Do You Have Faith?

Do you know that you are truly a Christian? Is your faith in God a sure, Bible-validated faith?

There is no clearer teaching in God's Word than the teaching that a person may presently have the knowledge of sins forgiven, the present assurance of being right with God. That assurance, however, comes only by faith.

On what is this faith based? First, on the plain statement of the Bible (John 20:31; 5:1; I John 1:9; 2:3). Second, on the inward assurance of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:16; I John 4:13). Third, on the outward evidences—equally manifest to ourselves and to others —of a transformed life (John 13:35; Rom. 12:1; Rev. 7:14).

Is it true that "judging by the way they act, it's hard to tell the difference between a Christian and a non-Christian?" Is it not true rather, that how a man acts is the truest and only (humanly) certain evidence of a man's faith?

Though faith itself is unseen, its presence and operation are clearly manifest, for faith is known by what it does. This is the great emphasis of James—"Faith without works is dead." A true believer will obey Christ, openly and unmistakably.

Hebrews 11 is replete with proofs of faith. Abel declared his faith by the offering of a sacrifice. When Noah prepared an ark, it was visible evidence of his faith in God—even when others mocked.

Because of true faith, Abraham left Ur and settled in Canaan, and was content to live in tents because he looked for a heavenly city.

It was courageous faith that prompted Moses to spurn the title to Egypt's throne. Casting his lot joyously with the people of God, utterly disdaining earthly glory, Moses declared his faith in "the recompense of the reward."

Faith does not always make gains. Faith knows how to lose. "Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might have a better resurrection."

Faith is manifest both by what a person does and by what he refuses to do. It is not certified merely by a desire or feeling.

In a true sense, therefore, how you live is what you believe The life you live is the faith you have.

--George E. Failing