First Works
PART I: FAITH
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 KJV
1 John 5:4-8 KJV
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For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
Here we see the term “renewal unto repentance”, but what does that mean? What does that look like? Let’s establish a few facts out of this passage. Paul is referring to those who were full believers perfected in the things of God and established a relationship so great that they have tasted the good word and the powers beyond this world. They are them that know God beyond what the human mind can comprehend. This is why the verse says it is impossible for them to start their works over again laying again the foundation of repentance. Verse 6 makes this clear, for them to turn away after having the full knowledge of God beyond belief is the very act of denial, kills the very spirit of God within them and calls God a liar before the world.
So, what does that mean for us who “believe”? Does that mean we can’t be saved again if we mess up? Does that mean, after accepting God and walking after the righteousness of God we cannot again start over if we fall into worldly temptation? Absolutely not! This passage of the word is referring to the elect group who has “perfected”. We can use Paul for an example.
Acts 19:15 KJV
15. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
Looking at this passage in John we can observe a few things. First, I would like to point out verse 7 where it defines the three that bear witness in heaven, the Father, the “Word”, and the Holy Ghost. The Word is very significant in the first works of a believer. We will go into more details further on. Another point I would like to highlight is the importance of the Spirit. Verse 6 explains that the Spirit is “Truth”, it is also a witness on earth for the believer. Let’s break down verse 4-6. Whoever “Believes that Christ is the Son of God” can have assurance through the Spirit that they can overcome the world. Just like Christ has came by water and blood. So, should anyone who believes. Note: when you receive the Spirit you are receiving the water and blood of Christ, “this does not exclude the water baptism of the believer”. Verse 4 is referring to Word of God in the flesh visually taking on human form as the Son of God who can be seen by the world, because he is the only one directly sent by God. It concludes with “even our faith”. This is important in the explanation because it signifies the authority. We know that we are saved by faith in belief in the son of God. The son of God has knowledge beyond faith. His roll in redemption did not come by belief or faith but through power and authority having relationship with the Father. That’s why anyone who believes on Christ as the Son of God can overcome the world, just as the Son has done. Christ had to come through water and blood in order to justify the believer through that same process in the Spirit. The Spirit is our key to overcoming, when we except Christ we accept the Spirit. The Spirit, the water, and the Blood all agree in one.