Full Assurance of Faith

 

Full Assurance of Faith

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen; Heb. 11: 1. 

Strong's Greek: 4102. πίστις (pistis) -- Faith, belief, trust ...

Faith (4102 /pistis) is always a gift from God, and never something that can be produced by people. In short, 4102 /pistis ("faith") for the believer is "God's divine persuasion " – and …[1]

Strong's Greek: 5287. ὑπόστασις (hupostasis) -- Substance, …

From a compound of hupo and histemi; a setting under (support), i.e. (figuratively) concretely, essence, or abstractly, assurance (objectively or subjectively) -- confidence, confident, person, …[2]

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more; Heb. 10: 12-17.

The New Covenant for humanity, was established through Jesus Christ, by His own blood sacrifice, for the sins of many! Now we have to accept by faith.

“Opposed to the plurality of Levitical priests. One sacrifice, and once for ever, not many and often, as they.” (Trapp)

Spurgeon narrated it beautifully and eloquently as:  “What a glorious word! Those for whom Christ has died were perfected by his death. It does not mean that he made them perfect in characters so that they are no longer sinners, but that he made those for whom he died perfectly free from the guilt of sin. When Christ took their sins upon himself, sin remained no longer upon them, for it could not be in two places at one and the same time.”

Faith extends beyond from what we learn from our  senses, and Bible calls us to have blind faith.  Our eyes and the eyesight gives us evidence to a certain extent of the material world. Faith just like our eyes gives us evidence of the invisible, spiritual world in a way. Faith does not contradict reason, but will go beyond much of our reasoning with our limited understanding. Faith is the willingness to trust in, to rely on, and to cling to. 

A good example of faith: Abraham believed that Sarah’s dead womb could bring forth a child; God who created life and the womb could do this, and that He would do it according to His promise.

They embraced them, taking the promise and embracing it in faith. Abraham and Sarah probably thought many times a day about the son God promised them and these many times they embraced the promise. “The saints ‘embraced’ the promises. The Greek word signifies ‘salutes,’ as when we see a friend at a distance.” (Spurgeon).

Our human faculties are built to embrace something treasurable. Now, God has given to us, the threefold revelation of Himself in this passage. This has beautiful, spiritual and practical exemplification of the Holy Trinity.  In the will of God, Heb. 10: 9; the work of Christ, Heb. 10: 12;  and the witness of the Holy Spirit, Heb. 10: 15. We are called to embrace His Word and follow, if we love Him.

“Forgiveness of sin is the characteristic of the new covenant. In Jeremiah complete pardon of sins is promised. If the pardon is complete, there is left no place for the Levitical sacrifices under the new covenant.” (Vincent)

“Neurotheology” refers to the multidisciplinary field of scholarship that seeks to understand the relationship between the human brain and religion. In its initial development, neurotheology has been conceived in very broad terms relating to the intersection between religion and brain sciences in general.[3]  

          The intricate relationship between neuroscience and faith represents one of the most fascinating intersections of modern science and Christian spirituality. This approach honors both our spiritual heritage and our responsibility to utilize the medical understanding as well. 

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind;

2 Tim. 1:7.

The above speak directly to the harmony between faith and emotional and mental wellness. The concept of neuroplasticity, which is our brain’s ability to form new neural connections throughout life, shows how consistent faith practices can literally reshape our thought patterns. 

         When we are in a tempest,  it is wiser to remember that many people have gone through worse times. We should remember the promises of God, to have a better attitude, and more joy. The difference is we draw nearer to God, free of stress with lesser anxiety.

        The most important thing is that in the New Covenant we have the promise and blood covenant with God through Jesus Christ. We can have a closer relationship with God, which we never can have in the Old Covenant!

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded; Jam. 4: 8.

It is impossible to exaggerate the present tenses of the blessed life, of which is the work of Christ. The work of Jesus for our atonement is finished. Shall he come and die again? Alas; if we have rejected him once; we would reject him next time too!

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[1] Bible Hubhttps://biblehub.com › greek

https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=299&q=Greek+word+for+faith&cvid=524fc13d67d64690a528fe6256

[2] Bible Hubhttps://biblehub.com › greek

https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=299&q=Greek+wqord+for+assurance&cvid=5bfaa551a67d4d13b63

[3]nih.gov https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › articles Neurotheology: The relationship between brain and religion - PMC

The Strength of being Tender

 

The Strength of being Tender

Strong's Greek: 527. ἀπαλός (hapalos) -- Soft, tender

Strong’s Greek 527 appears twice in the New Testament and describes the fresh, soft condition of young plant growth. Both occurrences occur in the Parable of the Fig Tree, where Jesus uses …[1]

       In the Old Testament, "tender" is frequently used to describe physical attributes, particularly in relation to age or vulnerability. Example: Leah is described as having "tender eyes," which may imply a gentle or soft appearance; Gen. 29: 17.

