by John Carpenter | Feb 17, 2026 | Devotional
“For the Promise – that he – would be the heir of the World – was not to Abraham – or to his Seed – through the Law – but – through the righteousness of Faith. (14) For if those who are of the Law are heirs – Faith – is made void – the Promise – made of no effect (15) because the Law – brings about Wrath; for where no Law is – there is no Transgression! (16) Therefore, it is of Faith – that it might be – according to Grace – so that the Promise – might be sure – to all the Seed; not to that — only – which is of the Law – but to that – also – which is of the Faith of Abraham – who is the Father of us all! (17) According as it is written, I have made thee a Father of many nations – before Him – whom he believed – God – who quickeneth the dead – and calleth those things which be not – as though they were!” [Ro.4:13-17]
“He (i.e. Abraham) did not waver – at the Promise of God – through unbelief – but was strengthened in Faith – giving Glory – to God (21) and being fully persuaded that what He had Promised – He was able also to perform.” [Ro.4:20-21]
These texts were a large part of the context of our January Prayer/Newsletter. We hope to expand on the fact that the “Promise” is the same as what is being referred to from He.10:23. However, from what is being descriptively declared in the texts above from Ro.4 – the “Promise” is contextually being declared and examined in view of God as – “the Promiser” – instead of Abraham — the one unto whom “the Promise” was given! It is This fact that makes all the difference in the world! And, in addition, through what means “the Promise of God” was being given unto Abraham! Was the “Promise of God” being delivered unto Abraham “through the Law” (?) or “through the Righteousness of Faith”(?). The answer to that is obvious since God would not give His Law until over 400 years later. This descriptively declares that the “Promise of God” was given to Abraham “through the Righteousness of Faith”.
Now then – what exactly does all this really mean? Or, more pointedly – to “Whom” does this phrase really give attention to? We must look a little closer at what Ro.4:13-17 says about God’s Promise to His chosen one – Abraham – whom He called out of the sinful, pagan environment of Ur of the Chaldees. This great text says of God’s Promise unto Abraham (and his seed) – would NOT be fulfilled “through the Law”. No! He told Abraham that His Promise would be fulfilled through a means that was not even noticeably even in existence in Abraham’s present sinful, pagan world! God – revealed Himself unto Abraham – and told him to get out of his country – and away from even his kin – and even away from his father’s household! God “Promised” Abram that his family would be made into a “Great Nation”! And, that He would be blessed and that his name would be blessed – and that he would be God’s blessing unto all the families of (sinful, fallen) earth! [See Ge.12:2-3] Indeed, God’s Promised Blessing unto Abraham and his seed would come to pass – NOT through the Law – But through the Righteousness of Faith!
So then, the direction of the communication from Ro.4 – to which — God’s Written Word is taking us – is directly unto Christ Jesus, the Lord! He is forever our heavenly Advocate, Jesus Christ the Righteous. It is through Him and His eternal wonderful accomplished work – that through Him — as our Kinsman Redeemer – we have been forever Declared Righteous – and – Forever Saved!
We will continue to look more into this matter – until next time… — John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Jan 10, 2026 | Devotional
“Let us hold fast the Confession of (He – who is our) Hope – without wavering – for He who promised is Faithful.” [He.10:23]
“For the Promise – that he – would be the heir of the World – was not to Abraham – or to his Seed – through the Law – but – through the righteousness of Faith. (14) For IF those who are of the Law are heirs – Faith – is made void – the Promise – made of no effect (15) because the Law – brings about Wrath; for where no Law is – there is no Transgression! (16) Therefore, it is of Faith – that it might be – according to Grace – so that the Promise – might be sure – to all the Seed; not to that only – which is of the Law – but to that – also – which is of the Faith of Abraham – who is the father of us all! (17) According as it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations – before Him whom he believed – God – who quickeneth the dead – and calleth those things which be not – as though they were!” [Ro.4:13-17]
“He (i.e. Abraham) did not waver – at the Promise of God – through unbelief – but was strengthened in Faith – giving Glory – to God (21) and being fully persuaded that what He had Promised – He was able also to perform.” [Ro.4:20-21]
There’s no better way to begin – a New Beginning – of a whole New Year — than encouraging one another to “hold fast” the “Confession of our Hope” (the KJV says: “Profession” – which rightly emphasizes the fact that the testimony comes right out of our mouths, but the word literally refers to that which God – or His Word – has already said!) The word “Confession” that is used in this context, literally means: To say the same thing – as God (or His Word) has already said. So then, the confession of our Hope – is actually the confession of Christ being our Eternal Savior – for our Hope – is Christ! This is what the Truth is that He has declared about Himself being our only Hope of ever being truly and eternally saved from our sins – about our ever really and truly being Redeemed and Reconciled Forever with Holy, Holy, Holy – God!
