Even before we became engaged, Jenny attended Tupperware Parties and started to purchase their products. I don’t know what the policy is today, but in those days every product was guaranteed for life. Now, in emptying the kitchen cupboards and sorting out the Tupperware products, we found we had far too many lids. In fact, we remember where certain lids fit, but the bottoms (containers) are not to be found. Just to get the picture right, most of these products are between 49 and 55 years old. They are durable and tough. They are made to last. Yes, they do fade and get marked, but they last and are usable after many, many years. We have had faith in the Tupperware products like many other people for many, many years.
That is what faith is supposed to be! Long lasting, durable and tough.
When we speak of faith, we use the word in a variety of ways.
Saving FAITH
This refers to salvation.
Eph 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
2Ti 3:14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Life FAITH
This refers to faith in the Lord Jesus to do certain things for us, His people.
Jas 5:15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.
Christian FAITH
This refers to the Christian Faith in the Body of all believers.
Ac 6:7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Ac 14:21 They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.
When I spoke of having faith in Tupperware products and said that, like these products, a believer’s faith needs to be long lasting, durable and tough, I mean each of these three uses of “FAITH”.
Saving faith must be long lasting, durable and tough. Why? Because you need to prove to yourself over the years of your life that God’s gracious gift of salvation is real, active and existent through life and into eternity.
Life faith must be long lasting, durable and tough. Why? Because as a believer, you need to have faith in the Lord Jesus to meet your needs, protect you, care for you and guide your through the storms of life.
Christian faith must be long lasting, durable and tough. Why? Because there is no other “faith” that you can trust and believe. You have God’s Word as the director of Christian Faith. As you read, study and understand the Bible, the Holy Spirit, Who provided the Word, takes that Word and applies it to your soul in such a way that you grasp that this Christian Faith is the only true faith, and you love it and desire nothing else. You know this and this alone is truth.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for this three-fold faith. Help me to hold onto you throughout the days of my life and experience your welcome into glory, where I will hear you say, “Well done, good and faithful servant”. Amen.