April 1, 2023

Understanding Doctrine As Taught By The New Testament

Introduction

The focus of this Bible Study is to gain working knowledge of the major doctrines mentioned in Hebrews Chapter 6:1-3. The scope of this study is not to exhaust the subject [there are 48 major doctrines found in the Bible], but to bring an awareness in ways that you can answer questions about these important doctrines.

Part I The Gospels

Define the word “Doctrine in your own words.”

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The word “Doctrine” is used four times in the Old Testament; Job 11:4, Proverbs 4:2, and Isaiah 29:2.

The world is translated into English from the Hebrew word leqach [leh’-kakh]. It is defined “as something received, instruction whether on the part of the teacher or hearer ; to inveiglement to entice, lure, or ensnare by flattery or artful talk or by inducements .”

Job 11:4

For you have said, ‘My doctrine is pure, And I am clean in your eyes.’

Proverbs 4:2

For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law.

Isaiah 29:24

These also who erred in spirit will come to understanding, And those who complained will learn doctrine.”

The word doctrine found in Jerimiah 10:8 is translated into English from the Hebrew word muwcar [moo-sawr] which is defined as properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; restraint, chastening, chastisement, check, correction, discipline, instruction, rebuke.

Jeremiah 10:8

But they are altogether dull-hearted and foolish; A wooden idol is a worthless doctrine.

What is the difference in the use of the word doctrine found in Job 11:4, Proverbs 4:2, and Isaiah 29:24 with its use in Jerimiah 10:8?

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Can you understand the connection in the different use of the word doctrine in Jerimiah and Job? [note the word doctrine as used in Jerimiah is preceded by the word “worthless”]

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The word doctrine is used in the New Testament 38 times and is translated from the Greek word didasko: “ to learn; to teach; teach; instructor; master, teacher.”

Matthew-2 times

Mark-2 times

John -3 times

Acts -3 times

Romans-2 times

Ephesians-1 time

Colossians-1 times

1 Timothy-9 times

2 Timothy-3 times

Titus-4 times

Hebrews-2 times

2 Peter-1 time

2 John-2 times

Revelation-3 times

Looking at the list above, which instances of the use of the word doctrine stands out-why?

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The Essence of Doctrine in the Gospels is found in 7 passages of scriptures. Read each passage below then decide what “type” of doctrine Jesus is referring to.

Matthew 15:9

And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’

Matthew 16:12

Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Mark 1:27

Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”

Mark 7:7

And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’

John 7:16

Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me.

John 7:17

If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.

John 18:19

The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine.

Doctrine of _________________________

Examine the following passages in context and determine what the word doctrine is used to denote or mean.

Matthew 15:8-9

8These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. [Quoting Isaiah 29:13]

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Matthew 16:11-12

¹¹How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?—but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” ¹²Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

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Mark 1:26-28

²⁶And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him. ²⁷Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” ²⁸And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee.

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Mark 7:7

⁶He answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:

‘This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. ⁷And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’⁸For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men^[^b^] —the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.”

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John 7:15-18

¹⁵And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?”

¹⁶Jesus^[^a^] answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. ¹⁷If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. ¹⁸He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.

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John 18:18-20

¹⁸Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself. Jesus Questioned by the High Priest. ¹⁹The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine. ²⁰Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing.

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Summarize what can be learned by just a cursory examination of the use of the word doctrine [and how it is used]. When one reads across the word doctrine, should the reader take note? Explain.

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Major Doctrines Found in The Scriptures

Legitimate doctrines and teachings of the church are based upon multiple passages of scripture. This concept of multiple “proof texts” is taught [beginning] in the Law of Moses, Jesus himself, and the Apostle Paul.

Law of Moses

Deuteronomy 19:15 – “One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.

Jesus

Matthew 18:16 – But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’

Apostle Paul

2 Corinthians 13:1 – …“By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.”

Doctrines That Can Be Substantiated By The Old and New Testament

God
Creation/Divine Order
Man [Humanity]
Marriage
Family
Satan
Sin
Evil
Carnality
Inspiration/Authority of the Scriptures
Promise of Abraham
The Messiah/Christ
The First Advent of Christ
The Gospel/Good News
The Kingdom of Heaven/God
The Suffering Savior/Rejection
The Crucifixion of Christ
The Resurrection of Christ
Dual Nature of Christ Jesus
Giving Of The Holy Spirit
Redemption
Repentance
Grace/Mercy
Faith
Justification
Sanctification
Adoption
The Church/ Bride of Christ
Church Government
Prayer
Baptisms
Laying on of Hands
Regeneration
The Great Apostasy/The Falling Away
The Antichrist/Man of Sin
Great Tribulation/Jacob’s Trouble
The Second Coming of Christ
Catching Away Of The Church/Resurrection of the Righteous
The Judgement Seat of Christ
Anointing the Most Holy
Crowns/Rewards
The Millennium
The General Resurrection of the Dead
Eternal Judgement
Heaven
Hell
Restitution of All Things
New Heaven and New Earth

Understanding Doctrine As Taught By The New Testament

Part II The Apostles

The word doctrine/doctrines as used in the New Testament is translated from three Greek words.

