Pisteuo, and John 3:16

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The paradox of obedience, indeed, of our very existence, is perplexing. I.e., we live by dying, we are filled by hungering, we work by resting...we 'fight' the good fight of faith by keeping our peace.
 
The paradox of obedience, indeed, of our very existence, is perplexing. I.e., we live by dying, we are filled by hungering, we work by resting...we 'fight' the good fight of faith by keeping our peace.

Hi Mem,
Have you been exposed to the teaching, that all of Gods deeper truths are paradoxical?
 
Indirectly, perhaps. I attend to variety of interesting philosophical ideas.

Well, i was taught that particular truth is one of the pillars that a true understanding of Gods word is built on. Without that knowledge, it's impossible to have a right understanding. That and a true understanding of pisteuo.
 
Well, i was taught that particular truth is one of the pillars that a true understanding of Gods word is built on. Without that knowledge, it's impossible to have a right understanding. That and a true understanding of pisteuo.
So then, might you accept the definition to the paraphrased interpretation of faith as, at its essence, similarly as peace is a surrendering of one's will to fight, that also faith is a surrendering of one's inclination to doubt?
 
That's another topic for another thread.

Please respect this one.
i was sort of being a little facetious about that there are records of the death and burial of Jesus at the time, but not of the resurrection. But everything else about the story matches up with these records like why there were centurions on post at the gravesite that fled. And they were told not to mentioned to anyone what they saw.

And all through the Bible that it talks about what kind of belief they are talking about. it's the kind that we are supposed to put our trust into.
But in order for us to that that, we must acknowledge who God is which Eve believe the serpent over Him.

Matthew 28:4
The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

Isaiah 45:5

I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me,

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
 
So then, might you accept the definition to the paraphrased interpretation of faith as, at its essence, similarly as peace is a surrendering of one's will to fight, that also faith is a surrendering of one's inclination to doubt?

Peace, the potential product of fulfilling pisteuo, aka cessation of againstness with God.

Doubt is just part of the trip sometimes. Just as Jesus doubted on the cross.
 
Peace, the potential product of fulfilling pisteuo, aka cessation of againstness with God.

Doubt is just part of the trip sometimes. Just as Jesus doubted on the cross.
Interestingly, although it is translated in the form of an inquiry, the Strong's Greek 2443 show 'hina' to be indicative of a statement: that.
 
Interestingly, although it is translated in the form of an inquiry, the Strong's Greek 2443 show 'hina' to be indicative of a statement: that.
Interestingly, although it is translated in the form of an inquiry, the Strong's Greek 2443 show 'hina' to be indicative of a statement: that.
Jesus doubted because like He had said that no one knows what God will do. Just like Herod didn't know when or where Jesus will be born.
While Jesus was on the cross, He didn't know that God will accept His offering. He thought God had abandoned Him like God abandoned Cain offering for the forgiveness of their parent's disobedience.
once Jesus was handed over, He became disconnected from God because all of the people sin was laid upon Jesus on the Passover, that He became full of sin that He was possessed with demons that they had taken over most of His thoughts. That's why in the garden he became so afraid just like David after having Uriah killed that He wanted the cup to be removed. But He knew that it wasn't what He desired the outcome to be.

Matthew 24:36
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

2 Samuel 12:22-23 He answered, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, ‘Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.’ 23 But now that he is dead, why should I go on fasting? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”

Job 2:
4 “Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life. 5 But now stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.”

6 The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.”


This video is graphic, but it shows what happens when sin enters into us, That the devils will have their way with us.


This video has profanity but in a humorous way. That it shows how Jesus had taken on all of our burdens by the transferring of all of our sin onto Him.
This is an old ancient ritual that goes way back to Abraham

 
I just think we have a fundamental difference in our perspective of the Word of God.

There is only one perspective and one truth -- of God's word ----all else is a lie ----and the one perspective and one truth to do with all spiritual Perspectives and Truth comes through God Himself via the 3 person of the trinity ----who is the Holy Spirit ----
 
Interestingly, although it is translated in the form of an inquiry, the Strong's Greek 2443 show 'hina' to be indicative of a statement: that.

Doubt, another casualty in the scriptures tied to the mistranslated words believe.

They say: "If we can truly believe, we would have the absence of Doubt."

Having Doubt does not take anything away from a correct fulfillment of pisteuo. Jesus fulfilled a life of pisteuo perfectly and had doubt.
 
