefore it is my decision not to trouble those of the nations who have turned to God. We should write to them that they should abstain from things polluted by idols, from fornication, from things strangled and from blood. Moses has been preached in the synagogues from old times until now every Sabbath day. The apostles and elders along with the whole congregation desired to send chosen men to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers. They wrote letters as follows: The apostles, elders and brothers send greeting to the brothers who are of the nations in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. Since we have heard, that certain ones who went out from us have troubled you with speeches, subverting you, saying: You must be circumcised, and keep the law. We gave no such commandment! It seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul. These men have endangered their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things in person. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things. You should abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication. If you keep yourselves from these you will do well. Farwell (best wishes).


If it is by grace then it is no longer on the basis of works. Otherwise grace is not grace (undeserved kindness). But if it is of works then it is not by grace. Otherwise works are no longer works. Verse ConceptsJustification Under The GospelSalvation Not By WorksSaving GraceSalvation, Boasting ImpossibleJustified By GraceWorks Of The LawGrace Verse LawGod's GraceDebt

I saw that they did not walk uprightly according to the truth of the good news. Therefore I said to Cephas, in front of them all: If you, being a Jew, live as the nations do and not as the Jews, why do you compel the people of the nations to live like the Jews? We are Jews by birth, and not sinners from the nations. Yet we know that a man is not righteous by the works of the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ. We believed on Christ Jesus, that we might be righteous by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law. The works of the law justify no one. read more.
We sought to be righteous in Christ. And we were found to be sinners. Is Christ a minister of sin? God forbid. If I build up again the things that I destroyed, I prove myself a transgressor. I, through the law, died to the law that I might live to (for) God. I have been impaled with Christ. It is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me. The life that I now live in the flesh (physical body) I live by faith. This is the faith that is in the Son of God. He loved me and gave himself up for me. I do not reject the grace (totally undeserved gift) of God: for if righteousness is [gained] through the law, then Christ died for nothing.

God deals with you like children. Endure discipline (instruction) (training). Who is the child whom a father does not discipline? If you are without discipline, you are illegitimate children, and not sons. Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh that corrected us, and we gave them respect. Shall we not much more be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? read more.
They disciplined us for a few days for their own pleasure. He disciplines for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

For this cause I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you people of the nations. You have heard of the stewardship of God's loving kindness that was given to me with you in view. The secret was made known to me by revelation, just as I wrote before in few words. read more.
When you read this you can understand my insight into the secret of Christ. It was not made known to other generations of the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. The Gentiles are fellow-heirs, and fellow-members of the body, and fellow-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the good news.

I ask has God rejected his people? Certainly not! I also am an Israelite, a descendant of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he first knew. Do you remember what the Scripture says about Elijah? How he made intercession to God against Israel? Jehovah, they have killed your prophets, and torn down your altars. I am left alone, and they seek my life. (1 Kings 19:14, 18) read more.
What does God say in answer to him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so at this present time there is a remnant chosen according to God's grace. If it is by grace then it is no longer on the basis of works. Otherwise grace is not grace (undeserved kindness). But if it is of works then it is not by grace. Otherwise works are no longer works. What then? Israel has not obtained that which he seeks. The chosen ones have obtained it, and the rest were blinded (rendered stupid) (hardened) (made insensitive). It is written, God has given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear to this very day. (Deuteronomy 29:4) David says, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and recompense to them. Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back always. (Psalm 69:23) I ask: Did they stumble and fall? Certainly not! But rather through their fall into sin salvation has come to the nations. This will provoke them to jealousy. Now if their fall into sin means riches to the world, and their decrease means riches of the nations how much more will their full number mean? I speak to you people of the nations. For I am the apostle to the nations and I glorify (honor) (praise) (celebrate) my ministry. If by any means I may provoke those who are of my flesh (fellow countrymen), and might save some of them. If their rejection means reconciliation for the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? If the first piece is holy, the lump is also holy. If the root is holy, so are the branches. Some of the branches are broken off. You, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them. Therefore you partake of the root and fatness of the olive tree with them.

My dearly beloved, flee (run away) from idolatry. I speak as to wise men. You judge what I say. The cup of blessing we bless, is it not the sharing of the blood of Christ? The bread we break, is it not the sharing of the body of Christ? read more.
For we being many are one-bread and one-body. We are all partakers of that one bread. Is physical Israel the ones who eat the sacrifices, the partakers of the altar?

