The Power Of Faith: A Precious Gift

In 2 Peter 1:1, Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, writes to those who have obtained a like precious faith in the righteousness of God and their Saviour, Jesus Christ. This faith is a gift from God, and it is of equal standing with the faith of the apostles. It is not something that can be earned or bought, but rather it is bestowed upon those whom God chooses according to His will. This faith is incredibly valuable, and it is only through Christ's righteousness that we receive it.

Faith is a divine gift

The concept of faith as a gift is reiterated in 2 Peter 1:1, Philippians 1:29, and Acts 3:16. It is also emphasised by Jesus himself in Matthew 16:17, where he tells Peter, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven".

The idea that faith is a gift from God underscores the belief that salvation is not something that can be earned or achieved through human effort or works. Instead, it is a gracious act of God, given to those He draws to Himself. This is further supported by Scripture, which consistently teaches that faith is not the result of human will but is granted by God.

The gift of faith is enduring and unchanging, guaranteeing that it will last until the end. As stated in Hebrews 3:14, the permanence of genuine faith is proof of its reality: "We have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end." The faith that God gives will never fail, and the work of salvation cannot be thwarted.

In summary, faith is a divine gift from God, graciously bestowed upon those He chooses to save. It is not a result of human effort or merit but is solely due to God's mercy and grace. This understanding of faith as a gift underscores the central role of God's grace in the Christian salvation narrative.

Faith is not a function of one's mind or an activity of the will

The Bible states that Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, writes to those who have "obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." This faith is described as being of equal standing and equal privilege. It is a gift from God, given to those who believe in Jesus Christ.

The righteousness of Jesus Christ is central to the granting of this faith. It is only by Christ's righteousness that we receive this precious gift. Leaders within the church are not morally or spiritually superior to others. It is through Christ's righteousness that we receive this enormously valuable faith.

Faith is not something that can be earned or increased through human effort. While one can ask God for an increase in faith, it is ultimately up to God's divine will to grant it. Salvation is obtained through faith, and faith itself is obtained as a gift from God. This faith is a precious gift, given to those who believe in Jesus Christ as their saviour.

Faith is obtained through divine revelation

Faith is a divine gift, bestowed by God according to His will. It is not a function of one's own mind or an activity of the will. It is not something that can be earned or bought, but rather, it is a gift obtained through divine revelation and mercy.

The Bible states that Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, writes to those who have "obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." This faith is described as being of equal standing, value, and privilege to that of the apostles. It is a gift from God, given to those who believe in Jesus Christ.

The righteousness of Jesus Christ is what secures this precious faith for believers. This declaration emphasizes that Jesus is fully God, as Peter refers to him as "our God and Saviour."

Furthermore, the Bible states that "without faith, it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6). This highlights the importance of faith in one's spiritual journey and the necessity of obtaining it through divine revelation.

Faith is given to all of God's elect

Faith is a divine gift bestowed by God and is given to all of God's elect. It is not a function of one's own mind or an activity of the will. It is not something that can be earned but is given through mercy, which is also obtained by God's elect.

The measure of faith that each of God's elect receives is determined by God's mercy and grace. Faith is obtained through the righteousness of God and our saviour Jesus Christ.

Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, writes to those who have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our saviour Jesus Christ. Peter further identifies himself as an honoured servant and slave of Jesus, as well as Christ's apostle.

Peter writes to Christian believers. Every saved Christian has received a faith of the same kind as, and of equal standing to, that of Peter and the other apostles. There is only one faith in Christ, and that one faith is something we receive by the righteousness of Jesus.

Peter adds another declaration in calling Jesus "our God and Saviour". This phrasing leaves no doubt that Jesus is, in fact, God. Elsewhere, Peter attests to the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Here, though, he reinforces the truth that Jesus is fully God.

Faith is a gift from God

In the Bible, Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, writes to those who have obtained this precious faith. He emphasises that this faith is of equal standing and value to that of the apostles. It is a gift given to all God's elect, and it is through this faith that we receive salvation.

The Bible states that faith is obtained, not achieved. It is not a function of one's mind or will but is given by God according to His will. We can ask God for an increase in faith, but ultimately, it is up to His divine will to grant it.

Faith is a gift that allows us to stand against the powers of darkness and to receive the promises of God. It is a shield that protects us from the fiery darts of the wicked. Obtaining faith means receiving salvation and divine revelation through God's mercy and grace.

Faith is a precious gift from God, and it is through the righteousness of Jesus Christ that we are given this gift of equal standing, leading us to salvation.

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