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 the same steps of salvation for the alien sinner. This includes belief, repentance, confession of Jesus' deity, and baptism for forgiveness of sin (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 of themselves cannot save, but works ordained by God access the grace of God which saves (Eph. 2: 8-10). And the faith today would include teachings on sexual and moral purity (Rom. 1:18-32; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Gal 5:19-21).
Conclusion. Can you read of your "faith" in the scriptures? Note carefully the warnings of Matt. 7:21-23 and Matt. 15:8-9:
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 the same steps of salvation for the alien sinner. This includes belief, repentance, confession of Jesus' deity, and baptism for forgiveness of sin (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 of themselves cannot save, but works ordained by God access the grace of God which saves (Eph. 2: 8-10). And the faith today would include teachings on sexual and moral purity (Rom. 1:18-32; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Gal 5:19-21).
Conclusion. Can you read of your "faith" in the scriptures? Note carefully the warnings of Matt. 7:21-23 and Matt. 15:8-9:
- 8 ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”