Rm3:28For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. ..... 4:1What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? 2If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about--but not before God. 3What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." 4Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. 5However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. 6David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

    7�Blessed are they
       whose transgressions are forgiven,
       whose sins are covered.
    8Blessed is the man
       whose sin the Lord will never count against him." (Psa32:1-2) - NIV


Rm15:8For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised [Jews] to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

   "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,
       and sing to your name." (2Sam22:50; Psa18:49)
10And again it is said,
   "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people." (Deu32:43)
11And again,
   "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
       and let all the peoples extol him." (Psa117:1)
12And again Isaiah says,
   "The root of Jesse will come,
       even he who arises to rule the Gentiles [nations];
   in him will the Gentiles hope." (Isa11:10)

13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [as you trust in him], so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. - ESV


Rm9:30What shall we say, then? That [the] Gentiles[,] who did not pursue righteousness[,] have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; 31but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law [it]. 32Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33as it is written,

   "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling [that causes men to stumble],
       and a rock of offense [that makes them fall];
    and whoever believes [trusts] in him will not be put to shame." (Isa8:14,28:16) - ESV


Rm10:5For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 6But the righteousness based on faith says, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down) 7or "'Who will descend into the abyss?'" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11For the Scripture says, "Everyone [anyone] who believes [trusts] in him will not [will never] be put to shame." 12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches [blessings richly] on all who call on him. 13For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." - ESV


1Pet2:18Servants, be subject [submit] to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19For this is a gracious [commendable] thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious [commendable] thing in the sight of God. 21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.

    
22"He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth." (Isa53:9)

 
23When he was reviled [insulted], he did not revile in return [retaliate]; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. - ESV


1Pet4:12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery [painful] trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice insofar as [that] you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that [he bears that] name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And

    "If the righteous is scarcely saved,
        what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" (Pro11:31)

19
Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a [their] faithful Creator while doing [continuing to do] good. - ESV


Faith   and   Love

Challenge:  True Life

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