“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”(Hebrews 11:1 NRSV) That is a great definition of the word “faith,” and faith is imperative in living the Christian life. We, as Christians just don’t hope for life-after-death – we have the assurance of the words of Christ that IF we are “saved,” (really in a right-relationship with Christ) we know that there is life-after-death.
That is the conviction of things not seen. Conviction—that is another great word. IF we take that word to the judicial system, when a person is “convicted” that means that a jury of their peers believed that there was enough evidence against them to be sure, without a shadow of a doubt that they are in fact, guilty. So then, if you were arrested and charged with being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to “convict” you? I certainly hope there would be. But, let’s not get side-tracked here – this is about faith. Why is it we, as Christians trust our life-after-death to something that is unseen? Why is it that after the crucifixion, Jesus appeared only to those whom had believed in him prior to his death? The answer to both those questions is the same – because we are to come into a belief in Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the living God,” through faith and not through proof. Faith is the assurance given to us from God through Jesus that if we “believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that ‘Jesus is lord,’ you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9 paraphrase mine) However, from what will we be saved? We will be saved from spending eternity in Hell! There is a better reason though. To live a life that is in a right relationship with Jesus, we can experience the kingdom of God right here, right now. We can enjoy all the fruits of being a Christian before we die—God promises it. So then, how is your faith doing these days? Do you know for sure that you are in fact a Christian? I certainly hope so. If not, find a church this Sunday and they can show you how to be sure! Then, go and enjoy life in God’s Kingdom right now! Amen. 9/4/2016 10:42:03 pm
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