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That All Faith Is Not Saving Faith? By: Gary Colley
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That All Faith Is Not Saving Faith? By: Gary Colley
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The Bible speaks of weak faith, strong faith, and no faith. Many people, even some religious folk, do not think there is any difference in faith, but rather that any and all faith is saving faith. This is simply not taught in the Bible. Weak faith will not save any more than no faith. The importance of saving faith is seen in Jesus' words, ". . . if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins
(John 8:24)." Jesus also said, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned (Mark 16:15-16). Active, strong faith, is the only kind that saves (James 2:14, James 2:17-18, James 2:20, James 2:22, James 2:24, James 2:26, Galatians 3:26-27). There is no saving faith where man will not obey Christ's Word! Jesus says, "Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say (Luke 6:46)?" Inspiration says further, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him (God) (Hebrews 11:6)." All that we do "in word or deed" must be done by our faith in the authority of Christ (Colossians 3:16-17). Since the Bible declares that faith upholds hope, we must learn, and can know, that without proper saving faith, there is no hope (Hebrews 11:1, I Thessalonians 4:13-18)! The Bible makes clear how saving faith is obtained: "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17)." Hence, to be eternally rewarded we must study, understand, and practice what the Bible teaches. In no other way can any man having saving faith (II Timothy 2:15). How greatly we should cherish our Bible! Except we be "nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine" it is not possible for we lost mortals to obtain, nor maintain, the faith that saves (I Timothy 4:6). There are no miracles today. Yet, miracles are sufficiently provided in the Bible to confirm all of the words of God for saving faith (John 20:30-31). Real Bible faith causes its recipient to repent, confess the name of Christ, and be immersed for the remission of sins (Luke 13:3, Luke 13:5, Romans 10:9-10, Acts 2:38). Learning more about the importance of Bible faith will keep us from error, bless our life in the present, and give us a home eternally in Heaven (Revelation 22:14). But remember, all faith is not saving faith!