The word doctrine/doctrines is used 56 times in the New Testament.

Didache [did-akh-ay]: to teach, instruction (the act or the matter): what has been taught. This word is used 29 times in the New Testament.

Didaskalia [did-as-kal-ee’-ah]: instruction (the function or the information): learning, teaching. This word is used 26 times in the NT.

Logos [log’-os]: including the thought; by implication, a topic, reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially the Divine Expression (of Christ): account, cause, communication, concerning, doctrine, fame, have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, reckon, remove, say or saying, shew, speaker, speech, talk, thing, none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work. Logos translated doctrine is used only in Hebrews 6:1.

Notice didache and didaskalia are similar words with similar meanings, while logos is a complex word when translated to mean doctrine.

What difference, if any, can you detect between didache/didaskalia and logos. Why do you think that is?

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Read the following passages of scripture and determine what type of doctrine is being discussed [i.e. man, Divine, Christ, apostles, false, or etcetera], and what you think is the implication. If you think more context is needed, open your bible to that text and read above and /or below the passage cited.

Acts 2:42

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

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Acts 5:28

saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”

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Acts 17:19

And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak?

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Romans 6:17

But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.

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Romans 16:17

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.

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Ephesians 4:14

that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,

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Colossians 2:22

which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men?

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1 Timothy 1:3

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

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1 Timothy 1:10

for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine,

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1 Timothy 4:1

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,

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1 Timothy 4:6

If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.

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1 Timothy 4:13

Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

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1 Timothy 4:16

Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

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1 Timothy 5:17

Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.

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1 Timothy 6:1

Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.

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1 Timothy 6:3

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness,

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2 Timothy 3:10

But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance,

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2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

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2 Timothy 4:3

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;

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Titus 1:9

holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.

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Titus 2:1

But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:

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Titus 2:7

in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,

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Titus 2:10

not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

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Hebrews 6:2

of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

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Hebrews 13:9

Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.

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2 John 1:9

Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.

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2 John 1:10

If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him;

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Revelation 2:14

But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.

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Revelation 2:15

Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

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Revelation 2:24

“Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden

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Part Three

The Principle Doctrines of the Church as Found in Hebrews 6:1-2

It is important to note that these six doctrines are not the only teachings sanctioned, outlined, enumerated, or espoused by the scriptures. These six are simply the focus of the writer of the Letter to The Hebrews.

“ ¹ Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, ²of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. ³And this we will do if God permits.”

The doctrines as mentioned in Hebrews 6:1-2

Repentance from Dead Works
Faith Toward God
Baptisms
Laying On Of Hands
Resurrection of the Dead
Eternal Judgment

Be mindful that Jesus defined the establishment of doctrine and teaching by the witness of scripture: Matthew 18:16 – But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’

To grasp these important doctrines we need to know where are they defined?

Repentance and repent are used 56 times in the NT scriptures.
Faith is used 303 times in the NT scriptures.

3a. Baptism, baptisms, baptize, and baptized is used 74 times in the NT scriptures.

3b. Holy Spirit and baptism found 7 times in the NT scriptures.

Laying on of Hands used 5 times in the NT scriptures.
Resurrection used 51 times in the NT scriptures.
Judgment 79 times in the NT scriptures.
By implication Perfection [to strive for or reach] 10 times in the NT scriptures.

Before we go any further let us define the word repentance. The word [repentance] is translated from the Greek word Metanoia [μετάνοια]: a transformative change of heart; especially: a spiritual conversion. The term suggests repudiation, change of mind, repentance, and atonement; “conversion” and “reformation” may also approximate its connotation.

The word repent has an similar meaning to repentance. The word repent in English is from the Greek word metanoéō [μετανοέω]: to change one’s mind for the better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one’s past actions,

The first instance of repent is found in Matthew 3:1-2 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

The first instance of repentance is found in Matthew 3:7-8 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,”

Jesus first used the word repent in Matthew 4:17 “From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Is there any similarities in how John used the phrase repent [Matthew 3:2] and Jesus [Matthew 4:17]? What did each expect the listener to do?

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Repentance From Dead Works

What or how would you define this doctrine?

Repentance

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Dead Works

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What two scriptures would you use to define repentance?

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What two scriptures would you use to define dead works [be mindful that the writer is addressing Hebrews, who have been taught the Law of Moses and the traditions of the Pharisees] Read Hebrews 9:13-14 where dead works are mentioned a second time.

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Read Ephesians 2:1, 5, and 13. Does this place any light upon dead works? How? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Read acts 14:8-18 Does this place any light upon dead works? How? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Questions to Consider

Is there any reason you can think of why repentance is mentioned first in the list of principles of doctrine?

