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Salt of the Earth Light of the World

PODCAST: Bible Study >> Believers are instructed to live and interact with the world and each other according to principles of righteousness, love, humility, faith, and unity, while also being prepared for opposition.

Here’s a breakdown of how believers are instructed to live and interact:

I. Living and Interacting with the World:

  • Being a Light and Salt: Believers are called to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.” A city set on a hill cannot be hid, and a candle is not lit to be put under a bushel, but on a candlestick to give light to all in the house. They should let their light shine before men, so that others may see their good works and glorify their Father in heaven.
  • Exceeding Worldly Righteousness: Their righteousness must “exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees” to enter the kingdom of heaven. This involves a deeper internal transformation, as what defiles a man comes from the heart, including evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, and other sins, not from what enters the mouth.
  • Not Conforming to Worldly Practices: Believers should “not be conformed to this world” but be transformed by the renewing of their mind to prove God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will. They are to “walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,” but to put off the old self, which is corrupt with deceitful lusts, and put on the new self created in righteousness and true holiness. They should have no fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness. They are called to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness. They are warned to “beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy”.
  • Responding to Evil and Persecution:
    • They are told not to resist evil; if someone smites them on one cheek, they should turn the other. If sued for a coat, they should offer their cloak also. If compelled to go a mile, they should go two. They should give to those who ask and not turn away from those who would borrow.
    • They should love their enemies, bless those who curse them, do good to those who hate them, and pray for those who despitefully use and persecute them, to be children of their Father in heaven who makes His sun rise on the evil and good.
    • They are blessed when men revile and persecute them and speak falsely against them for Christ’s sake, and they should rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for their reward is great in heaven.
    • When persecuted in one city, they may flee to another.
    • They should be patient in tribulation and endure unto the end to be saved.
    • They should not render evil for evil or railing for railing, but rather blessing.
    • They are exhorted to “overcome evil with good”.
  • Relationship with Authority: They should “render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s”. Every soul should be subject to the higher powers, as there is no power except from God, and resisting power resists God’s ordinance.
  • Sharing the Gospel: They are commanded to “go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature”. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations. They are sent forth as lambs among wolves, wise as serpents and harmless as doves. They should preach the word boldly.

II. Living and Interacting with Each Other:

  • Love as the Foremost Commandment: The great commandments are to “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind,” and the second is like it: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. A “new commandment” given is to “love one another,” as Christ has loved them, so that all men may know they are His disciples by their love for each other. Brotherly love should continue.
  • Forgiveness and Reconciliation:
    • They should forgive men their trespasses, for if they do not, their heavenly Father will not forgive their trespasses.
    • When Peter asked how often he should forgive his brother, up to seven times, Jesus responded, “Until seventy times seven”.
    • If a brother trespasses, one should “go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone.” If he listens, the brother is gained. If not, take one or two witnesses. If he neglects to hear them, tell it to the church. If he neglects to hear the church, he should be considered as a heathen or a publican.
    • If remembering that a brother has something against them while bringing a gift to the altar, they should leave the gift, first be reconciled to their brother, and then offer the gift.
    • They are to forbear one another and forgive one another, even as Christ forgave them.
  • Humility and Service:
    • Among believers, “whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant”. This is modeled after Christ, who came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.
    • If anyone desires to be first, he should be last of all and servant of all.
    • They should clothe themselves with humility, for God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
    • They are to serve the Lord with all humility of mind.
  • Avoiding Judgment and Strife:
    • They are warned to “judge not, that ye be not judged,” because with the same judgment and measure they use, it will be measured back to them.
    • They should first cast out the beam from their own eye before attempting to remove the mote from their brother’s eye.
    • They should do all things “without murmurings and disputings”.
    • They are advised against bitter envying and strife in their hearts.
    • They should not speak evil of one another or judge their brother.
  • Unity and Fellowship:
    • They should “all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment”.
    • There is “one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all”.
    • They should endeavor to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”.
    • They are to receive one another as Christ received them.
    • They are part of one body in Christ, with many members, and should have the same care for one another; if one member suffers, all suffer, and if one is honored, all rejoice.
  • Caring for the Vulnerable: They should distribute to the necessities of saints and be given to hospitality. They should support the weak and comfort the feebleminded. Pure religion involves visiting the fatherless and widows in their affliction.
  • Edification and Good Works:
    • They are to seek things which edify one another.
    • Those who are taught in the word should communicate good things to those who teach them.
    • They should be diligent to maintain good works.
    • They should “do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith”.
    • They should confirm the souls of the disciples and exhort them to continue in the faith.
    • They are to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of themselves together.
  • Speech and Conduct:
    • No corrupt communication should proceed from their mouths, but only what is good for edifying and gives grace to the hearers.
    • Their speech should “be alway with grace, seasoned with salt,” so they know how to answer everyone.
    • The tongue is a powerful member that can defile the whole body; they should avoid using it for cursing.
    • They should “flee fornication” and all uncleanness.
    • They should avoid envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and similar works of the flesh, as those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
    • They should live honest, quiet, and peaceable lives in all godliness.
    • They are to “abstain from all appearance of evil”.
  • Faith and Works: Faith without works is dead. If a brother or sister is naked and without daily food, merely saying “depart in peace, be warmed and filled” without providing for their physical needs profits nothing. Abraham’s faith was made perfect by his works.
  • Endurance: They are encouraged to run with patience the race set before them, looking to Jesus as the author and finisher of their faith.
  • Spiritual Gifts: They are to desire spiritual gifts, especially that they may prophesy, as prophecy edifies the church more than speaking in tongues without interpretation. Gifts are diverse but come from the same Spirit and Lord, for the profit of all.

