Reply To: Faith 2024/2025 Discussion Board 1

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Faith in the Finished Work of Christ
Faith in the finished work of Christ is the foundation of the Christian life. The finished work refers to Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross, His resurrection, and the complete salvation He secured for all who believe. As Jesus declared, “It is finished”, He fully accomplished redemption and reconciliation for mankind. Faith in this finished work is not merely intellectual agreement but a heart conviction, trusting fully in what Christ has done rather than in human effort. According to Hebrews 11:1, “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen,” meaning it is the spiritual reality and assurance that connects believers to God’s promises.
Four Vital Things Faith in the Finished Work of Christ Entails
Faith Entails Believing in Christ’s Complete Sacrifice.
True faith acknowledges that salvation and righteousness are gifts, not earned by works but received through Christ’s finished work on the cross. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” This faith rests on the understanding that nothing can be added to what Christ has already accomplished.

Faith Entails Confession of the Word.
Faith speaks. Romans 10:10 states, “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” As seen in Mark 11:22-24, faith is expressed by speaking God’s promises, believing that what is declared in alignment with God’s Word will come to pass. Faith in Christ’s work must be vocal, continually declaring the truth of redemption, healing, provision, and victory.

Faith Entails Action.
Faith is demonstrated through obedience and action. James 2:17 says, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Acting on the Word is how believers manifest faith in the finished work of Christ. For example, trusting God’s provision leads to steps of faith such as sowing seeds of generosity or standing firm during trials, knowing Christ has already secured victory.

Faith Entails Rest.
Faith means resting in what God has done through Christ rather than striving in human strength. Hebrews 4:10 explains that “he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.” Faith in the finished work brings peace, knowing that every blessing, from forgiveness to eternal life, has been secured through Jesus’ victory.

To utilize faith in the finished work of Christ, believers must:
Hear and Meditate on God’s Word: Faith grows by consistently hearing, believing, and internalizing the truth of Scripture.

Confess the Word of Faith Daily: Speaking God’s promises strengthens belief and creates the reality of victory in a believer’s life.

Act on the Word: This could mean praying with authority, resisting fear, and walking in obedience even when circumstances seem contrary.

Guard Against Unbelief. Like Jesus taught in Matthew 17:20, unbelief can hinder faith. Staying in fellowship with God and aligning with His Word helps silence doubt.

Is There Another Kind of Faith for the Believer?
Yes, beyond saving faith, believers are called to live by the God-kind of faith. This faith operates by believing, speaking, and acting on the Word just as Jesus did during His earthly ministry. Galatians 2:20 says, “The life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God.” This means that believers have access to a supernatural, divine quality of faith, the very faith Jesus demonstrated when He spoke to storms, healed the sick, and raised the dead.
There is also the “gift of faith” listed among the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:9, which empowers believers to trust God for extraordinary, miraculous outcomes beyond normal belief. While all believers live by faith, this gift operates in specific, Spirit inspired moments.
In summary, Faith in the finished work of Christ is a vital aspect of the Christian walk. It entails believing fully in Christ’s sacrifice, speaking and acting on God’s promises, and resting in the assurance of salvation and victory. By hearing and applying the Word, believers grow in this faith, living by the God kind of faith that overcomes the world. Beyond saving faith, the Spirit empowers believers with supernatural faith for extraordinary works.