Strong's Hebrew: 7390. רַך (rak) -- Tender, soft, delicate, weak

Babylon, once “tender and delicate,” is commanded to “sit in the dust” (Isaiah 47:1), illustrating how worldly splendor collapses under God’s judgment.[2]

The tender and delicate woman among you, which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter; Deut. 28: 56.

              The term tender is used to describe a woman of refined and delicate nature. We asses a person usually looking at the outward appearance. But often we fail to realize this usage also highlights her fragility and sensitivity associated with tenderness.

         Biblically tenderness is a virtue; and that includes gentleness, compassion, kindness, and sensitivity towards others. In a way, this reflects God’s character towards Adam and Eve, when they sinned, and towards humanity, by giving Jesus Christ. So beleivers are encouraged to be tender towards others.

The term "tender" in the Bible often conveys notions of gentleness, compassion, and sensitivity. It is used in various contexts, from describing physical attributes to character qualities and emotional states. The concept of tenderness is significant in understanding the nature of God, human relationships, and the moral and spiritual expectations placed upon believers.[3]

           Gentleness (Tenderness) is the fruit of the Spirit, and we are called to minister in gentleness. Even when others make us feel scandalous, God has not forgotten us, and he sees our sorrow.  This fruit is achieved by abiding in Christ; but is fragile, reproduces itself; attractive and it nourishes others and self.

And as for thy nativity, in the day thou wast born thy navel was not cut, neither wast thou washed in water to supple thee; thou wast not salted at all, nor swaddled at all.  None eye pitied thee, to do any of these unto thee, to have compassion upon thee; but thou wast cast out in the open field, to the loathing of thy person, in the day that thou wast born.  And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live (Ezekiel 16:4-6).

          Luke 8:40-48 talks about our compassionate Jesus Christ toward the untouchable, telling of Jairus’ daughter and the woman who touched Jesus’ garment. Here Jesus was moved with compassion. Even when shame compels us to hide, and overwhelming fear surrounds us, God is immovable, immortal and all-powerful, and ready to make us whole. 

She braces herself, for condemnation, but instead He stoops down in front of her. “Daughter,” Jesus says with infinite gentleness. Slowly, she lifts her eyes to meet His. Where she expects to see anger, she finds only tender compassion. “Your faith has healed you. Go in peace” (Luke 8:48).^[4]

Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us; Lk. 1: 78.

           The above verse, proclaims that God’s own tender mercy has moved Him to send Jesus, the heavenly Dawn, into our darkness.

The Greek word often translated as "tender-hearted" is "eusplagchnos," which conveys a deep-seated compassion and empathy. [5]

          This Greek term underscores the importance of emotional sensitivity and a compassionate disposition in Christian conduct. This means a Christian can be a vessel employed to attend other vessels (other people), to supply them with provisions and other stores, to convey intelligence, or by showing tenderness in bringing someone to Christ.

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary gives the meaning of tender as: Easily impressed, broken, bruised, or injured; not firm or hard; delicate; as, tender plants; tender flesh; tender fruit. Susceptible of the softer passions, as love, compassion, kindness; compassionate; pitiful; anxious for another's good; easily excited to pity, forgiveness, or favor; sympathetic.

        In any relationship, family or community tenderness fosters unity, understanding, and peace. Patience and empathy are crucial for nurturing healthy and loving relationships. Tenderness is not a sign of weakness but a strength that reflects the character of Christ. This is the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.

 

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[1] Bible Hubhttps://biblehub.com › greek

Strong's Greek: 527. ἀπαλός (hapalos) -- Soft, tender

[2] Hebrew word for tender - Search Bible Hubhttps://biblehub.com › hebrew

[3] Bible Hub https://biblehub.com › topical › tender.htm

Topical Bible: Tender

The term "tender" in the Bible often conveys notions of gentleness, compassion, and sensitivity. It is used in various contexts, from describing physical attributes to character qualities and …

[4]Gragg, S. (2014). Arms Open Wide: A Call to Linger in the Savior’s Presence. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.

