Faith vs Faiths - the Bible vs the WBTS

by Fernando 3 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  Fernando

  A search of the wt library 2010 for the word "faiths" produces 211 hits.

  Yet the Bible always refers to "faith" in the singular.

  Articles such as "Only One Right Religion" (w55 2/15 pp. 112-116) also reveal that the WBTS believes that "faith" and "religion" (beliefs and practices) are the same thing.

  Why then is "religion" not a fruit of the Holy Spirit?

  As others have observed "belief" emanates from man, whereas "faith" emanates from God.

  A person does not receive the gift of "faith" from the Holy Spirit by choosing to follow the ruling religious clergy class of a particular denomination.

  Nor does faith result from doctrinal dissection and interpretations (such as on hellfire, trinity, immortality of the soul, and FDS).

  Nor does faith result from rule-making and rule-keeping (apostate legalism according to Ray Franz)

  Nor does faith come from trying to adhere to a particular moral code.

  Nor does faith come from "special knowledge" on doctrine, morals, and rules.
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  Fernando

  According to scripture (and paraphrased from Rom 10:16,17 at Bible.cc) receiving the free gift of faith is linked to the "unabridged gospel" message:

  But not all have submitted to the message of The Gospel, as Isaiah said, "Lord, who has believed the Message they have heard from us?".

  Consequently, God grants the free gift of faith (a wide opening of our spiritual eyes) to anyone hearing, pursuing and embracing the message about what Jesus did to secure the free gifts of:

  • an imputed right and clean standing with God,
  • eternal life,
  • reconciliation with God's family,
  • liberation from religion (cults),
  • and restoration (Physical, Emotional, Ethical, Mental, Moral and Spiritual).

  It is no accident that WBTS religionists are unfamiliar with the Good News according to Paul, Moses, Isaiah and Psalms. Their spiritual blindness stems from not having been granted the free gift of faith, due to not favourably hearing, pursuing and embracing God's priceless message the "unabridged gospel" (2 Cor 3:16 and 4:4).
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  tec

  This was a really good thread about faith, Fernando.

  All of those things in your OP are the old way. Walking by sight. We are asked to walk by faith. Which means listening to the Spirit of Christ. Who is unseen... but who IS with us; who IS alive. Here and now. Not just an idea or man on paper. But here, alive, in spirit.

  The law also is unseen (not written on paper or stone), but is within us. Written upon our hearts and consciences. No rules/regulations/etc.

  Peace,

  tammy
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  BroMac

  some nice thoughts here thanks