The Faith that Sustained the Church

ACTS 26:19-23

THE faith that sustained the Early Church was based upon the firm conviction that Jesus was the Messiah, and that he had come in fulfillment of the messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. This faith was strengthened because of their knowledge that both his death and resurrection had been foretold; therefore they believed that the “power of his resurrection” would sustain them in their every trial, and through him would give them final victory in the great cause they had espoused; and that the cause itself would ultimately be gloriously triumphant.

It is this sort of faith we see displayed in Paul when he was brought before King Agrippa for a hearing. Paul’s plea before the king was not designed by him as an effort to secure his freedom, for he had appealed to Rome, and knew that he would have to be held and taken to Rome for a hearing before Caesar. The apostle was more concerned in bearing witness to the truth than he was in justifying himself before the king. To him it was a golden opportunity to witness to those who might not otherwise be privileged to hear the Gospel.

Paul explained to Agrippa that the Jews had sought to kill him because he had preached repentance, both to Jews and to Gentiles. Necessarily this message of repentance was based on the acceptance of Jesus as the Redeemer and Savior of the world, and this enraged those who sat in darkness, even as it did the same class when Jesus witnessed the truth to them. The darkness hateth the light, and those who sit in darkness always resent the light; and, if they have the opportunity, persecute those who are upholding it.

Conversely, those who themselves may be enjoying the light of truth will not feel the enmity of the world if they keep their light hidden under a bushel—nor will they enjoy the sunshine of divine favor. Jesus was persecuted and put to death because he proclaimed the truth, and Paul was happy to follow in his steps.

Nor is it necessary to proclaim the truth in a vindictive manner in order to attract persecution. Paul was diplomatic and kind his presentation of the message. He emphasized that what he taught was merely that which had been foretold by the prophets. It would seem that those who professed such great faith in the prophecies would welcome a message of this kind, but they did not. They were not willing to believe what their own prophets had said about Jesus. They were not willing to face the facts.

ROMANS 5:1-8

Faith is also a justifying medium when properly placed in the atoning blood of the Redeemer. Faith merely in the fact of the existence of God does not result in peace with him. It must also be a faith in his plan, and particularly in Jesus and his finished work for us as the central feature of that plan. Thus the apostle emphasizes that our peace with God which results from our faith is “through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The expression “peace with God” is used by the apostle in contrast with the state of alienation from him, which is the position of the entire human race condemned to death through Adam. The “wrath” of God abideth on all because of sin, and the only way of escape from it is through a justifying faith in the Redeemer which brings “peace with God.”

But for those who exercise this justifying faith—a faith so complete that it leads to a full dedication of oneself to the Lord—there is more than merely the benefit of escaping from the condemnation that is on the world. Paul explains that through Christ we also “have access into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” This is one of the many scriptural references to the Christian’s “high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”—Phil. 3:14

Peter speaks of this glorious hope as being that of partaking of the divine nature. (II Pet. 1:4) This, and the thought of participating in God’s glory, go quite beyond our ability to comprehend. All we can do is to accept by faith what the promises of God make so sure, and rejoice that through the atoning merit of Jesus’ sacrifice divine grace has made it possible for us, if we are faithful to the terms of our calling, to attain to such heights of glory and be joint-heirs with Christ in his kingdom.

But our faith and obedience must be tested, and it is this that is referred to in verses 3-5. If we have a genuine faith we will be glad for the tribulation which divine wisdom permits to come upon us. We will try to learn the lessons of patience which the Lord is thus teaching us. The word “experience” in verse 4 is from a Greek word elsewhere translated “proof.” It evidently means that through patience one has proved worthy of God’s continued blessings, and his approval which results from our having successfully passed some of the tests of the narrow way by learning to endure patiently the trials which were designed to purify us and make us meet for the inheritance of the saints in light.

And when we have this additional evidence of God’s approval, we have a firm basis for hope—a hope that “maketh not ashamed,” for “the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts.” The love of God is manifested in his provision for our justification. It is further evidenced in his invitation to the high calling. It is demonstrated also in the trials which he permits to come upon us, and by his strengthening us to endure them. His love is shed abroad in our hearts in the sense of taking possession of our lives, motivating us to strive more earnestly day by day to know and do his will more perfectly.

HEBREWS 12:1, 2

In the 11th chapter of Hebrews, Paul presents from the Old Testament many illustrations of conquering faith, referring to them in the first verse of the 12th chapter as a “cloud of witnesses.” By noting the wonderful manner in which God sustained the ancient worthies through their trials, our own faith is strengthened. But the best example of all is Jesus, the “Author and Finisher of our faith.”

When we look to Jesus, we see One who “endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God,” because he believed the promises which set before him a wonderful joy of being a channel of blessing and life for all the willing and obedient of mankind. Similar promises are made to us, and if we copy his example of faithfulness, following him all the way into death, we will share his glory and his joy. Thus will our faith be triumphant!

QUESTIONS

Upon what was the faith of the Early Church based?

What was Paul’s chief concern when he appeared before Agrippa?

What leads to persecution in the Christian life?

What is implied in the expression, “Peace with God”?

What does the Christian attain by faith in addition to peace with God?

Why does God permit Christians to have trials?

How is the love of God shed abroad in our hearts?

What is the most outstanding example of faith given us in the Bible?

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