Faith That Endures to Salvation
(Exhortation - May 2006)
Our society today bears several trademarks. One of them is insecurity. People want to feel more secure -- financially secure, secure in their social standing, secure in their family relationships, secure in their jobs, secure in their homes, on the streets, etc. But the most important security of all is often overlooked. Only in recent years have psychologists and psychiatrists begun to analyze man with a new perspective in mind. This new perspective is Faith -- faith in a Supreme Being. Indeed, an enduring faith in a living God is paramount to all other securities in this world. Yet, there are many people (even sincere Christians) who don’t feel secure. Their spiritual life is shaky. Faith in God? Yes, but not a faith that endures.
However, God has made a marvelous provision for mankind by providing us with His only Son, a true source of security; but if you are relying solely on your own good works, pious feelings, good moral standards, etc., you are trying to get in by a back door and this will surely not work. Jesus himself spoke plainly about this in John 10:1,9.
The Lord speaks of a thief and a robber. If ever there is a picture of insecurity, this is it. When people trust in themselves or their financial status, or relatives, or some great leader for their salvation, they are by-passing the crucified Christ, the only means of security that endures. They are failing to have genuine faith, and a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. God says, “neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12); and “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31).
Believe! “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).
Since salvation is a gift of God, could any other thing be more secure? All we need to do is accept this gift and have true faith and manifest our faith through obedience. Nothing, absolutely nothing in this world can compare with the security we can have in God. He is from everlasting to everlasting. His Word endures forever. When our faith is placed completely in His hands through His Son, we have life (1 John 5:12-13).
“Believe” and “know.” Isn’t that wonderful? Believing in His Word given to us in these last days through His Son is the key. Let us take a look at John 10:28: “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of mine hand.”
God’s word through His Son is perfect; it is as sure as His character. “ If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is far better: for this is the witness of God which He hath testified of His Son” (I John 5:9-10).
Abraham, our father in faith, believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness (Rom. 4:3).
Faith is not a certain feeling within us. It is the committing of ourselves entirely to God. Allowing God to have His way in us. This should be the attitude of a true Christian believer. Trusting in God for salvation, through His Son Jesus Christ.
God provides this passage of scripture which should seal this truth to your heart and mine. It is, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24). Brethren, sisters, friends do you firmly believe those words? I exhort you to put your faith and trust in God, by having provided us with His Word through His dear Son for your salvation and mine.
Finally brethren, friends, let us take a look at Hebrews 11:6: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
This is faith that endures. This is God’s way to life eternal. Perhaps you could pray this short prayer each passing day: “Lord, give me grace to live by faith - one day at a time. Amen.”
Do not let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Andre George, St. Luci