Faith Without Virtue
In this message we shall be looking at the inward and deeper meaning of this topic and know what the Lord actually means by this which the Germans call “innere”. This FAITH I’m talking about here, is not the Faith of other religious beliefs like the Islamic faith, Judaism, Hinduism, Budaism and other ancestral and traditional faith of people in their local deities.
The Faith the Lord is talking about here is, the product of our faith, or the fruit that follow, associate and accompany our Christian Faith and Belief in Christ. That differs from our personal gifts of faith like, little faith, wavering faith, weakling faith, strong faith, moving faith and great faith known as the mountain moving faith.
But looking at the general meaning of faith based on God’s word in certain portions of the Scripture. Faith in Hebrews 11: 1, was described as a substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. In Habakkuk 2: 4 and Romans 1: 17, it says the just shall live by faith. In James 2: 26, it says faith without works is dead.
And in 2 Peter 1: 5, it says giving all diligence, add to your faith VIRTUE! So then. What is virtue? Virtue in the context and meaning of this message, is one of the fruits, or characteristics of faith. But looking at what these Scriptures say, one may think they are at conflict with each other. No! They are saying the same thing.
The first two scriptures are showing us the picture and character of faith. The two second Scriptures are speaking and enlightening us on the functions and practice of faith. And how faith can work in conjunction and connection with other fruits of faith. For faith been alone cannot stand. Though faith is the first step of salvation, but it cannot stand except it moves together with other players and agents of salvation. Salvation starts with faith and ends with perfection. In view of this that we were enjoined to add virtue to our Faith!
“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness, and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity.
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacks these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and had forgotten he was purged from his old sins.
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things you shall never fall. For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” 2 Peter 1: 5 -11.
Therefore, examine yourself if you are still in faith! And lift up your hands unto heaven and call upon the name of the Lord, for whosoever shall call upon His name shall be saved in Jesus name, Amen!
Also Read The Benefit and Reward of Paying Evil With Good
Apostle Ariamaseke Alphos is a Writer and an Ordained Minister of God who is very passionate about the spread of the Gospel of Christ.
