Saving Faith

In the book The Scandal of The Kingdom, Dallas Willard makes this statement. “When we teach about saving faith, we replace the faith of Christ with a faith in Christ.” He illustrates what he is saying by using the story found in both Matthew and Mark describing the disciples reaction to a tremendous storm that came up while they were crossing the Sea of Galilee. Jesus was sleeping in the bow while in this storm and the disciples were panicking. They cried out, “Lord save us!” (They had faith in Jesus). Jesus got up and calmed the storm and said, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?” (Jesus had faith His Father was in control and His plan would be completed). Dallas Willard is saying we need to teach people to seek the faith of Jesus.

A couple of familiar statements in Scripture are often misunderstood. When Jesus was talking to Nicodemus in John chapter 3 we find probably the most quoted verse in the Bible.

John 3:16

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

In Acts 16 we find the story of Paul and Silas being beaten and thrown into jail. When they were praying and singing their chains fell off. The jailer panic and rush to them.

Acts 16:29-31

²⁹ The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. ³⁰ He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

³¹ They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved”.

I think the difference of faith of Jesus and faith in Jesus is in defining “believe in Jesus and you will be saved”. If we think about the definition, we realize “believe in” is not simply believing Jesus was God’s Son sent to live as a human. James 2:19 says, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” Belief is not simply knowledge. Believe in Jesus means at least these three things.

Personal Trust in Jesus, placing your faith and reliance completely in Jesus for salvation, rather than on your own deeds.

Giving up Control of your life and openly acknowledging Jesus as your Lord and Master of your life.

Transformed Life that allows your new belief to guide your actions, reflect His compassion, and bring peace and strength to your daily life.

That will bring us to the faith of Jesus, not just a faith in Jesus. I believe faith is in our heart not in our mind. What guides are actions is who we are in our spirit, not just knowledge we have acquired. We could memorize multiple Scripture passages, but unless they change who we are inside it is just head knowledge. We can sing hymns and spiritual songs, but unless the words are coming from our hearts and not just our minds, we are not praising God, we are just making noise. May the world see our transformed lives and be drawn to Jesus.