Here’s a Pop-quiz test of Faith:
What would be NOT be doing that you currently do if you DID NOT believe in Jesus?
There is always a tension between faith and deeds. And there are two sides to this soteriological coin (that’s my really impressive Theologian term for a “salvation” related issue…are you impressed?).
The first side of the coin is:
1. I am saved because of faith alone. My good deeds have nothing to do my entrance to heaven. I believe in Jesus and that’s all I need to do.
The second side of the coin is:
2. I am saved because my faith in Christ is evidenced by what I do for Christ. My believe impacts what I do, who I am, and how I live.
To be honest, I’m much more convinced that the second side of the coin is the one we should embrace. You aren’t saved by what you do – ever . . . but you are clearly saved because you do things in response to that salvation.
James wrote, “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.” James 2:17-19.
We are living in a world that needs to SEE what we BELIEVE. If you are a follower of Christ, you have chosen to put your FAITH in an UNSEEN God that sent His only Son to die for your sins and redeem you from the penalty and prison of sin. Now, as His child you have an awesome call upon your life. To make this UNSEEN God SEEN by living out what He commands and doing them.
Jesus put it this way: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 7:24. He then reiterated the work of God in John 6:29 “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” To do God’s work is to believe in Christ. But it must be more than a personal acknowledgement that Jesus exists. There must be evidence that not only do you acknowledge that He lives, but that your life is fantastically impacted by that existence.
Which brings me back to the question, “What would you not be doing that you currently do if you did not believe in Jesus?”
I hope it’s more than just sitting in a church on Sunday between 9am and 12pm. I hope your life would be un-recognizable from what it is now.
Is that what it means to be “Transformed?”
If you are interested in doing more than just believing – maybe this Wednesday Night’s volunteer assimilation class can help you put your faith into action for the sake of this community!
Till next time.
PT
