Green Box


Albert E. Farley


 Faith and belief are very closely connected in the Bible and very often are used interchangeably. They may be properly considered synonyms. For examples, see Matthew 21:21, 22 and Hebrews 11:6. When we speak of faith, we speak of a “ ‘firm persuasion,’ a conviction based upon hearing.” When we speak of belief or “to believe,” we mean, “to be persuaded of … to place confidence in, to trust.” (See Vines)


 To say, “Belief does not save but faith does save” belies Jesus’ words in John 3:16, “… that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” To say, “Belief is not enough; we must have faith,” is (if I may say so) a mistaken belief. Belief, if it is supported by obedience, will save; faith, if it is supported by obedience, will save. Neither will save if it is alone. James 2:17-26.


 Someone may say, “Yes, but the devils believe and they will not be saved.” That is true. The devils who believe will be lost for the same reason many of the chief rulers will be lost: they will not confess Jesus Christ – they will not obey God. Jn 12:42, 43. This is why Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” Mark 16:15, 16. It is not enough to believe only or to have faith only. When Paul told the jailer, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house,” he did not tell him to believe only or to have faith only. Paul and Silas spoke unto him and his house the word of the Lord, he repented and washed their stripes, and he and all his house were baptized immediately! 


 We persuade you to believe that God is and that He will reward you if you diligently seek Him through faithful obedience to the commands of the gospel.


 This issue marks 17 ½ years of publication. Our circulation last month was 2,778. We thank God and have hope in His promise that He will ever be with us. May we ever be faithful to Him in our Lord Jesus Christ. –Albert.

 

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