For it is Jesus who is the Eternal Son — of Almighty, All Knowing, All Present, All Holy and All Glorious — God – whom He (God) sent into the actual history of this entirely fallen-in-sin world – to save sinners…like you and like me [see: 1Ti.1:15]. God’s Word says of Jesus – “For in Him – dwelleth all the Fullness of the Godhead – Bodily…” that’s all the Fullness of the Father – the Son – and the Holy Spirit! Why? So that the next phrase would be absolutely true also – “And ye are Complete (or, full) in Him – Who is the Head of all principality and power.” [Col.2:9-10]
The Triune God – chose us and placed us – In Him (Jesus) – “before the foundation of the world that we should be Holy and Without Blame – Before Him – in Love…” [See Eph.1:4] This means that He chose us and placed us – in Christ – In Eternity – From Eternity – and For Eternity! He, Jesus, is the only Eternal Savior — that there ever was – is – or ever will be!
From the very context of Eph.4:4-6 – the Word of God descriptively declares that “There is one Body – and One Spirit – even as ye were Called – in One Hope of your Calling – (5) One Lord – One Faith – One Baptism (6) One God and One Father of all – and through all – and in you all!”
All those whom the Father gave to His Son – to be their Savior; Jesus has come and He has done just that! That’s why He is said to be our “All and in all” [Col.3:11]. Until the next time… Amen!
— John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Dec 11, 2025 | Devotional
“Let us hold fast the Confession of (He who is) our Hope – without wavering for He who promised is Faithful.” [He.10:23]
“For the Promise – that he – would be the heir of the World – was not to Abraham – or to his Seed – through the Law – but – through the righteousness of Faith. (14) For if those who are of the Law are heirs – Faith – is made void – the Promise – made of no effect (15) because the Law – brings about Wrath; for where no Law is – there is no Transgression! (16) Therefore, it is of Faith – that it might be – according to Grace – so that the Promise – might be sure to – to all the Seed; not to that only – which is of the Law – but to that – also – which is of the Faith of Abraham – who is the father of us all! (17) According as it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations – before Him whom he believed – God – who quickeneth the dead – and calleth those things which be not – as though they were!” [Ro.4:13-17]
“He (i.e. Abraham) did not waver – at the Promise of God – through unbelief – but was strengthened in Faith – giving Glory – to God (21) and being fully persuaded that what He had Promised – He was able also to perform.” [Ro.4:20-21]
If you recall, we looked last month at the person and eternally accomplished work of Christ Jesus our eternal Savior – and how He, indeed, is “the full assurance” of our Hope – where the eternal salvation of our soul is concerned. It is all because of Him and Him alone! He has fulfilled all the Holy, Holy, Holy requirements of the Holy, Just – Good and Perfect – Law of God that our salvation demands. He has done this great miraculous work for us all the way to the end of time and then on throughout all of eternity! The Word of the Truth of this Gospel – descriptively declares that if we have been eternally Saved – it has been completely worked out – all by our Lord Jesus Christ! If it’s not all Christ – then it’s all wrong! Our Salvation is a love Gift from our God!
“For God so loved the World – that He gave His only begotten Son – that whosoever believeth in Him – should not perish – but have everlasting life.” [Jn.3:16] “For the wages of sin is death – but the Gift of God is eternal life – through Jesus Christ out Lord.” [Ro.6:23] “For by Grace are ye saved – through Faith – and that not of yourselves – it is the Gift of God – not of works – lest any man should boast!” [Eph.2:8-9] “All that the Father giveth me – shall come to me – and him that cometh to me – I will in no wise cast out!” [Jn.6:37]
The Gift of God is His Son our Savior and Lord. The very context of this present Christmas Season makes it the perfect time to celebrate our reception of our Eternal Redeemer! “As many as Received Him – (lit.) He gave to them authority to be Children of God – to those that believe on His Name; (13) who – not of blood – nor out of the will flesh – nor out of the will of man – but out of God – were born.” [Jn.1:12-13]
The Lord Jesus Christ is our Faith – our Hope – and He is the Love Gift into us from our great and Almighty God. Having taken up residency in our hearts – God’s everlasting Love has come into us – works through us – and becomes increasingly exuded from us – back to Him and to each one of us! We shall see this as the scripture describes it in the coming monthly devotionals. Amen.