[5] Topical Bible: Tender

Gentleness is not Weakness

 

Gentleness is not Weakness

Strong's Greek: 4240. πραΰτης (prautés) -- Gentleness, meekness

Gentleness or meekness (Strong’s 4240) expresses interior strength under Holy Spirit control. Far from timidity, it is the poised disposition that gladly submits to God’s will and channels power …[1] 

Strong's Greek: 769. ἀσθένεια (astheneia) -- Weakness, infirmity, …

The contexts show three primary spheres: (1) physical infirmity, (2) inner weakness that …[2]

Jesus was both gentle and strong in His relationships with people around Him; Matt 21:1-17.

          The works of the flesh seem overwhelming in us and around us. This will be conquered only by the power of Christ residing within us. God is good enough and big enough to change situation,  with the fruit of the Spirit. Only the fruit of the Spirit conquer the works of the flesh. 

The coming of Christ was described by the prophet Zechariah as:

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass (Zechariah 9:9).

 

        When Christ came as a baby, it was in his meekness, and not in his majesty.

[1.His temper is very mild. He comes not in wrath to take vengeance, but in mercy to work salvation. He is meek to suffer the greatest injuries and indignities for Sion’s cause, meek to bear with the follies and unkindness of Sion’s own children. He is easy of access, easy to be entreated. He is meek not only as a Teacher, but as a Ruler; he rules by love. His government is mild and gentle, and his laws not written in the blood of his subjects, but in his own. His yoke is easy.

2.The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the two main hinges upon which the door of salvation turns.

He came into the world on purpose to give his life a ransom (Matthew 20:28). The history of His sufferings, death, and rising again are recorded by all the evangelists. Emmanuel, “God with us” in His extensive state of humiliation, was riding on a donkey.] – Matthew Henry.

From a neuroscience perspective, gentleness activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes rest, recovery, and healing. On the other hand, criticism, aggression, and self-judgment activate the sympathetic nervous system, triggering a stress response (fight-or-flight). This stress response increases cortisol, a hormone linked with anxiety, inflammation, and long-term health issues.[3]

         Practicing gentleness, deep breathing, or mindful touch can trigger the release of oxytocin (the bonding hormone), helping us feel safe, connected, and at peace. A good example is the how a mother comforts her crying baby!

             Personally I like the following definition for Gentleness:

Gentleness, listed among the qualities described as the “fruit of the Spirit,” represents a disposition of humility, mildness, and patience that flows from a heart transformed by divine grace (Galatians 5:22-23). The Greek term often translated as “gentleness” (πραΰτης / prautēs) carries connotations of controlled strength-an intentional restraint that protects and cares for others rather than asserting self-interest.[4] 

When we are told that we are singularly free from pride, we feel as proud as Lucifer himself at the consciousness that the compliment is right well deserved. We are so experienced, so solid, so discerning, so free from self-confidence, that we are the first to be caught in the net of self-satisfaction. Brethren, we must pray God to make us humble.” (Spurgeon)

           A gentle spirit can be contrasted with arrogance or oppression, and underscoring others.  The inner meekness in a person often aligns with both divine wisdom and fosters deeper spiritual walk with our Maker!

         Gentleness mostly flows as a natural outworking of the Spirit’s presence in the believer’s life. The beautiful thing is gentleness emerges in real-life settings; especially in turbulent times. When one chooses consideration and calmness over harshness and reacting violently. This is helpful in management settings, and it becomes visible in conflict resolution, correction, and leading. Leading gently has power over everyday difficult interactions.

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger; Prov. 15: 1.

           Think about this: How about giving all?  Our heart, brain, and thought process, mind, intellect, emotions, will, to Jesus Christ? Asking Him to take control and rule! The choice is ours, and He is able to use it for His glory.   

 

 

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[1] Bible Hubhttps://biblehub.com › greek

https://www.bing.com/search?qs=HS&pq=Gentleness&sk=CSYN

[2] https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=299&q=weakness+in+Greek&

[3] Soft Is Strong: The Hidden Power in Gentleness - Zenfulhabits

Jul. 24, 2025 · From a neuroscience perspective, gentleness activates the parasympathetic

Soft Is Strong: The Hidden Power in Gentleness

[4] Bible Hubhttps://biblehub.com what_is_gentleness_as_a_spirit_fruit.htm

What does gentleness as a Fruit of the Spirit mean?

