Barnes church of Christ

If the New Testament does not mean what it did when first delivered, then it means nothing at all! It was important in the first century delivery to the lost and clearly seen in Paul’s words to the Galatian “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ” (Gal.1:6-7). Why was such rebuking language used if it was only going the change in a few years?
Truly the words of Paul could not be spoken at any time from the year Paul wrote them, as each generation would have to settle what it means to them! Then, why all the written warnings found in the New Testament, given only them in the first century? Here the words of John: “And if man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book” (Rev. 22”10). It is a total waste of time and effort to read and study any of the New Testament, if the truth stated by the inspired writers of the New Testament was only good for those in the first century group of Christians. Just “take away” as you please, as the words are not for you, as they were written for the first Christians! The first century Christians were given warnings which apply only to them and not to any person living today. You know, we could make the New Testament a lot smaller by removing all that does not mean anything to us today but only to them! They received warning after warning, but these mean nothing to us today! We just think it away.
Let us take a few words found in the New Testament and see what they mean today if anything at all! We have some “good” examples to look at. The denominations can help us here, as they have done for us what would be totally acceptable per-this new movement among us. Look at the word “baptism,” the meaning of which has been changed, first by the Roman Catholic Church “baptism”. We have debated this subject for years, only to learn today, that it was a total waste of time and effort to those living today. The Catholic Church told us long ago, that the word means pouring or sprinkling. Other denominations have followed their action. Not all denominations believed this, take the Baptist, which also debated other denominations on this subject. Correctly pointing out, that the Greek word translated baptism did not mean sprinkling or pouring! Of course, that was then, and we are living today. This means, that their debates were a total waste of time and effort, as they were removed from the first century. You are begining to get the idea by now!
Now, look at the Lord’s Supper and when it should be taken. Does the New Testament address the subject of when it should be taken? Yes, but only if you desire to “speak where the New Testament speaks,” do you know any denominations that speak out about this subject? If yes or no, it matters little, as this only relates to the first Century! So, all those churches about us are right and we have been wrong, as if the New Testament does address the subject, of when the Lord’s Supper should be taken, it matters little to nothing, as we are not under those examples anyway!
You may be wondering why we pay any attention at all as to what the apostles wrote as the meaning has changed hundreds of times. So, with this view of things, that is that words in the New Testament do not mean what they did in the first century! At the same time, we need to give little to no attention, as to what the apostle wrote, as it surely cannot mean the same thing to us today!
The warnings are a waste of time, as we need not pay any attention to them as they were written in another time and to another people. It is, however, a false thinking and denominations will be the result! Take down the sign and put up whatever anyone may desires. After all, this is what the denominational churches have been telling us all along! Just look about yourself and see all the words used to identify those who worship there!
Are you one of them? Do you question the New Testament; do you revolt against those who say, “The New Testament means today the same thing it did when it was written and delivered in the first century?” If you do not like what the gospel meant in the First Centuy, then, don’t concern yourself, as it does not mean what it did then, anyway; and should you be able to live into the next generation, maybe they will change the meaning to fit you!

