A Life of Faith: Our Sins Forgiven

by David Chadwick This week we are looking at how to develop a life of faith. The only definition of faith found in the Bible is found in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the convictions of things not seen.” How do we develop a life of faith? We increase our faith and believe for more than what our human minds can conceive. We learn to have faith like a child. We learn to walk in authority and with faith like the centurion who knew Jesus could “just say a word” and change everything (Matthew 8:8). We continue to cling to faith even when life is dark. And today? How do we wrap up this conversation on developing a life of faith? We walk confidently knowing our sins are forgiven. Because of faith, we know we will one day live eternally because of Jesus’s life, death and resurrection. Not by our works, but by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). We are either saved by our works (that we can see) or by grace through faith (that we can’t see). The unique name of Jesus brings power no other name can bring. It’s either “do” or “done.” Either we are saved through something that we “do” right or we are saved by something God has “done” for us. “Done” demands faith to believe. “Do” and our measly works do not demand faith. “Do” is completely dependent on what we see with our natural eyes - our visible works. As believers in Jesus, we believe that Jesus is God. That he was raised from the dead (Romans 10:9) and that it is because of his perfect life sacrificed for us that we are saved. How do we get into heaven? It is all by faith. By God’s work through Jesus on the cross. It’s a free gift. We just have to believe it is true and accept it. Faith. Like a child. Total dependence. It moves God’s hand. Just say the word. Nothing is impossible with God! Watch him work! For without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).