Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. (Romans 3:27)

There are several essential principles in Christianity, but the paramount one is 'faith.' Christianity is not a religion, nor is it a legalistic system, i.e., a structure of rules and regulations to be stringently followed. Christianity is a union or relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Its existence and dynamics are vastly superior, above and beyond religion, legalism and every other order or system established or promulgated by man for the purpose of achieving the approbation of God. Christianity is derived from the grace of God; therefore, it is a grace system, which places it in antithesis to all legalistic systems and 'religion.' Grace is diametrically opposed to the Law.

Law was given through Moses. Grace came through Jesus Christ.

Law says, 'This do and you will live.' Grace says, 'Live and then you will do.'

Law says, 'Pay me what you owe.' Grace says, 'I forgive you what you owe.'

Law says, 'The wages of sin is death.' Grace says, 'The gift of God is eternal life.'

Law says, 'The soul that sins will die.' Grace says, 'Whosoever believes in Jesus, even though he was dead, yet he will live; and whosoever lives and believes in Him will never die.

Law pronounces condemnation and death. Grace proclaims justification and life.

Law says, 'Make you a new heart and a new spirit.' Grace says, 'A new heart will I give you, and a new Spirit will I put within you.'

Law says, 'Cursed is every one that continues not in all things that are written in the book of the law to do them.' Grace says, 'Blessed is the man whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sin is covered; blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute iniquity.'

Law says, 'You shall love the Lord thy God will all your heart, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' Grace says, 'Herein is love: not that we love God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.'

Law speaks of what we must do for God. Grace tells of what Christ has done for us.

Law addresses a person as part of the old creation. Grace makes a person a member of the new creation.

Law bears on a nature prone to disobedience. Grace creates a nature inclined to obedience.

Law demands holiness. Grace gives holiness.

But there is only one key that unlocks God's treasure cache of grace for all mankind. That key is 'faith.' Faith not only permits one to enter God's life of grace, but faith also unlocks the power of God, which is the only enabling means whereby a person can live the Christian (spiritual) life. It is unfortunate that many who start out by faith on the road of grace so quickly stumble back into legalism, only to miss out on the joyful, triumphant and grace-filled life of living by faith

There are four Hebrew words used for the word 'faith' and its derivatives in the Old Testament, and there are three Greek words used for the same in the New Testament. This topical Bible study will consider only those words that are translated 'faith' that convey a 'firm persuasion, conviction and unshakable trust.' It will also consider verses of Scripture that use the companion (equivalent) words of 'trust' and 'believe.' To 'express or have faith' is the same as 'to trust' or 'believe' in someone or something. It is a mental and willful action born of conviction, i.e., the firm acceptance of something as fact.

Only by faith alone can a person receive eternal life. Only by faith alone can a person be united with Jesus Christ. Only by faith alone can one be saved from the terrible fate of the lake of fire. Only by faith alone can a person be redeemed and justified in the sight of God. A person is 'born again' only by faith and nothing, I repeat, nothing else. Without faith there can be no spiritual beginning, so faith is absolutely the most essential element in God's life of grace. This is confirmed over and over again throughout the Word of God.

Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God . . . (John 1:12, 13)

'Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.' (John 3:14-18)

But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. (John 20:31)

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him. (John 3:36)

' I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.' (John 5:24) BR>
Then they asked Him, 'What must we do to do the works God requires?' Jesus answered, 'The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.' (John 6:28, 29)

'I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.' (John 6:47)

On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice. 'If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.' (John 7:37, 38)

'I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins.' (John 8:24)

Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?' 'Yes, Lord,' she told Him. 'I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.' (John 11:25-27)

'I have come into the world as a Light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.' (John 12:46)

Then Jesus told him, 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.' Jesus did many other miraculous sings in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. (John 20:29-31)

The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked. 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' They replied. 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved-you and your household.' (Acts 16:29-31)

Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. (Acts 5:14)

All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name. (Acts 10:43)

'So if God gave them the same gift as He gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?' When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, 'So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.' (Acts 11:17, 18)

'Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses.' (Acts 13:38, 39)

On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. (Acts 14:27)

Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized. (Acts 18:7)

I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance [a change of mind or turning from believing in salvation by any other means] and have faith in our Lord Jesus. (Acts 20:21)

