The Source Of Faith

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).

Faith comes from God through his Word. When we hear the Good News about the Lord Jesus Christ and receive this truth into our hearts, the Holy Spirit produces faith in our hearts. We believe that Jesus died, was buried and rose again the third day for us. We accept him as our Lord and Savior and believe that he accepts us as his children. Immediately God justifies us in his mind. Then the Holy Spirit performs the new birth in us and our hearts are changed into the likeness of God. Then a process of learning and sanctification begins.

For instructions on how to accept Christ as your Savior, visit http://www.crusade.org/fourlaws/.

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:8-15)

This kind of faith is sometimes referred to as saving faith. It is a gift of God that is unique. Human beings cannot attain this God-type of faith by self-effort:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:8-10).

However, after we have accepted Christ as our personal Savior, we become God's workmanship--a work of his art. As we continue to yield to him, he continues to fashion us into the image of his Son--into the beauty of holiness. Then, right conduct and pure speech flows naturally from our new godly nature. We are then to do good works as the Lord leads.

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