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Repentance is the foundation of salvation. Repent means to recognize you are a sinner and without excuse. A change of heart and mind is necessary to obtain the grace of God.

What scriptures and explanation would you use to explain your position?

John first preached repentance Matthew 3:2 ““Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

Jesus preached repentance Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Luke 24:37 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Peter preached repentance Acts 2:37-38 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit

Bonus I: Can you find scripture that commands all to repent in the Old Testament? Explain why or why not?

No. Because the Law was given to the Hebrews and not to those outside of the Covenant. The Gentiles were brought in after the rejection and the resurrection.

Romans 2:14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves,

Ephesians 2:12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

Bonus II: Can you find scripture that commands all to repent in the New Testament? Explain why or why not?

Luke 24:27 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem

Acts 17:30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,

Acts 16:20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repent

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repent

The Doctrine of Faith

Hebrews 6:1-3

“ ¹ Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, ²of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. ³And this we will do if God permits.”

The word faith is used in the Old Testament only twice and the context and meaning in which it is used is the same.

The Hebrew word [’emuwn ay-moon’] translated to the English word faith means “to trust, trustworthiness, faithful, believe, or be steadfast.”

Note: The words “Faithful” and “faithfully” are used 84 times in the Old Testament which means “true, fidelity, moral, trust, and assurance.

The first is found in Deuteronomy 32:17-20

The context of this passage is Moses is retelling the failures and idolatry of Israel:

¹⁷They sacrificed to demons, not to God, To gods they did not know, To new gods, new arrivals
That your fathers did not fear.

¹⁸Of the Rock who begot you, you are unmindful, And have forgotten the God who fathered you.

¹⁹“And when the Lord saw it, He spurned them, Because of the provocation of His sons and His daughters.
²⁰And He said: ‘I will hide My face from them, I will see what their end will be, For they are a perverse generation, Children in whom is no faith.

The second is found in Habakkuk 2:4 – “Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.

What explanation might one give for the lack of the use of the word faith in the Old Testament, and its abundance use in the New Testament?

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If this is so, can we still say active faith must be present because through the rituals one attains communion with God? ___________________________________________________

The New Testament Use of the Word Faith

Faith is used 244 times in the New Testament

Faithful is used 54 times in the New Testament

Faithfully is used 1 times in the New Testament

Faithless is used 4 times in the New Testament

The word faith used in the English translation of the scriptures is from the Greek word [πίστις] pistis and is a noun: persuade, to be persuaded, to persuade, persuasion, to come to trust, belief, trust, confidence, fidelity, and faithfulness.

The words faithful and faithfully have similar meanings.

Faithless is used only New Testament and is from the Greek word apistos, with is the opposite of pistos: “actively disbelieving, untrustworthy, and unbeliever(ing).”

How would you define faith to someone else?

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The first use of the word faith in action is found Matthew 8:10 and Luke 5:20.

Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!

Read Luke 5:20 When He saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”

Now read Matthew 8:26: But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith [oliogopistis]? “Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

Matthew 6:30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith [oliogopistis]?

It is interesting that the prefix oliogo means “puny, almost, or somewhat. The word picture painted here is “it is incredulous that you lack confidence and trust.

Looking at these three examples, what can we decipher about faith as it is used in the Gospels?

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The Notable Passage in the New Testament Where FAITH is Active

All of the passages below that use the word faith is from the Greek word pistis.

Matthew 21:21-22 And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith .”

Luke 7:50 Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

Romans 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith , as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith .”

1 Corinthians 13:2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith , so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

1 Corinthians 16:13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

2 Corinthians 4:13-14 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.

2 Corinthians 5:6-7 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

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

Galatians 3:11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith,”

Describe what actions or why faith is demands in these passages.

Matthew 21:21-22 __________________________

Luke 7:50 ____________________________

Romans 1:16-17 __________________________

1 Corinthians 13:2 __________________________

1 Corinthians 16:13 __________________________

2 Corinthians 4:13-14 __________________________

2 Corinthians 5:6-7 __________________________

Ephesians 2:8 _________________________

Ephesians 6:16 __________________________

Galatians 3:11 __________________________

The Faith Chapter(s)

Which book or books in the New Testament is the word faith used the most?

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Notice to whom the books were written to:

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What can you conclude by this fact? _____________________________________

Faith as Taught To The Non-Jews

Romans 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith .” –

Where else in the Bible can one find this passage that Paul is quoting?

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Romans 4:4-6 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works:

What is Paul meaning by “faith is accounted for righteousness, “

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Romans 4:19-21 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith , giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.

Explain why Paul connects faith and being fully convinced. What is being said? ______________________________________________________________________________

Romans 10:17 So then faith, comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

From reading these few scriptures from the Book of Romans, what can you conclude about faith as Paul taught the non-Jews?