Frank R. William

Through the years, fads come and go, without any real changes being made. In fact, if you live long enough, things just go in circles, as they come again. Take the subject of ties, they get wider, then back to being narrow once again and all in between. Have you looked at the color of skirts, as they get longer only to get shorter again? If you don’t like them today just wait a short time, and they will get back to what they once were. These changes do not mean much as the world goes on. But, there are some who believe that the New Testament changes meaning with every generation! Therefore, what a father may believe and teach as the “teaching of Christ,” it no longer teaches the same thing it did in the father’s generation. So, here is the question: “Does the New Testament mean the same thing today as it did when first preached and written?” This is a most important question.
It is hard to write on this subject without writing, if the New Testament does not mean today what it did in the time it was first delivered by the apostles; then just what does it mean? Then there is another question, “Who is to determine what it now means?” There are a few who might be able to answer this question: 1) The one who can only read with great difficulty but loves the truth; 2) It could be the man who reads very slowly but loves the truth; 3) It could be the man who sits in the pew and never says a word in class but knows the basics of what the New Testament means; 4) It could be the man who has studied the Bible all his life and understands the meaning; 5) It could be the college professor who has taught classes fifty years and loves the truth; and 6) It could be you, the child of God who loves the truth more than life itself?
Hear the words of Peter to the Jewish council and think of what they faced when preaching “the teaching of Christ; they answered: “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). If “the teaching of Christ” was only good for one generation, then it was to change! It might have been good for them anyway! Why did the apostles say anything? The apostles would have answered, “No problem as it is only going to change what it means in a few years anyway! No, this is not what they said, is it? Then, here recall the words of Jude, who wrote: “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). Do these words sound like there is no urgency in knowing what the teaching is, in that generation and the one to follow? No! A thousand times, no! The apostles where willing to die and they did; for “the teaching of Christ!”
If it, “the teaching of Christ,” was going to change in only a few years, why be concerned? Keep in mind, that one generation overlaps each other! This just may reveal the friction between each generation! Not only this, but keep in mind, not only does two generations overlap one end but it always overlaps the last generation. Seeing things in this light, reveals that we have nothing more than friction, at the beginning of each new generation and at the end of each generation. No peace at all! However, Jesus said: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Which truth is Jesus addressing: the one at the beginning of each generation, or the one at the end of each generation; then, there is the middle generation? Yes, it is true, we always have three generations at the same time and each one is free to determine what truth is for themselves! This brings about “war” at all times, as no one can say what truth is for generation at the being; in the middle, and the one at the end.
James will answer our question, as he wrote: “Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?” We conclude this article with word of John: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). Do these two verses mean the same thing today as when John wrote them by the Holy Spirit? Do we really believe that we now are authorized to “lusteth to envy” and to love this world?

Frank R. Williams

Our faith is a most interesting subject. Most of us, older people, were those who grew up in a home and a nation that believed in the existence of God. This is not the case now! There are families, starting with the parents, who do not believe in the existence of God. Therefore, we must admit that the world is changing for the worse!
Those of the older generation, first believed in the existence of God and the devil. Before going on, let us put what we believed and what we now believe, in the positive and negative. Just as we believe(d) in God, we also believe(d) in the devil. Second, we believe(d) that the Bible is the inerrant inspirited word of God, as opposed to it being just another book written by men. We believe(d) that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, as opposed to him being just a good man like other good men. Before continuing our list of things, we believe(d) in, let us make the point, that Jesus cannot be a good man while lying to us in his own claim, that he was the only begotten Son of God. As he said to the troubled disciples, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14:1). Just as it is natural to believe in God, so it is natural to believe, that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God! Fourth, we believe(d) in heaven and the negative hell. One being more than we can even “dream,” while the other, hell, is far worse that the mind can comprehend. If people understood the torment of hell, they would instantly become a child of God, a Christian! What a thought, a world of believers, Christians! Fifth, once more noting the words of Jesus to his troubled disciples, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also (John 14:2-3). What a thought! What comforting words to the troubled and misunderstanding disciples! Just think of it for a moment, as Jesus spoke to his very troubled disciples, he was going away but he would not forget his disciples, but he would prepare a place for them. That prepared place waits for all who became a child of God and who live faithful to him! Though Jesus was speaking to those disciples who would be his apostles, the just of the words are for us also! So, we believe(d) in heaven a place beyond our minds to fully comprehend; as we think of its beauty; while on the other hand, there is hell, which is more horrible that the mind can even think! Seventh, we believe(d) that the Christian life is the most blessed life one can live. At the same time, even though those outside of Christ may have more of this world’s goods, and let us say, even if we live in poverty, our life is more blessed than those who love his world and its goods. In moments of trouble and our heart breaks, we still have the promises of God, while those outside of Christ do not. All the good they have and will have are perishing and will totally perish. John wrote this: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15). What a difference between those who believe and those who do not believe! Let us now move to the end of the subject. Living within those who believe and those who do not believe; read the words of John once more: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). While on earth, those who believe are preparing their lives for that blessed day when we shall see Jesus as, he now is, and what we shall be like!
There in brief is the difference between a child of God, a Christian and those who do not believe! Even in poverty our hopes look up to the heavens knowing that one day, Jesus will come to receive his own! Paul wrote of our subject in these words: “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:14-17). With these words we close our subject of “Our faith.”
No, one more thought as Paul concluded this subject in these words: “Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (verse18). It is hoped that the reader will benefit at least some!

