Faith that Saves and Sustains
Salvation is God’s gift, received by faith—and the same faith keeps us steady so we can finish well. We started by faith in Jesus Christ; we must continue by faith, putting faith into action and staying faithful to God.
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” — Galatians 5:1 (KJV)
“For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.” — Galatians 5:5 (KJV)
“For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” — Galatians 5:6 (KJV)
“Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” — Galatians 5:7 (KJV)
“For by grace are ye saved through faith… it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” — Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)
What Faith Is (and Does)
Faith is not just a profession about Christ—it is a lived response from the heart of a believer who follows Christ as Lord and Savior. This race is a faith race; we live, walk, and overcome by faith.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” — Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV)
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” — 1 John 5:4 (KJV)
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” — Matthew 16:24 (KJV)
“But without faith it is impossible to please him…” — Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)
Free to Run: Guard Against Legalism
The Apostle Paul warned the Galatians not to trade grace for the yoke of the law. Christ has truly set us free—so don’t get tangled again. Stay the course by holding fast to faith in Christ.
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” — John 8:36 (KJV)
“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” — Romans 1:17 (KJV)
Faith & Obedience Go Together
Faith that stays the course expresses itself in love and in obedience to Jesus Christ and His Word. Faith and obedience belong together.
“…for the obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name.” — Romans 1:5 (KJV)
“Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” — Hebrews 5:8–9 (KJV)
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…” — Hebrews 10:22 (KJV)
Led by the Spirit
To stay the course we must be led by the Holy Spirit—hearing and obeying God’s Word, discerning His promptings above our feelings, and refusing to grieve Him. As we do, Christ’s words fill our minds, His love shapes our actions, and His power subdues selfish desires.
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16 (KJV)
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” — Romans 10:17 (KJV)
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1 (KJV)
“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” — Philippians 2:13 (KJV)
A Cruciform Life
Daily, we commit our tendencies to God’s control and draw on Christ’s power. Staying the course means living a crucified-and-risen life by faith in the Son of God.
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” — Galatians 2:20 (KJV)
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for Your Word. Strengthen our faith to stay the course—walking by faith, not by sight. Let the righteous truly live by faith. Encourage and steady our hearts today, and remind us that in Christ we are more than conquerors. By Your grace, help us fulfill Your will and purpose in our lives and in our church. In Jesus’ name, Amen.