In regard to James 2:26, the comparison of the human spirit and faith converge around their modes of operation. The spirit (Greek pneuma) may also be translated "breath." As a breathless body exhibits no indication of life, so fruitless faith exhibits no indication of life. The source of the life in faith is not works; rather, life in faith is the source of works. (Ephesians 2:5-10)

Man is saved through faith and not by works (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9); yet genuine faith is (evidenced) by works. (James 2:14-24)

*Christ saves us through faith based on the merits of His finished work of redemption "alone" and not based on the merits of our works. (Romans 3:24-28; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9) ✝️

It is through faith "in Jesus Christ alone" (and not based on the merits of our works) that we are justified on account of Christ (Romans 4:5-6; 5:1; 5:9); yet the faith that justifies does not remain alone (unfruitful, barren) if it is genuine. (James 2:14-24) *Perfect Harmony*

Repentance is a change of mind and the new direction of this change of mind in receiving salvation is faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Two sides to the same coin. (Acts 20:21)

Now if one reads Romans 2:5-11 in isolation from the rest of the book of Romans, one might conclude that Paul was teaching salvation by works. However, as you read and study these passages, it’s imperative to keep in mind that these verses do not describe how one becomes saved, but the way the saved conduct their lives. These good works done are the result of and not the basis or means of by which we receive eternal life.

So patient continuance in well doing, seeking for glory, honor, and immortality; (vs. 7) is not at all set forth as the means of their procuring eternal life, but as a description of those to whom God does render life eternal.

*Notice that ALL who receive eternal life are described as such, everyone who does good (vs. 10). Good deeds flow from a heart that is saved and evil deeds flow from a heart that is unsaved. Verse 8 - but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth but obey unrighteousness--indignation and wrath.

*Notice that ALL who do not receive eternal life are described as such, everyone who does evil (vs. 9). What those passages convey is that though our deeds are judged by God, it's not the good deeds themselves which are the basis or means by which we receive eternal life, but the type of deeds expose our hearts.

These good deeds done out of faith are the fruit of salvation, but not the root of it. If Paul wanted to teach that we are saved by works, then he would have clearly stated that we are saved through faith and works in Ephesians 2:8 and that we are justified by faith and works in Romans 5:1 but that is clearly NOT what Paul said. *Also see (Romans 3:24-28; 4:4-6; 11:6; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9 etc..).

“The source of the life in faith is not works; rather, life in faith is the source of works. “

im really not sure the purpose of the word circles what james wrote is an explanation not a mystery or riddle

“ It is through faith "in Jesus Christ alone"

Right . so what equates to faith in Jesus ?

Believing what he said would save us and what would condemn us ?

Or reject it ? And say we believe in him ?

If we believe in Jesus we should probably believe what he said about things . So then you come to actually doing what he said to do
 
Pisteuo is used 248 times in the NT.

Strongs: 4100 = "Pisteuo means not just to BELIEVE, but also to be persuaded of; and hence, to place confidence in, to trust, and signifies in this sense of the word, reliance upon, not mere credence, hence it is translated " commit unto", "commit to ones trust ", "be committed unto ".

Vines: pisteuo is "A personal surrender to Him and a life inspired by such surrender. "

Now I will simply replace the mistranslated word "believe" with the Vines definition of the Greek word pisteuo.

The mistranslation, John 3:16.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever "believes" in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. "

The correct translation, John 3:16.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever "personally surrenders their life to Him and lives a life inspired by such surrender", should not perish, but have everlasting life."

I'd like to hear serious comments from those who are really seeking to know scripture and the way to follow Christ.

My question is, do you see a difference in these two translations?

The context clearly connects our belief in God with our obedience to Him:

John 3:16-21 “For God so loved the world,[i] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
 
I felt your heart pilgrimshope. I just think we have a fundamental difference in our perspective of the Word of God.

You look at Gods word as your object of faith, and there's a right time and place where that would be correct. But because your seeing Gods word as your object of faith from the beginning, that only needs to be "believed", no toil or effort is required, it reduces it to alot of mandates of what to believe.

I see Gods word as a tool that God uses to make Himself known "in us". When we are continually surrendering ourselves to Him, and He responds by indwelling us, Gods word becomes like a mirror to see His work in us. The only requirement is to keep doing what started the relationship in the first place. When we are given "His mind" as a result of a correct faith response, we aren't just given Him, it's also a download of Gods word. It becomes part of you. There is no Truly believing, it's a part of you.

