Mail Q & A

Correspondance regarding John 3 Vs 3 & 7 As BORN ABOVE

Question: (Elder Donnie Riddell)

Dear Faith of Christ Ministries:

Recently I was given your pamplet “You Must Be Born From Above.” I have a few questions concerning it. First, what or who is Jay Green? I have been unable to locate that translation. The Greek words “gennao anothen,” also I have never seen these words in any Greek study I have done. I took Greek Religion in college, and must say I never studied these two words. Not saying these are incorrect, but not used in any Interlinear Greek-English New Testament I have. Please advise the book these are used in. I continue to study God’s Word and your help will be much appreciated. In Christ’s

Love,

Elder Donnie Riddell

Answer (Steve Reinert, President, Faith of Christ Ministries)

Dear Donnie: Thank you for your letter we received recently (see attached) in regards to John 3:3 and 7. I am glad that you agree that these two verses should not be translated as “born again.” I think that some of the newer translations may give a footnote saying that these verse can be translated as “born from above.” However, you believe that these verses should be translated as “born above” implying that the work of salvation is done only in heaven after the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11). I also understand that you do not believe one can be sure of salvation while living on this earth during our physical lives until the Great White Throne judgment. My response is the following.

  1. The Greek word anothen (ἄνωθεν Strong’s # 509) is not composed of the particle ἄν and a Greek word ωθεν. There is no Greek word ωθεν found in the New Testament. The word ἄνωθεν is a compound word composed of the word ἄνω (Strong’s #507) found nine times in the New Testament translated as above, up or brim and the suffix θεν which is found in at least ten Greek words (five are shown below) that are sometimes rendered “from” something or is understood as being from something. For the word ἄνωθεν, in the New Testament as we have pointed out in the tract, it is rendered as from something every time except for John 3:3 and 7. I am pasting information from the Blue Letter Bible concerning this.
    ἄνωθεν Transliteration anōthen Pronunciation ä’-nō-then (Key) Part of Speech adverb Root Word (Etymology) From ἄνω (κἀκεῖθεν – Strong’s #2547 – See Mark 10:1, Acts 7:4, 21:1 (from thence) ὅθεν – Strong’s #3606 – See Matthew 12:44, Acts 14:26 (from whence), 28:13 (and from thence) οὐρανόθεν- Strong’s #3771 – See Acts 14:17 and 26:13 (from heaven) πανταχόθεν – Strong’s #3836 – See Mark 1:45 (from every quarter) πόθεν – Strong’s #3836 – See Mark 1:45 (from every quarter) It is therefore correct to translate John 3:3 and 7 as born from above and not correct to translate this word as above without the preposition ‘from.’ The work of salvation begins sometime in the physical life of a person (one of God’s elect, chosen before the foundation of the world –see Ephesians chapters 1 and 2) and continues into eternity (See Psalm 73:24, Philippians 1:6, 2:11,12, 2 Corinthians 5:6-8). Born from above is only one of many words and phrases that the Bible uses to tell us about this wonder new life of being forgiven of our sins. Other words and phrases that are understood from their contexts as being heavenly in nature are born, life, eternal/everlasting life, in Christ, rest, peace with God, forgiven, baptism (heavenly, not physical), risen, repentance, cleansed, washed, sealed, holy, saved, elect, redeemed, beloved, overcome, heir, etc. There is language throughout Scripture that one is forgiven, saved, redeemed, etc. for eternity with assurance during one’s physical life time which is a comfort to believers. In the rest of this e-mail, I hope to present verses that prove this.
  2. In regards to seeing the kingdom of God, the word εἴδω for ‘see’ in John 3:3 can be translated as know, perceive or realize. We do say in English that we may see something that may not be physical (i.e. I can see how that would work or could never work – Romans 5:3). There is one reference other than John 3:3 to seeing the kingdom of God (Luke 9:27) which involved those standing by Christ before He was on the Mount of Transfiguration. We have to remember that the kingdom of God does not come with observation (Luke 17:20) and that the kingdom of God is not of this world (John 18:36). In Matthew 13:11, it says that the disciples would know (eido) the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven and this is commented on in 1 Corinthians 2:12. It says in Luke 17:21 that the kingdom of God is within you. The thief on the cross in Luke 23:42 asked Christ to remember him in His kingdom and was told that he would be with Christ in paradise that very day. In Romans 14:17 we are told that the kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. The believer possesses all these things being in Christ (Psalm 23:3, Proverbs 11:5,6, 13:6, Isaiah 45:24, 54:17, Acts 13:39, Romans 8:28, 1 Corinthians 3:21, 2 Corinthians 2:14, 5:17, 6:10, 9:8, Galatians 2:4, Ephesians 1:3, 1 Timothy 6:17, 2 Peter 1:3). If we do not have the Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:7), we are none of His. In Colossians 1:13, we have been translated (changed, removed, departed) into the kingdom of Christ.
    Most of the New Testament verses that speak of entering the kingdom do not actually speak of this occurring at the Great White Throne Judgment with the exception of Matthew 25:21 and 23 which does not mention Heaven or God. In Hebrews 12:28 it speaks of the believers receiving (in the present active tense) a kingdom that cannot be moved which refers to the kingdom of God. We also read in Hebrews 4:3, which speaks of those who believe do enter (present indicative) the rest that Christ has provided.
