The Doctrine of Saving Faith: why it should matter to the local Church

Hebrews 11:1  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen"

Theologically Saving Faith is the belief, on God’s authority, of whatsoever is revealed in His Word concerning Christ; accepting and resting upon Him alone for justification and eternal life. It is wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit and is accompanied by saving grace and leads to a life of holiness. Faith is a primary concept of Christianity. Without faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation one cannot be a Christian.

 Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 

Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness. 

So Biblical Faith is an active confidence in God. Not ethereal wishful thinking but belief in the truth of Jesus Christ, the object of our faith. Faith is a response directed toward an object and defined by what is believed. Faith is only as good as its object. You can have faith that an old chair will hold you up as you are seated. When the chair breaks and you hit the floor you realize your faith in its stability was betrayed. Spiritually, the object of our faith must always be the sure foundation of the Person of Jesus Christ. 

Faith is the instrument by which a person is saved. We are justified before God by faith and by faith we live out our relationship with Christ (Romans 3:26). Jesus is the very real evidence of things not yet seen. Why? Because Christ has risen from the dead and in doing so has prepared the way for all believers to enter Heaven and enjoy eternal life in Him. Even though we do not see Heaven in this earthly life we are in fact citizens now if we are in Christ   Phil. 3:20-21

True Christianity is different than other religions. All other world religions ask you to perform works, rituals, or meet man made requirements and rules to achieve a reward. At the end of your life you may, or may not, go to “heaven” as the supreme deity decides your fate according to how you performed during your earthly existence. 

These religious systems offer no guarantee or hope of being loved by the specified deity or obtaining eternal life after death. So Faith in false religions produce hopelessness.

But With Christianity our salvation is settled at the beginning, not the end. Faith in Christ places us in a permanent, loving, righteous relationship with God. There is no question what will happen to us when we die. 

We are not bound by guilt, ritual, fear and disillusionment. At death Heaven is our eternal home and no power on earth can stop us from entering into the presence and security of Christ. 

When we are saved we place our faith in the lordship and power of Jesus. “We walk by faith, not by sight” II Cor.5:7  

 Christ and our relationship to Him determines our priorities. Faith in Jesus removes our sin and shifts our allegiance from worldly ambitions and relationships to Christ alone. Our faith in God will change our worldview. 

Charles Spurgeon once said, “When you can’t trace God’s hand, trust His heart.” Sometimes we do not see God working in our lives. We can feel isolated, fearful, and anxious. This is when walking by faith is crucial. Jesus is mighty to save and He is our solid, unshakable object of faith. 

All music content written and performed by Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden (c) 2024

Contact info: cpmlife.org Christ Powered Ministries