Since the day we heard about you, we have not ceased to pray and make request for you. We pray for you to be filled with the [intimate accurate] knowledge (discernment) (recognition) of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. (Philippians 1:9) (John 17:3) Walk worthily of God, fully pleasing him. Bear fruit in every good work, and increase in the knowledge (Greek: epignosis: full discernment, recognition) of God. God will strengthen you with all power, according to the might of his glory, to all patience and longsuffering with joy. read more.
Give thanks to the Father, who made us partakers of the inheritance of the holy ones in the light. He rescued us from the power of darkness, and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of his love (the Son he dearly loves). We have in him our redemption and the forgiveness of our sins.

Let as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the teachings will not be blasphemed. Do not despise your believing masters, because they are brothers. Serve them, because they who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.

Beloved ones do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, for it comes upon you like a test, as though some strange thing were happening to you. As much as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained a precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God, and of our Savior Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord! His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness. This is through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue (excellence). read more.
He offered us his precious and exceedingly great promises. Through these you may become partakers of the divine nature. You will escape from the corruption that is in the lust-filled world.

If it is by grace then it is no longer on the basis of works. Otherwise grace is not grace (undeserved kindness). But if it is of works then it is not by grace. Otherwise works are no longer works. Verse ConceptsJustification Under The GospelSalvation Not By WorksSaving GraceSalvation, Boasting ImpossibleJustified By GraceWorks Of The LawGrace Verse LawGod's GraceDebt

The pay is counted to the man who works. It is not as grace but as a debt. He who does not work but believes in him who justifies (absolves) the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.



even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ. For by grace (loving-kindness) you have been saved. Verse ConceptsGrace, The Source OfSaving GraceLife With ChristSpiritually DeadJustified By GraceThe Gospel Of SalvationGraceCauses of failure inBeing Saved

But the two are not the same, because God's gift (spiritual endowment) is not like Adam's sin. It is true that many people died because of the sin of that one man. But God's grace is much greater, and so is his gift to so many people through the loving-kindness of the one man, Jesus Christ. Verse ConceptsAdam and Jesus ChristGod's attitude towards peopleParticipation, In ChristAbounding, Good ThingsGrace, Description OfSalvation, As A GiftSaving GraceGrowth In GraceMany Seeking SalvationSin Producing DeathNot Like ThingsOnly One PersonSin Produces DeathThe Grace Of ChristThe Grace Of GodGod's Grace

If it is by grace then it is no longer on the basis of works. Otherwise grace is not grace (undeserved kindness). But if it is of works then it is not by grace. Otherwise works are no longer works. Verse ConceptsJustification Under The GospelSalvation Not By WorksSaving GraceSalvation, Boasting ImpossibleJustified By GraceWorks Of The LawGrace Verse LawGod's GraceDebt



The apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. After much discussion Peter got up and said: Men and brothers you know that God made a choice among us, that I would preach the good news to the nations that they may hear and believe. God knows their hearts and showed that he accepted them by giving them Holy Spirit just as he did to us. read more.
He made no distinction between them and us and purified their hearts by faith. Why do you test God by placing a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, one that our fathers were not able to bear? We believe we are saved through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, as they also are.

So they left, disagreeing among themselves, after Paul had said this one thing: How well the Holy Spirit spoke through the prophet Isaiah to your ancestors! He said, Go and say to this people, 'You will listen and listen, but not understand. You will look and look, but not see. These people have closed their mind and are hard of hearing. They have shut their eyes so that their eyes never see. Their ears never hear. Their minds never understand. They never turn to me for healing.' read more.
You need to know that God has sent his salvation to people who are not Jews. They will listen.

What shall we say? The nations did not pursue righteousness. Yet they have attained to righteousness, the righteousness that is based on the principle of faith. But Israel, pursuing after a law of righteousness, has not attained to that law. Why? It is because it was not based on the principle of faith, but on that of works. They have stumbled at the stumbling stone. read more.
It is written: Behold, I place in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence and he that believes on him will not be ashamed. (Isaiah 8:14)

