Walk the Talk | Authentic Faith
The Proof of Saving Faith
Faith is a key doctrine in the Christian life. For example, every sinner is saved by faith (cf. Eph. 2:8-9), every follower of Christ must walk by faith (2 Cor. 5:7), without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6), and whatever we do apart from faith is sin (Rom. 14:23). This is why it is critical for every professing believer to make sure they possess saving faith. What is the proof of saving faith?
Three kinds of faith:
1. Dead Faith (vs. 14-17)
- Cannot save you from the wrath of God (cf. Jn. 3:36)
- Settles for words without any deeds (cf. Mt. 15:8-9)
- Any claim of saving faith that does not result in a changed life, evidenced by good works, is a false declaration (cf. Mt. 7:15-20; 1 Jn. 3:17-18)
*The proof of saving faith will be seen in how you walk the talk. If you don’t walk the talk, your faith may be dead and worthless.
2. Head Faith (vs. 18-19)
- Cannot save you from the wrath of God, which by nature, we all deserved (cf. Eph. 2:3; 1 Thess. 5:9)
- Intellectual acceptance of truth, but has no impact on how you live (cf. Mk. 4:16-17)
- It is impossible to separate saving faith and deeds (cf. Jn. 13:34-35)
*The proof of saving faith is in our actions, which reflects our minds and hearts. If you only define your faith based on what you know and feel, without consistently demonstrating any good works, you may not have saving faith.
3. Complete Faith (vs. 20-26)
- Faith that will save you (Eph. 2:8-10)
- Strengthened from perseverance through testing (cf. 1:3)
- Faith and deeds work together and result in spiritual maturity (cf. vs. 22-23)
*The proof of saving faith is obedience that is not just an occasional occurrence but continues throughout our whole lives. Complete, saving faith results in a transformed life lived in obedience to God’s Word. Does your faith, demonstrated through your deeds, prove you have saving faith?
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? NO!”
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