Returning to Authentic Faith in Christ 

A Journey of Transformation, Commitment, and Growth 

True faith in Christ is not merely a matter of intellectual agreement or acknowledging certain principles as true. It is a profound, life-altering commitment that encompasses the entirety of one’s being—mind, heart, and soul. It involves a reliance on God’s grace. It includes a wholehearted acceptance of Jesus as Savior. It demands a deep, life-changing response to His teachings. Authentic faith is alive and dynamic. It is visible through actions. It fosters an ever-deepening relationship with Christ. It inspires a desire to align one’s life with God’s will. 

In our modern world, distractions abound. Superficial expressions of faith may sometimes take precedence over genuine devotion. Returning to authentic faith in Christ is a call to rediscover what it truly means to follow Him. It calls for a deeper reliance on God and greater humility. It also requires a renewed passion for living a life that reflects His love and truth. 

Key Aspects of True Faith in Christ 

Total Reliance on God’s Grace 

At the heart of true faith is the understanding that salvation is a gift from God. It is not a reward for human effort. As Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith. This is not from yourselves. It is the gift of God. It is not by works, so that no one can boast.” This reliance on grace liberates believers from the burden of striving to earn God’s favor. It invites them into a relationship of trust and gratitude. 

Grace is the foundation upon which authentic faith is built. It humbles us. We recognize that our redemption is not something we can achieve on our own. It is a generous outpouring of God’s love. It inspires us to live in a way that honors the gift we have received, responding with obedience and devotion. 

Acceptance of Jesus as Savior and Lord 

True faith involves more than acknowledging Jesus as a historical figure or a wise teacher. It requires recognizing Him as the Son of God. He is the Savior who died to atone for our sins. He is also the Lord who reigns over our lives. Romans 10:9 declares, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” 

This acceptance is not passive—it demands an active commitment to follow Jesus and submit to His authority. It is a declaration that Christ is the ultimate ruler of our lives, shaping our decisions, values, and priorities. 

Repentance and a New Life 

Authentic faith transforms the heart. It leads to repentance—a turning away from sin. It also creates a desire to live in obedience to God. This change is not merely external but flows from a renewed spirit. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 proclaims, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 

This new life is characterized by a rejection of sinful patterns and an embrace of righteousness. It is a journey of sanctification, where believers continually seek to align their actions and thoughts with God’s will. Repentance is not a one-time event but an ongoing posture of humility and surrender. 

Growth in Christlikeness 

True faith is a journey of becoming more like Jesus in both character and actions. This growth, often referred to as sanctification, is a lifelong process. It requires intentionality, discipline, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit. These include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities serve as evidence of this transformation. 

To grow in Christlikeness, believers must cultivate habits that nurture their faith. These habits include prayer, studying Scripture, worship, and fellowship with other Christians. These practices draw them closer to God and equip them to reflect His love and truth in the world. 

Obedience to God’s Will 

Faith is not merely a matter of belief but is demonstrated through action. As James 2:17 admonishes, “So faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” True faith compels believers to obey God’s commandments and live according to His teachings. 

Obedience is an expression of love and trust. It signifies a willingness to submit to God’s plans and purposes, even when they are difficult or counter-cultural. It is through obedience that believers embody their faith and serve as witnesses to God’s transforming power. 

Humility and Seeking God’s Face 

Authentic faith begins with an acknowledgment of one’s own limitations and a dependence on God’s guidance and transformation. This humility opens the door to a deeper relationship with God. Believers seek His presence and rely on His wisdom. 

1 Peter 5:6 encourages, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” True faith involves seeking. It means seeking God’s will, His strength, and His direction in every area of life. 

Trust in God’s Promises 

Faith rests on the assurance that God is faithful and trustworthy. It is a confident hope in His promises, even in the face of uncertainty or adversity. Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes, “And without faith it is impossible to please God. Whoever comes to him must believe that he exists. They must also believe that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” 

This trust sustains believers through trials and challenges, reminding them that God’s plans are good and His promises are true. It is a source of peace and strength, enabling them to persevere and remain steadfast. 

Living Out Authentic Faith 

In essence, authentic faith in Christ is a personal and transformative relationship with Him. It is characterized by believing in Jesus and His teachings. Trusting in His power and promises is essential. Responding to His grace with repentance and a new life is also crucial. It involves growing in Christlikeness, striving to obey God’s will, and living a life that reflects His love and transformation. 

The Bible underscores the importance of actions in demonstrating genuine faith. James 2:17 and Hebrews 11:6 remind us that faith without deeds is incomplete. They also emphasize that true faith is pleasing to God. Verses like 1 Peter 1:7 and 1 John 3:18 highlight the value of sincere faith. They also show the importance of love expressed through actions. 

Key Bible Verses on Genuine Faith 

• James 2:17: “So faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” 

• Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because whoever comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” 

• Romans 10:17: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” 

• Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” 

• 1 Timothy 1:5: “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” 

Returning to authentic faith in Christ is a journey of rediscovery and renewal. It invites us to embrace a deeper reliance on God. We are called to a greater commitment to His will. This involves a more profound reflection of His love in our daily lives. May we strive to live out this faith with sincerity. Let us show devotion by embodying the transformation that comes from walking closely with our Savior. 

Personal Reflection

Authentic faith in Christ is a journey, both deeply personal and profoundly life-changing. To me, it is not merely about professing belief or adhering to rituals. It is about cultivating a living, breathing relationship with Jesus. This relationship is marked by trust, surrender, and love. 

True faith requires more than intellectual assent—it calls for the heart to engage fully. It is seen in the quiet moments of choosing hope over despair, love over indifference, and forgiveness over resentment. We show this when we lean on Christ in our struggles. We believe that His grace is sufficient. This belief holds even when the path ahead is unclear. 

Authentic faith is also humbling. It reminds us of our dependence on God and our need for His guidance. It challenges us to let go of our illusions of control and to place our lives in His hands. This surrender is not a sign of weakness. It is a profound act of trust in a God who is faithful and unchanging. 

Finally, faith in Christ is lived out in action. It compels us to reflect His love to the world. We are called to serve and to uplift others. We are also encouraged to be a light in places of darkness. Authentic faith is not stagnant. It grows, stretches, and deepens as we walk with Him. We learn to see through His eyes and love with His heart. 

In the end, authentic faith is not about perfection but about persistence. It is about returning to Christ with open hands and an open heart. We trust that His love will always meet us where we are. He will guide us forward. 

May the love of God shine through us, bringing hope, healing, and transformation to those around us. Amen.

Minister A. Francine Green