I can tell you put your heart in that post. And I'm happy for whatever reason I had you on ignore is gone. So I hope to share our understandings in more depth in the future.

I only hope you'll consider the things I'm sharing with you. That's all I can ask.

Yeah I mean in the Bible when people reject his word they die and are cursed and perish

and when they accept and follow his word they live and are blessed and this is what he’s repeated through the generations

Bit naw the only object of my faith is Jesus he’s the one who makes a big deal about his word

Here’s a few examples that came from his heart

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

….Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

….Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8:12, 31-32,

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:63‬ ‭KJV‬‬

i wont bore you with the several others maybe just this one because it’s pretty powerful

“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.”
‭‭John‬ ‭12:48-50‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And maybe even more powerful is this contrast

“Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:23-24‬ ‭KJV‬‬


to be honest I do t think anyone could ever get to know Jesus in the gospel without coming to the realization that his word is life everlasting and rejecting it or taking it lightly is a terrible mistake

aid ne comes to know God they’ll come to know the power and value of what he actually says . Not what some explain he says but what he actually said always is upheld
 
“The source of the life in faith is not works; rather, life in faith is the source of works. “

im really not sure the purpose of the word circles what james wrote is an explanation not a mystery or riddle

“ It is through faith "in Jesus Christ alone"

Right . so what equates to faith in Jesus ?

Believing what he said would save us and what would condemn us ?

Or reject it ? And say we believe in him ?

If we believe in Jesus we should probably believe what he said about things . So then you come to actually doing what he said to do
Saving belief in Jesus goes beyond simply believing what Jesus said about things. We are to believe in Him/trust in Him for salvation by trusting in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the ALL-sufficient means of our salvation. (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4) Doing what Jesus said "after" we have been saved through faith is works. (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9)
 
I see Gods word as a tool that God uses to make Himself known "in us". When we are continually surrendering ourselves to Him, and He responds by indwelling us, Gods word becomes like a mirror to see His work in us. The only requirement is to keep doing what started the relationship in the first place. When we are given "His mind" as a result of a correct faith response, we aren't just given Him, it's also a download of Gods word. It becomes part of you. There is no Truly believing, it's a part of you.

The more you reveal yourself, the more I'm becoming convinced that your bizarre beliefs are some highly individualistic and peculiar form of gnostism.

Like the gnostics, you exude superiority over ignorant Christians having mere faith who don't have the gnosis (knowing) you have, and you say only negative things about them.

"[The Valentinian gnostics] run us down (who from the fear of God guard against sinning even in thought or word) as utterly contemptible and ignorant persons, while they highly exalt themselves, and claim to be perfect, and the elect seed."​

And your continual surrendering in order to maintain God's presence "in us" is IMO like the gnostics practicing the mystery of conjunction in order to preserve the seed of grace dwelling "within them". No faith or believing was required to preserve the grace given to them because they had received it as their own personal possession by taking the right steps into gnosis. Your tedious teachings trying to step ignorant Christians through this mysterious process into gnosis is very evident.The mystery of conjunction in your terminology becomes "his mind" and a "download of God's word" that "becomes part of you", and "There is no Truly believing, it's a part of you."

What the Valentinian gnostics believed:

"For they declare that we simply receive grace for use, wherefore also it will again be taken away from us; but that they themselves have grace as their own special possession, which has descended from above by means of an unspeakable and indescribable conjunction; and on this account more will be given them. They maintain, therefore, that in every way it is always necessary for them to practise the mystery of conjunction."

With what you believe:

"The only requirement is to keep doing what started the relationship in the first place [practising gnosis]. When we are given "His mind" [mystery of conjunction] as a result of a correct faith response [gnosis], we aren't just given Him, it's also a download of Gods word [grace as your personal possession]. It becomes part of you. There is no Truly believing, it's a part of you."
So in summary, gnostics believed they were saved, not by a mere faith, but by the spiritual nature they had received as their own personal possession. And like them you believe that "There is no Truly believing, it's a part of you."

