What does continuity of the faith mean?
Introduction. The expression "continuity of the faith" is not found verbatim in the scriptures. However, it is a biblical concept.
Definition of the terms. By, "continuity" we mean that which continues. "Faith" is basically used in two ways in the scriptures (in our application). There is faith which individuals possess (subjective faith, Heb. 11: 6), and there is the gospel system which is called faith or the faith (objectively used, Jude 3). When we speak of the continuity of the faith, we mean the gospel system and how it continues today. Change regarding the scriptures is forbidden (Gal. 1: 6-9). Hence, the pure Christianity of the First Century should be the same today or, put another way, should continue today.
Application of the concept. To have the continuity of the faith today we will have belief, repentance, confession of Jesus' deity, and baptism for forgiveness taught and practiced because this was the original teaching relative to the salvation of the alien sinner (John 8: 24, Acts 17: 31, Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 2: 38). A continuance of the faith regarding the Lord's church would be a recognition of the fact Jesus built his church (Matt. 16: 18, 18: 17), the saved are in it (2 Tim. 2: 10, Eph. 5: 23, 27), the Lord's church is not a denomination (cf. 1 Cor. 1: 11- 16), and each local church is autonomous (Acts 14: 23, I Pet. 5: 2). The presence of the faith today involving works of human performance would be works within themselves cannot save, but works ordained by God access the grace of God which saves (Eph. 2: 8-10).
Conclusion. Can you read of "your religion" in the scriptures? If not, I say kindly but candidly, you are not practicing the continuity of the faith. In reality, the practiced faith is unauthorized (cf. Matt. 7: 21- 23).
Definition of the terms. By, "continuity" we mean that which continues. "Faith" is basically used in two ways in the scriptures (in our application). There is faith which individuals possess (subjective faith, Heb. 11: 6), and there is the gospel system which is called faith or the faith (objectively used, Jude 3). When we speak of the continuity of the faith, we mean the gospel system and how it continues today. Change regarding the scriptures is forbidden (Gal. 1: 6-9). Hence, the pure Christianity of the First Century should be the same today or, put another way, should continue today.
Application of the concept. To have the continuity of the faith today we will have belief, repentance, confession of Jesus' deity, and baptism for forgiveness taught and practiced because this was the original teaching relative to the salvation of the alien sinner (John 8: 24, Acts 17: 31, Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 2: 38). A continuance of the faith regarding the Lord's church would be a recognition of the fact Jesus built his church (Matt. 16: 18, 18: 17), the saved are in it (2 Tim. 2: 10, Eph. 5: 23, 27), the Lord's church is not a denomination (cf. 1 Cor. 1: 11- 16), and each local church is autonomous (Acts 14: 23, I Pet. 5: 2). The presence of the faith today involving works of human performance would be works within themselves cannot save, but works ordained by God access the grace of God which saves (Eph. 2: 8-10).
Conclusion. Can you read of "your religion" in the scriptures? If not, I say kindly but candidly, you are not practicing the continuity of the faith. In reality, the practiced faith is unauthorized (cf. Matt. 7: 21- 23).