Ask a Christian, what is faith, and you will probably get the answer that it means “believing in Christ”. But it is this, and so much more. This foundational principle of faith is the “profession” piece. It declares one’s trust and hope in Christ’s redemptive act for their salvation.
The other part of the faith equation is putting one’s enlightenment about this truth into action. This is the “practice” piece. It is the expression of your profession, the evidence of your faith, that you are a renewed person by what you believe (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 4:22-24).
One’s confession of belief in Christ must be accompanied by action, otherwise it is not sincere. In other words. ”faith without deeds is dead” (Jam. 2:26). The faith for which we are justified and saved through Christ must be living and active within us (Heb. 4:12; Jam. 2:14-26).
Jesus warned, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father” (Matt. 7:21). God does not want empty words of belief! Following Christ requires walking the talk of your testimony.
The fruit of the Holy Spirit refers to the virtuous character traits manifested in the one in whom Christ’s Spirit dwells (Gal. 2:20; 5:22-26; 1 Pet. 4:2,6). Just as an apple tree bears apples, not oranges, so too, those in whom God’s Spirit dwells are rooted in Christ and bear the good fruit of compassion and love, not indifference and evil (Matt. 7:15-20).
The mind has the knowledge of Christ, the mouth professes belief in him, and the heart so filled with zeal desires to please the Lord. Let the revelation of the word of God be at work in you who believe (1Thess. 2:13), so that your light may shine out for the whole world to see (Matt. 5:14-16).
Profession + Practice = FAITH
Walking with Jesus Reflection Series, Refl. #89, Apr. 2023
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