It is by faith we receive grace and by grace the free gift of eternal life. The difference between just plain old believing and true faith is a matter of trust. We are required to put our trust in Jesus. Do we really put our trust in His word? Trust is faith. Just plain old believing that Jesus is the Son of God, even that he came and died on the cross for man's sins, the devils also believe that and tremble. It is this trust element that turns simple believing into faith. How much we trust God is shown in our actions. Believing is faith when you actually put your trust in Him. This trust produces actions (works) and these actions/works produce fruit. Faith (true belief) requires witness, i.e. testimony, evidence.

Actions or works are the testimony (witness) of our faith. Now works without faith do bear fruit, but it is corrupt fruit as is the fruit of thorns and thistles (Mat 7:13-21)(Lk 6:43-49). It is the same as no fruit. It is only good fruit if we be established in the true vine. It is by faith we are established in the vine. If we bear no fruit or the fruit is corrupt, then we be cast out into the fire.

Chapter 11 of Hebrews is a good read because it explains how our actions testify to our faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (vs 1). (Most people read that hoping to receive something for their faith. Actually, God uses this verse to see if we have faith.) For by it the elders obtained a good report (vs 2). Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear (vs 3).

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh (vs 4). By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God (vs 5).

By faith Abraham when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went (vs 8). By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise (vs 9). For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God (vs 10).

Through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable (vs 11-12).

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed by called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.

Through faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red sea, as by dry land...... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about 7 days. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace (vs 27-31).

And what shall I more say? for of Gideon and Barak and Samson, of David and Samuel and the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in the fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy;) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

Throughout all the above we see that it is our actions, i.e. our works, which testify (bear witness) to our faith. Without the testimony of works, there is no evidence of faith. It is by faith we obtain mercy and grace. It is through putting our trust in Jesus that belief becomes faith. Faith is measured by our works and actions. These works and actions are those things which bear fruit. The fruit is the evidence of our faith. If we bear not fruit or the fruit be corrupt, then we shall be cast out into the fire.

The book of James explains this further. What does it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? (2:14). Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone (2:17). Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works (2:18). But, wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness; and he was called the Friend of God (vs 20-23).

You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only (vs 24). Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? (vs 25) For as the body with the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also (vs 26).

Belief, Trust, Faith, Actions, Works and Fruits cannot be separated for each bears testimony to the other. Faith without works is really not faith at all for it bears no fruit. It is nothing more than lip service and nigh unto hell.

When Paul speaks of leaving the milk of the baby and going on into strong meat, he speaks of deeper things. He speaks to enduring the chastening of the Lord that we might produce the fruit of righteousness. He speaks to the effort required to purge ourselves of sin, to work out our salvation. He speaks to running the race to win a prize. This process calls for our diligent efforts to read, study and keep the commandments, to show ourselves approved unto God. It is a sacrifice which is painful for our flesh. That is why it is often compared to circumcision. We are given in measure and we are rewarded based on our efforts and measured results. Note the parable of the talents (Mat 25: 14-30). Note the parable of the sower who went forth to sow (Mat 13:3-23). Blessed be those who can see and hear.

Everyone is not rewarded equally, based simply on believing in Jesus. Easy salvation does not get you higher rewards. Those who have worked to obtain better reward, will fairly receive the reward they deserve. Above all things, a King and Lord, a Most High Judge must be just in his judgements. Justice requires fairness in distributing reward and punishment. That is why God keeps all those books which have recorded all our deeds (works), all our words and all our thoughts as well as He keeps the Book of Life. Each man is measured by the amount of his faith. Our works bear fruits which bear testimony by which our faith is measured, i.e. we are justified by our works. Our rewards are then measured by the amount of our faith.

The free gift of eternal life is a gift of grace and mercy given to every believer. Those who simply believe on the name of Jesus receive this reward at the resurrection of the last day (John 6:39, 40, 44 & 54, John 10: 23-24). Those who have gone deeper into obedience, establishing a relationship as a friend of Jesus through the Holy Spirit will receive a more and better reward as kings and priests with Him during His 1000 year kingdom. Oh yes, it is very fair. I accept the fact that I may not be a member of the bride, but I would never say that it is not fair. That is why Paul said you need to run the race, to learn to eat strong meat, to crucify your flesh, to purge yourself of sins, etc.......there is a prize to be won......over and above the gift of eternal life, the free gift of salvation.

Tomorrow, I will show you how this fits into the two resurrections and into the last two parts of the first resurrection. By far, the greatest number of people are raised at the last day (after the 1000 years). This includes those whose names are written in the Book of Life and those not (John 5: 28-29, John 6: 39, 40, 44 & 54, John 10: 23-24, Rev 20: 11-15). Those who will be the bride be those worthy, those over comers of Rev 2 & 3, Jesus letter to the 7 churches, all believers of the New Testament Churches founded by Paul and the Apostles. These be the 5 wise virgins. The 5 wise receive a special reward, a crown for living separate. They are worthy to be the bride and receive the reward of missing the hour of trial which comes upon the earth. It is a special reward over and above the free gift of eternal life. Those coming out of the tribulation having been killed for the testimony of Jesus Christ are made worthy during this time period. They are those of Rev 20:4-6. This too is a reward over and above the free gift of eternal life. The free gift of eternal life is a reward of the resurrection at the last day, for those whose names are written in the book of life.

Take heed. My job is to deliver the message. I am set free of the burden of responsibility to my fellow man when I warn them. I have done so, the timing, the unfolding of the events, the appropriate actions and even a warning to understand what it means to be worthy. There will be a separation even among believers. It is not my responsibility to make anyone believe that. That is the responsibility of the Holy Spirit. I will pray for you, the same as I do for myself and my family. I have told you nothing that is not in God's word.

The events are less than 90 days away. I have no need to argue. Time will bear out the truth, one way or the other. For those confident they will be the bride, I am surely glad for you. It will surely be a grand day. For all others, " Watch ye therefore and pray always that you be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." (Lk 21:36).