The Proof of Faith
J. Allen Blair
If you see a large bird that looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and waddles like a duck, in all probability it is a duck. If you see someone living like a Christian should, witnessing to friends and neighbors, and studying the Bible, in all probability, that person is a Christian. But what about a person who says, "I am a Christian," but doesn't live it?
In John 15:12, Jesus said, Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. This verse states the fact pretty clearly that if one professes to be a follower of Christ, the proof of his or her profession will be reflected in behavior. For one to declare belief in Christ while failing to follow Him in a life that exemplifies Him is a dead giveaway-probably never been saved!
In Luke 6:46, we see the important question asked by the Lord Jesus Christ, And why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? And then, in another passage in John 14:15 He says, If ye love me, keep my commandments. It should be understood that salvation is more than putting a person into heaven. It is putting heaven into a person. You may be sure, when God puts heaven into a person, that person will be different than before conversion. I am sure most of you know someone who declares, "I am a Christian," yet, you have every reason in the world to doubt it because of the many inconsistencies in behavior.
I am reminded of the gentleman who told me he wrote two letters: one to a boy in the armed services of our country and the other to a friend. Later, he discovered he put both letters in one envelope by mistake. The soldier received an empty envelope. In a very special sense, this describes some of the people who go to our churches-their lives are empty. They have no message. They are all talk and no walk.
Paul's advice to young Timothy, Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee (1 Timothy 4:16). Two things to heed are noted: the person and the doctrine. One without the other is not complete. To know all about doctrine without manifesting a transformed life is unscriptural. On the other hand, to strive to live a Christ-like life without doctrine is impossible. We need doctrine based upon the truths of the Word of God. But if you believe the Gospel and have experienced salvation through Jesus Christ, you will be extremely careful that your life is lived to honor and glorify Jesus Christ.
You see, you may have knowledge of the Bible, knowing well what the Bible teaches regarding certain cardinal truths, but knowledge without practice is not sufficient. Jesus said in Matthew 7:2 By their fruits ye shall know them. Those who believe the truths of the Bible, having been saved by trusting in Christ, are to be fruit-bearers. A tree is not saved as the result of the fruit it bears. It can live without bearing fruit, but its fruit proves that it is a good tree and worthy to live. The same is true in the Christian life. We cannot judge someone for not bearing fruit. We cannot say with a certainty that he or she has never been born again. But, it is pretty obvious that if there is no fruit, he has never really met the Lord. I think this provides the answer to the problem, which is quite disturbing to us relative to some who are in our churches, professing to be followers of Christ and giving little or no evidence of it. The difficulty is that they have a knowledge of Christ and His Word, but they have never applied the knowledge. The result is that it appears they have never had a real heart experience with Jesus Christ.
Some years ago, the governor of a province in China sent out a decree to all the professors and teachers in his district, telling them to learn the game of football and teach it to their pupils. All these professors and teachers gathered in a conference and learned by heart the rules of football. They went back to their respective schools and made the pupils do the same. Soon, the children could be seen squatting on the floor and chanting these rules together at the top of their voices. When they were word perfect, the message was sent to the governor, "We now know football." I am sure you can understand the fallacy. Did they know football simply because they memorized the rules? To know football, one must be involved in playing football. But is it any more plausible to think that one can be a Christian merely by having knowledge of Christ in the Bible? There must be a commitment of oneself to Christ, followed by a life of obedience to what Christ has taught in the Word.
In James 1:22 we read, Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only. And then in 1 John 2:29 we have a most conclusive verse which reads, If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him. Christ lived a perfect life of holiness. There was no sin in Him. He was righteous in every sense of the word. So, the apostle declares that those who have met Him, who are one with Him, will evidence His righteousness. When one gets saved, Christ lives through that person, producing works of righteousness and holiness. Thus, when a person declares, "I am a Christian," and yet has no evidence of new life through Christ, he is deceiving himself.
Of course, to live like Christ, we must spend time with Him daily. We must look to Him many times throughout the day for strength to live the Christian life. As we have no power to save ourselves, we likewise have no power apart from Christ to follow Him. The believer must depend upon Christ constantly to give the strength, wisdom, and power to overcome all temptation in order to live well-pleasing in God's sight, convincing all those around of an experience with God. From the kind of life you are living, is it obvious that you have really met the Lord? Do you know Him in your life? Are you sure that you have been born into the family of God? If not, I urge you to invite Jesus Christ to come into your life right now, that He might transform you and lead you into a life of victory and blessing.
Maybe your are thinking, "Well, if I became a Christian, I could never make it. I would go right back to the old ways." Don't you kid yourself, dear friend. Let Jesus Christ come into your life, and there will be a change. God will work through you. He promised and will give you the grace and the strength to overcome. Try and see.
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:5).
JOB ESCHEWED EVIL!
Are you familiar with that word, eschewed? It means: stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something! While we don't use it in our everyday vocabulary, it is something that we can and should do. Job's life is examined and revealed in Dr. Blair's book,
Living Patiently.
This is our book for you during August 2009 only. If you want a free copy (one per household, please), then write and ask for it! You must give a postal address in the USA.
New Station in Omaha!
The Bible Broadcasting Network has added a new station in Omaha, Nebraska. Glad Tidings is privileged to be on: 88.9 FM at 5:30 a.m.
Are You Afraid?
"Fear This" has followed the "No Fear" trademark for clothing. The slogans on clothing and bumper stickers have made the term popular and a bit trite, but being afraid is neither desirable nor trite.
Write or call for a free message (printed tract) by Dr. Blair, Are You Afraid? Its handy size will make easy to read and pass on to a friend.
The Gospel of John in Audio
The 2 album CD sets of Living Eternally in MP3 format are available. This series includes the 93 messages recently aired on the program.
Sets are $15.00 each and include postage. If you want to give them as gifts, include the recipients' addresses and we'll mail them directly including a card to tell of your gift.
(Mailed only to USA addresses)
Trouble, Trial or Opportunity?
(A Booklet Review)
Chapter Titles:
Everyone Has Troubles
Christ is Sufficient
God's Unlimited Knowledge
Enjoy Perfect Peace
Trust God Implicitly
Living by Faith
Pray with Confidence
Test Your Relationship
These eight chapter titles introuduce you to this booklet written by Dr. Blair. The purpose is to encourage us to acknowledge that we have painful and disappointing experiences, and to help us understand them as opportunities to witness to the loving and gracious care of our wonderful Lord.
First verse:
Man is born unto trouble (Job 5:7).
Last verse:
But my salvation shall be forever (Isaiah 51:6).
The 31 page booklet is $4.00.
(includes postage/handling in the USA)