    Another thing to consider is that when one becomes a believer in Christ, they have become a king (Psalm 21, 1 Corinthians 4:8, 1 Peter 2:9 [royal], Revelation 1:5,6). See also language that speaks of being anointed in a heavenly way – 2 Corinthians 1:21, 1 John 2:20 (unction), 27 which is associated with being a king as they were anointed physically. Another thing to take into consideration is with the mention of entering something in the Bible. At least a few times, Jesus and His disciples as well as David and others entered Jerusalem. Entering something in the Bible may be a continual thing. In this case, entering the kingdom of God is finalized at the Great White Throne Judgment when the believers are forever with Christ in heaven. In Matthew 7:21, those that have done the will of God enter the kingdom of Heaven. If one does not know if they will enter into Heaven until the Great White Throne Judgment, then when did those who enter do the will of God? Did they not fulfill this (by His grace) when they were living on the earth (i.e. Ephesians 1:1, 6:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:18)? We read of being “in Christ” which is the positional relationship that the believer has to Christ (Romans 12:5, 16:7, 1 Corinthians 1:2,30, 15:31, 2 Corinthians 1:21, Galatians 2:4, 3:28, Ephesians 1:1,3, 2:6,,10,13,Philippians 1:1, Colossians 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:9, 1 Peter 5:14). It is the work or doing of God that one is “in Christ’ (1 Corinthians 1:30) and it is eternal (Ephesians 3:11).
  3. In regards to 1 Peter 1:23, there are several things to cover. The word for birth is a heavenly birth in the present passive tense (literally “having been born”). Notice that this birth takes place in the lives of those who it was addressed to in the 1st century similar to Jesus speaking to Nicodemus that he must be born from above in John 3:3 and 7 and to those who have been given the authority to be sons of God who were born of God in John 1:11-13. If we have no assurance of this inheritance, then we are not looking at the Scriptures which teach this for God’s elect, His sheep, the believers. There is no mention of this taking place in heaven. You refer to 1 Peter 1:4,5 as saying that this is speaking of the future in heaven. The inheritance is completed in heaven as is the completion of salvation, but it is started in the physical lifetime of those who become saved here on earth in their souls (see Matthew 11:29, Acts 2:49, Hebrews 10:39, 1 Peter 4:19). We read in Romans 8:14-17 that that one has become an heir (an inheritor) if they have become a son of God. In Ephesians 1:11 it states that we have obtained the inheritance (past tense). See also verses that speak of overcoming and promise that they will receive the inheritance (1 John 2:13,14, 4:4,5, 5:4 together with Revelation 21:7).
  4. In reference to 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore G5620 if any man G1536 be in G1722 Christ, G5547 he is a new G2537 creature: G2937 old things G744 are passed away; G3928 behold, G2400 all things G3956 are become G1096 new. G2537 “ In brief, Ephesians 4;24 answers this “And G2532 that ye put on G1746 the new G2537 man, G444 which G3588 after G2596 God G2316 is created G2936 in G1722 righteousness G1343 and G2532 true G225 holiness. G3742” This again is something spoken in the past tense to the believers who have been made righteous and holy by the resurrection work of Christ (Romans 5:19, 6:22, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Thessalonians 4:7) during the 1st century and we understand this to apply to all who are believers in our day. Though the word for old in 2 Corinthians 5:17 is not the common word for the old man (Romans 6:6, Ephesians 4:22, Colossians 3:9), the new is referred to that which is the result of God giving one spiritual birth or eternal life and the new covenant which is established between God and the believer (Mark 14:24, 2 Corinthians 3:6, Hebrews 12:24). It is also spoken of as “newness of life” in Romans 6:4 and newness of spirit in Romans 7:6. 5. In regards to John 3:8-12, again the Spirit of God works to save people in their physical life time on earth. Nicodemus as well as all of God’s elect must believe by the work of God during their physical lifetime. They will understand certain heavenly things through a glass darkly on this side of heaven as God wills (they will be taught of God – John 6:45, 1 Thessalonians 4:9). To conclude that this takes place after the Great White Throne Judgment is incorrect.

The following are further verses that speak of assurance of salvation before one experiences physical death:

  1. David stated in 2 Samuel 12:23 that he would go to his infant son who had died. How could he know this unless he had assurance both would be in heaven. 2.
  2. In several places, it states that the saints are preserved forever (1 Samuel 2:9, Psalm 37:28, 97:10, 121, 145:20) and are the ones that will be in heaven (Daniel 7:27, 1 Thessalonians 4:14)
  3. Job knew that His Redeemer lives and that he would see God after his death (Job 19:25).
  4. John 3:36 states that one who has Christ has life and the wrath of God does not abide on him.
  5. John 5:24 states that the one believing into Christ shall not see death but has passed from death to life.
  6. Romans 5:1 states that there is no condemnation to those in Christ. 7. Romans 8:28-31 states that nothing can separate the believer from the love of God.

