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The Miracle of Faith

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Now faith is the substance (certainty) of things hoped for (the promises of God), the evidence (conviction) of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Faith defined.

Faith is confidence, trust, and conviction that what we believe is true. Our faith is believing the Word of God, which leads to submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Faith begins by hearing God’s word; through it, we are justified and saved from his coming wrath.

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17

What is it that the Word of God tells us to believe?

When we hear the Word of God, we hear some incredible things. We are told that everyone is spiritually dead, unrighteous, an enemy to God, and headed for eternal damnation. We are told that God implanted himself in a teenage Jewish girl and was born as Jesus Christ, who lived a perfect, sinless life. We are told that God orchestrated an amazing plan to save us from Hell by Jesus suffering a brutal death on the cross to atone for our sins, and then was raised from the dead. We are told that only those who believe this will enter Heaven, and those who do not believe will spend eternity in the agony of Hell.

Who would believe this?

This incredible message is delivered through preaching by mortal men, maybe a sweaty evangelist in a $2,000 suit. We read scriptures written by a God we cannot see, hear, or touch, yet we are expected to believe or face a punishment so terrible it is beyond comprehension. Who in their right mind would believe any of this? Our intellect, rational reasoning, and culture lead us to dismiss this as nonsense and move on with our lives. And that is precisely what most choose to do.

The Miracle.

Jesus answered and said unto them, this is the work of God, that ye believe on him who he hath sent. John 6:29

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44

But here is the miracle of faith: those who hear and believe the good news of Jesus Christ are drawn and empowered by God to do so. Faith is not something we produce ourselves. It is God who gives us faith, and it is God who brings our spirit to life. Salvation by faith is an unearned and undeserved gift from God’s grace and mercy; a gift that, by free will, we can choose to accept or reject.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2:8

Faith – the perfect defining element of character for salvation.

It is interesting that God selected the intangible quality of faith to determine a person’s eternal destiny. God examines our faith, and if genuine, counts it as righteousness, bringing salvation. It is faith in his Son, rather than actions, religious rituals, piety, or lineage, that matters. Since saving faith resides in the soul involuntarily, it is never contrived or inauthentic; it is the perfect trait to signify and attest to a devoted and transformed heart. Faith is not something that can be conjured; it either exists or it does not.

The Substantiation of Our Faith

Through life’s trials and challenges, we experience answered prayers that confirm, validate, and strengthen our faith, showing that the object of our belief is real and that we are not running this race in vain.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. John 15:7-8

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16

Recognizing God’s work in our lives is another powerful confirmation of our faith’s validity. God moves to guide us and shape our circumstances, and his work’s impact is clearly seen in our lives.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Psalm 32:8

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Fools for Christ

Our faith is visceral, and the secular world sees Christians as naive, ignorant fools. But we know that when the time for faith is over, we will be proven wise, and the worldly man will be revealed as a fool in his worldly intellect. God takes great joy in saving humble, trusting souls who believe despite the world’s wisdom.

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.1st Corinthians 1:18-21

Man Owns His Unbelief

The origin of faith is God. The origin of unbelief is free will, with a heart hardened by pursuing worldly desires, and a conscience seared by love of sin humanity’s default is to not believe the word of God.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1st Corinthians 2:14

 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18

Forgiveness

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Experiencing betrayal is like being stabbed in the back, leaving fear and anger to consume your soul. Maybe it was a deliberate and malicious act, delivered with bitter animosity. You might wonder if you were foolish and naïve for not seeing it coming. Perhaps you were, but it happened suddenly and without warning from someone you never suspected could be motivated or capable of such treachery. Initially, you may search for answers and try to understand, but soon, those thoughts are replaced by a deep desire for vengeance and retaliation.

Forgive? What!? No way! You want him to pay. You want him to suffer. You want to wallow in your bitterness and animosity. You want to stay trapped in that moment, consumed by the heat of emotion, obsessing over this forever. You do not want to move on; you want the pain and hatred to blossom. You want to be dominated by rage and emotion. You do not want peace or relief; You want vengeance.

Here is the unrighteousness of humanity writ large. Do all Christians feel this way? They sure do; we all do. The idea of retribution feels much better to the natural man than the idea of forgiveness. Forgiveness feels like letting the offender off the hook, giving him victory and validation of our weakness or cowardice; besides, we want blood. However, holding onto an unforgiving heart is akin to murdering the eyes of God. 1 John 3:15 It is sad proof that every man is fundamentally unrighteous, falling short of God’s standard.