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Faith as Taught to the Hebrews

Hebrews 4:1-3 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. ²For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith , in those who heard it. ³For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: “So I swore in My wrath,‘They shall not enter My rest,’ ”although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

Which Psalm was the writer quoting? Psalm 95:11

Be cognizant that Jesus said about Himself [in Luke 24:44] and the Old Testament: “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

NOTE: Notice how the writer places New Testament faith into the actions of the Hebrews in the Old Testament. Is not this engaging in ex post facto [after the fact] interpretation?

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Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.”

How many times have we read the phrase “just shall live by faith ,” and why do you think that is?

[it is used 4 times in the Bible-Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38]

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith, is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:3 By faith, we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

The phrase By faith , is used 18 times in Hebrews chapter 11. How would you explain to others why this chapter is called the faith chapter? Read through the following scriptures for help. __________________________________________________________________________

Describe what faith was able to accomplish in these passages.

Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel ___________________

Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch __________________

Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, __________________

Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham _______________

Hebrews 11:9 By faith Abraham _______________

Hebrews 11:11 By faith Sarah _________________

Hebrews 11:17 By faith Abraham, ______________

Hebrews 11:20 By faith Isaac _________________

Hebrews 11:21 By faith Jacob, ________________

Hebrews 11:22 By faith Joseph, ________________

Hebrews 11:23 By faith Moses, ________________

Hebrews 11:24 By faith Moses, ________________

Hebrews 11:27 By faith Moses, ________________

Hebrews 11:28 By faith Passover _______________

Hebrews 11:29 By faith Red Sea _______________

Hebrews 11:30 By faith Jericho ________________

Hebrews 11:31 By faith Rahab ________________

Summarize your idea of what faith is and can do. Feel free to read the remainder of Hebrews chapter 11 for additional help. __________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

Gideon [Judges 6] ___________________

Barak [Judges 4] ___________________

Samson [Judges 13-16] ________________

Jephthah [Judges 11] _________________

David [I Samuel 17] __________________

Samuel ____________________________

The prophets _______________________

Interpret the passage found in Hebrews 11:39-40 and what does it tell the faithful? “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”

____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________

What are your favorite passages of scripture that concerns faith? Does knowing faith’s definition emboldened your faith?

____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________

Faith as Taught By James The Apostle

Introduction: The writer of the book of James is the son of Alphaeus, or Cleopas, “the brother” who is a near kinsman or cousin of our Lord. He was known as James “the Less,” or “the Little,” probably because he was of short. He is mentioned along with the other apostles and he had a separate interview with our Lord after his resurrection. He is an apostle to the Jews [Hebrews] and it is thought that he was the head of the Church at Jerusalem, where he presided at the council held to consider if the Gentiles were to observance of the Law of Moses [Acts 15].

Notice how the epistle begins “James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

James addresses his brethren-the Hebrews-and acknowledges they are dispersed throughout the known world.

He is addressing Hebrews who have accepted Jesus as the messiah and keep this in mind as you read the epistle.

The Protestant reformer Martin Luther did not like this epistle because he felt it was to Jewish-enmeshed in the Law of Moses-and detracted from the faith in Christ.

The word faith is used 16 times in this epistle.

KEY ISSUE: Since James to some seems to contradict that faith alone brings salvation [Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves-i.e. works-it is the gift of God]; it is worthwhile to consider how James connects the terms faith and works as he writes and teaches.

James 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

What is James saying here? _____________________________________________________

James 1:5-6 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

What is James implying? _____________________________________________________

James 2:21 My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.

Why is James admonishing the reader? ___________________________________________

James 2:25 Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

The Controversy

Read James 2:14-26

¹⁴What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?

If we stopped reading at this point, what question must be answered? __________________ ___________________________________________________________________________

James begins to explain what he means about faith and works.

¹⁵If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,

¹⁶and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?

In what way is James challenging faith alone? ______________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________

James explains the issues of faith plus works.

¹⁷Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

James said dead faith; what does he mean? ________________________________________

¹⁸But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

What is James trying to show those who claim faith alone saves? ______________________

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How would you explain “Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

James continues his explanation of faith and works

¹⁹You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!

²⁰But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead [a repeat of verse 17]

²¹Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?

²²Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?

Notice James writes “Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect”

What do you think James means by faith and works made perfect?” ___________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

James concludes his analogy of faith and works with Abraham.

²³And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.

²⁴You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

²⁵Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?

²⁶For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

James uses the phrase faith without works or faith alone is dead three times in this one chapter [verse 17, 20, and 26.]

Now in your own words explain how you would tell someone about why faith and works are one in the same. ____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

Remember, Abraham had a promise of a son, yet he was told to sacrifice. Where was Abraham’s faith [Genesis 226-8 So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together. ⁷But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”

⁸And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together]?

Where was Rahab’s faith when she tied the red string on her window? _________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

Some Additional Background.

The church at the time of Luther had devolved into a works righteousness institution where the emphasis was upon doing the sacraments. Luther and others felt faith as mentioned in Romans 1:17 [The just shall live by faith] was buried in ceremony.