Frank R. Williams

There is much to write about on the subject of “our faith,” that needs our attention. It would appear at first that if we are a “believer,” that the subject of faith ends; however, this is not the case at all. In what points do we agree! Do we believe that we live under the Old Testament or the New Testament? Most of those who claim to be Christians will say, “I never knew that was a question!” Replying with, “I believe we are under, as in subject to, the Bible!” Therefore, under the subject of “Our faith,” there is a major division!! Therefore, the subject of “our faith” is one that needs attention.
What are the differences between the Old Testament and the New Testament? Let us just take the day of worship; under the Old Testament the day of worship is the Sabbath, or the seventh day of the week. However, under the New Testament, the day of worship is the first day of the week. The day of worship changed from the sabbath, which is the seventh day of the week, to the first day of the week. This can be seen, as the saved of Christ (Acts 2: 41-42), worshipped for the first time. It was the first day of the week and not the seventh day! This is a major change as the New Testament became the authority, the authority of Christ, became the law under which the saved would worship! Therefore, before we even get started, our subject of the saved in the New Testament, we see that we have a major disagreement. So, “our faith,” is a subject that much be addressed.
In the subject, “Our Faith,” we are addressing all who announce to the world, I am a saved person, I am a person of faith. Yet, even as we start the subject, we have found a major disagreement which must have our attention. This naturally brings us to the simple question: “How can our faith ever agree, when we cannot agree on the day of the assembly of worship? We must, as in all cases, allow the Bible to speak for itself. You see, faith, as in “Our Faith,” must start and end with the Bible. The Bible itself moves us to the New Testament and not the Old Testament authority. If you really believe in the Bible, you must accept the New Testament as our authority. There is no real way to bring people together, if there is no agreement in “our faith, in our authority; thus, “our faith” must rest in the New Testament. The blood of Christ stands between the Old and the New Testament and must not be removed. It is true, that the blood of Christ runs both backwards and forwards, as it relates to sin; but it does not run within the Old Testament laws of worship! Now, seeing the first major difference between some, those who claim to believe in the authority of Christ, and others who make the same claim to hold to New Testament authority.
The point as it all stands in “our faith” is that our faith must start and end with the word of God. We must not take one step outside of what the Bible teaches. As “old fasten” as it may sound, it all comes down to the authority of Christ. Not only must “our faith” be limited to the New Testament as it relates to authority but the whole of “our faith” either stands upon the New Testament – the authority of Christ – or not and this is an excessively big “not!” So, where did you get your faith? It must stand with the Bible; it must walk in the steps of the New Testament. It must stand with Moses or with Jesus Christ; here I speak of both feet as one foot cannot stand in truth and the other stand in Moses! It is Moses or Christ and cannot be in both as it relates to authority for today.
“Our faith” must start and end with the Bible. The truths that are revealed in the Old Testament, such as creation, is a truth, both in the New Testament and in the Old Testament. Jesus referred to creation to answer a point of faith in Matthew nineteen, as when he said, “have you not read,” and then, he goes to creation.
So many people get mixed up on this subject. How can we take part of what the Old Testament has, that is truth today and what is not? We are not talking about the “truths” of the Old Testament but authority! We must believe both! But where is our authority for worship, is it in the Old or the New Testament? It is in the New Testament, and here “our faith” must stand.
It is not as hard as some people appear to think! There is a difference between authority, as things we believe and what we must do! “Our faith” must start with Genesis one and end in Revelation. To believe the Bible means, we must believe both the Old and the New Testaments; thus, “our faith,” must stand with our “feet” in the truths of the Old Testament, while what we do, we do by the authority of the Christ which is in the New Testament!

