There is a difference between our belief and the belief that saves.
The belief that results from human effort, such as that which comes from reason, argument or because we like an idea, is not the same belief that accompanies salvation.
The belief that accompanies salvation comes from seeing a Savior. Flesh and blood cannot reveal that to you. That only happens when God does you a great kindness and decides to introduce Himself, allowing you to see Him and making Himself known.
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.’”
— Matthew 16:17
You know when the belief that comes from above happens as it always results in “falling down” and repentance because you’ll really see yourself in light of the woefully obvious contrast between Him and yourself.
“So I said: ‘Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts.’”
— Isaiah 6:5
And yet there’s another progression. Belief is not the same as faith.
Belief is a divine revelation of the Word received by a divinely prepared heart. Faith, the life that results and moves according to the Seed, is the fruit.
Life requires movement; it is the power of God, and the children of God born according to His seed is propelled by it.
“for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”
— Philippians 2:13
It’s all grace—the entire process from belief, to faith, to works, is God’s kindness, wisdom and working—removing any cause for boasting so the glory is His alone!
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
— Ephesians 2:8-9
If this has not happened in your life yet, this is not a condemnation but a kindness. You now know what to ask for, so you can humble yourself, ask, seek and knock (pray, read and actively wait in humility). (Luke 11:9-13)
The humility part is the most important. You can’t demand it any more than you can demand the reciprocation of a love interest. Your posture must be, ”You’re worth it Lord, as long as it takes”, because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6)
#grace #savingfaith
