Belief

The place of “belief” in our salvation is one of the most misunderstood issues in the dialogue concerning the Christian faith. The first thing we must do is separate the issue of the finished work of Christ on the cross, and the trust we must solely place in it, from how we get to the point where it is available to us. Believing in the finished work of Christ on the cross, and the issue of saving faith, are two entirely different issues that unfortunately are easily convoluted. One, we have nothing to do with, and the other, we have everything to do with. “Belief” in the context of saving faith does not unlock salvation, but rather, as we see inside a real lock, works in conjunction with the other tumblers to eventually allow the lock to open. Belief is the first contact the key makes with the lock itself, and so in this sense it is indispensable, but by itself, it is still not capable of opening the lock. So, we see that without “belief” the lock cannot be opened, but also, that if belief is all there is, the lock remains closed. In saving faith “belief” allows the key to pass deeper within the lock and on to conviction, contrition, and repentance. Saving faith occurs when the key has securely passed all the tumblers, and can now be successfully turned, and the lock opened. There are no works involved in this at all, it is simply the message of the Gospel having its intended effect on the heart. One of the greatest errors in Christian thought is the idea that a true passion for Christ should be a “work” somehow, when in fact, it is simply the bi-product of saving faith. This brings up the issue of faith and works. The reason James says a faith without works cannot save you, is not because he is infringing on the finished work of Jesus, but because it is impossible for anyone who has experienced true saving faith to continue without a changed heart, which once again, is not a “work,” but the desired effect of the Gospel. Where there is no change of heart, there is no saving faith, period! Likewise, where there is saving faith there is a heart that has turned definitively towards the Lord. When the argument of faith and works turns to what we do or don’t do, we have missed the point entirely, for those things have nothing to do with the issue at hand, which is, did the key pass on past belief, to contrition, conviction, and genuine repentance, if so the course of ones life is predestined to be conformed into the image of Jesus. So, we see how it is possible for someone to “believe” in the finished work of Jesus on the cross, but still never experience saving faith! Therefore, it is so important that we never confuse our belief in the finished work of Jesus on the cross, with the effect it is intended to have upon us, when we experience saving faith. After saving faith has turned the key and unlocked our salvation, one can now, and must, “believe” in Jesus’ and His finished work on the cross.

Rev. Joel M McDuffie Jr.
11/21/18