Real Faith—What Is it? (Part 2)

The moment we truly place our faith in God for salvation we are declared righteous forever! All of our sins are immediately forgiven and covered.

The apostle Paul teaches us that “a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:21–24, emphasis added).

Such saving faith is not a dead, lifeless faith, but a living, vital, persevering, and obedient one.

James, the Lord’s brother, describes dead faith as “faith without deeds” (James 2:26).

By contrast, authentic faith produces works prompted by love (Galatians 5:6; 1 Thessalonians 1:3) and results in obedience to God (Hebrews 11:8).

It is impossible for sinful man to produce such faith on his own, yet such faith is the condition for our eternal salvation. How, then, can we be saved? God alone is able to do it—for with God all things are possible.

God saves us by regenerating us and creating in us the vital faith he requires. Thus, saving faith is the gift of God. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Pastor Mathew has several published books that provide an in-depth look at topics such as faith – visit http://graceandglory.pub to view all of his published books available.