Frank R. Williams

If there is agreement on any Bible subject, it Is that faith is necessary to be saved. Some believe in “faith only;” as all a person must do to be saved is just believe. Some believe that “repentance” comes before faith, which is strange doctrine, as why would a person repent, if he did not believe. There is a passage which reads: “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). We have often pointed out that context must be understood if the passage is to be understood and this is one such text. Who was Jesus addressing? He was addressing the Jews before his death. They were sinners and needed to repent of their sins so they could be ready for the gospel. This was before Pentecost, which is covered in Acts chapter two. Jesus was trying to prepare their hearts for the gospel which would come later, but without repentance they would not be ready for it. All things must be read in the context in which it appears! We are believing unto Abraham’s bosom.
Faith is a most comforting thing! Just think for a moment. When we stand as the body of a loved one who is being put into the ground; if there is no faith on our part, then, we are standing at the end! I mean the end as there is nothing else for that loved one, we are putting into the ground, our faith stands before all else! A life lived without faith in the word of God is a most miserable life. First, we must believe in God; then, we must believe the Bible is the inspired word of God; then, we must believe the gospel; and we believe that our spiritual life rests in “the teaching of Christ” (2 John 9). This believing brings us to Christ who is our salvation!
For, Paul wrote: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Rom.1:16-17) We will not write anything on this text, as we have written eleven articles on it. However, it does show that believing is necessary to our salvation. The gospel and salvation go together, just as faith and salvation go together. Believing is required, as it leads us to repentance, which leads us to confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Our confession takes us to baptism which is where we come to salvation. Now, it is understood that some do not believe that baptism is necessary to salvation; however, Peter wrote: “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us, …” (1 Pet. 3:21). It is in baptism that we put on Christ, as Paul wrote: “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal.l 3:27). It is here that we learn that we are all one in Christ; for Paul continues to write: “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28).
In all of this, we have learned the place of “our faith” in our salvation! At the same time, we have learned that it is never faith only, but faith runs all through our salvation there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Anytime we stop believing the gospel we have lost our salvation! By removing our faith, we have put something else in its place, but there is no salvation without faith in the gospel of Christ! Thus, we have seen how faith leads us unto salvation.

Frank R. Williams

Having written several articles on “From faith to faith,” it seemed only right that I write an article or two on our personal faith. Let us realize that no two people will have the same, identical faith; meaning that no two people have the same amount of the word of God living in them; thus, no two people believe the same thing in the largest context of faith. Even if we all sit under the same teacher, we would not all learn the same amount of what was being taught. However, that being said, there are things we all must believe and here, we all believe the same things, the more knowledge, the more faith!
With the above in mind, let us turn our attention to a most beautiful text, which reads: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report” (11:1-2). The number of articles written and the volume of sermons that have been preached on this text could fill a library. For me to think that I can cover it in one article is most presumptuous of me, to think that I can do so in one article; therefore, expect more than one article.
Chapter eleven starts with the word “now,” as in continuing in faith and reveals what “faith” is as used in the inspired scripture is now seen; therefore, it is the “substance.” Faith is built upon what we have not seen but is nevertheless, the substance, the Greek “hupostasis” and “a setting under (support)” (Strong) of our faith. Thus, “faith” in one sense is the foundation upon which other things are built that relate to our salvation. It is remarkable how some people look at faith, but these are far from the faith as revealed in the Bible.
Now, to the text we shall go! First question: “Have you ever wondered just what the “now” means in this text? More than likely your answer is, “no!” But this is the stuff that articles and sermons are made of. The Greek word is “de” or “deh,” which is “A primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.: – also, and, but, moreover, now [often unexpressed in English].” (Strong). Here it is not looked over but is in the text, and identities a continuation of the thought at the end of chapter ten, which reads: “But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” Chapter ten ends with believing and not drawing back unto perdition. Therefore, chapter eleven reveals what faith is and what it does in us. Of course, the most well-known is verse six: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Thus, our salvation stands upon our faith, as in what we believe! There is no room for what is called “a leap in the dark” kind of faith which is no faith at all. Our writer clearly states that “faith is the substance of things hoped for” but “hope” describes something we do not now have; nevertheless, we firmly stand upon it! This reveals the importance of “faith,” as defined in scripture! It stands upon what we have not seen! Nevertheless, we believe in it! “Faith” is also “the evidence of things not seen.” The Greek word used here is “elegchos” and means “proof, conviction.” Does your life reveal enough that someone would convince another to take a look at why you believe as you do? It should! As “faith is the substance of things, hoped for!” Hope is something you do not have but you are patiently waiting for! If there is no “substance” there is no real faith, as it is only make believe! There are folks who even gladly boast that their faith is “a leap in the dark!” The inspired writers of the New Testament knew nothing of such! Just how do you justify your faith? Is it, “Better felt than told?” The writer of the Hebrew letter knew nothing, no not one thing, of such! Paul did write that some had removed themselves from the gospel of Christ unto something else, but it was never the gospel of Christ in the first or even in the second place!
Yes, we will write at least one more article under the above title. Of course, you knew this at the beginning, “Yes!” Faith is truly a great subject and yet is so greatly miss-understood! Remember, without faith, there is no pleasing, no acceptability, with God! Do you believe, have faith, that God is? What is your evidence? Is your faith so evidenced that you can convince another that God exists?