By His grace,

 

Steve Reinert
President, Faith of Christ Ministries

Reply () (Elder Donnie Riddell)

BORN ABOVE (Again, second birth)
The when and where it takes place

The Greek word “avwOev” when used in two verses of the Gospel of John Chapter 3 verses 3 and 7 were incorrectly translated as “again.” The correct translation is “above.” These two words “born again.” in the Greek, are “Born Above.”

Some have translated from the Greek the word “above” to be “from above.” This cannot be as they are using two words “from” which in the Greek is “an, ” and “above” from the Greek word “avwOev. ” Again an incorrect interruption of the original text Others have said the word “above” is translated as “anew,” which is also incorrect.

John 3:3 (Greek) “Truly, truly I tell thee, except anyone is born above (avwOev), he cannot see the kingdom of God. ”

John 3:7 (Greek) “Marvel not that I say unto thee, Ye must be born above (avwOev). ”

In verse 5 Jesus said “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kimdom of God. ” Do you think, while here on earth, one can see or even enter in the kingdom of God? Again, to me, these things, seeing and entering into heaven can only happen at the Great White Throne Judgment, which will be in heaven. I have never seen or entered heaven while here on earth, nor do I believe anyone has. The apostles John and Paul are the only ones that even come close to this that has while here on earth.

Now for the third time “born again” being used in scripture, let us examine I Peter 1:23. (Greek) “being regenerated (avavevewnuevoi) not of corruptible, but of incorruptible, by the word of God which liveth and abideth for ever. ” Notice in I Peter, it is not the same word as in John, but only translated the same. Born Above is therefore used only twice in John in scripture. Peter explained in Chapter 1 verses 4 and 5, he is speaking of. the where and when we will be incorruptible. (“To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith

unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time\ In verse 23 Peter states where we will be “regenerated,” born above or born again, reserved for us in heaven, not here on earth!

Revelation 20:13 and 14 tells us in heaven, at the Great White Throne Judgment, every man will be judged according to their works. Those not chosen by God in the beginning will be cast into the lake of fire, this being the second death. If the second death takes place in heaven, why would the second birth not take place in heaven and not here on earth? Study that question.

Many say that when they are Born Again on earth all things become new. Do we all have new bodies, become young, know everything, or do not sin,

I do not believe so. I do believe when one receives understanding they are saved and know Jesus, (baptized with the Holy Spirit! saying they have excepted Jesus as their Saviour or as I believe, acknowledge Jesus saved me, something does happen in our life’s. But with me all things are not new, in fact in Revelation 21:5, God, who sets upon the throne said “Behold I make all thims new” since God is on His Throne in heaven, would one not think there is where all things become new? It is my understanding from scripture, in heaven God will make all things new, not here on earth.

I truly believe one must be Born Again (actually Above). From my belief and studying of scripture, this takes place in heaven when Jesus savs “depart from me (being the second death) we that work iniquity” and “enter in (beine born above or the second birth) you eood and faithful servants”

If the second death in in heaven, why would one think the second birth (again) would not be in heaven? It is my understanding of scripture, Jesus baptizes those chosen by God in the beginning, with the Holy Spirit (Acts Chapter 1 verse 5). This opens our understanding about Jesus and that we are saved. To me, this is not the new birth, being born above or born again.

When studying The Bible, we need to examine all the scripture, before and after, to see if the answer is there. In this case it seems none has done this.

In reading John Chapter 3 verses 3-7, we neglect to continue thru verse 12. Our authority should be Jesus and what He says. In verse 9 “Nicodemus

answered and said unto him. How can these thines beT He was

questioning how can one be Born Above (again or a second birth? As Nicodemus was only thinking of having an earthly birth as he states in verse 4. ‘‘‘‘Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Then in verse 12 Jesus clears up. which almost all seem to not read or understand, about being Born Above where this birth takes place. Verse 12 states, “If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall we believe, if I tell you of heavenly thines” Jesus tells Nicodemus what he was talking about, the second birth, where it was going to take place, in heaven, not here on earth! It still amazes me that no one I talk with has ever gone on and read verses 8 thru 12. Read them and study them sometime, you might understand this Born Above (again) that Jesus is talking about.

I try to obey God’s Word, as given us in II Timothy 2:15 to study and rightly divide the word of truth.

