The faith of God’s elect

'The faith of God’s elect'

— Titus 1:1

Almost all men have faith of one kind or another and there are many who profess faith in Christ. But it is evident that the faith produced by modern-day evangelism is not true saving faith, because it does not produce the same characteristics as that faith taught and exemplified in the Word of God. That faith which is produced by the power and grace of God the Holy Spirit through the preaching of the gospel will always be distinguished from false faith by at least five things.

1. True faith produces a heart truly before God over sin. (Ps. 51:1-5, 17). Whenever a man sees himself in the light of God’s glory shining upon him through the cross of Christ, he will cry out with the publican, ‘God be merciful to me a sinner!’ This is where repentance begins. Christ revealed in the heart breaks the heart (Zech. 12: 10).

2. True faith causes the heart, to bow willingly to Christ’s absolute sovereignty and Lordship in all things. (Luke 14:25-33). The believer’s submission to Christ is far from perfect; but it is a sincere, willing surrender of the heart to Christ. In our inmost being we voluntarily commit ourselves and all things to the disposal of our gracious Sovereign.

3. Truth faith looks to Christ alone for all things. True faith trusts Christ alone. Faith has two hands. With one hand she strips away all the filthy rags of her own righteousness; and with the other she puts on the righteousness of Christ. Faith sees ‘Jesus only’. Faith wraps itself up in Christ (I Cor. 1:30).

4. True faith will persevere and continue to believe regardless of circumstances. (Heb. 11:13). False faith fluctuates. True faith is steady, continual and relentless. The rougher the storm, the firmer faith clings to Christ. True faith never gives up.

5. True faith produces a heart of sincere love for the people of God. (1 John 4:8; 5: 1). False faith strives to produce love and pretends to love. But love is natural to true faith. Love for the brethren flows as naturally from the believing heart as water flows from the spring.