Faith is truly "The Gateway to Grace", and thereby the essence of salvation (deliverance, safety, preservation, healing, soundness). It is the only means by which we may experience reconciliation, or to be reconnected with God. Collectively, these constitute the revolutionary work of Christ, and the only resolution to reclaiming the lost from the enslavement of sin and its calamitous consequences. In other words, where there is no faith, there is no salvation. We must not lose sight of the fact that genuine repentance is both a prerequisite and the first act of saving faith. It is made possible, exclusively, by the goodness and perpetual mercies of God (Romans 2: 4, Lamentations 3: 22-23).
The Apostle Paul reminds us, we are saved by grace and only as a result of our faith (Ephesians 2: 8). It's a gift from God, and includes the attribute of hope that is eternal (Colossians 1: 27)! Because it’s a gift, then why would anyone not seek to be a recipient of the greatest gift ever given, and from the greatest giver ever to give, our great God and savior Christ Jesus? A gift is synonymous with an offering. In this context it was both voluntary and substitutionary, as it represents Christ's work of redemption on the cross. What a perspective to have. By definition, this is victory assured and despite any obstacles or adverse conditions that may befall us. There are NO exceptions!
Paul also expressed that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ was sufficient for him
(2 Corinthians 12: 9), and there was nothing that would deter his determination to triumph over the perils that threatened to undermine his mission. The single source of his strength was the immeasurable force of his faith in Christ (Philippians 4: 13). What hope and encouragement!
To provide an illustration of faith in action, as opposed to what faith means, the book of Hebrews contains its essential ingredients and offers a glimpse into the lives of those who are often referred to as the “heroes of faith”. It begins by revealing to us that faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11: 1). Then, it proceeds in almost a breaking news fashion as it colors the cause and effect of faith in the lives of those such as Abel, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses and a host of others. We’ve all heard the expression that “seeing is believing”, but the Bible teaches that believing is seeing: “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5: 7).
Of course, once faith is at work the objective is to maximize its efficacy. It must then be exercised, so that it becomes tried and true. Comparable to a muscle when it is properly trained, developed and strengthened; it grows, matures, patiently endures, culminating in faithful obedience and qualifying one to exchange his or her cross (Luke 9: 23) for a crown of life (Revelation 2: 10). What a message of assurance, and we are without excuse for not having been equipped to overcome our troubles, struggles and disappointments with a calm confidence. This is a promise given to us by none other than our life-sustaining and eternally reigning Lord Jesus Christ (James 1: 2-3,12)! It is NOT faith in and of itself that works, but the object in which our faith is placed. Finally, and as the Bible admonishes:
"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. 2 For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him;" (Hebrews 2: 1-3)
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