Foundations

Faith

AMES BIBLE COLLEGE &

HARVESTIME INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE

This course is part of the Harvestime International Institute, a program designed to equip believers for effective spiritual harvest.

The basic theme of the training is to teach what Jesus taught, that which took men who were fishermen, tax collectors, etc., and changed them into reproductive Christians who reached their world with the Gospel in a demonstration of power.

This manual is a single course in one of several modules of curriculum which moves believers from visualizing through deputizing, multiplying, organizing, and mobilizing to achieve the goal of evangelizing.

For further information on additional courses write:

Harvestime International Institute

3092 Sultana Dr.

Madera, California 93637

U.S.A.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

How To Use This Manual . . . . . . . . I

Suggestions For Group Study. . . . . . . II

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . 1

Course Objectives . . . . . . . . . 3

1. Foundations . . . . . . . . . 4

2. Repentance From Dead Works - Part I . . . . . . 15

3. Repentance From Dead Works - Part II . . . . . 23

4. Faith Toward God . . . . . . . . 38

5. Doctrine Of Baptisms - Part I . . . . . . . 55

6. Doctrine of Baptisms - Part II . . . . . . . 68

7. Laying On Of Hands . . . . . . . . 86

8. Resurrection Of The Dead - Part I . . . . . . 96

9. Resurrection Of The Dead - Part II . . . . . . 106

10. Eternal Judgment . . . . . . . . 123

11. Perfection . . . . . . . . . 145

Appendix . . . . . . . . . . 162

Answers to Self-Tests. . . . . . . . 165

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

MANUAL FORMAT

Each lesson consists of:

Objectives: These are the goals you should achieve by studying the chapter. Read them before starting the lesson.

Key Verse: This verse emphasizes the main concept of the chapter. Memorize it.

Chapter Content: Study each section. Use your Bible to look up any references not printed in the manual.

Self-Test: Take this test after you finish studying the chapter. Try to answer the questions without using your Bible or this manual. When you have concluded the Self-Test, check your answers in the answer section provided at the end of the book.

For Further Study: This section will help you continue your study of the Word of God, improve your study skills, and apply what you have learned to your life and ministry.

Final Examination: If you are enrolled in this course for credit, you received a final examination along with this course. Upon conclusion of this course, you should complete this examination and return it for grading as instructed.

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS NEEDED

You will need a King James version of the Bible.

SUGGESTIONS FOR GROUP STUDY

FIRST MEETING

Opening: Open with prayer and introductions. Get acquainted and register the students.

Establish Group Procedures: Determine who will lead the meetings, the time, place, and dates for the sessions.

Praise And Worship: Invite the presence of the Holy Spirit into your training session.

Distribute Manuals To Students: Introduce the manual title, format, and course objectives provided in the first few pages of the manual.

Make The First Assignment: Students will read the chapters assigned and take the Self-Tests prior to the next meeting. The number of chapters you cover per meeting will depend on chapter length, content, and the abilities of your group.

SECOND AND FOLLOWING MEETINGS

Opening: Pray. Welcome and register any new students and give them a manual. Take attendance. Have a time of praise and worship.

Review: Present a brief summary of what you studied at the last meeting.

Lesson: Discuss each section of the chapter using the HEADINGS IN CAPITAL BOLD FACED LETTERS as a teaching outline. Ask students for questions or comments on what they have studied. Apply the lesson to the lives and ministries of your students.

Self-Test: Review the Self-Tests students have completed. (Note: If you do not want the students to have access to the answers to the Self-Tests, you may remove the answer pages from the back of each manual.)

For Further Study: You may do these projects on a group or individual basis.

Final Examination: If your group is enrolled in this course for credit, you received a final examination with this course. Reproduce a copy for each student and administer the exam upon conclusion of this course.

Module: Deputizing

Course: Foundations of Faith

INTRODUCTION

The basic doctrines of the Christian faith are the subject of this course. Doctrines are a collection of teachings on a certain subject. The basic doctrines of the Christian faith are the teachings of Jesus Christ recorded in the Bible.

These doctrines are listed in the Bible in the book of Hebrews:

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

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

And this will we do, if God permit. (Hebrews 6:1-3)

Two spiritual objectives are set forth in this verse:

The first objective is that of building your spiritual life on the right foundation. This foundation is the doctrine of Jesus Christ.

The second objective is to go on to perfection. Perfection means spiritual maturity.

There are two reasons for failure to live a victorious Christian life.

