Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is a constant theme throughout the scriptures. We read in Psalm 20:7, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” We read in Psalm 118:8, “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” Let’s consider one more verse. 1 Corinthians 2:5, “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”

To have faith in someone is to put your faith in them. All too often, we put our faith in men. Whether we are attracted to their wisdom, their strength, or their kindness, we tend to truth men. We trust them to do what no man can do. We trust them to tell us the truth without making sure that they are speaking the truth. We trust them to be intercessors for us to God. For whatever reason we find to put trust in man, the Lord tells us not to do that. Our trust, or our faith in to be in Him…and Him alone.

Let’s look at John 1:12-13, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of BLOOD, nor of the WILL OF THE FLESH, nor of the WILL OF MAN, but of God.” All who have received, or put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, become the children of God. God adopts us! We read in Ephesians 1:4-5, “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto THE ADOPTION OF CHILDREN BY JESUS CHRIST to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.” What a position is ours. Through faith in Christ, we are the sons and daughter of God. However:

• This new birth which brings us into this adoption does not come by BLOOD. This means that no one inherits salvation. Just because your parents were saved, does not mean that you are saved. It’s been said that God has many, many children, but He has NO grandchildren.
• This salvation does not come by the WILL OF THE FLESH. Quite simply, this means that you cannot save yourself. Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
• Salvation does not come through the WILL OF MAN. This means that not only is it impossible to save yourself, no one else can save you either! No matter how much someone may pray for your salvation, it is only when you personally bow your knee before the Lord Jesus and trust Him as your Lord and Savior that you are saved. While we often pray for the salvation of others, we cannot save them.
• Salvation is OF GOD. It is faith in the Lord that brings salvation. NOTHING ELSE! The Lord Jesus Himself said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: NO MAN COMETH UNTO THE FATHER, BUT BY ME.” While salvation is a free gift of God, it is only through faith in His Son that we can be saved.

Perhaps many are cold today because their faith is misplaced. Perhaps they are leaning on their pastor or some other spiritual leader to lead them to Heaven. Perhaps they think that joining and becoming involved in a local church will save them. Perhaps they think that by giving money to a local church they will be saved. NONE of these things can save ONE SINGLE person. It is only faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that saves! After that, we must continue to walk in obedience and fellowship with the Lord to maintain a close relationship with Him. When we live our lives in fellowship with our savior, we will not grow cold spiritually. Faith is not a one-time act that we use to become saved. After being “justified by faith” (Romans 5:1), we need to “walk by faith” (2 Corinthians 5:7) and we need to “live by faith” (Galatians 3:11). (239.2)