Faith from Beginning to End

Discipleship, Leadership, Living by Faith, Ministry, Righteous Living, Spiritual Growth 4 Minutes

The Christian life begins and ends with faith. Faith is the means by which we are saved, and it is also the means by which we grow spiritually. It is not a special kind of faith, as some theological traditions suggest, but the same faith that every person exercises daily—now directed toward God. At salvation, faith fixes itself on Christ as the only Savior. He alone has the power to save, and He does so for all who place their trust in Him. It is so simple that even a child can do it. Jesus commended childlike faith because of its simplicity and trust (Matt 18:3-4). As people grow older, however, pride and worldly thinking often become barriers to simple trust in Christ (2 Cor 4:4). Yet, God’s grace reaches all who believe, regardless of age.

Jesus, the eternal Son of God, entered the world through the virgin conception and birth (Isa 7:14; Luke 1:30-35) and took upon Himself true humanity (John 1:1, 14; Phil 2:6-7). He is the unique God-Man (John 1:18; 1 Tim 2:5), fully God and fully human, without sin (1 Pet 2:22; 1 John 3:5). As a descendant of Abraham and David (Gen 12:3; 2 Sam 7:12-13; Matt 1:1, 16-17; Rom 1:3), He fulfilled Old Testament prophecy concerning the Messiah (Isa 9:6-7; Mic 5:2; Luke 24:44). Jesus lived a perfectly righteous life (Heb 7:26), willingly died in our place (John 10:17-18; 1 Pet 3:18), was buried (Matt 27:59-60), and rose again on the third day (Luke 24:6-7; 1 Cor 15:4), never to die again (Rom 6:9). His resurrection proved His victory over sin and death (1 Cor 15:54-57; 2 Tim 1:10), for though He was crucified, “God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power” (Acts 2:24). Because He lives, we have the assurance of eternal life.

When we place our faith in Jesus (Acts 16:31), we receive the free gift of eternal life. Scripture declares, “whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16b). The Greek verb pisteuō (πιστεύω) means to trust, rely upon, or be convinced of the truth. To believe in Jesus is to trust Him alone to do what we cannot—save us (John 3:16; Eph 2:8-9). Salvation is a one-time act in which the sinner, convinced by God’s Word, trusts in Christ alone, apart from works (Rom 4:5). Eternal life is God’s free gift, received by faith alone in Christ alone. Scripture states, “The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 6:23b), and “by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph 2:8-9). This salvation is secure, for Scripture assures us, “He who has the Son has the life” (1 John 5:12). Assurance of salvation is not based on emotions or performance but on Christ’s finished work and God’s unchanging promises. John wrote, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13). If you have trusted in Christ, you have eternal life, and nothing can separate you from Him (Rom 8:1, 38-39).

Now that you are saved, God calls you to walk with Him. The Christian life is a lifelong journey of faith (2 Cor 5:7; Gal 2:20; Heb 10:38; 11:6), learning and applying God’s Word daily (Psa 1:2; 1 Pet 2:2; Jam 1:22). God has a purpose for your life, filled with blessings and meaningful service. Yet, this journey will not be easy. Jesus warned, “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Paul taught that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22), and “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim 3:12). Walking with Christ requires spiritual training (1 Tim 4:7-8; Heb 5:14), commitment (Luke 9:23; Phil 3:13-14), sacrifice (Rom 12:1; 2 Cor 5:15), and endurance (Heb 12:1-2). But you will not walk alone—God will equip and empower you (2 Cor 9:8; Eph 2:10; 5:18; 2 Tim 3:16-17), He will be with you (Matt 28:20; Heb 13:5), and He is for you (Rom 8:31).

Though you may suffer hardship as a good soldier of Christ (2 Tim 2:3-4; 1 Pet 4:12-13), you will also experience profound peace (John 14:27; Phil 4:6-7) and joy (John 15:11). You will come to understand your place in God’s eternal plan and find confidence in His sovereignty (Rom 8:28-30; Eph 1:4-5; Phil 1:6). This life of faith is the most meaningful life possible—a life of truth (John 8:31-32; Eph 6:14), humility (Mic 6:8; Phil 2:3-5), integrity (Prov 11:3; Tit 2:7-8), service (Mark 10:45; Heb 13:16), and purpose (Eph 2:10). The Apostle Paul understood this calling, saying, “I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).

The Lord will honor those who honor Him, saying, “I will honor those who honor Me, but those who despise Me will be cursed!” (1 Sam 2:30b). And when this life is over and you stand before the King who commissioned you, He will commend you and reward your faithfulness, saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt 25:21a; cf. 1 Cor 3:12-15; 2 Cor 5:10; Rev 22:12). The choices you make today echo in eternity. Every moment you live by faith, every test you endure with integrity, and every truth you apply brings eternal dividends. Stay the course. The battle is real, but so is the victory. Keep pressing on, knowing that your labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Cor 15:58).

Dr. Steven R. Cook

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Published by Dr. Steven R. Cook

Dr. Steven R. Cook is a Christian educator. He is protestant, conservative, and dispensational. Studies in the original languages of Scripture, ancient history, and systematic theology have been the foundation for Steven’s teaching and writing ministry. He has written several Christian books, dozens of articles on Christian theology, and recorded more than seven hundred hours of audio and video sermons. Steven currently serves as professor of Bible and Theology at Tyndale Theological Seminary, and hosts weekly Bible studies at his home in Texas. Steven’s ministry activity is entirely voluntary (articles, blogs, podcasts, and video lessons), as he works a full time job as a Case Manager for a local nonprofit agency that helps the elderly and disabled in the community.

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