The first reason is that some who are trying to live like Christians have never been born again. They do not understand the basic doctrines of Jesus Christ. Because of this lack of understanding they have failed to make a proper response to God.

The second reason for failure is not going on to spiritual maturity.

The first purpose of this course is to present the basic doctrines of the Christian faith necessary for a proper spiritual foundation.

The six foundational doctrines of Hebrews 6:1-3 will be discussed:

-Repentance from dead works

-Faith toward God

-Doctrine of baptisms

-Laying on of hands

-Resurrection of the dead

-Eternal judgment

After establishing this foundation, the second purpose of this course is to take you on to perfection [spiritual maturity]...

"...And this will we do, if God permit..."

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

∙ Explain the six basic doctrines of the Christian faith listed in Hebrews 6:1-3.

∙ Establish a proper spiritual foundation in your own life.

∙ Go on to spiritual maturity.

CHAPTER ONE

FOUNDATIONS

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

∙ Write the Key Verse from memory.

∙ Distinguish between right and wrong spiritual foundations.

∙ Explain the importance of building on the right spiritual foundation.

∙ Acknowledge Jesus Christ as the true spiritual foundation.

∙ List three steps for building a proper spiritual foundation.

KEY VERSES:

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

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

And this will we do, if God permit. (Hebrews 6:1-3)

INTRODUCTION

The Bible compares the life of a believer to the construction of a building:

...Ye are God's building... (I Corinthians 3:9)

Each believer is united in Christ with other Christians to form the Church. The Bible also compares the Church to a building:

In whom [Jesus] ye also are builded together [the church united] for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:22)

Whenever men erect a building they must first lay a proper foundation. Since this is a natural principle understood by all people, God used it to teach a great spiritual truth.

A believer must have a proper foundation in order to build a good spiritual house. The foundation must be laid according to the builder's plan. The Bible gives the plan of the master builder, Jesus Christ.

This chapter explains the importance of having a proper spiritual foundation. It also presents basic principles the Bible teaches about this foundation.

THE PURPOSE OF BUILDING

The purpose of your spiritual "building" is to provide a habitation [a dwelling place] for God. His Spirit will dwell in you only when your life is built on the right foundation. Paul asked:

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (I Corinthians 3:16)

Because of this you are cautioned to build your spiritual life properly:

But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

(I Corinthians 3:10)

THE FOUNDATION

The spiritual foundation of which the Word of God speaks:

IS BASED ON GOD'S WORD:

God's word stands firm like a rock [foundation]; nothing can shake it.

(II Timothy 2:19) The Living Bible

IS A GOOD FOUNDATION:

Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation. (I Timothy 6:19)

IS BASED ON RIGHTEOUSNESS:

The uncompromisingly righteous has an everlasting foundation. (Proverbs 10:25) The Amplified Bible

IS ETERNAL:

...Laying up for themselves the riches that endure forever, a good foundation for the future... (I Timothy 6:19) The Amplified Bible

RESTS ON TWO BASIC PRINCIPLES:

But the firm foundation laid by God stands sure and unshaken, bearing this seal and inscription: The Lord knows those who are His and let everyone who names and stand aloof from it. (II Timothy 2:19) The Amplified Bible

The two principles upon which the foundation stands are:

1. Redeemed men:  The Lord knows those who are His.

2. Living redeemed lives:  Let everyone who names himself by the name of the

Lord give up all iniquity and stand aloof from it.

IS BUILT UPON A ROCK WHICH IS IMMOVABLE:

He is like a man which built a house and digged deep and laid the foundation on a rock and when the flood arose and beat vehemently on the house it could not shake it for it was founded on a rock. (Luke 6:48)

THAT ROCK IS JESUS CHRIST:

There is no other rock; I know not any. (Isaiah 44:8) The Amplified Bible

Jesus Christ is the only foundation for spiritual life:

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 3:11)

JESUS: THE FOUNDATION

God is the one who chose Jesus Christ as the foundation for spiritual life:

...Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation... (Isaiah 28:16)

The foundation of spiritual life is not a man-made creed, a denomination, or a religious ceremony. The foundation is Jesus Christ.

Many professing believers try to build great spiritual structures of Christianity in their lives. They become involved in the program of the church and do many good works. The outward appearance of their spiritual building is good. But before long their spiritual building begins to sink and collapse. They become discouraged, defeated, and fall into sin. This is because they are trying to build on the wrong foundation.

