When We Speak of Faith

When We Speak of Faith

When we speak of faith, there is an distinction that should be borne in mind.  There is a kind of belief that is wholly distinct from faith. The existence and power of God, the truth of His word, are facts that even Satan and his host cannot at heart deny.  The Bible says that “the devils also believe, and tremble:”  James 2:19.  Where thee is not only a belief in God’s word, but a submission of the will to Him; where the heart is yielded to Him, the affections fixed upon Him, there is faith – faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Through this faith the heart is renewed in the image of God.  And the heart that is its in-renewed state is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be, now delights in its holy precepts, exclaiming with the Psalmist, “O how love I they law! it is my meditation all the day,” Psalms 119:97.  And the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1.

There are those who have known the pardoning love of Christ and who really desire to be children of God, yet they realize that their character is imperfect, their life faulty, and they are ready to doubt whether their hearts have been renewed by the holly Spirit.  To such I would say, do not draw back in despair. We shall often have to bow down and weep at the feet of Jesus because of our shortcomings and mistakes, but we are not to be discouraged.

Even if we are overcome by the enemy, we are not cast off, not forsaken and rejected of God.  No; Christ is at the right hand  of God, who also makes intercession for us. Said the beloved John, “these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.  And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” I John 2:1. And do not forget the words of Christ, “The Father Himself loves you” John 16:27.  He desires to restore you to Himself, to see His own purity and holiness reflected in you. And if you will but yield yourself to Him, He that hath begun a good work in you carry it forward to the day of Jesus Christ.

Pray more fervently; believe more fully. As we come to distrust our own power let us trust the power of our Redeemer, and we shall praise Him who is the health of our countenance.

No deep seated love for Jesus can dwell in the heart that does not realize its own sinfulness. The soul that is transformed by the grace of Christ will admire His divine character; but if we do not see our own moral deformity, it is unmistakable evidence that we have not had a view of the beauty and excellence of Christ.

The soul that is transformed by the grace of Christ will admire His divine character and will long to have His character as their character.  This is true faith.