Elder Donni6 V. Riddell

Answer (Steve Reinert, President, Faith of Christ Ministries)

Dear Donnie:

Thank you for your e-mail and letter correspondence in regard to the rendering for John 3:3 and 7 as “from above.” For your understanding that both John 3:3 and 3:7 should be translated as “born above” and not “born from above”, I have the following observations. The Greek word “ἄνωθεν” found in both verses is not the particle ‘ἄν’ (Strong’s NT #302) plus ωθεν. There is no word in the New Testament listed as ωθεν. The particle ‘ἄν’is not found in John chapter three. The Greek word “ἄνωθεν” is a compound word composed of ‘ἄνω’ (Strong’s #507 ) and the suffix ‘θεν.’ The suffix ‘θεν’ (theta epsilon nu) is an example of one that functions as a preposition which is translated as from [something]. This suffix is found in the following nine other New Testament Greek words, (some of which in the KJV are translated as two words “from something, some place or someone”):

  • ἐκεῖθεν – Strong’s NT #1564 – See Matthew 4:21, 9:9, 15:29, Mark 6:1, 7:24 (from thence, Acts 13:4 (from)
  • ἐντεῦθεν – Strong’s NT #1782 – See Luke 4:9, 16:26, John 18:36 (from hence)
  • ἔξωθεν – Strong’s NT #1855 – See Mark 7:15, Mark 7:18 (from without)
  • ἔσωθεν – Strong’s NT #2081 – See Mark 7:21, 23, Luke 11:7 (from within)
  • κἀκεῖθεν – Strong’s NT #2547 – See Mark 10:1, Acts 7:4, 21:1 (from thence)
  • ὅθεν – Strong’s NT #3606 – See Matthew 12:44, Acts 14:26 (from whence), Acts 14:26 (and from thence)
  • οὐρανόθεν – Strong’s NT #3771 – See Acts 14:17 and 26:13 (from heaven)
  • πανταχόθεν – Strong’s NT #3836 – See Mark 1:45 (from every quarter)
  • πόθεν – Strong’s NT #4159 – See Mark 6:2, 8:4, John 4:11 (from whence)

In every verse where the Greek word ἄνωθεν (NT Strong’s #509) occurs in the New Testament (as listed in the tract) in the KJV, it is consistently translated with the English preposition ‘from.’ I suppose that on the tract, we should add the word ‘from.’ John 3:3 and 7 cannot be translated as born above since anothen is an adverb that describes the verb ‘born.’ If we take the preposition ‘from’ out of these two verses, we are not following how the suffix θεν is translated throughout the New Testament and therefore misunderstanding the meaning of the verse. Even if we take your view that anothen means above (not from above), in John 19:11 where Jesus is standing before Pontius Pilate, Pilate would need to physically go to heaven in order to obtain authority to have Christ crucified. In this chapter, Pilate had the authority, given to him by God, to have Christ crucified and not that Pilate had to go physically into heaven to obtain this authority. Later in verse 23, the coat that Jesus wore was not in heaven, but it was sowed in one piece, from the top (anothen) throughout as a physical object on this earth. The top part of the garment was not in heaven when they were casting lots for it. In Mark 15:58, the vail of the temple was torn in two from top (anothen) to the bottom. The top of the vail was not in heaven, but part of the rebuilt temple patterned after the temple which Solomon had first built with a physical vail. As a separate note, the preposition ‘apo’ (Strong’s #575) is translated most of the time as ‘from.’ This was not used in John 3:3 and 7. Sometimes there are other prepositions that are translated as ‘from’ but they would better be translated with another proposition like out of, into, through, etc.

In answer to your question, whether one can enter the kingdom of Heaven while here living physically on earth. I have the following response. First, While the Bible does speak of entering the kingdom of Heaven/God more often on the last day (Great White Throne Judgment – we may have a different understanding on the day of judgment but let us discuss that at a later time and refer to it as being judgment day, when the books are opened and all souls are judged according to their works before the Great White Throne of God), it also speaks of being in existence during Jesus’ ministry on earth. Some references are as follows:

  • Matthew 5:10 – This speaks of the kingdom belonging (present tense) to those who are
  • persecuted for righteousness sake which would be during a person’s lifetime on earth, not on the day of judgment. There is no mention of being persecuted at the Great White Throne Judgment but being persecuted during one’s physical lifetime as the apostle Paul went through.
  • Matthew 20:1 – This speaks of the kingdom of Heaven occurring during the hours that the laborers worked in the vineyard which would be before judgment day.
  • Matthew 21:43 – The kingdom is taken from the nation of Israel and given to another nation (the New Testament believers composed of both Jews and Gentiles – 1 Peter 2:9).
  • Matthew 23:13 – The Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day make it difficult for those entering the kingdom of heaven, not on the day of judgment.
  • Mark 9:1 – If there were some standing with Christ at that time, where are they now if they have not physically died? If Christ is speaking of the transfiguration, they saw (eido – same word used in John 3:3) the kingdom of God then and there. See also Luke 9:27-36.
  • Luke 11:20 (also Matthew 12:28) – The kingdom of God has come as Christ was performing miracles during His earthly ministry.
  • Luke 16:16 – The all in this verse are pressing into the kingdom of God (present tense).
  • Luke 17:21 –Jesus says that the kingdom of God is (present tense) within you.
  • Luke 23:42 – Jesus tells the thief on the cross who asked to be remembered in His kingdom that the thief would be with him in paradise that very day, not at the Great White Throne Judgment.
  • Romans 14:17 – The Christian is indwelled by God the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9,11,13-16, 8:26,27, 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16, 2 Corinthians 1:22, Galatians 4:6, 5:5, Ephesians 1:13, 2:18, 1 Thessalonians 4:8, 1 John 3:24, 4:13, Galatians 5:22), and has the peace of God (John 16:33, Romans 5:1, 15:13, 1 Corinthians 14:33, Ephesians 2:14,15, Philippians 4:7,9, Hebrews 13:20,21) during the believer’s earthly life time.
  • Colossians 1:13 – God has removed those who He has saved from the authority of darkness (Satan’s kingdom- Acts 28:16) into Christ’s kingdom
  • Hebrews 4:10 – The rest that is spoken of is another word for salvation (Matthew 11:28,29) and is in the past tense (having entered into His rest – the KJV should be translated as “he that has entered”). Hebrews 4:3 states “For we, the ones believing enter into the rest…” Throughout this chapter, there is both the assurance of salvation and the warning of examining oneself of not being in disobedience as was the case for most of the nation of Israel that was in unbelief.
  • Hebrews 12:28 – “Therefore receiving an unshakeable kingdom”- this is in the present active voice
  • Revelation 1:9 – the apostle John speaks of being in the kingdom with others