In essence, believers are called to live a life transformed by Christ, characterized by internal righteousness and active love, humility, and service towards others within the community and in the wider world, while enduring persecution and seeking to spread the gospel.

Believers are instructed to treat their enemies with a specific set of actions and attitudes, primarily focused on love, non-retaliation, and prayer, drawing from the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.

Instructions for Treating Enemies:

  • Love and Bless Them: Believers are directly instructed to love their enemies, to bless those who curse them, to do good to those who hate them, and to pray for those who spitefully use and persecute them. This is to be done so that they may be “children of your Father which is in heaven,” as God makes His sun rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. Loving only those who love you is likened to what publicans and sinners do, implying a higher standard for believers.
  • Non-Resistance and Generosity: Believers are told not to resist evil. If someone strikes them on the right cheek, they should turn the other cheek also. If someone sues them for their coat, they should let them have their cloak as well. If compelled to go a mile, they should go two miles. They should give to those who ask and not turn away from those who would borrow.
  • Do Not Seek Vengeance; Overcome Evil with Good: Believers should not render evil for evil or railing for railing, but rather blessing. They are advised against avenging themselves, but rather to give place unto wrath, for vengeance belongs to the Lord. The instruction is to “overcome evil with good”.
  • Rejoice in Persecution: Believers are declared “blessed” when men revile and persecute them, and falsely speak all manner of evil against them for Christ’s sake. In such instances, they should “rejoice, and be exceeding glad,” because their reward is great in heaven, as the prophets before them were similarly persecuted. They are to be patient in tribulation. If persecuted in one city, they are permitted to flee to another.
  • Fear God, Not Those Who Kill the Body: Believers should not fear those who can kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; instead, they should fear God, who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. This is because believers are considered of more value than many sparrows, and even the hairs of their head are numbered.
  • Following Christ’s Example: Jesus Himself provided an example of how to suffer persecution. When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. On the cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do”. He also instructed Peter to put away his sword, noting that “all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword”.
  • Proclaiming the Gospel Amidst Hostility: Believers are sent forth “as sheep in the midst of wolves” and are to be “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves”. They are to be prepared for betrayal by family members, being hated by all men for Christ’s name’s sake, and being delivered up to councils and scourged. Despite this, they are to preach the gospel boldly and enduring to the end will lead to salvation. The world will hate them because they are not “of the world”.
  • Maintaining a Good Conscience: Paul stated his commitment to always having a conscience “void of offence toward God, and toward men”.

For believers, suffering serves several profound purposes, as illuminated by the provided sources:

  • Refinement of Faith and Character: Suffering acts as a trial of faith, which is considered more precious than gold that perishes, with the aim that it might be found “unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ”. Believers are exhorted to “count it all joy” when they fall into various temptations, knowing that “the trying of your faith worketh patience,” leading to them becoming “perfect and entire, wanting nothing”. This process builds patience, experience, and hope, and this hope, empowered by the Holy Ghost, “maketh not ashamed”. It also helps believers learn obedience through the things they suffer, just as Christ Himself was “made perfect through sufferings”. Suffering aids in developing perseverance and helps believers to “possess their souls” in patience. Through affliction, believers can cleanse themselves and perfect holiness in the fear of God. It helps them to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man, rooted and grounded in love. Paul took pleasure in “infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake,” because he found that “when I am weak, then am I strong”.
  • Identification with Christ and His Example: Believers are called to suffer with Christ and to follow His steps. Christ suffered for us, leaving an example: when He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but “committed himself to him that judgeth righteously”. For believers, choosing to suffer affliction with the people of God is esteemed as “greater riches than the treasures” of the world, much like Moses’ example. Paul states that if believers suffer with Christ, they “shall also reign with him”. His own sufferings for the church are described as “filling up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake”.
  • Testimony and Furtherance of the Gospel: Persecution serves as a “testimony against them and the Gentiles” before councils, governors, and kings. Paul endured all things “for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory”. Believers are sent “as sheep in the midst of wolves,” and their suffering enables the Spirit of God to speak through them when delivered up. Despite being hated and reviled, believers are to “rejoice, and be exceeding glad” because their reward is great in heaven, and it signifies they are like the prophets who were persecuted before them. Paul’s bonds served “unto the furtherance of the gospel”. Even amidst being “evil spoken of,” believers are to maintain good works among the Gentiles so that they may “glorify God in the day of visitation”.
  • God’s Righteous Judgment and Future Glory: The persecutions and tribulations endured by believers are a “manifest token of the righteous judgment of God,” signifying that they “may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer”. God will “recompense tribulation to them that trouble you”. Ultimately, Christ must reign “till he hath put all enemies under his feet,” and the last enemy to be destroyed is death. Believers are to rejoice in their suffering, as it is a participation in Christ’s sufferings, leading to exceeding joy when His glory is revealed. Those who come out of “great tribulation” will be before the throne of God.
  • Revealing the Nature of the World and Spiritual Conflict: The world hates believers because they are “not of the world,” just as it hated Christ. Believers are to recognize that their struggle is “not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”. They are to be “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” in this hostile environment. The suffering also highlights that “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution”.

While believers are to endure suffering and not render evil for evil, they are also instructed to flee persecution in one city to another. They are to pray for those in authority, seeking a “quiet and peaceable life”. When faced with persecution, they should not fear those who can only kill the body, but rather fear God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Paul himself, having once been a persecutor, later suffered greatly for the gospel, including stripes, imprisonments, and stoning. He viewed these experiences as part of his calling and ministry.

