The Faith OF Jesus -- the Beliefs of Jesus

The Faith OF Jesus

(The Beliefs OF Jesus)

I conclude that the "beliefs" OF Jesus, the "spiritual" truths that were revealed to Jesus by God, and "implanted" in Jesus; and taught and exemplified by Jesus -- comprise "The FAITH OF JESUS".... and I believe that this "FAITH" OF JESUS is encapsulated in what Jesus Himself often referred to as The Gospel of God (link). See Bible references, below.

A tablet from the on-going INTERNET BOOK, "The Doctor's Terrific Tablets"
( http://www.terrific-tabs.com )
by John N. Todd III, M. D. (link)

The web-link to this "tablet" is: http://www.terrific-tabs.com/print_faithjesus.htm
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9/00; 6/01; 8/01; 9/01;11/01; 2/02; 3/02; 4/02; 7/02; 9/02; 10/02; 3/03; 4/03; 5/03; 10/03; 11/03; 3/04; 5/04; 6/04; 7/04; 11/04; 2/05; 10/05; 12/8/06

This "tablet" interrelates closely with: The Gospel of God (link)
AND: Jesus is God; God is Jesus (link)

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In this "tablet", I want to discuss several scriptures -- especially from the King James translation -- that refer to "the faith OF Jesus", rather than to "faith IN Jesus" (as translated in the NIV.... and in some other translations of the Bible). My reason for including this subject is to point-out that there is a vast, very important, and fascinating difference in meaning, and in "doctrinal implication" -- between these two seemingly-minor variations in translation. There are 10 examples, quoted just below, of the translation "faith OF Jesus" compared (side-by-side) with the translation "faith IN Jesus".

Another reason for my writing about this subject is to demonstrate how "minor variations" in the translation of any specific Biblical passage -- anywhere in the Bible -- can change the entire meaning of the scripture that is being quoted. Thus, in many cases, a deep "doctrinal variation" (a hostile argument) can readily be brought about by the planned altering of only a word or two, in translation. That is, by the simple manipulation of as little as one word..... by "translators" who hope to direct unwitting readers to the translators' own doctrinal "persuasion".... the implication or meaning of an entire "religious" thesis can be altered.

With this thought in mind, I will compare, in the several scriptures that are quoted below, the great difference in meaning between the translation of the phrase, "the faith OF Jesus Christ" (in the KJV, and others) -- as compared with the translation "faith IN Jesus Christ" (in the NIV, and others).

Read the following scriptures, from the KJV translation (plus two quotations from Rheims New Testament) -- all of which are quoted verbatim..... and then compare each with the side-by-side NIV translation. See what you think about the difference in "meaning", and spiritual implication -- in comparing these two different translations:

KJV
Galatians 2: 16 (KJV) Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the faith OF Jesus Christ -- even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith OF Christ, and not by the works of the Law -- for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified.

NIV Translation
Galatians 2: 16 We 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.....

KJV
Romans 3: 22 (KJV) Even the righteousness of God which is by faith OF Jesus Christ, unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference......

NIV Translation
Romans 3:22 This righteousness from God comes through faith IN Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference.....

KJV
Galatians 2: 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith OF the Son of God -- who loved me, and gave Himself for me.

NIV Translation
Galatians 2: 20 I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live; but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith IN the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. .

KJV
Philippians 3: 9 And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the Law -- but that which is through the faith OF Christ -- the righteousness which is of God -- by faith.

NIV Translation
Philippians 3:9 and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the Law, but that which is through faith IN Christ --the righteousness that comes from God, and is by faith.

KJV
Galatians 3: 22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by the faith OF Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

NIV Translation
Galatians 3: 22 But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith IN Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

KJV
Romans 3: 3 (KJV) For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith OF God without effect?

NIV Translation
Romans 3: 3 What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness?

KJV
Philippians 1: 27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith OF the gospel.

NIV Translation
Philippians 1: 27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you, or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel

KJV
Revelations 14: 12 Here is the patience of the saints. Here are they that keep the commandments of God -- and the faith OF Jesus.

NIV Translation
Revelations 14: 12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments, and remain faithful to Jesus.

Romans 3: 26 (Rheims New Testament) Through the forbearance of God, for the shewing of His justice in this time, that He Himself may be just; and the justifier of him who is of the faith OF Jesus Christ.

NIV Translation
Romans 3: 26 He did it to demonstrate His justice at the present time; so as to be just, and to be the One who justifies those who have faith IN Jesus.

Romans 3: 22 (Rheims New Testament) Even the justice of God, by the faith OF Jesus Christ, unto all and upon all them that believe IN Him -- for there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned, and do need the glory of God.

NIV Translation
Romans 3: 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith IN Jesus Christ, to all who believe. There is no difference.....