At the Council of Trent in AD 1563 [100 years after he Reformation] the now Catholic Church reaffirmed the seven sacraments, but the saving power of faith must be at the root of performing them. In other words, faith comes first before actions.

Baptism[s]

The concept and/or ritual of baptism is not found in the Old Testament.
However, one aspect of the Law of Moses pertaining to temple ceremonies is the priest had to wash in the Brazen Laver before he could begin a ritual or sacrifice.
- Exodus 30:17-21 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ¹⁸“You shall also make a laver of bronze, with its base also of bronze, for washing. You shall put it between the tabernacle of meeting and the altar. And you shall put water in it,
- ¹⁹for Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet in water from it. ²⁰When they go into the tabernacle of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister, to burn an offering made by fire to the Lord, they shall wash with water, lest they die.
- ²¹So they shall wash their hands and their feet, lest they die. And it shall be a statute forever to them—to him and his descendants throughout their generations.”

In the New Testament the word baptism is used in 100 passages

Baptism is used 22 times [baptisma]
Baptisms is used 1 time [baptismos]
Baptize is used 16 times.[baptizo]
Baptized is used 61 times [baptizo]

The word baptism is translated into English from the Greek word baptizo, baptisma, and baptismos.

Baptizo – dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge, to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash oneself, to bath.

Baptisma to overwhelm with calamities and afflictions Most of the instances in the Gospels where Baptism is used means calamities’, or to be immersed in water to repentance.

Baptismos – a washing, purification effected by means of water, a dip

The meaning of the word baptism is derived by how it is used whether it is baptism in water, baptized in water signifies repentance, or baptized into afflictions and/or calamities; in its simplicity it means to make one clean.

Examples

Matthew 3:6 “and were baptized [baptizo] by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.

Matthew 20:22 “But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized [baptisma] with the baptism [baptisma] that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.”

Matthew 21:25 “The baptism [baptisma] of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men?” And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’

Hebrews 6:2 “of the doctrine of baptisms [baptismos],”

The Types Of Baptism

What we can infer from the scriptures is that there are several types of baptisms

Historical – Symbolic – Moses and the Children of Israel
Historical – John’s Message of Repentance and Baptism
Historical – Baptism of Jesus
Historical – Baptism of Fire
Literal – To be baptized as a Follower of Jesus
Symbolically – Baptized Into Christ’s Death
Literal – Suffering and the Cross

Historical – Symbolic Moses and the Children of Israel

I Corinthians 10:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, ²all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, ³all ate the same spiritual food, ⁴and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.

What does this mean symbolically to understand coming out of Egypt? _________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

Note: The baptism of the Children of Israel is only mentioned in the Bible in this New Testament passage.

Historical – John’s Message of Repentance and Baptism

Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire

Acts 19:1-4 And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples ²he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” ³And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?”

So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” ⁴Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

What is the importance of John baptizing before Jesus ministry began? ____________________ ___________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

Historical – Baptism of Jesus

Matthew 3:13-15 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. ¹⁴And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” ¹⁵But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.

Mark 1:9 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

Luke 3:21 When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened.

What is the importance of John baptizing Jesus? ___________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Historical – Fire

Luke 3:16 John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Acts 2:1-4 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord[a] in one place. ² And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. ³ Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. ⁴And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

NOTE: The English word fire is translated from the Greek word πῦρ [pur]: fire literally or figuratively, burning, fiery, lightning.

Acts 2:3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire [pur], and one sat upon each of them.

Hebrews 1:7 And of the angels He says: “Who makes His angels spirits And His ministers a flame of fire [pur].”

Hebrews 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire [pur].

Explain what being baptized of fire means ________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Should believers expect anything like this to occur to them? If so how or when? _____________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

Historical & Literal Apostles and Believers

John 3:22 After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized.

Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Acts 2:38-41 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.³⁹For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” ⁴⁰And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” ⁴¹Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.

Acts 16: 30-33 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

³¹ So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” ³² Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. ³³ And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.

Can you argue baptism is part of the salvation process? ______________________________ __________________________________________________________________

What would to say to those who feel baptism is not necessary and/or is a work? _________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

Read What Ananias Told Paul When He Was Converted

Acts 22:16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’

What does this passage in Acts imply?

_________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

Read 1 Peter 3:20-22 “to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, ²¹and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

What is the saving power of baptism?

_________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

How do you rectify/interpret I Peter 3:20-22 with Acts 22:16? Be mindful one scripture does not cancel out another. _________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

Historical – Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Acts 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Acts 2:38Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 11:6 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

In the book of Acts and the Epistles there is no message preached or instance where the convert was baptized with the Holy Spirit at conversion.

Acts 2:38 “you shall receive the Holy Spirit”

Acts 8:14-17 “¹⁴Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, ¹⁵who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. ¹⁶For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ¹⁷Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 19:5-6 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ⁶And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

Should the believer anticipate receiving the Holy Spirit at baptism? ____________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What would you tell others about being baptized in the spirit? ________________________ _________________________________________________________________

Reference

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceeded from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost

1 Thessalonians 4:8 He therefore that despises, despises not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his Holy Spirit.