The Word of God is primarily sown through the act of preaching and hearing. The sources elaborate on this concept through the “Parable of the Sower,” which describes various ways the “word of the kingdom” or “word of God” is received, likening the heart of the hearer to different types of ground. The field where the seed is sown is identified as the world.

Here are the different outcomes of the Word being sown:

  • By the wayside: Some hear the word of the kingdom but do not understand it, and then the wicked one comes and catches away what was sown in their heart. These are like seeds that fell by the wayside, trodden down and devoured by the fowls of the air.
  • On stony places: Others hear the word and immediately receive it with joy. However, they have no deep root in themselves and endure only for a while. When tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, they are quickly offended and fall away. This is also described as the seed withering because it lacked moisture or was scorched when the sun came up, having no root.
  • Among thorns: This refers to those who hear the word, but the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. The thorns springing up and choking the seed prevent it from yielding fruit.
  • Into good ground: These are those who hear the word, understand it, receive it, and keep it in an honest and good heart. They bring forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, and some thirtyfold, through patience.

In addition to this primary parable, another parable mentions the sowing of “good seed” by the Son of man in his field (the world), representing the children of the kingdom. While men slept, the enemy, the devil, came and sowed “tares” (children of the wicked one) among the wheat. Both are allowed to grow together until the harvest, which is the end of the world.

The broader context of sowing the Word of God also involves preaching the gospel. Jesus sent His disciples forth to preach the gospel of the kingdom, and Paul likewise was sent to preach the gospel. His bonds and afflictions served “unto the furtherance of the gospel”, indicating that suffering itself could be part of the sowing process by bearing witness to the truth. Believers are called to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world,” letting their good works shine before men to glorify God, which can be seen as a way of sowing the influence of God’s word.

The kingdom of heaven, also referred to as the kingdom of God, is described in the sources through various parables, teachings, and prophecies, highlighting its nature, entry requirements, characteristics, and future manifestations.

Key descriptions include:

  • Imminence and Proclamation
    • Jesus began His public ministry by preaching, “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”. His disciples were also commanded to preach, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand”.
    • Jesus traveled throughout cities and villages, “preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God”, a mission He stated was the reason He was sent to preach in other cities.
    • John the Baptist’s ministry marked a transition, with the law and the prophets being until John, and since then “the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it”.
    • The gospel of the kingdom is to be “preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations” before the end comes.
  • Nature and Characteristics
    • It is not of this world in a worldly or political sense, as Jesus stated, “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight”.
    • The kingdom of God “cometh not with observation” and is not something one points to saying “Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you”. This suggests an internal, spiritual reality.
    • It is described as “not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost“.
    • It is an everlasting kingdom.
  • Entry Requirements and Eligibility
    • It is for the poor in spirit and those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.
    • Entering the kingdom requires righteousness that exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees.
    • To enter, one must be “converted, and become as little children,” humbling oneself. In fact, Jesus taught that “of such is the kingdom of heaven”.
    • One “cannot see the kingdom of God” or “enter into the kingdom of God” unless they are “born again” of water and of the Spirit.
    • Those who “doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” shall enter.
    • It is described as a gift, as Jesus told His disciples, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom“.
    • Full commitment is implied: “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God”.
    • It is “hardly” for rich people to enter the kingdom of God; it is “easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter”. However, Jesus also taught that “with God all things are possible” regarding salvation.
    • The unrighteous, including fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners, shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Also, “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God”.
  • Growth and Value
    • The kingdom of heaven is likened to a grain of mustard seed, which is the least of all seeds but grows into the greatest among herbs, becoming a tree where birds can lodge. This illustrates its humble beginnings and significant growth.
    • It is also compared to leaven, which a woman takes and hides in meal “till the whole was leavened”, signifying its pervasive and transformative influence.
    • It grows mysteriously, like seed cast into the ground where the sower “knoweth not how” it springs up and grows, with the earth bringing forth fruit by herself toward harvest.
    • The kingdom of heaven is of immense value, likened to “treasure hid in a field” or a “pearl of great price,” for which a man would sell all he has to acquire.
    • Believers are instructed to “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”.
  • Future Aspects and Judgment
    • The “field” where the good seed (children of the kingdom) is sown is the world. However, the enemy (the devil) also sows “tares” (children of the wicked one) among the wheat. Both are allowed to grow together until “the harvest,” which is identified as “the end of the world”.
    • At the end of the world, angels will gather out of the Son of man’s kingdom “all things that offend, and them which do iniquity,” casting them into a furnace of fire where there will be “wailing and gnashing of teeth”.
    • Conversely, the righteous “shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father”.
    • Many from the east and west “shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven”.
    • Jesus promised His disciples that they would “eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel”.
    • Christ will ultimately reign “till he hath put all enemies under his feet,” and then “deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father”.
    • Tribulations and persecutions are seen as a “manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer”.
  • Relationship to the Word of God and Preaching
    • The “seed” in the parable of the sower is explicitly identified as “the word of God” or “the word of the kingdom”.
    • The manner in which the Word is sown and received determines its fruitfulness, with different outcomes based on the “ground” (the heart of the hearer).
    • Faith, which is necessary for salvation, “cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”. The preaching of the gospel is how the word is heard.

The sources provide a rich description of future events and the end times through various prophecies and visions, predominantly found in the Gospels and the book of Revelation. These include the imminence of the Kingdom, signs of its coming, the return of Jesus, the final judgment, and the establishment of a new creation.

