Authentic Faith
The greatest divide in humanity is the one between the brain and heart. We can sit under great preachers/teachers, learn all the greatest doctrines of the Bible, yet, be fallen. Why? Because that information has been simply that, information, and not traversed the great chasm to the heart.
What is the means whereby the information comes to enter the heart? The Gospel is brought to bear on the heart of man by the Holy Spirit. He is the one who awakens the dead sinner, shows them Christ, and points them to Him (John 15:26; John 3:1-8).
That regeneration comes by the grace of God, leading to faith in Christ, and sanctifies the believer throughout their life (Ephesians 2:1-10). One does not believe of their own will but when drawn by the Father to Christ (John 6:28-71 is Jesus exposition of this truth).
Ask yourself, do I believe or just make an external assent to the truth? Has that truth taken hold in my heart? Has it lead me to love, obey, and live with hope in God’s redemptive promises, despite all odds (Rom 4:18-20; Heb 11:1)?
That is an authentic faith, evidenced by loving God, driven to good works in a reciprocal thankfulness toward Him, and all to bring Him glory. It is a faith initiated and maintained by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who drives us to a life of love, repentance, and obedience toward God in Christ. (John 14:15-24; Matthew 7:21-29).
It is a faith, given by grace, to believe in Jesus, but it is not shallow. It is one that is afterward accompanied by a life of obedience, despite our faults and sins, not one of carnality and compromise. It is not merely writing on a post card or shaking the hand of a preacher after a formed prayer.
Examine yourself to see whether you be in the faith (2 Cor 13:5; 2 Peter 1:10-11; 1 John 1-5 is the test).
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