THE SHIELD OF PERFECT FAITH

FAITH - CONVICTION, BELIEF, TRUST

Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Saved By "Faith Only" Is A Common And Insupportable Position

Some argue that we are saved by faith only, apart from works of godly obedience based on their of Paul's writings.

Romans 4:1-5

1 What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,

Ephesians 2:8-9

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Note: The "works" would have to be works of perfect obedience. No we aren't saved by perfect works for "All have sinned and fallen short of glory of God." Rn. 3:23

People argue that these passages teach that saving faith is composed of belief only

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Problem with "faith only is that we can be saved without the bible for...

...through the things God made we can know Him, His eternal power, and His Godhead

Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

Problem with "faith only" is that it suggests that belief apart from love is sufficient

1 Corinthian 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

Problem with "faith only" is that those who did not love God and who refused to confess Christ are saved for they believed!

John 12:42-43

42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

There is a "faith only" passage, but only one.

James 2:24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

The Faith That Saves is "Perfect faith"

What is "perfect faith"?

James 2:22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?

THE AMAZING POWER OF FAITH

Faith can accomplish the seemingly impossible.

Mark 11:23-24

"For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will come to pass, he will have whatever he says. "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

The lust in the world can seem overwhelming...

I John 2:15-16

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world-- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-- is not of the Father but is of the world.

... but through faith we can overcome

1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-- our faith.

But my temptations are too great! Then God is a liar?

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

The shield of faith is the solution to temptation and sin

Ephesians 6:16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

But my burdens are to heavy! Countless witness' have shown otherwise.

Hebrews 12:1-2

1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith

Conclusion:

Through perfect faith we are saved.

Through perfect faith we rejoin our God.

Through perfect we can always change.

Through perfect faith we whip satan and the world.

Only through perfect faith can we become again what we were born to be, children of God.