Here are the key prophecies and visions revealed:

  • Proclamation and Imminence of the Kingdom
    • John the Baptist preached, “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”.
    • Jesus likewise began His ministry preaching the same message. He sent His disciples to preach “The kingdom of heaven is at hand”.
    • Since the days of John the Baptist, “the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it”.
    • Jesus told His disciples that He must preach the kingdom of God to other cities, “for therefore am I sent”.
    • The gospel of the kingdom must be “preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come”. Similarly, “the gospel must first be published among all nations”.
  • Nature and Growth of the Kingdom (Present and Future Aspects)
    • The kingdom of God “cometh not with observation” and is not something one points to saying “Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you”.
    • It is described as “not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (from previous conversation).
    • The kingdom of heaven is likened to a grain of mustard seed, the least of all seeds, which grows into the greatest among herbs and becomes a tree where birds lodge. This signifies its humble beginnings and vast growth.
    • It is also compared to leaven hidden in meal, which leavens the whole lump, indicating its pervasive and transformative influence.
    • The kingdom of God grows mysteriously, like seed cast into the ground where the sower “knoweth not how” it springs up and grows, with the earth bringing forth fruit by herself toward harvest.
    • The kingdom is of immense value, like “treasure hid in a field” or a “pearl of great price,” for which a man would sell all he has to acquire.
    • Believers are instructed to “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”.
    • It is the Father’s “good pleasure to give you the kingdom”.
    • The “children of the kingdom” are the “good seed” sown by the Son of man in “the world”.
  • Signs of the End of the World and Christ’s Coming
    • Before the end, there will be false Christs and false prophets.
    • There will be wars and rumors of wars, nation against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
    • Famines, pestilences, and earthquakes will occur in various places, marking the “beginning of sorrows”.
    • Believers will be persecuted, afflicted, killed, and hated for Christ’s name’s sake. Brothers will betray brothers to death, and children will rise against parents.
    • Iniquity will abound, and the love of many will grow cold.
    • The “abomination of desolation,” spoken of by Daniel the prophet, will stand in the holy place. Those in Judaea should then flee to the mountains.
    • Great tribulation will occur, unmatched since the world’s beginning.
    • Immediately after this tribulation, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, and stars will fall from heaven; the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
    • Then, the sign of the Son of man will appear in heaven, and all tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
    • He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet to gather His elect from the four winds.
    • The day of the Lord will come “as a thief in the night”, at an hour no one expects, not even the angels, but only the Father knows. People will be eating, drinking, marrying, and living as usual until that day, like in the days of Noah and Lot.
    • One person will be taken, and another left, whether in the field or grinding at the mill.
    • Heaven and earth will pass away, but Christ’s words will not. The heavens shall pass away with a great noise, elements will melt with fervent heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. A “new heaven and a new earth” are expected, wherein righteousness dwells.
  • Judgment and Final Destinies
    • Not everyone who calls Jesus “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of the Father.
    • The “field” in the parable of the tares is the world, where the “good seed” (children of the kingdom) and “tares” (children of the wicked one) grow together until “the harvest,” which is the end of the world.
    • At the end of the world, angels will gather out of the Son of man’s kingdom “all things that offend, and them which do iniquity,” casting them into a furnace of fire where there will be “wailing and gnashing of teeth”.
    • The righteous “shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father”.
    • Many from the east and west “shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven,” while those who were “children of the kingdom” may be cast out (from previous conversation).
    • The kingdom of heaven is also likened to a marriage feast, where those initially invited may not be worthy, and others are gathered from the highways; however, those without a “wedding garment” will be cast into outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.
    • At the coming of the Son of man in His glory, with all His holy angels, He will sit upon the throne of His glory and separate all nations as a shepherd divides sheep from goats.
    • The King will say to those on His right hand, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world,” because they ministered to “the least of these my brethren”.
    • Those on the left hand will be told to “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels,” for they did not minister to Christ in His brethren.
    • These will go into “everlasting punishment,” but the righteous into “life eternal”.
    • Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Also, “corruption” cannot inherit “incorruption”.
    • There will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. Those accounted worthy to obtain “that world, and the resurrection from the dead” neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are equal to the angels and are children of God.
    • Christ must reign “till he hath put all enemies under his feet,” and then “deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father”.
    • Believers will be “counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer” tribulation and persecutions.
    • An entrance shall be ministered “abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” for those who diligently add to their faith virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity.
    • The Lord is expected to come with ten thousands of His saints “To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them”.
  • Visions from Revelation regarding the End Times
    • John was in the “kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ”.
    • Visions of heaven reveal a throne with God sitting upon it, surrounded by twenty-four elders and four beasts, with lightnings, thunderings, and voices proceeding from the throne.