Acts 26:17,18

'I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.' (Acts 26:17, 18)

But now righteousness from God apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood. He did this to demonstrate His justice, because in His forbearance He had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished-He did it to demonstrate His justice at the present time, so as to be just and the One who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. (Romans 3:21-28)

. . . know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified. (Galatians 2:16)

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession-to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:13, 14)

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8, 9)

'Being saved' is not 'confessing your sins' to God. If that were so then which sins would you confess? Would you even know all your sins? How long would it take for you to name them? If anything, the acknowledgement that you are a sinner is all that must precede salvation. This comes by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, who then through 'Godly sorrow' brings you to Biblical repentance, i.e., the willingness to 'change your mind' from any other means of achieving eternal life and 'turning' only to Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 7:10)

Eternal life - the salvation of your soul - is achieved by faith alone in Christ alone. Eternal life is based solely on the atoning, redeeming and reconciling sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary, whereupon in your place He took your sins, became your sins, and died both physically and spiritually in order to pay the price required of a just God for your sins.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

He suffered the punishment for sin that was your due. Having done this, Jesus Christ conquered sin and the grave by rising from the dead on the third day and ascended to the right hand of God the Father where He now makes intercession for you, and not only for you but for all mankind (Romans 8:34)

If you will turn (Biblical 'repentance') from any attempt to work your way into heaven, i.e., any self-effort, or works, or church rituals, etc., and by faith alone accept Christ alone for your personal salvation, He will instantly save you and the following truths will immediately apply to you.

You are united with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
John 10:27-29; 14:20; 15:5; Romans 8:9; Colossians 1:27; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; Corinthians 12:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:21, 22; 4:6; 5:25-27; 1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 19:6-8, 21:9

You are a recipient of eternal life.
John 3:15; 10:28; 20:31; 1 John 5:11, 12

You are reconciled to God (the barrier between you and God is removed).
Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Ephesians 2:14-17; Colossians 1:20

You are redeemed (purchased from the slave market of sin).
Romans 3:24; Colossians 1:14; 1 Peter 1:18

You are no longer condemned (subject to eternal judgment).
John 3:18; 5:24; Romans 8:1

You have been freed from the Mosaic Law
Romans 6:14; 7:4, 6; 2 Corinthians 3:11; Galatians 3:25

You have been born again, i.e., regenerated - granted a second, spiritual birth.
John 1:12; 3:7; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 6:18; Galatians 3:26; 6:15; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 3:2

You are a 'new creation.'
2 Corinthians 5:16

You have been adopted by God.
Romans 8:15; 8:23; Ephesians 1:5

You are justified (declared righteous) before God.
Romans 3:24; 5:1,9; 8:30; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Titus 3:7

You are guaranteed heavenly citizenship.
Luke 10:20; Ephesians 2:13, 19; Philemon 3:20

You are appointed a priest unto God.
1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 1:6

You are a chosen person and part of a 'holy nation' that belongs to God.
1 Peter 2:9

You have eternal security.
John 11:25, 26; Romans 8:35-39; 2 Timothy 2:13

You have access to God.
Romans 5:2; Ephesians 2:18; Hebrews 4:14, 16; 10:19, 20

You are an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ, which means you'll share in His inheritance.
Romans 8:17; Ephesians 1:14, 18; Colossians 3:24; Hebrews 9:15; 1 Peter 1:4

You are the recipient of the ministries of the Holy Spirit.
John 3:36; 7:39; Acts 1:5; Acts 1:5; Romans 5:5; 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 12:11, 13, 27-31; 13:1, 2; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:30

You are glorified.
Romans 8:30

You are guaranteed a resurrection body forever.
1 Corinthians 15:35-54

This is only a partial list of the wondrous mysteries that apply to any person who by faith alone accepts Christ alone for his or her personal salvation. The primary point is that none of it is possible or available without the exercise of personal faith; therefore, from the standpoint of salvation alone, 'faith' is absolutely the key principle of Christianity. But this is only half of the equation.