Frank R. Williams

Let me try to reach a conclusion on the subject under which we have been writing in the last ten articles. It should go without writing it, but we will, nevertheless more needs to be written as there is no good place to stop. Nevertheless, we will conclude this series of articles with number eleven.
There are those who “believe” that they can have faith without “the faith.” However, our personal faith is limited to our knowledge of “the faith.” As Paul wrote: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” It is interesting that the Greek word translated “hearing” is the same as the word translated “report” in verse sixteen. Therefore, we are free to write that the “hearing” is the thing heard; it is a noun not a verb. Therefore, faith comes by the gospel. After all, where else would we expect to get our faith? It is easy to see that “from faith to faith” is always truth! Your faith can only be as good as “the faith” is in you! Draw two lines, one marked “the faith” and the other marked “your faith.” People would like to believe that their faith goes beyond “the faith,” but how can this be; as faith comes out of “the faith.” Some people think that their faith can run past their knowledge of the word of God, but it cannot be so! Remember, it “from faith unto faith.”
When it comes to testing your faith, it cannot be tested beyond “the faith” that is in you! Therefore, your faith is a test of how much “the faith” is in you! Keep in mind we do not believe in a “leap in the dark!” You really do not believe that faith “is a leap in the dark,” do you? Or do you hold that you can have a faith that is “a leap in the dark” but not other people? “Faith” is a funny thing when it really comes to what one believes! Some would say, that “it is better felt that told!” Is this what you really believe but you would not like to admit it?
Let us go to Abraham and his being willing to offer-up Isaiah. Abraham was willing to offer up Isaac, as he knew that God had promised that his son through Sarah would bless all nations! Therefore, if Abraham offers up Isaac, then God would have to bring him back to life, based on his promise! Abraham’s faith did not go beyond the word of God! Abraham was not working on a “leap into the dark” but walking according to the word of God!” In Abraham’s case it was the word of God, then, to Abraham’s faith! It was not “from faith to faith,” as “the faith” had not been delivered. But it is nevertheless, “from the word of God unto faith.” Some things do not change!
Noah built the ark by faith! But it was not “the faith” that Noah followed, as “the faith” had not been delivered, as that would have to wait until the New Testament was “delivered unto the saint” (Jude 3). Nevertheless, Noah walked by faith, as God had spoken to him! Noah’s faith was not a “leap into the dark!” Here is what is written in Hebrews: “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Did you notice it? Noah being warned of God of things.” Noah, nevertheless, walked by faith, but it was not “the faith” as “the faith” would have to wait unto “the faith” had come.
In one respect Abraham did walk by faith, but it was not “the faith.” “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” (Heb. 11:8). Did Abraham walk by a “leap in the dark?” No, he did not! He followed the word spoken to him by God and he by faith went into a land he did not know but God had spoken to him; therefore, Abraham “walked by faith” but not “the faith.” Are you willing to say that Abraham walked as a “leap in the dark? “God forbid!” Walking in the “dark,” is never walking where God had directed!
The writer of Hebrews wrote: “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” Much like we, who stand by the grave of a loved one, may all die before the coming of the Lord, but we will “died in faith” for God has spoken. The words of Paul will go just here: “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout,” and with those who died in faith; thus, the faithful!