The "New Revised Standard Version" uses the translation "the faith OF Jesus" as an alternative translation to "faith IN Jesus" in all of the above quotations.

All of us "church-goers" are already very familiar with the traditional postulations of most Christian churches, concerning "faith in Jesus" -- or "putting your faith in Jesus". Therefore, the "faith-IN-Jesus" translation (and concept) need not be extrapolated in this "tablet".

But...... what about "the faith OF Jesus", that is referred to repeatedly in the scriptures shown above? What are the "beliefs" of Jesus -- the beliefs that Jesus (God-Incarnate) "received" by revelation from God-the-Father -- Jesus's beliefs that He spoke about, and taught, and showed by example -- Jesus's "faith" (beliefs) that alienated the Jews, and others -- the "faith" that led to the crucifixion of The Christ? (See link Why did they KILL JESUS?)

I conclude that the "beliefs" OF Jesus, the "spiritual" truths that were revealed to Jesus, by God -- and "implanted" in Jesus; and taught and exemplified by Jesus -- comprise "The FAITH OF JESUS"........ and that this "faith" OF Jesus is encapsulated in what Jesus Himself often referred to as "The Gospel of God".

I believe that the Gospel of God (link) -- the "Gospel of the Kingdom of God" that Jesus mentioned so frequently -- IS the message (the "good news") that God intended to portray and exhibit and explain -- when GOD ALLOWED HIMSELF to be revealed, "incarnate" -- in Jesus.

Jesus said, repeatedly, that He was sent to "preach" and to "proclaim" the "Gospel of God". Study the following references to the "Gospel of God". Read these out loud:

Mark 1: 14 (KJV) Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the GOSPEL of the Kingdom of God, 15 And saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."

Same (NEB) After John had been arrested, Jesus came into Galilee proclaiming the GOSPEL OF GOD: "The time has come; the Kingdom of God (link) is upon you. Repent, and believe the Gospel" (the Gospel of God).

Same (RSV) .... Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the GOSPEL of GOD, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel."

Luke 4: 43 (KJV and NASV) Jesus speaking: "I must preach the Kingdom of God -- for I was SENT for this purpose."

Same (Amplified) 43 Jesus speaking: I must preach the good news (the Gospel) of the Kingdom of God ...... for I was sent for this purpose.

Matthew 4: 23 (KJV) And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the GOSPEL of the Kingdom (same RSV and NEB), and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

Matthew 9: 35 (KJV) And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the GOSPEL of the Kingdom (same in RSV).

Matthew 24: 14 (NRSV) Jesus speaking: "And this GOSPEL of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world, as a testimony to all nations....."

Luke 16: 16 (NASV) Jesus speaking: "The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John (the Baptist). Since then, the gospel of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. (Amplified Bible says: "Everyone strives to go into the Kingdom in his own way, rather than by God's way.")

Romans 1: 1 (KJV) Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the GOSPEL of God.

Romans 15: 16 (KJV) That I (Paul) should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the GOSPEL of God....

2 Corinthians 11: 7 (KJV) (Paul quotation) Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the Gospel of God freely?

Acts 20: 24 (KJV) But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

And so, to reiterate.... I conclude that the "faith OF Jesus" IS the aggregation of Jesus's beliefs -- encompassed in Jesus's frequently-used term, the "Gospel of God", and the "Gospel of the Kingdom of God". (Jesus is clearly NOT speaking of His future crucifixion and resurrection.... when He speaks of "the Gospel of God".)

(It would please me for the reader to go to the link: The Gospel of God -- and note specifically the quotations from God's Bible, on this fascinating subject.)

Also, it is critically significant (to me) to remember, and to emphasize, and to state (the obvious) -- that we who claim to be Christian "Godspeople" do not serve and worship two God's -- two "deities". There is but one God.... not a "God-God", plus a separate "Jesus-God". Therefore, it becomes apparent that the "beliefs" of Jesus ARE the "beliefs" of God.... the "Gospel" of God.... the "good news" from God -- taught by, and manifested through The Christ.

(I hope the reader will go, also, to the link: Jesus is God; God is Jesus, and note the Biblical references on this fascinating subject.)

Remember, too -- there is only one "gospel" -- not a gospel of Jesus, and another man-made "gospel" about Jesus -- and then a separate "Gospel of God". As for me, since Jesus "preaches" and "proclaims" THE Gospel of God, I am satisfied that the "Gospel of God" is the one REAL GOSPEL.

Yes.... there is only the "Gospel of God" -- the "good news" that was revealed to Jesus, and through Jesus -- by God.... and explained and exemplified by Jesus.... and then extrapolated by Paul, and others.... and portrayed to us as the "Faith OF Jesus".

12/8/06