The “IF” factor literally dictates the “walk” (life-style) of those whom the Lord calls “My people who are called by My name.” In the series by that name (key word–Called) and its follow-up series titled Who Are God’s People? (Key word–People), the reader will learn that the group, called “the church,” is made up of mostly of CINOs (Christians In Name Only) along with a “few” true believers whom God calls His “little flock,” His “remnant” who have searched for and “found” His true church, have entered her through her “strait” (difficult) gate and are walking her “narrow” (restricted) way that leads to eternal life (Mat. 7:1314). God’s “way” is the way of faith. The few who make up the Church of God–the just(ified)–live by faith, and not just any faith, but “the faith of Christ” (Jam. 2:1/ Gal. 2:16).

In Romans 1:5,6,12 the Apostle Paul writes about this very special faith, saying that he and the other apostles (then and now) have been called to teach about that Christ-level faith throughout all nations of the earth for His name’s sake. In verse six he assures those in the Church of Rome that they–biological Gentiles–have been called to walk in that same faith, therefore making them spiritual Israelites. In verse twelve he tells them that the faith they have been taught is a MUTUAL FAITH, meaning that it is shared throughout all of the Lord’s churches then and now.

The kind of faith Paul is referring to is the true faith which God requires of all who would spend eternity with Him and His Son in New Jerusalem and its environs. To learn about that area read The Kingdom of God. Key word–Kingdom. Having the “only believe” level of faith by which Satan has infected professing Christendom will result in one missing the first resurrection–the resurrection of the “first-fruits” of God’s kingdom. These will rise to meet Christ upon His return following the 3 1/2 year Tribulation Period. Read The Three Resurrections. Key word–Three.

Christ-level faith results when we take God at His Word and react accordingly. We are told in Romans 10:19 that God defines the faith He requires as the result of hearing HIS WORD. In those days most people were illiterate so they went to the synagogues to hear the Holy Scriptures read by the priests who were literate. In modern times most people can read. Also, the Bible is now printed in the world’s various languages. By taking God at His Word one can expect what is written therein to come to pass, IF the believer OBEYS WHAT IS WRITTEN IN THAT HOLY TOME. No one is exempt from this rule, not even those whom the Lord has called to serve Him in ministry. This Truth is brought out in John 15:13,14 where Jesus is telling the 12 apostles that He would die for His friends. He then told them that they were His friends, “… IF YOU DO WHATSOEVER I COMMAND YOU TO DO.” One of them failed to obey the IF caveat relative to Christ’s promise. Billions of salvation seeker believe that, because they are supposedly already saved, simply believing and being religious guarantees their ticket to heaven during a supposed rapture. Wrong on all counts. No one is or has been saved at this time; there will be no heaven-bound rapture of the church; no one has gone or will ever go to heaven. Salvation will be awarded upon Christ’s return. Only those who adhered to the Lord’s IF AND OBEY COMMANDS will receive eternal life (Mat. 10:22/ Rom. 5:21; 6:22). Read about the five foolish virgins (Christians) in Matthew 25. Note that they were doing fine until they “ran out of oil”–stopped obeying God. Note also that the wise virgins (Christians) continued to adhere to the IF and OBEY commands until the end. L.J.