Faith
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 2:4-8
By grace you have been saved, through faith … not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8
Faith includes knowing the way that the promises of God apply to me.
Faith is believing in Jesus. It means knowing about him, that he taught about the kingdom of God, that he performed miracles showing that he was sent from God, and that he died on the cross for sinners. It also means being confident and sure that Jesus died for my sins. Through faith I know that Jesus loves me. Faith involves knowledge and assurance, and it is also a relationship that involves both head and heart.
Faith comes from hearing the message “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). And “God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions.”
It’s easy to see that faith is very desirable—it fixes Jesus firmly in my mind and heart.
But I cannot create faith in myself. Amazingly faith that brings me the gift of salvation and a place in the kingdom of God is itself a gift!
This means there are two gifts: God’s love shown in Jesus, and the faith that brings Jesus into our lives.
That’s grace! Do you accept these gifts from the one true God for you?
Father God, your grace is magnificent. I ask you for your gift of faith. Lord Jesus, make your home in my heart and help me grow in faith each day. Amen.
About the author — John Rozeboom
Rev. John Rozeboom is a retired pastor of the Christian Reformed Church and a former director of Christian Reformed Home Missions. Currently he is coaching and supporting elders, ministers, and a congregation in mission. John and Linda Rozeboom live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and they have two married children and five grandchildren.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!