BELIEVING IS SEEING
by Christine Grierson

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This brings up the very important WORK of which Paul speaks as nurturing and helping the new Christians grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of Christ. Many of the Jewish converts had known the Law and the Prophets all their lives. They had probably read and heard David’s Psalm 22 containing the words which Jesus’ broken heart cried from the cruel Cross, “My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” and not realized its great significance. Did they know what was meant by Isaiah’s prophecy of Jesus’ persecution and crucifixion in Chapter 53? They were quick enough to take offence at His reading of the passage from Isaiah 61:1,2 in the synagogue describing His work and mission on earth as Messiah, and to demand His death on the Cross! Condemned by their own unbelief!

When we speak the words of our Creed, enunciating our precious FAITH, we must be sure that we speak of God’s Word only and not some deceptive jargon or cultic religiosity. Do we have some vestiges of Roman Catholicism to which we cling? Do we keep a hint of mariolatry tucked away? Do we cherish the words of a “commentator” on the Bible instead of the true and Living Word? Do we believe “Barclay,” or “Calvin” as they interpret God for us? Satan is on constant watch for our weaknesses to snare us for his pit. We have God’s promise that He will guard us against deception and vilification. My own convictions of God’s Truth are deep and strong, unmovable and firm, but I fear for my beloved children and grandchildren. Without those strong foundations that were built for me, they may be swayed by the blandishments of “the world, the flesh and the devil.” We must all take the responsibility to pray night and day for our loved ones to escape that dreaded captivity!

This brings to mind the question of culpability. The phrase “mea culpa” has become a common admission in my life as I am willing to acknowledge and recognize my own shortcomings, faults and failings (I may sometimes cloak them as “foibles,” but they are mine and there is no excuse!).

The emphasis is on believing, on faith, loving and thanking God for His great gifts of Salvation and Protection for all His children. Let us review the Statement of Belief held by many Churches and

Congregations of Christians, as outlined below, we believe:

  1. The Bible: which is verbally inspired by the Holy Spirit is the authoritative Word of God, and infallible in the original languages.
  2. The triune Godhead in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  3. The personality of Satan, called the Devil, and his present control over the powers of darkness and unregenerate mankind.
  4. The fall and lost estate of man whose total depravity makes necessary the new birth in Jesus Christ.
  5. The deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, sinless life, death, bodily resurrection, present exaltation at God’s right hand, His personal and imminent return.
  6. The atonement by the substitutionary death and shed blood of Jesus Christ our Kinsman-Redeemer.
  7. The resurrection if the saved into everlasting life and blessedness, and the resurrection of the unsaved unto everlasting punishment.
  8. The Church is the body of Christ who have repented of their sins and accepted Him as their personal Lord and Saviour, for whom He now makes intercession in Heaven, and Israel the Bride of Christ, for whom He shall come again.
  9. Christ’s commission to the Church is to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

There are certainly deviations in the beliefs of the various Churches, but the above can represent “The Faith of our Fathers living still” which we should teach and uphold in all we say or do. In the urgency of these last days may God give us the strength and courage to press on toward the mark and gather loved ones with us. Amen.
   
   
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