Devotional Thought: December 27, 2010

One Faith

Often I have heard others, even believers, use the phrase “other faiths.”  I would like to add a “disclaimer” here:  what I write in the following words, is not written bitterly or in bigotry whatsoever.  A true believer is concerned (because we are born of God through Christ) with TRUTH.  And the Lord Himself said, “The TRUTH shall set you free.”

Part of our growing in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ is to put away “our ways, our thoughts, our thinking, our beliefs, and humbly, continually receive the “things” of God as taught by Him.  It’s my job to lean forward and understand Him in all His ways and His Words of Life.

The Scriptures as declared by God Himself say this:

“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

Ephesians 4:5,6

God made ONE provision for eternal life: Jesus Christ, His blood, His cross, the sacrifice of Himself. 

But He has also made ONE provision for daily life, for walking in the Spirit too:  FAITH in JESUS CHRIST.  (Galatians 2:20).

So our ONE faith has to do with Christ always. 

Later on, Paul says for all of us to be of the same mind, of one mind – to say the same thing.  If we compare Scripture with Scripture it all has to do with the mind of Christ living and dwelling in us through the Holy Spirit.  This denotes dependence upon Him all the time now and forevermore.

The ONE faith is what separates believers in God and in His Son from every religion which is not faith.  Faith is alive.  Religion is dead.  Religion is about “appeasing God;” doing things to “get to God,” “to bridge the gap.” 

Religion therefore is unbelief.  Why?  Because religion is NOT accepting and receiving God’s provision:  His Son in us.

For believers, our lives are about walking in God’s provision:  walking by faith of the Son of God now dwelling in us.  Or we walk in unbelief.  (Hebrews 4)  If I remember that faith is living and directed to the Son of God, then I realize I am not independent “trying to live the Christian life!”

The reality of Christ is so simple.  I won’t ever forget what He said to me years ago:  “You all make this too hard!”

We Christians can fall into that trap too by living in “separation” from God instead of believing the Son of God (through faith in Him) put us right into the MOST HOLY PLACE through the blood of Christ.  This is the most astounding reality!  Hebrews 9, 10

We are seated with Christ in the heavenly places – we are put in His holiness and righteousness through faith – not of ourselves but through His work. 

One faith is perfect faith and perfect love, casting out fear (and separation from Him.)

He has called us unto Himself in vital union, communion and fellowship.

Through Him alone we bear fruit.

Selah.

In His love,

Sue Gaither