Second, there are verses that deal with assurance of salvation while the believer is living physically on this earth.

  • David stated that he would go to see his child born to Bathsheba and died shortly after birth (2 Samuel 12:23). Unless David was not a saved person, he had assurance that he would see his child in heaven.
  • Many of the psalms speak of life forever (Psalm 22:26, 23:6, 30:12, 37:18,28,29, 44:8, 45:17, 48:14, 52:8,9, 61:4,7,8, 73:26, 75:9, 79:13, 89:1, 112:6, 125:1).
  • Psalm 32:1 – This does not reference the day of judgment as to when they have their sins covered.
  • The thief on the cross asked Christ to remember him in His kingdom which Christ replied “Today you will be with me in paradise…” with the understanding that the thief was forgiven of his sins before God and would be with Christ in Heaven as Christ sits today on the right hand of God (Luke 23:42, Acts 2:33, Romans 8:34, 1 Peter 3:22).
  • Job had assurance that his redeemer lives (Job 19:25,26) and that he would see God in his flesh after his physical death (though worms would destroy his body).
  • Abel and others mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11 (sometimes called the hall of faith chapter) are in heaven as a result of the same salvation as we have today, (Acts 15:11) by the blood of Christ the Messiah (i.e. Psalm 16, 22, Isaiah 53, Genesis 3:15,16, Habakkuk 2:4)
  • John 3:36 states that he who has the Son (Christ) has life and the wrath of God does not abide upon him.
  • John 5:24 is a powerful verse that is in the present tense “He that … believes upon Him that sent Me shall not perish but is (present tense) passed from death unto life.”
  • Romans 8:1 states that there is no condemnation (judgment) to those who are in Christ Jesus. References to being “in Christ” (i.e. Romans 8:1,2, 8:39, 9:1, 12:5, 16:3,7, 1 Corinthians 1:2,30, 4:17, 5:31, 2 Corinthians 2:14,17, Galatians 3:26, Ephesians 1:1,3,12, 2:6,10,13, Philippians 1:1, 4:21, 1 Thessalonians 2:14, 4:16, 5:18, 2 Timothy 1:9, 1 Peter 3:16, 5:14) show a saving and living relationship to God that is to believers while living here on this earth in history, continues past their physical death into eternity (Psalm 73:24, Romans 8:28-39) with Christ as the thief on the cross experienced.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:18 speaks to those who have become saved at the church of Corinth during the 1 st century.
  • 2 Timothy 1:9 and Titus 3:5 also speak of those who have already experienced salvation.
  • Ephesians 2:1-7 sums it up how one experiences salvation beginning in this life and they are already seated with Christ in the heavenlies (verse 6). Verse 7 shows the future is heaven.
  •  Ephesians 2:8,9 states that one is (present tense – see also 1 Corinthians 1:18, 2 Corinthians 2:15, 2 Timothy 1:9, Titus 3:5) saved by the grace of God.

Third, briefly the Bible speaks of hope (Psalm 31:24, 119:14, 147:11, Proverbs 14:32, Jeremiah 17:7, Lamentations 3:24, 26, Joel 3:16, Acts 24:15, Romans 4:18, 5:2, 8:24, 15:4, Ephesians 1:18, Colossians 1:5, 1Timothy 1:1,2, Titus 3:7, Hebrews 6:19, 1Peter 1:3). This hope is involved with salvation. Even Isaiah 38:18 shows us that there is no hope in the grave. We need to know of this hope before the Lord takes us off this earth. If we think that no one can know for sure that they will be with Christ in the new heavens and earth after they are taken from this earth, we are not seeing or recognizing what the hope that the Bible speaks of is all about. This hope does not come at the day of judgment, but during the believer’s lifetime on this earth as the Scriptures noted above show us (see also the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus- Luke16:19-31). In conclusion, salvation is at the point when one believes by the working of God (John 6:29) which is Christ’s faith (Galatians 2:16, 20). Romans 13:11 states that salvation is nearer after coming to faith, but it started when a sinner was given a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26, Romans 10:10), born spiritually (John 3:3- 8, 1 Peter 1:23) and God worked faith in the sinner’s heart and saved that person. In Philippians 1:6 we see also the same message where God has started the good work (salvation) and will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (John 4:34, Titus 3:5, Hebrews 4:3). It is important to see that salvation is started in one’s physical life on earth (in God’s timetable) and completed when Christ returns and the believer receives his glorified body (1 Corinthians 15:42-43, 51-57, Philippians 3:21). 2 Timothy 4:18 – And G2532 the Lord G2962 shall deliver G4506 me G3165 from G575 every G3956 evil G4190 work, G2041 and G2532 will preserve G4982 me unto G1519 his G846 heavenly G2032 kingdom: G932 to whom G3739 be glory G1391 for G1519 ever G165 and ever. G165 Amen. G281 Romans 13:11 And G2532 that, G5124 knowing G1492 the time, G2540 that G3754 now G2235 it is high time G5610 to awake G2248 G1453 out of G1537 sleep: G5258 for G1063 now G3568 is our G2257 salvation G4991 nearer G1452 than G2228 when G3753 we believed. G41