All quotes not yours are from Against Heresies, book 1, chapter 6, paragraph 4
 
Yeah I mean in the Bible when people reject his word they die and are cursed and perish

and when they accept and follow his word they live and are blessed and this is what he’s repeated through the generations

Bit naw the only object of my faith is Jesus he’s the one who makes a big deal about his word

Here’s a few examples that came from his heart

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

….Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

….Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8:12, 31-32,

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:63‬ ‭KJV‬‬

i wont bore you with the several others maybe just this one because it’s pretty powerful

“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.”
‭‭John‬ ‭12:48-50‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And maybe even more powerful is this contrast

“Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:23-24‬ ‭KJV‬‬


to be honest I do t think anyone could ever get to know Jesus in the gospel without coming to the realization that his word is life everlasting and rejecting it or taking it lightly is a terrible mistake

aid ne comes to know God they’ll come to know the power and value of what he actually says . Not what some explain he says but what he actually said always is upheld

Lets do a little background on the scriptures you shared that are suggesting "obedience" to Gods word is a viable path.

Jn. 8:12, the word "spoke" is laleo in the Greek, and means distinctly spoken words" the word "saying" in this verse is "lego" in the Greek. It simply means "uttered thoughts." The word "follows" akoloutheo in the Greek means to be in the same way with.

So let's look at Jn.8:12 with those definitions in mind.
Jn. 8:12, "Then Jesus "spoke"(spoke distinct words) to them again "saying" (uttered thoughts) I am the light of the world. He who "follows" (to be in the same way with) me will not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. "

The part of this verse that can be interpreted as a command to follow or being the same way with Him, can only be done one way. And that way is by faith and faithing, a continually surrendered life. Not by responding with an obedience to what is being said. The only obedience that is worth anything is His obedience that flows through us. If we were capable of the kind of obedience that saves, we would never have needed Jesus.

If our surrendered life is accepted and sealed with His spirit, then, Jn.8:12 can be fulfilled, by faith, by a personal surrender to Him and a life inspired by such surrender.

Lets look at Jn. 12: 48-50,

The key words here are: "words" Rhema in the Greek, meaning a divine message.
"Word" logos in the Greek, means divine expression.
"Commandment" used twice, entole in the Greek, meaning an authoritative prescription. THIS WORD ENTOLE IS USED, NOT THE WORDS, ENTELLOMAI, KELEUO, OR PARAGGELIN, which would communicate an order given, or a mandate given. Instead, an authoritative prescription is what's communicated.

So how can Jn.12: 48-50 be fulfilled? Not by anything other than "Faith and faithing". A personal surrender to Him and a life inspired by such surrender. When our surrendered life is accepted and sealed with His spirit, He fulfills Jn. 12:48-50 through us. Not by trying through obedience or adherence to His word.

Of course we are not very bright as humans, we will always try by our own will to adhere to Gods word. But through the perfecting process, we will learn that the only choice we have is "faith and faithing", a personal surrender to Him and a life inspired by such surrender. Christ will fulfill His word through us by a surrendering of our will, by weakness of our own will.

I don't think I laid this out the best I could have. But I hope I got my point across.
 
The context clearly connects our belief in God with our obedience to Him:

John 3:16-21 “For God so loved the world,[i] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

Check out the A,B,CS of Faith thread, then the rediscovering pisteuo thread if your interested.
 
Saving belief in Jesus goes beyond simply believing what Jesus said about things. We are to believe in Him/trust in Him for salvation by trusting in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the ALL-sufficient means of our salvation. (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4) Doing what Jesus said "after" we have been saved through faith is works. (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9)

I understand that the mistranslated word "believe" in the English text has started the wide path that Jesus warns His called ones about.
And here is evidence that it's still growing. When someone uses the phrase "saving belief" I don't seem to be making a dent here.

Maybe we are fulfilling 2 Tim 4:3 here right, right now. I know that a right understanding of pisteuo is "sound doctrine". That the Faith that saves is " a personal surrender to Him and a life inspired by such surrender. "

In 38 years of sharing all this evidence, I don't know of a single person that I've persuaded. So I don't bring up 2 Tim. 4:3 lightly.
 
In 38 years of sharing all this evidence, I don't know of a single person that I've persuaded. So I don't bring up 2 Tim. 4:3 lightly.

lol and you never will. Your gnostic beliefs are so unique and peculiar to your own personal experience that you will never be able to communicate or teach anyone how to replicate them. And that's good. But if it's any consolation, do know that you are helping me to map out how gnostics think.