Once you have by faith alone accepted Jesus Christ as personal Savior, and thereby have received eternal life, you should immediately understand two Biblical truths. The first is that God has a purpose for your life for as long as you live in your physical body and that purpose is to be an ambassador for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Your life can honor, count for and represent Him. This involves a close fellowship that you can have with Christ during your remaining earthly years. No matter the difficulties that you'll face - and there will be many - God has a reason for your earthly stay and a peace reserved for you no matter what conflicts you may face.

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose [salvation - see next 2 verses]. (Romans 8:28)

The second truth is that you are faced with living in a world controlled by Satan and his helpers, and he will do everything within his power to make you, as a newborn child of God, fail in your testimony for Jesus Christ. Assisting Satan at every turn is the product of Adam's initial sin in the Garden of Eden, which abides in the cell structure of every person born of man and woman. That product is the 'sin nature,' which has been passed down genetically to every human being since Adam, the one exception being Christ. Christ Jesus was never tainted with the sin nature, because He had no human father, and it is through the blood of the male that the sin nature is passed down to the child. The Holy Spirit in concert with a virgin conceived our Lord; therefore, He never received a sin nature and throughout His life upon the earth He was without sin. But the 'sin nature,' which resides in everyone else is what brings everyone to spiritual death and the need for the Savior. (Romans 7:8-25; 8:5-8; Ephesians 4:22)

During our Christian life upon earth we will always be plagued by the sin nature that we inherited from Adam. Within our genetic makeup, the sin nature continues to tempt us to sin. It cannot make us sin, but it can tempt us. When we volitionally choose to follow it's influence, we then sin and enter into a state of 'carnality.' Our choice makes us responsible for our sins. We sin in a number of different ways, e.g., mental attitudes, the spoken word and in overt acts (Proverbs 8:13; Mark 7:21-23; 1 John 2:11).

What is most unfortunate is that our sin nature is capable of producing 'human good,' i.e., what appears to all as 'good works;' but not to God. It is 'divine good' that alone is pleasing to God. Satan actively attempts to sidetrack Christians into 'religion' or some form of 'legalism;' thereby convincing them that they are good Christians because they are doing good deeds. Human good, which includes charity, altruism, philanthropy, is helpful to mankind, but has no value to God. Unless a Christian's deeds stem from the principle of faith and the resulting motivation of the Holy Spirit (which is what produces 'divine good'), he will gain no spiritual value before God.

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts [human good] are like filthy rags . . . (Isaiah 64:6)

If any man builds on this foundation [Jesus Christ] using gold, silver, costly stones [divine good], wood, hay or straw [human good], his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)

After we are saved, Satan will always lead us toward 'religion' and 'legalism.' Satan is eager to encourage us in this direction, because this direction takes us away from the principle faith, which is the basis for the control (fullness) of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the production of 'divine good.' He will surely move in and convince us that it is 'up to us' to keep the various laws outlined in God's Word, and some that are not. We are quick to adopt various and sundry 'convictions,' i.e., don't do this, don't wear that, don't go there, don't drink, don't smoke, don't, no, never, ad infinitum and ad nauseam. Then there are the ' must do' items, e.g., giving of money a certain way, attending every church service, praying in a certain manner, mimicking the antics of others we deem 'spiritual,' etc. And without realizing it, we soon find we become judgmental of all others who fail to do things as we either do or don't do them. We drift ever so deep into legalism, prioritizing minor issues and minimizing God's priority issues, e.g., love of God and fellow Christians and keeping focused on Christ and bringing others to Him. We give because we are 'expected' to do so. We attend church 'to be seen.' We dress a certain way because of the 'opinion of others.' We use phraseology such as 'Amen,' 'Praise the Lord,' 'God willing,' etc. because we believe this will convey to others our 'spirituality.' We substitute emotionalism (feeling good) for true spirituality, which is the acceptance and application to our lives of Biblical doctrine by faith alone.

The truth is that while residing in 'legalism,' our entire behavior is motivated by our sin nature. We are only doing 'human good,' and this gains us nothing spiritually. It's not that many of the actions mentioned in the previous paragraph are wrong in themselves, but God looks at the heart, i.e., your motivation. If your motivation is not derived from the Holy Spirit, which comes by way of the principle of faith, you cannot produce 'divine good.' And doing only 'human good' will eventually rob you of the joy of your salvation and lead you into despair and in some cases a temporary turning away from God. If this happens you won't lose your salvation, but you'll exist in a life of misery and under the disciplinary hand of God the Father until He either brings you back to Him or He takes you out of this world.

