A Working Faith

[Thompson, Darryl]

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Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 11
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A Working Faith

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the
law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness
which is of God by faith. Phil. 3:9.
152
It is one thing to read and teach the Bible, and another thing to have
by practice its life-giving, sanctifying principles engrafted on the
soul. . . . "By grace are ye saved through faith" (Eph. 2:8). The mind
should be educated to exercise faith rather than to cherish doubt,
suspicion, and jealousy. We are too prone to regard obstacles as
impossibilities. To have faith in the promises of God, to go forward by
faith, pressing on without being governed by circumstances, is a lesson
hard to learn. Yet it is a positive necessity that every child of God
should learn this lesson. The grace of God through Christ is ever to be
cherished, for it is given us as the only way of approaching God. . . . 
The faith mentioned in God's Word calls for a life in which faith in
Christ is an active, living principle. It is God's will that faith in
Christ shall be made perfect by works; He connects the salvation and
eternal life of those who believe, with these works, and through them
provides for the light of truth to go to all countries and peoples. This
is the fruit of the workings of God's Spirit.
We show our faith in God by obeying His commands. Faith is always
expressed in words and actions. It produces practical results, for it is
a vital element in the life. The life that is molded by faith develops a
determination to advance, to go forward, following in the footsteps of
Christ.
We have been taken as rough stones out of the quarry of the world by the
cleaver of truth and placed in the workshop of God. He who has genuine
faith in Christ as his personal Saviour will find that the truth
accomplishes a definite work for him. His faith is a working faith. . .
. We cannot create our faith, but we can be colaborers with Christ in
promoting the growth and triumph of faith.
The faith that works by love and purifies the soul produces the fruit of
humility, patience, forbearance, long-suffering, peace, joy, and willing
obedience.

>From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 151, 152.