    • The Lamb (Jesus Christ), who was slain, is seen taking a book with seven seals from God’s right hand, being worthy to open it because He redeemed people by His blood from every kindred, tongue, people, and nation. These redeemed ones are made “kings and priests” and “shall reign on the earth”.
    • The opening of the first four seals reveals riders on horses: a white horse (conquest), a red horse (taking peace from the earth, causing mutual killing), a black horse (famine), and a pale horse (Death, followed by Hell, given power over a fourth part of the earth to kill).
    • The fifth seal reveals the souls of those slain “for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held,” crying out for judgment and vengeance.
    • The sixth seal brings a great earthquake, the sun turning black, the moon as blood, stars falling, and the heaven departing like a scroll. Kings, great men, rich men, chief captains, mighty men, and all people hide in fear from the wrath of God and the Lamb.
    • A sealing of 144,000 from the tribes of Israel occurs, followed by a vision of a great multitude from all nations standing before the throne and the Lamb, clothed in white robes, who came out of “great tribulation”.
    • The seven trumpets bring further judgments: hail and fire on the earth (burning trees and grass), a great mountain burning with fire cast into the sea (turning a third of the sea to blood, killing creatures, destroying ships), a great star called Wormwood falling (making a third of rivers and fountains bitter, killing many), and a third of the sun, moon, and stars being smitten. The fifth trumpet releases locusts with power to torment men who lack the seal of God for five months. The sixth trumpet loosens four angels prepared to slay a third of mankind.
    • The “kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever”.
    • A vision of a woman clothed with the sun and a great red dragon (the Devil, Satan) that persecutes her, but her man child (who will “rule all nations with a rod of iron”) is caught up to God’s throne. The dragon makes war with the remnant of her seed who keep God’s commandments and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
    • The vision of a beast rising out of the sea with seven heads and ten horns, blaspheming God, and making war with the saints, given power over all kindreds, tongues, and nations. His worshippers’ names are not written in the “book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world”.
    • Another beast rises out of the earth, acting with the power of the first beast, performing great wonders (making fire come down from heaven), deceiving those on earth, and causing them to worship the first beast and receive a mark in their right hand or forehead, without which they cannot buy or sell.
    • The Lamb (Christ) is seen standing on Mount Sion with 144,000, who are undefiled virgins and “firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb”.
    • An angel preaches the “everlasting gospel” to all nations, declaring that “the hour of his judgment is come”. A warning is given against worshipping the beast and receiving its mark, as they will drink the “wine of the wrath of God” and be tormented with fire and brimstone forever.
    • The harvest of the earth is described, where the Son of man reaps the earth with a sharp sickle, and another angel gathers the vine of the earth to be trodden in “the great winepress of the wrath of God”.
    • The seven last plagues (vials of wrath) are poured out upon the earth, bringing grievous sores on those with the beast’s mark, turning the sea and rivers into blood, scorching men with fire, bringing darkness upon the beast’s kingdom, drying up the Euphrates for the kings of the east, and leading to the battle of Armageddon, followed by a great earthquake and huge hail.
    • The judgment of “Babylon the great” (a great whore/city) is shown, which committed fornication with the kings of the earth and made nations drunk with her fornication. She is destroyed by fire, and the merchants and kings lament her fall.
    • Heaven rejoices over Babylon’s judgment, and the marriage of the Lamb is announced, with His wife (the church) arrayed in fine linen, representing the “righteousness of saints”.
    • Jesus Christ is seen as “Faithful and True,” judging and making war in righteousness, named “The Word of God” and “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS”. He will smite the nations and rule them with a rod of iron.
    • The beast and the false prophet are cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
    • An angel binds Satan (the Devil) for a thousand years and casts him into the bottomless pit, to prevent him from deceiving the nations until the thousand years are fulfilled.
    • Thrones are seen, and judgment is given to those who were beheaded for the witness of Jesus and the word of God, who did not worship the beast. They lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. This is called the “first resurrection”.
    • After the thousand years, Satan will be loosed, will deceive the nations (Gog and Magog) to gather them for battle, but fire from God out of heaven will devour them. The Devil is then cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and false prophet already are, to be tormented forever.
    • A great white throne judgment is seen, where the dead (small and great) stand before God. Books are opened, including the “book of life,” and the dead are judged according to their works. Death and hell are cast into the lake of fire, which is the “second death.” Anyone not found written in the book of life is cast into the lake of fire.
    • Finally, a new heaven and a new earth are seen, for the first passed away, and there is no more sea. The holy city, new Jerusalem, descends from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride for her husband.
    • In the New Jerusalem, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them; there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain. The city has the glory of God and its light is like a precious stone, with no need for sun or moon because “the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof”. The nations of those who are saved will walk in its light, and its gates will never be shut. Nothing defiling or anyone who works abomination or lies will enter, only those written in the Lamb’s book of life.
    • A pure river of water of life flows from the throne of God and the Lamb, and on either side of the river is the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit for the healing of the nations. There will be no more curse, and God’s servants will serve Him and see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads, and they shall reign forever.
    • Jesus affirms these sayings are “faithful and true” and declares, “Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be”. He is “the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star”.