Historical and Literal – Suffering, Trails, and the Cross

Mark 10:38-39 But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized [baptizo] with the baptism [baptisma] that I am baptized [baptizo] with?” ³⁹They said to Him, “We are able.” So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism [baptisma] I am baptized [baptizo] with you will be baptized [baptizo];

Luke 12:49 “I came to send fire [pur] on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism [baptisma] to be baptized [baptizo] with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished!

What type of baptism is Jesus speaking of here? ____________________________________

Explain what Jesus is asking of James and John in this passage [they had asked to sit on his right and left in the kingdom].

_________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________

Should the disciple of Jesus expect to suffer as Jesus did?

_________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________

Summary of Baptisms

Interpret Ephesians 4:5 The following places the passage in context: There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; ⁵ One Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Is Ephesians 4:5? Similar to I Corinthians 12:13? For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

What are we to take away from these two passages?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Explain what is meant by the writer of Hebrews when he says “baptisms” and how many is the believer to expect? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Laying on of Hands

Laying on of Hands is an ancient practice

There are four instances where Laying On Of Hands are found in the Old Testament. Read each passage and determine what the purpose was.

_______________________________ Leviticus 24:14 Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him.

________________________________ Genesis 48:17-19 When Joseph saw his father placing his right hand on Ephraim’s head he was displeased; so he took hold of his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. ¹⁸Joseph said to him, “No, my father, this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.” ¹⁹But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will become great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a group of nations.”

________________________________ Leviticus 9:22 Then Aaron lifted his hands toward the people and blessed them. And having sacrificed the sin offering, the burnt offering and the fellowship offering, he stepped down.

_______________________________ Deuteronomy 34:9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses.

________________________________: Leviticus 16:20-22 “When Aaron has finished making atonement for the Most Holy Place, the tent of meeting and the altar, he shall bring forward the live goat. ²¹He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites—all their sins—and put them on the goat’s head. He shall send the goat away into the wilderness in the care of someone appointed for the task. ²²The goat will carry on itself all their sins to a remote place; and the man shall release it in the wilderness.

New Testament

______________________________ Mark 10:16 And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.

____________________________ Acts 8:17 Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit.

_____________________________ Acts 19:5-6 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.⁶And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

____________________________ Acts 6:3-6 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them ⁴and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” ⁵This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. ⁶They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

_______________________________ Acts 13:2-4 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. ³And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. ⁴So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

_______________________________ 2 Timothy 1:6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

_______________________________ I Timothy 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

_______________________________ 2 Timothy 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

How many distinct instances in the NT was the laying on of hands practiced? ________

What was the purpose of laying on of hands in the New Testament? __________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

Read I Timothy 5:22 “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.”

What warning is Paul giving in this passage and why? _______________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

In what ways is the church today to use the laying on of hands? _______________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

The Resurrection of the Dead In The Old Testament

The full doctrine of a physical resurrection is not found in the Old Testament but develops across time.

However, a reading of a passage from the Book of Job gives insight that there was a concept of existence after death long before the Law was given at Sinai.

Job is considered the oldest book of the Old Testament and is dated before the calling of Abraham.

Job 19:25-26 I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.²⁶And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God;

In the Old Testament death was viewed as the end of physical life but not the termination of existence. The dead, though separated from this life, continued to exist in showl [or shoul, sheh-ole’ or shol sheh-ole’] The psalmist wrote [Psalm 16:10] For You will not leave my soul in hell [showl]; neither will You suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

What is meant by soul, hell, corruption?

Soul: breathing creature, body, mental, heart
Hell: Showl- world of the dead, the grave, the underworld
Corruption: destruction; ditch; grave, pit

Peter quotes this passage in Acts 2:25-28 David said about him: ‘I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. ²⁶Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope, ²⁷because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay. ²⁸You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’

Why do you think Peter is quoting this passage on the Day of Pentecost? _________________ _________________________________________________________________

Isaiah 26:19″Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead

How would you interpret this passage? __________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

Daniel 12:13 “As for you [Daniel], go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.”

What is Daniel being told by the angel __________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

Summarize: By the end of the Old Testament Era [approximately 400 BC] what concept of afterlife might one believe in after reading these passages? _______________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Resurrection in the New Testament

Among Jewry at the time of Jesus there were two schools of thought: No resurrection and a resurrection.

The two major religious/political parties in Judah, the Pharisees and Sadducees, embraced diverse beliefs on the afterlife.

The Sadducees were the smallest of the two religious parties but they held the office of the High Priest and were the most powerful and controlled the Sanhedrin. They denied a physical resurrection.

The Pharisees were the larger of the two parties and controlled the teachings and the synagogues. They accepted visitations by angles, spirits, and a resurrection.

