FAITH is an essential ingredient in life; one which we cannot do without. It is much talked about but little understood, simple and yet profound, available to all but little used. To have faith means to believe in or be reliant on someone or something. In the realm of the Christian life, to have faith in Jesus Christ means to believe in Him, to be reliant upon Him for eternal salvation. FAITH in Jesus Christ means that apart from Him there is no forgiveness of sins or eternal life. So, to have the forgiveness of sins and to have eternal life, people must place their belief, their FAITH, in Jesus Christ alone. In doing so, they must believe that their ‘good works’ cannot help them in securing the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Reading in Ephesians 2:8, 9, we find that, “For by grace are ye saved through FAITH (emphasis mine); and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”

FAITH in Jesus Christ for Eternal salvation: Forsaking All I Trust Him.

Forsaking — laying aside my human efforts and wisdom, having realized that they cannot help, but only hinder, God’s offer for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
All — holding back nothing whatsoever, I completely empty myself of my pride, efforts, desires, etc.
I — no one else can do it for me; it is my choice, my responsibility, and I must do it.
Trust — the placing of my total confidence, or commitment.
Him — Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, the One who, though innocent and perfect, died on the Cross of Calvary as my sin-bearer, my substitute, in order that the demands of a holy God should be met for the payment of sin.

Priceless Love
Psalm 36:5-9 Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens, and thy faithfulness recheth unto the clouds . Thy righteousness is like the great mountains, thy judgements are a great deep.O LORD, thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is thy loving kindness, O God! Therefore, the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thy shall make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life; in thy light shall we see light.

How do we respond to the darkness in this present evil world? When we live only in the material world--unconscious of God--we see little light or hope.

When we live with faith in our Creator, we long for something better than this perishing world. We turn our eyes to Him and see the great contrast between the temporary and the permanent--between the limited and the Unlimited.

Look at God's love. It is priceless. His love, faithfulness and righteousness bring us comfort because of His power--His sovereignty. We know that the One who is perfect in love, faithfulness and righteousness will ultimately prevail. This assurance gives us tenacity! We hold God's hand in good times and bad because we know that He will never fail us.

Hebrews 12.2,3 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. For consider him that endureth such contadiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Dear Father, we are so grateful for Your love, faithfulness and righteousness. We know that You will prevail over evil as surely as we know that Christ rose from the grave. Help us to see Him, our Light as we walk through dark places. Help us to be tenacious in our faith on the way home.
Help those who are hurting. We ask this through Christ, our Hope. Amen.