The Substance of Christianity

Many Christians believe that good works entitle them to a seat in heaven. This is a great error. We receive salvation from God by grace through faith, and not by anything we have done. Faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ makes salvation a reality in our life. If we trust anything else besides Jesus, or if we add anything else to it, we have no substance to build our Christianity on.

Mark 11:24 says, "Therefore I say unto you, Whatsoever things ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." Faith (believing God's Word) is a way of life for the Christian. It puts substance in our lives. Without faith we would be discouraged by every adversity we are faced with.

We turn on a light switch or a water faucet without a second thought. Why? Because we believe that when we turn on that switch or that faucet, the light will come on or the water will flow. We believe that the bank will keep an accurate record of our deposits, therefore we do not call them ten times a day to see if our money is still there. We trust the substance that makes these things work.

It is the same way with the Word of God. The Bible is a book of promises that God Himself has preserved for us. We have the privilege to believe every one of those promises, whether for salvation, healing, prosperity, or some other area of need. We can also believe God to help us in any practical area of our lives. In other words, we can believe God to help us with impatience, or to grow bolder in the faith.

Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Faith is believing, hoping, and receiving. It is all action. Faith is so vital to the Christian because without faith it is impossible to please God (see Hebrews 11:6).

Success in the lives of Christians is based on principles and beliefs that require faith that is alive and active. Faith is a continual belief in something or someone that remains constant regardless of what happens. Saints believe what the bible says, even though that may be different than what is happening around us. We believe that God cares for us, and the ultimate proof was Jesus' redemptive work on the cross.

Believing is important, but we have to put positive action with it. Belief plus action equals faith. According to James 4:14, …"Faith without works is dead." Faith is belief in action, it is doing. It means we take God at His Word, and refuse to waver.

If you want a radical change in your life, start believing and acting on the Word of God. Allow that substance to transform your life something meaningful and exciting.