What Is God Judging? Faith Or Works By Faith

We are the righteousness of God by faith, but NOW faith is the substance. We have overcome by our faith (past tense). So is God looking for hope and faith, or what hope and faith is supposed to accomplish in our lives, even instantly. When Jesus speaks to His Church in Revelations, through letters written by John, before His return, He judges the works that were done or should have been done because they were changed, and did not just judge beliefs or faith. Faith without work equals no faith at all to God. And without faith it is impossible to please God. It all comes full circle, but thank God for mercy that is a cushion or safety net when we don't get it right away. But know it's not God, nor by His design that you aren't getting it. And this is most important. If you are not receiving something God wants you too, or have a flaw, there's this temptation to believe its part of a divine plan or process. And if you think that, why fight God? But what does the Bible say. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away and behold all things are new. You may have to learn what is new and how to work what's new (and I have much to say of that too. All was made new but the mind?), but surely you are new. We know Satan will tempt and give opportunity to prove your new character, but there is no test. Again. Faith without works is dead, but faith with corresponding works that shew who you've become, is life, and then it must be the right work as per the perfect will of God. If you miss it, repent. This is exactly what Jesus calls for in five and 1/2 of the seven Churches. His mercy surely endures forever. But He is as clear that if there is no repentance, that the unrepented Churches candlestick will be put out and removed. How great is the God of chance after chance, but there is a last time. God is so awesome. He not only tells them exactly what they are doing wrong, and what will happen if they don't change, but He also tells them of the awesome things they can expect if they do turn it around. Again. How great! In the cases of the one Church and part of another that were found perfect in their work, Jesus tells them they are perfect, encourages them and tells them of their reward. So in these passages, we see truth; not just calling things that be not. We also see mercy; giving them a chance to get their act together. We see discouragement and punitive action when on the wrong track, and encouragement when one's right and much, much rewards. This is the full gospel. Notice it was Jesus, but through the Apostle John. I always find it fascinating that the "Love" Apostle is the one used to rebuke and call for repentance of most of the Church one last time. So, here is yet another clear picture of it's not about just encouraging and speaking positive, it's definately not about constant discouragement and only preaching hell and brimstone. But it is by the Holy Spirit of Christ, led by Him as to what to say and what not to, almost like a letter being dictated to you by God Himself. And it is also because of love and love being the only motive, we speak truth, expect change, root for the righteous to stay that way, and forever decree and declare and hold and manifest the rewards and promises that are ours through Christ Jesus. His character being first. Let His death be not in vain in any part of your life. Grace and peace, -Yulanda K.