Frank R. Williams

Is it “faith” as in “the faith” or is it “faith” as in my “faith?” This is the question of the day! As in the other nine articles, we will continue to deal with this question in Galatians the third chapter. “Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law” (Gal. 3:21). It is only natural if you are a Hebrew in the first century and have been living under and faithful to “the law of Moses” as it is addressed in the question by Paul, a Hebrew!
The answer to Paul’s question: “is the law of Moses,” “against the promises of God?” God is never against himself in what he says or what he had others to write! There are some, who try to justify their man-made teaching, who put “the teaching of Christ,” equal to saying “God’s teaching is against itself!” (2 John 9). We do our absolute best never to do such! So clearly has Paul stated, that the law of Moses is never, no, not in even one point against “the teaching of Christ!”
Now, let us move to the next verse in Galatians chapter three: “if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.” (verse 21). We already know that “righteousness” comes from “the gospel of Christ;” here is what Paul wrote on this subject: “the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth … For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith” (Rom.1:16-17). Therefore, the law of Moses was totally unable to bring righteousness, salvation! Once this truth is learned, it needs never to be brought up again! Remembering that truth never contradicts itself! Therefore, moving on with our subject: From faith to (unto) faith!”
Now, here is the second most natural question: “Wherefore then serveth the law?” Gal. 3:19). So, how serveth the law?” Let Paul answer the second question: “It was added because of transgressions.” Here Paul continues: The third question now long would the old law continue, Paul answers: “till the seed should come to whom the promise was made.” Remembering “the seed” is Christ Jesus! Paul now writes: “and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.” Before continuing, allow me to make a point that is so often totally overlooked? Who are the “angels” who “ordained” the law of Moses? The Greek word for “angels” is “aggelos” and means, “messenger” (Strong). So, who are the “messengers?” The messengers” are the Old Testament profits! How else do the Hebrews and ourselves get the words of the Old Testament, wherein was “the promise?” Just for the fun of it, this question: “How do you know about the promise?” The law, as a “schoolmaster” gently took the hand of the Hebrew and put it in the “hand” of Jesus who is the “mediator” of verse 19. Moses no longer leads but Jesus Christ does!
Here is verse twenty-one: “But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.” Just here, let us answer another question dealing with the word “faith” (pistis).” What “faith” does Paul have in mind here as he uses the Greek “pistis?” Is it our faith, or is it “the faith?” We can say that there is no definite article before the word “faith.” This by itself does not remove our question, that Paul is not writing about “the faith,” the context is the final word on the meaning of how a word is used. Read the text once more: “the faith of Jesus Christ” is not his personal faith but that which he delivered, “the teaching of Christ.” Read the next verse just here: “But before faith came,” the “faith” that Paul is writing of, is one that “came;” once it was not but now it is here! Put on your “deep thinking cap,” as Paul writes: “That the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.” Here we have “the faith” that “came” put with “believing; thus, from the body of “the faith” to our believing. Therefore, it is as we conclude the article, “from the faith unto faith – believing!”
“But before faith came” (verse 23). Now “the faith” has “came” and is what we live under today, as they did to whom Paul is writing directly. Keep in mind, that Paul is continuing his thought of verse twenty-two, “that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.” It is “from faith to (unto) faith!” “But before (the, frw) faith came.”
More is coming in the next article!

Frank R. Williams

You may have noticed that the words under which we have been writing have changed from article to article. Why is this? It is because the Greek word translated “to” and “unto” is “ace” and may be translated to the English “to,” “unto,” or “for,” as it often is, such as in Acts 2:38, “for the remission of sins.” The context may determine which is the best English word to convey the thought in the text. For the most part, all three may do so, while the English “for” may be the weakest as the word “for” may be translated “because” which has no part in the other two words.
We need to back up just a little in this article on the subject “from faith to faith” in order to make a point or two. Starting with Galatians chapter three, verse eighteen: “For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.” (chapter 3). Here the Greek word translated “for” is “gar,” which is one of my favorite little Greek words. This word gives the reason why the preceding verse is truth. Therefore, notice verse seventeen: “And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.” Here is the reason for verse eighteen being true; it is because of: “For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.” The “promise” God gave to Abraham was before the law was. In one respect, we might see it this way: “the promise” of a blessing coming through “the seed of Abraham” was given before the law of Moses came into being, “the promise” leaped “frogged” over the law and landed in Christ! The people who received the promised, were all three: 1) Abraham, 2) Isaac, and 3) Jacob, each one before the law; thus, having no part of the law of Moses. Therefore, Paul wrote: “For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.” This is an important point; therefore, the Holy Spirit put it here in Galatians.
Paul now asked a most natural question: “Wherefore then serveth the law?” (verse 19). The law of Moses had a most important purpose, as Paul now answers: “It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made.” It was “added,” the Greek “prostithemi” which means: “to place additionally, that is, lay beside.” There was “the promise” and running side by side with the “law of Moses.” The law aided “the promise” to run its course and arrive at Jesus, the Christ, who is the promised “seed.” Now notice has Paul completed his point: “to place additionally, that is, lay beside. The point here “the promise” ran a long side of the law but was not part of it. Just for your information, let me make this point that is so often just read over; the pronoun “it” refers to the words “the promise.” “It was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.” The word “angels” means messengers, the prophets. One more point just here as the Holy Spirit said: “it was in the hand of a mediator.” We know what a “mediator” is as it is used today; however, it is the Greek “mesites” and means, “go between.” This “mediator” was to serve alongside of the law until “the seed” should come. The “promise” and the law of Moses ran along side of each other until “the seed” should come. “The seed” is Jesus Christ!
Now, let us get back to our point of these articles, as Paul now asks a most important point, and it is a natural point: “Is the law then against the promises of God?” Was it? Here Paul used two of my favorite words, “God forbid,” which is the Greek “ginomai” and means: “to cause to be.” As you can see, the Greek word does not carry the idea of the English! God caused it to be! What did God cause to be? Paul answers: “for if there had been a law given which could have given life.” The Greek word “gar” is used by Paul, which is a reason that it is true: “if there had been a law given which could have given life.” Was there such a “law?” Here Paul writes: “verily righteousness should have been by the law.” Was there such a law? No! As in “God forbid!” The apostle continued with: “verily righteousness should have been by the law.” Is this the reason? Yes, it is in every way! However, we already know that Paul had written in Romans: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16-17). The “righteousness of God” is in “the gospel of Christ which is God’s power unto salvation or righteousness!” Here the apostle makes the point: “But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.” Here our question is: is this “the promise of the faith,” or is it “the promise of faith?” I do believe you can see that even without the article “the faith” is the intent but lo and behold the article “the” is in the text! The word translated “by” is the Greek “ek:” we know it is “out of the,” and in the case here, “out of the faith!? The “promise” of the faith, and what else could it be, but by “the faith” as it was not through the law of Moses, as the promise ran beside the law of Moses and was not within it! Paul is addressing “the faith once for all time delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3).
As we conclude this article, let me point out, that, “the faith” was so that we might “believe!” There is our “From (the) faith to (unto our) faith!!