Why do we so easily drift toward legalism? In addition to not applying the principle of faith, it is because we are lazy in learning Bible doctrine. We spend very little time actually studying the Word of God. The principle of faith is the engine, but the Word of God is the fuel. By faith we apply what we know. Without knowing Bible doctrine, our faith has little to apply to our Christian way of life. As we confront various issues and difficulties in life, without the understanding and application of Bible doctrine (truth) we won't know which way to turn. The Word of God has countless promises and truths that God would have us know and believe. These we must take and make our own so that we will have something concrete in which to place our faith. Faith must be anchored in Biblical doctrine. God has given us the written Word, which is able to intimately acquaint us with the Living Word even beyond that which was available to the original disciples when they walked with Him. Yet, we don't take advantage of it.

Many churches place so little emphasis on learning Bible doctrine. Messages from the pulpits have the objective of creating emotionalism among the listeners, i.e., making the congregation 'feel good.' There is little depth or 'meat' being provided to Christians from Sunday school classes or the pulpits in this age. This must change. If we live properly by the principle of faith, we will hunger to study God's Word. If we truly study God's Word, we will learn doctrine that we will be able to claim by faith. It is God's purpose that He has given us His promises in writing - promises we can take by faith and use, which will stabilize us and insure success in our earthly Christian experience.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every [divine] good work. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17)

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth [Bible doctrine]. (2 Timothy 2:15)

So how can we combat Satan and his hordes? How can we be assured that we will fulfill our ambassadorship for Jesus Christ? How can we know spiritual success? The answer is in the principle of faith and the consumption of Bible doctrine.

With faith we start the Christian life, and it is by faith we must live the Christian life if we are to do any spiritual (divine) good, for which later we will be rewarded. This principle for living the Christian life, i.e., by faith and not by works, is seen in the following Scriptures.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:6, 7)

So how did you receive Christ Jesus as Lord?

Yet to all who received Him [Christ Jesus], to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God - children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. (John 1:12, 13)

Do you get it? Do you understand? Do you see the light? You didn't receive Christ through a system of works or some religious ritual. You didn't receive Him by attending church, being baptized or confessing to some minister or priest. No! The only way you could receive Christ Jesus was to turn (Biblical repentance) from all self-effort and systems of works and turn by exercising faith alone in Christ alone for your eternal salvation. It was by utilizing the 'principle of faith' and nothing more.

And in order for you to 'live in Him,' i.e., live the spiritual life, you need only exercise the same kind of faith that saved you. This is the only spiritual 'work' that God will recognize and honor. Just as you received by faith alone Jesus Christ alone for your personal salvation, you now need to claim by faith alone the truths and promises of God's Word for your personal spiritual life. Do you still think it is up to you to do the work of God, then here is the 'work of God.'

Then they asked Him, 'What must we do to do the works God requires?' Jesus answered, 'The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.' (John 6:28, 29)

It's not how much you give to the church. It's not how much you agonize in prayer. It's not how many times you visit the sick. It's not how often you enter the church's doors. It's not about giving up strong drink, tobacco, movies, TV or driving on Sunday. It's not how many times you can repeat 'amen' during the minister's sermon or raising you hands to God. NO! A spiritual life does not emanate from these things. These are only works. Yes, some of 'these things' may be your lot once you are living properly by faith in Christ, and maybe they won't. The point is that simply doing 'works' to please God will not get the job done. He only recognizes the principle of faith. Once you start living by faith, and provided there is no 'known sins' in your life (more on this later), the Holy Spirit is then free to fill (control) you and 'divine good' will be the result. Only then will you have the kind of works the Apostle James speaks of when he said, I will show you my faith by my works. (James 2:18) Those who rush to this verse to validate their legalism never seem to understand the opening verses of this epistle, which say, If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. (James 1:5-8) Only the works that emanate from doing the 'work of God' (exercising faith in God's promises and truths) are the type of works (divine good) that will count with God.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5, 6)

Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. (Psalms 37:4-6)

Yet he [Abraham] did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. (Romans 4:20, 21)

Over and over again throughout the Word of God the principle of faith is presented to us as the only means whereby we can please God. Faith alone can bring us to Christ, and faith alone will permit us to live properly in Him. To understand how God can work through us by faith alone, we need stop 'our works' and 'wait' (another term of faith in the Old Testament) upon the Lord.

