If asked what is meant by true, God-defined faith, what would be your answer? Asking several people that question would elicit a variety of answers, most of which would center around the belief that Jesus Christ came to earth, suffered and died for mankind. Though this belief is true, it forms only a small part of the faith necessary to receive eternal life. The Apostle Paul reminded the church at Rome that “The just(tified) will live by faith” (Rom. 1:17). Most any church member can recite this statement. But few remember what Paul wrote in the two previous verses: “… I am ready to preach the Gospel to you that are in Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it (the Gospel) is the power of God unto salvation for every one that believes …. For therein (in the Gospel) is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith. As it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.'” In the next verse Paul warns that the wrath of God will fall on those who know God’s Word but refuse to obey it, calling them ungodly and unrighteous. He continues, saying of such people that they are without excuse (vs 20), have darkened hearts (vs 21), are fools (vs 22), are idolators (vs 23), are unclean of mind (vs 24), have changed God’s Truth into a lie (vs 28), have reprobate minds (vs 28) and are worthy of death (vs 32). In Ephesians 2:1,2 Paul says that those who do not obey God’s Word are dead in trespasses and sins, that they are “children of disobedience” because they live under the power of Satan. OPERATING UNDER THE INSPIRATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, PAUL WAS WRITING TO THE CHURCH ABOUT THE CHURCH. God preserved his words, knowing that they would apply to the modern day church even more than to the early church.

What this most important of subjects will reveal is that true faith, God’s Word and obedience to that Word/Truth (Jn. 17:17) are all necessary if one is to qualify for eternal life. As will be brought out, God-commanded faith lives only in those who obey His Word. Faith without obedience= dead faith which will produce eternal death. Note in Romans 1:15 that the Gospel/Word/Truth of God is “the power of God UNTO salvation.” Note also in that verse that God equates obedience to His Word and righteousness. As these postings will prove, knowing and believing the Gospel saves no one. Nor will salvation result if one adds uber-religiosity to the mix. God calls such religious activities “filthy rags” (Isa. 64:6) even though they are practiced in His name. In sum, without obedience to His Word, no depth of belief or amount of churchiosity can save the soul. As the reader will see, there is very little true faith on the earth. Though Satan has convinced them to the contrary, the vast majority of people who “know” that they are “saved” and “born again” are neither saved nor born again. See Hope and Salvation and Born Again.

Prior to His death Jesus asked: “When the Son of man returns, will He find faith on the earth? (Lk. 18:8). Jesus knew that masses of people would proclaim their faith in Him during the centuries leading up to His second advent. But there are two types of faith: God-commanded faith and man-commanded faith, which are polar opposites. The difference between them is the difference between life and death, light and darkness, God and Satan. In the Luke 18 passage, Jesus was asking if He would find true faith anywhere on earth upon His return. As this series will reveal, only His “little flock,” His tiny “remnant” will be exhibiting true faith when He returns to take them into His Father’s earthy kingdom.

At this point it is important that we distinguish between faith and emotions. In some circles people try to “work up” their faith with bodily movement and vocal proclamations, the belief being that more movement and louder noise produces greater faith. Contrary to popular opinion, the result is not faith, but rather feelings. As this series will prove, TRUE FAITH INVOLVES GOD’S WORD ONLY. In this series we will learn what true faith is, why it is needed, how to receive it and how to live by it. Without true, Bible-based faith we cannot be born again and saved at the return of Jesus Christ. Without such faith we cannot become part of God’s family and live forever with Him in His Kingdom.  To be continued. L.J.