STUDY – 1 VICTORIOUS FAITHA- NATURE AND NECESSITY OF TRUE FAITH
1- What is faith declared to be?
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1.
2- How necessary is faith?
“Without faith it is impossible to please him.” Hebrews 11:6.
3- Is believing in divine truth sufficient?
“Thou belevest that there is one God; thou does well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” James 2:19.
4- From whom does faith come?
“God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17.
5- By what principle does genuine faith work?
“In Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” Galatians 5:6.
B- FRUITS OF FAITH
6- What relation does faith bear to knowledge?
“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God.” Hebrews 11:3.
7- How does Abraham’s experience show that obedience and faith are inseparable?
“By faith Abraham, when he was called to out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritage, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Hebrews 11:8.
8- With what, therefore, is the faith of Jesus joined?
“Here is the patience of the saints, here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 14:12.
9- In what other statement in the same truth emphasized?
“But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” James 2:20.
C- OTHER OBSERVATIONS
10- What is the result of faith`s being put to the test?
“The trying of your faith worketh patience.” James 1:3.
11- What relationship to God is established by faith?
“For ye are all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26.
12- How do the children of God walk?
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7.
13- Upon what condition may one expect answers to prayer?
“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” James 1:6.
14- To what parts of the ancient armor is faith compared?
“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Ephesians 6:16. “Putting on the breastplate of faith and love.” 1 Thessalonians 5:8.
15- What chapter in the Bible is devoted to faith?
The eleventh chapter of Hebrews. In 1 Thessalonians 5: 33-38, are summarized the victories of the heroes of faith.
16- What gives victory in our conflicts with the world?
“This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4.
17- What is the ultimate purpose of faith?
“Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:9.
STUDY – 2 HOPE IN GOD
1- Why were the Scriptures written?
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:4.
2- Why should God’s wonderful works be rehearsed to the children?
“We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done… That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the woks of God, but keep his commandments.” Psalm 78:4-7.
A- FROM DESPAIR TO LIVING HOPE
3- In what condition are those who are without Christ?
“Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh. …that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.” Ephesians 2:11, 12.
4- What does hope become to the Christian?
“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.” Hebrews. 6:19.
5- In bereavement, from what hopless sorrow are Christians delivered?
“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.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13.
6- Unto what has the resurrection of Christ begotten us?
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3.
7- What is the Christian’s hope called?
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13.
8- At what time did Paul expect to realize his hope?
“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8.
9- What does the prophet Jeremiah say is a good thing for a man to do?
“It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:26.
10- What will hope lead one to do?
“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth Himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3.
11- What is the condition of one whose hope is in God?
“Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” Psalm 146:5. “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.” Jeremiah 17:7.
12- In the time of trouble, who will be the hope of God’s people?
“The lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem: and the heavens and the earth shall shake; but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.” Joel 3:16.
13- What inspiring words are spoken to such as hope in God?
“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye the hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24.
14- How long should our hope endure?
“And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end.” Hebrews 6:11.
STUDY – 3 REPENTANCE
A-SIN AND REPENTANCE
1- Who are called to repentance?
“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:32.
2- What accompanies repentance?
“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations.” Luke 24:47.
3- By what means is sin made known?
“By the law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:20.
4- How many are sinners?
“We have before proved both Jesus and Gentiles, that they are all under sin.” Romans 3:9.
B- FRUITS OF TRUE REPENTANCE
5- What will the truly repentant sinner be constrained to do?
“I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.” Psalm 38:18.
6- What is the result of godly sorrow?
“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation.” 2 Corinthians 7:10.
7- How does godly sorrow for sin manifest itself?
“For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness, it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.” 2 Corinthians 7:11.
8- What did John the Baptists tell the Pharisees and Sadducees to do?
“Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.” Matthew 3:8.
9- When God sent the Ninevites a warning message, how did they show their repentance, and what was the result?
“And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.” Jonah 3:10.
10- What leads sinners to repentance?
“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the foodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” Romans 2:4.
STUDY – 4 CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
1- What instruction is given concerning confession of sin?
“Speak unto the children of Israel. When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the Lord, and that person be guilty, then they shall confess their sin which they have done.” Numbers 5:6, 7.
2- How futile is it to attempt to hide sin from God?
“But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sins will find you out.” Numbers 32:23. “Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.” Psalm 90:8. “All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:13.