By His grace,


Steve Reinert President,
Faith of Christ Ministries

 

Does Man has the ability to become saved by his action (work)?

I took one of your tracts in Times Square yesterday. Thank you for your desire to share Jesus with people. It seems you may be Calvinistic in your beliefs, but I still appreciate your zeal.

Answer (Steve Reinert, President, Faith of Christ Ministries)

Dear Charles,

Thank you for your e-mail and comment. We prefer not to use non-Biblical terms like “Calvinistic” but rather to rely on Scripture and not the words of men. This is why we try to put as much Scripture into the tracts that our organization distributes. If you are interested, we have a Bible study on the doctrines of grace that deals with the bottom line issue of whether man has any part in the Salvation revealed in the Bible (an ultimate works or grace gospel) and just how great is this Salvation. You can view it on our web site (www.fofcm.com) using Google search or we can mail you a hard copy if you are interested.

By His grace,

Steve Reinert
President, Faith of Christ Ministries

Reply (Charles Clark III)

I love using the Bible too! “whosoever will may come” The “elect” are all those who are “in Christ”. How do you get in Christ? Repent-Believe-Call-Receive!

Br. Charles Clark III

Answer (Steve Reinert, President, Faith of Christ Ministries)

Dear Charles,

In answer to your implication that man has the ability to become saved by his action (work), I am including some sections from our Doctrines of Grace Notes that I hope you are open to considering.

  1. Is the repentance that accompanies one who has salvation a work that that individual has performed in order to become right with God?
  2. We find various places in the Bible where these Hebrew and Greek words show us that God has to do the work of repentance or turning us to Him in our lives to bring us to salvation (Psalm 19:7) ‘converting’, Psalm 23:3 ‘restoreth’, Psalm 80:19 ‘turn’, Jeremiah 31:18,19, Lamentations 5:21, Malachi 2:6, 4:6, Acts 11:18 – literally repentance ‘given’ [didomai –translated as ‘granted’ in the KJV] to the Gentiles, Romans 2:4 [the word ‘leadeth,’ the Greek word ‘ago’ Strong’s #71 should be translated as ‘bring’ not implying that man cooperates with God of His own free will to repent but that God brings man to repentance], 2 Corinthians 7:10, 2 Timothy 2:25).

Repentance is a work as stated in 2 Corinthians 7:10 as is ‘faith’ mentioned elsewhere in this study. It cannot therefore be the work of man to repent (Ephesians 2:8,9, Romans 11:6). Though man is commanded to do things like believe, repent, confess, etc., it does not mean that man can do these things unless he is given the ability by the determination of God (Psalm 127:1). He gives His elect the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16) …

  1. Is not salvation conditioned on our faith?
  2. The faith that brings salvation is the faith of Christ – Acts 26:18, Galatians 2:16,20, Hebrews 12:2
  3. It is the work of God that one believes unto salvation – John 6:29
  4. We must have ears to hear which comes from the Word of God – Romans 10:17, John 10:8,26, Revelation 2:7,11
  5. Examples from the Bible of man’s apparent faith falling short of the glory of God (i.e. Peter walking on water and sinking in Matthew 14:22-31, the disciples fleeing when Christ is betrayed in the Garden of Gethsemane in Mark 14:50, Jonah going to Tarshish instead of Nineveh in Jonah 1:1-3)
  6. Examples of God’s will overcoming an erring believer’s faith (Samson’s hair growing back giving Samson strength to pull down the columns of the house of the Philistines – Judges 16:21-30, David crying for mercy to God after falling into sin (Psalm 51), Peter being restored after denying Christ three times and used of God to preach to many that became saved – Mark 14:66-72, John 21:15-17, Luke 22:32, Acts 2:41).
  7. Faith (belief to the saving of the soul) is a fruit of the Spirit of God, not from man’s abilities – Galatians 5:22
  8. When it says that “thy faith hath saved thee” (Luke 7:50 and 18:42), it can be translated “the faith of thee hath saved thee.” Just as salvation is spoken of belonging to a person (i.e. Philippians 2:12,13), if it is true salvation, it is the gift of God that has been given to a person (Ephesians 2:8,9, Jonah 2:9, Psalm 37:39). So faith, if it is unto salvation is spoken of belonging to the believer (Colossians 1:4, 1 Peter 1:5) and it’s origin is from God alone (John 6:29, Hebrews 12:2 – Jesus is literally the beginning [arche]and ending [telios]of the faith.). Also we see that the phrase ‘our Lord’ as found in Psalm 8:1 and 1 Corinthians 1:2 cannot be saying that the Lord is our servant or that we own Him in any way. He is the Lord of the true believers, who have a relationship that is submissive and belong to Him (John 10:27, Psalm 100:3 – they are His sheep)

