[b]True faith[/b]
(John Fawcett, "Christ Precious")
True faith transforms the temper and frame of our souls into another image, even the image of Christ. This is done, in some degree, in the first saving discovery which we have of Him; so that he who truly believes in Jesus, is a new creature.
"If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new!" 2 Corinthians 5:17
We hence infer, that to be a real believer, is to be a new creature. Our very tempers are changed into Christ's holy likeness. The meek and lowly, the devout and heavenly mind, which was in Christ Jesus--in some degree, takes place in us.
Such is the efficacy of saving faith--that . . . it is the vigorous root to all holy obedience; it bears up the soul amidst the severest trials; it strengthens it for the most arduous services; enables it to overcome the world, and to lay hold upon eternal life.
Faith genuinely influences all the powers of the soul, and all the actions of the life, according to the degree of its vigor, strength, and liveliness. The more we live by faith in Jesus--the more steadily we look to him--the more we shall be transformed into His likeness.
True faith sets all things in a different light before the eyes of the soul. It alters the view and appearance of all the great and mirthful things of this world. The treasures, the splendors and the entertainments of this world--were once the most inviting objects upon which we could look. But now we look on the world, with all its most glittering and the richest scenes--as trifling, poor, and despicable things. We are crucified to the world, by the cross of Christ. We seek the things which are above, where our Redeemer sits; and when the world begins to flatter us again, and to appear great and tempting in our eyes--renewed discoveries of Christ's glory, who is the chief among ten thousand, and altogether lovely--eclipse the splendor of all below the skies. "This is the victory which overcomes the world, even our faith."
_________________ SI Moderator - Greg Gordon
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