Just as a good foundation is necessary to properly support a building in the natural world, the right spiritual foundation is necessary to support the building of your spiritual life:

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

Every man's work shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. (I Corinthians 3:11-13)

All so called "Christian" works will be tested by God. The structure of your spiritual life will be examined to determine if it is built on the proper foundation. The only foundation of spiritual life which will stand is that which is built on Jesus Christ.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FOUNDATIONS

Foundations are very important. The writer of Psalms realized this when he asked:

If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?

(Psalms 11:3)

In the natural world if the foundation of a building is not properly laid the whole structure can collapse. The same is true in the spiritual world. A wrong foundation will result in spiritual disaster.

The Biblical record of Haggai stresses the importance of proper spiritual foundations. Israel was experiencing poor harvests in the natural world. Haggai told them to examine their ways:

Ye have sown much, and bring in little...Consider your ways...Ye looked for much, and lo it came to little. (Haggai 1:6,7,9)

To correct the problem, Haggai told Israel they must rebuild both in the natural and spiritual worlds.

Rebuilding in the natural world was necessary for Israel because they had delayed building the house of the Lord. They had built their own homes and put their own concerns ahead of God's command to rebuild the temple. But more important, the spiritual foundation of their lives was wrong. They had been offering sacrifices [good works] with unholy hands:

...So is this people, and so is this nation before me, says the Lord; and so is every work of their hands; and what they offer there on the altar is unclean because they who offer it are themselves unclean. (Haggai 2:14) The Amplified Version

A right work offered by unholy hands is not acceptable. The spiritual foundation of their lives was wrong and this is why they were not blessed by God.

In the natural world Haggai told God's people that the foundation of the Lord's temple must be relayed. He said they must also rebuild their spiritual lives on a proper foundation. From the day that Israel started to build on the right foundation God began to bless them:

But now note this: From today,...and from this day onward, I will bless you. Notice, I am giving you this promise now before you have even begun to rebuild the Temple structure, and before you have harvested your grain, and before the grapes and figs and pomegranates and olives have produced their next crops: From this day I will bless you. (Haggai 2:18-19) The Living Bible

From the day you start to build proper spiritual foundations, God will bless you in every area of your life.

THE DOCTRINE OF JESUS

Jesus stressed the need for building on a good spiritual foundation. He illustrated this truth by a parable of two men who built houses. The Bible has two records of this parable. One is in Matthew 7:24-29 and the other is in Luke 6:47-49. They are reproduced here to allow comparison of the two passages:

Luke Matthew

Whosoever cometh to me Therefore whosoever heareth these

and heareth my sayings sayings of mine, and doeth them,

and doeth them, I will I will liken him unto a wise man,

shew you to whom he is which built his house upon a rock.

like;

He is like a man which

built an house, and And the rain descended and the

digged deep, and laid the floods came, and the winds blew,

foundation on a rock; and and beat upon that house; and it fell not

when the flood arose, the for it was founded upon a rock.

stream beat vehemently

upon that house and could

not shake it; for it was

founded upon a rock.

Luke Matthew

But he that heareth and doeth And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine

not, is like a man that without and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish

a foundation built an house man, which built his house upon the sand;

upon the earth; against which the And the rain descended and the floods came, and

stream did beat vehemently and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it

immediately it fell and the ruin fell; and great was the fall of it.

of that house was great.

(Luke 6:47-49)

And it came to pass, when Jesus

had ended these sayings, the people

were astonished at his doctrine.

(Matthew 7:24-29)

There are several important principles in these passages:

DOCTRINE:

The first principle is that building a proper spiritual foundation is part of the doctrine [teachings] of Jesus. This passage records that the people were "astonished at His doctrine". Part of that doctrine was the story He told about building on a good foundation.

Paul also refers to building a foundation as part of the doctrine of Christ:

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ...not laying again the foundation...(Hebrews 6:1)

Paul then continues to list the content of the doctrine of Jesus.

THE RIGHT FOUNDATION:

The steps for building a good spiritual foundation are given in Luke 6:47:

1. Whosoever cometh to me...

2. Heareth my sayings...

3. And doeth them.

All three steps are required. It is not enough to come to Jesus. You must also listen to what He has said. But coming and listening are not enough. You must also take personal action. A person can come to Jesus, hear what He has to say, but not respond:

Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

(Luke 6:46)

You can know the Word and still not act upon it. Jesus is not truly Lord of your life until you respond to His teachings. A good foundation is based on the Word of God. The man who came to Jesus, heard His Word, and then acted on it is called wise. This man made sure the spiritual foundation of His life was firm. He "digged deep" removing everything between him and the Rock, Jesus Christ.

