FIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF TRUE
FAITH
Almost all men have faith of
one kind or another. In this country almost everyone professes 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 BROKEN 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.
2. TRUE FAITH CAUSES THE HEART TO WILLINGLY BOW TO
CHRIST'S ABSOLUTE SOVEREIGNTY AND LORDSHIP IN ALL THINGS (Luke
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. TRUE 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.
5. TRUE FAITH PRODUCES A
HEART OF SINCERE LOVE FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD (I 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.