Faith is among those spiritual rivers which flow until they reach an ocean whose horizon is the very universe. Comprehending and articulating the essence of faith is like trying to do so with grace, love, holiness, peace, or truth. It certainly is not a waste of time, and yet there will never be enough time in the realm in which we live now. I am eternally grateful that we can simply embrace these eternal gifts through the life of our Savior and Redeemer without having to define them in any comprehensive manner.
At the end of his journey, the Apostle Paul told us that he “kept the faith.” This is the same faith that he told us “comes by hearing” the Word of God. Our faith journey begins when God speaks to us by His Holy Spirit through His Word. We know this hearing is more than just cognitive reception. Faith begins when the Light arrives and we choose to receive Him. Educators speak of a teachable moment, but this is more. Faith comes in a moment of hearing the Word that we must keep and that will keep us for all eternity. The Psalmist tells us: “Your word continues forever, Adonai, firmly fixed in heaven” (Ps 119:89).
Paul first heard from the Light on the way to Damascus. That is where his faith resume began. Keeping the faith would include battles and beatings. He was chased out of some cities and drug out of at least one and left for dead. He had sharp disagreements with at least two apostles and was forsaken by most all of his friends, yet he would not forsake the assignment and the message that he had been sent with as an apostle. He kept the faith. God spoke to him about his life and his mission. He held that word firm in faith. He pressed on. Faith requires perseverance. In fact, God rewards such faith.
To the woman with no strength left who pressed through the uncaring crowd to reach the very strands of thread hanging from his garment, Jesus said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." To the gentile woman who would not be offended by a dog comparison, Jesus said, "O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire." Blind Bartimaeus would not be shut up by those who perceived him as a nuisance, but Jesus called him and said, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." A woman invited herself to a gathering and got so low at the feet of Jesus that her tears mixed with her kisses, just to be gently wiped away with her own hair. Her behavior vexed the guests, but He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
God’s Word includes the deep theological realities upon which we stand. We must keep our faith regarding Jesus and His saving life. We are saved by faith when the Holy Spirit helps us to know there is One who has paid the price for our sins. We are saved to the uttermost as we receive and hold to the life of Christ. His Word is also logistical. The Holy Spirit tells us when, where, and how if we wait upon Him. Faith involves hearing, believing, trusting, and obeying that which He speaks. Our faith must extend from laying hold of the finished work of Christ to holding fast to every revelation He has given concerning His will for our lives. His Word is not disposable. It is “…firmly fixed in Heaven” and it will be that by which we are judged.
Those who knew Rev. Helm know that he was serious about the spiritual discipline of reviewing. When we fail to review, we forget what God has said to us about who we are, where He placed us according to His pleasure, and what our calling is. We forget what He has done and what it meant when we fail to review. Review helps us to see the larger picture with continuity. Complaining will move us away from where we need to be, but joyful review holds us on the narrow way. I am convinced that reviewing is a significant part of keeping the faith.
Faith begins when we hear His Word. It continues as we persevere by grace. Paul gave a strong prophetic word when he told us, “…the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith…” We are in those days. By God’s grace, we can keep the faith.
Pastor Jerry D. Keller