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The Faith
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Saved By Faith
by Tony Edwards
In the book of Hebrews we find these words:
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must
believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (11:6).
Christianity is a walk. Spiritually speaking, however, it is a walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). This
walk begins with believing in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In recording the words of Jesus, John
writes, "Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will
die in your sins" (8:24). Every religious group across this hemisphere who rejects the sinless Son of God
will suffer the punishment of ultimate damnation, if they do not repent.
Faith means nothing if obedience to God's commandments do not accompany. Abraham is a good
example of this. He was a man that didn't just say "I have faith" but his faith was shown in his obedience to
God's commandment.
James records, "Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on
the altar?Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works
faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abrahambelieved God, and it was
accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God" (2:21-23).
Furthermore, Paul said we are saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8). “Through faith” is the avenue by
which we are saved. God does His part and we do ours. He has already achieved His portion. Now we must
reach up to Him. Keep in mind that not everyone will take advantage of the opportunity. Our Lord said,
“Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;” (Prov 1:24).
Thus God is standing with hands stretched out for us all. So what does “through faith” mean? It means that
my faith in God and His word causes me to act. The process begins but does not end with faith. We must
act! James said “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” (2:24) What kind
of works? Works that are “…not of yourselves…” (Eph 2:8). No man can invent works to merit salvation.
The people asked Jesus “…What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and
said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:28, 29). So,
we see here that Jesus defines belief as a work, not of men but of God. Anything that God commands is a
work accredited to him, which explains why James said, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being
alone” (2:17).
Notice what Hebrews the eleventh chapter records:
No doubt, faith is essential to salvation!
(Faith alone doesn't save. You must REPENT)
by Tony Edwards
In the book of Hebrews we find these words:
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must
believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (11:6).
Christianity is a walk. Spiritually speaking, however, it is a walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). This
walk begins with believing in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In recording the words of Jesus, John
writes, "Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will
die in your sins" (8:24). Every religious group across this hemisphere who rejects the sinless Son of God
will suffer the punishment of ultimate damnation, if they do not repent.
Faith means nothing if obedience to God's commandments do not accompany. Abraham is a good
example of this. He was a man that didn't just say "I have faith" but his faith was shown in his obedience to
God's commandment.
James records, "Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on
the altar?Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works
faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abrahambelieved God, and it was
accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God" (2:21-23).
Furthermore, Paul said we are saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8). “Through faith” is the avenue by
which we are saved. God does His part and we do ours. He has already achieved His portion. Now we must
reach up to Him. Keep in mind that not everyone will take advantage of the opportunity. Our Lord said,
“Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;” (Prov 1:24).
Thus God is standing with hands stretched out for us all. So what does “through faith” mean? It means that
my faith in God and His word causes me to act. The process begins but does not end with faith. We must
act! James said “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” (2:24) What kind
of works? Works that are “…not of yourselves…” (Eph 2:8). No man can invent works to merit salvation.
The people asked Jesus “…What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and
said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:28, 29). So,
we see here that Jesus defines belief as a work, not of men but of God. Anything that God commands is a
work accredited to him, which explains why James said, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being
alone” (2:17).
Notice what Hebrews the eleventh chapter records:
- By faith Abel OFFERED (v4)
- By faith Noah PREPARED (v7)
- By faith Abraham OBEYED (v8)
- Through Faith Sara CONCEIVED (v11)
- By Faith Moses REFUSED (v24)
- By faith Moses FORSOOK (v27)
- Through faith Moses KEPT THE PASSOVER (v28)
No doubt, faith is essential to salvation!
(Faith alone doesn't save. You must REPENT)
