A Faith That Saves

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

-Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

    According to Charles Spurgeon, the grace of God is the fountain-head of salvation. Remember that salvation is a gift from God that is given freely (Romans 6:23). It cannot be earned, rather, it is offered to sinners out of the grace of God who is compassionate, abounding in love, merciful, and full of goodness. If grace is the fountain, then faith is the channel by which the flood of grace flows down like a stream that refreshes thirsty men.

     Spurgeon further explains how grace and faith operate in salvation:

By faith all things become possible to us; yet the power is not in the faith, but in the God upon whom faith relies. Grace is the powerful engine, and faith is the chain by which the carriage of the soul is attached to the great motive power.

    We do not muster saving faith by our own efforts. Faith is not visualizing that we are saved, restored, and healed. Faith is wholly leaning to the all-powerful, mighty God and His promises. It takes hold of the righteousness of Jesus Christ so that we are made righteous. It appropriates the sacrifice of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. It touches the Great Physician for healing. Spurgeon writes,"Faith is believing that Christ is what He said to be, and that He will do what He has promised to do, then to expect this of Him." The power is not in our faith, but comes from the object of our faith which is God! Therefore, we can never boast that our human effort is needed in our salvation.