Living In The Light

February 11, Faith And The Word

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
—Romans 10:17 LL 49.1

Often the question arises, Why, then, are there so many, claiming to believe God’s Word, in whom there is not seen a reformation in words, in spirit, and in character? Why are there so many who cannot bear opposition to their purposes and plans, who manifest an unholy temper, and whose words are harsh, overbearing, and passionate? There is seen in their lives the same love of self, the same selfish indulgence, the same temper and hasty speech, that is seen in the life of the worldling. There is the same sensitive pride, the same yielding to natural inclination, the same perversity of character, as if the truth were wholly unknown to them. The reason is that they are not converted. They have not hidden the leaven of truth in the heart. It has not had opportunity to do its work. Their natural and cultivated tendencies to evil have not been submitted to its transforming power. Their lives reveal the absence of the grace of Christ, an unbelief in His power to transform the character. LL 49.2

“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). The Scriptures are the great agency in the transformation of character. Christ prayed, “Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy word is truth” (John 17:17). If studied and obeyed, the Word of God works in the heart, subduing every unholy attribute. The Holy Spirit comes to convict of sin, and the faith that springs up in the heart works by love to Christ, conforming us in body, soul, and spirit to His own image. Then God can use us to do His will. The power given us works from within outwardly, leading us to communicate to others the truth that has been communicated to us. LL 49.3

The truths of the Word of God meet humanity’s great practical necessity—the conversion of the soul through faith. These grand principles are not to be thought too pure and holy to be brought into the daily life. They are truths which reach to heaven and compass eternity, yet their vital influence is to be woven into human experience. They are to permeate all the great things and all the little things of life.— Christ’s Object Lessons , pp. 99—101. LL 49.4

Further Reflection: Should people be able to observe you and tell that you are a converted Christian? What evidence of conversion do people see when we have surrendered our life to Christ and the working of the Holy Spirit? LL 49.5