In the Storm and whirlwind

 

In the Storm and whirlwind

Strong's Greek: 2978. λαῖλαψ (lailaps) -- Storm, tempest, whirlwind

Strong’s Greek 2978 denotes a violent, swirling tempest that stirs both sea and sky. It appears three times in the New Testament: twice in the Synoptic accounts of Jesus calming the storm …[1] 

Strong's Greek: 2978. λαῖλαψ (lailaps) -- Storm, tempest, whirlwind

whirlwind Word Origin: Of uncertain derivation. Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for λαῖλαψ, similar concepts of storms and tempests can be found in …^[2]

He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still; Psa. 107: 29.

The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles;

Psa. 34: 17-20.

            Often in the storm we see God. Jesus Christ is unspeakably beautiful in the hardest of the hardest time. When we hit the rock bottom, when we are in the pit/ valley, we are smashed to our lowest point, we see Him. Often when we are steeped in sin, and when we do not know who we are, Jesus comes and  restores us. 

        We begin to understand how awesome, and beautiful He is! When things turn out to desperation, when everyone deserts us, then we realize that He did not forsake us, and that is True love!

“I have been at sea in the storm, and in the circumstances I describe; and, having cried to the Lord in my trouble, I am spared to describe the storm, and recount the tale of his mercy. None but either a man inspired by God, who, in describing, will show things as they are, or one who has been actually in these circumstances, can tell you with what propriety the psalmist speaks, or utter the thousandth part of the dangers and fearful apprehensions of those concerned in a tempest at sea, where all the winds of heaven seem collected to urge an already crazy vessel among the most tremendous rocks upon a lee shore! God save the reader from such circumstances!” (Clarke).^[3]

Effects of negativity on the Brain

          When we entertain negativity, it is like a breeze going through our brain. This is kind of a mental storm. We are all tempted with negativity. This breeze of negativity walks through the brain and through the branches of our nervous system in the brain. If we decide to hold on to the negativity by cherishing it, entertaining it, nourishing it, this is not good for our system.

Negative energy from others influences our brain and, consequently, our behaviors, emotions, and health. Mirror Neurons: The Basis of Emotional Contagion At the heart of our capacity to ‘catch’ the emotions of others lie the mirror neurons. These special brain cells fire not only when we perform an action, but also when we observe someone else performing the same action. Mirror neurons are believed to facilitate empathy, helping us understand and share the feelings of others. However, they can also make us susceptible to negative energy, causing us to mirror the pessimistic emotions and attitudes of those around us.^[4]

        Neuroscience research shows this can cause tremendous damage to your nervous system, to the point of psychosomatic illnesses; and this is because we cherished and held on to negative thoughts.

       We can rewire our brain from anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, distress, and rewire that to love, joy, peace, goodness, good thoughts, mountain top experiences, gentleness, generosity and much more goodness to be well wishers of other’s prosperity.  We have a choice! What does the Bible say; Philippians 4:6-8?

         Loss of paradise is a state, most accurately The Person from whom humanity is cut off (from God). This is to engage in self-expulsion. The sin has been committed, as we see the culprits trying to conceal. This was Paradise Lost; Terrible Tragedy. (Ref. Gen. 3).

However, since man has sinned, he is certainly not as fully like God as he was before. His moral purity has been lost and his sinful character certainly does not reflect God’s holiness. His intellect is corrupted by falsehood and misunderstanding; his speech no longer continually glorifies God; his relationships are often governed by selfishness rather than love, and so forth. Though man is still in the image of God, in every aspect of life some parts of that image have been distorted or lost.^[5]

         We all need The Saviour desperately to rescue us from this bondage of sin and death; and this terrible tragedy!

Justice for the Son

Who was delivered - To death. For our offences - As an atonement for them. And raised for our justification - To empower us to receive that atonement by faith;

Rom. 4: 25. 

       On the cross of Calvary justice for sin was executed, and the penalty was fully paid, and all the laws were fulfilled. Now the justice for Son, has to be executed. That is mankind had to acknowledge what Jesus had done for humanity. This applies to all generations, because Christ was crucified for the sins of humanity. 

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[1] Bible Hubhttps://biblehub.com › greek

Strong's Greek: 2978. λαῖλαψ (lailaps) -- Storm, tempest, whirlwind

[2] Bible Hub https://biblehub.com › greek

Strong's Greek: 2978. λαῖλαψ (lailaps) -- Storm, tempest, whirlwind

[3] Enduring Word https://enduringword.com › bible-commentary

[4] The Neuroscience of Negativity: How Negative …

Negativity can influence cognitive functions like attention, memory, and decision-making. Research shows that individuals exposed to negative …

https://reset-it.ca/the-neuroscience-of-negativity-how-negative-energy-a

[5]Wayne Grudem. Ibid., p. 444.