Saving Faith (KJV)

What is faith? And why is faith important? Current statistics indicate a decline in faith and/or religion. Many people don’t know what faith is and for others their faith is faulty because it is misplaced. The Bible is God’s Word. It is inspired and preserved by God so that we may know what faith is and why it is important. Faith is not “will power.” You cannot work up faith in and of your own self. Faith doesn’t stem from self. Many people think that self-determination or self-confidence is the answer, but trusting or relying on one’s self is not saving faith, nor a faith that pleases God. Faith is not “a stab in the dark.” Many think that faith is a leap in the dark or taking a chance at something without certainty. Faith is not a matter of sentiments, feelings, or emotions. Many confuse or confound faith and feelings. However, as we shall soon note, faith is firm and fixed whereas feelings are fickle and change all the time. So, what is faith? The Bible says “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is the commitment or assent of the heart and soul of a believer to the promise of God by which His blessings are secured. When the Bible says “faith is the substance,” it means that faith is the solid ground upon which we may believe in God and His Word. Faith is the confidence, the foundation, the basis, or the ground upon which we rely upon God. So, faith is not placed upon one’s self, accomplishments, talents, gifts, abilities, or heritage. Faith is based upon or is fixed upon God and His revealed word. Faith doesn’t boast on one’s merits; it comes to God empty of self and is fixed upon the promises of God. Dear friend, if you are relying upon yourself or your merits or morals to take you to Heaven, then your faith is faulty. Faith that pleases God looks beyond one’s self for Salvation. Faith sees the inadequacy of self. Faith realizes the consequences of sin and self, and turns from sin and self to the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith is a non-meritorious act of the soul or decision of the mind and heart wherein a helpless and hopeless sinner relies upon the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life. Saving faith is trusting God and His Word. Here is what you need to know in order to place your faith in Christ alone. 1. You must realize that you are a sinner. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sin is not just a matter of not being perfect. It is breaking God’s law—we have truly offended a holy God. By nature and choice we are all sinners (see also Romans 3:10; 5:12). The problem with mankind is not education, environment, or money. The problem is sin. 2. You must realize the penalty of sin. “For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23a). There are several results of sin such as crime, physical death, and shame. However, there is an ultimate penalty for sin and that is spiritual death in an eternal Hell. This is certain because the Lord Jesus Himself said so: “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). Hell is the final destination for all unrepentant sinners (see also Revelation 21:8). 3. The Lord Jesus died, was buried, and rose again for you. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). When the Lord Jesus hung on the cross, He took on Himself the judgment of God for your sins. He paid the penalty for your sins. He rose on the third day triumphant over sin and death (see also 2 Corinthians 5:21; John 3:16). 4. You must turn from sin and self, and trust in Christ alone as your Savior. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). No church, sacrament, or good works could ever take you to Heaven; only the Lord Jesus can. Trust Him today, and by faith receive Him as your Savior (see also John 1:12). You can place your faith on the Lord Jesus Christ today, you can be saved from the penalty of sin and washed in His precious blood.