The KJV Bible describe the separation of the wicked from the just primarily through the concept of judgment, which is often likened to a harvest or a sorting process, and is based on actions, faith, and adherence to God’s will.

Here are the ways the wicked are separated from the just:

  • Baptism of Fire and Unquenchable Fire: John the Baptist states that he baptizes with water for repentance, but one coming after him, who is mightier, will baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire. This coming one will “throughly purge his floor,” gathering wheat into the garner and burning the chaff with “unquenchable fire”. This implies a separation of those who bring forth “fruits meet for repentance” from those who do not. Similarly, “every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire”.
  • Parable of the Tares (Weeds) of the Field:
    • The kingdom of heaven is likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while men slept, his enemy sowed tares among the wheat.
    • Both were allowed to grow together until the harvest.
    • At the time of harvest, the reapers (angels) will first gather the tares and bind them to burn them, but the wheat will be gathered into the barn.
    • This parable is explained as follows: the sower of the good seed is the Son of man, the field is the world, the good seed are the children of the kingdom, and the tares are the children of the wicked one. The enemy is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the world.
    • At the end of the world, the Son of man will send his angels to gather out of his kingdom all things that offend and those who do iniquity, and “shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth”. The righteous, conversely, “shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father”.
  • Parable of the Net:
    • The kingdom of heaven is also compared to a net cast into the sea that gathered fish of every kind.
    • When the net was full, the fishermen drew it to shore, sat down, and gathered the good fish into vessels, but cast the bad away.
    • This is explicitly stated to represent the end of the world, where angels “shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth”.
  • Separation of Sheep and Goats:
    • When the Son of man comes in his glory with all his holy angels, he will sit on the throne of his glory, and “before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats”.
    • The “sheep” (the blessed) will be placed on his right hand and will inherit the kingdom prepared for them. They are identified by their deeds of mercy: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, taking in strangers, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned. These actions done for “the least of these my brethren” are considered as done for him.
    • The “goats” (the cursed) will be placed on his left hand and will depart into “everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels”. Their condemnation is based on their failure to perform these acts of mercy. These will go into “everlasting punishment,” while the righteous go into “life eternal”.
  • Judgment Based on Works and Belief:
    • God will render to every person according to their deeds; eternal life is for those who by patient continuance in well-doing seek glory, honor, and immortality, while indignation and wrath are for those who are contentious and do not obey the truth but obey unrighteousness. This judgment applies to both Jews and Gentiles, as God shows no partiality.
    • The sources state that faith is essential for justification. Abraham’s belief in God was counted as righteousness. However, faith without works is described as dead.
    • Those who commit certain sins, such as fornication, idolatry, adultery, theft, covetousness, drunkenness, reviling, or extortion, “shall not inherit the kingdom of God”.
    • On the day of judgment, everyone will be judged “according to their works”. Those whose names are “not found written in the book of life” will be “cast into the lake of fire,” which is called the second death.
    • Those who enter the holy city in the end are those “which are written in the Lamb’s book of life”. Excluded from the city are dogs, sorcerers, whoremongers, murderers, idolaters, and anyone who loves or makes a lie.
  • Distinguishing True Believers from False Prophets/Hypocrites:
    • False prophets are known “by their fruits”. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, nor a corrupt tree good fruit. Every tree that does not bring forth good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire.
    • Not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who “doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven”. Many who prophesied, cast out devils, and did wonderful works in his name will be told, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity”.
    • Those who hear Jesus’ sayings and do them are like a wise man who built his house on a rock and it stood against storms; but those who hear and do not do them are like a foolish man who built his house on sand, and it fell greatly.
    • Pharisees and Sadducees are often condemned for their hypocrisy, external righteousness without internal purity, and for rejecting God’s counsel. Jesus warns his disciples to “beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees,” which is understood as their doctrine and hypocrisy.
    • Those who blaspheme against the Holy Ghost “shall not be forgiven,” neither in this world nor in the world to come.
    • The Lord also knows how to “deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished”.

In summary, the separation of the wicked from the just is a divine act of judgment, often occurring at the “end of the world,” where individuals are sorted based on their actions, belief, and whether they lived in accordance with God’s will. The wicked face destruction and eternal torment, while the just inherit eternal life and the kingdom of God.

“immortality” refers to a state or gift that the just receive. This concept is further elaborated upon in the sources:

  • It is directly linked with eternal life as a reward for those who demonstrate patient continuance in well-doing, seeking glory, honor, and immortality. This suggests that eternal life encompasses the state of immortality.
  • The sources indicate that humans, who are mortal, will “put on immortality” at the time of the resurrection. This implies a transformation from a perishable state to an imperishable one.
  • Jesus Christ is said to have “abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel”. This highlights that immortality is revealed and made accessible through Christ’s work.
  • While God is described as the one who “only hath immortality”, this does not contradict the idea of humans receiving immortality. Instead, it suggests that immortality is an attribute inherently belonging to God, which He graciously bestows upon His faithful followers.

Therefore, “immortality” as mentioned in the sources is not an inherent human quality but a divine gift and a future state of eternal existence, attained through faith and good works in Christ, particularly at the resurrection.

To “overcome the world” is a central concept described in the sources, primarily indicating a state of victory over the influences and elements of the present earthly existence that are contrary to God’s will, leading to eternal life and inclusion in His kingdom.

Here’s how one overcomes the world, according to the sources:

  • Through Faith in Jesus Christ: The sources explicitly state that faith is the victory that overcomes the world. Specifically, believing that Jesus is the Son of God is the means by which one overcomes. Whoever believes in Jesus Christ will not perish but have everlasting life. This faith is also described as the means by which the righteousness of God is revealed, and “the just shall live by faith”.
  • Being Born of God: The concept of overcoming is linked to being “born of God”. To enter the kingdom of God, one must be “born again” of water and the Spirit. Being born of God means one does not commit sin, because His seed remains in them, and they cannot sin because they are born of God.
  • Adherence to God’s Will and Commandments:
    • Not everyone who calls out “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
    • Those who hear Jesus’ sayings and do them are likened to a wise man building his house on a rock, which stands firm. Conversely, those who hear and do not do them are like a foolish man building on sand, whose house falls.
    • Keeping God’s commandments is fundamental to loving God, and if a man loves Christ, he will keep His words, and the Father will love him, and they will dwell with him. This also means keeping His commandments, which are not grievous.
    • The “fruit of the Spirit” includes love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
    • Good works are essential, as God will render to every person according to their deeds. Faith without works is considered dead. People are created in Christ Jesus “unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them”.
  • Separation from Worldly Lusts and Practices:
    • The sources warn against loving “the world, neither the things that are in the world,” explaining that “the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world”. These worldly things pass away, but “he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever”.
    • Specific sins such as fornication, idolatry, adultery, theft, covetousness, drunkenness, reviling, and extortion will prevent one from inheriting the kingdom of God.
    • Being “dead with Christ” means being dead to the “rudiments of the world” and no longer subject to ordinances or commands and doctrines of men. Instead, one should “mortify” (put to death) earthly desires like fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, and set affection on things above.
    • Those who “overcome” are exhorted to put off the “old man” (former sinful conduct) and put on the “new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness”.
  • Endurance and Perseverance:
    • Those who endure to the end shall be saved. This includes enduring tribulation and persecution for Christ’s sake.
    • Patience is necessary to receive the promise after doing the will of God. Patient continuance in well-doing leads to glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life.
  • Rejecting False Doctrines and Hypocrisy:
    • Believers are warned against “false prophets” and “false teachers” who bring in “damnable heresies” and deny the Lord. Such people often prioritize external appearance over inner righteousness and love to be seen by men when praying or giving alms.
    • The Pharisees and scribes are condemned as hypocrites for their outward adherence to the law while their hearts are far from God, neglecting judgment, mercy, and faith.
  • Conquering Satan’s Influence: The devil is identified as the “prince of this world”. Overcoming involves resisting the devil so that he will flee, and being delivered from his power unto God. Jesus himself “overcame the world” and destroyed him that had the power of death, the devil.