Acts 23:8: The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.

The word resurrection is used 43 times in the New Testament. By its usage it is no small matter.

The English word resurrection is translated from the Greek word anastasis : a standing up again, literally a resurrection from death, figuratively a moral recovery of spiritual truth , raised to life again, rise from the dead, rising again.

The Resurrection as Mentioned By Jesus

Matthew 22: 23, 30-32 That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question…. ³⁰At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. ³¹But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you, ³²‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.”

Jesus is quoting Exodus 3:6 “Then he said, “I am the God of your father,^[^a^] the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.”

What can we interpret from just this passage about a resurrection? ___________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

One of most important or significant passage of scripture about the resurrection is in Johns gospel: John 11:23-25 ²³Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” ²⁴Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” ²⁵Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;

What words of comfort and instruction is Jesus giving Marth about death and life? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

What is distressing the Sanhedrin Court in the following passage? Acts 4:2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.

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Romans 6:5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.

What is Paul saying to the Romans in this passage? ________________________________________

How does Paul link death and the resurrection is 1 Corinthians 15:21: For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. __________________________________________________________________

What type of Resurrected Body will the faithful have?

Read Luke 24:36-39 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”³⁷They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. ³⁸He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? ³⁹Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

From this passage in Luke’s Gospel what type of body is given at the resurrection?

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For a more detailed explanation Read I Corinthians 15:35- 49 ³⁵But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?” ³⁶How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. ³⁷When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else. ³⁸But God gives it a body as he has determined, and to each kind of seed he gives its own body. ³⁹Not all flesh is the same: People have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another and fish another. ⁴⁰There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another. ⁴¹The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor.

⁴²So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; ⁴³it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; ⁴⁴it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.

If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. ⁴⁵So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. ⁴⁶The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. ⁴⁷The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven. ⁴⁸As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. ⁴⁹And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we^[^g^] bear the image of the heavenly man.

What are the two questions Paul answers in this passage?

_____________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

How does he answer the questions [take away points]?

Sowing ______________________

God gives ____________________

Not all flesh __________________

Sown is perishable _____________

Sown in dishonor ______________

Sown in weakness ______________

Sown a natural body ____________

There is a natural _______________

First Man was _________________

The second man ________________

Born of Earthy image ____________

If someone would ask you what type of body will the resurrected have, what would you tell them? _______________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

The Eternal Judgment

To understand the Eternal/Final Judgment one needs to understand the concept of existence after death. The KJV translated several Hebrew and Greek into hell which in English means: covered or the invisible place.

Hell is translated from the Hebrew word Sheol sixty-five times in the Old Testament.

The word Sheol means the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including

Sheol is found translated the “grave” thirty-one times

The inhabitants of Sheol are described as

Proverbs 21:16 Whoever strays from the path of prudence comes to rest in the company of the dead
Job 24:19 As heat and drought snatch away the melted snow, so the grave snatches away those who have sinned
Psalm 49:15 But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself.

Sheol is described as

Permanent – Job 7:9As a cloud vanishes and is gone, so one who goes down to the grave does not return.
Dark – Job 10:21-22; before I go to the place of no return, to the land of gloom and utter darkness, ²²to the land of deepest night, of utter darkness and disorder, where even the light is like darkness.”,
Deep – Job 11:8 They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do?
They are deeper than the depths below—what can you know?
Has Gates – Job 17:16 Will it go down to the gates of death? Will we descend together into the dust?”
The dead “go down” to it – Ezekiel 31:16-17 I made the nations tremble at the sound of its fall when I brought it down to the realm of the dead to be with those who go down to the pit. Then all the trees of Eden, the choicest and best of Lebanon, the well-watered trees, were consoled in the earth below. ¹⁷They too, like the great cedar, had gone down to the realm of the dead, to those killed by the sword, along with the armed men who lived in its shade among the nations.

The Old Testament depicts the afterlife as going to a place of confinement and every person good/bad goes there.

The doctrine of judgement cannot be found in the Old Testament, just as a doctrine of the resurrection is not found. The basic belief that can be gleamed from the OT was God was judges’ people in real or ongoing time in this life.

A glimpse into a future judgement is found in Psalms 96:13 “For he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth”

Summarize what the Old Testament teaches about death and judgment. __________________ _________________________________________________________________

Death In The New Testament

In the New Testament more insight is given to the reader about what comes after life.

The word Hell appears in the New Testament as a place of the dead. The English word Hell is translated from several Greek words, the most common being Hades; this word is similar in meaning as Sheol of the Old Testament.

Hell is A prison 1 Peter 3:18-19 – For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

¹⁹By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

But in the New Testament there is a differentiation between the righteous and wicked in hades.

The righteous and the wicked are separated. The righteous or blessed are in a part of hades called Abraham’s bosom; Luke 16:22-23 – And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; ²³And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and saw Abraham far away, and Lazarus in his bosom.