— John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Nov 27, 2025 | Devotional
“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ – according to the command of God our Savior – and of the Lord Jesus Christ – our Hope (2) to Timothy a true child (lit.) in the Faith — Grace, Mercy, Peace from God our Father – and Christ Jesus our Lord.” [1Ti.1:1-2]
“Christ – as a Son over (lit.) God’s own Household – whose house are we – if, indeed, (lit.) the boldness [or the confidence] and the rejoicing of the Hope – firm (or, stedfast) – unto the end – we should hold.” [He.3:6]
“But we desire each of you — the same diligence – to show – to the full assurance of the Hope – unto the end; (12) that ye be not slothful – but imitators of those who through faith and long patience – inherit the promises. (13) For God having promised to Abraham – since by no one greater than He (Himself) to swear by – He swore by Himself — (14) saying – Surely [or, Assuredly] Blessing – I will Bless thee – and Multiplying – I will Multiply thee! (15) And, thus — having had long patience – he [i.e. Abraham] Obtained the Promise.” [He..6:11-15]
“Let us hold fast – the confession of our Hope [which is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ] – without wavering – He is faithful that promised” [He.10:23]
The above texts describe the encouraging Truth that the Lord Jesus Christ – along with everything else that He is unto His saved ones – He is also: “the Full Assurance of our Hope”!
I printed out the exact wording of these texts from the original language of the New Testament in order to give you the impact of the original translation. What is described here is the actual God-Breathed communication. The first context above is simply Paul’s opening remarks to his first letter to Timothy wherein he identifies himself as an apostle according to the “Command” of God and (as he goes on to say) the Lord Jesus our “Hope”.
The next context comes from the book of Hebrews – and from this book in three different places. The first is from He.3:6 which text announces to us that the Lord Jesus as the Son of God incarnate is the Head of God’s own Household and in whom we have been eternally saved by Him – in fact, we are His Household! And, we always will be – even while we are still in this fallen-in-sin world – as long as we hold fast to the Truth – concerning Who it is that is our certain Hope – which is all and only Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior! Praise His Wonderful Name!
Next we turn to He.6:11-15 and we see this same theme more fully expanded. From this text it is announced that each one of God’s – by grace saved sinner/children – still in this world — have a full assurance of Hope that Jesus Christ is their full and complete salvation — all the way to the end! And it’s all Christ’s doing! We hold fast to Him – because He has an eternal hold upon each one of us! He has done it all – and that’s just way that it is – Praise His Name! This points us to He.10:23 where we are told that our Hope – has been by God – eternally fulfilled – in our Lord Jesus Christ.
What God has promised – He has done through His Son, our everlasting Savior! Lord willing we will see exactly what that means – more fully.
— John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Oct 29, 2025 | Devotional
(9) “Now I rejoice – not that ye were made sorry – but that ye sorrowed unto Repentance: for ye were made sorry after a Godly manner…(10) For Godly sorrow – worketh Repentance to Salvation – not to be repented of: but sorrow of the world – worketh Death! (11) For behold this selfsame thing – that ye sorrowed after a Godly sort! What Carefulness it wrought in you – yea – What Clearing of Yourselves – yea – What Indignation – yea – What Fear – yea – What Vehement Desire – yea – What Zeal – yea – What Revenge! In all things ye have Approved Yourselves to be Clear in this matter!” [2Cor.7:9-12]
Before we go any further in our devotional study – let’s be sure to clarify the difference – between True and False Repentance. This particular text from Second Corinthians is one from which we can do just that. The pure truth of a chosen sinner/child of God – under the leading of the inescapable and irresistible influence of the Holy Spirit of God – awakening in them the foreboding reality of their being a hopeless and helpless sinner – is here very graphically – and descriptively announced! And, this experience must happen to any and all – who have truly been Saved by God’s Grace! Jn.1:17 literally says: “For the Law was given through Moses – the Grace and the Truth – through Jesus Christ – came.” Praise the Lord that our Eternal Salvation is not accomplished – in the Law – but only – In Christ our Lord and Savior! And, we – who are His true sinner/children in this fallen-in-sin world – God has placed us in His Son – and chosen us in His Son – unto His Eternal Salvation — “before the foundation of the world” (see: Eph.1:3-4).
From Mt.13:38 Jesus tells us in His Parable of the Wheat and the Tares that this world is His field — and His Good Seed that He has planted in His field represents the Children of His Kingdom. He also goes on to additionally say that the Tares – are the Children of the Wicked One! This explains a lot! When we are born into this world – we are born to be either the Seed of the Savior — that He has planted to come to life at His appointed time — or we are the Seed of the Serpent, the Wicked Devil. Those who are the Seed of the Savior – are totally dependent upon the Savior for their survival and their growth – especially while they are in this world – to inevitably come into hearing of the pure truth of the Gospel of the Glory – only – of Christ — so as to be awakened and quickened by His eternally saving Gospel of His Grace! Jesus said from Jn.15:5 “I am the Vine and ye are the branches; he that abideth in me and I in him – the same bringeth forth much fruit – for without me ye can do nothing!” And then from Jn.15:16 He goes on to declare “Ye have not chosen me – but I have chosen you – and ordained you – that ye should go and bring forth much fruit – and that your fruit should remain – and whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father – in my Name – He may give it you. These things (that’s all the things He has said in Jn.15) I Command you that ye love one another!”