3- What promise is made to those who confess their sins?
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.
4- What different results attend the covering and the confessing of sins?
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh tem shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13.
A- BEING DEFINITE IN CONFESSION
5- How definite should we be in confessing our sins?
“And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these thing, that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing.” Leviticus 5:5.
6- When David confessed his sin, what did he say God did?
“I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.” Psalm 32:5.
B- GOD`S DELIGHT IN FORGIVING
7- What is God ready to do for all who seek for forgiveness?
“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” Psalm 32:5.
8- Upon what did David rest his hope of forgiveness?
“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.” Psalm 51:1.
9- What is the measure of the greatness of God’s mercy?
“For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.” Psalm 103:11.
10- How fully does the Lord pardon when one repents?
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our Go, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:7.
11- What reason is given for God’s readiness to forgive sin?
“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retained not his anger for ever, because he delighteh in mercy.” Micah 7:18 (See Psalm 78:38).
12- Why does God manifest such mercy and long-suffering toward men?
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.
C- SPECIFIC EXAMPLES
13- When the prodigal son, in the parable, repented and turned toward home, what did his father do?
“When he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” Luke 15:20.
14- How did the father show his joy at his son’s return?
“The father said to his servants. Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” Luke 15:22-24.
15- What is felt in heaven when a sinner repents?
“Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:10
16- What did Hezekiah say God had done with his sins?
“Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.” Isaiah 38:17.
17- How completely does God wish to separate sin from us?
“Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19. “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103: 12.
18- How did the people respond to the preaching of John?
“The went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.” Matthew 3:5, 6.
D- CONDITIONS OF FORGIVENESS
19- Upon what basis has Christ taught us to ask forgiveness?
“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Matthew 6:12.
20- What spirit must those cherish whom God forgives?
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14, 15.
21- What exhortation is based on the fact that God has forgiven us?
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32.
E- THE BLESSED GIVER AND RECEIVER
22- Through whom are repentance and forgiveness granted?
“The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” Acts 5: 30; 31.
23- In what condition is one whose sins are forgiven?
“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” Psalm 32:1.
STUDY – 5 CONVERSION, OR THE NEW BIRTH
A- NECESSITY OF CONVERSION
1- How did Jesus emphasize the necessity of conversion?
“verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3.
2- In what other statement did He teach the same truth?
“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3.
3- How did he further explain the new birth?
“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” John 3:5.
B- AGENCY OF THE NEW CREATION
4- What takes place when one is converted to Christ?
“Wherefore if any many is in Christ, he is a new creation: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
5- Through what was the original creation wrought?
“By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all that host of them by the breath of his mouth.” Psalm 33:6.
6- Through what instrumentality is conversion wrought?
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23.
C- REUSLTS OF TRUE CONVERSION
7- What change is wrought in conversion, or the new birth?
“Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).” Ephesians 2:5.
8- What is one evidence of this change from death to life?
“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” 1 John 3:14; 1 John 2:29; 4:7.
9- From what is a converted sinner saved?
“Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James 5:20.
10- What gracious promise does God make to His people?
“I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.” Hosea 14:4.
11- By what means is this healing accomplished?
“He (Christ) was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5.
12- What indwelling power keeps such from sinning?
“Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin, for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” 1 John 3:9.
STUDY – 6 CHRISTIAN BAPTISM
A- BELIEF, REPENTANCE, AND BAPTISM
1- What ordinance is closely associated with believing the gospel?
“And he said nto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:15, 16.
2- What did the apostle peter associate with baptism in his instruction on the day of Pentecost?
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” Acts 2:38.
3- In reply to his inquiry concerning salvation, what was the Philippian jailer told to do?
“And they said, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. “Acts 16:31.
4- What followed immediately after jailer and his family had accepted Christ as their Saviour?
“And he took them (Paul and Silas) the same hour of the nigh, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his straightway.” Acts 16:33.
B- SPIRITUAL SIGNIFANCE OF BAPTISM
5- In connection with Christian baptism, what is washed away?
“And now why tarreist thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Acts 22:16.
6- By what means are sins washed away?
“Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.” Revelation 1:5.
C- UNION WITH CHRIST IN BAPTISM
7- Into whose name are believers to be baptized?
“Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptized them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” Matthew 28:19.
8- When believers are baptized into Christ, whom do they put on?
