Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. - Hebrew 11:6 ESV.
There is a strong emphasis on faith among the Christian community for different reasons. As Christians, we tell ourselves and others to grow in faith. We will focus today on understanding, what aspects of faith are essential to Christians.
The cornerstone of Christianity (followers of Christ) is the following (John 3:16):
1. God the Father loved mankind and he sent his own son to the earth.
2. He died on the cross so that our sins can be forgiven.
3. All those who believe in Him will have everlasting life.
Jesus says He is the ONLY way (John 14:6) and no one can go to Father except through him. The sin, guilt, burnt and wave offerings are no longer valid. The duty of the high priest was taken over by Jesus himself. If anybody needs to commune with God the Father, it has to be only through Jesus. No sin will be forgiven unless Jesus forgives it. The sins are forgiven through his precious blood and no longer through any goat, ram, or pigeon’s blood. This is the new order and the older way of worshipping was canceled in the new order.
Now, this is faith:
1. Believing in Jesus as God and loving him for the sacrifice he made for our redemption from sins.
2. Believe that he has the power to forgive our sins - 1 John 1:9
3. Having the assurance of eternal life promised by Jesus - John 4:14, John 14:2,3
We can also put our faith in God for earthly provisions. God is capable of giving us luxury, healing us from sickness, and glorifying us through earthly awards and promotions. But the Bible says, if our hope in Christ is restricted to this earthly life then we are the pettiest people ( 1 Corinthians 15:19)
I have recently met an insurance salesperson. He showed all the nice benefits of buying insurance and the return on investment. When I started going through the brochure none of the benefits he has shared were there in the brochure as guaranteed benefits. They are part of simulations. The truth is any benefit given by a financial organization has two components 1. Guaranteed or Assured 2. Non – Guaranteed which are subject to market conditions or other parameters.
Now we have guaranteed provisions from God, which comes to us unconditionally Ex: His love, forgiveness of sin, and eternal life. Every Christian is called to believe. Most churches declare this through the Apostle's Creed every week.
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