Christ is called the faithful one – Revelation 19:11

In regards to calling on the name of the Lord, one must have a pure heart as opposed to a sinful wicked heart (2 Timothy 2:22, Jeremiah 17:9). Does an elect person have a pure heart before he/she is given eternal life? They were dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1-6) and enemies against the true and living God (Romans 5:10) and went astray going their own way (Isaiah 53:6). They had to be snatched/turned from the kingdom of Satan to the kingdom of Christ (Acts 26:18, 2 Timothy 2:26, Colossians 1:13).

In regards to ‘receiving salvation’ one must be first born from above of God (John 1:12,13, 3:3,7,27) and made a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Can anyone create himself? See also Matthew 19:11 where one must be given (the ability) to receive a Biblical truth by God’s determination; not man’s.

Finally, in Revelation 22:17 there are at least two items that must be studied. First, the phrase “whosoever will” is one Greek word ‘thelo’ and should be translated as “he that wills, take of the water of life gift.” Thelo is found in Matthew 19:17 and 19:21 translated as ‘wilt.’ The idea of God wanting everything from a sinner to be destroyed/discarded that is of this world shows us that God has to break us down to the point that he must draw us (John 6:44) that we can take no credit for. Would you agree that all sinners who are not saved but involved in some sort of religious system are likened to this rich young ruler? If the rich young ruler could enter into life by his free will, then he would have no problem with selling all that he had and giving it to the poor (he would not have to be sorrowful). Where was his free will to accept Christ’s command? See also Romans 9:16 and 18 that has the word ‘thelo’ with God showing His will to be merciful to sinners, not the other way around. The phrase “He that wills” must be those who are already “in Christ” as you refer to and as the apostle Paul in Romans 7:15-21 describes that he wills to do good (after becoming saved) but his sinful body brings him hardship. He now serves the law of God with his mind (Rom. 7:25). Second, the word for ‘take’ is the Greek word ‘lambano’ which is found in John 3:27 (no one can receive anything unless it is given from heaven) and found in Matthew 23:14 where those under a particular judgment of God will receive the greater condemnation. They will not be able to refuse it or not accept it. The word ‘let’ as is found in the King James Version is almost always not in the original texts (Hebrew and Greek).

The free will salvation plan is based on the works of man ultimately to accomplish/have assurance of salvation. Faith, repentance, coming to Christ, confessing, etc. are all works that can only be done by God if it is to bring true salvation. Otherwise, we should boast in our accepting, believing, repenting, etc. when it says that it is not of works (Ephesians 2:8,9). An unworthy sinner drawn to the Savior,

Steve Reinert – FOFCM

Which faith saves a sinner?

Hello,

My wife received a pamphlet from your organization during an outdoor event (Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park Washington Heights NYC) called “God’s Salvation From The Bible.” In this pamphlet on the second page is the heading –The faith of Christ saves a person from eternal death and the judgment of God; and then a scripture quote from Galatians 2:16, 20. Because “..The faith of Christ” is mentioned several times, I decided to check the bible since this was not my understanding. My bibles (NKJV, NASB) declares that it is faith in Christ that saves. I recommend that you consider using the translations I listed above, since these maintain the conservative nature of the scriptures, while using language that is more contemporary instead of “Old Elizabethan English” that most don’t speak with anymore.

Blessings,

Lee :O)
Acts 4:12

Answer (Steve Reinert, President, Faith of Christ Ministries)


Dear Leroy,

Thank you for your e-mail and question concerning Galatians 2:16 and 20. The problem is that the King James is correct in this case being that the original New Testament Greek word for Christ in verse 16 twice is in the genitive case (possessive) and can only be translated “of Jesus Christ.” In verse 20, it literally reads ” …I live in faith of the Son of God..” The Young’s Literal Translation of the Bible has also correctly translated this in both verses as well as George Ricker Berry’s Interlinear Greek New Testament. See also Philippians 3:9 and Romans 3:22 which I see the NKJV also wrongly translates this as “faith in” and not “faith of.” A way to test this is to look at another phrase which has the Greek noun in the possessive case such as the phrase “grace of God” as found in Luke 2:40, Acts 11:23 and 1 Corinthians 1:4. In all three of these verses, God is also in the genitive case (possessive – ‘theou’ in the original Greek text). We would not translate this as “the grace in God” unless the Greek word ‘en’ is found in the original Greek text and the possessive form of God is not used. It is showing us that the grace is originated from and is under the ownership and authorship of God Almighty and not from man or any other of creation. In the NKJV, in these three other verses, it translates this as “grace of God.” To be consistent, why doesn’t it translate it as “grace in God”? The NKJV is supposedly based on the same New Testament manuscripts as the KJV while the NASB is based on the Westcott and Hort text which Faith of Christ Ministries and other conservative groups reject. If you want further information on the various translations of the Bible, if you have access to the Internet, may I suggest that you go to the Trinitarian Bible Society web site (www.trinitarianbiblesociety.org/site/articles/A123pdf). It has an extensive amount written on the new translations such as the NIV, NASB and NKJV that expose their falling behind as being trustworthy translations to the original Greek and Hebrew texts.

