A Study of "True Religion" What is it, exactly? [From The Book of the Beginnings, Volume 2]

The Formula for "True Religion" That system of faith and practice revealed in Scripture that is designed to bind man anew to God in a covenant relationship This system must necessarily include that which God has done - and will do - for us, and that which we must do for ourselves.

The Formula for "True Religion" That is, God offers and states the conditions on which He will grant us forgiveness and remission of sins; and we, out of loving obedience, accept and comply with the conditions. And so reconciliation is effected, and we are bound anew to our Father in a covenant relationship. God's side + Man's side = True Religion

The Divine Side of "True Religion" The Provision of an Adequate Remedy for Sin The Demonstration of Divine Love The Revelation of the Divine Will—a System of Faith and Practice—by the Holy Spirit Sent Forth from Heaven There are three aspects to the Divine side.

The Human Side of "True Religion" The Acceptance and Appropriation of the Benefits and Blessings of God‘s Grace The Full Commitment, in Spirit and Soul and Body, to the Mind and Will of Christ Being Faithful unto Death, if Necessary There are three parts to the human side, also.

The Human Side of "True Religion" The Acceptance and Appropriation of the Benefits and Blessings of God‘s Grace

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

John 1:10-13 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

John 14:1; 20:30-31 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me." And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

Acts 16:30-31 And he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."

Acts 16:32-34 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.

Romans 5:1-2  Therefore, having been justified by faith only, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 10:6-7 But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down from above) or, "'Who will descend into the abyss?'" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).

Romans 10:8-10 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Galatians 3:26-27 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

The Human Side of "True Religion" The Acceptance and Appropriation of the Benefits and Blessings of God‘s Grace The Full Commitment, in Spirit and Soul and Body, to the Mind and Will of Christ

James 2:14-16 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?

James 2:17-20 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

James 2:21-23 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God.

James 2:24-26 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

We Are Not Transformed by the Holy Spirit Alone! Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. We Are Not Transformed by the Holy Spirit Alone!

Philippians 3:20-21 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

Philippians 2:5-7; 4:13 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

The Human Side of "True Religion" The Acceptance and Appropriation of the Benefits and Blessings of God‘s Grace The Full Commitment, in Spirit and Soul and Body, to the Mind and Will of Christ Being Faithful unto Death, if Necessary

Revelation 2:8-9, ESV "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: 'The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. " 'I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Revelation 2:10, ESV "'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.'"