Faith and Obedience
To have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, one must have faith in Him alone and also demonstrate obedience to His will.
A.W. Tozer addresses the confusion surrounding the assurance of salvation, emphasizing that while Christ came to save sinners, mere acknowledgment of this fact is insufficient for salvation. He stresses that true salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, devoid of works or personal merit. Tozer warns against the dangers of 'easy acceptance' that can lead individuals to a false sense of security, urging that genuine faith must be accompanied by obedience. He highlights the importance of believing and receiving Christ as the pathway to becoming children of God.
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What is our answer to the many confused persons who keep asking: "How can we know that we have come into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ?" First, we stand together on the basic truth that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. A second fact is that men and women are saved by faith in Christ, alone; without works and without our merit. However, the fact that Christ came to save sinners is not enough-that fact in itself cannot save us.
Now, in our day, the issues of believing faith and the gift of eternal life are clouded and confused by an "easy acceptance" that has been fatal to millions who may have stopped short in matters of faith and obedience.
Faith is believing and receiving, as in Acts 16:31: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved;" and as in John 1:12: "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe in his name."
Sermon Outline
- The Need for a Saving Relationship
- The Means of Salvation
- The Nature of Faith
- Faith in Christ Alone
- The Importance of Faith and Obedience
- Believing and Receiving
- The Power of Faith
Key Quotes
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved;” — A.W. Tozer
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe in his name.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Faith in Christ alone is not enough; we must also have faith and obedience to truly experience salvation.
- Believing and receiving are essential components of the faith that leads to salvation.
- We must stand on the basic truth that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.