"We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord . . .” Meeting at 4702 Greenleaf Road, Sellersburg, IN USA 47172

The Test Of True Faith

Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. (1 Peter 2:7-8)

Many have sought out means by which to determine if a person is saved. Often, the person whose salvation they are trying to prove is themselves. Because those who have been born again by the Spirit of God yet live in a body of flesh, their faith is mixed with unbelief and they are cast into a despairing doubt about the eternal welfare of their souls.  And this despair is only increased if they begin looking for “evidences” in their conduct or feelings, for neither of those things will prove sufficiently good to silence the accusations of a doubting mind. 

            But, one need not live in such a miry place as a doubtful mind. Peter has given us the rule by which anyone’s faith is proven genuine and, thus, saving: What value does that person put on Christ?  And you can know of a certainty where you stand as to the genuineness of your faith: What does Christ mean to you?  What value do you place on Him?  

            Sadly, I have met many professing Christians who seem to have little regard for Christ and their lack of regard to Him is shown in how little they speak of Him.  If you speak to them of religion, they will speak to you about their church or their activities or their daily devotions, and so forth. You could take out the few references to Christ that might be found in their profession and it would not really change the meaning.  It is obvious then that Christ is not precious to them: He is of little or no value.  But to the believer, Christ is not just good; Christ is not just a necessary part, “Christ is all.”  A believer will not part with Christ.  He sees Christ as not only necessary to his salvation, he sees Christ as necessary and sufficient.  Christ is so highly valued by the believer that everything else and everyone else is regarded as rubbish if they threaten his connection to Christ. “I must have Christ, and I am satisfied with Christ.”  You know what Christ means to you.  Is He precious in your sight?  Then you are among the believing.                                                                                        

  – Joe Terrell, Pastor of Grace Community Church, Rock Valley, IA, USA

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