Living Faith

Living Faith

Living faith naturally and automatically fosters certain deeds (effects) according to what truths you believe.

This kind of living faith is generally lacking. About the only faith people claim to have is just dead knowledge and theory. That “faith,” as James states in his masterful and exceptional teaching in Chapter 2, is like a body without spirit. In other words, it is as useless as a corpse.

Of course we must first possess the knowledge and the theory; however, the main thing now is the same as when man was first created, that the breath of life still has to be breathed into that which is lifeless so that the glorious works of life can be manifested! “They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him . . . .” Tit. 1:16. Therefore their works contradict what their mouths are saying.

Each word of God, for which I receive living faith, immediately gives rise to one or more specific things: living faith in having received eternal life in glory, even if this glory may not be realized fully for many years to come, and even if I must suffer very much before I obtain it. Each word of God redeems me from all bonds that bind me to the earth, and from all sin. Living faith in the glory of eternal life makes me exceedingly happy so that all my burdens become light and all loss and adversities also become light. Indeed, it becomes inexpressibly easy to overcome all sin. This is quite natural. This one thing is so unbelievably great that everything else becomes totally insignificant!

This is written with all possible clarity in Hebrews 10:34: “And joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.” This is a possession that cannot be stolen and can in no way be compared to that which is corruptible. This is precisely why all the things on earth mean absolutely nothing. But who lives like this in reality, in all circumstances? Everyone who has a living faith in the glory of eternal life!

Unfortunately the “faith” that so many thousands confess in these days, is as dead as a dry stick. As far as that goes, one can truthfully say that such people are hardened. As well as comparing this dead faith to a corpse, James also compares it to the faith that demons have. Of course he rejects it as useless. Jas. 2:19-20.

No virtue is difficult to manifest if faith is truly living. Then it is easy to forbear and forgive; it is easy to give, easy to be patient, etc., without end.

Besides all this, a living faith in Jesus’ imminent return and that I will soon be with Him in divine glory forever makes it so that I can truly speak of an even greater abundance of joy and liberating powers that make it so very easy to do the good and bear the evil.

Then we can joyfully ask such questions as (during the short time that we have left in our pilgrimage): “What does all adversity and prosperity really matter here on earth?”

Let us rejoice and be glad, friends! All those who are ready or who will be ready will be leaving soon. Glory to God!

May none of our precious, dear friends be missing among the travelers!