Not From Yourself

I was on my way to another funeral today. I saw death standing closer, almost around the corner. A good friend died unexpectedly. He was my age.  He died in faith and I thought about my own funeral and whether my faith would be found true to the end.

We are sinners and we all have doubts along the way. We also know some who were once among us who no longer walk with the Lord. More importantly, God tells us to examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith. So, let’s go back to the beginning.

Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. He was the creator and originator and He is the perfecter and finisher of our faith.

The faith that we have today and the faith that will be with us at the end was a gift from God. It was not from ourselves. It didn’t begin with us, nor will the end of our faith depend on us. (Ephesians 2:8)

Additionally, this salvation came to us according to His purpose and grace in Christ – before time began.

Grace always precedes faith. Always.

His grace opened our eyes to see our hopelessness and to see our redeemer. Grace gave us ears to hear the Shepherds voice and the faith to follow Him.

Christian friend, you have heard His voice. He turned you from the darkness to the light. You were forgiven and will inherit the kingdom. His Spirit testifies these truths to your spirit. By grace, your faith was given to you. It is not from yourself and will not be taken away.

I have revealed You to those whom You gave Me out of the world. They were Yours; You gave them to Me, and they have obeyed Your word. John 17:6