Having recently attended the Southern California Harvest Crusade, and witnessing many professions of faith, a question came to mind. What really is a profession of faith?
The cynics like to stereotype those who put their faith in Jesus as someone who needs a crutch. Or a weak individual not able to deal with the problems of this life. We’ve all heard the labels. Now whether these labels are true, or not, it doesn’t matter.
It is simple really, the common thread for those who put their faith in Jesus is brokenness over sin and circumstances. Some choose faith, some do not; this is the mystery of faith. For those who choose to follow Christ, their lives become transformed. This is the miracle of faith.
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise” (Psalm 51:17).
There is nothing we can present to God to appease for our sins. God has stated throughout the Bible, that the propitiation for our sins is to accept His son Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Yet many choose to reject Him.
For instance, a perfect example is the story of Cain and Able (Genesis 4). They were surely both instructed on how to approach God with a blood sacrifice for their sins. But Cain rejected this revelation, while Abel believed God.
“And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8).
Salvation is a gift founded not on works or behavior, but believing. To believe that Jesus is God, that He died for our sins, and that He rose again demands faith. Somehow you and I believe. We didn’t see Jesus when He walked this earth, we never touched Him physically, or heard His voice audibly, yet we believe. The question now becomes why do some believe, and why do some not believe?
“Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).
We can unfold a part of this mystery (why some believe, why some do not) by looking at the scriptures. God’s starting point is always the heart of a person. To enter the kingdom we have to believe God with the simplicity of a young child.
The position of a child’s heart is one of sincerity, humility, trust. I might add, children are teachable. It is quite apparent as people get older they are less teachable.
“I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live . . .” (Deuteronomy 30:19).
Another part of this mystery is our God given ability to choose freely. Our hearts were fashioned with a free will. God does not force faith upon people. God desires that we choose to love and serve Him. But He gives us free will to choose life or death.
When we refuse to follow God our hearts become hardened. Remember, the consequences of our free choice remains throughout eternity. Nevertheless, God can penetrate that heart of stone ( the miracle of faith).
“Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26). A new heart, the miracle of faith.
This requires a supernatural transformation. In other words, our entire lives can be transformed by the power of God. Jesus called it being “born again” (John 3:3). We receive a heart transplant (a new heart). Subsequently, our hearts are transformed from sin-focused to God-focused. We could never do this on our own. Ultimately, this is the miracle of faith.
“And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight…” (Acts 9:18).
Another miracle of our faith, God opens our eyes and the scales of ignorance and pride are removed. For the first time, we understand the scriptures. And as we have so often wondered what this life is really all about; we can see clearly now.
Thus, we choose faith. We live by our faith, we die by our faith. So let’s keep the faith; a mystery and a miracle to all of us. Now for those of you straddling the fence who haven’t taken that leap of faith, “choose this day whom you will serve.”
Choose Life (Click on song)
Amen Aida. I praise God for dropping the scales from my eyes and helping me to see clearly – over 20 years ago now. I can’t possibly IMAGINE my life without Him on this earth, and it’s an absolutely terrifying thought to imagine leaving this earth without having surrendered to Him!!
I totally agree Jolie, I got saved 40 years ago. I’m so thankful for my salvation and the hope of eternity. God Bless you and your beautiful family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Amen sweet Aida! Thank you for your prayers, and you all are in mine as well! 🙂
When I read and hear God’s Word my faith is strengthened… The scripture that you shared (John 11: 25-26) is one of my favorite. Christ our Lord is ..”the resurrection and the life…” He is The Word of Life and lives . I have put my faith and trust in Him, and He has never failed.. and because Jesus lives I can face tomorrow in faith. Thanks for this encouragement.
If it wasn’t for faith, we would have nothing. That is a very scary and lonely thing. I am most thankful for the faith I have in the Lord. He has been there always through ups and downs. I don’t know how people that have no faith can get through even a day. I pray that God will open the eyes and hearts of the lost and give them a hope for their future and their salvation.
I agree Darlene, without faith we have nothing. I’m also grateful that I have my faith; God has never failed me. Let’s encourage one another to keep the faith, and pray for the lost. God Bless you Darlene