After looking through my copy of the New American Standard Version, I discovered the following inconsistencies. In Romans 3:3, it is translated “…faith of God…” This is the same possessive form of God in the Greek text, but the NASB along with others have decided in this case when they think it is not directly talking about man’s spiritually dead relationship before God and salvation, they will choose to translate it as “faith of.” See also Romans 4:12,16, Philippians 1:27, 2 Timothy 2:18, Titus 1:1, Revelation 13:10. When it deals with salvation it translates the possessive form of Christ or God as ‘in’ with the implication that it is human faith in God or Christ that produces salvation and this is adding to Scripture what is not in the original Greek text. See Romans 3:22, Galatians 2:16,20, Ephesians 3:12, Philippians 3:9, Colossians 2:12 and Revelation 14:12 where this is done in the NASB and teh NKJV. In the margin of the NASB for Revelation 14:12, it admits that this verse can be translated as “the faith of” instead of “their faith in.” Also in my copy of the old American Standard Bible in the margin notes for Romans 3:22, it states that ‘in’ may be translated as ‘of.’ Do you see the big difference? There is no where in Scripture a direction to translate anything within its pages literally unless the context of the verse will not allow it to be translated literally (not by our carnal desires).

I am also adding a section from our doctrines of grace notes on the topic of faith which I hope helps.

  1. Is not salvation conditioned on our faith?
  2. The faith that brings salvation is the faith of Christ – Acts 26:18, Galatians 2:16,20, Hebrews 12:2
  3. It is the work of God that one believes unto salvation – John 6:29
  4. We must have ears to hear which comes from the Word of God – Romans 10:17, John 10:8,26, Revelation 2:7,11
  5. Examples from the Bible of man’s apparent faith falling short of the glory of God (i.e. Peter walking on water and sinking in Matthew 14:22-31, the disciples fleeing when Christ is betrayed in the Garden of Gethsemane in Mark 14:50, Jonah going to Tarshish instead of Nineveh in Jonah 1:1-3)
  6. Examples of God’s will overcoming an erring believer’s faith (Samson’s hair growing back giving Samson strength to pull down the columns of the house of the Philistines – Judges 16:21-30, David crying for mercy to God after falling into sin (Psalm 51), Peter being restored after denying Christ three times and used of God to preach to many that became saved – Mark 14:66-72, John 21:15-17, Luke 22:32, Acts 2:41).
  7. Faith (belief to the saving of the soul) is a fruit of the Spirit of God, not from man’s abilities – Galatians 5:22 (see Philippians 1:29 – it is given for one to believe)
  8. When it says that “thy faith hath saved thee” (Luke 7:50 and 18:42), it can be translated “the faith of thee hath saved thee.” Just as salvation is spoken of belonging to a person (i.e. Philippians 2:12,13), if it is true salvation, it is the gift of God that has been given to a person (Ephesians 2:8,9, Jonah 2:9, Psalm 37:39). So faith, if it is unto salvation is spoken of belonging to the believer (Colossians 1:4, 1 Peter 1:5) and it’s origin is from God alone (John 6:29, Hebrews 12:2 – Jesus is literally the beginning [arche]and ending [telios]of the faith.). Also we see that the phrase ‘our Lord’ as found in Psalm 8:1 and 1 Corinthians 1:2 cannot be saying that the Lord is our servant or that we own Him in any way. He is the Lord of the true believers, who have a relationship that is submissive and belong to Him (John 10:27, Psalm 100:3 – they are His sheep)
  9. Christ is called the faithful one – Revelation 19:11

If you would like more, let me know. Also, the King James Version of the Bible is still used by many conservative Christians in our day and has withstood the test of 400 years in print, not to mention the Strong’s concordance which has been in print for over one hundred years used in Bible study keyed to the KJV. In the long run. I and many others have found the KJV to be one of the better, more accurate and truer translations to the original texts which honors God’s Word. A few words and phrases here and there I would translate differently, but a majority of it is finely done and as coming near to being fifty years of age in the USA, I don’t have a problem with the language of the KJV. By the way. the phrase “faith of Christ” is not old Elizabethan English.

One last thing, we do say however that there are instances where these newer translations make corrections to the KJV that are justified. However this instance of “faith in” is a great injustice.

Sincerely,

Steve Reinert,
President, Faith of Christ Ministries