THE WALK OF FAITH Devotion #2 of 8

"For therein [the Gospel, v. 16) is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." (Rom 1:17; Gal 3:11; Heb 10:38; Habakkuk 2:4)

THE SOURCE OF OUR FAITH

The source of our faith can be a subject for debate--but we must not allow this to happen! It is difficult, if not altogether impossible, for flesh to comprehend something you do coming from an outside source. Nevertheless, the Word of God is clear on this point, and it is to our advantage to receive the Word with joy. Our faith has been given to us. It is not the result of human ingenuity or discipline. While it is true that we are the ones doing the believing, it is also true that we do it because it has been given to us to do so. The lame man at the pool of Bethesda walked, but he did not do so on his own. It was given to him to walk, and it is given to us to believe.

It was GIVEN to you to believe

"For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake" (Philippians 1:29). What a marvelous truth! On the behalf of Christ, God has granted you the ability and privilege of believing. Your faith, therefore, is most "precious," and is to be kept with all diligence. If you are tempted to give too much credit to yourself, or another person, related to your faith, remember that it was "given" to you to believe. But do not stop there! It was given to you "in the behalf of Christ" to believe. It is not that you deserved to be given this grace: you did not. It was given to you on Christ's behalf. That indicates that Jesus Himself wants you to believe. He wanted you to benefit eternally from His death and life. That is why He died for you. That is why He intercedes for you. What a marvelous consideration!

We OBTAINED like precious faith

"Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ" (II Peter 1:1). Never forget; you have "obtained" your faith. It was not something you developed. It is not the result of mere human effort. It is not simply giving mental assent to the affirmations of Scripture. "How just and good He is to give this faith to each of us" (Living Bible). Your faith was "received" (NIV) by you; it was given by God. Do not allow that to cause theological difficulties for you. This is the language of the Holy Spirit.

Faith is GIVEN to Everyone In Christ

"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" (Romans 12:3). Those that suppose that every person, saved or not, has been given proportioned faith are simply wrong. No one outside of Christ has been given faith. The categorical statement of Scripture is, "All men have not faith" (2 Thess. 3:2). This text is an appeal to believers--to those in Christ Jesus. We are admonished to present our bodies a "living sacrifice unto God" (v. 1). He pleads with us not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (v. 2). The Spirit then appeals to our faith as the basis for fulfilling these admonitions. God has dealt to each person a "measure of faith" that is appropriate for the ministry he is called to do. If he will live by faith, he will fulfill his ministry with joy!

We believed THROUGH GRACE

"And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace" (Acts 18:27). Those with a propensity to law do not speak much of grace. That is because grace and law, as a basis for salvation, are antithetical to one another. Those who attempt to unite them as a foundation do greatly err. We did not believe through law, but by grace! We did not believe because we had to, but because we wanted to: that is grace! If you have ever wondered how much grace you have, consider the extent of your faith. If you are persuaded that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God, you have obtained grace to believe! If you know your name is written in heaven, and have a fervent desire to finish your course with joy, you have received grace to believe! It is tragic that "our" people speak so little of the grace of God. It betrays a condition that must be improved if heaven is to be gained. Once it is seen that we have believed "through grace," we will make much of grace!

Grace was abundant with faith

"And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus" (I Timothy 1:14). Here is a marvelous thing! Grace did not simply come with SOME faith; it was "exceeding abundant with faith . . . " That certainly underscores why we should "have grace" (Heb. 12:28). You must not miss the point here. If the grace of God was "exceeding abundant" with faith--and it has "appeared, bringing salvation to all men"--then there is no reason why you cannot have a lot of faith. Do not live beneath your privilege!

-- TOMORROW: WALKING BY FAITH --