"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
Scripture teaches us that faith is the only means by which we receive the righteousness of Christ and are declared righteous heirs of eternal life (Romans 3:21–4:25). It is crucial, therefore, that we have a clear understanding of what saving or justifying faith truly is. Our Lord Himself warns us that on the last day, there will be those who believe they have been faithful servants of Christ but will be cast out of the kingdom because they never truly believed in Him or did His will (Matthew 7:21–23). We certainly do not want to be among those who are self-deceived, and having a proper understanding of saving or justifying faith will help us avoid making a false profession of trust in the Savior.
So, what exactly is saving or justifying faith?
Faith is more than mere intellectual assent or acknowledging the existence of God. Saving faith involves a deep conviction that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who came to earth, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This faith is not blind, it is grounded in the truth of God’s Word.
Scripture provides many examples of individuals who demonstrated saving faith. Abraham, often referred to as the father of faith, believed God’s promise that he would be the father of many nations, even though he and his wife were well advanced in years and had no children (Romans 4:18-22). Abraham’s faith was not a passive belief, but an active trust in God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises.
The thief on the cross
Another example is the thief on the cross, who in his dying moments, recognized Jesus as the Messiah and pleaded for mercy. Jesus responded by assuring him that he would be with Him in paradise (Luke 23:42-43). This thief’s simple yet sincere faith in Jesus’ ability to save him was enough to secure his salvation.
Saving faith is accompanied by a transformed life. It is not merely a one-time decision or an emotional experience, but a lifelong commitment to follow Christ and obey His commandments. The apostle James emphasizes the importance of faith being accompanied by works, stating that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Genuine faith produces fruit in the form of a changed life; a desire to love and serve others, and a pursuit of righteousness.
Ultimately, saving faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is not something we can achieve or earn through our own efforts. God, in His grace, opens our eyes to see the truth and grants us the faith to believe in His Son. As we trust in Jesus Christ and surrender our lives to Him, we are justified before God and receive the gift of eternal life.
In conclusion
Understanding what saving or justifying faith is crucial for our spiritual well-being. It goes beyond mere intellectual assent and involves a deep conviction in the truth of God’s Word. Saving faith is exemplified by individuals like Abraham and the thief on the cross, who demonstrated an active trust in God’s promises and a sincere belief in Jesus’ ability to save. This faith is accompanied by a transformed life, characterized by obedience to Christ and a pursuit of righteousness. Ultimately, saving faith is a gift from God, and as we place our trust in Jesus Christ, we are justified and receive the assurance of eternal life.
Nicene Creed
We believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
begotten from the Father before all ages,
God from God,
Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made;
of the same essence as the Father.
Through Him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
He came down from heaven;
He became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary,
and was made human.
He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate;
He suffered and was buried.
The third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again with glory
to judge the living and the dead.
His kingdom will never end.
And we believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life.
He proceeds from the Father and the Son,
and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified.
He spoke through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.
We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look forward to the resurrection of the dead,
and to life in the world to come.
Amen
Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. (Isaiah 1:18)