Thursday, March 29, 2012

FAITH- IS IT COMPLICATED?

MI DAILY DEVOTION
FRIDAY
FAITH- IS IT COMPLICATED?
(Ephesians 2:8- 10) 8- For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9- Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10- For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
The negative side of faith for the unbelieving world is, it’s hard to believe in and it’s impossible to ride on in the same ship with God. The Christian’s conversion and eternal salvation is by a simple faith in our Savior and Lord. Faith is not the mere by product of man’s natural instinct, natural abilities and it’s not by our own merit or good deeds. Faith is a gift from God and it’s not of any man’s best effort, religious activities or personal belief. Not of works, lest any man should boast… The boasting of man for its belief and religious accomplishment and ceremonial practices will not add any good to God and to man’s personal faith in the Savior. If you want to boast and stand tall, you must boast and stand tall for God and on the top of His grace and mercy, because He is the source of everything and of our faith. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2) We can’t have faith unless we recognize that He (Jesus) is the author of that faith. We can’t come to God without the recognition of both as I may put it that way. We can cover up everything under one big umbrella called The Love of God. Christ’s death was God’s manifestation of His love for mankind.  It was the love of God that made us trust Him and His death on the cross. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5- Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (Ephesians 2:4- 5)