“The Genuineness of Faith”

 “The Genuineness of Faith” 

 

God, who knows the heart, showed that He accepted them (Gentiles) by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us.  He made no distinction between us and them, for He purified their hearts by faith.     Acts 15:8-9

 

The Apostle Peter was speaking to a group of apostles and elders on whether or not Gentiles could be saved, IF they did NOT follow the laws and customs that had been taught by MOSES.  Peter addressed them by telling them:  “God, who KNOWS the HEART, showed that He ACCEPTED them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us.  He made NO distinction between us and them, for He purified their HEARTS by FAITH.”   And so, by the FAITH of the GENTILES they could receive SALVATION.  It is NOT by the WORKS we do, but through our FAITH in CHRIST JESUS that we are able to RECEIVE this WONDERFUL GIFT of GOD.  The fact that Peter told the group that God made NO DISTINCTION between them and the GENTILES, must have REALLY STIRRED UP a HORNET’S NEST.

 

In Ephesians 2:8-9, the Apostle Paul tells us that it is by GRACE that we are SAVED, through FAITH—and this is NOT from our OWN doing; it is the GIFT of GOD, NOT by WORKS, so that NO ONE may BOAST.  We do NOT receive SALVATION, and ETERNAL LIFE in HEAVEN, because we do GOOD WORKS, or OBEY certain religious laws or customs.  We are SAVED BY GOD’S GRACE through OUR FAITH in His SON, the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and by ACCEPTING GOD’S GIFT of ATONEMENT for our SINS, which was carried out, through the DEATH, BURIAL, and RESURRECTION of God’s SON, we can have FORGIVENESS of our sins.  And will be able to ESCAPE an ETERNITY in HELL, with ALL its HORRORS, and NO WAY TO ESCAPE, once you are there.

 

When you come to Jesus Christ, with a TRUE REPENTANT HEART, you are coming to Him with a GENUINE FAITH, and when you GIVE your HEART and LIFE to Him, that is a PRODUCT of the GENUINENESS of your FAITH in GOD and His SON for YOUR ETERNAL DESTINY.  And you will be ACCEPTED into God’s FAMILY, through the Work of His HOLY SPIRIT.  You MUST be WILLING to TURN AWAY FROM your sinful life-style, and TURN TO GOD.  You MUST BELIEVE with ALL your HEART that JESUS died for YOU, and that He is ALIVE in Heaven, making intercession for you, before God.  You MUST CONFESS your sins to Him, and ask Him for His FORGIVENESS.  ACCEPT His Gifts of SALVATION, JUSTIFICATION, and SANCTIFICATION.  And let the GENUINENESS of your FAITH shine like the noon-day sun.  Do this NOW, while you still can.  He’s WAITING and COMING SOON!!!