This Bible study is one that my husband Andy developed while we were living in Stockholm at the end of the 1980’s. It was born of a need to be able to speak with atheists and agnostics as well as churched people about what we can learn from the Bible about what it means to believe in God. Over time I began to offer it to everyone — people in my church, new seekers, anyone who would be interested to sit and engage with the topic with an open Bible between us. It’s one of my favorite, most versatile tools; a great spiritual conversation-starter; basic, valuable knowledge for anyone interested in knowing more about God and the Bible.
I would recommend becoming familiar with these passages before sitting down and working through this study with someone else; at least read ahead of time Ephesians 4:1-4; Hebrews chapter 11 and Hebrews chapter 8; Genesis chapter 12, Deuteronomy chapter 7 and Isaiah chapter 1; Acts chapters 1-2.
ONE FAITH
a wonderful, solitary outdoor coffee and quiet time on the street in Zagreb in late September 2020
Ephesians 4:4 What does faith mean to you?
One good definition of biblical faith is that faith is a response to God’s word.
Example:
Hebrews 11: 1-3; Hebrews 11:6 (we believe the world was created by God because that’s what we read in God’s word in Genesis 1. So, our belief in a Creator God is a response to God’s word. This is what the ancients were commended for. Faith is a right response to God’s word.)
What about this apparent contradiction: Ephesians 2:8-10 and James 2:14-16 – is salvation by faith or by works?
John 3:16 is it enough just to belief that Jesus exists to have everlasting life?
If so, then how do we explain Matthew 7:21? These people believed Jesus exists. They called him “Lord” and even “cast out demons” in his name. Did they have faith in the way the Bible calls us to have faith? What does it really mean “to believe?” Who is a “believer” according to God?
Let’s explore how faith works in the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. (A covenant or testament is a legally binding agreement. Both parties are bound; there are limitations and blessings on both sides, to define and protect the relationship. Marriage is an example of a covenant. Covenants can be broken. There are clear terms for both parties.)
Old Covenant Faith
Historical examples: Hebrews Chapter 11 (By faith, Abel OFFERED. By faith, Abraham WENT. By faith, Noah BUILT. Why? …. They were responding to a word from God, which is the definition of faith. )
Note the pattern of promise(s)/condition(s) to fulfill. God works the same way and faith is the same in both covenants. Every time there is a promise in the Bible, look for the conditions. Why would God put conditions on his promises?
God’s Covenant with Abraham (God and one person): Genesis 12: 1-4 (what were the blessings God offered Abraham? What were the conditions? Did Abraham receive the blessings God was offering? — Yes. — Why? — He fulfilled the conditions. “By faith, Abraham WENT.”)
God’s Covenant with his people (God and a nation): Deut. 7:12-15 (What were the blessings God offered Israel? What were the conditions?)
Did Israel receive God’s promises? Isaiah Chapter 1
Why not? (This is the point that so many people do not understand: Why would a “good God” not bless his people? Why would he give them the law when he already knew they would fail to keep it, and then punish them by turning away from them? Wouldn’t you expect a good parent to change the conditions of the covenant, so his children would succeed, and not fail so badly? — Why this doesn’t work with God is that 1) his word is TRUE; and 2) if he changed it, changed the conditions, blessed Israel even when they broke the covenant, then we would have nothing to trust in. If God’s word could be changed, we have no firm foundation to stand on. There would be no truth to trust. Jesus said in John 10:35 …”the scripture cannot be changed.” Psalm 138:2 in one English translation reads, “You have exalted above all things your Name and your Word; Jesus is the Living Word, John 1:1, and Matthew 28:18-20 says “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”)
New Covenant Faith
Hebrews 8:6-13 A Covenant Founded on Better Promises: What are some of the “better promises?” For example: Matthew 11:28-30. Acts 2:36-47. Name the promise(s)/condition(s) in each of those verses. (can you find some others of your own?)
For example: In Matthew 11: 28-30, conditions are: IF I come to Jesus AND if I take his yoke upon me, AND if I learn from him, THEN I receive the promise of peace. If I fulfill only one of those three conditions, can I expect to receive the offered promise? If I fulfill two but not three? What might that look like? Do I know anyone like that? (The point is that God who created us, loves us, knows us, and wants us to succeed. Therefore we have this all spelled out for us, so that we can succeed; so that we can be certain of having received the spiritual promises, which are often invisible.)
You can do the same with Acts 2:36-47. What are the promises and conditions?
God is offering the indwelling Holy Spirit and forgiveness of all sins, past, present and future. (That’s the promise.)
What are the conditions? (repent and be baptized.)
What if I fulfill one of those conditions but not both? Do I receive the promise? Why or why not?
Conclusion:
1 Peter 1:3-9 My salvation is the most precious thing I possess. Which of God’s promises inspires me? What conditions do I need to fulfill to obtain it?