We are living a day and age of immorality, rebellion, and apostasy. The term apostasy is from the greek word ‘apostasia’, meaning abandonment, renunciation, or departure. In the spiritual application, apostasy is rebellion or a falling away from the Christian faith. Sadly, some Christians have contributed to this state of affairs by the abandonment of their faith. “You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth. This persuasion is not from him who calls you” (Galatians 5:7,8). If we ever get to the stage where we once were running well (past tense), but no longer, it means ‘continuity’ is lacking. Something has happened. In the case of the Galatians who had made a good start in their Christian faith, they began disobeying the truth of God’s Word. This may well be the case with some Christians today. “I have believed” should be our ‘watch-word’ and inspiration to continue running well.
Paul told Timothy, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1). No one should ever assume that Christianity is easy to live, especially in today’s society. But by our faith in God and His help, His faithfulness, and power, we will keep the faith and maintain our testimony. Paul also told Timothy, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself” (2 Timothy 2:13). Life will always be full of challenges for the committed Christian. Hence, we must be prepared to trust the Almighty and firmly defend our faith and the things we most surely believe.
Spurgeon said this about the Paul: “The apostle said he committed himself into the hands of Christ . . . as the grandest and most precious deposit which man could ever make. He had taken himself just as he was and had surrendered himself to Christ saying, Lord save me, for I cannot save myself. I give myself up to You, freely relying on Your power, and believing in Your love. I give my soul up to you to be washed, cleansed, saved, and preserved, and at last brought home to heaven” (Faith Illustrated No. 271 by C H Spurgeon, 8.21.1859).
“I have believed,” therefore, “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me” (2 Timothy 1:12). The Christian life is not about us but all about Jesus Christ, who suffered, bled, and died for our sins to reconcile us to God. Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. Therefore, let us renounce self, the world, the flesh, and the devil and fully surrender to Him who loved us and gave himself for us. Our resolve will then be “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Christian living means living by faith In Jesus Christ “who lives in me,” that is by allowing Christ to live His perfect life in and through me, which can be accomplished by obedience to His Word.
In the light of His word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey”
(John H Sammis, 1846-1910)
Because I have believed, I have total confidence and I am persuaded that the Lord Jesus is righteous and able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against “that day.” That special day, when I can look back and just like the apostle Paul I can exclaim, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day” (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Starting the Christian race is important, but how we finish is most important.
Trusting Jesus Christ as our Savior is just the beginning of our faith in Him and His salvation. But as time progresses, we learn more and more of Him by maturing in the faith, and continuing to “grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord.” There are so many wonderful joys in living the Christian life, which is all about the Lord Jesus Christ who saved us. In so doing, we become more thoroughly acquainted with His excellencies, His beauty, His purity, His perfect ways, His tender compassions, and His passion. These are just some of His divine attributes. If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, why not do so now and you too can become acquainted with Him and His perfect ways.