Hebrews 11:6, tells us that without faith
it is impossible to please God. In fact, the eleventh chapter is called
the FAITH chapter because it gives us many examples of the great faith
and sacrifices of the elders of old who obtained a good report because
of their faith.
Then we are given an admonition in Hebrews 12:1.
"Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so
easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set
before us.” Simply, since these witnesses show us how they found favor
with God, we must follow their example and finish our race by faith.
The "sin that doth so easily beset us” is described in Hebrews 3:12.
"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of
unbelief, in departing from the living God.” This was another
admonition written to the people of God. We must shield our hearts from
unbelief by putting on the breastplate of faith and love. (1 Thess.
5:5-8) Also Ephesians 6:11-17 says, "Put on the whole armor of God,
that ye may be able to stand against the devil. For we wrestle not
against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers,
against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of
God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done
all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with
truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet
shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, tak-ing
the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery
darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of
the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Jesus said in the last part
of Luke 18:8, "Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find
faith on the earth?” We are living in perilous times and the love and
faith of many has waxed cold. Saints of God, we have been given great
and precious promises by God. We must hold fast the profession of our
faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised). (Hebrews
10:23,35) "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great
recompense of reward.” (1 John 5:4) "For whosoever is born of God
overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world,
even our faith.”
Let us be strong in faith and righteousness so that we may enter into the joys the Lord has prepared for those that love Him.
Zena McNabb
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