The separation of the wicked from the just, as discussed previously, is the ultimate outcome of who “overcomes the world.” Those who overcome are counted among the righteous, whose names are written in the “Lamb’s book of life”, and who will inherit the kingdom of God. Those who do not overcome, by failing to believe and obey, are counted among the wicked and face judgment and condemnation.

The “Beatitudes” are a series of blessings pronounced by Jesus Christ, which describe the characteristics and corresponding rewards of those who are considered truly blessed in God’s kingdom. These teachings are found in the sources primarily in the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke.

Here are the Beatitudes and their associated promises as presented in the sources:

From the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 5:3-12):

  • Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
  • Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
  • Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
  • Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
  • Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
  • Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
  • Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake: Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

From the Gospel of Luke (Luke 6:20-23):

  • Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
  • Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled.
  • Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.
  • Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake: Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

The Gospel of Luke also presents contrasting “woes” to those who are in the opposite state:

  • Woe unto you that are rich!: for ye have received your consolation.
  • Woe unto you that are full!: for ye shall hunger.
  • Woe unto you that laugh now!: for ye shall mourn and weep.
  • Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you!: for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

Key Concepts and Insights:

  • Inward Character and Action: The Beatitudes emphasize an inward disposition and resulting outward actions that align with God’s will, rather than external displays or worldly status. For instance, being “poor in spirit” or “pure in heart” indicates a spiritual state. Similarly, “doing the will of my Father which is in heaven” is crucial for entering the kingdom of heaven.
  • Reversal of Worldly Values: The Beatitudes propose a radical reversal of conventional worldly values. Those who are disadvantaged, mourning, or persecuted in the eyes of the world are declared blessed by God. This contrasts with those who are rich, full, or praised by men in the present, who may face “woe”. This aligns with the teaching that one cannot serve both God and “mammon” (worldly wealth), and that laying up treasures in heaven is paramount.
  • Reward in the Kingdom of Heaven/God: The ultimate promise across these blessings is inheritance of the kingdom of heaven or kingdom of God, eternal life, comfort, satisfaction, and seeing God. This aligns with the teaching that those who endure to the end will be saved.
  • Suffering for Righteousness: Suffering persecution, being reviled, and being hated for Jesus’ sake are explicitly identified as paths to great reward in heaven, linking the experience of the prophets to the experience of Christ’s followers. This concept is reinforced by the idea that followers must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Christ, accepting that gaining the whole world is unprofitable if one loses their soul.
  • Active Living and Faith: While faith is central to salvation, the Beatitudes also underscore the importance of actions (“works”) as evidence of that faith. For example, doing good works allows others to see them and glorify God. Love, mercy, forgiveness, and seeking righteousness are demonstrated through actions. The sources reiterate that faith without works is dead.
  • Holiness and Transformation: Overcoming the world also involves a transformation of character, putting off the “old man” of sin and putting on the “new man” created in righteousness and true holiness. This includes abstaining from fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, and other worldly lusts, and instead walking in love and according to God’s will. The goal is to be “perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect”.
  • Divine Empowerment: Overcoming the world is not solely by human effort but is enabled by God. Believers are called to be filled with the Spirit and are strengthened by God’s power. Jesus himself “overcame the world,” and gives peace to his followers even amidst tribulation in the world. Through Him, believers are “more than conquerors”. The power to forgive sins is also bestowed by God through Christ.

The rich man’s challenge, as depicted in the sources, is multifaceted and highlights the spiritual dangers associated with wealth, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing God and His kingdom above earthly possessions.

Here are the key aspects of the rich man’s challenge:

  • To Renounce Earthly Possessions for Heavenly Treasure: When a certain man asked Jesus what good thing he must do to have eternal life, Jesus first instructed him to keep the commandments. After the man claimed to have kept all these from his youth, Jesus presented the core challenge: “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me“. The Gospel of Mark adds, “take up the cross” to the instruction to follow Jesus. This instruction directly challenged the man’s attachment to his “great possessions,” causing him to go away sorrowful. Jesus then observed that “a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven,” and reiterated that “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God”. However, Jesus clarified that while this is impossible for men, “with God all things are possible”.
    • This challenge aligns with the broader teaching to “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth… But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven“. It is emphasized that “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon”.
  • To Prioritize Spiritual Wealth and God’s Will: The parable of the rich fool illustrates the danger of focusing solely on material accumulation without being “rich toward God”. This rich man planned to build larger barns for his abundant goods and live a life of ease, but God called him a “fool” for his short-sightedness, as his soul would be required of him that very night. This shows the challenge for the rich to understand that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions and to “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness”.
  • To Demonstrate Mercy and Good Works: The parable of the rich man and Lazarus implicitly highlights the challenge of showing compassion and performing good works. The rich man, who lived sumptuously, failed to help the beggar Lazarus at his gate and consequently found himself in torment after death, while Lazarus was comforted. This underscores the importance of actions like giving food and drink to the hungry and thirsty, taking in strangers, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick and imprisoned, as these acts of mercy are considered as done unto Christ himself and are criteria for inheriting the kingdom. Those who are rich in this world are specifically “charge[d]… that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God… That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life”.
  • To Overcome the Corrupting Influence of Riches: The desire to be rich is identified as a temptation and a snare, leading to “many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition”. The sources state that “the love of money is the root of all evil,” which has caused some to err from the faith. The rich are warned that their “riches are corrupted, and [their] garments are motheaten,” and their “gold and silver is cankered… and shall eat your flesh as it were fire”. Those who live in pleasure and are wanton on earth will face misery.

