Faith Came

Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus, and to us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith –and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Eph 2:8,9
Our strength as Christians comes from knowing that faith is a gift. It came upon us at the time of God’s choosing through events ordained by Him. It came because He wanted to redeem us from the curse of sin. It come from somewhere—from Someone—outside of ourselves.
I believe that faith in Jesus Christ is given by the Holy Spirit. As the Lord of the harvest, He gives this gift when a sinner has been brought to their knees so to speak, by the law and the weight of sin. When such a person does not resist the Holy Spirit’s work to bring them to the end of self and the knowledge that by their own power and intent, they will never be able to please God or save themselves, the Holy Spirit gives the gift of faith. Instantly, faith is their eyes to see that Jesus is the Savior sent from God.
Many people do resist this process, refusing to lose hope in themselves. Regarding Israel, the Lord said, “You were wearied by all your ways, but you would not say, “It is hopeless.” Isa 57:10. The Apostle Stephen cried out in the Sanhedrin (Jewish ruling council), “You stiff-necked people…You always resist the Holy Spirit!” Acts 7:51.
The absence of resistance did not save us. It cultivated the soil (your soul), so to speak, so that the gift of faith could take root if /when it was planted. But the Seed still had to come from somewhere else. We were not born with faith. “It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through Him that has given this [man] complete healing, as you can all see.” Acts 3:16. Also, “Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the…law.” Gal 3:23, 25
Faith came! It is yours! Because this is true, you belong to Christ and Christ belongs to you! Almighty God is your Father and heaven is your home. This can never be undone. It is an anchor for your soul, firm and secure in the Holy of Holies.
Faith came! I love knowing this. I know you do as well. This fact places salvation squarely in the hands of God Himself. “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Rev 7:10. Having received faith, we know beyond all doubt that He chose us. Faith confirms His love, comforts our souls, blesses our spirits, and lights our way. True faith is not of human origin. Therefore, beholding it is blessed assurance, leaning on it is sweet relief, seeing with it is Truth, hearing with it is understanding. There are no verses in the Bible that say, “Put your faith in Jesus.” Why? Because that is impossible. We never had faith until we received it as a gift, given to us by the Holy Spirit. We are blessed beyond all measure.