This description is similar to the promise Jesus made to the repentant thief on the cross found in Luke 23:43 – “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Paradise here means a pleasant place, liken unto a garden.

Gehenna

Jesus uses another word to describe hell, the Greek word Gehenna. This word departs from the concept of Hades, and describes it as a place constantly which burns with fire.

The word describes a literal place outside of Jerusalem known as the valley of Hinnom. A brief history of the area: The prophet Jeremiah denounced the practice of burning children to Molech here by saying that Hinnom Valley would become the valley of God’s judgment, a place of slaughter, Over time people began to burn their garbage, trash, animals, and even the dead here using sulfur to help the refuse burn. Eventually the canyon of Hinnom evolved into gehenna

The word Gehenna is used six times in the gospels and pointedly means judgment – Mark 9:43-48 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into [Gehenna] hell, where the fire never goes out, where the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into [Gehenna] hell. Where the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched. And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into [Gehenna] hell, where the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched

Tartarossa

In 2 Peter 2:4 the word hell is translated from the Greek word tartarosass, which means deep abyss, imprison in eternal torment- “God spared not angels when they sinned, but cast them down to hell, and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment . . .”

Describe what hell means in the New Testament: ________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________

The Eternal Judgment

Revelation 22:12 – Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.

What is the implication from this passage? ______________________________________

Now read Hebrews 9:27 “It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment.”

What is the writer of Hebrews telling the reader?

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

Explain why there is no need to be more specific? _______________________________

Judgement occurs along with the Resurrection which is why understanding the abode or state of the dead is important.

The New Testament teaches there are two resurrections: Revelation 20:5-6 – “The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.”

What information from the passage gives the believer hope? _____________________________

What information likewise suggests a foreboding for those in the second resurrection? ________ ________________________________________________________________

Jesus spoke of a separation of the good from the wicked in the resurrection: John 5: 28-29 “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice ²⁹and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.”

What is Jesus stating in this passage? _____________________________________________

The Judgment of the Believer

The apostle Paul writes to the Church at Rome about a future judgement: Romans 14:10

You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.

The apostle Paul writes to the Church of Corinth and adds more clarity about a coming Judgement: 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

Explain why this is not the White Throne Judgment of Revelation: ________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________

What then is the aim of the Judgement Seat of Christ and does the believer stand in jeopardy of another judgment? ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________

More clarification about the righteous being judged: I Corinthians 3:12-15 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, ¹³their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. ¹⁴If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. ¹⁵If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.

Paul basically says the same thing: I Corinthians 13:13 -15 each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. 14 If any man’s work which he has built upon it remains, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work is burned up, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as through fire.”

Explain what Jesus is telling the faithful: John 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Explain in your words what the Judgement Seat of Christ is for and who is there?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Summarize then what place the believer has in the First Resurrection and the Judgment Seat of Christ. _____________________________________________________________________

The Great White Thrown Judgment

We read previously in Revelation 20:4-5 “They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. ⁵The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.”

The end of the age has come and Revelation 20 paints a picture of the resurrection and Judgment

As you read the Revelation 20:11-15 think about what is being described

¹¹Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.

Why is the cosmos fleeing from what is occurring? ____________________________________

¹²And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. ¹³The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done.

What two books are opened?

______________________________
______________________________

What standard is being used to judge the dead? ____________________________________

Why is this NOT a judgment of the righteous? _____________________________________

What scripture can you use to support the claim the White Thrown Judgment is not for the saints? _____________________________________________________________________

¹⁴Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.¹⁵Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

What is the lake of fire and have we read of it before? ________________________________

There is a second death mentioned, what is it? _______________________________________

What is the significance of the Book of Life? ________________________________________

Remember I Corinthians 15:26 “”The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.”

Read the following description and explain what you can take from the passage- Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death”

_______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________

The Lake of Fire And The Second Death

The Second Death and the Lake Of Fire [Revelation 20:14] is not described in detail through the pages of the Bible, but the reader can piece together the clues given throughout the Bible.

The Lake of Fire
is not hell, because hell and death are thrown into it.
is not on the earth because God dissolves the old heavens and earth and a new one is created
is a literal place
the devil and fallen angles will be there: Revelation 20:10 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
the beast and false prophet will be there {Revelation 20:10]
all whose names are not in the Lamb’s Book of Life

What About Eternity

Eternal Torment
- Punishment in the lake of fire which burns with fire and brimstone will be forever.
Annihilationism or destruction of the Wicked
- The final fate of those humans who are not saved is literal and the second death is destruction; the soul ceases to exist.
Universalism or Universal Reconciliation
- All persons will ultimately be saved.
- All of mankind will ultimately be saved through Christ whether or not faith is professed in him in this life.

The Final Question[s]

What Have You Learned?

Repentance _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

Dead Works ____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Faith __________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

Baptisms _______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

Laying On Of Hands _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

Resurrection of the Dead __________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

Eternal Judgement _______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________