The Danger of Words Outrunning Experience

    Many who claim to believe in free grace talk about the faith of God’s elect (Titus 1:1), but they do not manifest obedience of that faith (Rom. 16:26). What value is there in a mere academic understanding of Biblical principles if those principles are not evidenced in life? Saving faith, which is the fruit of Divine election, is a refining grace. It purifies the heart (Acts 15:9). Refining faith does not take away all sin from the life of the believer, but it removes the love of it. It is an obedient faith; therefore, it melts our wills into God’s. How did Paul know the Thessalonian believers were elected by God (I Thess. 1:4)? His knowledge came as the result of their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope (I Thess. 1:3, 9, 10). The word of God effectually works in those who truly believe (I Thess. 2:13). When these evidences of election are missing, those who academically state truth are presumptuous. They are no better off than the rich man. There is a real danger today of words outrunning experience. When expression exceeds the experience, the unreality of the supposed experience is soon revealed.