God tells us to forgive our enemies, just as He has forgiven us. Ephesians 4:32 He tells us that we are to love our enemies and not hate anyone. Matthew 5:43-44 Forgiveness is an act of humility, and seeking vengeance is an act of pride, and we know that God abhors the proud and exalts the humble. Matthew 23:12 

To be unforgiving is to live outside the will of God, and for the Christian, this brings chastening, the sickness of a guilty conscience, and the forfeiture of blessings. We are to forgive, kill our enemies with kindness, and leave vengeance to the righteous hand of God.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:19-21

But how can we forgive when the lust for retribution burns so hot? Like many divine qualities, forgiveness is contrary to our human instincts and is truly a gift from God. If you find yourself reeling, take a step back – don’t act or speak, and allow time to pass. Sit quietly in your emotional discomfort and pray. Pray for God to calm you down, to change your heart, and to give you peace. Pray that the perpetrator repents, for strength during this challenging time, and for the ability to glorify God through your love, even for those who have harmed you. God hears and responds to the sincere prayers of his children; he will comfort you and provide the strength to forgive.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Matthew 5:43-44

Forgiving those who have hurt you is one of the most Christ-like qualities a person can possess. Those who overcome their pride become more like Jesus, our perfect example of how we should strive to be.

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 1st Peter 2:21-23

To forgive is to live within the will of God, and such obedience restores our joy. Anger, animosity, hatred, and the desire to cause suffering – tools used by our adversary, Satan – are extinguished through forgiveness. Additionally, in the scripture below, it is clear that forgiveness is not a suggestion.

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:15

O Death, Where is Thy Sting?

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So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:54-57

The sting of death, the victory of the grave, is to usher man’s soul into the eternal torment of Hell, God’s just condemnation for the unrepentant and unredeemed soul. In the natural course of events, we all have this coming.

But thanks and gratitude to God, who gave us a way of escape, a provision for salvation from his wrath through faith in his son, Christ Jesus. On the cross, Jesus took the sting of death for us; he suffered and died as the perfect and final atonement for the sin of man. By faith and submission to him, his righteousness is credited to us, and we will not stand before God with unredeemed sinners to be judged unrighteous and condemned to the fire of hell. This is how death is defeated, its sting eliminated, and a horrific fate swallowed up in victory.

Thanks also to God for his promised provision to bring his children into heaven. A mortal, earthly body of flesh and blood, corrupt, weak, subject to defect and decay, cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. So, when we are raised at the appearance of Christ, we will be given a new body that is incorruptible and immortal, raised in glory and power, and designed to exist in the spiritual world. Moreover, if you happen to be alive when Jesus arrives to take His church off the earth, you will be instantly transformed into the new, glorified body and taken to be with Him, never to experience death. How great is that!

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20

Is Christianity the Only True Religion?

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It is well known that Christians, particularly the Evangelical Protestants (who make up only 12% of the world population), have an irritating and offensive trait of claiming their religion as the only valid or true way to God. To say that all other paths lead to an eternity of agony in the fire of hell seems a bit intolerant and narrow-minded. Here is a look at why they are convinced the doctrine of their faith is superior to all other paths. 

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The Unrighteous Nature of Man

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God created man and set him above all other creatures with the qualities and competencies of a self-conscious and rational being (a person). He gave us intellect, the ability to grasp abstract concepts (such as faith, morality, truth or lies, and evil), faculties of communication, and feelings of deep emotion. We also possess the capability to act of our own free will, as we have agency, and the ability to make choices. These attributes are elements of personhood; qualities that make us meaningful and valuable. This is what is meant by “made in the image of God”. We have dignity and worth, creatures built for relationships; God created us to have a relationship with him.

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. Genesis 1:26

But the elements of the image of God in which we were made are of capability, not so much character. Man is an innovative and resourceful creature, but he does not possess, in any meaningful way, God’s divine characteristics, particularly that of righteousness. To be righteous is to be morally correct, and we all fall far short of God’s standard of perfection.

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: Romans 3:10

for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

We see this clearly and profoundly in the world’s immorality and depravity. We also notice it in our daily lives, as we often prioritize our pleasure and comfort. We place our interests, desires, and love of worldly things above our love for God. Jesus tells us that the most important commandment is: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Matthew 22:37-38 To love God is to obey him, and to hate God is to live against his will, violating his commandments. This is sin, a malady common to all mankind.

The Terrible Result of Sin

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For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:30-31

God is clear about how he deals with sin. Every person will be held accountable for their unforgiven sins, and the penalty is eternal damnation. We all deserve God’s wrath that will come when we stand before him and face his judgment.

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:11-13

The unrighteous nature of man and the coming judgment raise a crucial question. If no one, no matter how hard they try, has a righteous standing before God, then are we doomed to suffer in Hell forever? The answer is yes.

This is why mankind desperately needs a Savior.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Hebrews 9:27-28

Jesus is the Only Way to Heaven.

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Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

The Bible clearly teaches that faith in and submission to Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven. The truth of this is supported by the suffering he endured to bring salvation to humanity. In the Gospels, we learn about his anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal by his disciples, the rejection by his people, and his horrific suffering through scourging and crucifixion. Why would he have endured this if there had been any other way to save us from the penalty of our sins?

Jesus clearly states that he is the only way, not just a way to the Father. Faith in Jesus Christ is the only path to Heaven; all other roads lead to Hell. Trusting anything, anyone, or any religious system other than Jesus Christ is to commit spiritual suicide.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12

If Jesus is the only way to Heaven, then there must be many roads leading to Hell.

Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14

Below are four common paths to destruction, each characterized by the failure to make Jesus Christ the Lord over everything in your life.