I ask has God rejected his people? Certainly not! I also am an Israelite, a descendant of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he first knew. Do you remember what the Scripture says about Elijah? How he made intercession to God against Israel? Jehovah, they have killed your prophets, and torn down your altars. I am left alone, and they seek my life. (1 Kings 19:14, 18) read more.
What does God say in answer to him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so at this present time there is a remnant chosen according to God's grace. If it is by grace then it is no longer on the basis of works. Otherwise grace is not grace (undeserved kindness). But if it is of works then it is not by grace. Otherwise works are no longer works. What then? Israel has not obtained that which he seeks. The chosen ones have obtained it, and the rest were blinded (rendered stupid) (hardened) (made insensitive). It is written, God has given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear to this very day. (Deuteronomy 29:4) David says, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and recompense to them. Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back always. (Psalm 69:23) I ask: Did they stumble and fall? Certainly not! But rather through their fall into sin salvation has come to the nations. This will provoke them to jealousy. Now if their fall into sin means riches to the world, and their decrease means riches of the nations how much more will their full number mean? I speak to you people of the nations. For I am the apostle to the nations and I glorify (honor) (praise) (celebrate) my ministry. If by any means I may provoke those who are of my flesh (fellow countrymen), and might save some of them. If their rejection means reconciliation for the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? If the first piece is holy, the lump is also holy. If the root is holy, so are the branches. Some of the branches are broken off. You, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them. Therefore you partake of the root and fatness of the olive tree with them. Do not boast against the branches. But if you boast, you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. They were broken off because of unbelief! You stand by faith! Do not be conceited but be reverent. God did not spare the natural branches and he will not spare you! Observe both God's kindness and severity. Severity is for those who fail to continue. But kindness is for you as long as you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you will be cut off. If they do not continue in unbelief they will be grafted in. For God is able to graft them in again. If you were cut out of the olive tree that is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a garden olive tree: how much more could these, which are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? I do not want you to be ignorant of this secret, lest you should be wise in your own conceits (estimation). Blindness has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the nations comes in. In this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: The deliverer will come out of Zion and will remove ungodliness from Jacob. For this is my covenant with them, when I shall take away their sins. Concerning the good news, they are enemies for your sakes. With reference to the chosen ones, they are beloved for the fathers' sake. The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. In times past you have not believed (did not obey) God. Yet you have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: Even so these also do not believe now. Through the mercy shown they also may obtain mercy. For God has stopped all disobedience so he might show mercy to all.

Abraham believed God and Jehovah considered his faith as his righteousness. (Genesis 15:6) You know that those who have faith are sons of Abraham. The Scripture revealed ahead of time, that God justified the people of the nations by faith. He preached the good news beforehand to Abraham. He said: In you will all the nations be blessed. read more.
So then those who have faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham. Those who are of the works of the Law are under a curse. For it is written, Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the Law, by obeying them. The fact that the Law justifies no man before God is evident. The righteous will live by faith. The Law is not based on faith. He that does them will live by them. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. It is written; Cursed is everyone who is hung on a stake. This way the blessing of Abraham might come upon the nations through Christ Jesus and we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.



If it is by grace then it is no longer on the basis of works. Otherwise grace is not grace (undeserved kindness). But if it is of works then it is not by grace. Otherwise works are no longer works. Verse ConceptsJustification Under The GospelSalvation Not By WorksSaving GraceSalvation, Boasting ImpossibleJustified By GraceWorks Of The LawGrace Verse LawGod's GraceDebt


I ask has God rejected his people? Certainly not! I also am an Israelite, a descendant of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he first knew. Do you remember what the Scripture says about Elijah? How he made intercession to God against Israel? Jehovah, they have killed your prophets, and torn down your altars. I am left alone, and they seek my life. (1 Kings 19:14, 18) read more.
What does God say in answer to him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so at this present time there is a remnant chosen according to God's grace. If it is by grace then it is no longer on the basis of works. Otherwise grace is not grace (undeserved kindness). But if it is of works then it is not by grace. Otherwise works are no longer works. What then? Israel has not obtained that which he seeks. The chosen ones have obtained it, and the rest were blinded (rendered stupid) (hardened) (made insensitive). It is written, God has given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear to this very day. (Deuteronomy 29:4) David says, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and recompense to them. Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back always. (Psalm 69:23) I ask: Did they stumble and fall? Certainly not! But rather through their fall into sin salvation has come to the nations. This will provoke them to jealousy. Now if their fall into sin means riches to the world, and their decrease means riches of the nations how much more will their full number mean? I speak to you people of the nations. For I am the apostle to the nations and I glorify (honor) (praise) (celebrate) my ministry. If by any means I may provoke those who are of my flesh (fellow countrymen), and might save some of them. If their rejection means reconciliation for the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? If the first piece is holy, the lump is also holy. If the root is holy, so are the branches. Some of the branches are broken off. You, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them. Therefore you partake of the root and fatness of the olive tree with them. Do not boast against the branches. But if you boast, you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. They were broken off because of unbelief! You stand by faith! Do not be conceited but be reverent. God did not spare the natural branches and he will not spare you! Observe both God's kindness and severity. Severity is for those who fail to continue. But kindness is for you as long as you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you will be cut off. If they do not continue in unbelief they will be grafted in. For God is able to graft them in again. If you were cut out of the olive tree that is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a garden olive tree: how much more could these, which are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? I do not want you to be ignorant of this secret, lest you should be wise in your own conceits (estimation). Blindness has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the nations comes in. In this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: The deliverer will come out of Zion and will remove ungodliness from Jacob. For this is my covenant with them, when I shall take away their sins. Concerning the good news, they are enemies for your sakes. With reference to the chosen ones, they are beloved for the fathers' sake. The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. In times past you have not believed (did not obey) God. Yet you have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: Even so these also do not believe now. Through the mercy shown they also may obtain mercy. For God has stopped all disobedience so he might show mercy to all.