“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Galatians 3:27.
9- Into what experience are those baptized who are baptized into Christ?
“Know ye not, that so many of us were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” Romans 6:3.
Note: Baptism is a gospel ordinance commemorating the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. In baptism public testimony is given to the effect that the one baptized has been crucified with Christ, buried with Him, an is raised with Him to walk in newness of life. Only one mode of baptism can rightly represent these facts of experience, and that is immersion – the mode followed by Christ and the primitive church.
10- How is such a baptism descrived?
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Fathe, even so we also shoul walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4.
11- How fully are we thus united with Christ in His experience of death and resurrection?
“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” Romans 6:5.
12- What will follow this union with Christ?
“Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him.” Romans 6:8.
“Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” Colossians 2:12.
D- BAPTISM AND THE HOLY SPIRIT
13- At the beginning of His ministry, what example did Jesus set for the benefit of His followers?
“Then cometh Jesus from Calilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.” Matthew 3:13.
14- What remarkable experience attended the baptism of Jesus?
“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, In whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3: 16, 17.
15- What promise is made to those who repent and are baptized?
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38.
E- PHILIP BAPTIZES AN ETHIOPIAN AND SAMARITANS
16- What question did the eunuch ask after Philip had preached Jesus unto him?
“And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water and the eunuch said, See, here is water, what doth hinder me to be baptized?” Acts 8:36.
17- In order to baptize the eunuch, where did Philip take him?
“And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.” Acts 8:38.
18- How did the people of Samaria publicly testify to their faith in the preaching of Philip?
“But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 8:12.
F- UNITY AND HEAVENLY PURPOSE
19- How perfect is the unity into which believers are brought by being baptized into Christ?
“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:12, 13.
20- After being united with Christ in the likeness of His death and resurrection, what should the believer do?
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1.
STUDY – 7 RECONCILED TO GOD
1-What message of entreaty has God sent to us through His appointed messengers?
“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20.
2- Through whom is this reconciliation made?
“All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18.
A- THE PRICE OF RECONCILIATION
3- What was required in order to effect this reconciliation?
“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Romans 5:10.
“Having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself.” Colossians 1:20.
4- How was He treated?
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peaces was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5.
5- What did John declare concerning Him?
“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away (beareth, margin) the sin of the world.” John 1:29.
6- To what place did Christ carry these sins?
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24.
B- THE FATHER SUFFERS WITH CHRIST
7- In thus reconciling the world unto Himself, what attitude did God take toward men?
“God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them.” 2 Corinthians 5:19.
8- What rendered it possible for God to treat sinners thus?
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6.
C- UNITY, PURPOSE, AND JOY OF RECONCILIATION
9- What is the great purpose of Christ in His work of reconciliation?
“And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.” Colossians 1: 21, 22.
10- Through whom is the reconciliation received?
“We also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement (literally, “reconciliation”)” Romans 5:11.
STUDY – 8 JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH
1- What is the means through which justifying grace is made available to the sinner?
“Much more then, being now justified by his (Christ`s) blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Romans 5:9.
2- How is justification laid hold upon?
“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” Romans 3:28.
3- What is the only way sinners may be justified, or made righteous?
“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” Galatians 2:16.
4- What concrete example makes clear the meaning of this doctrine?
“And he (Abraham) believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” Genesis 15:5, 6.
5- How is the righteousness thus obtained described?
“And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” Philippians 3:9.
6- Upon what condition is faith reckoned for righteousness?
“But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:5.
7- What statement testifies to Abraham’s faith in God?
“He staggered not a the promise of God through unbelief: but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.” Romans 4:20-22.
8- How may we receive this same imputed righteousness?
“Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead.” Romans 4: 23, 24.
9- What is inseparable from the experience of justification by faith?
“Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that though this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.” Acts 13:38, 39.
10- How has Christ made it possible for righteousness to be imputed to the believer?
“For as by one man’s disobedience many are made inners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” Romans 5.19.
11- What does the imputed righteousness of Christ enable God to do, and still be just?
“To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be jut, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:26.
12- By what name is Christ appropriately called?
“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgement and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Jeremiah 23:5, 6.
13- What blessed experience follows upon the acceptance of Christ as our righteousness?
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1.
14- What does Christ thus become to the believer?
“For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.” Ephesians 2:14.
