BLJ: In this section, Bro. Boardman discussed how faith works in an individual. While there is no set pattern, certain principles do apply. For example, faith is a gift from God. God grants faith when the conditions have been met. God will grant faith to the unsaved person when that person has repented from their sins and made restitution when applicable. Faith will be present to believe. In the same way, when one is seeking to be sanctified wholly, faith will be given when the believer has made an entire consecration and died out to their carnal traits one at a time. That is taking the death route.
THE FOUNDING OR FLOUNDERING OF FAITH
God's gift of salvation to man is always received by faith. We are saved by faith. We are sanctified by faith. We are kept by faith. We are not saved by works or by any personal merit. "For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Eph. 2:8, 9). This is a faith in God's promises and goodness and not a faith in our own works, not even in our own seeking or dying out. God gives us a two-fold objective for our faith in Heb. 11:6 "...he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." First, there must be a faith in His very Nature, and second, in His willingness to meet our need in answer to diligent seeking.
But remember, real faith is a gift of God. Although we must exercise faith, the ability to do so is a gracious, loving, and direct gift from God. Just as a sinner has no ability of his own, with which to repent, nonetheless he must focus his will to do so, with God's gracious help. Therefore one receiving either regeneration or heart holiness by faith, must exercise that faith as God graciously enables him to.
In the words of Bro. Parker Maxey: "When the conditions are met, God begins to release to the individual the inner heart ability to believe. He does not release to him that ability until the conditions are met." This vital truth is confirmed in Rom. 12:3, "...according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith."
When we have completely placed ourselves on God's altar for Him to crucify, faith will come responsively and naturally. This, again, is because it is God's gift. Sanctification is His will (I Thess. 4:3), and without delay, He will begin to aid our faith, and will give the answer as we believe.
When all conditions are met, faith comes as naturally as the dawn follows the night, but not as automatically. Even with God's aid and encouragement, sometimes the human and carnal may be slow to let go and fully trust. Satan will be right there, trying to stop the seeker from taking the last step of faith.
How can we describe the human act of exercising faith? Everyone has a different experience. One may come clear to the end of self, and then experience a real battle of faith. He may be at the brink of Jordan's River, and find it difficult to take the step of faith. He may begin to express faith, even in clear terms such as, "Lord, I believe you to sanctify me just now," while faith wavers and the victory does not come. He may repeat this declaration several times, while the struggle goes on. But Thank God, He does not leave one comfortless. He honors and strengthens one's faith to the point that he rests in God, and God does the work. That soul HAS exercised faith.
BLJ: Some people struggle with the consecration and others with faith for holiness. If one has met the Biblical conditions for holiness, it is not presumptous to take a leap of faith and believe that God will do the work in their hearts.
THE FOUNDING OR FLOUNDERING OF FAITH
God's gift of salvation to man is always received by faith. We are saved by faith. We are sanctified by faith. We are kept by faith. We are not saved by works or by any personal merit. "For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Eph. 2:8, 9). This is a faith in God's promises and goodness and not a faith in our own works, not even in our own seeking or dying out. God gives us a two-fold objective for our faith in Heb. 11:6 "...he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." First, there must be a faith in His very Nature, and second, in His willingness to meet our need in answer to diligent seeking.
But remember, real faith is a gift of God. Although we must exercise faith, the ability to do so is a gracious, loving, and direct gift from God. Just as a sinner has no ability of his own, with which to repent, nonetheless he must focus his will to do so, with God's gracious help. Therefore one receiving either regeneration or heart holiness by faith, must exercise that faith as God graciously enables him to.
In the words of Bro. Parker Maxey: "When the conditions are met, God begins to release to the individual the inner heart ability to believe. He does not release to him that ability until the conditions are met." This vital truth is confirmed in Rom. 12:3, "...according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith."
When we have completely placed ourselves on God's altar for Him to crucify, faith will come responsively and naturally. This, again, is because it is God's gift. Sanctification is His will (I Thess. 4:3), and without delay, He will begin to aid our faith, and will give the answer as we believe.
When all conditions are met, faith comes as naturally as the dawn follows the night, but not as automatically. Even with God's aid and encouragement, sometimes the human and carnal may be slow to let go and fully trust. Satan will be right there, trying to stop the seeker from taking the last step of faith.
How can we describe the human act of exercising faith? Everyone has a different experience. One may come clear to the end of self, and then experience a real battle of faith. He may be at the brink of Jordan's River, and find it difficult to take the step of faith. He may begin to express faith, even in clear terms such as, "Lord, I believe you to sanctify me just now," while faith wavers and the victory does not come. He may repeat this declaration several times, while the struggle goes on. But Thank God, He does not leave one comfortless. He honors and strengthens one's faith to the point that he rests in God, and God does the work. That soul HAS exercised faith.
BLJ: Some people struggle with the consecration and others with faith for holiness. If one has met the Biblical conditions for holiness, it is not presumptous to take a leap of faith and believe that God will do the work in their hearts.
Another seeker may break into the sunlight and know the work is done, so spontaneously, that he hardly realizes he exercised faith. When the last idol is on the altar, and the seeker gives up at the last point, the peace and relief may be so sweet, that he simply says, "It's done," or "He's come," or "Oh, praise God, it's real," or, "Oh, I've wanted this so long." He may not have consciously verbalized his faith in an effort to receive the blessing, but he still exercised faith.
"You will go to heaven or hell, One you must, and there to dwell; Christ will come, and quickly, too, All must meet Him, so must you. Then you will cry and want to be Happy in eternity."
BLJ: Somber words to consider. No matter your station in this life, your final destination is either heaven or hell. Think about it.
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