If I Be Found Faithful?
I wrote the following post for Gospel of Grace in 2005
One of the most disturbing phrases found in common prayers that I have heard through the years by legalistic Christians is:
“And Lord, if I be found faithful give me a home in heaven, Amen”.
I always wanted to scream out at them “Buddy, you won’t be”. It is sad to see Christians putting their very salvation on the line because of their own faithfulness or unfaithfulness.
But I don’t blame them. Most of them are honest, decent people who just want to do the right thing, and they have been told over and over from the pulpit that they better stay faithful or Christ can’t help them. If Christ was depending on our faithfulness then why did he give himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins?
I challenge any person, Christian or not, to show me a completely faithful life to present to God. In fact, there is none. No, not even one, accept JESUS CHRIST. And if God will accept a less then perfect faithful life, how much can we sin and still be considered faithful? This is why traditional Christians often struggle and fight with one another, because everyone is trying to figure out just how faithful they have to be.
Well folks, the good news of the Gospel is not based on your faithfulness. It is Christ who presented God with the only perfectly faithful life. And it is Christ that will draw all men unto him self. Yes, every knee will eventually bow, and every tongue will eventually confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Until then the only message I will preach is Christ, minus me, plus nothing.
Living In Love,
Cliff
Cliff, oh! the love that drew salvations plan oh! the mighty grace that brought it down to man oh! the mighty love that God did span at calvary.mercy there was great and grace was free grace was muntipleyed to me oh the mercy there was granted to me at calvary.A song that fills my heart and mind.Because i have the mind of christ my friend.lat lets me continually know he has made me one with him forever.
Cliff how strange this is to the strange doctrines we hear today.Do not be carried about by them and keep your heart established in grace.”Know the power of his love that is all that matters my friend ”
kenneth
I just love that old song Kenneth. Thanks for reminding of it’s beauty.
Cliff it is 3am here in belfast my friend.But when i read your post it made me sing.The spirit of grace is so loving and continually reminds me of the finished word of our savior.This is our hearts disirenthat others now it deep within that he is indeed the savior of the entire world.let us glory in the beloved.
kenneth.
Sorry about the spelling but i kinow you know my heart.
keneth
Linda has just went asleep that is why i’m up so late my friend.She has not been well.
kenneth.
“Most of them are honest, decent people who just want to do the right thing”, and because of their fear, are easily manipulated into “doing” and “giving” whatever the church wants. Sorry, had to get that out of my system.
Kenneth, you guys are on my mind a lot. I often wonder how you are, and how life is treating you. You guys have been through so much, yet you seem to have a great peace about your journey. I’m sorry your struggles are so great right now. But, the promise is for better days ahead. My best to Linda, and to you and the family. Love!
“Buddy, you won’t be”.
AMEN!!!!!!!!! The best day one can come to in this life is when they come to the realization that they do NOT have enough faith to get themselves Redeemed! Neither is their “faith” completed in Christ! The ONLY Complete Faith is that of Christ and Christ Faith ALONE! A drop of your faith added to the Faith of Christ means NOTHING! In fact if you add your “personal” faith to the faith of Christ you will become a self-righteous judgmental JERK! Because you will think that your faith is what matters to complete things.
Good Repost Cliff!
Peace
Geo
Yesterday I read this on a Church sign….
The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy. (Psa 145:20 KJV)
It is so obvious how steeped much of Christianity still is in old testament theology based on obedience to the law. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God”.
The mixture of the old (law) with the new (grace) produces nothing but confusion…..and only bold grace alone brings life.
The thing that a lot of my evangelical friends would be surprised at is I believe what it says on that sign Steve! The split comes when I tell them God destroyed ALL 2006 YEARS AGO in the Body of Christ on The Cross!
Peace
Geo
I know me, one day faithfull, one day faithless. I’m just gratefull that the faith that counts for me is the faith of none other than Jesus Christ Himself. When the faith of our High Priest wavers we’re all in big trouble, but have no fear, this will never happen. Peace to you my friend.
Thankyou bruce for your kind words.life could be worse bruce but i know we have peace in it because christ is our peace.Now we can get on with copying with life the best we can and maybe help some other people who are going thruough the same things as our selves to cope better through our own experience.
J&P,
kenneth.
Wonderful comments from all.
Kenneth, I know along with everyone on this site that we wish you and your wife the very best. You are a great example of the Spirit of Christ in these jars of clay. Thanks for all you do.
Kenneth you have been a true blessing to my heart and mind I send my love to you and your wife Linda.My wifes name is also Linda.
Love you brother Dan