God's Word is the plan which shows how to build your spiritual life. The Bible must be accepted as the absolute authority and the plan for your spiritual foundation because...

...the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (II Peter 1:21)

The purpose of God's revelation is given in II Timothy 3:16:

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

(II Timothy 3:16)

The Bible contains instruction in the basic doctrines of Jesus. It also provides reproof and correction for failing to follow these teachings.

THE WRONG FOUNDATION:

The man who built on a wrong foundation heard the Word of God but did not take personal action on what he heard. He is called a foolish man and compared to a man who built without a foundation (Luke 6:49). His house was built on the sand instead of the rock (Matthew 7:27).

You build on the sand spiritually when you base your life on the traditions or religious beliefs of man. It is thinking you can make yourself spiritual by good works, church attendance, or religious ceremonies.

THE STORMS OF LIFE:

Jesus' story of the two builders reveals another great truth. It is the nature of life to be stormy. Circumstances of life result in many personal crises. You must face death, disease, and disaster. Even believers will face problems. Acts 14:22 warns that "we must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God."

Jesus said:

...In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

No one escapes the storms. Stormy circumstances of life are experienced by all people everywhere. The storms are the same, but what differs is how people respond to them. If your spiritual life does not have the right foundation you will fall. Just as the house built on sand, the fall will be great. If your life is built on the right foundation of Jesus Christ and His Word [doctrine], the storm cannot shake you:

...Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.

And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. (Hebrews 12:26-27)

When the shaking experience comes, that which cannot be shaken will remain. Those who stand have built a right spiritual foundation.

FOUNDATIONS: A PREREQUISITE

A good foundation is a prerequisite for constructing a sound building in the natural world. The word "prerequisite" means that it is "required before". A proper foundation is required before constructing the "superstructure". The "superstructure" is that which is built on the foundation.

A proper spiritual foundation is a prerequisite to spiritual maturity. In Hebrews 6:1-3 we are told we cannot go on to perfection unless the spiritual foundation is properly laid. Spiritual maturity is the superstructure [the building] which rests on the spiritual foundation. If the foundation is wrong then the superstructure will not stand and you will never achieve spiritual maturity.

The following lessons explain things which must be part of your spiritual foundation. But as the parable of the two houses indicates, it is not enough to be informed of these basic doctrines. You must make a personal response to God's Word and integrate these truths into the spiritual foundation of your life.

If you do not respond to God's Word, you are like the man described by the Apostle James:

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving our own selves.

For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass;

For he beholdeth himself and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (James 1:22-25)

Remember that from the moment you decide to start building your spiritual life on the proper foundation, God will bless you.

These are the basic principles you will study in the following lessons:

-Repentance from dead works

-Faith toward God

-Baptisms

-Laying on of hands

-Resurrection of the dead

-Eternal judgment

SELF-TEST

1. Write the Key Verses from memory.

_______________________________________________________________________________

2. What are the six foundational doctrines listed in Hebrews 6:1-3?

_______________________________________ _____________________________________

3. What enables you to go on to spiritual maturity?

_______________________________________________________________________________

4. What are the three steps for building a proper spiritual foundation given in Luke 6:47?

______________________________________________________________________________

5. Who is the spiritual foundation laid by God?

_______________________________________________________________________________

(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter of this manual.)

FOR FURTHER STUDY

The Bible contains the teachings [doctrine] of Jesus Christ and the words of the one true and living God. It explains how to build your spiritual life on the right foundation.

Study the following verses about God's Word and summarize what they teach:

THE BIBLE IS GOD'S WORD:

II Timothy 3:14-17

II Peter 1:19-21

Hebrews 1:1

I Corinthians 2:13

I Thessalonians 2:13

John 5:39

THE BIBLE IS ETERNAL:

Matthew 24:35

Isaiah 40:8

THE BIBLE IS A SET STANDARD ON WHICH TO BASE SPIRITUAL LIFE:

Psalms 119:89

CHAPTER TWO

REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS: PART I

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

∙ Write the Key Verse from memory.

∙ Define "repentance from dead works".

∙ Explain the origin of sin.

∙ Recognize different names used for sin in the Bible.

KEY VERSE:

For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

INTRODUCTION

Hebrews 6:1-3 lists principles of the doctrine of Christ on which a believer is to build his spiritual life. These principles are called the "foundations" of the Christian faith. They are the basic doctrines on which the Christian faith rests. The first of these principles is "repentance from dead works".

REPENTANCE

The basic meaning of the word "repentance" is a change in mind which results in a change in outward actions.