In essence, the rich man’s challenge is to overcome his attachment to worldly wealth and the temptations associated with it, to humble himself, to trust in God rather than his riches, and to use his resources for righteous acts, thereby securing “treasure in heaven” and “eternal life”.

Based on the sources, faith without works achieves nothing; it is considered dead.

Here’s a detailed explanation:

  • Faith without works is dead: The sources directly state that if a person claims to have faith but does not have corresponding actions, that faith cannot save them. Just as a body without a spirit is dead, faith without works is also dead. It is explicitly asked, “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?”. The answer is that such faith, “if it hath not works, is dead, being alone”. This concept is reinforced by the statement, “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?”.
  • Works as evidence of faith: The sources use examples to demonstrate how works validate faith.
    • Abraham was “justified by works” when he offered Isaac his son on the altar, showing that his faith “wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect”. This fulfilled the scripture that “Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God”.
    • Rahab the harlot was also justified by her works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way.
  • Lack of practical help: The sources question the value of faith that lacks practical compassion. If someone sees a brother or sister in need of food and clothing but merely tells them to “Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled” without providing for their physical needs, it is asked, “what doth it profit?”. This illustrates that such faith is ineffective and profitless.
  • Doing the will of God: The broader teachings reinforce the necessity of action. Not everyone who calls Jesus “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only “he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven”. This emphasizes that genuine faith is demonstrated through obedience and good deeds. Those who hear Jesus’ sayings and “doeth them” are likened to a wise man who built his house on a rock, while those who hear and “doeth them not” are like a foolish man who built on sand, leading to a great fall.

In summary, faith without works, according to the sources, achieves no saving benefit and is considered lifeless and unproductive. It is through a faith that actively demonstrates itself through good works and obedience to God’s will that one is justified and receives eternal life.

Righteousness, according to the sources, is primarily attained through faith in Jesus Christ and the grace of God, but it is also demonstrated and perfected through good works and obedience to God’s will. The sources present a complementary relationship between faith and works in the process of achieving righteousness and eternal life.

Here’s a breakdown of how righteousness is attained:

  • Through Faith in Jesus Christ and God’s Grace:
    • The righteousness of God is manifested by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe, for there is no difference, as “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”.
    • People are justified freely by God’s grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God set forth Christ as a “propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins”.
    • A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. The law brings the knowledge of sin, but righteousness is manifested without the law.
    • Abraham’s example is used to illustrate this: Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. This imputation of righteousness by faith was not dependent on circumcision or works of the law, making him the father of all who believe.
    • Being justified by faith results in peace with God through Jesus Christ, and access into God’s grace.
    • God has chosen people to salvation “through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth”.
    • It is explicitly stated that “by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast”. However, this salvation is “unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them”.
    • For those who believe in God, Christ is the “end of the law for righteousness”. If one confesses with their mouth the Lord Jesus, and believes in their heart that God has raised him from the dead, they shall be saved, for with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
    • “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God”. This is the victory that overcomes the world, “even our faith”.
  • Through Works as Evidence and Consequence of True Faith:
    • While righteousness is given through faith, the sources also emphasize that true faith is always accompanied by and demonstrated through good works. For instance, “faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone”. A person may show their faith by their works.
    • The examples of Abraham and Rahab the harlot show that they were “justified by works” when their faith “wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect”. Their actions served as evidence of their belief.
    • People are exhorted to “bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance” and warned that “every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire”.
    • Believers are called to “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”.
    • Jesus taught that “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven”. Those who hear his sayings and “doeth them” are like a wise man who built his house on a rock, while those who hear and “doeth them not” are like a foolish man building on sand.
    • At the final judgment, nations will be separated based on their actions of mercy towards “one of the least of these my brethren” (feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, taking in strangers, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned). Those who performed these good deeds will inherit the kingdom, while those who did not will go into everlasting punishment.
    • Those who have “believed in God might be careful to maintain good works” because these works are “good and profitable unto men”.
    • God “will render to every man according to his deeds”. To those who patiently continue “in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality,” God will give eternal life.
    • The importance of doing good is also seen in the instruction to “do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great”. God delights in “doing good and to communicate”.
    • The righteous are called to be “diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless”.
    • “He that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous”. Similarly, love should be demonstrated “in deed and in truth” and keeping God’s commandments is a sign of knowing Him and pleasing Him.
  • The Role of the Holy Spirit and Internal Transformation:
    • Righteousness is also understood as an internal state, produced by the Holy Spirit. For example, the “fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance”.
    • Believers are to “put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness“.
    • God gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. The Spirit also helps in prayer and intercedes for the saints according to God’s will.
    • Righteousness is related to a transformed heart, where “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” good things.
    • Living after the Spirit enables one to “mortify the deeds of the body” and live, being led by the Spirit as sons of God.

In essence, while salvation is a gift received by faith in Christ, this saving faith is not a passive belief but an active principle that transforms the individual, leading them to “walk in newness of life”, produce good fruit, obey God’s commandments, and abound in good works. This active demonstration of faith, fueled by God’s grace and the Holy Spirit, is integral to the complete picture of righteousness presented in the sources.

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