What is it?
Faith is a confident trust and belief that while one does indeed deserve nothing but condemnation, because of the work of Jesus Christ one is seen by God as having never sinned and is thus saved.
How can I be sure I have it?
First, you must know and believe that you need to be saved:
- Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
- Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Second, understand that God did not leave you helpless and on your own to fix your sin problem. God's solution is Jesus Christ:
- Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Third, if you believe these things are true; you are a sinner deserving eternal death and that the Lord took action on your behalf, sending Jesus to die in your place; you have faith and should know its result:
- Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Romans 8:1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
It can't be that simple, can it?
Well, yes and no. Yes, there is nothing we can add or subtract from the work of Christ or God's plan of salvation. No, the believer spends the rest of life on earth understanding and learning more and more. Heaven and eternity are spent worshiping this Savior and will never exhaust our wonder of salvation.
Why even bring it up?
I make no apologies for this topic, my beliefs, and having the nerve to bring it up.
Obviously, this is such an important topic, to ignore it would be to bury one's head in the sand.
I expect that it is equally clear that there are many opposed to the beliefs I espouse. Not just those who have a doctrinal nit to pick, but those who look on believers as being mentally inferior or even dangerous. I am called to stand firm for Christ (1 Corinthians 16:13). It is my prayer that as you read this page, you take the opportunity to examine your life and your relationship with the Creator and Lord of all.