15- What is proved by any attempt to be justified by the law?
“Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” Galatians 5:4; Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:21.
16- Why did Israel fail to attain unto righteousness?
“But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.” Romans 9:31, 32.
17- Does faith set aside the law of God?
“Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” Romans 9:31.
18- What scripture shows that the righteousness which is received by grace through faith must not be made an excuse for continuing in sin?
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Romans 6:1, 2.
19- Does faith exclude works?
“But wilt thou know. O vain man that faith without works is dead?” James 2:20.
20- What is the evidence of genuine, living faith?
“Shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” James 2:18.
21- What, then, are the visible proofs of genuine justification by faith?
“Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” James 2: 24 – see: 22.
22- What great exchange has been wrought for us in Christ?
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21.
A- CALL TO CONUAL CONSECRATION
23- How is this consecration urged upon all Christians?
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1.
24- What is the sacrifice of praise declared to be?
“Through him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name.” Hebrews 13:15.
25- How is the service of consecration to be carried forward by the Christian church?
“Ye also, as lively stone, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priest hood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:5.
B- THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS
26- Who has set example of complete consecration?
“And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:27, 28.
27- Who has set the example of complete consecration?
“And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:27, 28.
28- What position has Jesus taken among His brethren?
“For whether is greater, he that sitteht at meat, or he that serveth? Is not he that sitteth at meat? But I am among you as he that serveth.” Luke 22:27
29- What did Christ’s spirit of meekness and consecration lead Him to do?
“But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:7.
30- To what extent did Christ humble Himself?
“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:8.
C- CALL TO COMPLETE COSECRATION
31- How does He exhort us to the same consecration?
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall fin rest unto your souls.” Matthew 11:29.
32- What does He make the condition of discipleship?
“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33.
33- How should he walk who professes to abide in Christ?
“He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” 1 John 2:6.
34- Do we belong to ourselves?
“Know ye not…ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a prince.” 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.
35- What are we therefore exhorted to do?
“Therefore glorify God in your body, and in our spirit, which are God’s” 1 Corinthians 6:20.
36- When truly consecrated, for what is one ready?
“Also I herd the voice of the Lord, saying, whom shall send, and who will go for us? Then said I, here am I send me.” Isaiah 6:9.
STUDY – 9 BIBLE SANCTIFICATION
A- THE CALL TO SANCTIFICATION
1- What inspired prayer sets the standard of Christian experience?
“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23
2- How necessary is the experience of sanctification?
“Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14.
3- What encouragement is held out as an aid in attaining this experience?
“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3.
4- What distinct purpose did Christ have in giving Himself for the church?
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it: that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.” Ephesians 5:25, 26.
5- What king of church would He thus be able to present to Himself?
“That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:27.
B- CHRIST`S BLOOD AND TRANSFORMATION
6- By what is this cleaning from sin and fitting for God’s service accomplished?
“For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctified to ht purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” Hebrews 9:13, 14.
7- What change is thus brought about?
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2.
C- SANCTICATION A GROWTH IN GRACE
8- In the experience of sanctification, what attitude must one assume toward the truth?
“God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13.
9- What instruction shows that sanctification is a progressive work?
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18.
10- What description of the Apostle Paul’s experience is in harmony with this?
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13, 14.
11- Can anyone boast of sinlessness?
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8.
12- What are we exhorted by the prophet to seek?
“Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgement; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.” Zephaniah 2:3.
13- In whose name should everything be done?
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Colossians 3:17.
14- In all we do, whose glory should we have in view?
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31.
D- SHUT OUT OR SHUT IN
15- What classes of persons are necessarily shut out of the kingdom of God?
“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous mans, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” Ephesians 5:5. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with man kind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor executioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10.
16- What must be crucified and eliminated from our lives if we would be holy?
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.” Colossians 3:5, 6.
17- When purged from these sins, in what condition is a man, and for what is he prepared?
“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the Master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21.
STUDY – 10 IMPORTANCE OF SOUND DOCTRINE
1- Does it matter what one believes, so long as he is sincere?
"God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth." 2 Thessalonians 2:13.
2- What advice was given to Timoty while preparing for the gospel ministry?
"Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine... Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine." 1 Timothy 4:13-16.
3- What similar instruction was given to Titus?
"But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:" "in all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity." Titus 2:1,7.