Frank R. Williams

In this article we will be looking at another text in which the article “the” appears in the Majority Text but not in our King James Version. More than likely it does not appear in the other versions as well. The passage is James chapter one and verse three.
The article “the” in this text changes the whole meaning of the text, but when viewed in the passage, in one way does not change the totality of the meaning of the passage in the whole. So what text is it that has the definite article “the” that changes the meaning, yet when looked at in the whole, does not change the meaning of the text? It is, of course, James chapter one and verse three. This is written to get your mind on the text, to see what you generally see within it, then, putting the definite article “the” before the word “faith?” Now, it is time to read the text, James wrote: “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:1-3). Most of us have read and heard these read in many sermons and Bible chasses over the years. We have been taught the word “faith” is addressing our “faith.” Certainly, this is true but there is a greater meaning in this text that has gone unnoticed in such teaching!
So, as we read verse three again, we will put the definite article before the word “faith,” and see if it has a deeper meaning than is generally taught! Now verse three with the definite article before the word “faith.” James wrote: “Knowing this, that the trying of your the faith worketh patience.” The part we are interested in are these words: “the trying of your the faith working patience.” Where do we start? It is “the faith” working in you, which requires “the faith” within you! In other words, just how does “the faith” work within you? You see, we must start with “the faith” in you before it can work within you! This would require study on our part, hearing the word preached and taught as this in “the faith” within us! If “the faith” is not in us, nothing takes place; there is no growing in “the faith” which Peter demands, as he wrote: “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Pet. 3:18). “The faith” must first be within us before it can work within us. Put a Bible on the coffee table, never open it, as you just look at it over the years! Does it put “the faith” within us? No, no, nothing happens to us, “the faith” never will grow within us unless the Bible is studied and as we study “the faith” grows in us, then, we know that “the faith” will work in our minds, hearts, and “patience” will grow with in us. The word “patience” is the Greek “hupomone,” and means “endurance.” If “the faith” is not in us, there will be no “endurance,” within us!
We may have many things within us, but only “the faith” has the ability to produce “endurance” as is necessary! This is so true in all that God requires of us, but it all begins with “the faith” in your heart/mind and study is the only way we can get “the faith” in our minds/hearts!
James has written what we all knew but had never put it into words, “From faith as in the faith” which once for all time was delivered unto the saints in the first century! Now think on this, it is “from the faith unto our faith!”
When you study “the faith” keep these thoughts in mind and see if your faith will grow and you will become a more mature child of God!

Frank R. Williams