Hebrews 11:4

Faith

Scripture defines faith (πίστις) as the substance of that which is hoped for, the conviction of accomplished deeds not seen in Hebrews 11:1. It is therefore not an attitude or belief that is dictated by probability, that is wishful thinking based upon a desire, want, or need; rather, it is a conviction based upon a promise.

Substance is referring to the underlying essence by which something exists. Christ is the exact image of God in the flesh. Through His life the fundamental nature of God was made visible to humans, Hebrews 1:3.

Conviction is the act of presenting evidence to persuade a person’s mind to believe in the truth. This evidence is established upon accomplished deeds that are not seen. We see this demonstrated in the actions of God when He determined to show the heirs of promise the immutability of His determination by giving two immutable facts, it is impossible for God to lie and making an oath based upon His word, Hebrews 6:13-18. The conviction of faith is therefore based upon the facts related to accomplished deeds that God has done.

Therefore, faith is the essence of that which is hoped for, and by the conviction based upon the facts of the promise that hope is based upon, the individual expressing belief will act according to their confidence in the person making the promise.

Many times in Scripture Jesus called out the faith of those around Him, especially of those who would not normally have faith. When a Centurion, a Gentile, asked Jesus to heal his servant, he expressed faith in the fact that Christ is the Messiah promised to the Jews by only asking that Jesus speaks the words, for one who is of authority only […]

Faith2023-12-14T08:12:55-08:00

The Second Dispensation

The Dispensation of Conscience

In the Second Dispensation, now that man has the knowledge of good and evil, through his conscience he is to seek out and do good.

Rules for the Second DispensationCain is the Steward of the Dispensation of Conscience.

God gives Cain instructions concerning how he, and those of the household, are to govern their lives. After Cain attempted to offer the works of his hands as a peace offering to God. When God rejects the offer, Cain is very upset. God speaks to him at this time, giving him specific instruction concerning the standard he is to live by.

Whether if you do good, you will be lifted up, but if you do not do good, the sin at the opening is laying and unto you its desire and you are to rule over it, Genesis 4:7

 

Failure of the Steward:

Rather than doing what is good and offering a peace offering according to how God stated it was to be offered, Cain slays his brother as a sacrifice, since he is seen as righteous. When God confronts Cain on what he has done and punishes him, his response is that his sin nature is very difficult to manage.

Genesis 4:13 – And Cain said to Jehovah, “My perversity is greater than I can bear.”

The reason Cain offered the works of his hand rather than a lamb out from faith was more than just someone wanting recognition for what they had done. Satan had persuaded Cain to follow him rather than God. Cain’s actions were out from what Satan wanted. In his frustration for not getting what he wanted, Cain slew his […]

The Second Dispensation2023-12-27T11:18:18-08:00
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