Some people associate repentance with emotions, like shedding tears and feeling sorry for wrong actions and thoughts. Repentance is not an emotion. It is a decision. Emotion sometimes accompanies true repentance. But it is possible for a person to feel great emotion and to shed many tears and yet never truly repent.

Other people associate repentance with meeting special religious requirements. This is sometimes called "doing penance". It is possible to fulfill many such religious requirements and yet never repent in the true Biblical sense.

True repentance is a change of mind that results in a change in outward actions. Outward change is the act of turning away from sin towards God and righteousness. This "turning away" shows the inward change of mind which has occurred.

To summarize: Biblical repentance is an inner change of mind resulting in an outward turning away from sin to move towards God and righteousness.

INEFFECTIVE REPENTANCE

There are some passages in the Bible where the word "repent" is used in a different way.

JUDAS:

In Matthew 27:3-4 Judas Iscariot realized Jesus had been condemned to death. He repented of his part in betraying Christ:

Then Judas, which had betrayed Him, when he saw that He was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

Saying I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood... (Matthew 27:3-4)

The Greek word used here is not the same word which means change. It is a word which people often misinterpret as true repentance. In many languages there are words which have more than one meaning. This is true in the languages in which the Bible was written. There is more than one meaning to the word "repent" in the Bible. The word used in this passage about Judas means emotion, sorrow, and anguish.

Judas experienced sorrow over what he had done but he did not experience true Biblical repentance. He did not make a decision which resulted in change in his actions. He continued wrong actions and hung himself.

ESAU:

Esau was another man who made this tragic error. Esau sinned by selling his God-given birthright for a bowl of soup. The Bible records:

...ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. (Hebrews 12:17)

Esau exchanged his birthright for a bowl of soup. In doing so, he rejected all the blessings and promises of God associated with the birthright.

Later, Esau regretted what he had done. He cried aloud and shed bitter tears. But strong emotion is not proof of repentance. Esau did not truly repent. He was just sorry he had lost the birthright and wished he could have it back. His "repentance" was not acceptable because there is a difference between regret and true repentance.

DEAD WORKS

If we are to fully understand the meaning of repentance, we must understand what it is from which we are to repent. We must understand "dead works". "Dead works" are the actions of a life lived apart from God. These works may be wrong deeds or acts of self-righteousness.

These are called "sin" in the Bible. The basic thing that causes sin is selfishness. It is the love of self as opposed to the love of God. This love of self results in man going "his own way":

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way... (Isaiah 53:6)

Jesus died for the sins of men in order that...

...they should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them and rose again. (II Corinthians 5:15)

When you repent from these dead works of selfishness it means you acknowledge the existence of the one true God, realize you are a sinner, ask forgiveness of your sin, and accept God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.

THE ORIGIN OF SIN

Evil existed before man was created. Sin was originated by Lucifer, also known as Satan. The Bible records that Lucifer was a special angel who was originally created perfect by God. Lucifer sinned when he tried to stage a rebellion against God. Because of this sin, Lucifer was cast out of Heaven to earth:

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High... (Isaiah 14:12-14)

Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: Thou wast upon the holy mountain of God...

Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee...I will cast thee to the ground...

(Ezekiel 28:14-16)

On earth, Lucifer [who became known as Satan] continued his rebellion against God. When God created the first man and woman [Adam and Eve], Satan led them to sin against God. This rebellion is sometimes called "the fall of man", meaning that man fell from righteousness into sin. You can read about this in Genesis chapters two and three.

God warned Adam and Eve that the penalties of sin would include physical and spiritual death. Spiritual death was a loss of their relationship with God. Physical death was death of their actual physical body. Because of the sin of Adam and Eve death came on all men:

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. (Romans 5:12)

Because of the fall of the first man and woman, sin passed on all mankind. That means everyone born inherits the basic nature of sin.

Just as physical traits are inherited, the spiritual trait of the basic sin nature is inherited. Each person has sinned and faces the penalties of physical and spiritual death.

Satan is responsible for all evil in the world. His rebellion towards God still continues as he tempts man to sin. There is a constant battle in the spirit world for the hearts, minds, and souls of men.

Each person has inherited the basic sin nature. Each person sins individually when he is drawn by this sinful nature to rebel against God:

Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed.

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (James 1:14-15)

All have sinned, but God has provided a way to escape the penalties of sin. Through repentance from dead works and accepting Jesus Christ as personal Savior you can be "saved" from the penalties of sin.