Truly the sound from the hills and mountains is the noise of false worship. Truly Jehovah our God will be our salvation. Verse ConceptsGod, As SaviorFalse ConfidenceGod My SalvationDeception

If only salvation for Israel would come from Zion! When Jehovah restores his captive people, Jacob will rejoice. Israel will be glad. Verse ConceptsGod Of The FathersJacob, The PatriarchRestorationRestoring NationsSalvation For IsraelRejoicing In SuccessSave Us!deliverance

Oh that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When Jehovah brings his people back from captivity, Jacob and Israel will rejoice and be glad. Verse ConceptsJoy, Of IsraelRestoring NationsGod Saves The NeedyRejoicing In Success

Jesus answered: Are there not twelve hours in the day? If a man walks in the day he does not stumble because he sees the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.

Jesus said to them: The light will be with you for a little while. Walk while you have the light, that darkness does not overtake you. He who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. While you have the light, exert active faith in the light, that you may become sons of light. Jesus said this and then he departed and hid himself from them.


I ask has God rejected his people? Certainly not! I also am an Israelite, a descendant of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he first knew. Do you remember what the Scripture says about Elijah? How he made intercession to God against Israel? Jehovah, they have killed your prophets, and torn down your altars. I am left alone, and they seek my life. (1 Kings 19:14, 18) read more.
What does God say in answer to him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so at this present time there is a remnant chosen according to God's grace. If it is by grace then it is no longer on the basis of works. Otherwise grace is not grace (undeserved kindness). But if it is of works then it is not by grace. Otherwise works are no longer works. What then? Israel has not obtained that which he seeks. The chosen ones have obtained it, and the rest were blinded (rendered stupid) (hardened) (made insensitive). It is written, God has given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear to this very day. (Deuteronomy 29:4) David says, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and recompense to them. Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back always. (Psalm 69:23) I ask: Did they stumble and fall? Certainly not! But rather through their fall into sin salvation has come to the nations. This will provoke them to jealousy.

Their rock is not like our rock! Their enemies know that their own gods are weak, not mighty like Israel's God. Their vine is like the vine of Sodom. Their fields are like Gomorrah. Their grapes are grapes of anger. Their clusters are bitter. Their wine is the poison of serpents, and the cruel venom of asps (cobras). read more.
Is this not laid up in store with me and sealed up among my treasures? Vengeance and retribution belong to me. (Vengeance is mine, I will repay.) Their foot shall slide in time, for the day of their calamity is at hand. The things to come on them come quickly.

By grace (Greek: charis, divine favor, loving-kindness) you have been saved through faith. It is not from you. It is the gift from God! It is not the result of works. So no man should boast.


Why? It is because it was not based on the principle of faith, but on that of works. They have stumbled at the stumbling stone. Verse ConceptsProphecies Concerning ChristTrusting In WorksSaved By FaithWorks Of The LawConversion Of Israel


Many will say to me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' I will say to them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you workers of evil.'


If it is by grace then it is no longer on the basis of works. Otherwise grace is not grace (undeserved kindness). But if it is of works then it is not by grace. Otherwise works are no longer works. Verse ConceptsJustification Under The GospelSalvation Not By WorksSaving GraceSalvation, Boasting ImpossibleJustified By GraceWorks Of The LawGrace Verse LawGod's GraceDebt

When the kindness of God our Savior, and his love toward man, appeared, not by works done in righteousness, which we did, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration (restoration) (spiritual rebirth) and renewing (renovation) of the Holy Spirit.

By grace (Greek: charis, divine favor, loving-kindness) you have been saved through faith. It is not from you. It is the gift from God! It is not the result of works. So no man should boast.


Why? It is because it was not based on the principle of faith, but on that of works. They have stumbled at the stumbling stone. Verse ConceptsProphecies Concerning ChristTrusting In WorksSaved By FaithWorks Of The LawConversion Of Israel


Many will say to me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' I will say to them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you workers of evil.'


If it is by grace then it is no longer on the basis of works. Otherwise grace is not grace (undeserved kindness). But if it is of works then it is not by grace. Otherwise works are no longer works. Verse ConceptsJustification Under The GospelSalvation Not By WorksSaving GraceSalvation, Boasting ImpossibleJustified By GraceWorks Of The LawGrace Verse LawGod's GraceDebt

When the kindness of God our Savior, and his love toward man, appeared, not by works done in righteousness, which we did, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration (restoration) (spiritual rebirth) and renewing (renovation) of the Holy Spirit.