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A Working Faith, June 11
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the
law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is
of God by faith.
Philippians 3:9
.
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It is one thing to read and teach the Bible, and another thing to have by practice
its life-giving, sanctifying principles engrafted on the soul.... “By grace are ye
saved through faith” (
Ephesians 2:8
). The mind should be educated to exercise
faith rather than to cherish doubt, suspicion, and jealousy. We are too prone to
regard obstacles as impossibilities. To have faith in the promises of God, to go
forward by faith, pressing on without being governed by circumstances, is a lesson
hard to learn. Yet it is a positive necessity that every child of God should learn
this lesson. The grace of God through Christ is ever to be cherished, for it is given
us as the only way of approaching God....
The faith mentioned in God’s Word calls for a life in which faith in Christ is
an active, living principle. It is God’s will that faith in Christ shall be made perfect
by works; He connects the salvation and eternal life of those who believe, with
these works, and through them provides for the light of truth to go to all countries
and peoples. This is the fruit of the workings of God’s Spirit.
We show our faith in God by obeying His commands. Faith is always expressed
in words and actions. It produces practical results, for it is a vital element in the
life. The life that is molded by faith develops a determination to advance, to go
forward, following in the footsteps of Christ.
We have been taken as rough stones out of the quarry of the world by the
cleaver of truth and placed in the workshop of God. He who has genuine faith in
Christ as his personal Saviour will find that the truth accomplishes a definite work
for him. His faith is a working faith.... We cannot create our faith, but we can be
colaborers with Christ in promoting the growth and triumph of faith.
The faith that works by love and purifies the soul produces the fruit of humility,
patience, forbearance, long-suffering, peace, joy, and willing obedience.
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