Part of the problem might be a weak view of biblical faith; a shallow understanding of what it means to have faith, show faith, and live by faith. While belief is a part of biblical faith, it's not the entirety. A vital component of faith engrosses the concept of fidelity and faithfulness with a strong notion of giving allegiance and loyalty to something esteemed to be worthy of trust and obeisance.
The Gospel of the Kingdom that Jesus brought to earth demands and invites true faith. That is, true loyalty and allegiance which requires a rejection of all other opposing and contradicting counterparts. Hebrews 11 clearly conveys true biblical faith: a loyalty, fidelity, allegiance, and out-working expression of a deeply held conviction that God is Supreme and worthy of obedience, no matter the cost. Particularly, verses 13-16 indicate faith as a forward-thinking yearning for a "better country, that is, an heavenly" place and time when God brings all creation into subjection and rules in peace and righteousness.
Therefore, our call to faith is also a call to faithfulness. We show faith by our works (James 2). We show fidelity to a King, His sovereign rule, and obey the laws set out for us. Our faith is the most important thing of who we are as a person and will dictate the course of our life. Our faith is integrally linked to salvation thus it behooves us to carefully reflect on the meaning of true faith and examine ourselves regularly (2nd Corinthians 13:5) for patterns of fidelity, faithfulness, and a yearning for God's kingdom and will to be done "on earth as it is in heaven."
Peter captures the essence of a true faith in his opening exhortation of his general epistle:
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
(1st Peter 1:3-9)Zion's Harp #2, A Christian's Joy and Hope, vs. 1-4
1. O hallelujah to our King!
Ye Zion’s children, come and bring
Praise, worship and submission!
O magnify His wondrous might!
The Lamb, which for our sins has died,
Deserves our exaltation.
Thank Him! Praise Him!
Bring allegiance and obedience
Every hour
For His marv’lous strength and power.
2. His glorious kingdom shall endure.
What equals it? What is so sure
On earth, or yet in heaven?
The messengers of His great fame
In regions far and near proclaim:
“Salvation shall be given!”
Hear them calling,
“Cease from sinning; Childhood winning,
Seek His favor;
Walk the pathway of the Saviour!”
3. O Lamb of God, to Thee we sing,
Our gratitude and honor bring
To Thee, our Lord forever.
To all the people be it known
That unto Jesus Christ alone
Our heart and soul is given.
Grant we pray Thee,
Understanding, knowledge giving,
Of salvation
And Thy graceful dispensation.
4. What joy we shall in heaven see
When we united are with Thee,
Before Thy throne adore Thee,
When perfect Thy great work shall be,
When after night Thy light we see,
And gathered are before Thee,
Envy shall be
Far removed, well beloved,
All who own Thee
Will as Bridegroom then acclaim Thee!
No comments:
Post a Comment