They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

In the NIV version of the Bible it is expressed as 'they that hope in the Lord,' but it means the same, i.e., to trust in the Lord for the work at hand, for only He is capable of doing what is right and (divinely) good.

Space does not permit but should you have any doubts that faith is the key, go to the book of Hebrews and read through the eleventh chapter. Note that this entire chapter strongly emphasizes the principle of faith, over some odd 20 times. It establishes that the mighty men and women of God that we have read about in the Bible could only do acts that were pleasing to God by utilizing one principle - the principle of faith. The key verse to this chapter and probably to the entire book of Hebrews follows.

And without faith it is impossible to please God . . . (Hebrews 11:6)

Robert B. Thieme, Jr., Pastor of the Berachah Church in Houston, Texas, who is one of the most distinguished and insightful theologians of today expresses much of what I've attempted to state in this article in his booklet entitled The Faith-Rest Life. The R.B. Thieme, Jr., Bible Ministries may be viewed on the Internet at www.rbthieme.org or by writing to his organization at P.O. Box 460829, Houston, TX 77056-8829. His organization provides free of charge a wealth of material, booklets and tapes covering the entire Bible. I strongly recommend his ministries.

His treatment of the fourth chapter of Hebrews richly illustrates how the children of Israel, after being delivered from Egypt across the Red Sea (salvation) failed to enter the Promised Land (the 'faith-rest' life).

Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. (Hebrews 4:1, 2)

For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. (Hebrews 4:8-10)

R.B. Thieme's treatment of this chapter clearly shows that the context is not about 'salvation,' but about the principle of faith in the Christian's life. He teaches that an understanding of Bible doctrine as expressed in this chapter will provide the mechanics of how to be happy even though you are a Christian and will undergo various persecutions from Satan. I agree, and I recommend his booklet, The Faith-Rest Life, to every student of the Word of God.

The Bible teaches that there is only one way whereby we may be saved - by faith. It further teaches that there is only one way we may live the spiritual life - by faith. You say that the Bible teaches that we are to be 'filled' with the Holy Spirit in order to live the spiritual life. You are correct; for it is 'Christ living through us' by means of the Holy Spirit that divine good is accomplished. The word 'fill' or 'full' as used in regards to the Holy Spirit within us only means 'control.' It's not like we have part of the Holy Spirit sometimes, and more of Him at other times. At our salvation experience the Holy Spirit indwelt and sealed us. At that moment we were 'full' of (controlled by) Him. But in time and because we fail to exercise faith in the application of Bible doctrine we choose to sin and thereby 'quench' (limit the control of) the Holy Spirit.

So how do we turn it around and maintain the fullness of the Holy Spirit in our lives? The steps are simple, yet quite profound.

First, you must confess (acknowledge) any 'known sins' in your life, i.e., admit to God and take responsibility for the sins you know you've committed. By doing so, God will automatically forgive you of your known sins and the sins of which you're unaware or have forgotten within your life. He then will restore in you the 'fullness' (control) of the Spirit of God.

If we confess our [known] sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our [known] sins and purify us from all unrighteousness [unknown and forgotten sins]. (1 John 1:9)

Second, you must accept by faith alone God's promise that you are filled with (controlled by) the Holy Spirit and that Christ is not only able but will live through you by means of the Holy Spirit. Accept this as matter of fact. Don't trust your feelings for you may or may not have feelings in the matter. Simply trust God's promise - His Word. Then continue to study God's Word, so that you will have no end of truth (Bible doctrine) in which to place your faith. Make this a daily event. Then watch as God directs your life. Don't get ahead of Him. Don't attempt to lead or direct Him. By faith alone allow God to do the work.

. . . for the battle is the LORD's . . . (1 Samuel 17:47)

Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. (Psalms 37:4-6)

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

Though he slay me, yet will I trust him . . .(Job 13:15)

For nothing is impossible with God. (Luke 1:37)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5, 6)

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. (Matthew 21:22)

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:6, 7)

If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

For we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)