Saving faith and living faith August 17, 2007
Posted by reformedville in : Theology , trackbackSometimes we get so wrapped up in soteriology and how God operates we miss out on a large portion of the Christian faith.There is plenty to celebrate for any new Christian coming to saving faith. In fact Jesus taught in Luke 15:3-10 (see also Matthew 18:12-14)
7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance…10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
If your primary view of Christianity is simply to get to heaven, then there is hardly a compelling reason to press on . However, God’s plan and purpose only begin there. Saving faith grows into living faith in which you learn to trust God always and in every circumstance.
People who have been consistently growing in their living faith have a quiet confidence that is unshakable in the face of obstacles, opposition and delays. With regard to God’s promises in their lives, it is more than just believing or hoping; it is an inner knowing, This is what Hebrews refers; “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for; the conviction of things not seen” (11:1 NASB)
God’s plan and purpose for each of us is that we develop living faith and grow in our living faith. This is a choice and something we must choose to do. All soteriological debate ends here because the Bible is clear once one is saved then he needs to do certain things, not for salvation, but to fulfill their purpose in His Kingdom. He left His people work to do, far beyond debate. (In fact, he even mentioned that we are not to be quarrelsome among ourselves)
Living faith is an active choice that each and every Christian is called to develop. How many times have you seen the “seasoned saints” whom it seems nothing shakes them, not trail or circumstance will change their demeanor nor change their inner countenance? To them the conviction of things not seen is as natural to them as seeing the tangible world is for the rest of us. You don’t just wake up one day and have this type of living faith, it comes after a process of time of trusting the Lord with all things and having the faith described in Hebrews 11:1. A working faith, not a mystical one.
Comments»
Yes. Great post!