NAMES FOR SIN

The Bible uses several different names for sin:

SIN:

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus; for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)

The actual meaning of the word "sin" is to miss the mark and be in error. It is like shooting a weapon and missing the target. It is falling short of what you should be and God's perfect plan for you.

EVIL:

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts...

(Mark 7:21)

Evil means bad, worthless, corrupt, wicked, and morally sinful.

WICKEDNESS:

Wickedness means to have an evil mind set to do mischief. It is a mental disregard for righteousness, justice, truth, and virtue:

So shall it be at the end of the world: The angels shall come forth and sever the wicked from among the just. (Matthew 13:49)

TRANSGRESSION:

Transgression means breaking the law. It is like a man stepping across a line over which he has no right to step, invading forbidden territory, and crossing the boundary between right and wrong:

Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgression... (Galatians 3:19)

UNRIGHTEOUSNESS:

This word means injustice, wrong, iniquity, falsehood, and deceitfulness:

All unrighteousness is sin... (I John 5:17)

UNGODLINESS:

Ungodliness means dishonesty, wickedness, and total disregard of God. It is treating God as if He did not exist. Ungodliness is not the same as atheism, which believes there is no God. Ungodliness is knowing there is a God but totally ignoring Him and His laws:

For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness... (Romans 1:18)

INIQUITY:

Iniquity means to be lawless, either without the law or violating the law:

...Depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:23)

DISOBEDIENCE:

Disobedience is the opposite of obedience. It means to ignore God and His law:

By one man's disobedience many were made sinners... (Romans 5:19)

TRESPASS:

Trespass means to leave the right path and cross the boundary from right into wrong. It is like being on another man's property where you do not belong:

And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. (Ephesians 2:1)

JUST AN INTRODUCTION...

This chapter is only an introduction to the subject of repentance from dead works. You learned the definition of repentance, the names and definitions for sin, and the origin of sin.

The next chapter continues this discussion of this first principle of the Christian faith, repentance from dead works.

SELF-TEST

1. Write the Key Verse from memory.

_______________________________________________________________________________

2. Define "repentance from dead works".

_______________________________________________________________________________

3. List nine words used for sin in the Bible.

___________________________ ___________________________

___________________________

4. How many in the human race are sinners? Give a Scriptural reference to support your answer:

_______________________________________________________________________________

5. Describe the origin of sin.

_______________________________________________________________________________

6. Name two people in the Bible whose repentance was ineffective.

_____________________________ and ______________________________

(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)

FOR FURTHER STUDY

This chapter discussed the origin of sin and defined its Biblical names. But what does God consider sin? Sin is any violation of God's laws:

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (I John 3:4)

God's laws are recorded in the Bible. In addition to His laws, God has also listed specific sins we must avoid.

SINS LISTED IN SCRIPTURE

The New Testament lists specific sins, identifies the source of these sins, and reveals special judgments for them. The following references identify a total of 103 different sins. Some are repeated in more than one list. There are...

-Seven which come from the heart and defile: Matthew 15:18-20

-Thirteen which come from the heart and defile: Mark 7:21-23

-Twenty-three which bring the judgment of God: Romans 1:29-32

-Seven which believers cannot do: Romans 13:13,14

-Six with which believers should not associate: I Corinthians 5:9-11

-Ten which prevent entrance into the Kingdom of God: I Corinthians 6:9,10

-Seventeen which prevent entrance into the Kingdom of God: Galatians 5:19-21

-Four which bring wrath and prevent entrance into the Kingdom of God: Ephesians 5:5-6

-Eleven from which believers must turn away: II Corinthians 12:20-21

-Nine in which the unsaved live and in which believers should not live: Ephesians 4:17-19

-Six which must not exist among believers: Ephesians 5:3,4

-Nine which believers should put away: Ephesians 4:25,28,29,31

-Six which believers must put off: Colossians 3:8,9

-Six which believers must mortify and which bring the wrath of God: Colossians 3:5-6

-Fourteen for which the law was given: I Timothy 1:9-10

-Nineteen from which believers must turn away: II Timothy 3:1-5

-Nine from which believers are saved: Titus 3:3-5

-Five which believers must lay aside: I Peter 2:1

-Seven sins of the flesh in which believers no longer live: I Peter 4:2-4

-Eight which condemn to the lake of fire: Revelation 21:8

-Six which prevent access to the tree of life and the holy city: Revelation 22:14

CHAPTER THREE

REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS: PART II

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

∙ Write the Key Verse from memory.

∙ Explain the importance of repentance.

∙ Explain what causes men to repent.