I Am Persuaded!

I Am Persuaded  – My Daily Bread!

The courage to ponder the measure of our faith in Christ is found in 1 Corinthians  15: 1 – 2, NKJV, which reads:

“Moreover, brethren, I declared to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you – unless you believed in vain.”

Here the Apostle Paul was speaking to the Corinthian brothers about the importance of being steadfast in their belief in the Gospel truth of Christ Jesus.  He encourages them to stand fast for it is the power by which they were saved!  And what is that Gospel truth?  “That Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”  (1 Corinthians 15: 3-4, NKJV)

It is the last phrase of the scripture that makes us pause and measure the depth of our own belief in Christ.  The words ‘unless you believed in vain’ indicates that some will believe, but yet do not resolve in their hearts to stand for God.  So let us not gloss over the fact that it is possible to believe that the gospel is true, but still elect to reject God!  Are we not told concerning the angels that followed Satan: “You believe that there is one God.  You do well.  Even the demons believe and tremble!”  (James 2: 19, NKJV)

So what is the key?  Paul expresses it here – holding fast to the Word of God!  Being persuaded beyond a shadow of a doubt who Jesus is and the truths expressed in the Word.  True believers not only believe, but also hold on to the truth of God’s Word!  Paul also tells of other outward expressions of the true believer.  Below are just two of their distinguishing characteristics for God:

How they pursue God’s Holiness – “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”  (2 Corinthians 7: 1, NKJV)  This scripture speaks to a lifetime continual pursuit of the things that are pleasing to God; a daily dealing with our sins that promote holiness of God.  In current Christian thinking this is sometimes called progressive sanctification.  Although we never become sinless while in the flesh; we are matured by God in our faith as He makes us over in the image of Christ.   This living in God’s truth is not something hidden in the life of the Redeemed, for Jesus said: “But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”  (John 3: 21, NKJV)

How they witness and handle the Word of God –  “Therefore since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.  But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the Word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.  For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.”  (2 Corinthian 1: 1 – 2, 5, NKJV)  Sharing the manifestation of God’s truth is the focal point of their life and their witness!   As bondservants of Christ Jesus, they are persuaded by His truth and therefore able to stand firm on their convictions and His Word!

Saints let us pray that we are not of the sort that believe in vain and miss out on the salvation of Christ!  Ask God to increase your faith and untangle your spirit from the things of this world that move our hearts away from Him.  For Christ  is able to hold on to His own as we stand fast on His Word!

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