Does not our Lord Jesus mean exactly what He says? Indeed He does – therefore, without Him – we cannot truly and genuinely Repent as 2Co.7:11 says! Without Christ – it’s ALL wrong! By God’s Grace — We are made Complete – In Him!
Make no mistake about it – the Repentance described in the New Testament is no different than the Repentance taught in the Old Testament. John the Baptist – whom Jesus declares from Lk.7:28 that there is no greater prophet than him – baptized sinners unto Repentance as a ministry of Preparation — for the Redeeming and miraculous work of the Messiah, Himself! And, when John saw the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism – he said unto them, “O generation of vipers (seeds of the Serpent> see Gen.3:15) who hath warned you to flee from the Wrath to come? Bring forth, therefore, fruits meet (or, truly describing and displaying real) Repentance! And think not to say within yourselves – We have Abraham as our father – for I say unto you – that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham! And already also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees! Therefore, every tree which bringeth not forth Good Fruit – is hewn down – and cast into the fire!” Then John goes on to say unto them: “I indeed baptize you with water unto Repentance – but He that cometh after me is mightier than I – whose shoes I am not worthy to bear – He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and Fire; whose fan is in His hand and He will thoroughly purge His floor – and gather His Wheat into the garner – but He will burn up the Chaff (the Tares) with Unquenchable Fire!” [Mt.3:7b-12]
This devotional message needs to be sounded out to churches everywhere. Amen.
— John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Sep 26, 2025 | Devotional
“God…now commandeth (lit.) all everywhere – to Repent – (31) Because – He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in Righteousness – by that Man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance (or more lit. faith) unto all – in that He hath raised Him from the dead.” [Ac.17:30-31]
“And the servant of the Lord – must not strive – but be gentle unto all men – apt to teach, patient (25) in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves – if God peradventure – will Give them Repentance – to the acknowledging of the Truth.” [2Tim.2:24-25]
“Then Peter and the other apostles – answered and said – We ought to obey God rather than men. (30) The God of our fathers raised up Jesus – whom ye slew and hanged on a tree! (31) Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior – for to Give Repentance to Israel – and forgiveness of sins. (32) And we are His witnesses of these things – and so is the Holy Spirit – Whom GOD HATH GIVEN – TO THEM – THAT OBEY HIM.” [Ac.5:29-32]
“Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as He did unto us – who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ…(18) When they heard these things – they held their peace – and glorified God, saying – THEN HATH GOD – ALSO TO THE GENTILES – GRANTED REPENTANCE UNTO LIFE” [Ac.11:17-18]
If ever there was any doubt that God’s Word descriptively declares that Repentance was a Gift from God – and not at all a humanly contrived act by any sinner – then Peter and the other apostles would never had said that which is written in these last two texts out of the book of Acts!
In fact, both of these texts — attribute the sinner’s Genuine Repentance — to the presence and power and accomplishment – of the Holy Spirit of Christ our God!
Make no mistake about it – Genuine Repentance is a very personal activity – that is performed by each individual True Believer in the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a fact of each one whose names have been written – by God — in His “Book of Life of the Lamb Slain from the Foundation of the World” (see Rev.13:8).
All those – whose sins have all been washed away by the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ – “They” are the “Children of the Kingdom” of Jesus Christ. “They” are represented by the “Good Seed” in Christ’s Parable of the Wheat and the Tares – spoken of – by Him — out of Mt.13:24-30 and explained – by Him — from Mt.13:37-43.
Jesus said from Jn.6:37 “All that the Father giveth me – shall come to me! And him that cometh to me – I will in no wise cast out!” And then from vs.39 He goes on to say> “this is the Father’s Will which hath sent me – that of all which He hath given me – I should lose nothing – but should raise it up at the last day!”
Peter is the one who – in 2Pe.3:9 – is led of the Holy Spirit to declare concerning all those that the Father has given to Him – for Him to save by His grace — that “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise – but is longsuffering to us – not willing that any should perish – but that all should come unto Repentance.” Praise His Wonderful Name – His Great Work of Eternal Redemption! Amen.
— John Carpenter
