Correspondence: Faith; Matt. 8 vs. Luke 7; 1 John 5:1-2; Luke 10:33

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 6
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Questions by U. A. N.
A.-What is the difference between “faith” and “the faith”?
Answer: “The faith” in such scriptures as Acts 6:77And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. (Acts 6:7); Rom. 14;1; 2 Cor. 13:55Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (2 Corinthians 13:5); Gal. 1:2323But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. (Galatians 1:23); Phil. 1:2727Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; (Philippians 1:27); Col. 1:23; 2:523If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; (Colossians 1:23)
5For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. (Colossians 2:5); 1 Tim. 4:1; 21Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (1 Timothy 4:1) Tim. 4:7; Titus 1:1,131Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; (Titus 1:1)
13This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; (Titus 1:13); Jude 33Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 3),20, means the truth that we are to receive and hold.
C.-Why does Matthew 8, leave out that the Centurion sent elders to Jesus, while Luke 7, tells us of them?
Answer: Matthew wrote by the Spirit to show the Jews how far behind in faith they were to this Gentile, so to humble them before the Lord; while Luke, by the same Spirit, wrote to the Gentiles, and there honored the Jews by whom salvation came. (John 4:2222Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. (John 4:22)). This should tend to keep the Gentiles humble also.
D.-Explain 1 John 5:1, 21Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 2By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. (1 John 5:1‑2). The divine nature is love. If any one believes that Jesus is the Christ, he is born of God and so he has this nature, and loves God, and also those begotten of God. Obedience is another trait of the divine nature. The proof that we love the children of God is, that we love God and keep His commandments, for this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments, and His commandments are not grievous.
Answer: The Jews did not want any dealings with Samaritans and called the Lord a Samaritan, (John 8:4848Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? (John 8:48)), reviling Him.
They did not want anything to do with a God of grace either, nor does any natural man. So it reminds us that “the carnal mind is enmity against God.” (Rom. 8:77Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (Romans 8:7)). Yet God has come down in the person of His Son to poor, lost, rebellious man, and all unasked, has brought salvation. to him, asking the sinner to receive the gift of love that cost God so much. (Titus 2:1111For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (Titus 2:11)).
“‘Twas love unbounded led Thee thus
To give Thy well-beloved for us.”