Topical Bible: Faith: Saints should Continue In

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Faith, within the Christian tradition, is a foundational element of the believer's life and relationship with God. It is not merely an initial step in the journey of salvation but a continual, active trust and reliance on God and His promises. The Scriptures emphasize the importance of persevering in faith, highlighting it as a vital aspect of the Christian walk.

Biblical Exhortations to Continue in Faith

The New Testament is replete with exhortations for believers to persist in their faith. In the book of Acts, the early church is encouraged to remain steadfast. Acts 14:22 records the apostles strengthening the disciples and encouraging them "to continue in the faith," reminding them that "we must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God."

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently underscores the necessity of perseverance in faith. In Colossians 1:23 , he urges believers to remain "grounded and steadfast in the faith, not moved from the hope of the gospel." This steadfastness is portrayed as a hallmark of genuine faith, which is not swayed by trials or false teachings.

Faith as a Shield

Faith is depicted as a protective shield in the spiritual armor of God. Ephesians 6:16 instructs believers to "take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." This metaphor illustrates faith's role in defending against spiritual attacks and temptations, emphasizing the need for its continual presence in the believer's life.

The Role of Faith in Sanctification

Faith is not only crucial for justification but also for sanctification—the process of becoming more like Christ. Hebrews 10:38-39 states, "But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls." This passage highlights the ongoing nature of faith as essential for spiritual growth and perseverance.

Examples of Persevering Faith

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who exemplified enduring faith. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Hall of Faith," recounts the accounts of Old Testament saints who lived by faith, despite facing trials and uncertainties. Their lives serve as testimonies to the power and necessity of continuing in faith.

Faith and Community

The New Testament also emphasizes the communal aspect of faith. Believers are encouraged to support one another in their faith journeys. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts Christians to "spur one another on to love and good deeds" and to "not neglect meeting together," recognizing the importance of community in sustaining faith.

Warnings Against Falling Away

Scripture also contains warnings against falling away from the faith. In 1 Timothy 4:1 , Paul warns that "in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons." Such warnings serve as sobering reminders of the need for vigilance and perseverance in faith.

Conclusion

The call to continue in faith is a central theme in the Christian life, underscoring the importance of a sustained, active trust in God. Through exhortations, metaphors, examples, and warnings, the Bible presents a comprehensive picture of faith as an enduring commitment that shapes the believer's journey from salvation to sanctification.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 14:22
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 1:23
If you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Perseverance of the Saints
... not always feel this full assurance of faith and certainty ... that the consideration
of this benefit should serve as ... of Scripture and the examples of the saints. ...
/.../anonymous/synod of dort/the perseverance of the saints.htm

The Impossibility of Failure.
... to express the Apostle's wish that his readers should continue to minister to the
saints. ... An incentive to faith and endurance will be found in the ...
/.../chapter vi the impossibility of.htm

What is the Nature of the Gift of Perseverance that is Now Given ...
... And thus God willed that His saints should not"even concerning ... that by His own gift
they should most invincibly ... I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 38 what is the nature.htm

A Cloud of Witnesses.
... God's promises:" his house was blessed that it should continue for ever ... This is the
better faith which is not once ... in the eleventh chapter to the saints of the ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xiii a cloud of.htm

The Twenty-First Article they Absolutely Condemn, Because we do ...
... endowed with no knowledge either of faith or for ... in monastic observances, services
to the saints intended to ... They take no pains that there should be among the ...
/.../the apology of the augsburg confession/part 26 the twenty-first article.htm

Twenty Sixth Sunday after Trinity God's Judgment when Christ ...
... he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to ... In view of its faith and its
love it was one ... It is impossible it should continue to be, as now, well with ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty sixth sunday after trinity.htm

The Law Established through Faith
... we are now speaking of, but "to the saints of God ... way of making void the law through
faith, has not ... 7. God forbid you should any longer continue thus to "turn ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 35 the law established.htm

The Wise and Foolish virgins
... there is a perfect communion of saints, which they ... if he has freely justified you
by faith in his ... to give you admission, though you should continue knocking to ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the wise and foolish virgins.htm

From the Second Chapter.
... 10. "Be thou faithful unto death."] That they should continue to be ... The third order
of the saints shows that they are men who are strong in faith, and who ...
/.../commentary on the apocolypse of the blessed john/from the second chapter.htm

From the First Chapter.
... is, in Judea, all the saints shall assemble ... that in what respects their faith is
deficient ... places among persecutors, that they should continue faithful; or to ...
/.../commentary on the apocolypse of the blessed john/from the first chapter.htm