Lord’s Day, Vol. 4 No. 33

What is Saving Faith? (Part 3)

The Westminster Confession of Faith states:

3. This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong [k]; may be often and many ways assailed, and weakened, but gets the victory [l]: growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ [m], who is both the author and finisher of our faith [n].

[k] Hebrews 5:13-14 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Romans 4:19-20 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.

Matthew 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

[l] Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

1 John 5:4-5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

[m] Hebrews 6:11-12 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ.

 [n] Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

In statement 3, the focus is on the enduring nature of saving faith. Though it may at times be weak and at times strong, it will continue to grow for Christ who has started the good work in us and will also perform it to the end.

This is a most blessed truth. It is the will of God that the faith of every believer be strengthened and strong. It is not healthy that a Christian for many years still “drinks milk” when he should be partaking strong meat for the strengthening of his faith.

For every circumstance that we encounter in life, be it known that it is an opportunity to strengthen our faith. Abraham was without child and his wife has passed the age of child bearing. But God promised him a child.

The Bible described Abraham’s faith as that which did not stagger though physically it seemed impossible for God’s promise to be fulfilled! He did not waiver but continue to cling on to God’s promise in faith.

The encouragement is to be assured of God’s care for us in all the trials of life. Through faith, we overcome and have victory when we encounter evil forces that threaten to overthrow our faith. The secret is to give diligence to hope continually in His Word. Through faith and patience, we shall certainly inherit the promises of God.

The Lord established the local church so that members can uphold one another in prayer and help one another in practical ways through the pathways of life. As we do His will on earth for His glory, let us be His faithful witnesses till we reach our heavenly home.

Let all believers be comforted in their hearts as we are exhorted to love one another and to support and build up one another cemented by love. Not a mere outward profession but as true followers of Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith.

This third statement is motivational. The purpose is to spur us on to strong faith by strengthening one another in Christ Jesus.

Amen.

Yours lovingly,

Pastor Lek Aik Wee