First, some will end up in Hell because they are satisfied in their unbelief, with no desire or need for God. Prosperity, success, social acceptance, and self-sufficiency often negate their conscious recognition of the need for God. They believe they don’t need to be saved. For them, Christianity is an unnecessary waste of time.

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. Ist Corinthians 1:18

Secondly, others mistakenly believe they are in good standing with God because they strive to live moral lives and be good people. Overestimating the good within themselves, they assume that treating others well, thinking good thoughts, and doing good deeds should be sufficient to secure a place in Heaven. They, too, are convinced that they do not need to be saved. The word of God tells us otherwise; it is clear that reliance on one’s righteousness ends in death.

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isaiah 64:6

Thirdly, the next road to Hell is reliance on compliance. The religious are often taught to do something to make amends with God. They attempt to win God’s favor through actions they think will please him, such as self-righteous efforts, following religious rules and rituals, or living piously. However, in God’s eyes, these efforts are futile nonsense. Jesus railed against the Jewish religious leadership, who taught adherence to rules, rituals, sacraments, and traditions for salvation. You cannot work yourself into righteous perfection; that is why you need a savior to deliver you from being judged wanting and condemned. God desires your heart, mind, and soul, not your best efforts at religion.  

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:21-23

Finally, there is a path to Hell marked by deception, evil, and treachery. It is the perversion of the Gospel of Jesus Christ by charlatans of organized religion that leads people away from Christ.

These frauds intertwine corruption, lies, and error with some element of truth, as they teach heresies that go against the Gospel in the Bible. They promote ideas like promised prosperity, the goodness of humanity, and devotion to religious rituals and ceremonies for salvation. They downplay the deity of Jesus, some by dramatic blasphemies such as claiming Jesus is a created being or even that he is Satan’s brother (Mormons). They minimize the punishment for unrighteousness and forget the plan of salvation; all the while, often taking money for personal gain. These persuasive voices tell people what they want to hear, and people believe them no matter how absurd the message is. Be aware that Satan sometimes carries a Bible.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2nd Timothy 4:3-4

The Bible is also clear that those who propagate lies and distortions of the word of God are cursed, and their destruction is inevitable.

But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 2nd Peter 2:12

Faith Tested

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There are two clear objectives in mortal life. The first is to come to Christ for salvation. The second is to grow and mature in the faith, to be sanctified by God, to glorify him, and to live a life that is pleasing to him.

Salvation

Whose (winnowing) fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his (threshing) floor, and gather his wheat into the garner (barn); but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Matthew 3:12

The agricultural symbolism in the verse above is clear. The saved are gathered in Heaven, while the lost spend eternity in Hell. His “threshing floor” represents God’s judgment, with the verdict determined during each person’s earthly life. God’s children—those saved by the blood of Jesus Christ—are distinguished and separated from those who are forever lost and condemned during our brief time here on Earth. To be saved from the wrath of God is the primary reason we are here.

Transcendent, eternal joy and peace await those who successfully arrive at the threshing floor as wheat, not chaff. The word of God is crystal clear on how this is accomplished; it is by faith in Jesus Christ alone. Later, in Heaven or Hell, we will reflect on our time here on Earth, when the quality of our eternity was settled, with either gratitude and joy or deep anguish, remorse, and sorrow. This mortal life is God’s sieve to separate those who are his from those who are not.

Sanctification by Trials

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers (diverse) temptations (various trials); Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work (effect), that ye may be perfect and entire (complete), wanting (lacking) nothing. James 1:2-4

In this life, God puts us through trials to realize our potential, refine our abilities, build endurance, and strengthen our faith. Our character, whether good or bad, will be shaped, and our station in the next life will be determined. Testing fosters maturity and transforms us into stronger Christians, conforming us to the likeness of Christ. Trials humble us, create dependency on God, and reveal our true character. We who are in Christ can face distress and trouble with a sense of calm, stability, and confidence because we trust that all things are within his control and work for our ultimate good.

A Christian who remains steadfast in faith amidst adversity is a powerful testimony to God’s love, power, and peace. A Christian who maintains unwavering faith when life is easy and prosperous with humility and gratitude is also a compelling testimony to God’s loving generosity.

A man without faith pursues the desires of his heart, believing that peace and happiness come from achieving success based on worldly values such as wealth, vain relationships, status, power, attractiveness, and material possessions. He attributes the troubles in his life to the malevolence of others, bad luck, or foolishness. Without God, a person must navigate life on their own. While he may experience prosperity during his brief time on Earth, he ultimately fails the test that truly matters. However, there is hope, as many turn to Christ during tough times – those who are broken often come to realize their need for a savior.

Life is a grand test, serving as a proving ground to separate the wheat from the chaff. The Elect will come to Christ and obtain eternal life, while the lost will die in their sins. The faithful Christian will be sanctified and transformed to be more like Christ, whereas the unholy person will be consumed by the lusts and depravity of their mind. Our purpose in this life is to come to know Christ, obey God, fear him, glorify him, grow in faith, and share the incomparable gift of salvation available only through faith in Jesus Christ.

But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:10