WARNING AGAINST FALSE DOCTRINES
4- Of what kind of doctrines should we beware?
"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine." Ephesians 4:14 - see: Hebrews 13:9.
5- What is a "wind of doctrine"?
"And the prophets shall become wind, and the word is not in them." Jeremiah 5:13.
6-What danger attends the teaching of false doctrine?
"But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Matthew 15:9.
7- By what doctrie are some to be misled in the last days?
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving head to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." 1 Timothy 4:1.
8- To what would men turn their ears?
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." 2 Timothy 4:3,4.
THE TEST OF TRUE AND FALSE
9- How may we determine the truthfulness of any doctrine?
"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
10- By what should we test, or prove, all doctrine?
"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isaiah 8:20.
Note: The Bible is the test of all doctrine. Whatever does not harmonize and square with this, is not to be received. "There is but one standard of the everlastingly right and the everlastingly wrong, and that is the Bible." T.De Witt Talmage.
11- For what is all scripture profitable?
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is prifitable for doctrine." 2 Timothy 3:16.
12- What will sound doctrine enable the faithful teacher to do?
"Holding fast the faithfull word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound dectrine both to exhort and to covince the gainsayers." Titus 1:9.
STUDY – 11 PRESENT TRUTH
1- By what are men sanctified?
"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." John 17:17.
2- To what knowledge would God have all men come?
"Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:4.
3- After receiving a knowledge of the truth, what must one do in order to be sanfified by it?
"God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth." 2 Thessalonians 2:13.
4- And what besides a mere belief in the truth is necessary?
"Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the spirit, unto obedience." 1 Peter 1:2.
5- What effect does obedience to the truth have?
"Seeing ye have purified our souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit." 1 Peter 1:22.
SPECIAL MESSAGENS FOR SPECIAL TIMES
6- Does the Bible recognize what may be called "present truth"?
"Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, thou ye know them, and be established in the present truth." 2 Peter 1:12.
Note: Some truths are applicable in all ages, and therefore present truth for every generation; others are of a special character, and are application; others are of a special character, and are applicable to only one generation."
7- What was the special message for Noah`s day?
"And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make thee an ark of gopher wood." Genesis 6:13,14.
8- How did Noah show his faith in this message?
"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 condmned the world, and became hir of the righteousness which is by faith." Hebrews 11:7.
9- How many were saved in the ark?
"The longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by wather." 1 Peter 3:20.
JONAH AND NINEVEH
10- What special message was given to Jonah for Niveveh?
"So Jonah arose, and went unto niveveh, according to the word of the Lord...And Jonah began to enter into the city a day`s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown." Jonah 3:3,4.
11- What saved the people from the predicted overthrou?
"So the people of Niveveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them." "And God say their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them: and he did it not." Jonah 3:5,10.
THE PREACHING OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
12- What was the special mission of John the Baptist?
"There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him mingt believe." John 1:6,7.
13- What answer did he return when asked concerning his mission?
"He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esais." John 1:23.
14- What did Christ say of those who rejected John`s message?
"But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him." Luke 7:30.
15- What did those do who were baptized of John?
"And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John." Luke 7:29.
Note: That is, they honored God by this act, which showed their faith in His truth for that time.
CHRIST AND HIS RECEPTION
16- Did God`s chosen people receive Christ when He came?
"He came unto his own, and his own received him not." John 1:11.
17- What reason did they give for not receiving Him?
"We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is." John 9:29.
18- What was the result of the Jews`not accepting Christ?
"And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! But now they are hid from thine eyes." Luke 19:41,42. "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate." Matthew 23:38.
SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR THE LAST DAYS
19- Is there to be a special message for the last days?
"Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?" Matthew 24:44,45.
20- What does Christ say of that servant who, when He comes, is found giving "meat in due season"?
"Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing." Matthew 24:46.
21- What will be the burden of the chosing gospel message?
"Far God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters...Babylon is fallen, is fallen...If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God." Revelation 14:7-10.
22- How are those described who accept this message?
"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Revelation 14:12.
23- How earnestly is this work to be prosecuted?
"And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highwayss and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled." Luke 14:23.
Note: This work is now going on. In every part of the world the sound of this closing gospel message is being heard, and the people are being urged to accept it, and to prepare for Christ`s second coming and kingdom.
STUDY – 12 THE OBEDIENCE OF FAITH
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