DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PILGRIM'S PROGRESS -- BELIEF VERSUS FAITH

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS – BELIEF VERSUS FAITH

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).

"Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith" (Habakkuk 2:4).

"I then saw in my dream that Hopeful looked back and noticed Ignorance, whom they had left behind, still following them."

Christian and Hopeful again interacted with Ignorance. In their discussion with Ignorance, it became apparent that he had correct belief in doctrine regarding the facts of Christ's death on the cross, but he had never come to the place of putting his total personal faith in Christ alone for salvation. He believed that Jesus died for sin, but he also believed that his good works were also necessary for salvation. There is a difference between belief and faith. Belief is a prerequisite to faith, but faith is active, intentional trust. I can believe that my car will start, but trust is turning the key. No matter how much I believe, it will not happen until I take an active step of faith. As James wrote, "Faith without works is dead" (James 2:20). A person can believe all the correct things regarding Christ and still not receive by faith the salvation that comes from completely trusting in Christ's sacrifice. It is pride that thinks that I can add anything to what Jesus did on the cross. My belief in my own ability to live a good life keeps me from living by faith in the sole provision of Christ. Thinking that I can provide anything towards my salvation detracts from the atonement provided by Christ. The just do not live by their belief, but by their faith (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17). Belief is inactive until it is energized by faith. Living by faith is not trusting my good works but the gift of God, which is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).

I am so glad that my salvation does not depend on my good works, because I could never live good enough to merit or earn God's approval. Only salvation through Christ can save me. I live in that faith.

Love, Dad